These types of resolutions are what the New Year is all about, right? Or maybe we have the wrong idea. Every day we awaken, each breath we inhale is another chance to live. Sometimes we worry so much about all the things we need to change about ourselves that we forget to simply enjoy the life we’ve been given.
Take time this year to experience something that intrigues you on the next few pages. Most people have probably heard the saying, “You’ve never lived until you’ve …” We’ve taken that concept and added a neighborhood twist.
“You’ve never really experienced Preston Hollow until you’ve …”
… snuggled on a Lovesac.
Some of the fancier movie theaters in other parts of Dallas have seats that recline, and those spiffy armrests that retract. But none trumps the Lovesacs at the Inwood Theater in our neighborhood. Instead of traditional seats, the theater has beanbag-like cushions that are filled with plush Durafoam. Think of it as one big living room floor with about 200 people sprawled across one big comfy pallet. If you’ve got a large group, snag one of the Sactionals that’s big enough for everyone to lounge on — or if it’s date night, get a loveseat for two. You can take that hominess up a notch with one of the theater’s blankets or pillows. And yes, all the furniture and linen are laundered regularly. Make sure you also take advantage of the drink service there and order a martini (or two). landmarktheatres.com
… seen a dog fly.
You know those dogs on television that can do math, or retrieve a beer from the fridge? Well, the dogs at Walnut Hill Park make your family pet look just as inadequate. The second Saturday of every month at 9 a.m., watch the Dallas Dogs and Disc Club in action here — and trust us, these are not your typical dogs chasing Frisbees. They’re athletes in training for the UFO World Cup Series (the Holy Grail for Frisbee dogs). These pups pull some jaw-dropping aerial stunts, sailing and flipping through the air. A few of these dogs are former title-holders, and others are champions-in-the making. This doggie Cirque du Soleil always draws an audience, so most neighbors bring their own lawn chairs. If you go, look for the group near the baseball fields — or just keep your eyes peeled for a collie doing a back flip. dallasdogndisc.com
… gotten tipsy at the library.
No, we’re not talking about sneaking a flask into the Preston Royal Library. We’re talking about the actual Library Bar at the Melrose Hotel. While this swanky spot does have books, they’re really there just to make you feel sophisticated. That urbane theme carries over in dark wood paneling, leather digs and classic cocktails, like the sidecar (cognac, orange liqueur and lemon juice). Even the bar food here is grown up. Duck-stuffed potato skins and venison chili are both worthy trying. The best nights to go are Tuesdays, to hear live jazz, or Wednesdays, when five-spice calamari salad comes with drinks. Another FYI, valet parking is free with validation. warwickmelrosedallas.com
… blown the diet on icing.
Think of it as a salad bar, only instead of chopped carrots and leafy lettuce, there are sugar crystals and marshmallows. OK, so the do-it-yourself cupcake bar at Tart is nothing like a salad bar, but it’s still something everyone should experience at least once. Start with your favorite cake flavor (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, carrot, red velvet or lemon); next comes the icing (sweet cream, fudge or cream cheese); and then it’s on to a sugary smorgasbord of toppings. Go ahead: create that M&M-sprinkles-Butterfinger-coconut cupcake you’ve always wanted; you only live once. tartbakerydallas.com
… witnessed a silent night.
It’s been a Preston Hollow tradition for more than 50 years. The live nativity at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church is a longstanding hallmark of the holidays in our neighborhood. Every year, congregation members gather in the pecan grove off Walnut Hill and Preston to stage the Christmas nativity. The scene is complete with elaborate costumes and a host of live barnyard animals. There aren’t any official showtimes, but the nativity scene is reenacted about every 15 minutes. Most neighbors trickle in and out while touring the Christmas light displays on nearby streets. phpc.org
… looked a giant bear in the face.
It’s not every day you get to look up at a hulking teddy bear, but that’s the rare opportunity afforded at Lakeside Park. There, along the scenic winding creek, you’ll find a cluster of giant granite teddy bear sculptures by artist JT Williams. These colossal creatures are cuddly … and well, kind of creepy, too. When making the trek to see them, make sure to bring a camera: There’s something simply irresistible about taking a picture of a teddy bear holding you. hptx.org
… eaten (free) stinky cheese.
For many of us, knowledge of cheese doesn’t extend much further than Kraft and Velveeta. Molto Formaggio, however, aims to change that. This neighborhood shop carries more than 250 cheeses from 16 countries, and invites customers to sample every last one of them. In fact, sampling is highly encouraged, as evidenced by a chalkboard proclaiming: “Buying cheese is optional, tasting is mandatory.” Nibble your way through all sorts of gourmet cheeses with peculiar names, like idiazabal and sottocenere al tartufo. All of the cheeses here are sliced to order, which matters because pre-slicing the cheese compromises quality (or so we’re told by people who know their cheese). There’s also an impressive selection of olives, olive oils, pâtés, chocolates, honeys and preserves, plus a staff that is always happy to offer up wine pairing suggestions or recipe ideas if you don’t know what to do with that cheese. moltoformaggio.com
… T-boned someone for the thrill of it.
Bumper cars are great fun on their own, but the folks at WhirlyBall have found a way to make them even better. We know … we didn’t think it was possible either. WhirlyBall is basically the game of basketball played with lacrosse sticks while driving a bumper car — and, yes, it’s every bit as chaotic as it sounds, but that’s what makes it so delightful. Unlike other sports that require actual athleticism, the bumper cars here serve as an equalizer, so none of the fit people can outrun the flabby ones. And because this is a team game, it’s ideal for office parties and family gatherings. Besides, you really haven’t lived until you’ve had the chance to floor it and T-bone an in-law or coworker just for the fun of it. Now that’s liberation. whirlyballinfo.com.
Think we missed something? Fiill us in with your own thoughts below.
