Category: Local Businesses

This category focuses on small, locally owned businesses that are worth visiting. While most of the businesses in this area focus on the cities that are north of Dallas (i.e. Plano, Frisco, The Colony, McKinney, Prosper, etc.).

However, on occasion some of the businesses from other locations in the States.

Perfect Valentine’s Day Cookies from Local Small Businesses

by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Local Businesses, Local Tastes, The Holidays

It does not matter if you are a fully grown adult or a child in grade school, Valentine’s Day is always such a great day to spend time with those you love and indulge in some tasty sweets and treats. For me, cookies are some of my favorite treats of all time. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, there are many reasons to buy a few cookies for this year. You could buy dozens of cookies for your kids’ Valentine’s Day celebration at school or if you are looking to treat your significant other to something special on the holiday, here are some great places for you to buy some deliciously baked cookies that will perfectly fit your needs this holiday season.

The Cookie Rack

  • Photo courtesy of The Cookie Rack
  • Photo courtesy of Lifestyle Frisco
  • Photo courtesy of Visit Frisco

The Cookie Rack is a great option for many reasons. First, they sell some really great tasting cookie favorites (like the Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie or the Naked Choc. Chip) but they also sell some unique yet awesome flavors (like the Chocolate Mint and the S’mores). But the Cookie Rack also has the perfect options for their customers needs. If you are looking to get a cookie just for yourself; you could get a single cookie of any flavor. Or if you are really looking to indulge your sweet tooth, you could get the cup of (mini) cookies or a 4 pack of any flavor regular sized cookies. For those who are looking to celebrate with a larger group of people, there are other great options for you! The Cookie Rack does sell their cookies (regular sized or mini’s) by the dozen. Another few options for larger group include their cookie cakes, custom printed logo cookies, and even custom royal icing cookies. Finally, if you are looking to treat your significant other for Valentine’s Day, definitely consider the Valentine’s Day Options: which include The Heart Box (3 Cookies) or the 4 Pack (4 Cookies)!

Neighborhood: Pearson Farms | Directions

Surprisingly Baked

  • Photo courtesy of Surprisingly Baked
  • Photo courtesy of Surprisingly Baked
  • Photo courtesy of Surprisingly Baked

Even though this business is based in Virginia, it was started by a Dallas native (Ginny Jacobs) and they ship their cookies all over the continental United States. Like many people during the pandemic Ginny, found herself at home and laid off. However, she was not going to let this define her. During her free time, she started baking lots of cookies! What makes each of these cookies fun, is that each one comes with a fun surprise cooked in the middle of them! For example, The PHATTY cookie is full of Nutella, The Parent Trap cookie contains Double Stuffed Oreos, and Nostalgia cookie is a PB&J in cookie form! These cookies are probably best for surprising your significant other while they are at work. For more information about this awesome business be sure to follow their Instagram!

Neighborhood: McLean, VA and Washington, D.C. | Nationwide Shipping

The Cookie Society

  • Photo courtesy of the Cookie Society
  • Photo courtesy of Black Owned Restaurants (Dallas – Ft. Worth)
  • Photo courtesy of Cookies & Cups Blog

This adorable little cookie shop in Frisco was started in 2018 by Marissa Allen and her husband (Retired 8 year NFL-Veteran) Jeff. Prior to going pro, Marissa enjoyed making cookies so much that she would often give away her sweet treats to anyone who would take them! Fast forwarding several years, Melissa has now started a business out of her passion and has hired bout 20 employees. Their business is now operating out of a store front in the Frisco Market Center neighborhood. The Cookie Society is best known for selling cookies that are deliciously chewy in the center and crunchy around the rim. They also sell some fun cookie flavors including: Banana Pubbing, Salted Caramel, and Cookie Butter; as well as some of our favorite flavors like Chocolate Chip and Sugar. Their cookies are sold in either a 6 pack or 12 pack, so these would be a great treat for your co-workers or a small gathering of close friends on Valentine’s Day

Neighborhood: Frisco Market Center | Directions

Charlie’s Cookie Shop

Photo Courtesy of Lifestyle Frisco Magazine

Whether you are looking to buy a large quantity of cookies for your coworkers, your local healthcare workers, or for your kids’ Valentine’s Day class party; Charlie’s Cookie Shop is the perfect place to get these large orders. This home-based business in Frisco only sells our favorite cookies by the dozen! Charlie’s Cookie Shop also sells some great flavors including: Valrhona Chocolate Marble, Bacon Pretzel Chocolate Chips, and Cookies n’ Cream. Charlie’s Cookie Shop sells other unique and well known favorites.

Neighborhood: Waterstone | Text Charlie to Order

The Baked Bear

  • Photo courtesy of Yelp!
  • Photo courtesy of the Granscape
  • Photo courtesy of The Baked Bear

Why have just one cookie? Seriously, why one cookie when you can have a gigantic ice cream sandwich topped with some of your favorite treats? At the Baked Bear with 11 cookie options, 13 ice cream flavors, and 12 toppings your opportunities are endless. Because of the nature of ice cream, these sweet treats are best enjoyed at The Baked Bear storefront at Grandscape in The Colony. These delicious Instagram-Worthy Ice Cream Sandwiches make The Baked Bear the perfect location for you and your significant other to have a date night as you celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Neighborhood: Grandscape | Directions

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Uniquely Romantic Lofts for Two that are Perfect for Valentine’s Day

by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Local Businesses, Travel, Where to Stay
Everyone’s favorite romantic holiday is less than a month away! Have you and your significant other started making plans for your next romantic getaway? Thankfully, this year, Valentine’s Day falls on one of the most perfect days of the week. Sunday. For those of you with children, this allows you the perfect time to let the kids spend the weekend with their grandparents and have a romantic weekend getaway with just you and your spouse/partner. Matt and I have done some digging on Airbnb and found some unique lofts that are within a 4 hour drive of Frisco.

Rose Capital Studio

  • Photo Courtesy of Airbnb
  • Photo Courtesy of Airbnb

This uniquely decorated studio gives you the urban conveniences of home, yet with a rustic flare that makes you feel like your are in Marfa (without the 8 hour drive)! This cozy loft includes some fun features such as projector and screen for watching some of your favorite romantic comedies, an open reading nook, a standing desk, and even some smart lights. If you and your significant other like to go out, there are plenty of things to do while in Downtown Tyler. For the foodie couples some great places to visit include: True Vine Brewing, Culture ETX, Rick’s on the Square, or the Janie’s Cakes. For shopping, there are a few boutiques and salons in town including a couple antique shops and a flower shop 😉 .

Downtown Tyler | Directions

Travel Time: 2 hours

Loft ZaZa

  • Photos Courtesy of Airbnb

Now, this is a rather large loft with 3 beds, 1.5 baths and it can fit up to 10 guests. However, this loft should not be written off solely based on the number of guests it can accommodate. The fantastic Loft Zaza is located just above the Boutique One Eleven in Downtown Gainesville. For those who like to shop there are a couple of unique boutiques in town, including: Boutique One Eleven, Cahoots Handbags, Amelia’s Attic Antiques, Kinne’s Jewlers, and Bungalow 123. There are also a few unique eateries in the area like: Fried Pie Co. & Restaurant, Sarah’s on the Square, and the Red Fox Lounge.

Downtown Gainesville | Directions

Travel Time: 1 hour

Nid d’Amour

  • Photos Courtesy of Airbnb

If you do not want to take a road trip, then definitely consider having a staycation in the beautiful Wilson Building in Downtown Dallas. As always, there are plenty of things to do for couples in Downtown Dallas. For example: there are plenty of great events going on in the Arts District! On Friday, February 12th, Titas/Dance Unbound Doug Varone and Dancers will be performing live at the Winspear Opera House. Also, within a few blocks of the Wilson Building Apartments, there are several restaurants including: The Woolworth, Chop House Burger, and Porta Di Roma. For some other romantic ideas include a couples massage at the Spa at the Joule Dallas or shopping at Neiman Marcus.

Downtown Dallas | Directions

Travel Time: 30 minutes

Recess on Cypress Creek and Wimberley Square

  • Photos Courtesy of Airbnb

Just a few minutes Southwest of Austin, in the town of Wimberley, there is an adorable bohemian styled loft that is perfect for a romantic weekend! This loft is in an old home, but fully up to date with a kitchen, private bath, and living area. Of course this loft was furnished with the environment in the forefront owner’s thoughts, the accents in this loft include live indoor plants, 100% cotton towels, bamboo blankets, and hand made wooden accents. There are a few great little places to see while you are there, including: Ino’s Brew & Chew, Community Pizza & Beer Garden, and Wimberley Cafe.

Wimberley | Directions

Travel Time: 4 hours

Artists Loft in San Antonio

  • Photos Courtesy of Airbnb

Granted San Antonio is a little over a four hour drive. However, the city of San Antonio is every bit worth the extra 30 minutes. After all, between the unique sites along the Riverwalk, Rich Texan History, and amazing Latino culture; what is there not to like about San Antonio. This Artist Studio is every bit as unique as the city itself. It is decorated with stunning area rugs, beautiful antique furniture, live plants, and one of a kind art work. For those who are unfamiliar with the Southtown Neighborhood of San Antonio, there are some great small businesses in the area. While you are there, be sure to visit: The Friendly Spot Ice House, La Frite Belgian Bistro, and Maverick Texas Brasserie.

Southtown Neighborhood of San Antonio | Directions

Travel Time: 4 hour 30 minutes

Loft on 6th Street in Austin

  • Photos Courtesy of Airbnb

This loft is absolutely perfect for anyone who loves the nightlife! If you choose to spend your romantic holiday here, you will find that you are within walking to distance of some of the greatest venues that the Live Music Capitol of the World has to offer. The best part of this loft is the floor to ceiling windows on every external wall (except in the Bedroom) which allows the loft to be filled with natural light during daylight hours.

Downtown Austin | Directions

Travel Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Windmill Loft

  • Photos Courtesy of Airbnb

It does not sound like there is much in the city of McGregor, TX. However, it is a very small town about 20 minutes Southwest of Waco. Therefore, you have access to all of your favorite locations in Waco, including: The Silos and Baylor University. But if you and your significant other are just looking for some quiet, private time; the Windmill Loft is the perfect place your the two of you to spend your Valentine’s Day. This lovely loft is inside the newly renovated Historic Masonic Building in Downtown McGregor. All of the hardwood in the loft (including the cabinets, floors, and wainscoting) are all original to the building and has a large TV, comfortable beds, couches, and 14 foot ceilings.

McGregor | Directions

Travel Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes

The Urban Cowboy Loft

  • Photos Courtesy of Airbnb

The Green Door Lofts is a really cool renovated building in the heart of the Historic District of Waco. This spacious and airy loft allows you and your life partner to relax and spend a great night in watching Netflix or Direct TV. It is also worth noting that there is a heated pool on the grounds of the the apartment complex, in case the two of you would like to go for a late night swim. However, if you would like to go out and see the sights; the Hippodrome Diner Theatre is right next door. Other options in the area for food and entertainment is the Dr. Pepper Museum, the Waco Farmer’s Market (only open Saturdays 9am to 1pm), and Union Hall.

Downtown Waco | Directions

Travel Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Behrens Lofts Downtown Waco

  • Photos Courtesy of Airbnb

This is another beautiful loft right in the heart of historic Downtown Waco and within walking distance to the Silos District. The Behrens Lofts are located in the recently renovated Behrens Warehouse. The owners of this loft have kept the brick exposed brick walls and industrial air vents that have added a wonderful antique, urban flair to the property. If you are looking for a quiet night in, this is the perfect place to eat some of your favorite comfort food, lounge on the couch and watch your favorite movies on the 70-inch Smart TV. There are plenty of fun places to visit (all within walking distance) during your stay in Waco, including: Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits, Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant, and the Clay Pot Restaurant.

Downtown Waco | Directions

Travel Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

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5 Local Small Businesses Where You Can Buy Your Last Minute Christmas Decorations

by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Local Businesses, Local Culture

Decorating my home for Christmas has always been one of my favorite activities during the Holiday Season. Currently, Matt and I went to French Polynesia earlier this month to celebrate a late honeymoon. So I did as much decorating as I could before leaving. But, we still have a lot more decorating that needs to be done! So, If you are like me, and have a tendency to continue to decorate your house for Christmas all the way up to December 24th; there are some of the great small businesses around the area that are perfect for picking up some last minute Christmas decorations this Holiday Season. Here is a list of some of my favorites!

Decorator’s Wearhouse

Pictured are the Tree Bundles (In Order of Appearance: Natural Elegance, Farmhouse Christmas, and Winter Woodland). Photos courtesy of Decorator’s Warehouse

If you have as specific décor item or concept in mind, it is worth driving all the way to Arlington to shop for your last minute Christmas decorations. With 60,000 square feet, is one of the largest Christmas stores in the world! So it is definitely safe to assume that this amazing store is bound to have what ever you need this holiday season!

Decorator’s Warehouse has one of the largest selections of Christmas Trees; as well as Garland, ornaments, wreaths, decorating kits, and gifts. They also have some fun themed Christmas décor collections including: the Woodland collection, the Farmhouse collection, and the Platinum collection. Or if you would prefer, you could purchase one of their four Christmas Tree Bundles which includes the the tree, the ribbon, the ornaments, sprays, flowers and more!

City: Arlington

Directions

Lone Star Mercantile

Photos courtesy of Lone Star Mercantile

Lone Start Mercantile is one shop that has quite a few independent vendors. Each vendor sells something fun and unique. Some vendors sell clothes, some purses, some sell unique crafts, and spice mixes. However, there are also a lot of vendors that sell seasonal home décor. Of course all of their home décor is so adorable and cute! Some fun décor ideas include stockings, signs, and Elf on the Shelf Accessories.

City: Allen

Directions

Holiday Warehouse

Photo Courtesy of Waymarking

Holiday Warehouse is another great store that sells Christmas decorations all year around. Their décor items includes Christmas trees, Christmas Collectables, Ornaments, Garland, and Swags. For those who would like some extra help as they decorate for Christmas; Holiday Warehouse also provides decorating services for larger-scale private home décor. Other great services include: tree toppers, ornament/ribbon sets for your tree, table top arrangements, coordinating garlands, wreaths, and swags. If you and your girlfriends would like to learn something new this holiday season, get together and take one of their classes. They offer classes in garland décor, bow making, tree decorating, and wreath/swag making.

City: Plano

Directions

Etsy

Photo Courtesy of Posh Picks Boutique

Yes, I realize that Etsy is an online business platform. However, there is so much great stuff on Etsy that is just has to be included on this list! Not only do they have great Christmas gifts but they have a bunch of other Christmas décor that I did not even know that I needed! There are so many great selections to choose from! All you need to do is type in anything that you may be looking for, including: Christmas Wall Art, Christmas Vintage Decor, Holiday Door Matts, Wreaths, and other Welcoming Ornaments. Also if you are a huge fan of Christmas Movies like Home Alone, A Christmas Story or Christmas Vacation; then there is also lots of fun items for those as well.

City: Online Store

My Favorite Room by KBM Designs

Photos courtesy of Carol Riell

Located deep in the heart of DFW’s favorite small town of McKinney, is My Favorite Room. This lovely storefront is operated by Interior Designer Kathy McCabe, who is also the owner of KBM Designs Interiors. My Favorite Room specializes in selling unique one-of-a-kind furniture and antiques, personal luxuries, beautiful art, and more. For anyone who is looking for a interior designer to make your spaces more beautiful, be sure to click here to make an appointment to discuss your ideas with KBM Designs.

Regarding Christmas, My Favorite Room does have some fun Christmas Decorations on sale as well. So be sure to stop by the storefront to browse through their inventory.

City: Downtown McKinney

Directions

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Cover photo is courtesy of Carol Riell

Christmas Gift Guide for the Couples in your Life

by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Local Businesses

Christmas is only a few weeks away. But this year – with the Covid lockdowns, furloughs, and business closures – money is tighter than normal for many Americans. Of course we all want to show our loved ones we are thinking about them on Christmas, by giving them a gift but this is hard with a smaller budget. A great option that should help with your Christmas gift budget this year. Here are some of our favorite gifts that are perfect for any young couple in your life!

Chefs and Bakers

Acacia Gripperwood Cutting Board

Photo Courtesy of Bed Bath and Beyond

This was on our Wedding Registry and thankfully it was given to us during a bridal shower. I love this cutting for a few reasons. First, the wood is absolutely beautiful! In fact, when I am not using this cutting board, it is on display for guests to see. Another reason I love this board is because there are four rubber feet attached to the bottom. This keeps the board from moving around as I am using it. There are two sizes large (11″ X 14″) and small (8″ X 11″) and each cutting board is about 3/4″ thick. These cutting boards are definitely worth getting for that favorite couple in your life.

OXO Good Grips Vegetable Chopper

Photo Courtesy of Bed Bath and Beyond

This was a Christmas gift to Matt and I from my sister last year. While this might seem like an unusual gift idea; but, it is actually perfect. After putting this gift to use, I realized that the amount of time I spent in the kitchen is only be a fraction of what it once was. The amount of time that Matt and I spend on chopping the vegetables for dinner is significantly shorter than it was. All you need to do is cut the vegetable to the appropriate size, place it on the grate, and close the lid. Also a wonderful benefit to using this device is that your eyes will not get teary when you are chopping the onions.

Kitchen Aide Food Prep Attachment + Scraper Bowl Attachment

Photos Courtesy of Williams Sonoma

If this couple has a Kitchen Aide Mixer, these are great gifts for them. Let’s start with the Scraper Bowl Attachment. I currently have this attachment, it was one of the first purchases I made after receiving my mixer. It is a very useful attachment because I do not have to stop my mixer to clean up the sides of my bowl when I am making something. The scraper does this job for me. It also makes washing the bowl a little easier.

The Food Prep attachment is another great gift for anyone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen. While I do not have this gift myself, my parents have had this attachment for a long time. I have used this attachment to help grate cheese and some vegetables when I was still living with my parents. This is another gift that will tremendously help limiting the amount of time spent grating cheese by hand.

For the Couple that likes to Entertain

Personalized Cutting Board

Photos Courtesy of Naked Wood Works

(For clarification) these boards are not for regular everyday kitchen use. These boards are far too nice to use for as an actual cutting board. At the very least, these boards are great for kitchen décor. You can keep it on display on your countertop (or even the wall). If you do use them for anything, I would highly suggest using this only for a meat and cheese board the next time you have friends over.

Waterford Crystal Oversized Wine Glasses

Photo courtesy of Waterford Crystal

Keep in mind this is just an idea, as Waterford Crystal has many different cuts and many different items that are perfect for gifting. Also it might be worth talking to the couple about what their favorite cut is. For me personally, the Lismore Essence cut is my favorite design and it matches all our other fine China. Nevertheless, Waterford Crystal is always a great gift for any couple that enjoys entertaining. Waterford Crystal is so beautiful and so classy, it will doe a perfect job at dressing up anyone’s dining table.

Cheese Board with Cloche

Photos courtesy of Williams Sonoma

If you want to give your favorite couple a gift that is going to be used over and over again. This is the perfect gift to give them (especially if they are a couple that entertains on a routine basis). Cheese Boards are always super handy to have and can have multiple uses! The most obvious use of this item (of course) is for a meat and cheese board. It can also be used to serve other types of Hors d’oeuvres; such as: fresh fruits and vegetables, breads, meat for fondue. Or it can be used to hold a few dips.

For the Couple that Loves to Travel (or other fun Local Experiences)

CityPASS

Photo by Samson Katt on Pexels.com

The is a perfect for anyone loves to travel! CityPASS it is an excellent gift for several reasons. First, it is available in about 14 different cities on the North American continent including: Dallas, New York, Boston, and even Toronto. Each CityPASS give the holder “free” admissions into the 1 to 5 top attractions of that given city. For example, let’s say that you get the Dallas CityPASS. This pass will give this special couple admission to the Perot Museum, Reunion Tower GeO-Deck, Sixth Floor Museum, and Dallas Zoo OR the President George W. Bush Library and Museum. The CityPASS works differently for each city, so be sure to read about how the CityPASS works in that specific city you are purchasing.

ENO DoubleNest Hammocks + Hammock Accessories

I have a SingleNest Hammock. I purchased my hammock a few years before my husband and I even met. To this day it is one of my favorite travel accessories. First, the hammock and suspension system are specifically made for backpackers; therefore are really easy to pack into a carry on bag. For the couples who really enjoy outdoor adventures or long hikes, this is a great option because it allows your favorite couple a great place to relax, swing, drink, and watch the sunset.

Large Reusable Tumbler/Water Bottle

Photos Courtesy of Brumate

Reusable water bottles are other wonderfully useful items (even for when we are not traveling). They are always really nice to have in just about any situation. They can be used when working out. I bring them to work. With traveling (domestically) these are always great to have because you do not have to buy water or water bottles as most establishments will have a water fountain which can be used for refilling their water bottle.

Other Fun Experiences for Couples

Kombucha Starter Kit

Photo courtesy of Williams Sonoma

Something needs to be said about couples that make it a point to learn useful ways to be resourceful and self-reliant. If this special couple in your life really likes Kombucha, this is a great gift for them! For those who do not know, Kombucha is fermented black tea (<0.5% alcohol). However, it is also a good-for-you drink because it is so full of probiotics and bacteria that is really good for your gut! Granted, Kombucha can be purchased at the grocery store. But it can definitely be more on the expensive side. So for anyone you know that likes kombucha. This is a great opportunity for them to make their own. Making a good brew of Kombucha takes very little effort and will be super helpful on their checkbook as well.

Home Beer Brewing Kit or Wine Brewing Kit

Photo Courtesy of Williams Sonoma

This is another great way for anyone to learn to be resourceful and self-reliant. It is also fantastic for any couple that loves beer or wine. With people needing to stay home during the Covid pandemic, this might help with cabin fever and limiting public exposure. Anyway, (like the Kombucha) buying your friends a DIY Beer or Wine kit should also help with keeping costs down at the store.

Murder Mystery Dinner Show

Photo by Askar Abayev on Pexels.com

If you are really looking for a unique and creative gift, this is a fun idea! It is a really good, 4-course dinner paired with a fun activity! During a Murder Mystery Dinner, you are guided (by actors) through a engaging whodunit! As the participants they will be able to interact with those they are sharing dinner with and it would allow them to make new friends.

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5 Spooktacular Date Night Ideas for Those Who Live North of I-635

by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Everything Else, Living Intentionally, Local Businesses, Local Culture, Local Tastes

Whether it is sharing scary stories while sitting around a fire, the cooler weather, or throwing a fun costume party for Halloween; there are so many fun reasons to enjoy the month of October! Of course, none of these things can be enjoyed alone. This scary October moments simply must be shared with a close friend or a significant other. Getting a great scary adrenaline rush with my husband, is easily one of my favorite things to do, especially in the month of October. Here are some of my favorite “spooktacular” night ideas during the Halloween Season.

Nightly Spirits Tour – Haunted Bar Crawl

Photo by Tim Durgan on Pexels.com

Yes, this bar crawl is based in Downtown Dallas. However, it was too perfect of a topic to not be included in this post. It does not matter if you are a believer in the supernatural or not. This Ghostly tour is perfect for anyone and everyone who is looking to meet new people, spend time with your significant other/friends, learn more about the great city of Dallas and grab a few great drinks at the same time. The tour starts a the Green Door Public House on the weekends and makes a couple stops at the Harwood Tavern and City Tavern. Your tour will be guided by a few local ghost hunters who provide extensive knowledge regarding the history of the local sites as well as some witnessed occurrences in the local bars. For those who need more proof of the supernatural or if you would like to add some more entertainment to your tour, bring an an audio recorder with you to see if you can catch an EVP!

Haunted Shadows Lake Trail

Photo Courtesy of Haunted Shadows Lake Trail

This is a perfect date night idea for those who live in Southwest Frisco or in The Colony, especially because it is so close to home! This mile long trail is not for the faint of heart though. Along your hike, you will find you are not alone. During your date, you will be joined by creepy clowns, disturbing shadow people, disembodied voices, and unexplained sounds or noises. This heavily wooded trail is follows the shoreline of Lake Lewisville and is only lit by the moon. A great way to add some fear factor to the trail is to go on a night when there is a new moon.

Dark Hour Haunted House (Backstage Tours)

Photo Courtesy of Plano Magazine

We were deeply saddened to hear that Covid-19 has prevented Dark Hour from opening its doors this Halloween Season. Especially since it is one of the best Haunted Houses in this region of the United States. While normally we would encourage those who are terrified of haunted houses to stay far away from this attraction. But that is not the case for COVID-19 conditions. This year, we highly encourage anyone (especially those who do not like to go to haunted houses) to take part in a unique experience that Dark Hour staff is providing. In Lieu of having regular shows, Dark Hour is providing backstage tours for anyone to see. This is a great alternative for those who would normally be unable to tolerate haunted houses to see the “science” behinds some of our favorite jump scares.

Netflix, Fire in the Fireplace, and Chill

Photo Courtesy of Screen Rant

This date night idea is absolutely perfect for any couple that is just wanting to spend a quiet night in. If you are looking for ways to save money or avoid exposure to Covid-19 this is a great alternative to a “normal” night out. Also unlike the other date nights, this date will actually allow you to set your own private fire and snuggling up next to your significant other. Netflix is one of the best options for scary movies/TV shows this time of year. Some of my favorite Netflix shows include: The Silence of the Lambs, The Haunting of Hill House, and The Haunting of Bly Manor. Of course, if you are looking for something different or if you do not have a Netflix subscription definitely check out the Top 5s Channel on YouTube.

Create your own Ghost Hunting Adventure

Photo by Jack Gittoes on Pexels.com

Texas (the state) is nearly 200 years old. But the history of the land is far older than the state itself. With all of its history, there are plenty of haunted buildings and locations in the area today. We cannot think of a more enjoyable way to discover the area than by going, finding and exploring some of these locations on your own. There are a few fun ghost towns and legitimately haunted locations in the area. But we recommend going to the Ghost Town of Preston (about an hour North), the Ghost Town of Elizabethtown (about an hour West), or visiting the Haunted Princeton Cemetery. Even if you do not find any ghosts, it can give you and your significant other a great story to share in the future. But if you would like to see if there are any ghosts, bring an audio recorder or an infrared camera to see if there is anything lurking about the area.

The Vendors that Helped us Achieve the Wedding of our Dreams (even during a COVID-19 Lockdown)

by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Local Businesses, Weddings

It is so hard to believe that our wedding was only 12 days. While my husband and I had the time of our lives. I think I can honestly speak for the both of us (as well as our families) when I say that we are more than relieved that it is over! But needless to say, we did have the time of our lives while celebrating our wedding. Of course, none of that would be possible with out the amazing vendors who have stepped up during the tumultuous time and helped us achieve the wedding of our dreams! Here is the list of the major vendors that we used and our honest opinion of each

Venue: Filter Building at White Rock Lake

Photo Source: Watermelon Kid

The location is perfect because it has an amazing view of White Rock Lake. But it is also nestled away in Lakewood, making it a little more private and secluded than many other wedding venues in the Dallas Metroplex. Under normal circumstances the venue can only fit about 200 people. However, with current state regulations it is only able to allow for 50% of its capacity. Therefore, it can only allow about 100 guests (inside). Which was more than what we needed for our event. The price for renting this unique, historic venue was unbeatable.

Here’s a few things you should know before you book:

  • Like most weddings, communication can get kind of crazy (especially closer to the date of the event). To help prevent this, any questions/concerns that you have for the venue regarding your event needs to come directly from the bride/groom only.
  • You are given a 2 hour walk through of the venue with your venue prior to this event.
  • However, the 2 hour walk through is only from Monday to Thursday (We ended up doing our rehearsal on a Friday at a different location).

Instagram: @thefilterbuilding Facebook: @TheFilterBuilding

Coordinator: Tie-A-Bow Special Event Planning

With all of the national and global events that have occurred between Thanksgiving of last year to now, this event could not have been accomplished without the help of Jennifer Hines at Tie-a-Bow Special Event Planning. She helped us come up with really great cost effective ideas that added a little extra “umph” to the decor and design. She helped us find vendors that were within our budget. Finally, she came up with practical yet effective ideas and solutions that would help limit the spread of COVID-19 and give our guests a piece of mind during our special day.

Instagram: @tieabowdallas Facebook: @Jenniferhinesdallas

Photography: Daylilies Photography

Photographer: Daylilies Photography

Daley Kappenman is the incredible woman behind the amazing photos on this post and some of my Instagram posts. We specifically choose her for a few reasons. But one of the biggest reasons, is she is really good at capturing the personalities of her subjects as well as the dynamics of the relationships in her photos. Daley started out with doing our Engagement Photos, which turned out amazingly! Matt and I both really enjoyed working with her, so we decided to hire her (and her husband) for our Wedding photos. They not only were able to take the amazing photos you see on this post; but they were also able to keep us running on time (if not early). Huge Kudos to Daley and her husband Donald!

Instagram: @day_lilies Facebook: @dayliliesphotography

Floral: Lace Bouquet

I love, love, love flowers! The florals are easily my favorite part of any wedding and they have a magical yet elegant way of pulling together all the colors and creating the desired ambiance. The colors I picked for my wedding included Dusty Blue, Misty Grey, and Lavender Purple. This combination of colors are not often used together in weddings. Because I used such a uncommon color scheme, I wanted a florist that has experience using an uncommon combinations of flowers.

The Lace Bouquet, caught my attention on Instagram before my husband even proposed. I fell in love with her unusual flower selection in the bridal and great taste in flower arranging. She is wonderful to work with and came up with some really amazing cost effective ideas that would still help us make the venue look amazing without breaking the bank.

Instagram: @thelacebouquet Facebook: @Thelacebouquet

Caterer: Two Sisters Catering

Hands down, best catering food I have ever eaten in my life. Prior to COVID-19, we had catered food a lot at work. I have found that most catered food tastes the same. But the catering from Two Sisters does not fit this category by any means. The Chef (Brock Boyd) does an amazing job with mixing and matching different spices; then combining them and makes them into this wonderfully delicious dish. For example for our wedding we chose Avocado Deviled Eggs, Grilled Peach wrapped in Prosciutto, Salad with a Greek Yogurt and Sriracha Dressing, and Grilled Chicken covered in a Mustard Sauce. The food was amazing and the left overs have fed my husband and I for the last week.

Instagram: @cateringtwosisters Facebook: @twosisterscateringdallas

DJ: DJ Haze

DJ Haze did an amazing job and we loved working with him! During the Ceremony, he did an excellent job at coordinating the music to the processional and recessional. After the ceremony, he played a wonderful mix of genres for the cocktail hour and dinner; all of which perfectly fit the mood. The dancing, however, was the best part of the wedding (as it always should be). DJ Haze had a couple of assistance working with him. His assistants would join us (and even sometime lead) the guests on the dance floor. At times even DJ Haze himself, would make it a point to join us in dancing during the reception. We all had a great time!

Facebook: @RogerHayesDJHaze

Calligrapher: Bethany’s Letter Shop

Photography by: Daylilies Photography

Not enough can be said about this lovely lady that will do her justice. She has been tremendously helpful during the whole process of preparing for a wedding. (Due to unforseen circumstances with Covid) she was able to step in at the last minute an help design some of the most beautiful wedding invitation suites I have ever seen. But she does not only do invitation suites. For our wedding, she provided me with “Mr.” and “Mrs.” signs, uniquely designed table number, a cake topper, and a seating chart for the reception. She also created an amazing welcome sign for our guests. I highly, highly recommend Bethany as your wedding calligrapher.

Instagram: @bethanyslettershop Facebook: @bethanyslettershop

Cakes: Dallas Affairs

This was a choice that my husband and I made together prior to the wedding. From the moment we started talking with them we knew that we were in good hands! When we first met with them, the meeting itself was nearly 2 hours long. We discussed everything we needed to discuss regarding our wedding cake. There were even aspects of the wedding caked and grooms cake design and delivery that we did not even know exists; nevertheless, these were all discussed. By the end of our meeting, we both had a very clear understanding of what the cakes would look like, how they would taste, and so on.

And of course, the cakes were absolutely stunning and tasted amazing.

Instagram: @dallasaffaires Facebook: @dallasaffaires

Cover Photo: Daylilies Photography

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Where to Eat, Drink, & Play on the Lake Lewisville

by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Local Businesses, Local Culture, Local Tastes, What to Eat

Something I have noticed about living in The Colony is that the communities of Little Elm, The Colony, and Western Frisco living revolves around Lake Lewisville. After a long winter, warm weather is finally upon us. With the warm weather comes our ability to enjoy the outdoors and spend lots of time on the lake in our back yard, Lake Lewisville. This will officially, be Matt’s (and mine, to a certain extent) first summer with easy access to the lake. While I am very much looking forward to spending some much needed time on the lake, I am also looking forward to spending time on the shoreline. Here are some fun places that Matt and I are looking forward to visiting during the warm weather.

Eat & Drink (Lakeside)

Fair Winds Bar & Grill

Photo Source: Fair Winds Facebook

Fair Winds Bar & Grill is a located at Pier 121 Marina. With great views of Lake Lewisville on their Dog-Friendly patio, we cannot think of a better place to wind down after a crazy day at work. While enjoying the warm weather and lovely scenery of a sunset on Lake Lewisville, be sure to have their Frozen Margarita paired with their Mahi Mahi Tacos, Fried Elotes, and Texas Cowboys’ Bowl.

Directions

Angelina’s Don Frisco’s

Photo Source: Angelina’s Don Frisco’s Facebook Page

Granted, there is a little bit of a distance between the patio of Angelina’s and Lake Lewisville. But nevertheless, you and your group will still be able to relax to the lovely Texas Scenery with distant lake views. While you are being soothed by the tranquil breeze coming from over the water, be sure to order a pitcher of the Aqua De Laguna for you and your adult friends! This cool drink pairs well with the Fiesta Supreme (for the table) as well as Taco Dinner (for yourself).

Directions

Lakeview Drafthouse

Photo Courtesy of Lakeview Drafthouse

Lakeview Drafthouse is the perfect place to gather with a few of your adult friends, sit on the patio and socialize while sipping on your favorite craft beer. They have Happy Hour daily! On Monday through Friday it is from 3 pm to 6:30 pm. Or you can celebrate your weekends with a Happy Hour from 11 am to 7 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Some great items on their menu that pair well with the warm weather and cold beer are Fried Shimp Po’Boy, Fried Chicken “Funnel Cake” Sandwich, and Guacamole Cheese Burgers.

Directions

Rockin’s Bar & Grill

Photo Courtesy of Rockin’ S Bar and Grill

This cool Rock-n-Roll themed restaurant is located in The Colony at Hidden Cove. As the first day of Spring 2020 quickly approaches, we cannot think of a better place to spend a Parent’s Night Out with your friends. There are a couple options for you and your group. You could spend the evening at the bar watching your favorite baseball team, or your group could spend the evening on the patio watching the sun go down. While you are there, be sure to grab yourself a frozen margarita which pairs well with Roast Beef French Dip, Chicken Ranch Wrap, or the Sliced Flat Iron Steak Sandwich.

Directions

Hula Hut

Photo Courtesy of Hula Hut Little Elm

Mexican cuisine, with polynesian twist and great views of the water! This restaruant is perfect for anyone who is looking for some island time, but without having to travel to Polynesia. Hula Hut has a great patios and sitting areas with perfect views of Lake Lewisville and other bodies of water. This is a great place to bring your family or meet up with friends! While you are there, be sure to try the Polynesian Pescado Platter or the Huli Huli Luau Platter which are perfect for large groups!

Directions

Sneaky Pete’s (Eat, Drink, and Play)

Sneaky Pete’s has everything! Going to Sneaky Pete’s can easily be a all day affair. It’s a restaurant with a patio and a pavilion (both have lakeside views). But they also have a pool, an outdoor stage for live music, sand volleyball courts, and boat parking. If you are just looking for finger food to share, be sure to order the Bacon Cheese Fries for you and your friends. Or if you and your family are looking for dinner try the Combo Seafood Basket or the California Chicken Entree.

Directions

Play

Lakefront at Little Elm

Photo of Little Elm Park Courtesy of Lake Lewisville

The Lakefront at Lake Lewisville has so many things to do for adults and children alike! Little Elm Park is open 24/7 and includes eight sand volleyball courts, a large beach, fire pits, Lakefront Grill and more! For water sport, there are a few options including Cottonwood Creek Marina, DFW Surf, a Boat Ramp and Hydrous Park. There are many local options for food Little Elm Park; including Hula Hut, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Jim’s Pizza, and Towers Tap House. Finally for adults only groups include Little Elm Crafthouse and Margarita Hut.

Directions

Hydrous Wake Park

Photo Courtesy of Hydrous – Lake Lewisville

Hydrous is the a great place to learn to wake board or to perfect your wake boarding talents. If you have never wake boarded before, or if you do not have the proper equipment, Hydrous Wake Park has everything you need when learning to wake board. They rent out wakeboards and kneeboards, offer lessons, and have other equipment for more experienced boarders. For those who are not into the wakeboarding or kneeboarding scene, Hydrous Wake Park also has an inflatable giant obstacle course! The park is also right next door to the Towers Tap House, where you can join your friends for a few beers after spending a few hours on the water.

Directions

The Tribute Golf Course

Photo Courtesy of The Tribute

Based in the developing community of The Tribute in The Colony, this new Golf Course is perfect for anyone looking to try their hand at the British Open but without the cost. The Tribute Golf Course has a few holes that are Replicas of some famous British Open holes. Of course, you will be golfing with added benefit of the natural beauty of Lake Lewisville in the background.

Directions

Old American Golf Club

Photo Courtesy of Matthews Southwest

The Old American Golf Club is also located in the developing neighborhood of the Tribute Lakeside Golf and Resort Community. This golf club is perfect for any one who is looking to relax in a more casual environment. The Old American Golf Course also offers golfing on the banks of Lake Lewisville. They have dining and other social events that their members can enjoy including: wine tasting, Father’s/Mother’s Day Brunches, Mystery Dinners and more. Or for those who enjoy LPGA Tournaments, The Old American is the hosts the Volunteers of America Classic on a yearly basis.

Directions

On the Water

Dinner Cruises

Photo Courtesy of Sam’s Dock Boat Rentals

Sam’s Dock Boat Rentals is located at Pier 121 on Lake Lewisville. The boat pictured above is Miss Gloria which features two walk-up bars, large sun deck for open air dining, 5 large TV’s, and a commercial kitchen for caterers. Sam’s Dock has many fun themed cruises through out the season, including: the Easter Sunday Brunch, Pre-Cinco de Mayo, and Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks Cruise. Miss Gloria is also available to rent for anyone looking to host a floating event!

Directions

Cover Photo Courtesy of Sneaky Pete’s

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8 of the Most Creative Margaritas in Dallas

by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Local Businesses, Local Culture, Local Tastes, What to Eat

The following post was originally written for and published on Dallasites101 Blog. To read the full version click here.

One of the best parts about living in Texas is the artful adoption of Mexican cuisine into our daily diet. The margarita is (of course) an essential piece of that. While there isn’t a lot that beats a traditional margarita on the rocks (or frozen) there are also a lot of creative takes on the margarita around town that allow you to have some fun and mix it up!

CHAMPAGNE PRICKLY PEAR MARGARITA

TWO MULES CANTINA AT TEXICAN COURT HOTEL

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CHAMPAGNE PRICKLY PEAR MARGARITA: TEXICAN COURT HOTEL

Is there any place more perfect to celebrate National Margarita Day (or month) than at the Southwestern-themed urban retreat hotel, Texican Court? Their Two Mules Cantina is serving up a Champagne Prickly Pear Margarita to pay homage to the month of love. Made with Milagro Silver Tequila, Cointreau, prickly pear syrup, fresh lime juice, agave nectar and topped with champagne, the raspberry-watermelon-like taste of the prickly pear is sure to make anyone fall in love.

They top it off with a glass rimmed with sugar for a sweet ending to your sip! And if you’re looking to celebrate both Valentine’s and National Margarita Day, make a staycation out of it by booking a room overlooking the retro pool! You can sip on margs all night long!

IRVING | DIRECTIONS

BIG RED-RITA

MIA’S TEX-MEX

photo courtesy Eater Dallas

BIG RED RITA: MIA’S TEX-MEX

If you are looking for a really great dive Tex-Mex restaurant, look no further than Mia’s Tex-Mex, but don’t expect it to be a hidden gem with no wait- it’s a beloved Dallas institution serving the community for over 40 years. Do expect excellent margaritas, and for those who are fans of Big Red Soda, Mia’s Tex-Mex has a treat for you! They serve a huge goblet of frozen margarita with an entire bottle of Big Red Soda tipped upside down inside. This unique margarita costs about $12 and perfectly complements the one taco that Mia’s is famous for: their Brisket Taco.

OAK LAWN | DIRECTIONS

HIBISCUS CHAMPAGNE MARGARITA

MIA DIA FROM SCRATCH

Courtesy of Mi Dia

HIBISCUS CHAMPAGNE MARG: MIA DIA FROM SCRATCH

The Hibiscus Champagne Margarita has been created by the Mixologists at Mi Dia from Scratch to give their patrons a really cool “Wow” factor as they enjoy their meal. Served in a large martini glass, the bartender pours the Margarita Mix over the dry ice, followed by an entire tiny bottle of Champagne! Because of this fun presentation of this sweet and flowery cocktail, this specialty margarita is perfect for any celebration (especially birthdays and bachelorettes). It will also give you the perfect footage for any Snapchat or Instagram story.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

MAMBO TAXI

MI COCINA

Courtesy of Mi Cocina

MAMBO TAXI: MI COCINA 

How could we write an article about  margaritas and not include the Holy Grail of them all – the Mambo Taxi?! Mi Cocina has been around for decades now, opening back in 1991. When we first arrived in Dallas, we were told we needed to go immediately for some classic Dallas Tex-Mex. Upon arrival, we spotted a frozen swirl of yellow and purple on every other table – that was the  Mambo Taxi, one of the most popular margaritas in all of Dallas! It’s made with Sauza Silver Tequila, lime juice, housemade sangria with Pinot Noir, brandy and juices, giving it that Instagrammable swirl look to it!

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS 

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL MARGARITA

RESIDENT TAQUERIA

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ACTIVATED CHARCOAL MARG: RESIDENT TAQUERIA

Using his knowledge from his unique culinary background, Chef Savoie is able to create an amazing fusion of flavor in his tacos and margaritas. Think a Pecan Smoked Chicken, Glazed Pork Belly, Caramelized cauliflower, and Slow Cooked Mushroom. All of these tacos go well with their signature Activated Charcoal Margarita. Do not let the name fool you! It tastes like lemon (sort of) and makes you feel healthy, while still indulging in a margarita!

LAKE HIGHLANDS | DIRECTIONS

AVOCADO MARGARITA

MESO MAYA

Courtesy of @mesomaya

AVOCADO MARG: MESO MAYA

Meso Maya has some of the best upscale Mexican cuisine in DFW, with a focus on the interior regions of Mexico. Between the delicious food and Latin atmosphere, we love taking out of town guests to Meso Maya, but a meal wouldn’t be complete without the Avocado Margarita! Think muddled avocado, pineapple and lime juice, Cointreau and tequila. If it sounds like it would taste like a non-sweet smoothie, think again. It’s light and refreshing and it a surprisingly amazing treat!

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

MATCHA GARDEN

JINYA RAMEN BAR

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MATCHA GARDEN MARG: JINYA RAMEN BAR

Another unique feature about Dallas, that we love is the amazing Asian Fusion food. Jinya Ramen Bar is one of the best locations that serves Asian Fusion in Dallas. Restaurant founder, Tomonori Takahashi, does a fantastic job at fusing Japanese Ramen with our favorite Mexican flavors. The Matcha Garden includes house-made Matcha tequila, prosecco and basil Green Tea Margarita is no exception and is sure to please. This refreshing cocktail goes best with the Slurp Up Cilantro Ramen, Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen, and the Salmon Poke Mini Tacos.

VICTORY PARK | DIRECTIONS

THE RIMY RITA

THE RUSTIC

Courtesy of The Rustic

RIMY RITA: THE RUSTIC

One of our favorite cocktails is the Margarita Sangria swirl, but the Rustic puts a really fun and upbeat twist on this fantastic cocktail. Their version? The Rimy Rita which includes a goblet of traditional margarita and a sangria in popsicle form. You can either eat the popsicle and drink the drink separately, or you can allow the popsicle to melt and stir it into the margarita. But no matter what you choose, the Rimy Rita is bound to stimulate your taste buds and pairs perfectly with a warm summer evening on the Rustic’s huge patio and live music!

UPTOWN | DIRECTIONS

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5 Fun Places in The Colony that are Great for Family Activities

Featured by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Diving in to Culture, Local Culture, Local Tastes, Travel, What to Eat

I have spent an overwhelming majority of my life living in Plano, Texas. But now, my Fiance has moved to The Colony (November 2019); and in July, I will be moving in with him as his wife. Over the 25 years of living in Plano, it has been amazing to see how my hometown has grown as well the areas surrounding it. Recently, I have decided to change the focus of my blogging so that I can learn more about Frisco, The Colony, and Plano and to share what I learn about this wonderful community that I will be moving to in six months. The more I learn about The Colony, the more amazing it is to see how this community grown significantly and has become very family oriented with many fun activities. Even though Matt and I do not have children yet, we are hoping to have a few children in the future. Here are some great places I found for anyone of all ages to visit (specially families with children).

Top Golf

Photo Courtesy of Visit Dallas

There are so many fun and distracting things to do at TopGolf that we cannot possibly think of a better place to spend time with your family and friends. For the avid golfers in the group, there are about 13 golfing related games for you to play. These games include TopDrive, TopShot, and Quick 9. TopGolf also has other non-golfing games that member of your group can play; including billiards and fooseball. For those who are looking for a space to celebrate something such as a birthday or graduation, TopGolf provides packages starting at $44 per guest.

Directions

Lasertag – DFW

Photo Courtesy of Visit The Colony

If you are worried about your little ones running around in a dimly lit area with special effect fog and flashing lights, worry no more! Lasertag – DFW is entirely outdoors and they have 22 acres that is divided into five different lasertag courses. That way you and your family have plenty of space to play and five different fields to choose from. Don’t worry about age, anyone ages 4 and up can participate in this fun activity! If you are looking to go with a larger group prices (10+ People) prices start at $160 and include one attendant and access to their picnic tables.

Directions

Truck Yard – The Colony

Photo Courtesy of Plano Magazine

We love the Truck Yard in Dallas; which is why we were elated to learn that they have opened up another one closer to our home in The Colony. The Truck Yard is a great place for you and your family for many reasons. First, with the regular rotation of food trucks that are parked at the Truck Yard there is guaranteed to be a different selection of food every time you go. Another great reason to visit this awesome location is because it is the home of Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum. The museum is full of toilet seats that have been turned into pieces of art work, which is bound to amuse the children. The final reason that your family is will love this eatery, is that there is plenty of room for your children to play around or dance to some of the live music from their featured artists.

Directions

Nature Trails

(The Tribute Shoreline Nature Trail) Photo Courtesy of AllTrails

Nature trails are always fun and there are always new and exciting things for kids to learn while outside on nature trails. You and your family could go hiking or biking on nature trails. Or you could pack some picnic gear and have a picnic on the shoreline of Lake Lewisville. But no matter what you decide to do, there is only one thing about nature trails that we absolutely love: Nature Trails are 100% free! There is no admittance fee and you do not have to buy anything while you are there! There are a few Nature Trails here in The Colony, but Matt and I have three favorites. Be sure to try The Colony’s Shoreline Trail, The Colony Five Start Hike & Bike Trail, and the newest one (The Tribute Shoreline Trail).

The Colony’s Shoreline Trail

The Colony Five Star Hike & Bike Trail

The Tribute Shoreline Trail

The Shacks at Austin Ranch

Photo Courtesy of CultureMap

In a nutshell, The Shacks at Austin Ranch are six eateries and a dog park all connected by a large patio. I love this location for many reasons. First, the entire family gets to go (of course when I say entire family, it means that your dog can join you on this outing). Another reason to love the Shacks, is the freedom to choose. If your family cannot decide on what to eat there are six different options that each family member can choose from. For those in the family who love Japanese ramen should try TEN Ramen. Mom and Dad can get adult beverages at Grrrowlers or coffee at Turbo. If anyone wants street tacos they can go to OMG Tacos. Tacklebox sells some great seafood; and Dirty Burger sells your favorite American Cuisine.

Directions

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5 Bars in Frisco that are perfect for Parent’s Night Out

Featured by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Local Businesses, Local Tastes, What to Eat

We all love our children and our families, but (let’s face it) there are times when we would like to get out of the house and have some time of our own. Whether you are going on a date night with your significant other or planning a girls’/guys’ night out with your friends, here are five great places right in Frisco that you should consider when making your next adults only plans.

Rare Books Bar

Photo Courtesy of the Rare Books Bar

It is hard to believe that one of our favorite eras (the Roaring 20’s) was 100 years ago! Fortunately, right here in Frisco there is a really fun bar that is worth visiting (especially if you are a bourbon aficionado). The Rare Books Bar is a speakeasy that has an extensive selection of bourbon. Keeping true to the Roaring 20’s theme, this speakeasy has a “secret door” and requires a password prior to entry. Their weekly password is announced on their Instagram page. So be sure to follow so that you can keep up to date! While you are there, be sure to try our favorite cocktail the Whistlepig Old Fashioned. If you would like to add a little extra flair when visiting this bar, dress up in a Roaring 20’s costume when you go!

Directions

City Works

Photo Courtesy of City Works

From the great location at the Star in Frisco, to the good food to the luxurious rooftop bar, there are many things to like about City Works. However, for the craft beer lover in your relationship, there are exactly 90 reasons to love City Works. This is be cause they have 90 local (or close to it) craft beers on tap. Plus, between the 1st and 2nd floor, they have over 200 taps pouring your favorite craft beers. While you are there, be sure to try the Velvet Hammer by Peticolas. It pairs well with the Smokehouse Burger, Filet Minon Sliders, and the Smoked BBQ Ribs.

Directions

Kelly’s Craft Tavern

Photo Courtesy of Kelly’s Craft Tavern – Frisco

If you and your group of adults are looking for something much more casual, Kelly’s Craft Tavern is a great place to go. They have more than 52 craft beers on tap that are changing seasonally; which is perfect for the person in your group who loves tasting new and different craft beer flavors. A couple great beers worth trying the is Lakewood Brewing Company’s The Temptress NITRO and the Strawberry Lager by Abita Brewing Company. These beers also pair well with the Chicken Fried Steak Fingers and the Frisco Joe (Sloppy).

Directions

Trophy Park Sports Lounge

Photo Courtesy of The Star District

Trophy Park Sports Lounge is a great place for you and your group of friends (or you and your significant other) are allowed to let out your inner child. There are so many fun options to choose from at this lounge. Of course the Trophy Park has some great dining and drink options; but they also have four bowling alleys, fooseball, bocce, arcade games booths, and more! But before your challenge your friends to a great game of bowling, make sure you sit down to eat! We suggest the Lobster Roll or the Pulled Pork entrees! If you are with a larger group, get the Whole King Crab for everyone to share!

Directions

Bottled in Bond

Photo Courtesy of Bottled in Bond

Named after the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, this awesome bar combines the best of vintage cocktails with some of the best modern sophisticated interior design. The absolute best time for you and your significant other to go is on Friday. Because on Friday, Bottled in Bond has live music from local artists including; Corina Grove and Caroline Milton. As you are listening to the live music you could be sipping on some of fun cocktails like the Whiskey Daisy or the Vieux Carre. Of course while drinking, you cannot forget about the finger food. Be sure to try the Glazed Bison Meatballs and the Navy Bean Hummus with your drinks!

Directions

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Cover Photo Courtesy of Trip Advisor

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