Emily’s Dallas City Guide
Our founder, Emily Hockaday, has curated a list of her favorite spots in Dallas. Whether you're looking for the best shopping, dining, hotels, or more, her list is full of insider tips to help you get the most out of the city!
SHOPPING
For a unique shopping experience, check out Cabana & Canary, our favorite sister stores. Cabana offers casual, everyday wear, while Canary has higher-end, dressier pieces. Both are conveniently located just west of the Park Cities. Another favorite boutique of ours is Tootsies, which carries some of the best designers and offers a great alternative to higher-end chain department stores.
If you want a one-stop shopping destination, NorthPark is the place to go. This mall has everything you need at all price points. For luxury shopping, Highland Park Village is a beautiful outdoor center. Stanley Korshak, a giant family-owned luxury department store attached to the Crescent Hotel, is another must-visit. Don't miss Commerce, a great little boutique inside the Adolphus Hotel, and Forty Five Ten, a luxury designer store in a gorgeous downtown space. Knox Street is also a fun area for great dining and shopping!
DINING
When it comes to dining, La La Land Kind Cafe is our favorite spot for coffee. They have a cozy atmosphere and their blends are perfect for any coffee lover. For the best Asian food, we love Uchi & Uchiba, which offer an incredible selection of sushi and other Asian dishes. Wabi House and Waya are our go-to places for ramen.
If you're craving Mexican food, Jose is our top pick with its fun atmosphere and delicious dishes. Hudson House is our neighborhood go-to for its great food. For more upscale dining experiences, we usually choose Nick & Sam’s, Al Biernat’s, or Town Hearth, all with impressive decor and equally impressive menus.
TO STAY
For hotels, our top recommendation is the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. This iconic hotel offers luxury rooms and top-notch service. The Adolphus, which has a rich history and was recently fully renovated, combines classic charm with modern comforts. It’s a great option if you want to experience the historic side of Dallas while enjoying contemporary amenities.
The Swexan is a stunning new hotel that just opened last year, and it’s quickly become a favorite for its chic design and excellent service. The Crescent, located just north of downtown, is another fantastic choice. This large hotel is part of a complex that includes offices and shops, including the luxury store Stanley Korshak, offering both convenience and luxury for its guests.
TO DO
As a big sports family, most of our activities revolve around the amazing live sporting events this city hosts. From basketball games to football matches, there's always something exciting happening. For outdoor activities, Klyde Warren Park in downtown and the Dallas Arboretum near White Rock Lake are great options. These spots are perfect for picnics, leisurely strolls, or just enjoying nature.
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas Museum of Art are also worth a visit. While Dallas may not be known as a cultural epicenter, these museums offer unique exhibits that are both educational and entertaining.
SERVICES
We are lucky enough to have a tailor working with our team that will meet our clients in their homes (ask us about this!) For shoe and bag repair, Deno’s Cobbler is the best place around. I even have non-local clients ship their special accessories there. For any makeup needs, check out The Makeup Edit. I recently had a total makeup makeover with the owner Adriana and it was truly life changing. For all things hair, The House on Lovers is the best, and their salon is gorgeous.
Miniluxe Nail Salons offer great foot massages and pedicures that don't make you want to cry. Dallas Wine Girls can amp up your girls' nights and dinner parties with professional wine tastings in your home. These best friends are WSET-certified in wine and so fun to be around! For workouts, Session Pilates is less than 5 minutes from my house and my go-to several times a week. Sculpthouse also offers an intense workout that I absolutely love.
Revival Dermatology is the first place I've found that has helped me with all of my skin issues. If botox and other cosmetic treatments are your thing, Alchemy 43 feels like the Starbucks of such services (in a good way!). And for a vacation-ready spray tan, Flawless Tans and HushHush are my go-tos, especially since my Scandinavian skin can't handle the sun.
With Emily’s handpicked faves, you're sure to discover the best this city has to offer. If you’re interested in learning more or would like to work with our team, reach out to us by using the button below!