check this out.

Not only are there great things to do around Dallas, it is also a great place to start a new endeavor. I have been focusing on what that new endeavor should be for me...either: continue reviewing Dallas sights, pursuing my major as a fashion designer, or a combination of the two.

I have decided, surely you have guessed, that I want to work on both! I may struggle at maintaining both...but bare with me and feel free to contribute to my topics, update me on happenings around Dallas, and look at my design website.

http://www.stacykrumholz.weebly.com/

Yes, I gave away my identity, but I am looking for support and advice from my blog viewers, YOU! I would love to get started running my own company...I make clothes, purses, jewelry, and art--I know, I know...I am so well-rounded.

But, please, enjoy my design site and, like always, enjoy Dallasights.

http://www.he.utexas.edu/celebrate/vid.php?url=coll/col15.mp4&info=&name=Stacy%20Krumholz

five guys, burgers & fLys.

Nothing has been attracting me to Galleria lately, but I decided to go and check out the newest food court addition: Five Guys Burgers and Fries.

www.fiveguys.com

Maybe it was the view of a family walking around the skating rink barefoot with their hands shoved into the community ice skates, but my appetite was not at its peak as I tried these five guys' fries. They were pretty good (tasted and presented like Mooyah fries) and for a size "small" the amount could have feed the hungry family of ice skaters, hopefully after washing their hands!

The menu is pretty limited to the burgers and fries, but I was surprised to not see milkshakes on the menu, as well. Instead of the sweet treat, they offer salty peanuts as you wait in line.

Basically, if you are already at the Galleria and want a prime spot to people watch...Five Guys Burgers and Fries would be a good place. If you are not at the Galleria and are happier knowing community ice skates are only worn on people's feet, you can skip it.

fall into fall.

The blazing heat may make it hard to believe, but the lazy days of summer are officially over! It is time to invest your time in long lines all in the hopes of trying the newest fried creation or a famous Fletcher's corndog. Hopefully you have not been watching NBC's Biggest Loser because that will take a lot of fun away from the fair experience!

This Friday, the 26th, the State Fair starts and will have me (and all Dallasites) praying for a cold front and calorie-free funnel cake.

For a list of all the great shows and events check out: http://www.bigtex.com/.

Dont forget that you can buy tickets in advance at Kroger--oh--and for the really hearty Dallasites, buy a season pass.

DALLASight Down Low: The famous ferris wheel at the State Fair is the tallest in America! The view from the top is one of the best Dallasights!

your new weekend plan.

I know my weekend plans have just changed
(yours probably will, too!) after I found out about the Dallas City Arts Festival going on all weekend downtown. Free museum admission. Free food and wine. Free movies. Free shows. Could there be anymore DALLASights in one weekend?

Every Friday from now until July 18th, the Nasher Sculpture Center will host movies in the garden, playing relatively vintage films (Field of Dreams, anyone?). To make things even better, Nasher is showing The Wizard of Oz tonight for FREE to celebrate the art festival. The movie starts at 9pm, right after some garden entertainment from guitarist James Gabriano.

http://www.jamesgabriano.com/

His romantic music has a smooth Latin feel--great music to sway to as you watch the sunset. Listen to samples on his website for a taste!

If you would rather try some tequila or watch a melting pot of dance styles, you can grab a FREE yellow cab shuttle over to Pearl to watch local chefs in their element making you samples (sip on wine while you wait, of course)! Try not to sample too much tequila or you may find yourself dancing on the Dallas Dance Stage with ballerinas and cultural dancers (dancers will be from 6-9pm, a new performance every hour).

Saturday, there are even more activities to enjoy starting at 11am until 10pm. Once again, you can enjoy singing, dancing, art, and food. Many of the activities occur simultaneously, so take a look at the schedule to figure out your particular interest: http://dallascityarts.com/overview.htm. I suggest joining the 1pm historic stroll around the Arts District to learn more about the buildings and the future developments.

Inside the Dallas Museum of Art there is an interactive exhibit that you and your kids can enjoy! Children can spin an "inspiration" wheel and create art out of different media. Do not miss the busts made out of chocolate and soap! The artist actually licked (delicious or nauseating...I cant decide) her chocolate sculpture to create her features and she lathered the soap sculpture to mold it. It is pretty amazing to look at--and smell!

Did you know?
Upon completion, the Dallas Arts District will have more buildings designed by Pritzker prize winning architects in one contiguous location than anywhere else in the world. Now that's a DALLASight!

To end the night Saturday, try some 'creative cocktails' from Kirby's Steakhouse at 9pm. Saturday is going to be a long day...but save some energy for Sunday (and don't forget to bring dad!).

The Dallas City Arts Festival did not forget about Father's Day. At the Nasher Sculpture Center, kids can create handmade cards for the occasion from 11am to 3pm, maybe while dad enjoys some relaxing garden yoga at 11am (can you imagine?). Once again, Sunday offers all of the fun, free, festive activities that you can handle.


All weekend, museums will offer free admission to various exhibits, so check out this link (scroll to the last page) to see which ones: http://dallascityarts.com/Images/CA_2008_Sunday_Events.jpg

Enjoy this annual hot spot of DALLASights--it is going to be a sight to see!

daniel padilla.

Oak Cliff's Bishop Arts District is becoming my favorite area to explore. There are fun restaurants (have you tried Tillman's yet?) and endless collections of art in almost any door you walk in. There is one art gallery in particular located at the corner of Davis and Tyler Street that I find special.

Originally from Houston, Daniel Padilla wanted to find a more art-embracing city to embrace his work. After a year long search through New York, Atlanta, and Chicago, he found the Bishop Arts District of Dallas.

His gallery is filled with colorful canvases and wooden planks. His work is inspired by his love for music and adventures that screamed to be turned into art. Daniel was inspired to create a work called "Underwater Paradise" (pictured below) after seeing an unusually colored t-shirt. Daniel decided to apply the same colors to the wood--evoking an experience of scuba diving--the sand and water created spirals of color evident in the glossed wood.

Daniel said that he loves the spontaneity of his wood works. When he splatters a combination of water-based acrylics, oil paints, and thinners unto the wood pieces, Daniel sees unusual shapes taking form. The paint almost tells its own story.

In another wooden art piece, Daniel described the profile of a knight and another of an Indian princess that had been created unintentionally by the art process. I pointed out to him that I saw a young tiger face emerging out of the turquoise paint (you will have to go to the gallery to find your own hidden images).

The gallery also contains art that requires less imagination to develop the forms--full body portraits and amazing close-ups of faces. These large canvases are very detailed and completely different from the abstract work of the wood forms. There are abstract paintings that are very geometric and bold. The colors pop off the work and light up the gallery.

The large canvas portraits take a month or longer to complete while the mixed media on wood pieces are quick and spontaneous. Daniel likes to alternate his styles so that he has artistic freedom and flexibility.

DALLASight Down Low: Daniel Padilla found the perfect gallery to show his work...but the gallery also serves as his personal studio! You may catch Daniel working on his art behind the gallery. He is always around, so you will definitely get to meet him and ask more about his work and inspiration.

Fortunately, Daniel has support from his entire artistic family. You can find his sister's pottery, brother's paintings and jewelry, and his mother's paintings in his studio. The different styles fill the gallery but compliment each other well.

Go to Daniel's website to look at more of his art: http://www.danielpadilla.com/, but you really should go to the gallery to see the details of the work and meet the artist himself!

rustic roadhouse.

Just inside the bustling Bishop Arts District, you will find the heart of Oak Cliff: Tillman's Roadhouse. This local restaurant perfects every detail of the food, decorations, and the friendly atmosphere.

Thin chips in an over sized silver spoon start off the experience as a complimentary table-treat. Even though the chips were distracting, it was hard to miss the ornate decorations. Camouflaged within the wood paneled wall were a herd of wooden deer heads--the unusually tall booth back right underneath them adorned with over sized pillows.

The rustic appeal of the wood was offset by vintage pictures in all different frames. Even more contrasting were the elaborate chandeliers that lined the restaurant. The chandeliers looked so interesting in a rustic setting but further modernised the concrete floors and industrial ceilings.

The food was delicious. You have a choice of four side items with sandwichs--sweet potatoe fries (I couldn't resist), russet fries, chips, or fruit (but, come on, you have to get fries or chips here!). Every last detail was precious...the silverware was oversized and looked like silver wood. The ketchup was even different--it had a cinnamon twist.

To top all of that off...there is a hidden party room in the very back of Tillman's. It was gorgeous. The room was lined with branches from floor to ceiling and had peococks near one top corner. The room was very intimate, only two tiny wooden windows peered within. The chandelier in the middle was so unique: it had ribbon, metal, crystal, flowers, and more. It was stunning.

DALLASight Down Low: This intimate party room can be reserved for a maximum of 24 people and a minimum of 14 people. The chef personalizes the menu for the party: prices range from $44 a person to $65. Also, Tillman's is closed Sunday and Monday (what a shame!).

On your way--dont miss "Fuel City", the ranch of downtown Dallas! The view of longhorns grazing behind a gas station right next to Interstate 35 is quite a sight--it will definitely get you in the mood for the rustic nature of Tillman's Roadhouse!

www.tillmansroadhouse.com

one for one.

If you are looking for the perfect comfortable summer shoe to run to the grocery store in...well, you will need to run to the grocery store to get them.

This Thursday, Whole Foods at Preston and Forest has a fun event for all ages: decorating canvas shoes! The event is open from 3-7 to the public and is FREE (you have to buy the shoes, of course). The shoes are about $42 but for every pair you buy, a child in need will receive a pair.

Whole Foods has plain canvas shoes that you can decorate any way you would like. They have men's, women's, and children's shoes available. It would be a great Father's Day gift for a dad who needs to take off his dress shoes (or cowboy boots) and relax.

You can purchase these adorable shoes straight from the website or Tyler's, Whole Foods, or Whole Earth.

DALLASight Down Low: You can also go to the website and give these shoes as gifts to your friends or co-workers! You do not even have to know their size or their style to impress them. You can submit the amount you are willing to pay and send a cute e-card to them so that they can pick out their favorite pair! http://www.tomsshoes.com/

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DALLASight Sighting: Looks like Simpsomo enjoyed Grande Luxe and the Galleria yesterday!http://perezhilton.com/2008-06-09-sighting-195

view as a sniper.

Every Dallasite has been to the Sixth Floor Museum...it is our history. However, there is something fresh and new right at the very spot the sniper stood when he changed American history. The best part? You don't even have to leave home.

Yep--now you can stand where the sniper once stood. A webcam now gives Dallasites (not to mention the world) an exclusive look of all the views the sniper would have had from his perch. It is very interesting to check out and watch Dallas live.

http://www.earthcam.com/jfk/

You can also go to the museum to explore the temporary exhibit of Dallas home videos. It is interesting to see because Dallasites that captured the last moments of JFK also had footage of personal home movies on the same reel, giving special insight into the culture of Dallas at that time.

http://media.myfoxdfw.com/JFKvideo/

If you have never been to the Sixth Floor Museum, it is definitely a DALLASight must see. If you have gone many times like me, put yourself in the very spot that the sniper perched...maybe put some boxed up books around you for extra atmosphere.

mission for migas.

I am on a personal mission to find the best migas in Dallas. When I was in Austin, I went to Trudy's (a local Mexican restaurant) as often as people were not sick of Mexican food. I loved their migas...breakfast, lunch, dinner...it did not matter.

Since being back in Dallas, I have been on the hunt to find the perfect migas to replace my Austin obsession. So far, I have only tried two places: Ozona Grill & Blue Goose; and so far, I have not found my new Trudy's.

Ozona Grill off Greenville was definitely a fun atmosphere, but their migas were very dry. Blue Goose off lower Greenville had a great outdoor patio and their migas were better than Ozona's migas for sure. The only problem was the eggs were a little runny and they were not served with hashbrowns (hashbrowns are the perfect compliment to the migas).

So, so far I am a little disappointed but I am still on the hunt. If you know of a place with the perfect migas...let me know. If I find the Trudy's of Dallas--well, you can find me at that DALLASight.

fresh from the farm.

The summer heat is rising but there is nothing better than a juicy mango to cool things down. Raspberries have just arrived at the Farmer's Market this past week--they are delicious.

http://www.dallasfarmersmarket.org/

DALLASight Down Low: If you go to the market during the week, there will be less of a crowd and less farmers, but the same selection of produce. It is also fun to go during the weekend because there are more vendors (more farmers=more samples). Searching for parking may be difficult on the weekends, but I found a great lot that is practically empty and right next to the market. Park on Taylor Street & Central--it is directly behind the vendors.

The Farmer's Market, located off Pearl Street, offers all the fruit and veggies that you crave...and if you want to try giving farming in the city a try, you can buy your own plants! Dont forget that you CAN negotiate prices and you CAN mix and match fruit if they are both offered as "2 for $3" . Have fun, bring cash, bring your dog, and bring a tote to carry your food!

Did you know?
The Dallas Farmer's Market is the largest farmer's market in the nation. Over 1 million Dallasites enjoy the local produce each year.

Order one of these cute bags that turns into a small ball when not in use! http://www.flipandtumble.com/

tucked away in tucker hill.

For a step out of the city lights, take a short trip up to McKinney to enjoy the country charm and darling new homes of Tucker Hill. The Parade of Homes tour takes you through 8 homes in the developing neighborhood. It is an independent tour, so you can go at your own pace (sneak in a nap in each homes dark movie room!) and enjoy all of the interesting decor.

By the 5th house, your feet will probably hurt because each house has multiple stair cases...but save a little energy for the last house on the tour--La Maison d' Ashley. It has great ideas for your home and will inspire you to get creative.

You can purchase tickets for the 'Parade of Homes' at Tom Thumb for $10 or at the door for $12. The parade lasts until June 8th, but there will be open houses throughout the year. Homes that are already sold will not be moved into until August.

www.paradeofhomesdallas.com
www.tuckerhilltx.com

DALLASight Down Low: Grab a cold piece of key lime pie at The Pantry in McKinney Town Square. The Pantry is famous for their delicious variety of pies!

www.thepantryrestaurant.net

breaking stereotypes.

What is the first thing that comes to your mind
when you hear 'Oak Cliff'?

I had a few words that popped in my head --probably similar to yours--but I have changed my mind and am ready to go back.

The Cliff Cafe (right next to the Belmont Hotel) is adorable. The modern atmosphere, attentive staff, unusual art decor, and full bar are just a bite of the fun restaurant.

DALLASight Down Low: The portions are huge, so I recommend splitting the plates ($2 charge for split orders). Also, breakfast is served all day. This would be a great restaurant to bring your computer because there are outlets next to practically every booth.

The atmosphere is very laid back (I noticed quite a few people enjoying the restaurant solo) and right next to the Belmont. The only negative part about Cliff Cafe is that the view is not as amazing as the views from 'barbelmont' (unless you like the look of Family Dollar).

I highly recommend this cafe--the food is great and the modern details are unique. Forget those Oak Cliff stereotypes and try this one out...

www.cliffcafe.com

burger bar on 3.

I blame it on the rain...but today I ended up back at my favorite Dallasight (Northpark, of course). So, to add a unique twist to my usual routine, I decided to try Neiman Marcus' new 'burger bar on 3'.

After wandering the third floor looking for a retro new hotspot, I resorted to asking a salesperson to point me in the right direction. This new restaurant is not a solo act--you have to go into the Zodiac room and turn right. Then you will maybe be overwhelmed with the same reaction I had--"Oh, this is it?".

Seriously. Only 8 seats and 1 booth. I stood and waited for a couple of minutes and never saw a waiter/burger bartender and decided it was not up to the standard my imagination had set (actually, the standard the Neiman's window display set). I expected to find a cute little diner with, well, at least more seating and staff. This place might be cute if you are in the mood for pricey burgers and akward neck turning conversations all in a dark corner of a larger restaurant.

Needless to say, I ended up trying the Zodiac room along with many little old ladies and mother-daughter pairs (mother being 80, daughter being 60). The pop-overs were delicious with the strawberry butter and overall the food was great. I ate the opposite of what I was craving (burgers) but was glad that I did not have to sit in the dark corner of the restaurant.

we're all pink.

I am partial to pink: my room, my clothes, my

phone. I am constantly surrounded--but what I really want to be surrounded by is the art exhibit at the Belmont Hotel.

"We're All Pink" is the name of the exhibit featuring fantastic art by local artist--Jennifer Morgan. The artwork is shown throughout a cute lounge at the Belmont hotel, surrounding a fireplace and full bar.

DALLASight Down Low: I contacted Jennifer Morgan to gain some insight into her life and art:

Like Picasso, a little dachshund named Fiona runs around Jennifer's studio while she works. Jennifer first introduced the 'We're All Pink' collection in late 2005, the artwork had been "haunting her to get out".

The paintings are latex and acrylic on canvas, all with different gloss finishes (matte, semigloss, high gloss). "The mixings of all the different sheens is so beautiful in a real subtle way" says the local artist.

Jennifer was inspired by the writings of Henry Beston...the following link will take you to the specific excerpt that inspired these art pieces.

http://jennifermorgan.net/pink.php

Unlike my love for everything pink, the artwork is colorful and has a deep meaning. Jennifer Morgan is passionate about the connectivity we share with this planet. "Pink is flesh: cut any living thing and it bleeds something. blood. juice. sap. And those are just the things we know about."

The free exhibit lasts until June 2nd, running every day of the week from 9am to 10pm. Jennifer Morgan's art is featured inside the hotel, but sculptures and interesting architecture can be found around the Belmont hotel property.

Don't miss out on the great views that the Belmont has of the Dallas skyline. Grab cocktails at the 'barbelmont' and enjoy this fabulous DALLASight.

www.jennifermorgan.net/wereallpink

http://www.belmontdallas.com/

something sweet.

Cupcakes are not just for birthday parties anymore...why not celebrate being a trendy Dallasite?
Sprinkles cupcakes, originally from Beverly Hills, recently opened in Dallas Preston Center. I suggest going to the adorable store and waiting in line for these treats (get more than one). They have tons of creative flavors made with all natural ingredients. So delicious.

Better yet, go to Williams-Sonoma at Northpark and buy the Sprinkles mix and make it yourself! They only sell four of the many flavors you can try at the actual Sprinkles store: vanilla (my personal favorite), red velvet, lemon, and dark chocolate.

Here is a picture of homemade vanilla Sprinkles cupcakes that I made--they look just like the ones you would buy in the store but have a little extra love in them.

DALLASight Down Low: Apparently, Sprinkles cupcakes also makes wedding cakes (really cupcakes strategically arranged to create a cake shape). Great idea for Dallasites that love this treat as much as I do.

http://www.sprinklescupcakes.com/

If you are more of a cookie-monster than a cupcake fanatic, check out Tiff's Treats. It is originally from Austin and just opened in Dallas late 2006. It is located off Ross Ave. downtown but delivers pretty much everywhere. They melt in your mouth--order a dozen and make everyone happy.

DALLASight Down Low: Get great deals by signing up for a coupon newsletter on their website.

http://www.cookiedelivery.com/

keep dallas not weird.

I just spent an amazing four years bleeding burnt orange in Austin, Texas. After graduation, I was more than ready to make the three hour drive back to Dallas-so ready that I made the drive in two and a half.

My college experience was filled with fun activities (do frat parties count?) and interesting encounters. I once had a young homeless guy lecture to me about how I was obviously not a native Austinite and rambled on about how he could easily be accepted to the public Ivy League of the South that I was so proudly a part of. By the end of my four years, I realized that Austin definitely holds up its standard of 'keeping Austin weird'. I was ready to get back to Dallas...keep Dallas not weird.

I decided that I want to venture out on a journey through Dallas to figure out exactly what keeps pulling me back to this city. As a native Dallasite, I have fallen into a routine of a few places I love (all of them within the walls of Northpark Center). Now that I am fresh to the city again, I am going to explore all of the 'Dallasights' and keep you in the loop. What is hot? What is new? What is old but new to me?

This is Dallasights for Dallasites.