Shopping & Services

Instant film and other analogue photography are having a serious moment right now, but it can be tricky figuring out where to find your next vintage camera without spending a fortune. With a massive, ever-revolving assortment of cameras from which to choose, as well as darkroom services, camera equipment and a wide assortment of films and instant-film cameras, Denton Camera Exchange is the perfect place to tap into your analogue side. The small shop, located just off Denton’s Downtown Square, was once a pharmacy in the 1950s, with old pharmaceutical equipment serving as decoration throughout. Like other used camera shops, you never know what gear will be in stock, but Denton Camera Exchange typically carries everything from digital and film camera bodies, lenses, camera bags, tripods, filters, film and more. They also develop black-and-white, color and slide film, from 35mm up to 4×5, with some scanning and printing services.

Whether you’re a new photographer or someone who started shooting film decades ago, Don Puckett’s shop stocks nearly every available film worth loading into your vintage or new cameras. Don’s Photo Equipment started selling new and used photographic equipment to Dallas professionals and hobbyists nearly 20 years ago, and while most camera shops in Dallas went all in with memory cards and megapixels, Don and his son Todd have continued to serve the film photography community in North Texas. Don and Todd never shy away from answering questions and will happily talk shop with amateurs and professionals alike. The shop stocks cameras, lenses, camera bags, studio lighting, darkroom equipment and much more.

Look, we’re newspaper people here, right? Our furniture standards are traditionally not that high. Anything that doesn’t come in a flat box with an Allen wrench, doesn’t cling to cat and dog hair, doesn’t cost too much, doesn’t retain smoke odors and resists wine, beer, whiskey and other fluid stains that are none of your business — we consider that fancy. Is Nebraska Furniture Mart a locally owned shop loaded with hip used furniture or stuff designed by local artisans? Nope. It’s just HUGE. Like, about the size of DFW airport. Bigger than IKEA, probably, and much easier to escape. In a place that big, with loads of brands from high-end to affordable, shoppers are almost certain to find the perfect couch, chair, dining set, rug or decorative gewgaw for the home. Plus, there are rows upon rows of kitchenware, appliances, electronics, outdoor furniture, basically everything, from whole room setups to our dream machine — a robotic lawn mower that’s like a Roomba for lawns. Pickup at the store is handled with the technical aplomb of an air traffic control center, and they’ll deliver most anywhere. Volume, volume, volume, baby. Sometimes it can’t be beat.

Paper may be the most underrated substance known to man. But maybe not for the reasons you’re thinking, because there’s something soothing about good paper. Smooth, peaceful, solid and comforting — perhaps like the tree from which it came. All paper is not good paper, but good paper is always worth it. The folks at Missing Q get this because they are paper people. Paper people can spot each other in the greeting card aisle. We are not reading, we are rubbing. We are weighing. We are smelling. We are not just buying stationery for a friend or loved one; we aim to enrich their whole life with one small stack of quality stock. If you recognize yourself, this is your place. Missing Q’s generous selection of custom cards, invitations and other paper goods are designed and produced in small batches with custom ink colors and finishes. The shop uses four old-school letterpress and engraving machines to create chic, luxury designs for all occasions. Studio visits are by appointment only, but we can assure you that if there is a heaven for paper people, it is Missing Q.

Having a shelf full of books in your parlor (or even having a place you call the parlor) can make you look pretty impressive, and nothing could ever be more attractive than looking good without having to pay much. Half Price Books on Northwest Highway offers a tremendous selection of literature, nonfiction, magazines and even CDs and movies, all for unbeatable prices. So even if you never, ever read that leather-bound collector’s edition of Dante’s Inferno, you can feel self-satisfied because you acquired it for next to nothing, and it looks so very intellectual sitting quietly on your shelf.

Of course you don’t need your 13th gerbil, but at least you can wish for it on an aimless stroll through Dallas’ very own Petland, which offers all the normal pets, along with fluffy chinchillas, oh-so-affectionate snakes, and those colorful birds that outlive their owners, squawking continuously as the coffin is lowered. Petland allows visitors to enjoy the company of any doggie for as long as they like, and its employees are notably helpful if you ever need pet-care advice. Further, they carry all the supplies you could ever wish to have for an animal. Just don’t drop any hamsters on your visit (personal experience — those things run like the flames of hell are singeing their furry bums).

Since its inception in 2014, The Wild Detectives has served as the perfect date spot. As a traditional bookstore, there are shelves surrounding the border of the store stacked full of books. Serving as a nontraditional bookstore, there’s a bar in the middle, making the thrill of finding a new book or author even more exciting. On top of the books and booze, The Wild Detectives regularly hosts events, like book readings, panels about feminism and even stand-up comedy on the back patio. Located in Oak Cliff, it’s just a few blocks away from restaurants and bars and makes the perfect low-key, Friday-night spot.

A sprawling 15,000-square-foot space with an estimated inventory of 100,000 vinyls, Josey Records is a place where you and all your friends can morph into John Cusack a la High Fidelity, or pretend to anyway. The most ambitious record store in Dallas is a crate-digger’s dream even by crate-digging standards. Patrons can browse the vinyls, listen to the vinyls, buy turntables or just lounge around and people-watch.

While Anthropologie looks like a clothing store when you first walk in, you’ll quickly realize it’s the candles that keep people coming back. You could easily spend hours wandering around the store smelling each style of candle and all of its different scents. Half the joy of buying a candle is how it looks on the outside. Once you’ve burned the candle down, it can still serve as a great part of your home decor. Anthropologie understands that, and that’s why all of its candle holders are stunning. And they all smell amazing. Seriously amazing.

Those looking for their monthly dose of superheroes saving the world would be hard pressed to find a better spot than Madness Games & Comics. It’s one of the largest comic book stores in DFW, and it needs to be to stock all the different objects of geek affection. On one aisle you’ll find the action figure that defined your youth next to an aisle stuffed with glassware and home decor items, all surrounded by a wall of every comic book the industry dared to publish. You’ll come to grab the latest Batman issue, but stay to look at the endless shelves of board games.

If you’re inclined to drop $400 on a hotel room, there’s no better place to do it than the Ritz. It’s luxury in the heart of Uptown, and your friends will be jealous. Why? Because your tales of the tres elegante rooms with their flat-screen TVs, minifridges, coffeemakers and Wi-Fi are just that powerful? Well yes, but also your room wasn’t ready upon check-in, so they upgraded you to Club Level, where you ate heavy hors d’oeuvres and drank wine on tap for the price of a single room. They felt bad for you, so they gave you a voucher for a free massage at the renowned spa. It was the best weekend ever. Also, it was just a dream.

With the ubiquity of high-quality cellphone cameras, selfie sticks and instant sharing on social media, you might think that old school photo booths would go the way of the dodo or daily newspapers. Wrong! First, Premiere Photo Booth offers a variety of non-old school booth styles for lease for your special event. They have green screens, animated GIFs, open booths, light-weight booths, traditional ones and possibly the coolest — a large mirror format that lets you pose carefully without being jammed shoulder to shoulder. Second, being jammed shoulder to shoulder in a photo booth and getting an instant strip of physical photos on paper is just freakin’ fun. Be honest: How often has a sober person ever happily stood for a selfie? Plus, Premiere offers customized prints with info about your event that serve as wonderful mementos — perfect for capturing happy memories or witnesses in case your wedding didn’t turn out exactly as you’d hoped.

Bestow Fifi the teacup poodle with peace and solace, and do it at Deep Ellum’s Upper Paw. The local spot is rife with dozens of artisan treats for your fur baby and has an extensive selection of harnesses and high-end toys to keep him or her as satiated as any dog could hope to be. Frisbees? Costumes? Wine bottle chew toys? Yes on all accounts. Just don’t eat the refrigerated dog food. It’s for them, not you.

You have to leave town, and you can’t take the dog(s) with you. Marinate in guilt for as long as you need to, and then call Paw Lofts. Conveniently located in the heart of the Medical District, this boutique pet boarding resort will soothe your residual guilt by hooking fur bae up with top-of-the-line food, plush digs and recreational activities out the wazoo. Think of it as a mix of summer camp and the Ritz-Carlton. See? You feel better already.

Ensuring your baby has all the right clothes and toys and tools to become the best human being on the planet is essential in the game of parenthood. It’s not enough to just buy an outfit to clothe your baby; it has to be the best outfit at Mother’s Day Out. And it’s not enough just to have a baby monitor; you need a baby monitor with Alexa voice control built in. All of this and more can be found at Buy Buy Baby. Whether you’re shopping for another’s baby and want to surprise them with a personalized chair with their name on it or you really want that for your own baby in case you forget their name, there’s nothing you can’t find at Buy Buy Baby. Your baby will thank you one day.

When you’ve spent the past nine months obsessing over the wellness of your soon-to-be bundle of joy, it’s nice to have a team of experts obsessing over your happiness when it’s go-time for labor. All any mom-to-be wants to know when arriving at the hospital — other than how fast the pain meds kick in — is that her labor and delivery is a priority among hospital staff. After all, it can feel like you are the first human ever to carry and deliver life from her body, so, duh, it makes sense that everyone should stop and marvel at your strength. Medical City Lewisville specializes in high-quality care for both mom and baby, with amenities that include childbirth classes, luxurious suites, a full menu of food and the first state-designated Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Denton County.

Even as luxury hotels go, The Adolphus is a cut above the rest and has been for 106 years. Steeped in Dallas history, the oldest operating hotel in Dallas is a one-stop shop for discerning travelers and staycationers alike. The dining experience at the French Room is mandatory; non-guests can sneak up to the seventh-floor pool deck and enjoy Friday pool parties during summer through Labor Day. A recent massive renovation reduced the 422 rooms to 407, and they’re painstakingly gorgeous.

Backed by a powerhouse rotation of hair painters, stylists and braid aficionados, co-owners Holly Dear and Kaycee Clark have carved their way into Uptown coiffure royalty. But one need not be high society to enjoy the star treatment. Us regular folk can also enjoy free valet parking and all the booze that’s fit to drink whilst draped in a black robe soon to be covered in your old split ends.

You know that feeling when you realize your Dad/brother/boyfriend’s clothing rotation hasn’t been updated since the Bush Administration? Yeah, that one. Here’s what you do: Grab the beau/first-degree relative and head to University Park. Bask in the glow of tuxedos, shirt and shoe packages and Culwell’s crowning jewel: the Grooming Room. What’s the grooming room? It’s like a day spa for dudes. Your man can get a shave, a haircut and a shoeshine, because this is 1950, apparently. A slap or two of cologne and he’s golden.

San Francisco native Caitlin Wilson opened her eponymous Henderson Avenue decor studio in 2017 after relocating to Dallas from Portland. Serving as the interior designer’s headquarters, the 4,200-square-foot space is part office, part showroom and part boutique. With everything from rugs to wallpaper and scented candles, Caitlin Wilson is a resource for those looking to redo their entire home or simply looking for a stellar housewarming gift. Wilson’s aesthetic can best be described as traditional with a twist. A Parsons Design School alumna, Wilson favors bright colors and bold patterns that can be mixed and matched for a unique yet cohesive design.

There’s nothing fancy about Oaks White Rock, and that seems to be just how its residents like it. The community offers the basics — pool, workout room, barbecue area — and apartments feature built-in bookshelves, balconies and nice-size closets. The complex, less than a mile from the Dallas Arboretum, has friendly staff members and positive online reviews (a rarity, as any renter can attest), and there’s sometimes a wait list to get an apartment. It also has private access to White Rock Lake, so residents can walk out their doors and step into 27 miles of trails. Some units have creek or park views too.

A plant in a home can completely transform a living space, and Oasis Plant Shop knows that. Once you step into its jungle of beautiful greenery, you are overcome with the absolute need to adopt every kind of plant and take it home. Not only does Oasis offer hundreds of plants, they also specialize in several types of services. Learn how to install your plant, attend workshops on taking care of your plants and rent plants if you’re not quite ready to be a plant parent or are just in need of a plant for a special event. Plants are a key component in the circle of life, and Oasis Plant Shop is an even bigger component in your quest to own all the plants.

Do you scoff at overpriced, premade scrapbooking kits that line the shelves of major retail outlets? Consider a drive to Denton for a crafternoon you never dreamed you’d experience. SCRAP, as the name suggests, is a wonderland of almost every material, trinket or oddity. And it’s all donated, so it’s all super-cheap. Whatever your task, you’ll likely find what you need. Take a stroll through the aisles to get inspired or get help perfecting your crafting skills with any of its workshops. From knickknacks like random doll heads to spools of yarn to vintage black-and-white photos, this quaint little shop serves as the perfect addition to a project or a stand-alone decoration. Be sure to follow them on social media too for updates on community events.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or haven’t been on a bike since childhood, the knowledgeable, experienced staff members at Richardson Bike Mart are dedicated to finding the right option for you. The shop, which sells, services, repairs, rents and fits bikes, has four locations throughout the area with all the parts, clothing and gear you need. The locally owned company hosts weekly rides and community events for cyclists of varying skill levels, and its website offers a map of bike trails in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Lawyers-turned-entrepreneurs Flauren Bender and Hallie Lamont founded The Greenway Shop to fulfill their own desire for a one-stop destination for clean makeup and skin care. Many clean, green beauty spots have followed, but Greenway Shop stands apart with its well-edited assortment of holistic, toxin- and paraben-free products for men, women and kids. Bender and Lamont, who met at a music class for their babies, vet each product, bringing together a wide range of well-known beauty brands and under-the-radar indie finds such as Beauty Chef, Indie Lee, RMS and Ursa Major. The green queen herself, Gwyneth Paltrow, even endorsed the shop, featuring it in the Goop guide to Dallas.

There’s nothing more magical than a trip to Nordstrom. When you walk in and see rows and rows of beautiful clothing, you immediately feel relaxed and at home. When you walk downstairs and see all the wonderful shoes, you know you aren’t going home without some in your bag. Nordstrom has always had exceptional choices when it comes to shopping, but recently they’ve made the shopping experience that much better. Now customers are able to reserve an item online and try it on in the store, eliminating the stressful aspect of fighting over a highly sought-after dress in a crowded store. Also, if customers are really lazy, they’re able to buy an item online, and a Nordstrom employee will deliver it to the customer curbside.

Whether you need the fresh air or just really love Texas heat, shopping at an outdoor mall has its benefits. Sunshine makes you happy, and happiness could end war. So just shop outside. And do it at the Shops at Legacy. Not only does the Shops at Legacy have an excellent store selection, such as Urban Outfitters, Kendra Scott and Lululemon, but the restaurants and bars help make the entire experience that much more enjoyable. When you’re done shopping, there’s Starbucks and Taco Diner and Benihana and several more places to enjoy a cold one and some amazing food.

It’s 2018, and it’s not enough to throw on an old T-shirt and some raggedy shorts and hit the gym. Workout attire has become a booming industry on its own, and shops upon shops are dedicated to making sure everyone in the gym looks their best while working toward looking their best. Lorna Jane understands this, and they have every option imaginable for the best workout gear. Their sports bras and leggings will ensure you look great. And if you aren’t sure what to buy, you can shop by activity. And even better, for the overachieving pregnant women out there, they have a maternity line so you never miss a workout — even with a baby in the oven.

Entering Dolly Python is like stepping into a screenshot from “Alice in Wonderland.” It’s sensory overload of the most attractive variety. What’s that lamp over there? Look at that purple velvet floor-length coat! I need these ceramic coasters! Half of the store is filled with vintage clothing from the 1940s through the 1980s. They carry a hefty selection of vintage boots ranging from cowboy to motorcycle and combat boots, so check here before you splurge at Western Warehouse.

Straight, tousled, classic or curled — what’s your blowout style? For those looking for straight-from-the-salon tresses sans the color and cut, nothing delivers quite like a blowout from The Hair Bar. The salon offers a menu of services, ranging from sleek to classic to va-va-voom, and uses high-end products from Kevin Murphy and Oribe. The Hair Bar also offers makeup application, extensions, updos and restorative treatments like the conditioning keratin protein shot. Since blowouts became all the rage nearly a decade ago, countless hair bars have popped up around Dallas. But this one remains a local favorite with good reason.

Few Dallas shopping experiences compare to that which goes down in the upstairs dress department at Tootsie’s. First, staff waits on you hand and foot, both with wine and borderline adoration, neither of which are bad things. Second, if you have an event to go to and need a dress right this second, you can be in and out within half an hour with the appropriate garb and confidence there will be no buyer’s remorse. And you can’t put a price tag on that.

Curl confidence: That’s when a head of perfectly formed curls bounces and billows, perfectly framing your face in all the right places. Other days, however, you’re trying to figure out which combination of deep-penetrating hair conditioner and cooking oils salvaged from the kitchen might help disentangle the magnificent rat’s nest that formed on the crown of your head as you slept that night. The struggle is real, but curly haired beauties from all over are flocking to expert curl care at HER Curls salon. Great cuts and styling are topped off with education and pro tips on how best to maintain your own texture of lovely locks. You’ll leave saying like you mean it, I control my curls, my curls don’t control me.

Pretty is as pretty does. We get it, but the makeup industry is on fire, and Dallas’ MUAs are in particular demand. Paige Anderson tops our list, because she’s a go-to for industry people and regular folks who need someone to help pull off a real beauty transformation. Anderson is knowledgeable and consultative; she knows “camera-ready” means one thing when a photographer is shooting for an editorial piece and something different if she’s helping a client decide on her wedding-day look. She offers a full menu of beauty and styling services to meet every client’s needs. A professional, organized, talented artist with a reputation for excellent work can be hard to find. But with her portfolio to prove it, you can feel confident you’re in the right hands with this MUA.

From a natural daytime face to a dramatic after-dark look, Blushington provides a range of services for those who could use a little help in the makeup department. Makeup artists and estheticians know their stuff, and best of all, the whole process couldn’t be easier. Appointments can be booked online for in-shop services or at your location of choice. On top of full faces, Blushington offers a slew of add-ons like brow styling and eyelash extensions. For those looking to brush up on their makeup skills, they also offer classes.

Eyebrow threading is the future of eyebrow grooming. Forget plucking or tweezing or waxing or anything else that makes you want to die. Eyebrow threading is when a cotton thread twists and pulls the unwanted hairs — sort of like a lasso. It’s typically more precise and less painful than waxing. At Sweet Salon, walk-ins are welcome, and you almost never have to wait. The entire process takes about five to 10 minutes, and you walk away with perfectly shaped eyebrows and no throbbing pain for hours. It’s the best way to get those eyebrows on fleek.

Diving into a pool of youth is what its website promises, and Facelogic in Highland Park delivers. Whether you go in for a signature facial, peel treatment or wax, you walk out of Facelogic feeling refreshed and youthful and like the best version of yourself. Not only are the services top of the line, Facelogic offers a membership service, allowing customers to spend either $59 a month for one signature service per month (50-minute customized signature facial or 50-minute custom massage) or $99 a month for one elite service per month (60-minute elite facial or 80-minute custom massage). A membership service guarantees you’ll put your body’s needs at the forefront each month and walk away having dived and swum in the pool of youth.

When Macklemore rapped about thrifting in 2012, suddenly the act of buying used and outdated clothes became a cool thing to do. Whether you’re on the search for some old Levi’s to cut into Daisy Dukes or a really ugly sweater that you think can make you look like a trendy work of art from Urban Outfitters, Thrift Giant has it all. There are racks upon racks of women’s and men’s and kids clothing. On top of all of that, there is furniture that looks good worn down or looks like a nice DIY project. And then there are baby dolls sitting on top of the racks of clothing just staring you in the eye, asking you to give them a nice home.

Amid the hustle and bustle of downtown lies a tranquil oasis where you can get both your mind and shoulder knots right. It’s not the cheapest spa in town, but as the kids like to say, go big or go home. They offer a healthy variety of services, including body wraps, lip treatments, waxing and makeup. If your nails need a recharge, try the Red Flower French Lavender manicure. If your relationship needs a subtle bump, get a couple’s massage. Whatever you’re after, Spa Adolphus can help you rejuvenate and relax.

Bellacures is the all-inclusive cruise of nail salons, and it’s as Dallas as they come. With services like the Wake-Up Coffee Mani, the Make Time Stop Anti-Aging Mani, and the “Man”i-Cure, their dedication to hand and foot love is on clear display, and why not? Does your darling daughter (or son) need some polish? Gift them the Kid-i-Cure Mani. Are you sensing the pattern? Bellacures has something for everyone, including a manicure called Nuts About Walnuts, and we’re totally on board with that.

Whether it’s after a long and stressful week at work or simply because you’re an adult and deserve it, massages relax you and make you happier. At Ritz-Carlton, there’s the signature massage, a custom massage, fitness and sports massage, couple’s massage, a migraine miracle massage, hot stone massage and so much more. Beyond massages, the Ritz-Carlton spa has so many options, you’ll wonder why you don’t book an appointment for every week. It’s your body, and it needs the love and affection you give your job. Treat yourself.

Scent is part of the overall impression, and if you smell like an idiot, you probably are one. Thankfully for those who aspire not to be idiots, Hermès takes fragrance seriously, and its prices reflect that. But like any respectable fashion house, they are ever-generous with free samples. Though you might be buying colognes of questionable provenance from the back of someone’s car today, you could be tomorrow’s Hermès customer. This iconic French leather goods and fashion house knows this, and in their only Dallas location in Highland Park Village, you can explore their exquisite scents while surrounded by flawless leather, intricately screened silk scarves and cleverly patterned ties. For the low, low price of nothing, you can simply ask for sample vials of any fragrance, and voila — you’ve got them!

If you’re searching for a new hobby, look no further than the Collin County Hobby Beekeepers Association. The organization is open and welcoming to anyone who’s interested in beekeeping and offers a Beekeeping 101 class throughout the year. Members are passionate about the pastime, which has been steadily gaining popularity among millennials. They mentor newcomers and host community events to educate future enthusiasts about the joys of making honey. And if you’re really sweet, you can even put your name in the hat to be the next Honey Queen or Honey Princess.

So the feds are all set to crack down on vaping — again — because naughty teenagers are getting their mitts on Juuls, those sleek, incredibly overpriced cigarette substitutes that look like a USB drive. Can’t have the widdle law-breaking apes getting hooked on nicotine, even if cracking down on vaping makes life harder on the countless adults who’ve turned to vaping to give up tobacco and not die. Yes, it’s far, far better that 10 adults die than some fad-following punk gets hooked on nicotine, which is not a proven carcinogen and arguably no worse than caffeine. What’s an adult to do? Well, there are, ahem, other substances to vape, and nicotine-laced juices are now being held to higher manufacturing standards. So take heart. Whether you’re looking to kick cigs, just like blowing huge clouds of vapor or have other non-tobacco products you want to puff, 710 Vapors has you covered with a complete selection of high-quality, regulation-meeting juices, vaping rigs and tanks, torches, cleaners and some of the coolest glassware in the city. Why would someone pay $4,500 for a Darby X Eusheen Rifle Banger Hanger? Because it’s a work of art, which 710 Vapors also sells — the wall kind, not just the bong-y kind. Not everything in the shop is that pricey, of course. Sampling juices, for example, only costs a penny. Check it out, but please, leave your damn kid at home.

We love a good garage sale, but nothing tops a garage sale featuring high-end brands that otherwise might be out of reach for most shoppers. Enter Snider Plaza’s Luxury Garage Sale. It’s not actually a garage sale; it’s more like a boutique shopping experience. The store’s well-edited selection of clothing and accessories from designer brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Hermès and Céline, to name a few, is sold at a fraction of its original price. Frugal fashionistas, if you’re not already hip to Luxury Garage Sale, add it to your list. You won’t be disappointed.

Finding good-looking, affordable eyeglass frames is a snap. Between online sellers and countless brick-and-mortar shops in Dallas offering all sorts of buy-one-pair-get-another-cheaply sales, a little shopping about can score you a deal. But wait, you say you need lenses with those frames? Ruh-roh, Shaggy. Lessee, with your super-light polywhatever space-age plastic, your UV coating, polarizing coating, anti-scratch coating, rust-proof undercoating, floor mats … wait, you want no-line bifocals? Can you get a second mortgage on your home? Luckily, there’s perennial reader favorite Warby Parker, with two local shops and a huge online selection with complete sets, including lenses, starting sub-$100. You can even take five frames home to find that perfect look. Yeah, progressive lenses still aren’t cheap, but you don’t want to look like your grandpa, do you?

Lots of people buy gifts, but there are a few people who are great gift-givers. These are the people who have the ability to home in on a seemingly insignificant statement made in passing and turn it into a gift you didn’t even know you wanted or needed. Those gifts that make you ask, “How did you know?” or “Where in the world did you find this?” We Are 1976 is the type of shop these folks frequent. It is both a print shop and a gift shop. It is vintage and fresh, eclectic but inspired. We Are 1976’s selection of homewares, journals, art prints and elevated tchotchkes is fun to browse without being overwhelming. Aspiring to be a great gift-giver? Start here.

It’s hard to walk into Urban Spools without being drawn to the colorful fabrics lining the walls. But past the bright, quirky patterns is a classroom with sewing machines where beginner, intermediate and advanced students work on quilts, embroidery, clothing and more. Classes often teach trending projects, such as the atomic starburst quilt or the jelly roll rug, but there are also introductory lessons for various techniques, as well as classes and camps for kids. If you’d like to learn a new craft but had a bad experience in middle school, home, etc., patient, friendly teachers are there to help.

Whether you’re in need of a nice dress for a fancy gala or just some board games for a family game night, Galleria has it all. Some malls specialize in just one area, but the Galleria has stores for every want or need. There’s Nordstrom, Box Lunch, Coach, Old Navy, McDonald’s and so much more. With three floors and even the bottom ice rink level, there is enough to do at the Galleria to take up an entire day. And if you get tired of shopping, the ice rink is open year-round for people who want to skate with hundreds of people watching them from above. It’s truly the best of all worlds.