BEST SKATE SHOP 2020 | The Point Skate Shop | Best of Dallas® 2020 | Best Restaurants, Bars, Clubs, Music and Stores in Dallas | Dallas Observer
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The Point Skate Shop in Deep Ellum is a favored spot among the DFW skating community where you can purchase all the necessary equipment, accessories and attire needed for a good skate. They also offer lessons and open sessions where skaters, amateur and veteran alike, can come in to make the rounds on their indoor bowl. They have another indoor bowl at their second location in Fairview. What sets The Point aside from other skate shops is their philanthropic involvement. After enduring damage from looting during the first wave of Black Lives Matter protests this summer, they retained their longtime support for 4DWN's "Peaceful Plush" BLM march.

Those who want to get their aggression out, but in a fun way, need to check out the Dallas location of Bad Axe Throwing. In addition to some walk-ins, these cats cater to private events for up to 12 people, such as birthday and bachelorette parties or corporate shindigs. Plus, it's super easy to book a timeslot online. Never thrown an axe before? No problem. Just do some quick studying on the Bad Axe website, where you can read how-tos and watch vids of the masters in action. You can also get some pro tips from staff on-site.

After Gov. Greg Abbott shut down the state's bars in March, a group of Denton bar owners and staff decided to get creative. No longer able to work in the service industry, these folks moved to the lawn service industry. Still, the group's slogan can apply to both yards and bars: "You've been cut off." Staff from Oak St. Drafthouse, East Side Denton, Miss Angeline's and Mulberry Street Cantina are now available to take care of customers' lawn care needs. That includes mowing, mulching, tree trimming, power washing, landscaping, painting, fence work and more. Don't forget to tip your yard-tender.

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Whether you like it or not, you are probably a homeschooler now. Time to get some teaching incentive tricks like reward stickers to motivate your depressed Zoom zombies. Lakeshore Learning to the rescue! The store caters to any caregiver interested in providing children with learning experiences. These toys aren't superhero focused or purple and pink. They are fun exploratory toys — like kinetic sand and water beads, water tables with magnetic fishing poles and toy fish, parachutes and balance boards, light tables and Magnatiles. Although at times pricey, Lakeshore Learning is one of few toy stores in the Dallas area that carry educational supplies and toys. You can also find furniture, teaching resources and books, organizational tools, charts and fun learning incentives to help you sail through pandemic remote learning with joy.

Looking forward to another weekend of camping? Of course you are, there is nothing else to do! Dallas-based Whole Earth Provision Co. has your back with a variety of curated gardening, picnicking, camping and kid supplies. Founded in 1970 by a couple of UT-Austin grads, Whole Earth Provision Co. was based on the ethos of the similarly named hippiey periodical, the Whole Earth Catalog. Shoppers can find high quality tools, interesting books, backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, clothing and other gear for facing the elements and coexisting with nature. The store carries brands such as Fjäll Räven, Birkenstock, Prana, Jellycat, Chaco, Merrell, Pendelton, Marmot, Sorel, Keen, Yeti, Patagonia. Besides clothing and gear, Whole Earth Provision Co. has you covered with clever gifts and well-designed toys. It is a full catalog of a store.

These days, we own more wigs than clothes, and in the grand scheme of things, that's OK. For the casually comfy to the playfully daring, this gem is a cult favorite serving look after look in vibrant shapes, colors, styles and cuts. Whether vying for a Diana Ross, Dolly Parton or Beyoncé do, there's something for everyone here, and the selection does not disappoint. Lovingly stamped by influencers, drag queens, entertainers and more, this mecca for wigs can be a bit much for a newbie. Drink your Red Bull and get energized as wigs stack high from top to bottom, and corner-to-corner, for your spirited pleasure. Choose from synthetic, human or natural hair, whatever it is you fancy. Just know if this is your first trip to this haven, you'll go a little overboard from excitement, but one thing's for sure — this visit won't be your last.

Remember when we used to wear bodycon dresses and heels to the office? The pandemic has changed much about how we live daily life, but just because things have gotten a lot more casual doesn't mean a girl doesn't want to look cute. Kathy Fielder Boutique offers relaxed trousers (great for quarantine eating), ruffled short sets and stylish (roomy) tops that will take you from your breakfast table to your couch Zoom sesh to the curbside dinner pickup line in an affordable style.

The bad news is that shopping sprees are down during the pandemic. The good news? Experts say if people do splurge, they're looking for those pieces that will never go out of style. If you're in the market for some Louis Vuitton, Goyard or vintage Chanel swag, Vintage Martini has it all in the bag. With a curated selection of the best in luxury designs, this Henderson Avenue spot is one that would make Carrie Bradshaw blush.

E-commerce label By Way of Dallas is the favorite destination for those wanting to fashionably rep the city. Founded by creative Hance Taplin, the visionary blends Dallas culture, art and style for one of the most exclusive streetwear offerings celebrating Big D. To get in on the goods, you have to follow (well, stalk) the brand, as collections are hinted at and announced via social media. Limited quantities and styles are produced, making the By Way of Dallas collections highly covetable and exclusive, often resulting in items being sold out immediately. Taplin has collaborated with the Dallas Mavericks, Neighborhood Goods and local artists to keep styles fresh, at times customizing the garments to rep Dallas and D-town neighborhoods as well. So if you're looking to don Dallas loud and definitely proud, tap and follow this brand. Welcome to your latest fashion addiction.

"Improving lives one breath at a time" is the slogan for one of Dallas' latest wellness sensations. Proving ever so essential for 2020, Breathe combines the ancient practice of meditation with state-of-the art technology for a distinctive and soul-soothing experience. Shake up your chakras with some crystal bed therapy or recline and relax with their signature "breathe and rest" class. Either way you have it, just breathe and put your mind at ease.

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