Step back in time when you enter either of Lucky Dog Books' two locations in East Dallas and Oak Cliff. The shop originally opened in downtown Mesquite in 1974, and while it has preserved its nostalgic vibe throughout the years, this beloved shop has also evolved to offer a variety of different services and community events. Grab a snack and browse books of every genre and language as well as magazines, audiobooks, comics and sheet music. Lucky Dog even partners with local musicians to host guitar and songwriting classes. Next time you're there, ask about the trade-in policy, which allows you to exchange eligible items for an in-store discount.

Owner Terri Thoman has been in the business for more than 40 years, and her shop near Deep Ellum is more than just a place to find paper goods from all over the world. Visitors can see artistic demonstrations (like origami) and participate in workshops at this artisan, nontoxic printmaking studio. From party-planning parents to scrapbooking queens and kings, this spot has a little something for everyone looking for the kind of high-quality artisanal materials you won't find at Hobby Lobby or Michaels.

If you need a lil' something for your BFF's birthday, your work wife's shower or just a pressie for some woman you don't know that well, Lone Chimney has got you. With a location in the Farmers Market plus a flagship in Richardson, this shop has the best selection of last-minute gifts and an array of charming cards to go with them. Dangling earrings, stylish sunnies, scented candles and cutely potted cacti fill the shelves, assuring your present will fit any friend's aesthetic at a price that can't be beat.

Lingering in Lubbock? Passing through Plano? Traveling through Tulsa? Those are just a few destinations where you can find Josey Records, the Dallas-based record store that has quietly expanded to five additional locations in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas over the last decade. Growing a company's footprint often brings with it brand dilution and a diminishment of the original's spark, but not so for Josey Records. In addition to opening its outposts, the mothership (all 25,000 square feet of it) has maintained its mix of in-store events, unique releases and stewardship of the legacy of Dallas institution Bill's Records.

At a time when Texas lawmakers have ramped up voting restrictions, this organization is diligently working behind the scenes to help cart Democratic voters to the polls. Dallas' Rideshare2Vote started in 2018 with a mission to boost turnout for registered but nonvoting liberals. Since then, the organization has expanded its reach to several other states, and its drivers — who are trained in local voting laws — can help out in any of Texas' 254 counties. Next time you need a lift to the ballot box, just give these superheroes of democracy a call.

Got the itch to take a summer road trip but don't feel like sitting on the highway for four (or more) hours? The Texican Court Hotel in Irving delivers a laid-back Austin/Marfa vibe less than an hour on the road from central Dallas. With laid-back décor, a huge pool, lawn games and live music on the weekends (plus some pretty decent Tex-Mex at the Two Mules Cantina), an overnight can make you feel like you're glamping in West Texas. It's also down the road from the Toyota Music Factory and Alamo Drafthouse, making it a great staycation option for live music lovers and film buffs.

Dallas' Interabang Books is all about supporting visionary authors. The independent bookstore boasts a fabulous selection, but arguably more exciting than finding your next page-turner is attending one of Interabang's author events. From book signings and discussions to storytime for kids, Interabang's calendar is consistently packed. Next time you're tempted to buy a book on Amazon, stop what you're doing. Get in the car and drive to Interabang instead; you'll probably catch an engrossing author talk while you're at it.

Having trouble finding a hairstylist who will hand-paint a psychedelic design onto your shaved head? Look no further than Abby Bagby. The folks at Bagby are true artists; they specialize in genderless haircuts and vivid hair color. Put the Manic Panic down. You are not qualified, and you will regret your poor choice when you wake up with blue dye all over your bed sheets. There is no one you can trust more to help you experiment with your hair, so just let them work their magic. If you're maybe not so adventurous, don't be deterred. Bagby does everything: blond, brunette, long layers, bobs, whatever you want. All we ask is please, for the love of God, don't go in there after you just box-dyed your hair black expecting to go platinum. That's every hair stylist's worst nightmare. See her work at @abbybagbyhair.

We don't get many fashion designers like Taylor in Dallas. Self-described as dark and dreamy (and she's right), Taylor pours every bit of herself into her ethereal collections. She has a unique and bold aesthetic that perfectly captures her spirit and depth. Her most recent showcase was provocative and unconventional; if you missed it, you really missed out, but you can always look at the highlights on her Instagram. Maybe next time you'll remember to put it on your calendar. She was recently nominated for the 2023 FGI Rising Star Award in Fashion Design. She's going places, but let's hope she doesn't leave Dallas any time soon because then we would all be a little less cool.

Flower arrangements can often be boring and ugly. No one of taste wants to buy a bouquet that could double as a funeral arrangement. Luckily, Miranda Zee is here to save us from the mundane. If you want to impress or maybe just want to have something beautiful to look at for yourself, check out what she's offering. This independent florist has a unique and modern style: whimsical, feminine and exciting. She makes floral arrangements into temporal art. You can contact her via Instagram, and make sure you follow her as well because she often does pop-ups around Dallas. For any straight man reading this, get your girlfriend one of Zee's arrangements and stop picking out the browning roses from Kroger with the clear plastic wrapping, please.