In the 1930s, Bishop Street at Davis Avenue was Dallas’ busiest trolley stop. Yet by the 1950s, buses and personal vehicles replaced streetcars, many residents moved to the suburbs, and businesses closed. Starting in the 1980s, Dallasites watched those boarded-up buildings slowly get restored, and the area has metamorphosed into the
Bishop Arts District. This four-block neighborhood two miles southwest of downtown Dallas is lined with restaurants and funky boutiques light-years away from the mall experience. At this year’s Jingle Bells on Bishop event, December 4–5, you can give Santa your wish list, sing with carolers, and listen to live music. (214) 942-0690.
1. The Soda Gallery
Owner Tony Font’s customers tell him he’s found the Fountain of Youth. “They say that coming here takes them back to their childhood,” he jokes. Glass-bottled sodas with metal caps line the shelves and refrigerated cases. Choose from more than 200 types of drinks. Don’t see your favorite? Tony might be able to order it for you. (214) 946-SODA [7632].
2. Veracruz Café
This is real Mexican food, by way of Veracruz, Mexico. The dishes utilize foods native to the area combined with Spanish influences brought by the conquistadors. The moody interior decor is equal parts sultry and vibrant, with splashes of rich jewel tones in red, purple, and green that interrupt earthy hues. (214) 948-4746.
3. Epiphany
Shoppers won’t find run-of-the-mill clothing or accessories here. “When I select products for Epiphany, I look for quality, uniqueness, and affordability,” says owner Sherry Andrus. You’ll surely stand out in a crowd wearing cowboy-boot-style galoshes (pictured) as you power through puddles this winter. (214) 946-4411.
4. Artisan’s Collective
More than 100 Dallas artists and craftspeople are represented at this private gallery. If you’re looking for a unique accent piece, it’s likely your hunt will end here. Browse through paintings, glass art, jewelry, sculpture, framed photographs, pottery, and other media. (214) 356-0818.
5. The Cozy Cottage
Cynthia Herndon’s children’s boutique carries an assortment of hard-to-find brands like Feltman Bros. and Bailey Boys, plus toys and gifts. It’s truly a cozy cottage, with stuffed animals perched on the stairs and a child-sized dressing room in the back. There’s even a toy stove for the kids to play with while you shop. (214) 941-1110.
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