An individual enjoying a local park with their dog.

How to make a day of it at the cute parks in Downtown Dallas

These green spaces can be a destination or a starting point for a day full of fun.

You’ve probably noticed a shift if you’ve visited Downtown Dallas recently. Since 2019, four “neighborhood urban parks” have popped up, transforming parking lots into green spaces with ample amenities and activities. The parks are a serene respite in their own right, and they can also be a starting point for an incredible day with loved ones. If you’re looking for a low-cost, all-upside outing to explore the best of Downtown Dallas, we’ll outline which parks to visit and nearby activities. 

West End Square: Best for working, writing, or finding inspiration

What to do at the park: Designed to be a “testing ground” for incorporating technology and nature in urban areas, West End Square offers plenty of ways to plug in. The Outdoor Workroom offers a 50-foot-long table fitted with charging stations so you can finally write that manuscript or take a meeting outside. Or visit the Innovation Arcade to find inspiration among temporary installations, performances, and artwork along Market Street. 

What to do after the park: Hit the West End Historic District to explore other worlds, like the Dallas World Aquarium, with exhibits that feature marine life and animals from around the globe, like flamingos and ocelots. There’s also the Museum of Illusions, where mind-bending exhibits featuring optical illusions and visual tricks may have you questioning your perceptions.


People Walking in a Shopping Plaza

How to maximize your experience at 3 Atlanta entertainment districts

Some consider these developments hallmarks of the city. Here’s what to know if you plan to visit.

Ask any ATL native how much the city has changed over the years, and you’re probably in for a half-hour rant. Fellow residents have likely noticed the emergence of large-scale developments offering trendy restaurants, retail storefronts, office space, and concert venues in up-and-coming areas of Atlanta. Now, some believe these mixed-use spaces are hallmarks of the city.

With all the new offerings, it can be intimidating to determine how to navigate each of them. This guide takes you through everything you need to know — from the restaurants worth visiting to the parking situations you’ll find — to maximize your experience at three entertainment districts. 


Shopper browsing items in a small antique shop

These are the far-reaching effects when you shop locally

We're exploring how local communities thrive when shoppers support area entrepreneurs.

Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday became a “thing” several years ago, benefiting both shops and shoppers. But “buy local” is more than a nice slogan — and is important for the local economy throughout the year whenever you support local businesses. 

This is especially true in DFW, which leads the nation for both small business employment growth and wage earnings growth among U.S. metro areas, according to the Small Business Employment Watch report from Paychex and HIS Markit.

If you have gifts to buy or simply want to treat yourself, read on to learn how shopping at small businesses in Dallas can make a big difference for all.