Small business owners put in untold  hours  and surmount countless hurdles to keep their  doors open. To be recognized as a standout takes that much more grit and determination.  And that’s in normal circumstances.  Of course, these aren’t ordinary times to run a business.  In the blink of an eye, entrepreneurs were forced to become their own delivery drivers, creative consultants, and I.T. pros.   So this year, as we honor the best our city  has to offer in culture, services, shopping, and food, we’re also telling the stories of some of the mainstays who’ve  withstood the test of time to find out what got them  here, why they do what they do, and what  they’ve learned along the way. 

This interactive and educational gem doesn’t leave out the littles, with a special area designated for the under-5 set. Adults can also get in touch with their inner nerd on Thursday nights, when the place is restricted to an over-21 crowd, with live music, drink, food trucks, and unlimited virtual T. Rex races.

2201 N. Field St. 214-428-5555.

Once we knew that congregating outdoors was relatively safe, Dallas rediscovered the joys of outdoor performance spaces like Annette Strauss Square. In addition to staging socially distanced concerts framed by the magnificent architecture of the Winspear Opera House, the venue also allowed local organizations to use the space to fundraise emergency support or simply get back out in front of an audience.

The pandemic forced experimentation, but few COVID-inspired art gambits got it as right as Sweet Pass. The smart and sometimes quirky West Dallas sculpture park satisfied our need for inspiration, dialogue, and connection through site-responsive installations and performances.

The past year and a half pushed us outside for safe activities, and there is no better place for that in North Texas than Texas’ oldest major botanic garden. Founded in 1934, it has awed generations with over 2,500 different plant species in its collections. Take a walk through the Pollinator Pathway or the Tinsley Rock Springs Garden and enjoy the serenity of nature.

3220 Botanic Garden Blvd. Fort Worth. 817-463-4160.

Nestled within the Dallas Arboretum and featuring age-specific galleries focused on life and earth science, the garden attracts learners of all ages. From the Walne Family Discovery Lab’s hands-on experience to the Glade Puppet Show’s daily performance for younger visitors, this garden will play a part in forging an environmentally conscious generation.

Manned by a former bartender from Twilite Lounge (so you know the bar service for events is stellar) and a professional cook who counts former Dallas Cowboys among her clientele, Fat Rabbit Provisions has only expanded and sharpened its operations since demand boomed during the pandemic.

Chef Ginger Taylor excels in iced floral designs of all flavors, which can be picked up or delivered in stylishly clear or monogram-shaped boxes. Personally, we can’t resist the ones that resemble cactuses and succulents, the verdant green frosting set against terra cotta-colored cakes.

1955 Market Center Blvd. 214-287-9021.

Le Cordon Bleu-educated Tareka L. Lofton is the creative genius behind Loft22’s vibrant designs. Her signature cakes, with their smooth sides and roughly swirled tops, come in flavors as adventurous as their color palettes, like Pink Animal Cracker, Orange Sherbet, and the electric blue Kookie Monster (packed with chocolate chip and Oreo crumbs).

106 E. Dagget Ave., Fort Worth. 682-841-1771.

Patricio Rivera grew up in Honduras, studied fashion in California, and worked as a busser in a restaurant in Dallas before launching his floral concept in Bishop Arts. His designs are as artful and soulful as he is, and they can be delivered in custom ceramics crafted by local artists.

420 W. Davis St. 469-531-6723.

They set out to give restaurateurs the perfect napkin. It turns out this local start-up’s absorbent, alabaster, hand-loomed cotton linens make for eco-friendly home napkins and kitchen towels. Buy, use, and launder, and you’ll receive replacements for a lifetime. (You only pay shipping.)

The ladies at Ellis Hill have made monograms an artform and brought staid stationery suites to new heights. Their designs will tickle even the most traditional types, but their fresh approach to color and personality broaden the appeal of their custom paper designs to a younger, more fashionable generation, too. It’s Emily Post with panache.

5001 W. Lovers Ln. 214-520-6108.

Impress guests with an artful, edible board from this Uptown cafe. Select your artisanal ingredients (this isn’t your run-of-the-mill cheddar) and size (boards serve anywhere from one to 20, with by-the-meter grazing tables for larger gatherings) and let them work their magic. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available.

Download the app, schedule a pickup, and a big bag (equal to three 13-gallon trash bags) of clothes will be collected, laundered, folded, and returned. All for $45. Same-day service is available before noon, and many special preferences—particular detergents, clothes hung on hangers—can be accommodated.

Located close to DFW Airport, it’s an easy drop-off when we’re flying out of town. We love how they specialize in dogs under 25 pounds, meaning our senior Chihuahuas aren’t getting crushed by an over-eager Great Dane. Bob and Bella Sparkles deserve a relaxing boutique hotel getaway, too.

2251 E. Continental Blvd., Southlake. 817-329-8835.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: when it comes to having your art pieces framed, there’s no one quite like Debra Stevens. Her custom work is impeccable, trusted by high end collectors and gallery owners alike, and her service and suggestions are always top-notch.

We’ve been admiring the objectively charming Instagram account (and abundant IRL projects) of this landscape design and garden maintenance company, whose projects utilize the power of a well-placed arbor, swinging side gate, and lush courtyard. (We’re not the only ones; they were selected to be part of the 2021 Kips Bay Dallas Showhouse.) Give them a follow and let your ideas blossom. 

Buying art can be intimidating. Jennifer Klos knows that. Through her art consultancy firm, the former museum curator will assess your needs, likes, and budget; accompany you to galleries; and advise on making the best purchases to suit your space. She’ll even facilitate the purchase and installation of your new masterpieces. 

If you think ridesharing isn’t in your wheelhouse, it’s time you give Alto a try. A $99 annual membership grants you access to the Dallas-based company’s fleet of safe, spotless, branded SUVs whenever you need them, with rides available on-demand or pre-scheduled. Drivers are background checked, cars are deep-cleaned daily and disinfected between trips, and you can even pick your own music—or choose Do Not Disturb for a quiet commute.

With showrooms in Fort Worth and Austin, this rentals and home-staging outfit goes beyond the basic tables, chairs, and dinnerware to offer everything you need to throw a stylish soiree, from serving staples like trays and bar carts to decorative accessories, both new and vintage. Does your shindig need a tumbleweed or a perfectly patinaed American flag? They’ve got you covered.

Park your broom, walk in, and explore your spiritual side at “Dallas’ Oldest Witches Shop.” The purple house on Bell Avenue off Lower Greenville celebrated 24 years in Dallas in March and maintains its tradition of guiding its customers through spiritual books, powders, herbs, and other apothecary items.

Jamison Sacks’ store, smartly located next to the excellent Zeus Comics, offers hundreds of games: card games, board games, trading card games, role-playing games, and puzzles. You can pick up extra dice and snacks, too, while you’re there.

Molly Mathias opened her new self-care shop in Bishop Arts in November. You’ll find everything from bath salts and CBD balms to sexual wellness products. Mathias’ mantra for better mental health? A little more conversation and community support, a little less judgment, please.

Brian Bolke’s curated retail wonderland, located above Chanel in Highland Park Village, carries a range of home and fashion treasures designed to titillate your sense of style. And with fragrance guru Shasa Mitcham on staff, it should come as no surprise that their offerings will appeal to your sense of smell, as well. Candles from lines like DS & Durga, Lumira, Byredo, and more are sure to keep your home smelling divine.

100 Highland Park Village, Ste. 205. 972-863-8590.

A photographer by trade, Payge Stevens became enamored with cactuses on a wedding shoot in San Miguel de Allende. When her business struggled during the pandemic, she invested her savings in a plant shop at South Side on Lamar. The storefront stocks hundreds of spiky options, from tabletop sizes to 10-foot varieties.

1409 Botham Jean Blvd., Ste. 326. 469-569-3619.

Sharon “Boots” Anderson, the CEO of Half Price Books, bought a Lake Highlands hardware store in 2016 and named it after a prize-winning Buff Orpington bird that a customer dropped off. There’s a great gift selection and all the hardware you need, plus once a month you can buy your own pullet from Urban Chicken’s John Ramos.

10233 Northwest Hwy., Ste. 409. 214-343-1971.

On weekends, this nursery near Love Field is chock-a-block with home gardeners stocking up on annuals and perennials. Inside the sizable showroom, you’ll find high-end grills, Adirondack chairs, and one-of-a-kind Domiziani dining tables. Pick out a water feature and a set of Baccarat crystal tumblers to complete the look.

Coppell’s charming town square may be a creation of the new Main Street development, but the city’s farmers market is truly authentic. Focused on local farmers and makers, it is stocked on Saturday mornings with seasonal organic produce, free-range meats, dairy, breads and pastries, pickles and jams, and fresh flowers.

Carrie Barnard helps new moms stock their nursery in style. In addition to clothes, toys, and feeding essentials for little ones, you’ll find the chicest cribs, comfiest nursing chairs, and changing tables so pretty, you’ll look forward to getting diaper duty (or at least, you’ll mind it a little less). If you don’t know what you need, she’s created pre-built registries on the website based on gender and age. Just put your feet up and click.

Josey was already a crate-digger’s paradise—and then it brought in the inventory (and iconic sign) from Bill’s Records, after the passing of Dallas record-store icon Bill Wisener. Block off an afternoon if you plan on stopping by.

2821 LBJ Fwy., Ste. 100, Farmers Branch. 972-243-2039.

Talking Out Of Turn is as fun and irreverent as its acronym, TOOT. The pastel paradise in Bishop Arts is filled with candy-colored planners, stationery, stickers, self-care products, and home goods, most of which are emblazoned with cheeky phrases and playful patterns.

841 W. Davis St. 833-252-8668.

You know that friend who whips up Persian feasts like it’s nothing, reads essays by writers from M.F.K. Fisher to Anthony Bourdain, and is always questing for something to up her batch cocktail game? This is where you outfit her bookshelf.

5600 W. Lovers Ln., Ste. 142. 214-484-4289.

Erin and John Hossley may have changed locations (saying bye-bye to Bishop Arts in favor of the Design District) but their mission remains unchanged: to showcase some of the most interesting area artists, with works to fit your price range whether you’re looking to spend a couple thousand bucks or a couple dozen.

Comprised of more than 50 top lines from around the world, Blue Print’s recently launched tabletop collection makes a perfect foundation for aspiring entertainers who are feathering their nests. From fine china and crystal to everyday serving pieces, you’ll find it all—with an on-staff registry expert to assist.

If you only know this Design District shop for their vintage finds, it’s time to refamiliarize yourself. In recent years, the showroom has stepped up their in-house Scout Label line of furniture, offering well-crafted, on-trend furnishings from chairs and stools to casegoods. They do custom work, too.

From doors knobs and cabinets pulls to faucets and fixtures, Pierce offers a vast selection of hardware to suit every taste and budget. They’re the exclusive stockist of some of our favorite lines—Rocky Mountain Hardware and Ashley Norton among them—and, unlike many designer showrooms, are accessible to the public.

2615 W. Mockingbird Ln., Ste. 101. 214-368-2851.

Scratch your instant gratification itch at this sophisticated showroom, which stocks a large supply of grab-and-go housewares—both of the attainable and show-stopping varieties. Best of all, the diverse mix of vintage and production pieces ensures you could outfit your entire home in one fell swoop and no one would be the wiser.

An ordinary toy shop gives way—via (shh!) a secret bookshelf passage—to a wonderland of interactive, carefree play for kids of all ages. Cheerful employees (aka “counselors”) lead classes, encourage fun, and can make recommendations from their out-of-the-ordinary selection, ranging from sporting goods and board games to action figures and art supplies.

9830 N. Ctrl. Expy. 214-612-0451.

What started in 2013 with a husband-and-wife furniture-refinishing duo hawking their services on Facebook yard sale groups has evolved into an upscale line of locally produced, heirloom-quality furniture for which interior designers clamor. Though bespoke pieces require a design professional to purchase, their quick-ship pieces are available to the public.

Odin Clack is the hands and heart behind Odin Leather Goods, the Coppell-based craft manufacturer of classic leather wares. From wallets and belts to totes and messenger bags, all of Clack’s pieces are made from the highest-quality materials and intended to last—getting more beautiful with age and wear.

5768 Grandscape Blvd., Ste. 115, The Colony. 972-410-0532.

Founded in 1951, the family-owned nursery is trustworthy and knowledgeable, focused on educating its clients through its Garden Coach Program and a plethora of gardening tips. Whether you are a connoisseur or a beginner, they’ll meet you where you’re at and guide you to the home garden of your dreams. For the ladies who lunch crowd, their new restaurant and shop, Ralph & Rose will welcome diners for the first time since the October 2019 tornado that decimated the property.

Kathleen Evett owns and operates this furry-friends-focused spot in Deep Ellum, and she does so with unmatched customer service. Leashes, high-quality pet food, toys, and treats of all sorts are so thoughtfully packed into The Upper Paw you’ll want to give it a high-paw.

While we love a good clay vessel or bowl (and ceramicist Matthew Gilley does those, too), it’s his ceramic chains that caught our eye. With versions small enough to set on a table or large enough to drape on a wall, his intricately linked creations are as beautiful as they are mind-boggling.

Friends, neighbors, and creatives Sarah English and Ashley Leftwich launched their Dallas-based bespoke wallpaper studio in September 2019. In the two years since, their locally designed and printed wallcoverings—which put a cheeky and daring spin on traditional patterns—have made them a design industry darling.

Located within the 44,000-square-foot warehouse that also houses Uncommon Market, sister store Uncommon Lighting carries, restores, and rewires antique lighting fixtures, lanterns, sconces, and more. But best of all, their team of on-site craftsmen build lighting solutions from scratch. Whatever your project requires, if you can dream it, they can create it.

We eagerly await creative genius Jinny Cho’s rotating monthly flavor drop like an album release: whipped cream swirls, dreamy fillings, and other tricks give you rose and Champagne with gold leaf, matcha and red bean, or an Arnold Palmer or Ferrero Rocher doppelganger.

8161 FM 423, Ste. 250, Frisco. 469-535-3585.

Equally great for a caffeine-fueled laptop session as it is for a nice brunch with a friend, Xamán is undoubtedly a community cafe where you can get espresso-spiked horchata and expertly brewed single-origin coffee, which is sourced from smaller family-owned farms in Mexico.

334 W. Jefferson Blvd. 469-687-0005.

Tight-crumbed and blitzed with poppy seeds (our order), these hand-shaped concentric circles took the city by storm. Jessica and Seth Brammer’s bagels, made with Barton Springs Mill heirloom flour, are perfect on their own, but you might want to give them a schmear. Choose from an assortment of cream cheeses like fresh strawberry or scallion and hard-cooked egg. lenoresbagels.com

Tida Pichakron turns out a spunky, creative, and polished lineup, from macarons and key lime tarts to pistachio-raspberry cakes. Her gluten-free and paleo options have earned a devoted following, as have monthly beignet pop-ups that have you showering the sidewalk with powdered sugar.

10230 E. Northwest Hwy. 214-856-0166.

Matt Bresnan’s orange-cardamom morning buns and vanilla cream danishes with Cara Cara orange and pistachio are unparalleled. But even more, we love his loaves. Hand-mixed, long-fermented, burnished domes include country sour, multigrain, golden raisin-fennel, and walnut-olive. Praise be, they’re opening a brick-and-mortar in McKinney.

When you want a triple-crème, a goat’s milk Gouda, or a funky bleu, the team here can help you out. Classes teach curd nerds to pair fromage with wine, charcuterie, and bubbles.

3 511 Oak Lawn Ave. 214-219-1300; 920 S. Harwood St.. 214-219-1300.

We see you, Jeni’s, but we’re suckers for this essential gelato shop, where flavors—mascarpone fig, Piedmont hazelnut, or coconut stracciatella—are perfectly mastered. Carlo Gattini works Willy Wonka wonders with frozen gelato cakes that layer semifreddo with gelato and liquor-soaked sponge cakes in flavors like pistachio-rose.

2116 Greenville Ave. 469-776-9077; 5959 Royal Ln., Ste. 622. 214-964-0073.

Crystalline and slushy, tangy and filled with top-notch tequila, the frozen margarita at José—dubbed The Squozen— is extraordinary. It’s bright with lime juice and a hint of agave, and worthy of the city that invented it. Pick up a few to-go kits (each one serves four) for your next gathering.

931 W. Lovers Ln. 214-891-5673. 

This labor of love of Maricsa Trejo and Alex Henderson is a wonderland of sweets (and some savory, too). Place Saturday orders while hungry—how to choose between the dulce de leche cruffins and ham and Gruyère croissants?—then systematically devour in your car in a shower of crumbs.

580 W. Arapaho Rd., Ste. 230, Richardson. 440-462-2078.

Growing up with a cake decorator mother, Amaris Riddle uses vegan ingredients to make spectacular cakes, raspberry jam- or cream-filled doughnuts, nostalgia-tinged pop tarts, seasonal scones, and luster-dusted cupcakes with fillings (like vegan butterscotch) so sultry you really wouldn’t know the difference.

That bottle of reserve chardonnay from Mexico’s oldest vineyard that you had on the Riviera Maya? Check. Your favorite Japanese gin and whiskey? Double check. Dom Perignon rosé, Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam, and Swiss truffles? Triple check. Doorstep delivery with optional gift wrap? Hallelujah.

5360 W. Lovers Ln. 214-350-8989.

Snout-to-tail butcher Nathan Abeyta and his team continue to innovate and grow. In June, their small North Dallas shop expanded into the space next door, allowing them to dry age more Texas beef, cure more heritage Red Wattle pork guanciale, brine more Black Angus beef pastrami, and smoke more Cajun boudin.

7989 Belt Line Rd., Ste. 146. 469-906-6420.

Farmer Jeff Bednar had us at fresh herbs, microgreens, and edible flowers from his hydroponic farm in Lucas. Working with local growers, he added to his roster heirloom veggies, grass-fed meats, farm-fresh eggs, whole grains—even handmade pasta, bagels, and tamales. The inside of our fridge has never been so lovely.

Tucked behind Half Price Books, Henk’s is an easy-to-miss neighborhood gem that has been serving no-nonsense German fare for more than 20 years. Don’t leave without a warm apple strudel or German chocolate cake from the bakery, or hit the grocery section for a selection of imported coffees, cookies, condiments, and more.

750 North St.Paul St. Suite 2100 Dallas, Texas 75201