In our new neighborhood guides, we look at where people live and work in Dallas. We also look at where they play. Every neighborhood has its own unique charms, and every neighborhood has its own options for fun and entertainment.
Far North Dallas residents enjoy the amenities of a suburban home while keeping many of the perks of big city living. Whether you’re in Prestonwood, Bent Tree, or Preston Highlands, you’ll find plenty to do and see.
You can learn a lot about a place in half a day. Here’s how to spend 12 hours getting to know Far North Dallas.
Little Church on the Prairie | 10 am
Tucked away among the modern suburban development of the Bent Tree neighborhood in Far North Dallas, the Frankford Church stands like a time capsule from North Texas’ pioneer days. The church, built in 1897 and restored in 2010, sits on acres of untouched “virgin prairie,” land that naturalists believe has never been plowed. Visit the one-room church and the neighboring frontier cemetery while marveling at the untouched beauty of the land to see a vision of Dallas’ past.
Give Me Liberty or Give Me Lunch | Noon
Sink your teeth into one of Dallas’ best burgers and try the Baby Bella at the Liberty Burger outpost on Keller Springs Road. Addison, with its plethora of dining options, is just down the street, but you don’t have to cross city limits to find something tasty in Far North Dallas. Stop by Spork, a former Sonic drive-in transformed into this new restaurant that takes its visual cues from 1960s science fiction and its culinary inspiration from classic American grub: burgers, fries, and hot dogs. Spork is also home to one of the best patios in Dallas, making it an ideal place to break bread on a nice summer day.
Shop ’til You Drop | 1 pm
You could spend a full day shopping, eating, and playing in Far North Dallas without ever leaving the Galleria, one of the largest retail and entertainment hubs in the region. The ice skating rink on the ground level is a perfect way to cool off in the hot Texas summer, or to get in the holiday spirit during the cold winter months — the Galleria’s massive Christmas tree is one of the most impressive in Dallas. With more than 200 shops (including several upscale stores you’ll only find here) and restaurants packing the mall’s four floors, it’s easy to get caught up in a marathon shopping trip.
Get Your Craft On | 3 pm
The Craft Guild of Dallas offers year-round classes for artisans of all ages and skill levels, teaching everything from leather-working to clay-sculpting, bookbinding to glass fusing. Book a class for the kids or get in touch with your own creative side through an instructional workshop. Visit the craft guild at its store in the Village on the Parkway shopping center, which straddles the line between Far North Dallas and Addison at Belt Line and the Tollway. The open-air retail hub — home to to a number of fitness centers and spas, along with restaurants, shops, and an AMC movie theater — is worth a visit by itself.
Park Life | 5 pm
Far North Dallas is not known for its green space, but it is home to some of the area’s best country clubs, including Prestonwood, Bent Tree, and Northwood. For some less exclusive outdoor fun in Far North Dallas, try the tennis court at Kiowa Park, or best of all: the mini-amusement park known as Adventure Landing. Complete with a miniature golf course, go-karts, and bumper boats, the theme park also hosts an arcade for when you’re ready to cool off indoors. Amateur sluggers can take a swing in the batting cages while sharpshooters take aim in a match of laser tag.
Take A Look | 7 pm
How about dinner and a movie? LOOK Cinemas is one of the best movie theaters in Dallas, and possibly the most luxurious. Leather Ottomans, a full bar and restaurant for in-theater dining, and power recliner seating make LOOK more comfortable than your living room, providing an audio-visual experience — fancy Dolby Atmos screens and sound systems — that puts your home entertainment system to shame.
Night Cap | 9 pm
Neighboring Addison is home to one of the most bustling bar scenes in North Texas. Whatever kind of watering hole you’re looking for, Addison has it, from the sprawling Sherlock’s Baker St. Pub to the upscale, loungey Red Room. On the Dallas side of things, close out your evening by sitting down with a drink at the Staggering Irishman, a Far North Dallas tavern with a massive beer selection. The Irish pub is also one of the best places to watch a soccer game in Dallas, broadcasting everything from Major League Soccer to the World Cup.
