IRDC

Another must-see is Highland Park Village, acclaimed for its Spanish Mediterranean-inspired architecture and carefully edited mix of luxury brands, upscale independents and neighborhood amenities. 

Opened in 1931 in a planned community modeled after Beverly Hills, Highland Park Village also enjoys a unique distinction: it’s recognized as America’s first shopping center. That is, “the first development built on a single lot surrounded by parking areas with stores facing away from access streets,” per its website’s history page.

True to the designers’ vision, Highland Park Village was and is the lifestyle center of Highland Park, a tony neighborhood just north of downtown Dallas. Amidst a throng of international luxury retailers—including Anne Fontaine, Chanel, Hermes and Jimmy Choo—sit a Tom Thumb supermarket, a movie theater, a bakery, a photography studio and a barber shop.

All the everyday amenities you’d expect in a neighborhood center, but with gorgeous arched doors and windows, imported red tile roofs and ornate tile work. (This may be the most exquisite Tom Thumb you’ll ever see—on the exterior, at least.)

Highland Park Village is a great destination for an evening out during the conference. You’ll find several good restaurant options for dinner, and plenty of design inspiration to absorb afterwards. Don’t miss the ginormous orange door at Tory Burch, the earthy elegance of Avant Garden and the “ultimate closet” merchandising at Scoop—all on a 10-acre Spanish-style plaza, complete with a central fountain, lush landscaping and brick paths and walkways.

NOTE: Highland Park Village is one of two tour options for conference attendees on Thursday afternoon, September 24.