IRDC

Like most other cities, Dallas has welcomed its share of mixed-use developments over the last decade—some more warmly than others.

While ultra-modern Victory Park, which includes a W hotel and an impressive public space at the entrance to American Airlines Center (home to the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars) struggles to fill both retail and residential units, the more approachable West Village development a mile north of downtown Dallas is thriving.

Why? For starters, more than 35,000 people live within a 1.5-mile radius of this retail-residential development, which sits in the affluent Uptown district of Dallas, just east of tony Turtle Creek. Add to that the steady stream of visitors who hop aboard the fun and free McKinney Avenue Trolley, which originates in the downtown arts district every 15-25 minutes, circling West Village on its return. (More about this in the next Hotspot installation.)

Reason #2: The centerpiece of West Village is The Magnolia, a five-screen theatre acclaimed for its warm and sophisticated (read: anti-megaplex) design, its adjacent Magnolia Bar and the diversity of its film offerings. The Magnolia is a consistent favorite among Dallas film lovers—and a steady draw every night of the week.

Reason #3 (and the primary reason to include West Village on your places-to-see-during-the-conference list): The retail mix is full of surprises.

In addition to familiar brands such as Banana Republic, Gap and Polo Ralph Lauren, you’ll find up-and coming chains like Paciugo Gelato, makers of authentic, all-natural Italian ice cream, sans the cream. The West Village location, one of 43 in the U.S. and Mexico, just unveiled a redesign that features brightly colored gelato spoons—suspended in a resin tabletop and dangling from a chandelier.

Foodie alert: In honor of its Dallas roots (the concept was created by an Italian couple who moved to The Big D in 2000), Paciugo just introduced a new flavor, Texas pecan sea salt caramel. Mmmm.

Gelato in hand, cross the street and step inside award-winning Spa Habitat, an “organic spa and apothecary” that—true to its creed—occupies a repurposed cottage. Its homey charm, mismatched wood-plank floor and Anthropologie vibe are the antithesis of modern spa design.

Next, stroll over to Gardens, the sister store to a 26-year-old Austin, Texas emporium, and see how the simplest of materials and artful merchandising combine to create pure enchantment. Then check out Cowboy Cool, an urban Western/biker/rocker couturier that counts Madonna, Kid Rock and Billy Bob Thornton among its customers. The store’s horseshoe-shaped cash wrap, crocodile carpet and wood-paneled ceiling are a fitting backdrop for merchandise such as the $2,700 Liberty White Devil boots.

Now cross McKinney Avenue and pay a visit to Floyd’s 99 Barbershop, where the only similarity to its Mayberry namesake is the no-appointment-necessary policy. Rock posters plaster the walls of this rapidly expanding, Denver-based franchise (41 locations nationwide) where music blares and each experience ends with a shoulder massage.

West Village offers several restaurant options, most with outdoor seating, so it’s a good option for a late-September evening out in Dallas. It’s an easy drive from The Adolphus, and an even easier trolley ride if you want the full Uptown neighborhood experience. See the trolley schedule here, and a full list/map of West Village stores and restaurants here.