Bishop Arts District
Back in November I headed up to Dallas to photograph the Bishop Arts District for an upcoming magazine article. When I’d mention it in casual conversation (i.e. “Where have your travels taken you lately?”) I was amazed at how many people came out of the woodwork to say that they loved Bishop Arts. Nearly every time I mention that I’ve been there, people start gushing; before this trip, it wasn’t even on my radar. So here’s the skinny for the uninitiated. For lack of a better term, The Bishop Arts District is a boutique shopping and leisure district in the heart of North Oak Cliff. While “retail therapy” opportunities abound, the area also houses bars, restaurants, art galleries and theaters. In a word, it’s charming.
I stayed at the Belmont Hotel, a funky renovated 1940’s motor hotel. This is the front of the unit where we stayed; it had a gorgeous nighttime view of the downtown Dallas skyline. But figuring out how to get down to this section of the hotel was near impossible at night.
L: Guest room at the Belmont Hotel; R: Mini-chandelier at Laughing Willow
Laughing Willow offers an eclectic selection of wares, everything from vintage wedding dresses to fashionable clothes, shoes and costume jewelry.
L: More from Laughing Willow; R: Prints at We Are 1976
We Are 1976 offers an assortment of gifts and unusual knick knacks: stationery, art prints, curios, and decor items. I asked the husband/wife team who owns the store where they got the name. "It's the year we were born."
These two rule the roost at Green Pet, which only carries all-natural pet food.
One of the owners, Leslie, with her "staff." I think the pup on the right is the bouncer.
Love this fence that joins two buildings. I asked my musical genius daughter if she could identify this piece of music and she didn't hesitate at all. "That's easy. It's Scott Joplin's Maple Leaf Rag." Thanks, Anna.
If you're in Dallas but not staying in the Bishop Arts District, it's easy to get there via the D-Link.
This is Society, which might be described as a home boutique. It's a super small space but FULL of wonderful things!
Society is very well known for its candles. When you walk in the store, the luscious aromas make out with your nose.
The Emporium is a pie shop that sometimes has a line streaming outside the door and down the sidewalk. It was quiet the day I was there.
Home on Bishop has a signature line of body products that are super popular.
They also carry a limited selection of clothing and accessories. This little clutch is one of their best-sellers.
Indigo 1745 is another clothing/home boutique. The merch is reason enough to pay them a visit, but co-owner Denise is worth the trip alone. She's fabulous.
After I'd photographed everything I needed to, I met up with Farah (aka The Dallas Diva) who actually wrote the text for the Bishop Arts article. I really enjoyed working with her. She recommended Hattie's for lunch, which offers southern "comfort" food with an elegant modern flair. It was indeed delicious.
