Garland Square is perfect for a date night or a Sunday fun day with the family. | Photo via Downtown Garland District
City Editor Maiya here. I’ve passed through the neighboring city of Garland many times, but never really explored the area — until now.
After the reopening of the Square in October 2023, the town — located about 20 miles northeast of Dallas — has since become a place that locally supports innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the community.
Here are the stops I’d add to a perfect day downtown in the “Rose of Texas.”
Main Street Cafe | Known for its delicious food and friendly atmosphere, this is a popular spot for locals looking for comfort meals.
Mrs. J’s Heav’nly Delights | Grab freshly baked cookies, candy, and more to fuel your day. Pro tip: Homemade toffee can be found here and any flavor is a must-try item.
Boogie Nights Vintage | Find timeless pieces at this unique vintage store. Plus, enjoy a free margarita as you shop for your next show-stopping outfit. Pro tip: The store hosts Facebook lives selling many of its vintage finds. You can also shop online on their eBay store.
Made Here in Garland | From vintage toys to little trinkets, you can meet a friend while you get a few pieces tailored for your next event.
State & Main Merchant | The specialty grocery store is a must-see stop for date night or a night out on the square. Try this: Buy a bottle of wine for a picnic at the square — open containers are allowed downtown.
Metaphysical Way | Learn about crystals and pick up your favorite incense for relaxation.
Infinity Arcade | This arcade bar offers a variety of arcade games from classics to virtual reality.
Los Angeles vs. Texas Rangers | Thursday, Sept. 5 | 7:05 p.m. | Globe Life Field | $8-$76 | Watch the Rangers take to the plate against the Los Angeles Angels.
First Friday Fitness | Friday, Sept. 6-Friday, Dec. 6 | Times vary | MLK, Jr. Community Center | Free | Start the month on the right foot with meditation, snacks, and mental health tips — call 214-670-8418 to RSVP.
Fortnite Global Championship | Saturday, Sept. 7-Sunday, Sept. 8 | 12 p.m. | Dickies Arena | $42-$85 | Pairs from around the world compete for a $2 million prize pool.
Hot Wheels Legends Tour Dallas | Saturday, Sept. 7 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | 2225 W. Interstate 20 | Free | Watch as teams from around the world drop from the Battle Bus to compete for a $2 million prize pool in this video game tournament.
A New York Mediterranean spot is coming to Uptown in spring 2025. Avra will have its first Texas location +feature imported seafood and traditional Greek dishes. Its bar will also include Greek-inspired cocktails and wines from around the world. (CultureMap Dallas)
Biz
A Texas favorite announced big changes coming soon: Whataburger’s Chief Executive Ed Stroud will retire. He’s been with the fast food giant for 20 years and has played a big part in the restaurant’s expansion. Former Starbucks executive Debbie Stroud will take over for the company. (WFAA)
Community
Lake Highland’s Women’s League will be hosting a mahjong tournament on Thursday, Sept. 19 at the Kaycee Club. Proceeds will be used to distribute grants and scholarships for local nonprofits and LHHS students. Tickets can be purchased online ($400 for a table, $125 per person). (Lake Highlands Advocate)
Eat
The first-ever Dallas Moon Festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7 at Flag Pole Hill Park. Celebrate Asian culture as the community showcases cuisine and products of China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia. The free event starts at 4 p.m.
Weather
Bringing back the 90s — after a rainy start to the week, the sunshine will return today and usher us into “fall” weather with temperatures in the high 80s and low 90s. Check the 14-day forecast from WFAA meteorologist Pete Delkus.
Plan Ahead
Cirque du Soleil will mix theatrical production with country music at the Music Hall at Fair Park from Wednesday, Sept. 25 – Sunday, Oct. 20 during the State Fair of Texas. You can buy your tickets for the journey into country music now.
Development
Fort Worth announced more plans for its latest convention center. The $700 million center will include a new southeast entrance, food + beverage facilities, and a demolition of the annex. The second phase of the center will begin construction in 2025. (Dallas Business Journal)
Sports
What would be the best Mavericks starting lineup? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Dallas Mavericks with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Festival
The countdown is on for the 38th Annual GrapeFest (hint: it’s only a week away). Enjoy four full days of wine-filled festivities in Grapevine from Thursday, Sept. 12 to Sunday, Sept. 15. Don’t have your tickets yet? Grab tickets + see the full event schedule.*
Theater
Prepare for a fairy tale finish during this two-and-a-half-hour ballet adaptation of the timeless classic, “Cinderella.” Catch the performance at Winspear Opera House from Friday, Sept. 13 through Sunday, Sept. 15. Don’t miss out — grab tickets.*
Real Estate
What do single-family detached homes and townhomes, maintenance-free living, and next-level amenities have in common? You can find them all in this Princeton rental community. Book a tour.*
The Garland Gaggle board located inside of Graland’s States & Main showcases those who have joined the Gaggle family. | Photo via DALtoday
Decorated toy geese have taken over Garland. What started as a personal project for a grandmother soon captivated many and rose to popularity in the community. The feathered creations have led to the Garland Gaggle, a tradition for locals.
The geese are now a beloved feature that can be purchased at State and Main and the Urban Market at Garland Square. At the shop, the toy geese can be seen on a board with pictures from other “Gagglers,” who have dressed them up in seasonal outfits, their favorite football team’s uniforms, and other outfits all handcrafted by co-owner Erica Wise’s grandmother.
Symbolizing the joy of creativity and community spirit, the geese have become more than just decoration, but a token of shared celebration and the warmth found in the community. Take a gander at the next Urban Market on Saturday, Sept. 14.
What are some other wacky city traditions we should highlight? Let us know.
Who is one person you feel deserves a spotlight in the community? We love being able to highlight making a difference, starting a new business, or making moves in the community. Don’t be shy — hit our line so we can give them their roses.
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