Okay so it’s not 1000 degrees but there are moments you just can’t cool off...
In my last blog, I talked about connection and maybe you thought 'yeah, but where do I really start?' Possibly you are new to town, or like me many of your friends moved away or honestly it’s just too hot to try. Energy begets energy and sometimes we have to catapult ourselves out of our routine and try something new! This has a huge effect on our mood, enjoyment of life and neuro-plasticity. Just last week someone in my office was talking about an elderly aunt who is so sharp, lively and healthy, we all asked what her secret was and the answer, “She just loves life!” What a secret and when was that last time you really “loved life”, the life you love rarely falls in your lap you have to go out and “love” it, create it and take it by the horns.
Well here are a few ideas to hopefully spark some curiosity, fun and a little bit of life that you may not have thought of or known about. I challenge you to get out and Love Where You Live. Parents this is a great 'last hurrah before school starts" list!
Fun Places to spark your Curiosity (Dallas-area)
The Secret Life of Money: Bureau of Engraving and Printing (Fort Worth)
Did you know over half of the paper money in the United States is printed right here in North Texas? There are only two currency printing facilities in the entire country (the other is in Washington D.C.), and the Fort Worth location offers free public tours.
The Forgotten Electric Trains: Interurban Railway Museum (Plano)
Before highways and cars dominated the Metroplex, North Texas was connected by the Texas Electric Railway—a massive network of electric train cars that ran all the way from Denison down to Waco.
The Architecture of Play: National Videogame Museum (Frisco)
While it might sound to a parent like an excuse just to play more games, this museum is actually a deep dive into computer science, engineering, and the history of technology. And for the adult who loves video games secretly or not, you will love this!
The Wild Detectives (Oak Cliff, Dallas)
Housed in a renovated 1940s craftsman house, this independent bookstore doubles as a bar and coffee shop. It is a massive community hub that regularly hosts poetry readings, local music, and workshops. It's the perfect place to grab a local beer or an empanada, sit elbow-to-elbow with neighbors, and escape the sun.
The Rare Book Room at Half Price Books Flagship (Dallas)
Many locals know the massive flagship store, but the tucked-away Rare Book Room is a quiet, museum-like escape. It’s a low-key, heavily air-conditioned spot where you can browse historic texts and mingle with other local book lovers and collectors.
Texoma Region
Pen & Page Weathered Books (Denison)
Located right on Main Street in Denison, this isn't just a bookstore—it's a community gathering place. They offer a curated selection of gently used books and a fascinating collection of vintage magazines from the 1950s-70s. With complimentary coffee, cold drinks, and cozy seating, it's designed to be a spot where locals come to hang out and unwind in the AC.
Downtown Denison Art Galleries
Denison has quietly built a robust arts community. You can spend an afternoon gallery hopping entirely indoors. 517 Gallery, Sparrow Gallery, Mary Karam Studio, Goodwill Artworks, and other small Galleries in beautiful Downtown Denison.
Heard-Craig Center for the Arts (McKinney)
Located in the heart of downtown McKinney, this historic home and art museum is a beautiful, heavily air-conditioned step back in time. They host community events, art history lectures, and specific club meetings. Taking one of their guided historical tours (offered Tuesdays and Thursdays) is a low-key way to meet other history and art enthusiasts.
The Recreation Center at Towne Lake (McKinney)
If you are looking for a community hub for active play without the heat, this is it. While the park outside is great, the indoor facility features a game room (pool, Xbox, foosball), an open gymnasium with scheduled open play sports (basketball, volleyball, pickleball), and even a massive indoor play structure with slides for the kids. It’s a very casual, family-friendly gathering spot.
