SEEKING SOLACE IN AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT

BY EMILY TOMAN PHOTOS BY KIM LEESON

While it might not rival New York or Chicago’s urban pandemonium, Dallas is a bustling city with its share of high-stress professions, crowded scenes, road rage and those intermittent heartaches to which no human is immune. If you know where to look, you’ll find our neighborhood offers respite from the daily grind or occasional trauma in the form of peaceful nooks, comforting crannies and uplifting activities. Here, find a guide to our readers’ and our own favorite escapes.

Centerpark Garden At Northpark Center

Drawing millions of visitors each month, our neighborhood’s sprawling shopping mall may not seem like an ideal place to find your Zen.

Loyal patrons know, however, that NorthPark is different. With its clean modern lines, impressive fine art collection and lush green space, the place has become nationally revered for being more than a mall.

The 1.4-acre garden at the retail giant’s center features canopies of 45-year-old live oaks and red oaks (90 trees in all) as well as colorful blooms. It’s common to find people lounging on the lawn with a blanket and a book.

Kristen Gibbins, NorthPark’s publicist and a Preston Hollow resident, says the quietest times at the mall are during weekday afternoons.

CenterPark Garden isn’t the only place to escape the crowds.

“There’s a hidden spot within the food plaza,” Gibbins says.

Right in the middle of the mall’s busy food court is the compluvium, an outdoor eating area enclosed in glass and open to the sky. Other quiet dining options include the patios at Bread Winners or La Duni, if you can get in just after the lunch rush but right before happy hour.

Museum Of Biblical Art

The beautiful space at the Museum of Biblical Art (7500 Park Lane) is a thoughtful retreat for those who appreciate art and architecture (it’s become a popular place to exchange wedding vows). The museum burned to the ground in 2005 but came back to life about three years ago, demonstrating a special kind of resilience. Sit on the benches in the center atrium and reflect on the biblically themed sculptures that draw from different religions and denominations.

Robert W. Decherd, Robbie Good

Brandon Hancock, Michael Hellmann

Daniel Huerta, Max Kalhammer

Dr. Gail Thomas, Willis Winters

Preston Hollow

UNITED METHODIST

PRAYER LABYRINTH

Situated off the busy Walnut Hill thoroughfare, the prayer labyrinth in front of Preston Hollow United Methodist Church isn’t exactly a quiet place.

But even as cars roar past, hurrying to their destinations east and west on the six-lane road, it’s easy to get lost in the labyrinth. Figuratively, that is.

“It’s a place where you can go to center yourself and let go of any need to direct your own path,” says assistant pastor Adam Young. “It has become a sacred space.”

Dating back thousands of years, a labyrinth differs from a maze in that the single path always leads to the center. It’s not a puzzle to solve but rather a

“prayer in motion.”

“You’re walking with God,” Young says. William R. Morris III created this one three years ago for his Eagle Scout project. Carefully placed stones outline the grassy path, framed by two wooden benches.

It’s one of the rare places in Preston Hollow where traffic noise can become almost soothing and perhaps even aid meditation.

Young says the labyrinth’s location is deliberate, making the space accessible to anyone who wants to walk up and use it.

Corner Booth At Inwood Lounge

The dark, neon-lined tavern accompanying the historic Inwood Theatre provides a perfect spot to unwind with a martini (take your pick of concoctions ranging from fruity to chocolaty). At the back of the bar is a cozy booth offset from the rest of the space. Go for happy hour 5-7 p.m. weekdays when martinis are just $5.

Unity Church Of Dallas Prayer Chapel

On the first Thursday of each month, the Unity Church of Dallas (6525 Forest) hosts a meditation class from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the John Webster Prayer Chapel. A $10 love offering is accepted. The building backs up to a creek with a bridge and walking path well suited for quiet time.

The Gents Place Of Preston Hollow

This high-end spa is the neighborhood man cave if there ever was one. Sip a complimentary beverage or two (whiskey, anyone?), and get pampered from head to toe. The rustic ambiance of The Gents Place (10720 Preston) resembles an underground lodge. It’s quiet, and there’s no awkward pressure to make small talk.

Bachman Lake

It’s no White Rock, but there’s plenty to enjoy about Bachman Lake, which sits right on the western edge of our neighborhood at Shorecrest and Northwest Highway.

The trail around the lake is too narrow to accommodate both cyclists and pedestrians, relieving some of the stress related to navigating such scenarios.

Besides providing the home base for the Dallas Rowing Club and its regattas, the lake attracts mostly casual users — walkers, joggers and dog-walkers. Fishermen also frequent the lake for its steady supply of catfish.

Arrive at sunrise to avoid the heat and traffic. You also can watch planes take off from Dallas Love Field, flying low over the lake.

For an evening visit, the picturesque patio at Bugatti Ristorante (3802 W. Northwest Highway) overlooks Bachman Lake.

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• Low student – teacher ratio

• ITBS (Iowa Test of Basic Skills) scores an average of 2.5 years above grade level nationally

• Music/Fine Arts, Religion, Spanish, Technology and Athletics Programs

• Age 2 through 6th grade programs

• Before and after school care programs

• Traditional educational curriculum blended with integrated technology

214-368-1371 | www.orlcs.com

7611 Park Ln, Dallas, TX 75225

Call for a Tour

Ages 2-6 yrs • AMS Affiliated For nearly 30 years we have been giving children the opportunity to develop at their own pace in a safe and nurturing environment.

• Computer

• Chinese

• Spanish

• Ballet

• Drama

• Godly Play

• Chess Class

• Gymnastics

• Fine Art

7900 Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX 75225 214.363.9391 www.stchristophersmontessori.com

Ranked "Most Challenging Schools in America" by Washington Post

AND IT WORKS!

972-502-4400 l woodrowwildcats.org

Northaven Trail

Leave the iPod at home, and walk, jog or bike the Northaven Trail, which winds through the residential streets of Northaven from Valleydale to Preston, for now. Admire the wildflowers and discover neighborhood gems such as Congregation Tiferet Israel’s community garden, located right off the trail near Dealey Park.

Meadows Museum Plaza And Sculpture Garden

You don’t have to venture inside Southern Methodist University’s acclaimed museum to soak up the artistic energy (although we’d recommend doing so anyway). The Meadows Museum Plaza and Sculpture Garden out front features impressive landscaping and benches where visitors can admire sculptures by some of the country’s most revered artists.

At the center of the garden is “Sho,” by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. The stainless steel mesh sculpture stands 13 feet tall and depicts a young Chinese woman’s head, prompting viewers to ponder how our lives are made up of millions of other tiny elements and processes.

For the sculpture’s full effect, visit the garden at night when the art is lit up from underneath. Don’t miss the overlook of Santiago Calatrava’s “Wave.”

Preston Royal Library

Sometimes, the best place to find solace is in a book, and our neighborhood library has a selection that holds its own against the chain bookstores.

“Our community is pretty well read,” says Amy Priour, manger of the Preston Royal Branch Library, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Preston Royal is one of the most heavily used branches in the city. During the first three months of the year, almost 23,000 people visited the library and checked out 127,000 items.

The branch carries a number of bestsellers because readers re-

Adrift Float Spa

For some serious alone time, step into the “personal floatation facility” at Adrift Float Spa (8315 Preston), which has received acclaim for its relaxation service, the only one of its kind in Dallas. You’ll float in a dark, silent tank and likely slip into a sensory-deprived, trance-like state.

quest them. Titles shipped from other branches often remain at Preston Royal.

Despite its high traffic, the library is full of great reading nooks solitary chairs hidden away behind the shelves.

“Fridays are typically very quiet for us,” Priour says. She says the library still attracts patrons from the early days.

“To them, this is the neighborhood library they grew up with.”

TEMPLE EMANU-EL OLAN SANCTUARY

Long hailed as one of Howard Meyer’s finest architectural works, everything about the mid-century building and grounds of Temple Emanu-El inspires awe. A quiet moment in the Olan Sanctuary provides peace during times of stress while making all of life’s trivial pursuits melt away.

White Rock Creek Trail

This seven-mile-long hike and bike trail winds along the creek past Medical City Hospital. The journey starts in our neighborhood, and if you keep going under the High Five, you’ll eventually end up at White Rock Lake, where peaceful places abound.

CLAIRE’S CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL

8202 Boedeker Dr., / (214) 368-4047 / clairesdayschool.com At CCDS, we encourage a child’s sense of exploration and discovery in a loving, nurturing, and safe environment. We offer a parent’s day out program with a play-based curriculum fostering socialization, motor skill development, and an introduction to academics for children aged 4mo – 3yrs. Our preschool for children aged 3-5 further develops these skills, along with a more focused approach to pre-math and prereading. At CCDS, we have developed our own science, math, and reading enrichment classes to ensure kindergarten preparedness for every child. We make learning fun!

Dallas Academy

950 Tiffany Way, Dallas 75218 / 214.324.1481 / dallas-academy.com

Founded in 1965, Dallas Academy’s mission is to restore the promise of full academic enrichment to students with learning differences in grades 1-12. A meaningful connection with each student is established to overcome barriers to success. Dallas Academy offers students an effective program and strategies to meet the special educational needs of bright students with learning differences, while including the activities of a larger, more traditional school. Classes are small, with a student-teacher ratio of 6 to 1 where students are encouraged, praised, and guided toward achieving their goals. Diagnostic testing is available to students throughout the community.

The Kessler School

Pre K – 6th Grade / 1215 Turner Ave, Dallas TX 75208 / 214-942-2220 / www. thekesserschool.com

The Kessler School offers an innovative academic environment that gives students a solid foundation, confidence, and a love of learning. Located just minutes from downtown Dallas; The Kessler School’s mission is to “educate the whole child,” and provides an individualized approach to teaching – meeting the student where their needs are. Students are educated socially through community time, physically through daily PE, academically through a wellrounded curriculum, and spiritually through a fostering of awareness and individual growth.

Lakehill Preparatory School

Leading to Success. 2720 Hillside Dr., Dallas 75214 / 214.826.2931 / lakehillprep. org Kindergarten through Grade 12 - Lakehill Preparatory School takes the word preparatory in its name very seriously. Throughout a student’s academic career, Lakehill builds an educational program that achieves its goal of enabling graduates to attend the finest, most rigorous universities of choice. Lakehill combines a robust, college-preparatory curriculum with opportunities for personal growth, individual enrichment, and community involvement. From kindergarten through high school, every Lakehill student is encouraged to strive, challenged to succeed, and inspired to excel.

Our Redeemer Lutheran School Of Dallas

7611 Park Ln, Dallas, TX 75225 / 214368-1371, ext 238 or carolb@orlcs.com www.orlcs.com At Our Redeemer Lutheran School, your child will receive more than academic excellence and a creative, individualized approach. For over 50 years, our caring, dedicated faculty has introduced positive Christian values—giving students a solid foundation to grow in love and commitment to God, family, community and individual excellence! Our affordable tuition is possible through the loving support of our sponsor congregation, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Call for a private tour and see why students and their families love our school! Limited spaces available for Fall. See ad for more details.

Spanish House

5740 Prospect Ave. & 4411 Skillman / 214-826-4410 / DallasSpanishHouse.com

Spanish House is a Spanish immersion school with two Lakewood locations for children ages 3 months - Kindergarten. We offer half-day and full-day programs, with extended care available from 7:30am - 6:00pm. We also offer after-school and Saturday classes for PK and elementary-aged students, both onand off-site. Additionally, we have an adult Spanish program for beginning, intermediate and advanced students.

ST. CHRISTOPHER’S MONTESSORI SCHOOL

7900 Lovers Ln. / 214.363.9391 stchristophersmontessori.com St. Christopher’s Montessori School has been serving families in the DFW area for over a quarter of a century. We are affiliated with the American Montessori Society and our teachers are certified Montessori instructors. Additionally our staff has obtained other complimentary educational degrees and certifications, including having a registered nurse on staff. Our bright and attractive environment, and highly qualified staff, ensures your child will grow and develop in an educationally sound, AMS certified loving program. Now Enrolling.

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

848 Harter Rd., Dallas 75218 / 214.328.9131 / stjohnsschool.org Founded in 1953, St. John’s is an independent, co-educational day school for Pre-K through Grade 8. With a tradition for academic excellence, St. John’s programs include a challenging curriculum in a Christian environment along with instruction in the visual and performing arts, Spanish, German, French, and opportunities for athletics and community service.St. John’s goal for its students is to develop a love for learning, service to others, and leadership grounded in love, humility, and wisdom. Accredited by ISAS, SAES, and the Texas Education Agency.

Ut Dallas Chess Camp

800 W. Campbell Rd., Richardson 75080 / (972) 883-4899 / utdallas.edu/chess ) 2014

Summer Chess Camp Campers learn while they PLAY. Chess develops reading, math, critical and analytical skills, and builds character and self-esteem. Just don’t tell the kids…they think chess is fun! Join beginner, intermediate or advanced chess classes for ages 7 to 13 on the UT Dallas campus. Morning (9am-noon) or afternoon (1-4pm) sessions are available June 9-13, June 16-20, July 14-18, July 21-25 and extended playing classes. Camp includes t-shirt, chess board and pieces, trophy, certificate, score book, group photo, snacks and drinks. Instructors are from among UT Dallas Chess Team PanAm Intercollegiate Champions for 2010-2012!

White Rock North School

9727 White Rock Trail Dallas / 214.348.7410 / WhiteRockNorthSchool.com

6 Weeks through 6th Grade. Our accelerated curriculum provides opportunity for intellectual and physical development in a loving and nurturing environment. Character-building and civic responsibility are stressed. Facilities include indoor swimming pool, skating rink, updated playground, and state-of-the-art technology lab. Kids Club on the Corner provides meaningful after-school experiences. Summer Camp offers field trips, swimming, and a balance of indoor and outdoor activities designed around fun-filled themes. Accredited by SACS. Call for a tour of the campus.

Woodrow Wilson High School

100 S. Glasgow Dallas 75214 / 972-502-4400 / woodrowwildcats.org

Washington Post’s 2014 list of Most Challenging High Schools in America. A proven college preparation program and a true high school experience. Woodrow graduates attend, year after year, our state’s and country’s finest colleges, often with meaningful scholarships. With academic programs equaling the best private and magnet schools, Woodrow’s diverse student body also enjoys a traditional high school offering arts, music, dance, theater, math and science clubs, debate and writing competitions and a broad, inclusive and successful sports program, with cheerleaders and drill team. “It’s all at Woodrow and it works.”

Zion Lutheran School

6121 E. Lovers Ln. Dallas / 214.363.1630 / ziondallas. org Toddler care thru 8th Grade. Serving Dallas for over 58 years offering a quality education in a Christ-centered learning environment. Degreed educators minister to the academic, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of students and their families. Before and after school programs, Extended Care, Parents Day Out, athletics, fine arts, integrated technology, Spanish, outdoor education, Accelerated Reader, advanced math placement, and student government. Accredited by National Lutheran School & Texas District Accreditation Commissions and TANS. Contact Principal Jeff Thorman.

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WALTON’S GARDEN CENTER

Celebrate the 4th of July in Style! Visit us for a fabulous organic gardening experience, and a gift store bursting with fun home accessories for every occasion.