August 2025 by societylife

EditorTalk SL

ASK AN EXPERT

“Expert advice is the shortcut to wisdom without the cost of mistakes.”

August is here, and with it comes a blend of excitement, fresh starts, and maybe just a touch of chaos as families return to school. At Society Life, we know this is a month of transitions as we wrap up summer, sharpen our pencils, and set new goals—so our August issue is designed to inspire, inform, and equip you for the season ahead.

ELENA ELLIS

Publisher

/ Editorial Director

Our cover theme, “Expert Advice,” is all about connecting you with the professionals who can make life’s challenges easier to navigate. In this month’s special Q&A section, you’ll hear directly from a top local attorney who understands the value of clear, practical legal guidance (page 31); a trusted local roofing company that has built a reputation on family tradition, integrity and quality craftsmanship (page 18); a skilled dental practice bringing exceptional care to our community (page 22); a business specializing in PEMF pain therapy to help you live and move with less discomfort (page 24); a mortgage lender who can help open the door to your dream home (page 29); and Medicare advocates who can untangle the complexities of your coverage and planning (page 27). Each expert shares their insight, tips, and real-world advice to the most common questions they get to help you make confident decisions (starting on page 16).

We’re also excited to bring you our quarterly Society Kids section (page 32). Inside you’ll find helpful listings to keep you organized and on track as the new school year begins, plus parenting topics, creative ideas, and inspiring local stories. We’ve designed this section to be both a reference guide and a dose of encouragement for families, because back-to-school is about more than just supply lists—it’s about preparing our kids to shine. And since summer isn’t quite over yet, we’ve included plenty of family-friendly events and activities to savor these final long days. Whether you’re looking for a fun festival or something new to try with the kids, you’ll find ideas to keep your weekend calendar full. This issue celebrates the experts who help us solve problems and successful life transitions as we head back-to-school. We hope you enjoy every page and find something here that sparks an idea, answers a question, or simply makes you smile. Here’s to fresh starts, expert advice, and savoring the last days of summer.

elena@societylifemagazine.com

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FaithFull SL

STRENGTHEN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND LIVE A FULFILLING, FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN LIFE by Watermark Waves

Valuing Expertise While Trusting God Above All

The Bible paints a balanced picture of expertise. It recognizes the incredible value of skill, wisdom and specialized knowledge, yet it places these gifts under the higher authority of God’s truth. Throughout Scripture, we see examples of talented individuals whose abilities were used for God’s purposes, but also sober warnings against the dangers of pride, arrogance, and the misuse of knowledge. True expertise, according to the Bible, must be rooted in humility, guided by God and aligned with His Word.

VALUING EXPERTISE AND SKILL From ancient kings to humble craftsmen, the Bible affirms that skill and wisdom are blessings from God. King Solomon, considered the wisest man of his time, received his extraordinary wisdom directly from the Lord. His expertise in governance, judgment, and understanding was not self-made—it was divinely given. This serves as a reminder that all abilities ultimately come from God’s hand. The Bible also honors those with practical skills. In Exodus, God specifically appointed skilled artisans to build the Tabernacle, filling them “with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge, and with all kinds of skills” (Exodus 31:3). These craftsmen were not just talented—they were Spirit-empowered to use their abilities for holy purposes. Expertise also plays a role in guidance and decision-making. Proverbs 11:14 tells us, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Seeking input from some experienced, trustworthy advisors can protect us from poor choices and provide a clearer path forward.

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS While the Bible affirms expertise, it also issues strong cautions. Knowledge can easily become a source of pride if we begin to rely on our own wisdom instead of God’s. Proverbs 3:7 warns, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” This is a call to remain humble, acknowledging that our understanding is limited without God’s guidance. Jesus also addressed the misuse of expertise. In Luke 11:46, He criticized the experts in the law who placed heavy burdens on people without offering help. This shows that skill and knowledge can be abused when they lack compassion and servant-heartedness. The Bible further warns against false teachers—those who appear knowledgeable yet lead others astray (2 Peter 2:1). Such individuals misuse their influence for selfish gain, reminding us that discernment is essential when we are deciding whose expertise to trust.

THE ROLE OF GOD’S WORD Ultimately, the Bible teaches that God’s Word is the highest authority and the truest source of wisdom.

Psalm 119:99 says, “I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your statutes are my meditation.” No matter how skilled or knowledgeable a person may be, human understanding should be measured against Scripture. God’s truth provides the foundation for evaluating and applying any expertise.

From the artistry of Tabernacle builders to the leadership of wise counselors, Scripture shows expertise can be a gift from God meant to serve. Expertise isn’t simply about possessing knowledge—it’s about applying it in alignment with His purposes. When our skills are surrendered to Him, they become tools for blessing others. They strengthen the body of Christ and advance His kingdom. In this way, we avoid pitfalls of pride and misuse of abilities, choosing to glorify the One who gave us those gifts in the first place. In the end, the wisest course is to value expertise, seek wise counsel, and remember that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10)—a truth that keeps knowledge grounded in eternal perspective.

PUBLISHER / CREATIVE DIRECTOR

ELENA ELLIS 817.657.2948 ELENA@societylifemagazine.com

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR COMMUNITY LIAISON

DEBBIE ROACH DEBBIE@societylifemagazine.com

ADVERTISING

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ADMINISTRATION CINDIA LEE

PRODUCTION

CHERYL RYBKA

DISTRIBUTION STEWART CHASE

PHOTOGRAPHERS

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COLUMNISTS / WRITERS

SANDY LOWE

JON SALINSKY

SHANNON SALINSKY

JESSICA SERNA

JENNIFER SLOAN

KATIE-ROSE WATSON

INTERESTED IN FREELANCE OPPORTUNITIES? Society Life is always looking for talented writers and photographers to join our team. Interested in more details, email: info@societylifemagazine.com

Cover2Cover SL

LADY OR THE TIGER

RIPE READS BOOK REVIEWS BY SANDY LOWE

The Wild West meets a woman on a rampage in the YA novel Lady or the Tiger by Heather Herrman. When teenager Alice Springer’s mother is brutally murdered in her presence, she finds herself in the clutches of an abusive man who lets her cool her heels in an insane asylum until she is ready to escape by marrying him. Chapters jump chronologically to and fro from her time in the asylum to joining an itinerant entertaining troupe to singing in the opera halls of Europe to a dirt-floored jail in Dodge City, Kansas.

Alice uses the stage name Belle King and captures the imagination of the dust-beaten denizens of the Wild West. Much of their interest has to do with the location of the Queen’s Ransom—reported to be the largest diamond in the world and reportedly in Belle’s possession. A group of men even come together to form a league with the aim to free her.

Author Heather Herrman excels at setting the stage for all of the action taking place in this novel. Descriptions are so crystal clear that you can almost feel the dust in the air of Dodge City, the hot heat of the spotlights on the opera house stage and the despair hanging in the air of Eastern Kentucky Lunatic Asylum.

An actual tiger, named Omisha, which means “spirit of death,” plays an important part in the story. Omisha is a gift to Alice from her true love, Cal. Together they display her as part of their traveling troupe. Alice loves Omisha deeply, and grieves the tiger’s lack of freedom. Alice calls Omisha the only one who “does not ask me to give up who I am.” But Alice also senses that Omisha poses a physical danger to all involved, much like Alice herself. She develops the courage to dance with the tiger and that journey through fear to action echoes much of her journey throughout the story.

Cal, who is the son of a rancher who was murdered by Alice’s husband, acts as “the Birdman” in the traveling troupe. His trained birds play a very important part in Alice’s escape. Alice’s final solution to her struggles is also a violent one, but the only way she sees to escape.

One of the characters describes Alice as “the one who had to do all those horrible things just to stay alive.” Her story hinges on a significant level of violence as she tries to find freedom and herself. As Herrman says at the end of her Author’s Note, “This book is my response to a world and industry that too often claims a happily ever after starts with someone else.”

Teenage killer whose trial is upended when her ﬁrst victim, her husband, arrives alive with a story to tell

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Heather Herrman holds an MFA from New Mexico State University, where she was fortunate enough to study with Antonya Nelson, Robert Boswell, and Kevin McIlvoy. Her work has appeared in various publications including the Alaska Quarterly, the South Carolina Review, and Snake Nation Review. Her fiction has also garnered the Frank Waters Prize in fiction and earned a scholarship to the Prague Writers Program.

Are you a published author who lives in Dallas-Fort Worth and would like your book considered for a review, please email: elena@societylifemagazine.com

PHOTOGRAPHY ................. Lorraine Haan-Stewart Spiral Photography

PICTURED ........ DAVID MARTIN & SON ROOFING

(pictured from left to right) Jake Martin with David Martin and Jennifer Martin and their dog Macallen

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TidBits A SMALL PART OF A BIGGER STORY

GET READY FOR THE NATIONAL ALPACA FARM DAYS

Mark your calendars now—National Alpaca Farm Days is coming to Keller September 27–28, and it’s all free! From 9am to 5pm at 8600 Indian Knoll Trail, meet these gentle, doe-eyed animals and maybe even get a sweet alpaca kiss. Chat with local fiber artists, learn the fascinating history of alpacas, and see how their luxurious fleece— once reserved for royalty—is transformed into wearable art. Enjoy live demonstrations of spinning and crafting, then shop for hand-spun yarn, cozy socks, scarves, hats, sweaters, blankets, and more—perfect for early holiday gifts. Meet the farm’s young helpers, many involved in 4-H and FFA, and stop by DJ’s Farm Store for unique finds. Come for the alpacas, stay for the smiles!

DjsClassicAlpacas.com

NORTH TEXAS PERFORMING ARTS ANNOUNCES SILVER THEATRE FOR SENIORS 62+

North Texas Performing Arts is launching NTPA Silver Theatre, a dedicated company for adults 62+ who want to take the stage, join a cast, and experience the thrill of live performance. This new initiative continues NTPA’s mission to make theatre accessible to all—joining its acclaimed Deaf Theatre, Starcatchers Theatre for actors with disabilities, and other underserved communities. “This program isn’t just about theatre—it’s about creating a community of fun-loving seniors who want to laugh, to learn, and to live life to the fullest,” says NTPA CEO Darrell Rodenbaugh. “Whether you’re 65 or 95, there’s a place for you in NTPA Silver Theatre, and the spotlight is waiting!” Led by veteran NTPA Resident Director Zayde Vetter, whose experience includes assisted living and senior care— Silver Theatre combines his passion for the stage with a belief in the joy, creativity, and community seniors bring to productions. The inaugural show will be Guys and Dolls (Senior Theatre adaptation), opening February 13, 2026. Rehearsals are twice weekly during the day, with four performances per production. Participants can enjoy the social, emotional, and health benefits of theatre while making lasting friendships. Auditions are now open for Guys and Dolls, and interested patrons can find more information, view rehearsal schedules, and sign up to audition at:

PRIMARY HEART ATTACK CENTER ACCREDITATION

METHODIST SOUTHLAKE EARNED GOLD SEAL OF APPROVAL

In just under a year and a half since launching its heart attack program, Methodist Southlake Medical Center has reached a milestone that speaks volumes about its mission and dedication. The hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s prestigious Gold Seal of Approval® as a Primary Heart Attack Center (PHAC)—a recognition that reflects both an unwavering commitment to patient safety and the highest national standards for care. “This certification validates the commitment and dedication of the entire hospital for this community,” says hospital President Benson Chacko, FACHE. “It’s another step in our pursuit to become the trusted provider of choice in our community.”

To achieve this honor, Methodist Southlake underwent an intensive onsite review in May 2025, where The Joint Commission assessed its compliance with rigorous national standards for heart attack care. These benchmarks covered every stage of treatment—from emergency response to cardiac catheterization laboratory services and inpatient care. Since February 2024, Methodist Southlake has offered 24/7 coverage for patients experiencing severe heart attacks—a crucial requirement for accreditation. This around-the-clock readiness ensures that lifesaving treatment is always available, no matter the hour. “This certification reflects our team’s commitment to delivering rapid, evidence-based, high-quality care,” says Dr. Anas Alomar, cardiologist on the medical staff. “For our community, it offers peace of mind knowing that expert, lifesaving treatment is available close to home when every second counts.” Behind the scenes, preparation for certification meant months of strategic planning. Methodist Southlake assembled multidisciplinary teams to refine and streamline heart attack care across multiple units. The goal was simple but critical: reduce treatment delays and enhance communication between departments. By working together with speed and precision, the team minimizes the time between the first onset of symptoms and life-saving intervention—helping to preserve heart muscle and save lives.

The Joint Commission’s standards are no small feat. Developed in collaboration with healthcare and measurement experts, providers, and patients—and grounded in scientific evidence—they serve as a blueprint for continuous performance improvement. “We commend Methodist Southlake Medical Center for its commitment to advance safety, quality, equity and compassion for all patients,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, Chief Nursing Officer and Executive Vice President of Accreditation and Certification Operations for The Joint Commission.

At Methodist Southlake, excellence in medicine is matched by a culture of compassion. From the moment a patient arrives, the focus is on more than just treatment—it’s on comfort, confidence, and care that feels personal. Because here, how you feel is just as important as how you heal. That’s the Methodist Southlake difference—and it’s redefining what healthcare can be.

TICKET ANNOUNCEMENT CHRISTMAS CAPITAL OF TEXAS

The Christmas Capital of Texas has exciting ticket news for Grapevine’s upcoming holiday celebrations! Mark your calendars— tickets for Grapevine’s magical holiday experiences—including the anticipated and beloved Santa’s North Pole Express, go on sale Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 10am CT. You can climb aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s luxury 1920s-era coaches and step into a winter wonderland filled with classic Christmas singalongs, jolly elves, and unforgettable visits with Santa Claus himself for the kids. This cherished tradition kicks off Friday, November 28, setting the stage for the city’s dazzling Christmas Capital of Texas season. On October 1, tickets will also be available for other holiday favorites: Christmas Wine Trains, classic Christmas movies at the Historic Palace Theatre, Christmas Cartoons & Crafts at Lancaster Theatre, Hometown Christmas at the Grapevine Tower Gallery, Elf Adventure at Settlement to City Museums, Historic Nash Farm Christmas events, and also Christmas at the Grapevine Observation Tower. Plan ahead for all of their festive highlights—tickets for Christmas concerts at the Historic Palace Theatre went on sale Tuesday, July 22, and tickets for ICE! at the Gaylord Texan Resort started selling Thursday, July 24. Voted Best Christmas Town in the U.S. by Newsweek readers in 2024, Grapevine transforms into a holiday paradise each year, drawing visitors from all around the country to experience its unmatched charm. Do not miss your chance to make magical memories at Christmas Capital of Texas with your family and friends. ‘Tis the season for fun!

ChristmasCapitalOfTexas.com.

SL TidBits

EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC CLASSIC THEATER NO TIME MACHINE REQUIRED

In the heart of North Fort Worth, just minutes from the historic Stockyards, the Stolen Shakespeare Guild (SSG) has been captivating audiences for nearly two decades. In its 19th year, this nonprofit professional theater company is the only one of its kind in North Fort Worth, dedicated to uniting and enriching the community through preservation and celebration of classic theater. Founded and directed by Lauren and Jason Morgan, SSG has earned a reputation for producing polished, engaging performances that rival much larger theaters—while maintaining an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. Productions are staged at the troupe’s main theater at 3623 Decatur Avenue, with ticket prices ranging from $23–$26 per person (plus a modest $2.60 online service fee). Audiences can enjoy matinee (2pm) and evening (7:30 or 8pm) performances, making it easy to fit world-class theater into busy schedules. The 2025–2026 season is set to be one of SSG’s most ambitious yet, featuring a mix of mystery, Shakespearean wit, royal intrigue, and holiday tradition:

A Murder is Announced ........... September 19–28, 2025 Twelfth Night .............. October 10–November 2, 2025 Richard III ..................... October 17–November 1, 2025

A Christmas Carol ..................... December 5–21, 2025

Patrons praise the troupe’s artistry and consistency. “This is the best professional theater troupe in North Texas,” says longtime supporter Paula K. Parrish, CFRE, who holds a degree in Drama and Theatre History. Her husband, Larry M. Parrish, who has a BA in Drama and an MFA in Scenic and Lighting Design from SMU, agrees: “Every show is simply fantastic! We bought season tickets because the quality never wavers.” Beyond entertainment, SSG plays an important role in keeping the classics alive—introducing new generations to Shakespeare’s timeless themes, while also exploring works from other celebrated playwrights. The troupe’s dedication to both tradition and innovation has solidified its place as a cultural gem in Fort Worth’s thriving arts scene. With its upcoming season promising suspense, laughter, and heartfelt moments, Stolen Shakespeare Guild continues to prove that great theater doesn’t just belong on Broadway—it thrives right here in Fort Worth.

tickets: stolenshakespeareguild.org or (817) 988-2058

Q&A exper t advice

with DAVID & JENNIFER MARTIN

DAVID MARTIN & SON ROOFING

with DR. GREG GIST & DR. CARTER HAYES GIST & HAYES RESTORATIVE /COSMETIC DENTISTRY

with DREW WILSON - PEMF RECOVERY PLUS

with DIANA & STEWART SCOTHORN - THE BENEFIT LINK MEDICARE ADVOCATES

with BRADLEY VICK - DEFENDER MORTGAGE

with TRACEY L. JUSTICE - JUSTICE LAW FIRM, PC

SL

Getting expert advice is like watching perfectly crafted gears lock into place—each one turning smoothly to drive progress forward. And, just as gears must align to keep a machine running at its best, expert guidance ensures every decision works in harmony toward your goals. With their specialized knowledge and real-world experience, professionals can help you navigate challenges, avoid costly mistakes, and uncover opportunities you might not see on your own. Whether it’s your roof, your health, your ﬁnances, or your legal needs, their insight keeps everything moving in the right direction. Now, let’s hear from our experts…

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COVER STORY

EXPERT ADVICE

A FAMILY TRADITION OF LOYALTY, LONGEVITY & A LEGACY OF PROTECTION

TOP DOGS OF TEXAS ROOFING

In Texas, the skies don’t just change — they come with a personality. One week, your rooftop’s frying like a skillet, and the next it’s taking hits from hail the size of baseballs. But here, it’s not only about just weathering the storms — it’s about outlasting them. That’s a mindset David Martin & Son Roofing has nailed down since 1996. Nearly three decades later, they’ve seen it all: triple-digit heat waves, sideways rain, gutter-ripping wind. But what makes this story worth telling isn’t the storms they’ve battled — it’s the family that’s stood tall through every one of them. Cowboy hats, loyal canines, and a commitment as steady as the Texas sun — David Martin & Son Roofing has been keeping North Texas homes covered with pride and precision for almost 30 years. But this isn’t just a tale of shingles and storms. It’s about legacy, grit and loyalty — the kind you build one roof, one relationship, one promise at a time. PICTURE THIS: a stretch of open Texas land, a trusty pickup, and a cowboy-hatted crew with roofing in their DNA, and a dog riding shotgun. ON OUR COVER: David Martin, wife and business partner Jennifer, their son Jake, and Macallen — one of the family’s two loyal 4-legged foremen. It’s not just a photo — it’s a living portrait of the values they live by: hard work, tradition and protection from the top down. Three decades. Two generations. One unshakable reputation.

SL

EXPERT ADVICE Q&A

Straight Talk from David & Jennifer Martin of David Martin & Son Rooﬁng

Q: What should local homeowners look for when choosing a roofer in Texas? David: First off, make sure they’re local and insured. After every storm, you’ll see trucks with outof-state plates. Don’t be fooled by flashy salesmen—ask who’s actually doing the work. If the owner’s not involved, you might end up with more problems than you started with.

Q: Can a rooﬁng contractor in Texas pay my insurance deductible? Jennifer: No. Under a Texas House Bill passed in 2019, it’s now illegal for roofing contractors to waive, absorb, or help you avoid paying deductibles. The law reinforces Texas Insurance Code and requires contracts over $1,000 to state that homeowners must pay their deductible.

Q: How can I tell if my roof really needs to be replaced or just repaired? David: That’s where honesty really comes in. We always tell people—not every roof needs replacing. Sometimes a simple repair will do the trick. If a company’s only answer is “new roof,” it’s best to get a second opinion.

Q: How do you help homeowners with their insurance claims? Jennifer: We walk them through the whole thing—start to finish. We’ll meet the adjuster, review all the claim paperwork, and even help challenge denied or underpaid claims. We’ve handled hundreds of them, so we know what to look for.

Q: Why do so many of your past customers come back or refer friends? David: We treat their homes like they’re our own. Roofing is not just a job—it’s a relationship. And, people remember when you show up, do what you say, and stand behind your work. That’s what keeps ‘em coming back.

A TEXAS-SIZED COMMITMENT

For nearly 30 years, David Martin & Son Roofing has done more than fix leaks—they’ve restored trust in an industry where it’s often the first thing to go missing. In a sea of fly-by-night storm chasers, this family-owned business has built a rock-solid reputation based on their three guiding principles— trust, quality and integrity. “If it’s not good enough for our own home, it’s not good enough for yours,”admits David Martin. And they mean it. You’ll often find David or Jennifer—in boots and tool belts—on top of roofs themselves, inspecting work and guiding crews with hands-on leadership. Their motto says it all: “We build relationships one roof at a time.”

David Martin & Son Roofing is among the most referred and trusted roofing companies in Texas. Their excellence has earned them five consecutive ‘Tops in Tarrant’ awards as the ‘Top Roofing Company in Tarrant County’ (from 2021–2025). In addition to numerous accolades, ‘Best of’ nominations and awards, both David and Jennifer have been inducted into Marquis Who’s Who.

THE BACKBONE OF THE BUSINESS

While David’s the face under the hat, Jennifer is the force behind the scenes— and often on the roof. A first-generation Vietnamese immigrant, Jennifer came to the U.S. with grit in her bones and a determination to succeed. After managing her parents’ businesses and spending years working in dental offices, she brought her sharp mind and relentless work ethic to the roofing world. She now runs materials, contracts, job sites, and insurance claims. Known for her uncanny ability to diagnose roofing issues over the phone, she’s become a legend in her own right. “I can usually tell what’s going on just by listening,” she says with a smile. Under Jennifer’s leadership, the company has won “Best Roofer” in Colleyville, Fort Worth, and across Tarrant County. She’s also been nationally recognized herself for breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry.

Behind the scenes, Jennifer’s influence shapes the business and inspires others. “She’s a powerhouse,” David proudly says. “I might be the cowboy hat, but she’s the compass.” Beyond managing day-to-day operations, she mentors women and supports young entrepreneurs. “If we invest in people, the work takes care of itself,” she says. Known for her integrity and dedication, she leads the company to exceed industry standards—using top-quality materials and guiding homeowners through the insurance process with clear, compassionate communication. Her commitment extends beyond business, supporting local causes and building relationships that reflect her belief in treating every customer like a neighbor.

BUILT BY WORD-OF-MOUTH, BACKED BY COMMUNITY

They’ve roofed more than half of the homes in one North Texas community of just over 100 homes—including 10 houses twice. They didn’t build their strong reputation with gimmicks or noise. Their billboard is word-of-mouth. Their marketing is a neighbor saying, “I trust them. You should, too.” But it’s not just about roofing. The Martins believe deeply in giving back. From cash donations to rebuild local baseball fields for students, to supporting school programs, cheer squads, and environmental initiatives like Save Eagle Mountain Lake—they’re as committed to their community as they are to quality craftsmanship.

KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY

The Martin legacy is being carried forward by their son, Jake Martin, who brings with him a new energy and an impressive resume. At only 23 years old, Jake is already stepping into leadership. A graduate of the University of Arkansas, Jake earned Cum Laude honors in business while also serving as VP of Internal Programming for Beta Theta Pi, and taking on roles such as Diversity Chair and Resident Assistant. Before college, Jake attended Nolan Catholic High School in Fort Worth, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and logged over 200 hours of community service. From student council to varsity choir and cross-country, Jake’s leadership journey started early. Now he’s learning the ropes of the family roofing business—bringing fresh ideas, a sharp business mind, and the same exact values his parents’ company was started with back in 1996.

DOGS ON DUTY

Their German Shepherd Macallen and Black Lab Honey aren’t just mascots— they’re part of the crew. They’ve ridden in the trucks, walked the job sites, and graced the company’s magazine articles. Around town, they’re known as the four-legged foremen. But the real watchdog is David himself. Known for his detailed inspections and perfectionist standards, he often revisits their completed projects to make sure that everything is still holding strong. Even the insurance companies call on him now for inspections because they trust his word.

TRADITION WORTH PROTECTING

What really sets David Martin & Son Roofing apart, though, is the culture they’ve cultivated—one of loyalty, mutual respect, and genuine care—for customers, crews, and the community. Their team is made up of skilled professionals, many of whom have been with them for a decade or more. “We treat our crews like family,” says Jennifer. “That’s why they treat our customers like family, too.” That trust shows in the details—like crews cleaning every nail off a property. It’s why you find David himself knocking on doors just to check in weeks after a job is done. “Roofs may be our product—but people are our purpose,” David boasts.

THE WATCHDOGS OF THE ROOFING INDUSTRY

In a state like Texas where our wild weather attracts shady contractors like buzzards after a storm, David Martin & Son is the steady presence. The local watchdogs—they live here and work here. Storm damage? Tree limbs? Leaky flashing? Rodents in the attic? They’ve seen it all—and solved it all. They’ll even meet your insurance adjuster and advocate for you on your behalf. That’s the level of service they believe Texas homeowners deserve.

A LEGACY BUILT TO LAST

At its core, this is more than a roofing company—it’s a family tradition built on faith, hard work, and the belief that your home deserves the same care as their own. After nearly three decades, two generations, countless awards, and thousands of happy customers, the Martins aren’t just raising roofs—they’re raising standards. And if you ask Macallen and Honey, it’s all in a day’s work.

SL Q&A exper t advice

with DR. GREG GIST & DR. CARTER HAYES

GIST & HAYES DENTISTRY

GIST & HAYES

For over 40 years, this superior dental practice has been a ﬁxture in Southlake, consistently delivering unparalleled dental care. Their commitment to excellence has cultivated a loyal base of patients who demand the highest quality of care. Patients from across the United States and beyond seek out their clinical expertise and world class dentistry.

RESTORATIVE / COSMETIC

RESTORATIVE / COSMETIC DENTISTRY

This practice does not subscribe to any managed care philosophies. They believe relationship-driven healthcare is the gold standard. They take time to understand you and your unique needs—offering a level of care rarely found.

Q: How long have you been in business? We have been privileged to treat patients from all over the country at this same location in Southlake for over 40 years. Our restorative studio was constructed around the way I love to practice. It was built with large oversized operatories and panoramic ceiling-to-floor windows that bring a sense of art and extreme views of the beautiful property that our office has been on for all these years! Together with the most amazing dental team in America, we aim to be a blessing to every patient we meet.

Q: I hide my smile, but I’m afraid ﬁxing it will hurt, what options do I have? If you have been hiding your smile, putting up with pain or putting off going to the dentist—we offer patients our safe sedation dental techniques which means you can have years of dental treatments done quickly and with little to no discomfort at all! I confidently guarantee you the finest, safest and most comfortable care in dentistry. All of our cases can be accomplished with oral sedation, so that we can be efficient with our patient’s busy schedules, as well as to be able to put our most anxious patients at ease. Sedation is your answer.

Q: Is it really important to get my teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months? Preventive dental care is very important throughout your life, no matter what your age! By practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular cleanings you can help keep your smile bright and healthy for many years to come. Our hygiene staff looks for early signs of gum disease and other issues that might plague the mouth and your overall health.

Q: Do you offer your patients ﬁnancing options? Yes we do! My practice offers a 3-year 0% interest financing option for our patients who need comprehensive restorative and cosmetic dentistry. You can now finance that beautiful smile with First Financial Bank—who is our preferred lender and my local bank for four decades. We also accept Care Credit—the nation’s leading patient financing program. We are excited to offer a special promotion for new patients joining our practice. It includes a no-charge diagnostic work-up, valued at $500 and provides a comprehensive exam with Dr. Gist or Dr. Hayes, fullmouth X-rays, digital smile photos, digital intraoral photographs, and comprehensive treatment plan—all at no cost to you. It does not include a hygiene appointment and you must mention this offer when you schedule your first appointment with us.

Q: Is it true my failing dentistry could be making me sick? Yes, it is possible and that’s why I only uses biocompatible and time-tested materials that support your systemic, periodontal and aesthetic health. It’s important to understand that dental biofilm—the recurring bacteria that forms daily in your mouth and under failing dentistry—affects your systemic health. Bacterial growth referred to as ‘sepsis’ leaks into your blood system through periodontal ligaments and the pulp chambers of all teeth. This bacterial invasion

effects the gums, making them bleed, opening up more entry portals for further bacteria infiltration. If these bacteria infect your blood, they are instantly in every organ of your body. This is why studies emerge each year connecting dental and/or periodontal infections with a vast array of systemic disease—like cardiovascular and cerebrovascular pathology, lung infections, and new research shows a link to certain cancers. I advise that patients seek out a dental professional that has a firm handle on the concept of dental sepsis as it relates to any restorative procedures. Using infection-free materials and aggressive control of this dental sepsis is a radically different approach than many patients have been exposed to in the past and one that’s making them healthier now and into their future!

Q: Why don’t you accept insurance? We believe that a patient should have the final say as to the level of care that they want to pursue. Decisions made by insurance companies tend to best serve insurance companies. This is why my dental practice has no managed care philosophies in place. Being relationship driven, we know patients by name, not insurance coverage! We believe fee for service and relationship driven healthcare is the gold standard of quality for our patients. We want to get to know you and your specific needs. We invite you to experience The Gist Way!

SL Q&A exper t advice

with CO-FOUNDERS, DREW

WILSON & HENRY HART

Q: What is PEMF Therapy? PEMF stands for Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy. It uses low-level electromagnetic waves to stimulate the body's natural healing processes by restoring the electrical charge in stressed or damaged cells. This helps your body function as it should, reducing pain, boosting circulation, and speeding up recovery. PEMF is not new or experimental, it has been FDA-approved for various medical uses since 1979 and is supported by decades of scientific research as a safe, noninvasive, and drug-free approach to pain relief and tissue repair.

Q: What makes PEMF Recovery Plus different? At PEMF Recovery Plus, we believe no one should have to live with daily pain, and real relief should be accessible, affordable, and available on your schedule. Backed by science with proven results, our goal is to make effective, non-invasive healing available to anyone ready to reduce pain, move freely, and feel better—anytime. Whether you’re managing a pain condition, recovering from surgery, easing muscle tension or pushing through intense training, we’re here to help you heal, recover, and feel your best. Unlike traditional clinics that depend on prescriptions or invasive treatments, we provide round-the-clock access to professional-grade PEMF therapy through a flexible, affordable membership.

Struggling with daily pain, inﬂammation or fatigue? You’re not alone—and relief is possible. At PEMF Recovery Plus, sciencebacked therapy offers drug-free, non-surgical pain relief and faster recovery. FDA-approved for multiple conditions, PEMF helps restore your body’s natural ability to heal. Take control of your pain.

RECOVERY PLUS PEMF

Q: Who beneﬁts from PEMF Therapy? If you struggle with chronic pain, neuropathy, inflammation, insomnia, joint pain/stiffness, sport injuries, arthritis, or back pain, PEMF therapy offers a safe, drug-free way to find relief. It’s also a favorite for anyone looking to improve circulation, heal faster after injury, and recover quicker from workouts or intense activity. By recharging your body at the cellular level, PEMF helps reduce discomfort, restore mobility, and gets you back to doing the things you love faster and with less pain.

Q: How does PEMF Therapy work? PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy boosts your body’s natural energy at the cellular level allowing it to function as it is supposed to. When pain, aging or inflammation disrupts cellular function, PEMF helps recharge and restore balance. It improves circulation, increases oxygenation, reduces inflammation and accelerates tissue repair helping you heal faster and feel better naturally.

Q: How does PEMF therapy feel? PEMF therapy is comfortable and noninvasive. Clients describe a light pulsing or tapping sensation. Nine out of ten members experience at least a 75% pain reduction within 15 sessions. PEMF therapy helps reduce chronic pain by supercharging your cells— restoring your body’s natural ability to recover, recharge and return to what you love. Designed for everybody, every lifestyle.

Q: How many sessions will I need? Every body heals differently. Some feel relief after one session, while others need consistent treatments for lasting results. We’ll work with you to create a plan to fit your recovery goals.

Q: What can PEMF Recovery Plus clients expect? With 24/7 PEMF availability and daily sessions for Peak Members, plus no long-term contracts, our focus is on your recovery-on your terms. We’re committed to making healing accessible by combining advanced technology with a mission to help you feel better anytime, any day of the year.

Q: Curious what PEMF can do for you? Try it completely free with no pressure or obligation. Book your free session and experience firsthand how PEMF therapy accelerates healing, eases pain, and boosts recovery. The only way to understand the benefits is to experience PEMF yourself. Once you do, your mind and body will appreciate it. Please schedule your free session today by scanning the QR code below or call us directly.

SL Q&A exper t advice

with OWNERS, DIANA & STEWART SCOTHORN

LINK THE BENEFIT

Q: What does The Beneﬁt Link offer?

The Benefit Link specializes in helping clients obtain their best coverage for Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), as well as life insurance, plus cancer, dental and vision plans. With over 30 years of experience, we’re licensed insurance agents who can advocate on behalf of our clients to find plans that suit their unique needs. We offer no-cost consultations to help you avoid high Medicare medical bills.

Q: Is Medicare just for seniors? Not at all. While most participants are over 65, there are several ways to qualify for Medicare at a younger age. And although we specialize in working with mature adults, we are able to guide anyone through the Medicare process regardless of age. If you want to understand eligibility and enrollment, our experts are here to help 24/7.

The Beneﬁt Link, founded by Diana and Stewart Scothorn, offers free, objective Medicare Supplement guidance nationwide. Available daily, they serve as a trusted link between seniors and their insurance—providing personalized support and advocacy to ensure clients feel informed, cared for, and conﬁdent in their decisions.

Q: How much does your service cost? Our services are always completely free to our clients. Medicare Supplement plans are standardized by the federal government, meaning the coverage remains the same across carriers. What varies most is the cost, the company stability, and their customer service—which we will help you evaluate.

Q: Are you connected to any one speciﬁc insurance agency? No. We are completely independent and not tied to an insurance carrier. This full independence allows us to compare plans from nearly every major insurance company. We research premium trends and rate increases, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Q: Why should we choose The Beneﬁt Link over another beneﬁts coordinator?

We provide 100% objective guidance with a client-first approach. At The Benefit Link, we strive to offer a level of service and excellence often missing today. We truly value building relationships and offer trusted support for all of your Medicare needs. And, although Medicare is standardized, there are many supplement and plan options that can be confusing. We take the time to understand your situation and help you select the plan that best fits your individual needs—making the process feel human, not corporate.

Q: Why Medicare advocacy? Founder Diana Scothorn’s passion is rooted in her own experience. Her sister was diagnosed with diabetes at age seven, received a kidney transplant by 20 and was on Medicare by 23. Sadly, she passed away at 35. Diana also helped her parents navigate Medicare as they battled cancer and COPD. These experiences inspired her to serve others with empathy, knowledge, and a deep desire to offer peace-of-mind.

Q: Is The Beneﬁt Link only for signing up for Medicare? No. Our relationship doesn’t end after enrollment. We offer ongoing support and also help with life and health insurance needs across the country. Clients know they can call us at any time— not just once a year.

Q: What sets The Beneﬁt Link apart? Our team knows that healthcare is not one-size-fits-all. The Benefit Link stands in the gap for all people who need real guidance and care—especially those on a fixed budget. We’re committed to helping you find coverage that’s truly right for you and being a blessing to those we help.

SL Q&A exper t advice

with BROKER & FOUNDER, BRADLEY VICK

DEFENDER

Q: What sets Defender Mortgage apart?

We’re proud to be a veteran-owned and operated company, and that background shapes everything we do. We understand the importance of integrity, service, and trust—values we bring to every relationship. Whether you’re buying your first home or refinancing your fifth, we’re committed to making the mortgage process stress-free, fast and transparent. We don’t believe in any cookie-cutter solutions—so we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs.

Q: What mortgage options do you offer?

Defender Mortgage offers a wide range of competitive loan options—from FHA to VA to conventional and jumbo loans. We also provide access to down payment assistance programs for qualifying buyers. We’re not locked into one-size-fits-all solutions with multiple lending partner options. Whether a first-time buyer, refinancing, or purchasing an investment property, we’ll help you find a loan that fits your goals and timeline.

Defender Mortgage, led by military veteran Bradley Vick, offers honest, personalized mortgage solutions. Their experienced team makes homebuying smooth and stressfree—staying current with market trends to ﬁnd your best options. Service and expertise come together to support your path. Defender Mortgage: where trust meets homeownership.

MORTGAGE

Q: How does the mortgage process work with Defender Mortgage? We strive to keep things simple. It starts with an easy conversation—we get to know your financial goals, current situation and future plans. From there, we’ll walk you through available loan options and help you choose what’s right for you. Once you’re ready, we will handle the paperwork, communication with lenders, and all of the behind-the-scenes details. Our goal is to keep you informed without overwhelming you—so you can stay focused on your life, not your loan.

Q: How do you stay competitive in today’s fast-changing market? It’s true that the mortgage landscape is constantly evolving, and we stay ahead by closely monitoring market trends and lender offerings. Our independence means we compare multiple options and rates, ensuring our clients get the most competitive deal available. We also invest in modern tools and technology to streamline the process—making it faster, more transparent, and efficient. It’s about combining innovation with personalized service to deliver the very best experience.

Q: I’m a ﬁrst-time homebuyer and unsure where to start. Can Defender Mortgage help? First-time buyers are some of our favorite clients to work with. We take extra time to explain the entire process—from

pre-approval to closing. We promise to help you understand your buying power, then compare options, and even connect you with trusted local professionals like realtors and insurance agents. We know that buying your first home can be overwhelming, so we’re here to simplify the process and make it exciting—not stressful.

Q: What’s your philosophy when it comes to working with clients? Our philosophy is simple: we do the hard work so you can focus on what matters—whether that’s moving into your new home, growing your family, or planning for the future. We’re not just here to close a loan—we’re here to build lasting relationships. We will be your partners in this process, and always just a call or text away. At Defender Mortgage, you’re not just a file—you’re family.

SL Q&A exper t advice

with SENIOR ATTORNEY, TRACEY L. JUSTICE

When life gets complicated— whether through divorce, custody or family conflict—Justice Law Firm is here to help you find clarity. Based in Southlake, our trusted attorneys bring empathy, experience and proven results to the table. We don’t just represent you—we help you move forward with confidence and peace-of-mind.

LAW FIRM, PC JUSTICE

Q: What inspired you to start Justice Law Firm? I founded this firm with a simple, yet powerful goal to combine both high quality legal representation and genuine compassion. Whether guiding someone through a divorce or celebrating the joy of adoption, I wanted clients to feel seen, heard and supported—because legal issues are rarely just legal, they’re personal.

Q: How do you tailor your services to each case? We deliver large-firm quality with small-firm attention. Clients are never just case numbers—they’re people going through deeply emotional experiences. We offer personalized legal strategies, clear communication, and a team that genuinely cares. That’s what sets us apart. We want every client to walk out feeling heard, empowered and hopeful. Clients choose us because of our community reputation and blend of strategy and empathy. Whether you’re navigating custody disputes, divorce,

or protective orders, our approach is both thorough and respectful—focused on real solutions rather than just legal technicalities

Q: What types of cases do you handle? We focus on family law, collaborative law, and estate planning—from divorce and custody to adoption, domestic violence, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, child support, and grandparents rights. We also help clients with wills, trusts, and other estate planning matters. Our aim is to be a steady hand through every chapter of a family’s journey.

Q: Tell us a bit about your background. Before becoming an attorney, I earned a degree in psychology from Baylor, became a licensed Realtor, and even ran a daycare center. Each experience helped shape how I understand and relate to people. I earned my J.D. from Texas Wesleyan in 2001, then became a certified mediator, and later gained credentials to mediate complex family cases involving children. Today, I’m licensed in Texas and in Federal Court for the Northern District of Texas.

Q: How do you deﬁne success? For me, it’s not just about billable hours or court wins. It’s about seeing a client’s relief when they realize they’re not alone. It’s a team that feels fulfilled and clients who feel protected. Success is walking in purpose and making a difference— whether that’s in the courtroom, in my community, or in a child’s life.

Q: How does your team support clients through sensitive family matters using collaborative law? As a certified mediator with decades of experience, I am able to bring a balance of assertive advocacy and compassionate guidance to every case. Whether it’s a divorce, custody dispute, or another emotionally charged family issue, I apply collaborative law principles to help families reach practical, long-term solutions. By anticipating legal challenges and then focusing on respectful and family-centered outcomes, I support clients through their difficult life transitions with clarity and care.

Q: What can clients expect when hiring Justice Law Firm? At Justice Law Firm, we always take the time to truly listen, tailor strategies to your unique situation, and stand by you every step of the journey. We are more than just legal counsel—we are a trusted partner through life’s most pivotal moments—offering clients guidance with integrity, compassion and confidence. When you need justice, we’re here.

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SOCIETY KIDS

Society Life’s Quarterly Family, Parenting and Child-focused section promises content for parents by parents, Healthy Kids and Moms, Momilies and Fatherhood You can submit the achievements of your amazing kids to our editorial team to be considered for a feature in Society Kids.

WATCH FOR EACH QUARTERLY SECTION FEBRUARY, MAY, AUGUST AND NOVEMBER

LOCAL & ONLINE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Argyle ISD K thru 12th 6701 Canyon Falls Drive Flower Mound, Texas 76226 phone: 940.464.7241 website: ArgyleISD.com

Birdville ISD K thru 12th

6125 E. Belknap Street Haltom City, Texas 76117 phone: 817.547.5700 website: BirdvilleSchools.net

Carroll ISD K thru 12th

2400 North Carroll Avenue Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: 817.949.8222 website: SouthlakeCarroll.edu

Coppell ISD K thru 12th

200 South Denton Tap Road Coppell, Texas 75019

phone: 214.496.6000 website: COPPELLisd.com

Grapevine-Colleyville ISD K thru 12th 3051 Ira E. Woods Avenue Grapevine, Texas 76051 phone: 817.251.5200 website: GCisd.net

Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD K thru 12th 1849 Central Drive Bedford, Texas 76022 phone: 817.283.4461 website: HEBISD.edu

Irving ISD K thru 12th 2621 West Airport Freeway Irving, Texas 75062 phone: 972.600.5000 website: IRVINGisd.net

iUniversity Prep Online Public School Grades: 5th thru 12th 4344 A Heritage Avenue Grapevine, Texas 76051 phone: 817.305.4895 website: iUniversityPrep.org

K12 Free Online Public Schools of Texas Grades: K thru 12th phone: 866.968.7512 website: k12.com/schoolﬁnder

Keller ISD K thru 12th 350 Keller Parkway Keller, Texas 76248 phone: 817.744.1000 website: KellerISD.net

Lewisville ISD K thru 12th 1565 West Main Street Lewisville, Texas 75067 phone: 469.713.5200 website: Lisd.net

Northwest ISD K thru 12th 2001 Texan Drive Justin, Texas 76247 phone: 817.215.0000 website: NISDtx.org

LOCAL CHARTER SCHOOLS

Westlake Academy K thru 12th

2600 J. T. Ottinger Road Westlake, Texas 76262

phone: 817.490.5757 website: WestlakeAcademy.org

Founders Classical Academy

Carrollton - K thru 12th

Coppell - K thru 6th

East Lewisville - K thru 6th

Flower Mound - K thru 12th

Fort Worth - K thru 8th

Lewisville - K thru 12th

phone: 972.316.3663 website: FoundersClassical.com

ILTexas - International Leadership of Texas

Arlington - K thru 8th

Arlington-Grand Prairie - High School

Garlan - K thru 8th

Garland - High School

Grand Prairie - K thru 8th

Keller - K thru 8th

Keller-Saginaw - High School

ILTexas Lancaster - K thru 8th

Lancaster-DeSoto - High School

Mansﬁeld Heritage - K thru 8th

North Richland Hills - K thru 8th

Saginaw - K thru 8th

Woodhaven - K thru 8th

phone: 972.479.9078

email: Communications@iltexas.org website: ILTexas.org

Children who develop a genuine love for learning are naturally driven to explore new skills and knowledge while strengthening what they already know. They gain conﬁdence and self-esteem as they master new concepts — and that true sense of accomplishment fuels determination to keep going, even when challenges arise. Give your children — and yourself — the tools and resources to start the new school year off empowered and ready to succeed.

HOME SCHOOLING

Acellus Academy

Accredited Online School phone: 866.684.6127 website: AcellusAcademy.com

iUniversity Prep

Online Public School

Grades: 5th thru 12th

4344 A Heritage Avenue

Grapevine, Texas 76051

phone: 817.305.4895 website: iUniversityPrep.org

K12 Free Online

Public Schools of Texas

Grades: K thru 12th

phone: 866.968.7512 website: k12.com/schoolﬁnder

MC2 Homeschool Co-op

phone: 817.403-7331 website: Mc2Mentoring.com

NETCACHE

North East Tarrant County Association of Christian Home Educators

email: Chair@netcache.org website: NetCache.org

Power Homeschool

phone: 800.941.8100 website: powerhomeschool.org

Texas Connections Academy

Free Online Public School phone: 833.591.0251 website: connectionsacademy.com/texas

Texas Home School Coalition phone: 806.744.4441 website: THSC.org

TEST PREP AND TUTORING SERVICES

Best Brains Learning Centers Locations in: Coppell - West, Flower Mound, Irving, Justin, Keller, Las Colinas, Northlake and Southlake

phone: 800.817.1025

email: info@BestBrains.com website: BestBrains.com

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TEST PREP AND TUTORING SERVICES

(continued from last page)

Brain Balance Achievement Centers at Home Virtual Coaching phone: 800.877.5500 website: BrainBalanceCenters.com

Brain Synx Education Center 2615 Southlake Blvd, Suite 100 Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: 817.421.0023 website: BrainSynx.com

C2 Education Centers website: c2educate.com

Carrollton ..................... 214.483.3800 Coppell ........................ 972.906.7100

Flower Mound ............. 972.410.3600 Southlake ...................... 817.310.5555

Club Z In-Home Tutoring Services toll free: 866.442.2582 website: ClubZtutoring.com

Eye Level Learning Center Locations in: Coppell, Colleyville, Carrolton - Castle Hills, and Irving phone: 214.558.3945 website: MyEyeLevel.com

Gideon Math & Reading Center website: GideonMathandReading.com

Colleyville ................... 817.398.4192 Keller ............................. 214.584.6525 Southlake ..................... 817.382.7323

Head of the Class Academic Center

151 Quest Court, Keller, Texas 76248 phone: 817.741.6997 email: info@headoftheclass.co website: HeadOfTheClass.co

Huntington Learning Center

820 South MacArthur, Unit 104 Coppell, Texas 75019

phone: 972.745.4343 website: HuntingtonHelps.com

Kumon Math & Reading Center

1.800.ABC.MATH [1.800.222.6284] website: Kumon.com North

KLP Tutoring 204 S Main Street, Suite 200 Keller, Texas, 76248 phone: 817. 228.4366 website: KLPtutoring.com

MathnasiumThe Math Learning Center website: Mathnasium.com

972.393.6284 Keller ............................. 817.732.6284 Saginaw ........................ 817.386.7255 Southlake ...................... 817.421.1900 Trophy Club ................. 817.491.2969

My Bilingual Tot & More 2814 Mona Vale Road

Trophy Club, Texas 76262 phone: 970.306.8448 website: MyBilingualTot.com

School Tutoring Academy phone: 877.545.7737 (PREP) website: SchoolTutoring.com

Southlake Tutoring Academy

2801 East Southlake Boulevard

Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: 682.477.4089 website: SouthlakeTutoringAcademy.com

Sylvan Learning Center phone: 888.338.2283 website: sylvanlearning.com

North Fort Worth ............ 682.800.5553

Southlake & Keller ......... 682.895.5372

Flower Mound ............... 469.848.0424

Coppell ........................ 945.231.3490

Irving ........................ 945.231.0362 Carrollton & Lewisville ..... 469.817.9470

The Reading Ranch

Reading & Literacy Tutorial Centers website: ReadingRanch.com

Argyle ........................... 214.449.1406

Coppell ......................... 214.449.1406 Fort Worth/Alliance ..... 469.235.2064

Lewisville ....................... 214.449.1406

Southlake ...................... 214.449.1406

The Tutoring Center 41121 Flower Mound Road, Suite 550 Flower Mound, Texas 75028 phone: 972.874-1999 website: TutoringCenter.com

Tutor Doctor

In-home tutoring plus 2 locations: North Fort Worth ......... 817.381.4112 Keller ............................. 817.502.9247 website: TutorDoctor.com

Varsity Tutors

Private in-home and online tutoring. Next gen, AI advanced. Live Tutoring that delivers real results. phone: 800. 803.4058 website: VarsityTutors.com

WyzAnt Tutors

Private in-home and online tutoring. website: WyzAnt.com

COLLEGE PREP AND TESTING

Boost My ACT Test Prep Workshops

Serving Southlake, Trophy Club, Grapevine, Keller, Argyle, Flower Mound, Colleyville, Roanoke, Westlake, Justin, Fort Worth since 2012. website: EducationMotivationTX.com

Big Future by The College Board

Enter to Win $40,000 and $500 Scholarships. No essay, no minimum GPA or test score requirements. Just follow the steps for chances to win. The more steps you complete and the earlier you start, the more chances you have to win! website: BigFuture.CollegeBoard.org

Bybee College Prep

630 E. Southlake Blvd., Suite 61 Southlake, Texas 76092 phone: 817.203.3026

website: BybeeCollegePrep.com

C2 Education Centers

Locations in: Carrollton, Coppell, Flower Mound, and Southlake website: c2educate.com

Club Z In-Home Tutoring Services

toll free: 866.442.2582 website: ClubZtutoring.com

College Prep Genius

College Prep Genius Class/eCourse to raise your SAT score 600 points phone: 817.282.PREP (7737) website: CollegePrepGenius.com

CollegePrep 101

College planning checklist, test prep and online tools. website: CollegePrep101.com

Elite Prep Southlake

410 West Southlake Boulevard Southlake, TX 76092 phone: 817.752.9088 website: ElitePrep.com/southlake

Head of the Class Academic Center 151 Quest Court, Keller, Texas 76248 phone: 817.741.6997 email: info@headoftheclass.co website: HeadOfTheClass.co

Kaplan Test Prep

phone: 800.KAP.TEST (527.8378) website: kaptest.com

KD College Prep phone: 817.577.5431 website: KDcollegeprep.com

North Texas College Prep (NTCP) Research-based, Personalized PSAT/NMSQT , SAT and ACT Test Prep Services website: northtexascollegeprep.com

Sylvan Learning Center phone: 888.338.2283 website: sylvanlearning.com

If you see a listing that needs updated or removed, please contact Society Life by emailing: info@societylifemagazine.com

READERS 2LEADERS

greater good

READING TO LEARN. READING TO FLY. THE POWER OF READING FOR ALL.

Literacy isn't just taught — it’s ignited. Readers 2 Leaders (R2L) is a dynamic nonproﬁt dedicated to equipping students for success through the power of reading, rooted in the belief that literacy is a human right capable of unlocking worlds of learning and opportunity. They believe literacy is a human right that unlocks a world of learning and opportunity. That’s why Readers 2 Leaders is sharing the science of reading with North Texas, so all students and our community will beneﬁt.

SK

greater good

Literacy is more than the ability to read words on a page — it’s the very foundation of leadership, opportunity, and lifelong success. When children learn to read with conﬁdence, they also learn to think critically, communicate clearly, and dream boldly. These are the qualities that shape tomorrow’s leaders. Yet in communities where access to strong literacy instruction is limited, potential leaders risk being left behind. That’s where nonproﬁts like Readers 2 Leaders step in, ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has the tools to not just read — but to lead.

READERS 2 LEADERS

Readers 2 Leaders is a Dallas-based nonproﬁt that provides literacy tutoring in classrooms, after school and at the Booktown Learning Center. Because no single organization can stem the literacy crisis in our community alone, they also provide coaching, consulting, and education opportunities to others leading children to literacy. Through tutoring and coaching, they aim to give all Dallas students equitable opportunities to thrive as both readers and leaders. Readers 2 Leaders believes reading is a super power — and it’s their mission to equip students for success through the power of reading. It is the R2L vision that all students have equitable opportunities to thrive as readers and leaders.

A HUB FOR LITERACY IMPACT

R2L’s primary base, known affectionately as Booktown Learning Center, is more than a building—it’s a central hub of transformation. Here, students immerse in high-quality tutoring across classrooms, after-school programs and camps. R2L empowers our community members— educators, caregivers, and families—with coaching, consulting, workshops, and curriculum support to broaden access to effective literacy instruction. During the 2024–2025 school year, R2L served over

1,600 students and 450 adults, amplifying its reach through coaching programs that cascade expertise throughout North Texas.

TUTORING THAT WORKS

The core of R2L’s impact lies in its tutoring programs. From in-school sessions and after-school classes to summer camps, the organization employs a high-dosage model—with sessions held four days a week, at least 30 minutes per session— focused on phonics and fluency, plus comprehension and engaging “buddy

reading” with volunteers. These offerings are grounded in research, using curriculum like Phonics Suite by Really Great Reading to adhere to the science of reading. Beyond academics, hands-on STEM, SEL activities, and access to quality literature further enrich each student’s experience— along with access to a lending library of more than 6,000 culturally diverse titles. Together, these elements create a rich, well-rounded learning environment that will nurture both strong readers and also confident, curious learners.

LEADERS TEACHING STUDENTS TO READ

Knowing that no one organization can stem the literacy crisis in our community alone, Readers 2 Leaders provides services like coaching, consulting, and education opportunities to others who are leading children to literacy. Readers 2 Leaders partners with schools and classroom teachers to help maximize instructional time in both whole-group and smallgroup settings, ensuring every moment with students counts. They also empower parents and caregivers with the knowledge of foundational literacy skills and practical, engaging activities to support learning at home. In addition, R2L collaborates with out-of-school time programs to integrate impactful reading activities tailored to meet the unique literacy needs of their students, extending the reach of literacy support beyond the classroom.

EMPOWERING EDUCATORS & FAMILIES

R2L extends its influence through robust coaching and consulting initiatives. These programs train other educators and the community leaders in evidence-based literacy instruction—from one-time workshops to ongoing coaching and full implementation support. For example, One third-grade teacher significantly changed his students’ outcomes after receiving individualized coaching that included co-teaching, lesson planning, and literacy professional development. The Family Reading Cohort further strengthens the ecosystem by helping caregivers learn how to support their

children’s reading—building confidence and literacy practices in the home. One parent shared, “I am no longer so afraid to read to my children. I have loved the class.” Saturday Story Times bring the community together with read-alouds, crafts, games, lunch, and family fun.

MEASURABLE & MEANINGFUL IMPACT

R2L measures success not by inputs, but by outcomes. Scholastic growth is real and it is sustained: 85% of students in academic-year programs demonstrate measurable reading progress, and 85% of summer campers either maintain or improve their literacy skills. Through coaching partnerships and programs like Family Cohort, R2L’s work reaches beyond its center, resulting in over 2,681 children becoming stronger readers thanks to trained adults implementing high-dosage literacy support. These efforts are more crucial than ever—in 2021, only 32% of third graders in Dallas were reading on grade level—a sharp decline from 41% in 2019—underscoring the urgency to address a growing literacy crisis, especially among Black and Latino students.

FORWARD-THINKING SPACE

In 2020, R2L expanded its physical presence with a new facility, bringing to life the organization’s vision for a scalable literacy hub. The space houses an updated library, flexible spaces for training and volunteering, enhanced AV-equipped program areas, and rooms for tutoring and family events. This move helped R2L

accommodate more students and grow programmatic impact, gauged by a nearly $497,000 capital campaign that has since come within reach of its goal.

CORE VALUES AT THE HEART

R2L invites supporters to join in multiple ways—consider become a Reading Buddy volunteer, coach an educator, donate in support of Dallas kids, or take a tour of their Booktown center. Both parents and caregivers are encouraged to become literacy partners, with resources and workshops available to engage whole families.

R2L is lighting paths toward brighter futures. What’s at stake goes far beyond literacy—it’s about creating equitable opportunities, fostering a love of joyful learning, and building a stronger, more vibrant community where every child has the chance to thrive. Each book opened, each word mastered, and each story understood brings us closer to a future filled with confident readers who are prepared to lead.

If you feel inspired to give your time, resources, or expertise, Readers 2 Leaders is ready to welcome you into their mission— because your support could be the spark that helps a child take that next step from reading, to leading, to truly flying.

readers2leaders.org (214) 905-0095

INFO@READERS2LEADERS.ORG

2800 N. HAMPTON RD. #120, DALLAS, TEXAS 75212

SK FatherHood

Earlier this summer, after years of hoarding travel reward points, we took our 13-year-old daughter to London and Paris. The last time I was in Paris, I left after three days. I was too embarrassed to stay any longer. My traveling companion, my brother, insisted on searching for fishnet stockings for his girlfriend. He would wave his arms up and down his thigh and inquire as to style and availability in unintelligible French. The department store workers would politely turn their attention to me for translation and ask, “Oui oui?” I didn’t speak French. All I could do to reply was to point to my brother and say, “No, he he.”

The last time I was in London was also about 20 years ago. It was the only time I traveled internationally for work, and I will never do it again. The jetlag and corporate expectations didn’t mix well. I wasn’t overly excited about our family trip. Though, I planned to make the most of the experience by immersing myself into the local scenes.

I didn’t sleep on the flight to Paris. This made our visit to the City of Lights a dangerous navigational disaster. Exhausted, overstimulated, and completely unaware, I toured my wife and daughter throughout the city. With a bright orange Detroit Tigers ballcap on my head, I was too tired to care about my plan to blend in. I was awake enough to pretend to know where I was going. With each tour, I repeatedly crossed streets with total disregard for on-coming traffic. The close calls were answered with a swerve, horn honk, and the sound of brakes. Each time, I apologized by flashing a two-fingered, palm-faced-inward, peace sign salute to the irate driver. This seemed to work. The salute was regularly returned. I did not learn that my palm-faced-inward signal was a sign of disrespect. The doorman of our hotel, who was many times the recipient of my gracious hand gesture eventually, and rather bluntly, enlightened me as to its meaning. He also shared that a tourist in an orange hat had developed quite a reputation. The ballcap may not have been a good way to fit in, but for safety purposes it was a good way to stand out. I could not get out of Paris fast enough.

In London, due to my inability to mind basic pedestrian safety rules, we walked less than we did in Paris. We predominantly used the underground. Because I was part of the mass of the underground mass transit system, it was important that I stick to my plan to fit in. Given that

most Brits wear long pants, even in unseasonably warm weather, I did the same. On our last day in London, I was running low on clean clothes. As a result, I wore a slightly snug pair of white eurochic jeans that my wife purchased for me in Paris. The material of the jeans was less denim and more stretch. I didn’t ask for the jeans, and I didn’t like them. But I wanted to fit in, so I fit into them. Because I was out of underwear I wore them over an orange bathing suit. The attire worked well until the underground train that we were on, which was cram-packed with people, temporally lost power. Very quickly I learned that the train wasn’t air conditioned and that my euro-chic jeans were not breathable. As we waited for power to be restored, under the dim emergency lights, I regaled my daughter and wife about the trip that my brother and I took to Paris decades prior. I imitated my brother. In broken French, I asked for, or quite possibly demanded, fishnet stockings. When we resumed motion and the lights turned back on, I noticed a French tour group standing within earshot of us. All but one of them stared at me with one part fascination and two-parts fear. The one lustfully stared at me. As not to offend, I semi-lustfully stared back. I came to realize that my white-sweat-soaked-eurochic-jeans had become translucent and tighter. They vibrantly revealed my orange undergarment that had cinched up as the jeans shrunk. With absolutely nothing left to be embarrassed about, I confidently continued our tour of London.

When we returned to DFW, I had nothing to declare except my survival. My wife on the other hand had in her hand an orange that she brought from London. A customs officer caught her orange-handed and directed us to a 30-person deep declaration line. I suggested we simply throw it out and avoid the line. He refused my proposal. I thought about passive aggressively eating the orange in front of the officer, but it was a little late to be a mule. We eventually made our way to the front of the line where progress stalled. The travelers in front of us had illicit fruits and veggies jammed into every nook and cranny of their luggage. They absurdly insisted the U.S. Government must allow their traveling farmers’ market into the country, because the airline failed to inform them they could not. They eventually relented upon the arrival of additional agents. This was unfortunate. I’d held out hope they’d be tased. After nearly an hour in line, it was our turn to declare. We proceeded with our own absurdity handing over a single orange. Fittingly, an orange Uber ferried us home from the airport.

because I said so

Want to be featured with your kids? Simply email your contact info to the editor at: elena@societylifemagazine.com. Then you will answer a list of questions and we will take professional photos of you and your kids (we will even give you some!)

In this issue of Society Life’s Mom’s column, we asked local photographer and dog foster, Lorraine Haan-Stewart to answer our questions about her experiences both in becoming and being a mom. Lorraine has one child, Josh Haan age 34. She lives with her husband, John, in Decatur, and their seven foster fail dogs (which is a term of endearment in the rescue world).

Here’s what she had to say…

SOCIETY LIFE: What do you think your son is most proud of - what you do or who you are? LORRAINE HAAN-STEWART: That’s one thing I do know, because he tells me often, is he is exceptionally proud of the fostering I do for dog rescues (both local and out of state). I’ve been fostering dogs (and on occasion kittens, too) for around 18 years and started shortly after getting my first dog ever, my heart-dog, Winston. When we lived in the UK we always had cats, and Josh grew up loving our cats, and they adored him. When we moved to the US in 2004, we brought our two kittens with us and they lived a long and happy life until they were 18 and 19 years old. But somewhere along the way, I had a calling because I met this one very special dog. I guess you could say I went over to the ‘Bark Side’ with Winston—a sweet, goofy Boston terrier. Such was my big love for him that I knew I needed to become more involved with animal welfare and have fostered more than 100 now, of different breeds, ages, sizes and temperaments. Because I have had some success with helping the hard cases—the medically fragile, and fearful dogs, I receive requests from rescues all over asking for my help... which I gladly give. I also care for hospice fosters and ensure they get the best home with all the love, comfort and care they need, for as long as they need it. My son knows how tough this is for me. He’s seen me in tears from exhaustion, heading off to the animal hospital with a medical emergency, but he also cheers alongside me when fosters find their forever homes. I know he’s proud that I give all I have to help the animals that need it. And now he too, is a proud doggie dad, and as big and muscular as he is, has a tender and soft heart—just like his mum.

SL: What is something you thought about Motherhood that was totally wrong? LHS: I always assumed that choosing to be a mother would mean that you would have to sacrifice a lot—independence, goals, a career, freedom, etc. But in fact, becoming a mother changed my priorities and my view of life because I was now looking at the world through new eyes. I wanted my son to experience so much and expose him to all the wonderful things that life had to offer so we traveled a lot. I took him to places I always intended to go, but always put off. We listened to music, I took him to galleries, around the English countryside, and to festivals. I was focused on making his life better, so I had to make sure I was the best I could be so I would be the best mum I could be for him.

SL: What’s something you wanted to do but didn’t... and why didn’t you? LHS: have been very lucky in that I have done everything I’ve always wanted to do. There may have been forks in the road and in choosing one way rather than another may have made a difference to my life now. But I never had regrets about anything. I may not have always made the best choices, but since we don’t have a crystal ball—you must go with what feels right at that moment. If anything, I wish I had done better financial planning early on, perhaps bought shares in Apple maybe!

SL: Was there something your Mom did when you were a kid that you swore you’d never do as a parent? LHS: You can’t think like an adult when you are a child. My mum was my mum and I had nothing to compare it with. However, when my son was born, I knew that my mothering skills would be completely different to that of my mother. My mother wasn’t outwardly affectionate, there were no cuddles or “I love yous,” and we never really talked. But that’s the way she was and that’s the way my grandmother was with her. It was a different time back then and being a divorcee and a single mum of four children, I’m sure life was hard for her. When my mother was unhappy or angry with me she would simply shut off and go for days without saying a word to me. By comparison, my son and I have a very strong bond, we talk daily, and have a very honest and loving relationship that means a lot to me.

SL: What did you think you wanted to be when you grew up? LHS: I don’t think I really had any plan about what I wanted to do when I grew up. I was always very artsy and went to art college in Scotland, but changed directions towards photography midway through. I loved working in the darkroom and after college moved back to my hometown of Bath in England and went to work in The Royal Photographic Society. It was a wonderful experience and going to work every day, surrounded by wonderful photography exhibits, and wandering around the museum/archives was simply magical.

SL: How have your notions of what it means to be a Mom changed over your lifetime? LHS: I guess I always assumed that once they flew the nest that life goes back to the way it was before becoming a mum. If anything, I am more involved in my son’s life now than ever before. When they are young

Momilies

there is more support and other adults around you that are helping them in their daily lives—family members, grandparents, teachers, parents of his friends, youth club leaders, etc. But now that he’s an adult, many of these supporters are no longer a part of his life. The dynamics have definitely changed, and we are now on a level playing field as adults where we might have the same problems or concerns. We understand each other, and even if we don’t always agree, we have great respect for each other as equals.

SL: What’s the best family vacation you’ve ever taken? LHS: After my son was born we went to Malta for two weeks with my husband, son, father and stepmother. It was a fabulous family bonding experience in a beautiful location. Watching my son be a water-baby, falling asleep in my arms whilst watching the most magnificent sunsets, and the look of awe and wonder on his face at all the colorful sights and sounds in a foreign land was so very special.

SL: Is there a moment or event that radically changed the way you saw Motherhood? LHS: I was always in awe of the relationship that Princess Diana had with her boys, Princes William and Harry. She was always so openly affectionate and protective of her boys, and was such an inspiring role model for mothers everywhere. Seeing them mourn their mother at her funeral is still one of the most heartbreaking images I will ever see.

SL: When did you know you were ready to have kids? LHS: It was a different time back then, and it was almost a ‘given’ that when you got married you would eventually have children. A year after getting married (having been together four years at that time) it just seemed like the natural ‘next step’ of married life. What I didn’t anticipate was that it wouldn’t be so easy to become a mum. Getting pregnant was proving difficult, and many tests were performed, then I experienced a few early term miscarriages. It was a stressful time, but five years later my son was born and worth all the heartache in the end.

SL: What’s your favorite photo of your family or kids? LHS: When Josh was born, he came into the world by emergency cesarean. He was a 10lb baby so he wasn’t going to come into this world without a fuss, and after many hours of being in labor, he became distressed, so I was taken for surgery. During this time my father and stepmother were waiting outside, my best friend, her husband, my boss, and the people who worked in the fruit shop below where we lived. It was a few hours before I was alert, so my husband was holding our baby boy and then passed him to my father. My favorite photo is that of my father, this big muscle bound, heavily tattooed ex-boxer in the army, holding his first and only grandchild. My dad looking at his grandson and Josh looking straight into his grandad’s eyes is by far my most precious memory of that wonderful day.

SL: What was the first year of motherhood like for you? LHS: It was a magical time. He was a healthy, happy baby who slept all night and never cried. We adventured with him strapped to my back and I loved showing him off to the world. He was the epitome of the perfect baby... until his first birthday, then he cried all night! After many weeks of trying various soothing techniques to get him off to sleep—going for a drive, whale music, massages, the one thing that would send him off to sleep and keep him asleep was the sound of a vacuum cleaner. We burnt through two motors in six months!

SL: What do you want or wish most for your kids? LHS: To remain the happy, healthy and loving person he is today. Life has been challenging for him recently and yet he always has such a sunny disposition. He has hope and enthusiasm for life despite the difficulties that he’s had to deal with of late. He is probably the most caring and honest person I know (and have ever known) and I would hate for him to lose his sparkle.

SL: What are some of your biggest struggles as a Mom? LHS: I guess I sometimes have to remind myself that Josh is an adult now, that he has his own thoughts and opinions about things and that I must be mindful that I don’t overstep the boundaries. When I know he’s struggling, I just want to jump in and protect him, but I need to step back and let him be his own man. Having said that, I know he knows that I am always here, always in his corner, and that I support him 100%. If he needs help, he knows he can, and does, reach out to me. I’m not the only lady in his life now. He has a fabulous girlfriend, Mena. Since she has no family here, I look out for her too, and take care of her like she was my own daughter. She calls me mum and we often do things together.

SL: At the end of a long day, what do you do for fun or relaxation? LHS: My days are often very long. For almost 2 decades, I have been a special needs / medical / hospice foster for a number of rescues in the area (and on occasion) out of state. Very often this entails medical care or hospital visits in other cities so there’s a lot of driving to-and-from specialists. Over the years, we have ‘foster failed’ several pups as we felt we were the best home for them. Therefore, currently I am the proud mummy of seven dogs, and often have up to three fosters, too. We have 14 acres of land (and we are beekeepers) so a lot of my day means being outside either tending to the land, beekeeping duties, and exercising or playing with the pups. My one indulgence is that I am learning the violin so practicing daily is very much built into my routine. But my favorite time of day is about one hour before bedtime when I snuggle down on the sofa with a pack of very happy and sleepy pups cuddled in close with some British chocolate and Britbox playing on the wide screen TV. It’s bliss! –

Want to be featured in our Momilies column? Please email: elena@societylifemagazine.com

texas travel and beyond

RIDE THE RIVER Texas Tubing Tradition

If you haven’t tubed a Texas river, can you really call yourself a Texan? It’s practically a rite of passage—grabbing a tube, a cooler, and friends or family, then floating your way through some of the most scenic waterways in the South. From calm, tree-lined stretches to fun-filled currents and natural rapids, Texas rivers offer every kind of float under the sun. Whether you’re craving the crystal-clear flow of the Guadalupe or the rugged charm of the Frio, this guide dives into the best river tubing adventures across the Lone Star State. Kick back, cool off and discover where to make a splash in this heat wave!

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TUBING

Tubing in Texas offers a laid-back way to enjoy the water—far tamer than white water rafting or kayaking, but still full of fun and a touch of adventure. Before heading out, always check water levels, as they vary throughout the year. Pack your favorite beverages or water, stash them with snacks in a cooler, and secure the cooler to its own tube—tied to someone in your group—so everything floats along with you. Once you hop in, you can expect a leisurely float of one to four hours, depending on the river and outfitter. While no helmet or paddle is needed, be ready for occasional rapids, fast currents, rocks, and deep stretches where you can’t touch the bottom. Apply sunscreen generously to your front, as new angles of sunlight will reach you while floating. And remember—if you’d be heartbroken to lose it, leave it behind, because rivers have claimed countless phones, cameras, and sunglasses over the years.

In Texas, tubing is a favorite way to soak in the state’s scenic beauty, with several rivers offering memorable floats. The Guadalupe River, especially near New Braunfels and Canyon Lake, is known for its crystal-clear water and stunning surroundings. The nearby Comal River provides a gentle, convenient float with easy access to amenities. In San Marcos, the San Marcos River draws families and friends with its refreshing waters and relaxed vibe. The Llano River, winding through Llano and Kingsland, offers peaceful floats framed by picturesque Hill Country views, while the Blanco River delivers a tranquil experience amid beautiful natural scenery, particularly around Blanco and Wimberley. Now, let’s take a look at my guide to the best river tubing and rivers in Texas!

GUADALUPE RIVER Guadalupe River is a premier tubing destination in Texas, known for pristine, crystal-clear waters. Several river outfitters provide airconditioned shuttle services to and from public access points. The area attracts a mix of families and young people, mostly from Texas, and is ideal for camping by the river. The river flow is dam-controlled, so it’s important to check water levels before tubing but you will have the benefit of the scenic Texas Hill Country. A recommended outfitter is Rockin’ R River Rides.

COMAL RIVER For families and those seeking an easy float, Comal River in New Braunfels is a great place to go, especially if you’re planning to visit Schlitterbahn. The Comal offers a consistently deep blue, almost black water, maintaining a temperature of 70-72 degrees year-round. It even features a thrilling tube chute for excitement. The river merges with the Guadalupe, but remains unique in appearance. –

(continued)

SAN MARCOS RIVER

The San Marcos River, a spring-fed river, never runs dry and features beautiful blue-green water. It attracts Millennials from Texas State University in San Marcos and Austin, creating a lively atmosphere. Known for having some of the cleanest water in Texas, the river winds through a busy college town with surprisingly rugged surroundings, including massive trees and lush greenery. While most commercial floats cover about a mile, you can explore longer paths. It’s less crowded than the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers, offering a more relaxed adventure.

FRIO RIVER

Flowing for nearly 50 miles, the Frio River is situated much further west than the previously mentioned rivers, offering a strikingly different landscape. Imagine towering limestone canyons that rise up to meet the clouds, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your tubing adventure. This natural beauty is complemented by crystal-clear, cool water, making the Frio River an appealing destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Garner State Park in Concan is the most popular access point, providing convenient entry to this serene and picturesque river.

BRAZOS RIVER

The Brazos River is a slow-moving and very scenic waterway, offering a picturesque and leisurely tubing experience. Stretching over 840 miles, the river winds its way through varied landscapes, from rolling hills and dense forests to open plains and rugged cliffs. To make the most of your trip, it’s recommended to plan your tubing adventure before late summer. The Brazos River boasts numerous access points, catering to different preferences and levels of convenience. However, one of the most breathtaking sections of the river can be found near Possum Kingdom Lake.

MEDINA RIVER Often overlooked by more well-known rivers, the Medina River is a stunning hidden gem that flows through Bandera, known as the “Cowboy Capital of Texas.” This river offers a serene and tranquil experience, perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The Medina River is characterized by its slow flow and minimal traffic, ensuring that your float will be both relaxing and rejuvenating.

TRINITY RIVER A favorite summer chill spot among North Texans, the Trinity River offers a laid-back and enjoyable tubing experience on a Texas river. Its mild current allows tubers to float leisurely around the area where they entered, without the risk of being swept away by strong currents. This makes Trinity River a great option for those seeking a relaxed and carefree day on the water. One of the highlights is the Rockin’ the River Concert Series, a unique event that combines live music with the joy of tubing. Over the course of six weeks, 30 bands perform on Texas’ only waterfront stage.

LLANO RIVER The Llano River offers an enjoyable tubing experience with its crystal-clear waters and scenic surroundings. Perfect for families and friends alike, this stunning stretch of water is ideal for tubing. Enjoy a relaxing float down the river while taking in the beauty of nature.

COLORADO RIVER Experience the ultimate summer adventure at the Colorado River in Texas! Grab your tube and get ready for a day of fun in the sun as you float down one of Texas’ most iconic rivers. With stunning natural scenery and refreshing waters, it’s the perfect way to beat the heat and drift along the gentle currents.

PEDERNALES RIVER Pedernales River is a great spot for a relaxing float, offering beautiful views and a fun experience. Visitors can rent tubes from local outfitters or bring their own for a day of fun on the water. Just be sure to check current river conditions and any local guidelines or restrictions before heading out, as they vary depending on weather and water levels.

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BLANCO RIVER The Blanco River offers a refreshing and scenic setting for tubing, allowing visitors to leisurely float along the tranquil waters and take in the natural beauty of the area. The river’s cool and clear water makes it an ideal spot for tubing, especially during the summer months when families from all over the state come to swim and play in its inviting waters. Visitors can rent tubes at the park store to enjoy a leisurely float down the river.

When it comes to choosing between the Comal and Guadalupe rivers, many seasoned tubers give the edge to the Comal for its consistently excellent water levels, ideal temperatures, and spring-fed clarity that makes the water almost sparkle. Its location adds to the appeal—just minutes from dining, hotels, grocery stores, and big-box retailers—making it easy to turn your tubing trip into a full day or weekend getaway. If you’re tubing near Austin, the San Marcos River is a favorite for its cold, crystal-clear water fed by a natural spring, staying a refreshing 72 degrees year-round. Steady temps makes it perfect for escaping the Texas heat and distinguishes it from the Frio River, where water temperatures shift with the seasons—ranging from the 60s to the 80s. Texas rivers deliver something for every age and every adventure level. Before you go, always check water conditions—pack drinks, sunscreen and snack—and get ready to enjoy some of the most scenic and refreshing waterways in the heart of the Lone Star State.

for more travel ideas, visit: mycurlyadventures.com

SK 6 Questions About

DIG WORLD CONSTRUCTION-THEMED ADVENTURE PARK

DFW Park Expected to Open Early 2026 at Grapevine Mills Mall

If you’ve ever dreamed of getting behind the controls of a full-size excavator or bulldozer, you won’t have to dream much longer. In early 2026, the Dallas-Fort Worth area will welcome Dig World, Texas’s first construction-themed adventure park, to Simon’s Grapevine Mills Mall—one of the top ten malls in America, according to USA Today. Dig World offers a rare chance for kids and adults to operate real construction machinery in a safe, professionally modified environment. The Grapevine location will be the park’s second, following its Katy, Texas debut, and it’s already generating national buzz thanks to a feature on Shark Tank. Cofounders Jacob Robinson and Alex Carroll secured a deal with investor Robert Herjavec, whose enthusiasm for the concept matched the founders’ passion. For Robinson, the idea was inspired by his son, Pierce, who lives with significant special needs after a battle with bacterial meningitis. Seeing how much joy construction equipment brought to Pierce, Robinson envisioned a place where families could share that thrill together. Adding even more excitement, Dig World is partnering with Dude Perfect, the wildly popular sports and entertainment group known for their jaw-dropping trick shots. The Grapevine park will feature exclusive construction-themed trick-shot attractions alongside its dig-and-drive experiences. Grapevine Mills has already made a name for itself as a hub of immersive experiences, with neighbors like Meow Wolf, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and The Escape Game. “We’re thrilled to welcome Dig World to the mix as it brings a whole new level of hands-on, family-friendly fun to our center,” says Joe Szymaszek, General Manager at Grapevine Mills. Dude Perfect co-founder Cody Jones adds, “This is just the beginning—we can’t wait to see these one-of-a-kind experiences all over the country.” From its heartfelt origins to its national ambitions, Dig World is more than an amusement park—it’s an experience that bridges play, creativity, and inspiration.

WHO: Dig World is an innovative constructionthemed adventure park created by Jacob Robinson, Rick Bennett, and Alex Carroll. In spired by Robinson’s son Pierce—who, after surviving bacterial meningitis, developed a deep love for heavy machinery—this imaginative park took off after a memorable Shark Tank appearance. There, investor Robert Herjavec quickly recognized the venture’s potential and signed on. Partnering with family-friendly entertainment powerhouse Dude Perfect, the park will feature construction-inspired trickshot attractions that complement its existing hands-on experiences, with plans to expand nationwide. Dude Perfect is a global familyfriendly media brand best known for trick shots, extreme sports challenges, and hilarious stunts that entertain audiences of all ages. With over 60 million YouTube subscribers and billions of views, Dude Perfect inspires families to embrace fun, creativity, and adventure.

FAST FACTS

DIG WORLD

Dig World Grapevine Mills Coming Early 2026

Simon’s Grapevine Mills Mall is welcoming Dig World with a little help from Dude Perfect and Shark Tank

Where is the New Dig World Park Opening? Their next park will be located in south west corner of Grapevine Mills Mall at the following address: 2200 West Grapevine Mills Circle, Grapevine, Texas 76051. Guests will utilize the mall parking lot across Grapevine Mills Circle.

Can’t wait? Visit Dig World Now in Katy, Texas! Their original Texas Dig World park in Katy is open now! Want to experience the fun of Dig World before our Dallas park opens? Book a visit today and see why families love Dig World!

Be the First to Know! Sign up now for updates on their website to get DFW area park updates, sneak peeks, and opening day announcements. Join the list on the website below and stay in the loop.

6 Questions About SK

WHAT: Dig World invites thrill-seekers of all ages—from toddlers to grandparents—to climb aboard real, full-sized construction equipment that’s been safely modified for fun. Think excavators, bulldozers, and skid-steer loaders, supervised for hands-on play. The Grapevine Mills location will also boast trick-shot zones and interactive challenges designed in collaboration with Dude Perfect. Visitors can unleash their inner operator with attractions like a CAT Mini-Excavator, where you can dig dirt, fish for oversized rubber duckies, pick up cones, or attempt a hole-in-one with the “Exca-Putter” challenge. For bigger thrills, take the controls of a 236D3 Skid Steer Loader, navigate the UTV Side-BySide course, or ride sky-high in a 40-foot Boom Lift. Families can also enjoy a playground for ages 2–12, shaded pavilion, turf field for yard games, a sandbox, gem mining, and snacks at Pierce’s Post before visiting the gift shop for Dig World souvenirs.

WHERE: Grapevine Mills Mall, in the southwest quadrant near Entry 1, alongside other attractions like Meow Wolf, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and The Escape Game.

WHEN: Grand opening in early 2026, with specific dates to be announced.

WHY: At the heart of it all is Pierce, Robinson’s son, born in May 2015 with a love for construction equipment. In 2017, he contracted bacterial meningitis, resulting in significant brain injury and physical challenges. Despite this, Pierce remains full of joy and can often be found greeting guests at the park. His story fuels Dig World’s mission to create unforgettable experiences for families. Dig World combines joy, education, and empowerment by letting guests pilot big machines in a safe, creative environment. The partnership with Dude Perfect adds unique trick shots and games that spark laughter and creativity. And really, the question isn’t why—it’s why not!

HOW: Guests strap into modified heavy equipment under professional supervision. The Grapevine site will blend construction play with creative challenges. Dig World brings the building site to you with a mix of education, excitement, and family fun, making it a must-visit destination for DFW families. Ticket and membership announcements are coming soon and the grand opening is expected in early 2026—get ready to dig in!

COMING EARLY 2026 TO: 2200 W. Grapevine Mills Circle Grapevine, Texas 76051 | digworldnation.com

DIG

DateBook

NOW THRU SEPT 14 • THE SMURF EXPERIENCE • Get ready to go blue! The Smurf Experience made its U.S. debut in Arlington, opening May 7, 2025, at the Esports Stadium for a limited summer run. This fully immersive, 13,000-square-foot attraction takes families on a 75-minute adventure through nine interactive zones filled with scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, VR experiences, and meet-andgreets with your favorite Smurfs—all in a mission to stop the evil Gargamel. Perfectly timed with the upcoming Smurfs movie starring Rihanna, the experience is located in the heart of Arlington’s entertainment district and promises Smurftastic fun for all ages. Tickets are on sale now at: SmurfExperienceUSA.com

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2ND SATURDAY JUNE THRU SEPT • VITRUVIAN SALSA FESTIVAL • Come and celebrate Latin music and culture all summer long at the 11th Annual Vitruvian Salsa Festival in Addison. Held on the second Saturday of June, July, August, and September from 6–10pm, this free, family-friendly event brings live bands, professional salsa lessons, Latin DJ sets, food trucks, and festive fun to Vitruvian Park Amphitheater. Dance the night away with performances by Havana NRG (June 14), Latin Swing (July 12), Zone D’Mambo (August 9), and Yamilka G y su Orquesta (September 13). For full event details, please visit: tinyurl.com/VSF2025

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NOW THRU SEPT 30 • CRACKING ART •

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden (FWBG) is thrilled to announce a captivating new pop art exhibit by the globally acclaimed Italian art collective—Cracking Art with 80 larger-than-life animal sculptures that are crafted from regenerated plastic. Designed to captivate visitors of all ages, it combines creativity with a powerful message, inspiring joy while sparking meaningful conversations about sustainability and environmental conservation. Now through September 30, 2025, guests can wander through the Garden and encounter vividly colored artworks in the forms of rabbits, elephants, geese, snails, wolves, and swallows as they playfully interact with surroundings. Entrance into Cracking Art at FWBG is included with regular admission and kids 5 and under are free! Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this one-of-a-kind installation! For tickets, please visit: fwbg.org

NOW THRU SEPT 1 • DC UNIVERSE OF LIGHT AT GAYLORD TEXAN • Not all

lanterns wear capes. But this summer, ours do. How do we know the DC Super Heroes will save the day? Because they have master lantern craftsmen wielding ancient artistry and cutting-edge LED technology on their team. Silk, steel, and light unite in the first-ever DC Super Hero Lantern show. Welcome to the Universe of Light at Gaylord Texan. Grapevine, Texas, is set for a Summer of fun as Gaylord Texan Resort unveils Universe of Light—a new larger-than-life DC Universe lantern attraction. Running May 23 , 2025 through September 1, this immersive experience brings the artistry of Zigong, China—the “Lantern Capital of the World’—to Texas, with more than 1,000 glowing lanterns bringing to life iconic Super Heroes and Super-Villains, legendary locations like Gotham City and Themyscira and interactive photo ops including a chance to sit inside the Batmobile. Fun Facts include that there will be 1,000 glowing lanterns that feature DC Super Heroes, Super-Villains and iconic props. Plus, there were an amazing 30 miles of silk used to craft the intricate, illuminated figures. There were 160 artisans from Zigong, China that designed and built the displays—where lantern-making dates back over 1,000 years. You can explore 17,500 square feet of immersive superhero action, including interactive elements and photo ops. This must-visit summer attraction will blend

legendary storytelling with breathtaking craftsmanship—making it a one-of-a-kind destination for both fans and families alike! For details, visit: tinyurl.com/GTexanUOL

SEPT 11, 12,13 & 14 • GRAPEFEST - A TEXAS WINE EXPERIENCE! • Raise a glass to the 39th Annual GrapeFest—A Texas Wine Experience, presented by the Bank of the West, returning to Grapevine’s Historic Main Street from September 11–14, 2025. As the largest wine festival in the Southwest, GrapeFest draws thousands of visitors each year to celebrate the art of winemaking— especially from right here in the Lone Star State. This year’s theme, “The Grape Gatsby,” gives a very festive nod to the Roaring Twenties and 100th anniversary of The Great Gatsby. Expect four dazzling days of wine, music, and family fun with a vintage flair. Main Street transforms into a pedestrian-only paradise filled with wine tastings, gourmet food, artisan vendors, and live entertainment across multiple stages. Festival favorites include the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic , the International Wine Experience, the Champagne Terrace, and the festival’s ever-popular GrapeStomp, where guests can channel their inner Lucille Ball. The attendees can also enjoy wine-pairing workshops, culinary demonstrations, and KidsZone with rides, games, and interac-

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DON’T MISS THE SMURF EXPERIENCE ENDS SEPTEMBER 14

tive exhibits for younger guests. As usual, GrapeFest takes special pride in showcasing Texas wines, offering guests a unique opportunity to sample award-winning varietals from across the Lone Star State. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just in it for the fun, there’s something for everyone. Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for seniors (62+) and children ages 6 to 12, and $25 for a weekend pass. For more information, to buy tickets and view the entertainment schedules, please visit the festival’s website at: GrapeFest.com

SEPT 20 • TRINITY RIVER TRASH BASH

• Join the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) and thousands of volunteers for the 2025 Trash Bash on Saturday, Sept. 20, as we work together to clean up local waterways and protect our natural environment. One of 10 volunteer locations, Panther Island Pavilion offers the perfect spot to roll up your sleeves from 8am to 10am, followed by an After Party at The Shack from 10am to 12 noon to celebrate your efforts with some music, refreshments, and community spirit. For over 30 years, the Trash Bash has been TRWD’s commitment to litter prevention and environmental stewardship, mobilizing thousands of participants to remove more than 500 tons of trash from our rivers and green spaces. Natur-inspired and community Required. This event is your

chance to give back, make a visible impact, and be part of a cleaner, healthier future for North Texas. Register now to volunteer at: trwd.com/trashbash

SEPT 20 & OCT 18 • IRVING & FORT WORTH MARGARITA FESTIVALS

• Get ready to sip, savor, and fiesta at not one— but two—unforgettable margarita festivals this fall. First up, head to Toyota Music Factory in Irving on Saturday, September 20th (11am–5pm) for the Irving Margarita Festival. Taste your way through ten 3.5oz margaritas, vote for your favorite, and help crown Irving’s best margarita! Enjoy live DJ vibes, frozen drinks, food vendors, a beer garden, and a chance to win a dream trip to Mexico. Then, on Saturday, October 18th (from 12 noon–6pm), don’t miss the Fort Worth Taco & Margarita Festival at Landmark Bar & Kitchen. Sponsored by Casamigos Tequila, this epic event adds bold, flavorful tacos to the mix—with margaritas in every style. VIPs get early entry, extra samples, and double the raffle entries for that Mexico getaway! Both festivals support children’s charities—so you’re partying for a cause. Whether you’re in it for the flavor, the music, or the memories, these festivals are the ultimate way to toast to fall. But hurry—tickets will sell fast! Grab yours now at: bestmargs.org

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SEPT 27 • RUN IN THE DARK 5K • Get ready for a night of fun, fitness, and purpose at this year’s Run in the Dark! Whether you're racing in the 5K, strolling in the 1-Mile Fun Run, or just enjoying the Fall Market and live entertainment, this family-friendly event brings community together for a meaningful cause. With a live DJ, bounce houses, food trucks and vendors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! More than just a run, the event supports Community Storehouse, a local nonprofit that provides food, education, and essential resources to low-income families across North Texas. Every dollar raised helps fund tutoring, weekend snack packs for students in need, and programs that help families rebuild their lives and achieve lasting self-sufficiency. Sponsor opportunities available for businesses looking to give back and gain visibility. From booth spaces to logo placement and event-day recognition, sponsors can make a real impact while connecting with the community. Space is limited. Register today to secure your spot! Your race entry includes a race shirt, finisher medal, and access to all the event fun. Sign up at: communitystorehouse.org/runinthedark

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SEPT 27 • NORTH TEXAS SNAP BOOTS & BLING GALA • Get ready to shine at the North Texas SNAP Boots & Bling Gala on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Hurst Conference Center! This fun-filled evening features dinner, a silent auction, casino games and dancing—and all of this fun is in support of North Texas SNAP’s mission to enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Your attendance helps fund vital programs, classes, and activities for over 135 SNAP members. Want to make an even bigger impact? Become a sponsor and showcase your brand while supporting an incredible cause. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for others in our community. Learn more and grab your tickets now at: ntxsnap.org/events

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SEPT 27 & 28 • NATIONAL ALPACA FARM DAYS • Come meet the alpacas, chat with local fiber artists, and maybe even get a special alpaca kiss! Learn about alpaca history, daily care, and the luxurious fleece once reserved for royalty. Enjoy live demonstrations, shop hand-spun yarn, roving, garments, accessories, home décor, and more—perfect for early holiday gifts. Meet the young farm helpers involved in 4-H and FFA, and visit DJ’s Farm Store for unique finds. National Alpaca Farm Days, a free event, will be held this

THE IRVING MARGARITA FESTIVAL ON SEPTEMBER 20

THE FORT WORTH TACO & MARGARITA FESTIVAL OCTOBER 18

September 27–28 from 9am to 5pm at 8600 Indian Knoll Trail in Keller 76248. Please visit: DjsClassicAlpacas.com

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OCT 16 • GKWC FIESTA HOLIDAY

MARKET

• The Greater Keller Women’s Club will host its 8th Annual Fiesta Holiday Market on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Bowden Weddings and Events Center. VIP access begins at 4:30pm, followed by general admission at 5:30pm. This festive evening will feature more than 50 vendors offering locally crafted and curated gifts perfect for everyone on your list. The VIP tickets are $40 and include a wine and ap petizer reception, specialty vendors, prize drawings, and early entry. General admis sion tickets are $20 presale and $25 at the door. They include a specialty margarita or sangria for the first 100 guests, light bites, a shopping bag, and a raffle ticket. A cash bar will also be available. Shop, sip, and celebrate the season at this lively holiday market. For tickets, visit: gkwc.org

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OCT 18 • TCWC CITYWIDE GARAGE

SALE

• On Saturday, October 18, from 8am-2pm, the Town of Trophy Club will come alive with bargain hunters for their semi-annual Community-Wide Garage Sale, hosted by the Trophy Club Women’s Club (TCWC). This long-standing tradition, now nearly 40 years strong, draws 250–300 participating households each spring and fall, making it one of TCWC’s largest fundraisers. For just $20, residents can purchase a permit—available in September at Trophy Club Tom Thumb or online—that not only grants participation, but also supports TCWC’s annual scholarship program for graduating high school seniors. Whether clearing out a few treasures from the garage or staging a larger sale, this event offers an opportunity to declutter, connect with neighbors, and make a difference. To learn more or get your permit, visit: mytcwc.org

compassionate care. The night will feature live entertainment, dinner, and opportunities to make a lasting impact. A variety of sponsorship packages are available— perfect for showcasing your brand while giving back to the community. Individual tickets are $150 and include full access to the evening's festivities. Learn more and get tickets at: servingourseniorstexas.org

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NOV 14 • PH4U CLAY SHOOT

OCT 30 • RINGMASTER’S HAUNTED

BALL • Step right up—if you dare! The 2025 Festival of Friends, hosted by (SOS) Serving Our Seniors , returns with this year’s thrilling theme: Ringmaster ’s Haunted Ball! Join us on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 6-9pm in the evening at the Hurst Conference Center for an unforgettable evening of fun, flair, and fundraising. Dress to impress in bold stripes, haunting elegance, or your own dazzling ringmaster twist—costumes are optional but encouraged! As the SOS’s primary annual fundraiser, this spirited event helps raise essential funds to support local seniors with critical services and

• Mark your calendars for the Pregnancy Help 4 U 2025 Clay Shoot Fundraiser on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Northlake Shooting Sports. Enjoy a morning of competitive clay shooting and breakfast, followed by the celebratory awards luncheon—all in support of PH4U’s mission to support the health and wellness of women, babies and families they help. Your participation means PH4U can reach their 2025 fundraising goal and serve even more families across DFW with compassion, resources, and hope. Whether you’re an experienced shooter or a first-timer, this event promises fun for a great cause. Visit: ph4upartners.org/clayshoot

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NOV 15 • 22ND ANNUAL ANGELS

AMONG US GRACE GALA • The GRACE Gala began in 2004 as a way to generate essential funds for a growing population in need. The GRACE Board of Directors assembled a dynamic advisory-

board of prominent community members from Grapevine, Southlake, and Colleyville, and the event’s very first year sold out six months in advance. Since then, the Gala has become a beloved tradition, with each year’s proceeds providing vital services—food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and more—to thousands in Northeast Tarrant County. Now in its 22nd year, the GRACE Gala returns to beautiful Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine on Saturday, November 15th. The evening will kick off with a 5:30pm cocktail reception and silent auction, then followed by dinner, dancing, and live entertainment at 7pm. Guests can look forward to gourmet cuisine, fine wine, exciting auction packages, and an truly unforgettable night celebrating community generosity. Sponsorship opportunities are available, offering additional promotional benefits, and all proceeds directly support GRACE’s mission to serve those in need. For sponsorships, to get your tickets to what will be a sold-out gala, or to learn more, please visit: gracegala.com

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Free DateBook event listings are ﬁrst-come, ﬁrst-served. Include your event’s name, date, time, location, ticket pricing/purchase info, contact information, website, and a brief explanation. Allow 45 days advance notice of your event for print deadline. Please send all the above details to us for inclusion at: elena@societylifemagazine.com

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GREATER KELLER WOMEN’S CLUB

FIESTA HOLIDAY MARKET COMING OCTOBER 16

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Babe’s Chicken Dinner House • Fried chicken good as grandma’s, but she’d rather chow down on unlimited sides. Warm biscuits with butter and honey are reason to go. • Roanoke & NRH babeschicken.com

Blue 22 Sports Grill • Family gathering spot with a scratch kitchen offering prime sporting events—what more could you ask for? This is a perfect family-friendly sports bar! • Trophy Club blue22sportsgrill.com

Chef Point Modern Bar & Restaurant • From a gas station to gourmet. It’s ﬁne dining, reﬁned. Join us for your next unforgettable meal. Lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. • Colleyville chefpointcafe.org

j Chef’s House • Every meal is an immersive farmto-table, 4-course menu of fresh, local ingredients— and the chef shares the inspiration and story behind each dish with guests. • Roanoke chefs-house.com

Chill Restaurant & Bar • One stop shop for food, drinks and entertainment. Food and drink specials everyday and an incredible brunch menu every Saturday and Sunday! • Grapevine chillgrapevine.com

• Come hungry, leave happy. Roasted tomato soup or a hearty ﬁlet, the menu offers something for every palate. Hospitality, amazing food. Voted best brunch! • Southlake craftwaykitchen.com

• From every organic veggie to every entrée — it’s a holistic experience rooted in good, fresh, healthy food with real ingredients. Bowls, salads, wraps, seasonal. • Southlake iamaﬂowerchild.com

• Healthy that’s so indulgent. All-natural, minimally processed ingredients to satisfy cravings, whether you’re on a restricted diet or throwing caution • Trophy Club & Alliance hgsplyco.com

Order a burger “bone-in” or topped with mac n’cheese and bacon, or chicken pot pie with fried chicken chunks crowned with a crispy chicken tender. Build s’mores. • Fort Worth horizon76.com

• Wine should be easy, eco-friendly and enjoyable—that’s why their wine is on tap. Tap is less bottles, less waste, consistent quality—glass after glass. • Trophy Club leelaswinebar.com

Moxie’s Grill & Bar • Crowd pleaser with globallyinspired fare—Thai curry bowls, tuna ceviche, steak frites. Fun and sophisticated—equal parts sports bar and eclectic brasserie. • Southlake moxies.com

Next Wood Fired Bistro & Vino Bar • Intimate restaurant—everything from roasted chicken or crab cakes, to lamb tagine or surf and turf. Acclaimed wine program. • Colleyville nextwoodﬁredbistro.com

Oak & Main • Craft-focused menu of American favs like fresh seafood and premium steaks. Culinary journey goes beyond the kitchen with craft cocktails and vast wine selection. • Roanoke oakmaintx.com

Rock & Brews • Burger joint, pizzeria and brew pub all-in-one, plus some classic Rock ’n’ Roll. Made from scratch, locally sourced ingredients. Dog and kid friendly. • Alliance/Grapevine rockandbrews.com

Sky Creek Kitchen + Bar • Elevated Texas cuisine— premier culinary experience. Menu of locally sourced ingredients, unique seafood dishes, Texas farm-raised Akaushi beef. • Southlake skycreekkitchen.com

Social Oak Wine & Whiskey Lounge • 21+ lounge with speakeasy vibe, comfy patio, wine and whiskey pouring systems, amazing tapas style dishes—like no other. • Trophy Club socialoaklounge.com

Sports City Taverna • Strong on options—wood ﬁred pizza, street tacos, burgers, brunch. Whether your team wins or loses, you’re a winner with the best food and drinks in the city • NFW sportscitytaverna.com

Stone House Restaurant • Regionally inspired, locally sourced proteins, chef’s garden. Sharables, craft beer, cocktails, wine, chops. Try 1200-degree broiled steak. • Colleyville stonehouse-restaurant.com

The Rô on Oak • The Rô upscale lounge offers a sophisticated, intimate hospitality experience serving premium cocktails and a menu of Small Bites inside the swankiest local spot. • Roanoke theroonoak.com

The 206 • Previously Oak Street Food and Brew, The 206 is a brewery and food hall designed for craft brew and chef-driven food with a fun and relaxing atmosphere. • Roanoke oakstreetfoodandbrew.com

Towne Grill • Chef-inspired menu, signature salads and entrees, delectable appetizers, desserts. Curated global wine list, craft cocktails, and rare spirits. Serving weekend brunch. • Fort Worth townegrilltx.com

Volstead • Designed for discerning palates and thriving spirits seeking exquisite cuisine and top-notch service. Prohibition bar + kitchen with the ﬁner things in life.• Southlake volsteadsouthlake.com

Whiskey Cake • Tasty farm-to-kitchen dishes and cocktails from-scratch-only kitchen and bar. Classic American dishes and farm-fresh comfort food. Vast whiskey selection. • Alliance/NFW whiskeycake.com

ASIAN / SUSHI / THAI

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Cowtown Sushi • Unexpectedly reﬁned sushi and sashimi. Hidden gem status for too long. Chefs eager to impress diners, making this an environment to expand your palate. • Southlake cowtownsushi.com

Foster’s Sushi, Seafood, Bar & Grill • Creative style of sushi with American cuisine to ﬁll your appetite. Ten ﬂat screen TVs to suit all sports fans, plus happy hour from 3-6pm. • Roanoke fostersushi.com

Honey Teriyaki • Quality Japanese food—teriyaki and sushi. Many sauces from scratch with honey—hence the name. Large portions, reasonable prices, friendly service. • Colleyville honeyteriyaki.com

Hush Sushi • Posh location, elevated sushi and drink menu. Don’t miss Wagyu burger! Foodies ﬂock to happy hour specials and the vast selection of Maki, Nigiri and Sashimi. • Keller hushkeller.com

Kanta Ramen Thai • Experience the exhibition kitchen, fast and friendly service. Selection of curries, ramen, soups, Izakaya. Sukiyaki, noodle and rice dishes. • Colleyville kantaramenandthai.com

Malai Kitchen • Thai-Vietnamese with silky curries, sriracha made in-house. Imaginative beverage program with house-brewed beers. Grand ﬁnale—Mango Sticky Rice Smash. • Southlake malaikitchen.com

My Lan Vietnamese Kitchen • Steaming pho bowls, heaping rice plates, crispy egg rolls. Vietnamese staples are soulful with reasonable prices. • Colleyville mylanvietnamesekitchen.com

NAPA Thai Asian Cuisine • Unique Thai restaurant offers a glimpse of traditional Thai culture—balance and harmony come together in a relaxing, elegant atmosphere. • Colleyville napathaicuisine.com

Noodles @ Boba Tea House • Generously portioned, skillfully prepared Vietnamese, pan-Asian dishes. Spicy beef noodle soup, Thai beef salad and Mocha Madness smoothie. • Fort Worth noodlesbth.com

Sabai Sabai Southeast Asian Kitchen • Pad Thai, massaman curry, pho, also explore Lao beef jerky, steamed ﬁsh, beef salad. Dine in or takeout. Food packs ﬂavor. • Grapevine sabaisabaikitchen.site

Saikou Sushi & Ramen • Well-executed Japanese cuisine. Slurp tonkotsu ramen, pork-forward broth, superb vegetable ramen, miso, shoyu and shio varieties. Sushi and bento. • Alliance saikousushiramen.com

Sea Siam Thai • Food captures essence of Thailand. Using fresh ingredients, traditional Thai cooking techniques, you can sip tea while browsing menu of the ﬁnest Thai foods. • Keller seasiamrestaurant.com

Sushi Dojo • Premier fast-casual sushi specializing in party trays, catering, and food truck service. Known for the sushi tacos and burritos. Delicious, affordable, high quality sushi. • Southlake sushidojodfw.com

Sushi Nomi • Modern Japanese, inventive sushi, ramen, teriyaki, plus beer and wine. Choose delicious lunch options like bento boxes, fried rice, sushi specials. • Fort Worth facebook.com/SushiNomiTexas

Sushi Sam • Lunch deals like loaded bento boxes. Management is warm and personable, reﬂected in their friendly service. Amazing salmon skin rolls (not the easiest to pull off). • Southlake sushisam.net

Thailicious • Authentic Thai, contemporary, relaxed environment. Soft shell crab, creamy curries, Crying Tiger and pad Thai. Try tom yum-inspired martinis and mojitos. • Southlake ThailiciousSouthlake.com

j Truck Yard • Backyard party, live music, good bar, rotating food trucks + cheesesteaks. Bring your dog, baby, mom, friends or meet new ones. (Don’t bring a drunk uncle –nobody likes him!) • NFW truckyard.com

V’s House • Family-owned Vietnamese with upscale takes on classic dishes—plus surprises. Staples of Vietnamese cuisine—pho varieties made in-house. Creative cocktail menu. • NRH vshouse.net

BAKERIES / BEVERAGES / TREATS / CATERING

Alli’s Sweet Shop • Cake pops for celebrating or just because! They can deliver your bouquet like a ﬂorist and brighten the day of any recipient! Cookies, cakes, cupcakes, treats. • Southlake cakepopsbyalli.com

Axiom Coffee • Coffee house with purpose. Organic beans sourced from Honduras farm run by World Gospel Outreach employing single moms to harvest and supports an orphanage. • NFW axiomcoffee.com

Bar or Brew • Everyone loves to celebrate and we make it easy with professionally trained, polished bartenders who provide 5-star experience—private events, coffee bars, mocktails, classes. • DFW barorbrew.com

j Berry Bowl To Go • Go-to for açai bowls, offering a variety of ﬂavors and customizable options to cater to individual preferences. Berrymobile available for events and catering.• Southlake berrybowltogo.com

Board + Brie • Curated noshables that pair perfectly with wine. Cheese and charcuterie grazing boxes and boards, crowd-pleasing fare or feasts for one. Pick up, delivery, catering. • Roanoke boardbrie.com

Brew & Batter

• Stand alone house serving really good coffee! Not to mention their waffles! Two bases— cornbread and a liege waffle (European waffle made with yeast daily). • Grapevine brewandbattertx.com

Cookie Society • Family-owned Texas bakery known for famous 1/4 pound cookies — so big they’re almost too much for one hand! In-store or online with free shipping nationwide • Southlake cookiesociety.com

Creative Memories - Sweet Spot Bakery • Boutique Bakery with 16 cupcake ﬂavors daily! Plus ready-made and custom cakes, cookies, brownies, petit fours, and ding dongs. • Fort Worth yourcakeplace.com

Crumbl Cookies • Cookies delivered! And on a mission to bring friends and family together over a box of the best cookies in the world. Open ‘til midnight! • Southlake & NRH crumblcookies.com

Dr. Sue’s Chocolate • Doctor by trade, master chocolatier at heart, Dr. Sue Williams crafts the ﬁnest chocolate specimens ever had—trufﬂes, chocolate bark, chocolate bars. • Grapevine drsueschocolate.com

FoodEase • Putting quality time back on the table for busy families by providing healthy, fresh meals delivered to you Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings. • Roanoke facebook.com/catering.social

Hey Sugar Candy Shop

• Bulk candies and popcorn, old-fashioned soda fountain. Chocolates by Nib Chocolates. Ice cream made in a machine from the 1920s. • Roanoke heysugarcandy.com

JudyPie

• Time-tested recipes, anchored by shortbread crust — ﬂavors like apple, pecan, buttermilk, banana cream. By the slice or whole (large or small). Gluten free, vegan, paleo. • Grapevine judypie.com

Juice Junkies • No need to be a health nut to appreciate juice blends, smoothies, whole food snacks and cold-brewed coffee drinks. Cold-pressed and restocked regularly. • Keller juicejunkies.com

Kindred Coffee Co. • True love for craft coffee and community — they ﬁnd the best coffee and roast it at their shop. Stop by for a cup, fresh salad, gelato or a pastry.• North Richland Hills kindredcoffeeco.com

Native Coffee + Kitchen

• Refreshing, unapologetic interpretations of comfort food favs—pancakes, tacos, burgers and nachos—alongside coffee made with Texas-roasted bean. NFW nativeck.com

Nothing Bundt Cakes • Made fresh using eggs, butter, cream cheese. Bite-sized Bundtinis, single serving Bundtlets, 8” and 10” and double-tiered cakes. Daily samples! • Southlake nothingbundtcakes.com

Pattea Lou’s Tea Room • Get reservations for a Tea Room experience, grab scones and tea in the Cafe, enjoy small bites + vast hot or cold teas. It’s like a girlie Starbucks without coffee! • Keller pattealous.com

Personalized Grazing • Specializing in customized charcuterie boards and personalized culinary experiences. Classes, gifts, ﬁlled or unﬁlled boards, custom boards. • Southlake personalizedgrazing.com

Pinch of Salt Pastries & Coffee • Gluten-free, allergyfriendly bakery proving delicious treats can be enjoyed by everyone, and a sprinkle of salt improves all things sweet. • Grapevine pinchofsaltpastries.com

Redefined Coffee House • Locals gather here for birthdays, meetings, and conversation — and everyone sips macchiatos and iced lattes made with Avoca coffee beans. • Grapevine redefinedcoffeehouse.com

Sip | Stir Coffee House • Enjoy baked goods, toasts and paninis along with your favorite hot or cold coffee or tea beverages. Their simple concept—Community Comes First. • Westlake sipstircoffeehouse.com

Sugar Llamas • Sip, slurp, scoop and sink your teeth into ﬁnger-licking indulgences. Your favorite donut shop, coffee house and ice cream parlor—all in one location! • Keller sugarllamas.com

Sweetie’s Cheesecakes • Sweetie’s is a manufacturer of premium cheesecakes in a jar. Sweetie’s is a ‘Go Texan’ product that’s manufactured right here in Fort Worth. • Fort Worth sweetiescheesecakes.com

Texas Harvest Pie Co. • Small pie shop feels like home. Lovingly crafted pies—apple, blueberry, buttermilk, key lime taste like grandmas if she’s an expert baker. • Keller texasharvestpie.wixsite.com/pies

j Vampire Penguin • Home of the most delicious and unique shaved snow treats! Shaved snow is a light and ﬂuffy dessert that melts in your mouth. Variety of ﬂavors and toppings. • Hurst vampirepenguin.com

BARBECUE

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Back Forty Smokehouse • Brisket, ribs, full bar, outdoor patio, friendly service, locally owned. Back Forty is conveniently located next to the new Tex Rail train station. • NRH backfortysmokehouse.com

Feedstore BBQ • Quality meats and fresh veggies. Ridiculously good chopped beef, chicken, sausage and fall-off-the-bone ribs, fried okra, spicy beans and really amazing rolls. • Southlake feedstorebbq.com

Hard Eight Pit BBQ • Authentic mesquite barbecue. Award winning. ‘Old World’ slow cooking over pits adopted from German settlers who came to Texas Hill Country long ago. • Roanoke hardeightbbq.com

Meat U Anywhere BBQ • “Meating” your BBQ and catering needs. Slow smoked with seasoned oak and hickory. Exclusive sides and ultimate breakfast tacos. • Grapevine & Trophy Club meatuanywhere.com

The Original Roy Hutchins BBQ • Rated DFW’s top BBQ, the Original Roy Hutchins BBQ is now in Trophy Club area. Drop by today to have what everyone is raving about! • Trophy Club royhutchinsbbq.com

Outpost 36 Texas Barbeque • Calling all carnivores! Your new go-to spot for the best BBQ in Texas. Outpost 76 in-house butcher shop has high-quality cuts to-go. Catering, private room, bar. • Keller outpost36.com

Red Barn Bar-B-Que • Best all you can eat catfish on Friday nights, and sausage and turkey around town. Rustic counter service with generous plates and comfort grub in. • Colleyville redbarnbarbque.com

BREAKFAST / BRUNCH (+ lunch / dinner)

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j 360 Brunch House • Brunch meets celebration. Every dish reﬂects global ﬂavors — paired with hand crafted cocktails for a meal that’s anything but ordinary. • NFW/Alliance 360brunchhouse.com

Bacon’s Bistro & Cafe • Breakfast diner with great service and food — sandwiches, soups, salads for lunch. Common to wait on weekends cause it’s so darn good! • Hurst & Grapevine baconsbistroandcafe.com

DeVivo Bros. Eatery • Rustic comfort food on an Americanized menu with Italian flair. Bold flavor, large portions, meatloaf, pasta, sandwiches. Rustic simplicity, refined elegance. • Keller devivobroseatery.com

Huckleberry’s Breakfast & Lunch • Breakfast — beignets, chicken & wafﬂes, skillet hotties, omelets. Lunch — fried green tomatoes, Creole catﬁsh, N’awlins sandwiches, soups. • Keller huckleberrys.com

Kassandra’s Mexican Kitchen • Hidden gem. Great lunch. Well-priced specials. Put it on a list for breakfast served all day. Breakfast quesadilla—a good reason to get up early! • Keller diningoption.com/Kassandras

j Lone Star Cafe • Homestyle comfort food and Southern hospitality. Every dish made from scratch and crafted with care. Feel like family with every bite. Breakfast and lunch. • Keller lonestarcafe.carrd.co

Mangos Breakfast Brunch • French toast, chicken, waffles, omelets. Out of the ordinary duck bacon burgers, s’mores waffles, skillets with chicken fried steak, stuffed avocados. • Southlake mangosbb.com

Oldwest Cafe • Big menu, big portions, good value. Saddle up that horse and hit the trail for Oldwest Cafe... pretty darn sure y’all might like it! Breakfast served all day long. • Grapevine oldwestcafe.com

Seven Mile Café • Fans ﬂock for specialty pancakes, Gouda grits, egg dishes, Stumptown coffee. Can’t go wrong with benedicts or pancake sampler. Vegan and gluten-free options. Keller & NFW sevenmilecafe.com

Starwood Cafe • Specializing in breakfast and lunch at 8 DFW locations and serving breakfast all day—this is your new brunch destination. Vast menu serving all your favs. • Trophy Club & NRH starwoodcafe.com

Sunny Street Café • Hearty American fare—glutenfree options. Dine-in. Carry-out. Neighborhood destination for fresh, wholesome food and friendly service served daily. • Keller & NRH sunnystreetcafe.com

Townhouse Brunch • Truly crave-worthy menu — omelettes, benedicts, pancakes, salad, sandwiches, sweet banana Nutella crepes or savory “everything” avocado toast. • Colleyville townhousebrunch.com

BRITISH

From Across the Pond • Authentic Gastropub — fish & chips, scotch eggs, cottage pie, bangers & mash, beef & ale stew, sticky toffee pudding, burgers, onion rings, all gluten-free! • Colleyville acrossthepond.site

Londoner Pub and Grill • Pub turning out English classics like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash with confidence. Their decor screams typical English pub. • Colleyville thelondonerpub.com

BURGERS / SANDWICHES

Bohemian Bull Tavern & Beer Garden • Relax in a lively, open atmosphere. Fill your belly with hearty food — washed down by craft beers, hand-selected bourbons, cocktails. • Grapevine bohemianbull.com

Catch 22 Sports Grill • Favorites from burgers to brunch, plus soups, salads, sandwiches. Delicious meals made of fresh ingredients. Arcade in dining room. Catering. • Roanoke catch22sportsgrill.com

Chick & Biscuit • Southern food done right! Homestyle comfort food — spicy hot chicken, pulled pork, brisket, sausage gravy — menu honors the South. In Harvest Hall. • Grapevine chickandbiscuit.com

Hollywood’s Pour Shack • Comes alive when the sun sets! Cover bands and DJs. provide music at big indoor/outdoor bar serving burgers and drink specials. Your neighborhood bar. • Keller pourshack.com

Hopdoddy Burger Bar • Irresistible food and fresh ingredients. Quality you can taste—hand-cut fries, craft drinks, milkshakes, three types of buns baked daily! • Alliance & Euless hopdoddy.com

Kincaid’s Hamburgers • Meet to eat — burgers, ice cream shakes, deviled eggs, stuffed jalepenos, fried okra, chicken sandwiches, the best banana pudding. • Alliance & Southlake kincaidshamburgers.com

LA Burger • Beautifully seared meat, oozy cheese, toasty buns — burgers with California ﬂair. Tacos, fries, hot dogs, salads, shakes. Served counter-style multiculti twist. • Keller & Grapevine la-burger.com

Old Town Ice House • Burgers, po-boys, wings, tacos, salads, artisan brews—celebrating the ice industry and the founding of Keller during that era. Raise an icecold glass with us! • Keller oldtownicehouse.com

Portillo’s • Known for Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, chopped salad, cheese fries, homemade chocolate cake and chocolate cake shake. Bunbelievably obsessed! • NFW/Alliance portillos.com

Son of a Butcher • SoB uses organic Wagyu beef for craveable sliders, hand-breaded white meat chicken sliders, and black bean patties made in-house for veg-heads. • Alliance & Grapevine sobsliders.com

CAJUN

Bayou Jack’s Cajun Grill • New Orleans is closer than you think. Proud to serve authentic Cajun dishes and fresh seafood in a fun atmosphere. Brunch, happy hour, catering. • Roanoke bayoujackscajungrill.com

Krab Kingz Seafood • A fiesta of seafood. Cajun flavor. Kick back with jazz music and authentic Louisiana vibes. Freshest, most flavorful seafood you never knew you were missing! • NFW krabkingzftworth.com

j Te’Jun Texas Cajun • Texas-based, Cajun-inspired seafood company offering fresh Cajun cuisine more affordably. Live and bulk crawﬁsh ordering for your backyard boil! • Keller tejunthetexascajun.com

FRENCH

j Chez Fabien • French-inspired bistro with passion for fare from France—chicken paillard, short rib beef bourguignon, steak frites, croque monsieur. Live music. Brunch. • Grapevine chezfabienbistro.com

D’Caramel Patisserie • Modern twist on classic French favorites. Viennoiserie products from scratch in-house, rolled by hand. Baked daily with limited stock to ensure freshness. • Southlake dcaramel.com

Main Street Bistro & Bakery (Bistro M) • Local gem. Foodie following (and a Gallic accent). Chocolate bomb cake makes toes curl! Must-try pastries and desserts Best croissants. • Grapevine themainbakery.com

PIAF Kitchen+Wine+Bar • Power lunch to happy hour, to a romantic date night. Weekends start with buffet brunch—end with rooftop bar drinks. Flatbreads, seafood, steaks. • Grapevine piafkitchen.com

j Rise Soufflé • Salon de soufflé and wine bar with French influence focused on the soufflé — masterpiece of French cuisine. Delicious and light, sweet or savory— perfect all ways, always! • Southlake risesouffle.com

j Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café • Adorned crêpes— breakfast to dinner, lunch to late dessert! Elevating crêpes with fresh ingredients, interesting ﬂavor proﬁles and atmosphere. • Southlake sweetparis.com

GREEK / MEDITERRANEAN

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Aladdin Mediterranean Café • Vibrant eatery and culinary journey through the rich ﬂavors of the Mediterranean. Beloved by food enthusiasts seeking authentic tastes. • NFW aladdinmedicafe.site

Café Medi • As much attention given to vegetarian dishes as their succulent grilled and braised meats. BYOB. Salads, hummus, falafel and fool. Their lamb shanks really shine! • Keller & Hurst cafemedi.com

Ferah Tex-Med Kitchen • Innovative fusion cuisine, paired with upscale ambiance and ﬁve-star service. Sunday brunch buffet , lunch specials and happy hour all day Mondays. • Southlake ferahtexmed.com

Istanbul Cuisine Mediterranean Grill • Like Sultan’s Kitchen — serving genuine dishes like Turkish kebab, Greek salad, lamb shank, falafel balls. Eat well, grab a drink! • Southlake istanbulcuisinesouthlake.com

INDIAN .......................................................................

Aroma Grill & Bar • Culinary excellence and passion for Nepali and Indian cuisine. Authentic ﬂavors inspired by rich traditions from classic favorites to modern interpretations. • Keller aromagrillandbar.com

Tabla Indian Restaurant • Indian & Indo-Chinese— butter chicken and ﬂavorful Biryani, creamy Dal Bukhara, rich Kadai Paneer, Dishes that will satisfy every craving! • NFW/Alliance tablacuisine.com

ITALIAN / PIZZA

Acquario Italian Seafood • Coastal Italy meets Texan ﬂair — symphony of coastal ﬂavors incredibly fresh seafood harmonizing with steaks from Texas Ranchers. • Keller acquariorestaurant.com

Armend’s Restaurante • Family restaurant serving authentic Italian dishes including made-from-scratch pizzas, home-style pastas, traditional Italian chicken, seafood and veal. • Southlake armendspizza.com

Bosses • Brick oven pizza using the ﬁnest cheese and meats—and freshest veggies. They set out to make the best pizza in town and some say it’s “The Best Darn Pizza in Texas.” • NRH & NFW bossespizza.com

Brio Tuscan Grille • Buzzing from the outdoor patio to t courtyard bar. Upscale enough for date-night, but casual enough for locals wandering in from shopping. • Southlake Town Square brioitalian.com

Cafe Italia • Voted best in Northeast Tarrant — serving everything from steaks and traditional Italian fare to fresh seafood and amazing desserts. BYOB. Catering • Grapevine cafeitaliagrapevine.com

Calabrese Ristorante and Bar • Authentic Italian ingredients imported from Italy — both modern and traditional Italian to please every palate. Wine list as seductive as the decor. • Southlake ilcalabrese.com

Coal Vines • Pizza wine bar separating good pizza from great — perfect crunch and just a speck of char. This pie was made for good vino. They have plenty of that as well! • Southlake coalvinespizza.com

Delucca Gaucho Pizza & Wine • Slice after gourmet slice — garlic picanha, shrimp & fontina, Turkish lamb, cheese, pepperoni — brought hot to table. All you can eat perfection! • Southlake & Alliance delucca.com

Farina’s Winery & Café • Elegant but unassuming with solid food and wine to back up the atmosphere. Italian classics headlined by popular pizzas, are Farina family recipes. • Grapevine farinaswinery.com

Ferrari’s Italian Villa & Chop House • Beautiful banquet and private dining. Bountiful antipasti bar. Roasted entrées from wood ﬁred oven. Desserts made tableside. • Grapevine ferrarisrestaurant.com

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria • Brooklyn’s iconic pizza is here! Crust is perfectly thin and crisp — cheese and toppings first-rate. Brooklyn charm also served here with some excellent pizza. • Grapevine grimaldispizzeria.com

i Fratelli Pizza • Distinctive thin-n-crispy pizza, handmade sauces, dressings, dessert—local fav for almost 40 years. Exceedes expectations with fast exemplary delivery. • Southlake, Keller, NFW ifratelli.net

Jonny’s Pizza • At Jonny's, they only use the freshest ingredients in their New York-style hand-tossed pizzas. All the tasty Italian cuisine and other dishes are made in-house as well. • Fort Worth jonnyspizzany.com

Inzo Italian Kitchen • Old-world menu with newworld accent. Using fresh ingredients and doing things the way Nonna did years ago. One taste is all it takes to be amazed. • Roanoke inzoitalian.com

Loveria Caffe • Emilia-Romagna is Italy’s premier foodie destination — pasta, cured meat, cheese, wine, meatballs, lasagna, eggplant parm perfected long before landing here. • Colleyville loveriacaffe.com

Napoli’s Italian Café & Creamery • Italian-America classics in Historic Grapevine setting. Linger in or drop by the creamery for freshly made gelato and Italian desserts. • Grapevine napolisgrapevine.com

Oliva Italian Eatery • Italian staples rendered with verve—spaghetti and meatballs, lobster ravioli, featured items. Expertly curated wines at a remarkable value. • North Fort Worth olivaeatery.com

Palio’s Pizza Cafe • Food tastes better and they swear it’s better for you with fresh ingredients made-fromscratch. Unparalleled pizzas and service. • Keller, NFW & Roanoke paliospizzacafe.com

Postino • Wine Cafe that satisﬁes all your cravings —paninis, bruschettas, charcuterie boards, sharable “Snacky Things,” salads, desserts. OMG grilled cheese pairs perfect! • Southlake postinowinecafe.com

Stellini Trattoria • Shareable arancini crisp risotto balls or taglieri meat & cheese board. Housemade pastas and pizzas. Steaks, chops, gnocchi, potatoes. Creative cocktails. • Grapevine stellinitrattoria.com

The Sicilian Butcher • Celebration of heritage and hospitality from Sicily to you — where Italian dining lives to share it with you! Charcuterie bar and craft meatballs • NFW/Alliance thesicilianbutcher.com

Vinny’s Italian Restaurant • Good food and great peopl — like being invited to your Italian uncle’s house for dinner. Authentic New York style pizza and authentic Italian classics. • Trophy Club vinnysitalian.site

Wise Guys Pizzeria • Exceeding expectations. Fresh food, hard work, family hospitality and hands-on approach to pizzas, pastas — scratch made. Premium draft. • Roanoke & Grapevine wiseguystx.com

Zeppole • Refined pasta dishes, seafood and soulful renditions of Italian specialties showcased in an open setting that feels like your favorite outdoor patio. • In Gaylord Texan Resort Atrium gaylordtexan.com

LATIN AMERICAN

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Del Campo Empanadas • Empanadas with savories like chicken, ham, spinach, picanha steak. Dipped in chimichurri. No-fuss meal. Grab-and-go. Sweet treats here also. • Fort Worth delcampoempanadas.com

El Sabor Restaurant • Hidden gem. Authentic Salvadoran cuisine—pupusas, yucca, plantains, tamales, Chicharrón, parrillada, tacos and tortas. Seafood and Mexican favorites. • Keller restaurantelsabor.com

Gloria’s • Fine Latin cuisine hints at mom-and-pop roots. Experience authentic Salvadoran dishes served alongside zesty Tex-Mex favs — all crafted with love. • Colleyville & Southlake gloriascuisine.com

MEXICAN

Baja Cantina • Coastal Mexican seafood and steaks. Fajitas are a fav, also ﬁsh tacos, spinach queso, frozen margaritas that make you swear you’re on vacation! • Watauga, NRH, Roanoke, Keller bajagrilldfw.com

Cristina’s Fine Mexican • Lively setting, unique menu with Tex-Mex favorites, as well as unique central Mexican dishes. Must-have margaritas. • NRH, Trophy Club, Southlake & NFW cristinasmex.com

Elote Mexican Kitchen • Little taqueria with style. Slow roasted meats, fresh ingredients, marvelous margaritas. Menu is mostly gluten-free Family style meals to go a big plus! • NFW elotemex.com

Esparza’s Restaurante Mexicano • Possibly coolest patio scene in DFW. Feast on Mexican classics — don’t miss out on famous margaritas, fajitas or authentic Mexican favorites. • Grapevine esparzastexas.com

Fresco’s • Traditional Tex Mex for those seeking the comfort foods they grew up with, as well as delicious authentic dishes straight from Mexico. Don’t miss margaritas! • Watauga frescosmexicanfood.com

Los Compadres Cantina • Tex-Mex even your abuela would love... hand crafted and made from scratch deep in the heart of Roanoke! Sunday brunch. Family packs. • Roanoke loscompadrescantina.com

Los Molcajetes • Warm tortilla chips and red or green salsa, sizzling fajitas, margaritas, sopapillas, ﬂan or fried ice cream—the ultimate Mexican comfort food! • Roanoke & NFW losmolcajetes.com

j MAD Mexican Grill • MAD doesn’t stand for the Tex-Mex fusion of spices and ﬂavors; it’s the founder’s initials (Mayra, Arianah, David) who bring their family story to every plate. • Keller madmexicangrill.com

Martha’s Mexican Cocina • Reliable Tex-Mex in a relaxed setting with a great patio. Try brisket tacos and pollo poblano. Vegetarian options. Daily specials and happy hour. • Keller marthasmexicancocina.com

Mesero • Beyond Tex Mex — lives up to Mexican Spirit American Life motto. One taste of iconic Queso Mesero and brisket tacos keep us coming back... don’t skip their amazing drinks! • Southlake mesero.net

Mi Cocina • The original see-and-be-seen spot is still a crowd favorite. A sleek, but festive interior draws locals for ‘moder’ enchiladas, Mambo Taxis and ﬁrstrate Tex-Mex. • Southlake & Alliance mcrowd.com

Mi Dia From Scratch • Traditional Mexico City with modern Santa Fe and Tex Mex ﬂavors. Fusion of past and present. Fresh ideas, authentic ingredients, skillfully prepared. • Grapevine midiafromscratch.com

SEAFOOD

Big Fish Seafood • Fresh seafood, including lots of Cajun options, plus drink specials, frequent live music in a rustic, relaxed setting. Known for treating guests like family. • Grapevine bigﬁshgrapevine.com

Bonefish Grill • Menu full of fresh flavors of the sea and innovative dishes specializing in seasonal fresh fish. Taste today’s freshest catch and try something new on each visit. • Southlake bonefishgrill.com

The Crab Station • Family oriented experience. Have fun cracking and peeling with your hands getting messy while you’re at it! Entrees, wings, kettles, plus shareables and peel-n-eat • NFW crab-station.com

j Pacific Table Seafood • Eclectic mix of modern, Pacific Northwest cuisine. Oysters, sushi, seafood, grilled steaks, oven-roasted chicken, salads, and sandwiches. Brunch. • Southlake pacifictable.com

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen • From warm Gulf waters, icy Alaskan coast, mighty Atlantic and Pacific, they go to any depth to serve the finest seafood to you — all year long. • Grapevine pappadeaux.com

Shell Shack • Known for its signature customizable seafood boils. Shell Shack sources the best seafood available, including Opilio and Bairdi snow crab at the best possible prices. • NFW shellshack.com

Shuck Me • Seafood spot with fried baskets, peeland-eat shrimp, po-boys, crawﬁsh, oysters, gumbo. Big portions. Lots of options — get your a seafood ﬁx at great prices! • Southlake & Denton shuckme.net

Truluck’s Seafood, Steak & Crab House • Iconic for stone crab claws, beloved freshness! Chic dining room hosts dinners with inventive foodie twists. • Southlake Town Square trulucks.com

STEAKS

Bob’s Steak and Chop House • Ranked as one of the top steakhouses in the nation for good reason. Steaks are prime, the portions are big, and the drinks are stiff. • Grapevine bobs-steakandchop.com

The Classic • Globally-inspired menu of farm-quality ingredients. Fresh seafood, premium steaks, pastas. On-site garden. Full bar, wine list and craft cocktails. A true classic! • Roanoke theclassiccafe.com

Del Frisco’s Grille • Shop the square before meeting for dinner and drinks. Luxurious dining room or patio. Local ﬂavor — diverse menu has somethingto offer everyone. • Southlake delfriscosgrille.com

Dino’s Steak & Claw House • Serving a variety of seafood, steak and poultry dishes in a vintage bank building along Historic Main. Romantic spot. Live piano music. • Grapevine dinossteakandclaw.net

Keller Chophouse • Intimate indoor atmosphere, outdoor seating, full bar, impressive wine & spirits list. Prime Allen Brothers steaks, fresh seafood, private dining or catering. • Keller kellerchophouse.com

Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse • Incomparable flavor and service. Unrivaled ambiance. Kirby’s defines the fine dining experience. Local favorite for impressing out-of-towners! • Southlake kirbyssteakhouse.com

Mac’s on Main • Southwestern, cajun and global inﬂuences. Steaks, signature prime rib, seafood. Beer, cocktails, 30+ single malt scotches, wine. Locally owned, one-of-a-kind. • Grapevine macsteak.com

Old Hickory Steakhouse • Dine in the warm, rich atmosphere of Texas wine cellar. Savor ﬁnest cuts of beef and seafood paired with artisanal cheese. Vast wine list. • In Gaylord Texan gaylordtexan.com

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille • Redeﬁned dining that’s truly rare! Prime USDA-aged steaks, famous pork chop, seafood — steakhouse dining that’s well done every time! • Grapevine perryssteakhouse.com

j Rosebud Steakhouse • Premium steaks, culinary excellence — destination for steak lovers and foodies. Italian classics, chops, seafood — a true Chicago steak house experience. • Southlake rosebudsteak.com

Sweetie Pies Ribeyes • Steaks cooked “Old Style” meaning fresh-cut, seasoned and seared at 550 degrees—locking in natural juices. Big menu beyond steaks or burgers. • NRH sweetiepiesribeyes.com

Winewood • American fare, modern flair: Waldorf salads, Dagwood club, Niman Ranch pork chops, chicken Cordon Bleu. Family meals, business lunches or celebrations. • Grapevine thewinewood.com

Submit your favorite dining spots for consideration to be listed free in TopTables. Send the restaurant name and location so our foodies can check it out. Please email requested information to Society Life Magazine team at: info@societylifemagazine.com. Bon appetit!

This darling breakfast recipe takes just five minutes to make — and are as cute as they are delicious—and good for you! Win-win-win! To emulate a classic banana split, I used three kinds of yogurt (vanilla, strawberry, and honey), but one flavor works, too. Three 6-oz containers make the perfect amount for three splits. This fun recipe is endlessly customizable — add pineapple and coconut for a tropical twist, or mango and mint for a fresh, vibrant flavor. I topped yogurt with fresh berries, maple granola, and sliced almonds, all nestled between a split banana. The whole time I was eating, I couldn’t help thinking how delighted little me would have been!

SL

THE ROSE TABLE

INGREDIENTS (serves 2)

2 bananas

12 oz yogurt (three varieties suggested)

1 cup mixed berries (raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries used)

2 Tbsp granola

1 Tbsp sliced almonds ................................................

(1) Slice bananas lengthwise and set in shallow banana split bowls.

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(2) Spoon yogurt between bananas and top with berries, granola, and almonds.

Breakfast

WhereLocalsGo

REVIEW BY JENNIFER SLOAN

VAMPIRE PENGUIN SHAVED SNOW DESSERT SHOP

Tucked away in Hurst, off Colleyville Boulevard, Vampire Penguin isn’t your average dessert shop—it’s fully family-owned and operated and has quickly captured the hearts (and taste buds) of locals near and far. Known for its whimsical name, friendly vibe and inventive menu, the Vampire Penguin offers something refreshingly different from the typical ice cream or frozen yogurt spots.

At the heart of Vampire Penguin’s charm is the family behind it. Every visit comes with a personal touch— you’ll see owners Tony and Stacy Guillame greeting customers with warm smiles, helping first-timers navigate the menu and sharing their favorite combinations. While Tony’s mom can be found artfully putting the finishing touches on plates or passing out tattoos and stickers to kids

adorned with their cute namesake penguin. That welcoming, hometown feel makes it clear that this is more than just a business—it’s a labor of love. The whole family has poured their personalities into every detail, from the cozy interior to the playful mural wall and even a floor design giving iceberg vibes, creating an environment where customers too feel like part of the family.

What truly sets Vampire Penguin apart, though, is their signature shaved snow. If you’ve never tried it, shaved snow is a lighter, fluffier cousin to traditional ice cream, with an airy texture that melts in your mouth. Each bite delivers a creamy, flavorful experience without feeling heavy — the perfect treat for the triple-digit Texas afternoons or a post-dinner indulgence. Unlike snow cones where syrup is poured over ice, Vampire Penguin’s shaved snow is infused with flavor from the start, ensuring that every spoonful is rich and satisfying. The texture and aesthetic are both surprisingly cake-like. If you haven’t been, you have never experienced anything like it—tt’s truly unique!

Their menu is as creative as it is delicious. Customers choose from a

variety of preset creations—like the decadent chocolate blends, refreshing fruity options, and tropical flavors— or they can build their very own masterpiece. Toppings range from fresh fruit and cookie crumbles to gummy worms and drizzles of sweet sauces. This freedom to customize means every single visit can be a new experience. My not-to-be-missed preset creation is for coffee lovers. Tirami-snow is a play on my favorite dessert, Tiramisu, and it rivals any non-snow version I have tried. The Strawberry Cheesecake is a close second with its blend of strawberry and vanilla snow, a light dusting of graham cracker crumb, plus fresh strawberries and generous drizzles of condensed milk, strawberry sauce and white chocolate. Indulgent and flavorful, yet light as air!

One of the most delightful aspects of Vampire Penguin is its ability to appeal to all ages and dietary needs. Gluten-free, sugar-free and dairy-free options are available. Families often gather here after visiting neighboring

theme parks or on weekends, kids wide-eyed as their colorful desserts arrive, piled high and picture-perfect. Adults appreciate the craftsmanship and sophisticated flavor profiles, making it a go-to for date nights or catching up with friends. The playful presentation, complete with bright colors and eye-catching details, makes each dessert feel like a small celebration. In a world where dessert options can feel repetitive, Vampire Penguin offers us an imaginative, heartfelt alternative. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick treat, introducing friends to something new, or simply looking for a place where the owners remember your name, this family-run gem delivers every time.