In a pocket south of I-30 near a cluster of hospitals, you’ll find a two-lane road called Magnolia Avenue lined with a mix of eclectic shops, restaurants, and bars. Getting around is easy. Four B-Cycle stations—part of a citywide bike-share program—dot the street. Most of the establishments here have been up and running for only two or three years, but the buildings themselves have been around for decades. The result: a funky-chic neighborhood where the antique meets the modern.
After properly waking up, we checked out the Historic 1208 W. Magnolia building, now a sort of mall occupied by shops like Ephemera, a tiny, quirky store that sells comic books and terrariums and hosts build-your-own-succulent-display classes. Other tenants include beatrice-tuley, a handmade girls’ clothing shop, and Le Chat Noir Cupcake Bordello and Bakery. We then popped into SiNaCa Studios, a heat-filled, glass-specific gallery and school offering $40 walk-up workshops for novices.
Shopping on Magnolia is sparse, but if you have an itch to browse, drop by Nelle & Lizzy for personalized accessories. In case you haven’t eaten or drunk enough by then, the neighborhood is home to several wine bars for an afternoon break. Kent & Co. Wines brings a Highland Park vibe to an otherwise Bishop Arts-esque area. High ceilings and a Cadillac lofted above the lounge complement a glass of wine and a charcuterie board. Grand Cru Wine Bar & Boutique provides a more rustic experience.
Plan to miss your normal bedtime, because the bar scene is refreshing. We tuned in to the local music scene at The Live Oak Music Hall & Lounge; Leon Bridges got his start playing at open-mic nights here. If the weather is nice, grab a seat on the rooftop patio draped with lights. If you fancy a craft cocktail, darken the door of The Usual, a speakeasy-type bar, or head down to Proper and order the Bees Knees, a blend of gin, lemon, honey, and lavender bitters.