16 September 21 - 27, 2023 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER contents | shopping & services | Arts & entertAinment | Food & drink | sports & recreAtion Best Wedding PhotograPher Earth to Madison Madison Raney of Earth to Madison describes her work as “vibrant and edgy,” which makes sense for a photographer who came up in concert photography. Though based in Dallas, she attracts clients from around the world and makes them feel like rock stars in front of her camera. Her concert experience gives her a special leg up in capturing candid moments, particularly the party shots at receptions. She generally attracts unconventional couples and has a portfolio full of themed weddings, ranging from a Halloween-themed Las Vegas blowout to a lush and moody ceremony inspired by Pride and Prejudice. earthtomadison.com Best Place for Fun oddities Curiosities Located near White Rock Lake, Curiosities is our favorite place to find wonderfully weird antiques. Founded in 2006, this family business sells everything from vintage posters, pins and clothing to larger items such as furniture, home décor and fine art. This shop feels more like a museum than a store, and it’s always full of surprises and a never-ending supply of treasures. 8920 Garland Road 214-828-1886, getcuriosities.com Best gas station Green Spot This one-stop shop has everything conscious consumers in Dallas could ask for in a gas station. Along with regular unleaded gas there’s also diesel fuel blended with biodiesel and B100 biodiesel. The best part? The snacks. Green Spot offers kombucha on tap as well as yogurt, coffee, smoothie and juice bars. Fountain drinks are made with real cane sugar, and the café offers organic, locally sourced, preservative-free food. With its plentiful gluten-free and vegan options (including alcohol), a stop at Green Spot is a great idea. 702 N. Buckner Blvd. 214-319-7768, greenspotmarket.net Best antique Mall North Dallas Antique Mall The North Dallas Antique Mall is a trove of treasures, packing 12,500 square feet with everything from colored-glass globe lights, figurines, games and cards of every kind, milk glass dish sets, folk art from around the world, mid-century modern chairs and starburst glassware, to European furniture and antique lamps. Each vendor has a little slice of the store with their own wares on display. The former movie theater bursts with color and fun finds. With three floors with movie and pop art collectibles upstairs, a hefty selection of vinyl and art in the basement, and everything from tchotchkes to high-end collectibles on the main floor, it’s a no-pressure wonderland perfect for finding that sentimental piece to call your own. 11722 Marsh Lane, No. 353 214-366-2100 Best Boutique Lingerie Trousseau of Dallas We have all done it, but no one feels great having to shop for intimates in a store with neon signs and headless mannequins in the window. For a slightly more upscale shopping trip, we love Trousseau of Dallas — House of Lingerie. The petite boutique offers professional fittings and a concierge service to help you find the perfect fit. If you’re looking for a gift, the shop can help you find that special something in person or by phone. 2215 Cedar Springs Road, No. 1111 214-538-5161, trousseauofdallas.com Best toy shoP Froggies 5 & 10 This novelty shop in Lakewood is full of nostalgic gifts including toys, books, costumes and more. Froggies 5 & 10 has been in business for more than 25 years and remains a favorite for North Texans looking for new and retro toys. You don’t need the excuse of being a parent to walk in here because there are fun gag gifts for all ages. You can unleash your inner child as you browse the selection of games, magic tricks, joke books, stuffed animals and puzzles. 6465 Mockingbird Lane, No. 314 214-522-5867 Best Place for a cheaP night Massage Foot Health Massage This Lake Highlands gem is perfect for a little self-love after work. It’s open later than most spas, until 9:30 p.m. daily, so you don’t have to fight weekend crowds or try to cram in a relaxing moment on your lunch break. It offers classics including Swedish and hot stone massages as well as cupping therapy and something the website refers to as a “walk the back massage.” Prices are lower than average without jeopardizing the quality of the service. 6780 Abrams Road, No. 109 469-779-7222, foothealthmassage. business.site Best Lifestyle and FaMily PhotograPher Kelly Christine Photo Not all photographers promote inclusivity the way East Dallas’ Kelly Sutton does. Sadly, North Texas is riddled with conservative photographers who won’t shoot LGBTQ+ families, and Sutton has made it her mission to serve any person regardless of their sexual orientation, race, religion or background. Her work has been featured in local and national publications, including Architectural Digest, Rolling Stone and Billboard. Her impressive portfolio also boasts a Grammy-winning album cover and work for big-name clients such as HGTV and Pottery Barn. This year, Sutton is donating a portion of the profits from her family sessions to organizations working to end gun violence in America. kellychristinephoto.com Shopping & Services Elese Arias BEST TOY SHOP Froggies 5 & 10 Courtesy Earth to Madison Photography BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER Madison Raney, Earth to Madison
