Visit Southlake
No matter the time of year, when making your way to Southlake, Texas, you’ll find yourself surrounded by gorgeous parks, an abundance of shopping experiences, and amazing food to suit any appetite. The town is quite known for Southlake Town Square — a large shopping center with fabulous shopping and great dining. But that’s not all. Southlake has over 260 retail venues, 130 restaurants, and a nice nature center to add to the mix. It’s definitely my town to explore, shop, and eat.
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Southlake is a suburb of Fort Worth and a hop skip and a jump from the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. It’s a happening town off Highway 114 and Highway 1709 and streets in between. So whether you’re flying in for the weekend or driving in for the day, there is one thing for sure, nobody in your group will be disappointed. Come hungry and plan to stay all day!
I have been hosted at Sky Creek Kitchen and Bar, but my opinions are always my own.
Best Outdoor Activities In Southlake
If parks are on your list — possibly a place to rest from all the shopping you’ll be doing, Southlake has plenty. But if you’re into a hike in nature and birdwatching, then may I suggest checking out Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve. All the Southlake parks are nice, clean, and family-friendly, and I’ve listed a few local favorites below.
Bob Jones Nature Center And Preserve
This is what I call the best outdoor adventure in Southlake, Texas. I can’t say enough about Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve — city-owned and home to over 20 miles of hiking trails. Take some time to visit the nature center, then walk along the Bluebird Trail and read signs about various birds along the way. There are restrooms in the nature center but not along the trails. Hiking paths throughout the preserve are natural paths.
Pro Tip: If you hike the Bluebird Trail all the way to the lake (about three-quarters of a mile), spot the swing tied to a tree up on a hill to the left that’s fully accessible and swing like a kid! Fun for everyone … I know, because we found it and I swang like a kid — felt good! There are benches, a picnic table, and trash cans on the hiking trail. But remember, no restroom.
Bob Jones Park
Bob Jones Park is right before you get to the nature center on the right, where you’ll find more fun things to do, such as a fishing pond, pavilions, picnic tables, a playground, a dog park, and restrooms. The road that leads to both is a dead-end street. It actually dead-ends into a lake and more hiking trails to explore.
Visit Southlake
Rustin Family Park (In Southlake Town Square)
I had no idea this area in the midst of all the shopping in Southlake Town Square had a name, much less it being a park. It’s gorgeous and such a relaxing area! There are sidewalks, plenty of benches to sit, drinking fountains, and several pavilions for picnics. You’ll also find a small pond and two fountains. If you’re coming to visit the park and no shopping-intended (though that would be hard to do), parking nearby is free. Though it’s a small area, there is plenty of free parking all around Southlake Town Square.
Bicentennial Park
Bicentennial Park is one of Southlake’s largest parks, where you’ll find everything that you would expect to see in a park of this size, including benches, restrooms, and a garden. With a new playground and nice tennis courts, you could definitely spend all day in just this park.
Best Places To Shop In Southlake
You’ll find department stores, specialty stores, boutiques, and all sorts of retail stores for the whole family. Southlake has quite a few shopping centers, and none of them are far away from each other. If you keep Highway 1709 in mind, as well as Highway 114, you’re good to go. So, if you need an outfit for a business meeting, or perhaps a dress for a fancy dinner, or even tennis shoes for the kids, you’ll find what you need in Southlake.
Southlake Town Square
It’s easy to get your steps in as you shop the square. Actually, it used to be a square, but Southlake Town Square has grown to much more than that. If you’re in for a nice walk, park your car once and take your time strolling around the beautiful landscape while shopping. There’s plenty to see and shops galore, If you’re going on a major shopping spree, shops like Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Victoria’s Secret, Gap, and my favorite shop that caters to mature women — J. Jill, will probably have you going back to your car for a dropoff. This is your friendly warning — all the shops you love are there! Several restaurants are in the square too … and a Starbucks!
Pro Tip: There are plenty of benches to sit and catch your breath and a beautiful water fountain that can be used as a wishing well. Don’t tell, but I’ve let my son dip his toes in it a time or two.
Shops Of Southlake
Shops Of Southlake is a Southlake Mall full of everything, including Central Market located off Southlake Blvd across from the Southlake Town Square. You’ll find modern retail shops for the whole family like Nordstrom Rack, a DSW shoe store, Hollywood Feed for your pooch, and so much more. It’s a neighborhood favorite.
Visit Southlake
Park Village
Shop Park Village for household items at Kirkland’s, outdoor fishing equipment at Orvis and REI, crafts at Michaels, and for a midday snack, you may want to spring for a cupcake or two at Gigi’s Cupcakes or a frozen yogurt treat at Steel City Pops.
Best Restaurants In Southlake
From American homestyle to Asian cuisine to TexMex and fancy desserts, Southlake caters to every palate. It’s not possible not to find something to eat in town. Sit on a breezy patio, visit a casual bar, or dine in an upscale eatery. You’ll find more than 130 Southlake restaurants ready to serve you and your family.
Moxie’s Grill And Bar
Moxie’s is one of those restaurants where everyone at your table can order something different. They offer a mix of hamburgers, bowls, steak, soups and salad, and even fish and sushi. You can’t go wrong here with that menu! A people-pleasing place! It’s located in Southlake Town Square on the corner. You can’t miss this lovely white building on the corner.
Feedstore Barbeque
Go where the locals go! Feedstore BBQ is a casual atmosphere (old school if you will) and a local’s favorite any night of the week since 2001. They serve up some of the best barbecue in town!
Sky Creek Kitchen And Bar
It’s modern Texas cuisine at its finest. An upscale restaurant inside Delta Hotels by Marriott Southlake. Dinner here is unforgettable, and you’ll want to go back. The restaurant has hosted me a time or two, and I have enjoyed many of their dinner dishes, including my favorite, Blackened Bay of Fundy Salmon. They may know me by name, so be sure to tell the bartender Kim said hi! Reservation recommended.
Pro Tip: You may want to save room for the most unforgettable decadent dessert you’ll ever stick your fork (or spoon) in — it’s their Peanut Butter Bar with peanut and chocolate mousse, ice cream with bacon, and peanut crumble! It’s much to be desired and a must if you like peanuts. Oh, and it’s sharable — ask for two spoons.
Malai Thai-Vietnamese Kitchen
Malai Kitchen is an upscale restaurant in Park Village two doors down from cupcakes! My husband and I wanted to try a restaurant we had never been to before, and we chose this one. To our amazement, we loved it, and our grandson did too. We sat on the outdoor patio discussing our great meal and those cupcakes two doors down! Reservations preferred.
Kirby’s Southlake
Kirby’s is Southlake’s first steakhouse and fine-dining restaurant and is still going strong today. Kirby’s serves up quality steaks, pasta, chicken, seafood, and more with live music on the weekends. Open for dinner, and reservations are preferred.
Pro Tip: They offer a complimentary shuttle service to all surrounding hotels.
Wildwood Southlake
Wildwood Southlake is a locally owned upscale bar and grill serving wood-fired chops, chicken, seafood, and more in a casual atmosphere. Plus whiskey and craft beer.
Pro Tip
Southlake locals love their safe community and are very proud of their exemplary public schools and their high school having an 8-time state champion football team. My good friend that lives in Southlake says you’ve got to try boba tea at Mama Bear and ice cream at Milwaukee Joe’s. And, I say, if you’ve never had a boba tea, try it for the experience!
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