Summer is officially here. The World Cup is in our backyard. Universal Kids Resort opens July 1. The neighborhoods we work in every day are transforming faster than at almost any point in recent memory.
This month’s blog goes deeper on everything from the newsletter — plus stories that didn’t fit in the email: the full CORE District guide, the complete pool breakdown, where to pick berries before the season closes, how the design shift happening in North Dallas homes connects to how we dress, and an honest guide to every major Dallas country club.
The FIFA World Cup — Your Complete North Texas Guide
The biggest sporting event in North Texas history officially kicks off June 14 and runs through July 14. Nine matches at AT&T Stadium in Arlington — including a quarterfinal and semifinal — will bring hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world to our doorstep.
The matches at AT&T Stadium, Arlington: Nine total matches including group stage games, a quarterfinal, and the semifinal on July 14. Full schedule at FIFA.com.
FC Dallas Soccer Festival — Frisco: FC Dallas is running a 39-day festival at Simpson Plaza in Frisco with watch parties, live music, food vendors, and activations for every match day. Free to attend. fcdallas.com.
FIFA Fan Festival — Fair Park, Dallas: The official FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park runs 34 days, free and open to the public daily through July 14.
Where to watch near our neighborhoods:
Soccer Spectrum — Richardson (1251 Digital Drive, Richardson TX 75081 · soccerspectrum.com) : A Richardson institution since 1986, founded by the Mungioli family and now owned by neighbors Wes Pingelton and Steve Barton who have kept its spirit alive. Reserved watch parties for all 64 World Cup matches. Indoor bar and lounge, covered outdoor patio, private event spaces. The most authentic soccer watch experience in North Texas.
Mexican Bar Company — Plano (6121 W. Park Blvd) : 21 big screens, sound on for every game, food and drink specials running throughout the tournament.
CRAFT Beer Market — Preston Center (Northwest Highway at Preston Road) : 10,500 square feet, a 360-degree bar, 100+ beers on tap, and a 5,250 square foot rooftop patio with full bar and seating. One of the confirmed FIFA watch party venues this summer.
Sources: FIFA.com / FC Dallas / AT&T Stadium / CRAFT Beer Market / Soccer Spectrum
Universal Kids Resort Opens July 1
Universal Kids Resort in Frisco officially opens July 1, 2026 — making it one of the most anticipated openings in North Texas history and the first theme park in the United States designed exclusively for younger children and their families.
Located just off the Dallas North Tollway and Panther Creek Parkway in Frisco — about 20 minutes from Prestonwood and the Reservation — the park covers 20 acres with seven themed lands:
- Shrek’s Swamp Adventure
- SpongeBob SquarePants — Bikini Bottom
- Jurassic World
- Minions Land
- Trolls — The Musical Experience
- Puss in Boots’ Adventure
- Gabby’s Dollhouse
More than 30 experiences including rides, live entertainment, play zones, sensory gardens, and character meet-and-greets. A 300-room Universal Kids Resort Hotel sits at the park entrance for families who want to make a full weekend of it, with family suites, an outdoor pool, arcade room, and dining options.
Tickets are on sale now with one-day and two-day options, packages, and an annual pass. universalkidsresort.com
“Y’all Street” — Why the World Is Moving to Our Backyard
Two of the world’s most credible news outlets published major stories about Dallas in the past two months. The Guardian called it “Y’all Street.” The New York Post wrote about New Yorkers happily relocating to North Texas and saying they’re “never” moving back.
The financial sector transformation: Goldman Sachs is building an 800,000 square foot campus in Dallas for 5,000+ staff — a $700 million commitment. Scotiabank just relocated from North Carolina, bringing 1,000 jobs. Nasdaq and the NYSE both launched Dallas branches. A homegrown Texas Stock Exchange launches later this year. DFW’s financial sector workforce has surged 40% over the past decade to 386,000 people.
The numbers:
- Texas has zero state income tax — New York’s combined rate runs up to 14.8%
- Forbes’ cost-of-living calculator: $100,000 in Manhattan = $41,189 in Dallas to maintain the same standard of living
- DFW population: 8.5 million and growing faster than any other major US metro since 2010
- Texas has surpassed California as home to the most NYSE-listed and Fortune 500 headquarters
Two corridors, two audiences: The people arriving from coastal markets aren’t just bringing jobs — they’re bringing spending power and lifestyle expectations that are reshaping the Dallas corridor from the ground up. Some are landing in Frisco for the new construction and master-planned amenities. Others are choosing the established neighborhoods of North Dallas for exactly what can’t be built overnight. Both markets are worth understanding if you own or want to own anywhere in this corridor.
Also worth knowing:
PS, the luxury private terminal company, opened its 12,200 sq ft private terminal at DFW on June 1 — the third US location after LAX and Atlanta, designed by Dallas-based designer Jean Liu. The Salon from $1,295/person, The Private Suite at $4,950 for up to 4 travelers. Annual membership $4,850. reserveps.com
McKinney National Airport is building a commercial terminal with Avelo Airlines confirmed as the first carrier. Flights expected by late 2026 with anticipated routes to Orlando, Denver, Las Vegas, New York, and Los Angeles. North Texas’s third commercial airport is on its way.
Sources: The Guardian, April 10, 2026 / New York Post, May 20, 2026 / Forbes Cost of Living Calculator / Frisco Economic Development Corporation
The CORE District — Richardson’s Best-Kept Secret
Five minutes from Prestonwood and the Reservation, Richardson has quietly built one of the most interesting walkable entertainment corridors in North Texas. The CORE District is composed of five distinct neighborhoods — Chinatown, Downtown, Heights, Interurban, and Lockwood — each with its own character. Most people in our neighborhoods have no idea it exists.
The Lockwood Neighborhood
Lockwood Distilling Co. — 506 Lockwood Drive. Richardson’s only distillery, Southern comfort food, live music Thursday through Saturday. The original anchor of the neighborhood.
Oak Highlands Brewery — 500 Lockwood Drive. Opened May 31, 2025 after a decade in Lake Highlands. Craft beer brewed in-house, Brix BBQ food truck permanently on site (Texas Monthly 2025 honorable mention), live music, open seven days a week. Lockwood Distilling donated used bourbon barrels to Oak Highlands as a welcome gift for a special seasonal draft. That detail tells you everything about the spirit of this place.
Las Lomas Mexican Cuisine — 520 Lockwood Drive. Family-owned, authentic Mexican food, live mariachi and regional music, open daily. Cultural events including Dia de los Muertos and Mexican Independence Day celebrations.
Communion Coffee Cafe — 514 Lockwood Drive. Coffee, breakfast, lunch, and a modern co-working space. The neighborhood’s daytime anchor.
The CORE District’s other four neighborhoods — Chinatown (one of the oldest Chinese-American communities in the Metroplex, established in the mid-1980s), Downtown (historic main street anchored by the Eisemann Center), Heights, and Interurban — each offer their own distinct character and dining options.
richardsoncoredistrict.com · Off Belt Line Road and US 75, Richardson
The Complete Pool Guide — Summer 2026
Seven pools covering Richardson, North Dallas, Carrollton, and Plano. Every amenity verified.
Heights Family Aquatic Center — Richardson: Best for: Families with kids of all ages. Zero-depth beach entry, climbing structure, lazy river, vortex pool, two 2-story slides, shaded toddler pool. Coolers welcome. Resident discount.
709 W. Arapaho Rd · Tue–Sun 12–8pm
Greenwood Hills Community Club — Richardson: Best for: True neighborhood pool experience. 160,000-gallon pool, diving board, covered toddler wading pool, sand volleyball, covered pavilions, gas grills. BYOB, BYOF. $10/adult, $5/child guests.
1501 N. Waterview Dr · ghccpool.org · Memorial Day–Labor Day
The Cove at Fretz Park — North Dallas (75248): Best for: Older kids and thrill-seekers. The most feature-rich public pool in 75248. 8-lane lap pool, diving board, climbing wall, flume slides, lazy river, zero-entry children’s pool with interactive play structure.
14730 Hillcrest at Beltline · Tue–Sun 12:30–7pm (closed Wed) · May 30–Aug 9
Rosemeade Rainforest Aquatic Complex — Carrollton: Best for: Families who want it all. Two 22-foot slides, 200-foot lazy river, zero-depth activity pool, toddler splash pool, 660-gallon dump bucket. Non-residents $9 weekdays, $10 weekends.
1334 E. Rosemeade Pkwy · Mon–Thu 11–8pm, Fri 11–6pm, Sat 10–6pm, Sun 1–6pm.
Jack Carter Pool — Plano: Best for: Older kids who want slides and thrills.
Dual-rider tube slide, body slide, lazy river, deep water pool, climbing wall, toddler zone.
The Texas Pool — Plano: Best for: Anyone who has never been. Genuine North Texas bucket list.
168,000-gallon saltwater pool shaped like the state of Texas. South Texas shallow end for toddlers. Slides, diving board. Open to members and day guests.
Plano Aquatic Center: Best for: Toddlers, young swimmers, birthday parties.
2301 Wildcat Way, Plano · Year-round. Indoor/outdoor, splash pad, swim lessons.
Get Out While It’s Still Beautiful
Blase Family Farm — Rockwall (~35 min) Pick-your-own blueberries, no pesticides ever. Homemade blueberry popsicles, jam, baked goods on site. Reservations required — daily availability posted at 2pm. Season late May through early July.
blasefamilyfarm.com · 1232 East Fork Drive · (972) 772-3645
Ham Orchards — Terrell (~45 min) 200 acres, 15,000+ peach trees, 8-acre pick-your-own blackberry patch, homemade peach soft serve, full country store. Open daily except Sunday, mid-May through mid-August.
hamorchard.com · 11939 County Road 309 · (972) 524-2028
Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden — Dallas Arboretum (~20 min) 150+ interactive exhibits, Texas Skywalk, wetlands, 30-foot tree snag. Open daily 9am–5pm.
dallasarboretum.org · 8525 Garland Road
Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center — Cedar Hill (~25 min) 150-foot wooded canyon, guided bird walks, nature hikes. Wed–Sat 9am–4pm, Sun 11am–3pm.
dogwood.audubon.org · 1206 W. FM 1382 · (469) 526-1980
Pro tip: go early. The best spots at the farms are gone by noon on weekends.
How You Dress Is How You Decorate — And North Dallas Is Finally Dressing Like Itself
Dallas artist and writer Andie Hamilton published something earlier this year in The Turquoise Iris Journal that stopped me mid-scroll. Writing about “dopamine dressing” — choosing clothing based on how it makes you feel rather than how it’s perceived — she made a connection I hadn’t quite put into words yet.
“Dressing for joy means allowing yourself to be seen — not muted or neutralized, but fully expressed.”
It’s exactly what’s happening in homes right now. Warm olive walls. A cognac velvet sofa. Curved furniture that invites you to sit. Unlacquered brass. Real stone. Rooms designed to feel like someone lives in them.
The shift I’m seeing: For years, North Dallas interiors trended toward the same palette — white walls, gray tones, open concept, clean lines. It photographed beautifully. It was safe. And it left a lot of rooms feeling like they could belong to anyone. What I’m seeing now is a genuine shift toward personality. The 1960s aesthetic — organic shapes, rich textures, warm woods, curved seating — is everywhere and it feels less like a trend and more like a correction.
On the exterior: Original brick is being appreciated again for exactly what it is: authentic, warm, and deeply Texas. The beautifully renovated homes across our neighborhoods? The best ones are doing the same thing inside — finding their color, their personality, their warmth room by room. The material on the outside has never been the point. It’s whether a home feels like someone lives there.
A few ways to start:
- Choose one room and one warm color. Olive, cognac, terracotta, deep sage. Paint is reversible. The mood it creates is immediate.
- Bring in texture before color. A bouclé throw, a handwoven pillow, a velvet cushion. Texture adds warmth without a renovation.
- Replace one light fixture. The drum shade is the gray wall of lighting. A rattan pendant or unlacquered brass fixture changes the entire feeling of a room.
- Add one living thing. A cluster of terracotta pots near a window, a trailing pothos on a shelf. Rooms with plants feel chosen.
And if you’re not sure where to start — Andie Hamilton’s in-studio workshop on June 7 is exactly the right first step. Two hours, all materials provided, a finished piece to take home. Book at andieincolor.com.
Read Andie’s full piece at theturquoiseirisjournal.com.
Dallas Country Clubs — Which One Is Right for Your Family
One of the first questions relocating buyers ask me is about club membership. The club you want to join often determines the neighborhood that makes the most sense. Here’s an honest guide to who each major Dallas club is best suited for.
Dallas Country Club (DCC) — Highland Park. Established 1896. Most prestigious social address in Dallas. Membership by invitation only, long waiting list. Best suited for: established Dallas families, legacy members.
Brook Hollow Golf Club — Northwest Dallas. Built 1920 by A.W. Tillinghast. Texas Golf Hall of Fame. Best overall golf architecture in Dallas. Pure golf, no family programming. Best suited for: serious golfers for whom golf is the entire point.
Northwood Club — Northwest Dallas. Hosted the 1952 U.S. Open. Tennis, resort-style swimming, 65,000 sq ft clubhouse. Currently undergoing major renovation. Best suited for: families who want golf plus strong amenities and genuine prestige.
Bent Tree Country Club — 5201 Westgrove Drive, Far North Dallas. Golf, tennis, pickleball, resort-style pools, fitness, youth programs, multiple dining outlets. Comprehensive renovation underway since 2025. Best suited for: Prestonwood, Far North Dallas, and West Plano families who want a full-service club without driving into the city.
The Clubs of Prestonwood — Two locations: The Creek (North Dallas) and The Hills (Plano). Championship golf, tennis, pickleball, pools, fitness, dining. Social membership from $220/month. Best suited for: Prestonwood, Canyon Creek, and West Plano families who want convenience and a strong family program.
Preston Trail Golf Club — Far North Dallas. Men-only. Extremely exclusive. Pure golf, no family programming. Best suited for: serious male golfers for whom exclusivity is the point.
Questions about which club makes sense for your family — and which neighborhoods put you closest to the right membership? That’s exactly the conversation I have with every relocating buyer.
