Visit Addison invited me to spend a girls weekend checking out their small Texas town and it turned out just delightful. Addison maybe a tiny town, but considering it’s basically North Dallas it’s packed with all kinds of fun.
I took my best friend Lindsey to stay and play in Addison. As always, we had so much fun. You may recall Lindsey from numerous other trips I’ve written about over the years. We’ve been besties since we were 11 years old! We met on the first day of 6th grade. My last name starts with a W and her last name started with a Z. This meant we sat next to each other in every class. If I recall correctly, we had almost every class together.
Table of Contents
Things to do in Addison
Go shopping!
The first full day of our girl’s trip, it was raining. I guess I ended up bringing the rain with me from Portland to Texas. We didn’t let the rain stop us. Instead, we headed to the shopping center to exert one of our super-powers, shopping. Addison is home to an incredible shopping center, Galleria Dallas, typically open Monday–Saturday from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., and Sunday 12 noon – 6 p.m. Here you will find 1.8 million square feet devoted to retail therapy! We spent a couple of hours here and found some stores we really liked. Here are the stores I recommend trying!
- Altar’d State – This is my all time favorite store. Every time I am in Texas I visit one of their stores. Their location, inside Galleria Dallas, is large and the sale room is the biggest one I’ve seen.
- Apricot Lane – This small, locally owned and family operated fashion boutique for women and girls is a new store for me. I had never heard of it before. They have all those t-shirts with the great sayings on them. I got the cutest little black dress here!
- Wrangler – Wrangler has only two stores in the United States and one of them is here.
- Morphe – This makeup is all the rage on YouTube right now. They offer 20 minute mini makeover sessions for free. Here’s a video with a Morphe eye look I like.
- Lululemon – Great fitness experience for those that love yoga or working out.
- Martin Lawrence Galleries – This gallery features Picasso, Renoir and Chagall. I mean, how many shopping centers can you see a Picasso at!!!
- American Girl Boutique and Bistro – If you have a doll lover with you, be sure to check out this place! I don’t have a doll lover and this store blew my mind.
Galleria Dallas Places to Eat and Drink
While you are here, enjoy some food and coffee. I recommend the following:
- Martha Stewart’s Tasty Bar Cafe– This is the place to go to grab a coffee. It’s just inside Macy’s.
- Mi Cocina – This Tex-Mex restaurant is only found in the DFW area and quite famous for their Mambo Taxi drink, a margarita mixed with a sangria swirl,. Stop in for a quick drink in between shops.
- Ida Claire – Southern comfort food in a cool atmosphere. Plus, great cocktails.
Go to the spa!
Grand Spa Addison – It’s unacceptable to take a girl’s trip and not go to the spa. Addison has a fantastic 13,000-square-foot day spa, Grand Spa. They offer traditional spa treatments like massage and facials, but they also offer medical spa offerings like Botox and Dermal Fillers.
Before or after your treatment you can enjoy the sauna or steam room. On the weekends they have mimosas in the relaxation room. Plus, their showers have five shower heads! Be sure to check their Instagram page for monthly specials. Grand Spa is located at 5100 Belt Line Road, Suite 620 Dallas, TX 75254. 972-776-2966.
Addison’s Nightlife
Salsa dancing at Gloria’s – Late at night around 11:30 p.m. Gloria’s restaurant transforms into a lively salsa club featuring salsa by Havana NRG and DJ Ivan G. Ladies get in free on Friday nights. Be sure to try one of their fresh strawberry mojitos! Located at: 5100 Belt Line Rd #864, Dallas, TX 75254
Pete’s Piano Bar – Who doesn’t love a good piano bar? Pete’s Piano Bar is one of the best I’ve ever been to. Fun fact: My first visit here was way back around 2002ish for a bachelorette party! Located at: 4980 Belt Line Rd, Dallas, TX 75254.
The Improve – If you enjoy standup comics this is the place you should go. Located at 4980 Belt Line Rd #250, Dallas, TX 75254.
Attend a Festival
Addison, has a lot of festivals throughout the year, especially during spring, summer, and fall. Here are a few worth checking out.
Taste Addison
Taste Addison is a food and music event that takes place May 31 – June 2. If you are a foodie this event is for you. Friday/Saturday general admission is $15 ages 13+, $5 ages 6-12, free ages 5 and under. Sunday general admission is free for all ages. Located at the corner of Quorum Drive and Addison Circle Drive
Addison After Dark
Addison After Dark is a free event from 7-11 p.m. every third Saturday of the month, May – November. Each month offers some sort of fun activity like dance lessons, live music, or outdoor movies. Plus, there’s food trucks. Located at: Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle Dr., Addison, Texas 75001.
Where to Eat in Addison
Addison, Texas has more than 180 restaurants to choose from. You could spend your entire trip eating and never run out of places to try.
Cantina Laredo
You cannot visit Texas and skip out on Mexican food. Cantina Laredo has fantastic Mexican food and on the weekends they have a killer brunch. If you order off the brunch menu, you get a complimentary Bloody Mary or mimosa! Located at: 4546 Belt Line Road, Addison, TX 75244.
Gloria’s
Gloria’s is a delightful place to have Mexican food, especially out on their patio. I recommend the Enchiladas al Gloria and one of their margaritas. They have an amazing margarita list. Located at: 5100 Belt Line Rd #864, Dallas, TX 75254
The Grill on the Alley
For an upscale bit to eat at Galleria Dallas, head here. They’ve got great seafood, pasta, steaks, and more. Their creme brulee is spectacular. Located at:13270 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75240.
Texas de Brazil
Dining at Texas de Brazil is an experience and their signature cocktails are divine. You kick off your meal with an extensive salad bar full of choices like tabbouleh and cole slaw. Once you’ve had your fill of the salad bar you move on to the meat. They have all kinds of meats and it’s all you can eat. I recommend trying the following meats: Filet Mignon Wrapped in Bacon, Parmesan-Crusted Pork Loin, Garlic Picanha, and Flank Steak. They offer military a 20% off discount. 15101 Addison Rd, Addison, TX 75001.
If you are looking for ice cream: The best ice cream in Dallas
Where to Stay in Addison
We happen to hit Addison during bad weather, but typically the weather should be awesome. You will want to book a hotel with a great pool area. Both of these have ideal pool areas for lounging the day away.
Marriott Quorum 
The Marriott Quorum in Addison is quite lovely. They have a pool, perfect for a sunny day with loungers in the shallow water section. On-site is a Starbucks, Sixt car rental, large fitness center, and complimentary shuttle service every two hours to the Galleria.
We stayed on the Concierge Level which is suppose to have a continental breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres and a quiet space to lounge or work. Before you pay extra for this benefit make sure it’s open when you are staying. At no point during our stay was this open. 14901 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75254.
Renaissance Dallas Addison
In case the Marriott Quorum is full, check the Renaissance Dallas Addison. I have not personally stayed here, but it came highly recommended by a friend. She said it was fabulous and based on the suite she showed me it most certainly was! They have spa and fantastic pool with a hot tub. Located at 15201 Dallas Pkwy, Addison, TX 75001.
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