Here’s Where Top Dallas Creative Allison Davidson Frequents for Art, Dining & More

by Leah Frazier on Mar 9, 2015 in (secret) local list

 

We love a list, and a (Secret) Local List is even better. Today, DFW Style Daily’s exclusive series continues with dining, shopping, and best of Big D tips from one of Dallas’ hottest creatives.

 

 

With a knack for creativity, Dallas dweller Allison Davidson has always pushed the envelope. Not one to follow the trend, the Access and Community Programs Coordinator for SMU’s Meadows Museum has created art programs capturing the attention of local media and gaining her the much deserved recognition as one of Dallas’ Top Creatives this past February. Breaking all bounds and developing stark new concepts at Meadows, Davidson is motivated by the belief that everyone, regardless of differences or hindrances, has the right to experience art, and to do so enjoyably.

 

 

Allowing this rudimentary creed to forge her passion, Davidson helps to curate art programs for visitors with dementia or Alzheimer’s, as well as offering multi-sensory options for those who are blind or have low vision. As she works with the team at Meadows to develop a fully accessible app for the museum via smartphones and tablets, the young and talented spirit is gearing up for another huge project — as she and her husband welcome the newest little addition into the Davidson family later this summer.

As she presses forward to welcome many exciting changes at Meadows and in her own personal life, the bubbly creative shares her best of Big D findings with DFW Style Daily today. Read on for the entertainment, dining, and shopping establishments which have painted many impressions on Davidson as she continues to explore and indulge in the local scene of Dallas.

 

 

Foodie Favorite: Not one to shy away from a foodie challenge, Davidson frequents CBD Provisions at The Joule when seeking elaborate dining for special occasions with the hubby. “My favorite food in Dallas is the carnitas at CBD Provisions. I realize it’s not for everyone as the presentation is explicitly carnivorous…but it’s amazing, and I highly recommend it for a delicious night out.”

 

 

Go-To Boutique: “We are 1976 is my favorite place to buy art prints, gifts, cards, jewelry, stationery, and all kinds of fun things that I don’t need but want very badly,” explains Davidson. Boasting a location in Bishop Arts and another off of Henderson Ave, Davidson stamps her approval of this gallery that hosts many design-inspired pieces from Dallas’ own independent artists. With a passion for the obvious, Davidson stays true to shopping local.

 

 

Artistic Addiction: Spurring her enthusiasm for support of the local arts scene, Davidson quickly developed an artistic obsession for the energetically vibrant Vice Palace, run by Arthur Peña. She details, “[Peña] curates local events that combine music, performance, and visual presentation in original and compelling ways. Some of the Vice Palace shows I’ve attended featured the enigmatic performer George Quartz, and I’ve been introduced to many other local artists whom I now enjoy listening to. I can honestly say that every time I go to one of these events, it’s not like anything I’ve seen before.” Dishing some insider scoop, Davidson advises, “The events happen in different places so you have to stay informed. Follow Vice Palace on Facebook for updates.”

 

 

Best Buys: “I love the Dallas Farmers Market,” enthuses the Dallas creative. “It’s an excellent place to stroll and stock up on affordable fresh produce, eggs, nuts, and snacks provided by local vendors. Before shopping it’s always nice to enjoy a couple of tamales at La Popular Tamale House since they conveniently have a stand inside the market. I can’t wait to see all the changes the Dallas Market has made due to renovations, but they better not mess with my tamales!”

 

 

I Heart Dallas: A frequented hotspot for locals, the historic Belmont Hotel holds treasured memories of hot tub sitting and champagne sipping for Davidson. Noting the welcoming of both the historical and contemporary crowds of Dallas, Davidson admits to reminiscing about the stylishly cool hotel when pinpointing the one place that definitively represents Dallas to her. “My husband and I have hosted some New Year’s Eve parties with friends at The Belmont in years past and have a lot of fond memories of our crazy times there. I hope their tremendous view of the city skyline has weathered the storm of new development that has taken off in the area.”

 

Images via individual restaurants and retailers.