Shops Denton

It’s a great time to be outdoors in north Texas and historic downtown Denton offers the perfect activities for taking it all in this spring. The downtown merchants of the Denton Main Street Association (DMSA) invite you to enjoy shopping, dining, and a fashion show during the Spring Open House weekend May 5^th and 6^th. Many shops will be open extended hours and will be offering specials to their clients, such as refreshments, discounts, and drawings for prizes.

DMSA will host a fashion show at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 5^th, on the Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square lawn, 110 W. Hickory St. This is an eye-catching, entertaining way to give shoppers an impression of what downtown businesses have to offer. Apparel, shoes, jewelry and accessories will be modeled in the show from various shops participating in the Open House weekend. Come for a “taste of downtown” with samplings from area restaurants while you watch the fashion show.

New this year, look for “check-in” promotions throughout Spring Open House weekend. Businesses will enroll people for a drawing if they check-in on Foursquare, Facebook, or any of the other social sites. The more places a shopper checks-in, the more chances he or she has to win a prize.

Want another way to enjoy downtown Denton? Come to the Square for the Denton Main Street Association’s Twilight Tunes concert series. The concerts start May 3^rd, with Hollertime returning to Denton after a memorable performance at 35 Denton back in March. Twilight Tunes concerts are free every Thursday night in May and June from 6:30 to 8 p.m. All concerts are on the Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square lawn, 110 W. Hickory Street.

Enjoy the beautiful weather with friends and family and a meal-to-go from one of the many downtown eateries. Spread your blanket or set up your chairs, and enjoy an evening of great live music as the sun sets over downtown Denton. The 2012 Twilight Tunes series offers an eclectic assortment of music for all listeners. It is the perfect way to kick off the weekend early and listen to some of the best local bands in the Denton area.

For more information and a complete schedule of Open House weekend activities and the Twilight Tunes concerts, please visit the website at www.dentonmainstreet.org .

It’s not a Best Kept Secret any longer.  If you’re looking for the hottest music scene in Texas, Denton’s got it:  independent, original, organic, energetic  sound.   So, it only makes sense that Denton would celebrate that sound with a festival featuring her local music scene in tandem with nationally and internationally known bands.  35 Denton will rock March 8-11, 2012.

What began as North by 35 and a way to showcase Denton’s homegrown music in the midst of SXSW Music Conference in Austin has become its own dynamic music generator.   Not only does 35 Denton’s following not hesitate to purchase tickets well in advance but they don’t even require the list of bands scheduled to play.  Well before bands were announced, much less contracted, wristbands sold out in one day during a blind presale.  When fans clamored for more, festival organizers obliged.

According to Denton festivals’ economic impact report, 35 Denton is credited for bringing in $2 million to the local economy in 2010.  During the 2011 festival, attendance averaged 4,000 to 6,000 per day.  Since the festival is hosted in music venues around Denton’s Historic Square and those thousands also enjoy dining and shopping, it’s is no wonder 35 Denton caught Texas Downtown Association’s (TDA) attention. 

This past November, during the TDA’s President’s Awards program, 35 Denton was recognized as a “Best Promotional Event.”  35 Denton organizers collaborate with city officials, downtown merchants, and artists to offer extraordinary, unique programming each year.  They do an astonishing job promoting the event, too.  Last October, one presale event was on location at local music venue Hailey’s while another was on-site at the same time in Norman, Oklahoma at a Music Exchange. 

But it was their part in downtown revitalization that put them at the top of TDA’s list. “We are becoming more well-known,” said Julie Glover, economic development program administrator for the City of Denton. “This is good publicity for the city.”

This year, 35 Denton is more promising than ever.  A record number of bands applied to play so far; more than 30 bands across several genres have already been confirmed; and more bands are added daily.  A few of 2012’s confirmed artists include Bun B, Built to Spill, Mountain Goats, The Raincoats, John Vanderslice, Thee Oh Sees, and Light Asylum.

Visit www.35Denton.com for a complete listing of artist and venues for March 8-11.  

HINT:  The best way to experience 35 Denton is purchase a wristband.  Wristbands can be ordered at www.35Denton.com.  Don’t mind the Sold Out sign.  According to 35 Denton’s Facebook Page, they will be available again starting January 10. 

By Phillip Stachelski

The biggest (and most delicious) party is back in town. The Beaujolais & More Wine and Food Tasting features Denton restaurants and their unique recipes to pair with this iconic French wine.

Denton joins the rest of the world in celebrating the arrival of the Beaujolais wine with a fundraiser for the Campus Theatre. Since 1985, when the third Thursday of November was established as the uniformed release date for Beaujolais wine, shops all over the world have celebrated its arrival.

The Denton fundraiser started as a small, intimate gathering and has continued to grow for the past 11 years.  Thanks to Campus patrons Gary and Carol Kirchoff, Denton and the Campus Theatre enjoy a wine and food festival each year.

The festival will take place at the Denton Civic Center, November 17 from 5:30 - 7pm.  Beaujolais & More not only offers a tasting of Beaujolais Wine, but also samples unique, never-before-seen recipes prepared by local restaurants to accompany the French wine.

Enjoy Beaujolais Nouveau, gourmet food and great entertainment from the finest restaurants and caterers in Denton for only $25; all while supporting local Denton art.  For more information and to purchase tickets, contact the Campus Theatre at 940-382-1915.

The American Bus Association (ABA) announced that the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival, to be held on April 27-29, 2012, has been designated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2012 by an experienced expert tourism industry selection committee. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine, spotlights the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival for offering excellent entertainment value to tour groups and individual travelers from around the world.

With the release of ABA's 2012 Top 100 Events in North America, ABA celebrates 30 years of the program. What began as a way for motorcoach operators to incorporate new product into their itineraries has grown to be one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motorcoach operators and the general public.

"The attractiveness of the Arts & Jazz Festival as a don't-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Denton," said Peter J. Pantuso, CTIS, ABA's president and CEO. "The real news here is that Arts & Jazz has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy. The honor gives Denton an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners."

According to researchers at The George Washington University and Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from US $5,000 to more than US $11,000 in a local destination's economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes.

"Motorcoach groups spend more and stay longer,” Pantuso said. “That's why Arts & Jazz is truly a local economic asset. There is no better way to jump-start tourism than to attract motorcoach groups to a great event and convince them to extend their stay."

Arts & Jazz Executive Director, Carol Short was thrilled with the award, "Selecting the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival as one of North America's 100 Best Events for 2012 from the American Bus Association is a wonderful honor, not only for our organization but for Denton's citizens and the business community. Recognizing the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival as a destination for tourism that helps boost the economy for our community makes us all proud partners."

ABA's 2012 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected the Arts & Jazz Festival from hundreds of event nominations submitted by ABA members. Judges considered the event's broad appeal, its accessibility to motorcoaches, skill at handling large groups, and a variety of other relevant criteria.

The Arts & Jazz Festival is scheduled for April 27, 28, & 29 of 2012. While headliners have not yet been announced, expect fantastic music from over 2,500 performers on seven stages. Music throughout Denton’s Quakertown Park underscores fine arts, crafts, children's art activities, food and games. Be on the lookout for headliner announcements at the end of 2011.

The A-train’s arrival in Downtown Denton has ushered in a streak of new visitors from across the DFW area, many reporting they are visiting Denton for the first time. The Denton CVB and the City of Denton are partnering with the Cities of Highland Village and Lewisville to create a Visitor Center in the Downtown Denton Transit Center, the only manned and climate-controlled station between Denton and Union Station in Dallas. Information kiosks will open in August showcasing attractions, restaurants, shopping opportunities, festivals, and all kinds of things to see and do along the A-train’s route.

“We are seeing new customers, especially on weekends, that have ridden the train and then walked to the Square,” says Bob Moses of Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream. “The walkability of our downtown really gives us an edge, I think.”

Of course, Dentonites are also using the train to access the rest of the Metroplex. Everyday, the Chamber / CVB’s Information Assistants get walk-in visitors and phone inquiries seeking counsel about train routes and A-train connections to the DART. Our mission is offering guests the best and most accurate information. And, since experience is the best teacher, the CVB organized a familiarization tour retreat for all CVB and Chamber staff, some board members, and representatives from the Denton Main Street Association.

Vanessa Helvey has served guests in the Chamber/CVB lobby for the past three years. “It is much easier to talk about something when you’ve seen it yourself,” she said. “A lot of people are nervous about riding the train the first time. Now that I’ve done it, changed trains, ridden the DART – well, I feel confident helping visitors overcome their fears.”

Dee Leggett, Vice President of Communications and Planning for the Denton County Transportation Authority, led the tour of 17 from Denton to Downtown Dallas and then to various stations along different DART routes. She even made sure the group experienced Union Station where transit customers can access the Trinity Railway Express to Fort Worth.

“The tour proved so valuable to us that we are organizing another familiarization tour at the end of August for our hotels, especially front desk staff who end up fielding questions from guests,” said Kim Phillips, CVB Vice President. “The A-train is a great asset to our city. People are finding us for the first time and if we are equipped to make their Denton experience fun, friendly, and seamless, they’ll be back again and again.”

The North Texas State Fair and Rodeo (NTSF) has had a long history and tradition of showcasing the cowboy way of life.  Now in its 83rd year the organizers strive to offer everyone this unique western entertainment and family fun.  

The fair is one of the largest events in Denton County, attracting about 135,000 fans from the northern Texas and southern Oklahoma areas.  This is the third year NTSF has been awarded the Best Overall Fair at the Texas Association of Fairs and Events Convention (TAF&E) beating out competitors that averaged between 400-450,000 attendees. 

This year’s North Texas State Fair and Rodeo will take place August 19 – 27.  While there are many activities that lead up to the opening day of NTSF, the first evening includes the Peterbilt Kid’s Tractor Pull, Great White Shark Experience, Spirit of the Horse, the PRCA Rodeo in the Miller Lite Rodeo Arena, the Brison Bursey Band on the “Bud Light Stage”, and the Casey Donahew Band on the “Budweiser Stage”.  And that’s just the first day! Just don’t lose sight that there are NINE days of carnival fun, live concerts, rodeos, contests, shopping, and, of course, food!

There is a fantastic music line-up this year! Performers include Casey Donahew Band, Jack Ingram, Emilio Navaira, Pauline Reese, Dale Watson, Cody Canada and the Departed, Josh Abbott Band, Tracy Lawrence, and Justin McBride.  But many fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement of “the biggest name in Texas Red Dirt Music” which won’t be publicized until August 5th. 

For those zealous cowboys and cowgirls, there are 3 exciting nights of the PRCA Rodeo, an Invitational Ranch Rodeo, the 21 & Under Rodeo, and the ever popular Miller Lite Bull Blow-Out.

Guests are the inspiration that give the fair character, explains Glenn Carlton, Executive Director of the NTSF, “…the tone and inspiration comes from our volunteers, sponsors, and participates. This past Fair’s award winning theme was inspired by a photo taken by a parent. The photo featured 7 young cowboys, in their boots, chaps, and hats.  They really looked like a miniature old west gang!!  But mostly, it was their mischievous smiles and joy, on their faces, just because they were at the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo!”

Make sure you “gather” in Denton and add your personal touch to this year’s North Texas State Fair and Rodeo!

Homewood Suites by Hilton, the international brand of all-suite, residential-style hotels, announced its top performing properties of 2010. The results are based on three key components: quality assurance audits measuring cleanliness, condition and brand standards; customer satisfaction scores rating staff service; and the quality of the hotel’s physical accommodations.

Homewood Suites Denton was among the top 5 of more than 300 properties that were included in this year’s list. The hotel received a trophy, monetary prize and special recognition during a series of regional brand meetings. 
 
Launched in 1989, the Homewood Suites by Hilton brand today has more than 300 hotels open with approximately 80 in the development pipeline. Beyond its spacious suites and home-like amenities, additional guest features include an on-site Suite Shop convenience store, complimentary grocery shopping services, a complete business center, and laundry services at most locations.

The Homewood Suites has been proudly serving visitors since its doors opened to Denton in 2009.  If you are planning a trip to the area be sure to make your reservation online at www.Denton.Homewoodsuites.com or call 940-382-0420.

It’s Spring in Denton, and time to update wardrobes, home décor and accessories. The Main Street Association presents the newest fashions and budget saving season openers at the annual Spring Open House April 16 and 17.

During Spring Open House, shops and restaurants around downtown Denton offer special discounts on entrees, complimentary refreshments while shopping, bargains on featured merchandise, and extended hours.

New this year is a much-anticipated Fashion Show on the Courthouse lawn Saturday the 16th at 11am, designed to give shoppers an entertaining overview of the Square’s shops.  All apparel, shoes, and accessories modeled in the show will come from various shops on the Square and will be for sale that same day.  Downtown salons will be making up the models’ hairdos and faces. Downtown restaurants will provide bite-size samples during the show. Even the show’s props, décor and photography come from Downtown’s merchants and photographers.

Square newcomer Mad World Records will be celebrating National Record Store Day on Saturday, April 16, when over 700 independently owned record shops across the U.S. collectively and simultaneously celebrate the culture of music.  This is also the important day when independent record stores, not chains, are allotted limited edition titles.  The excitement is all about which stores get which titles.  Mad World Records will be updating their Facebook page as the day draws closer and the titles roll out.  Between now and then, though, Mad World is a fun place to browse.

Coincidently, Snoopy: The Musical presented by the Denton Community Theatre will be opening the same weekend at the Campus Theatre.  Visit www.campustheatre.   For ticket information.

It’s all happening here…in downtown Denton!

Chris Flemmons faced lots of hurdles to get music lovers to realize the importance of 35 Conferette as a must-attend festival.    But…he has done it!  What started as NX35 in 2009 with a few hundred attendees welcomed 17,000 people just one year later.  Projections for 2011 are that attendance will push well beyond that ceiling this year.

In just 3 years, 35 Conferette has accomplished what it set out to do…put the spotlight on Denton’s unique music paradise.

Since Denton is literally THE music land of Texas, festival-goers get to see and experience what local Dentonites enjoy on a routine basis.  The recently released schedule includes a mix of local, regional, national and international bands, including some very impressive headliners.

Taking advantage of one of Denton’s greatest attributes, its historic Square,  35 Conferette is set to come alive among the historic buildings,  shops, restaurants, cafes, bistros, wine shops and plenty of pubs and bars all within walking distance of the Square and each other.  There are 11 official venues with bands playing back to back every night, and, new this year, 3 additional outdoor concert stages Downtown where shows will begin at 4pm on Thursday and Friday and 2pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Not sure what show to attend? Check out 35C’s extensive schedule and playlist.   Purchase a 35C 4-Day Pass wristband for $85 for the best music crawl experience:  any show, any time plus all the conference sessions.  Day passes all the way down to tickets for individual shows are also available.  And, outdoor concerts on the stage at the Square are FREE!

Scott Porter who plays with the band Record Hop (which have played 35C and are on the schedule again this year) summed up the festival best in a 2009 interview with the Denton Record-Chronicle.  “Where music is made doesn’t matter as much as it used to; but, Denton’s wonderland of music would be difficult to replicate anywhere else.”

Story by Lauren Park

Anyone who has ever gone antiquing knows there are just a few things to know before you head out on the search.  Here are just a few easy tips for the next time you hunt for those great finds!

Keep an eye out for gifts. Items with initials or dates make great personalized gifts. Scoop up vintage scarves, hand towels or linens as an alternative to wrapping paper. Tiny treasures such as a vintage brooch can be used to top off packages instead of the regular bow or ribbon.

Find new uses for old things. Always think about creative ways to repurpose antiques. For instance, a small silver cup could become a toothbrush holder; a pretty teacup could be used as a votive holder.

Know how much to pay. A simple rule of thumb is to pay what makes you feel comfortable. Also, know that “antique” doesn’t necessarily mean expensive.

Negotiate with good manners. The best way to get a fair price on items you love is to ask the dealer, “This is a really beautiful piece—what’s your best price on this?” That shows you want to negotiate but also gives the dealer a gracious way of saying ‘That is my best price.’” If the seller is willing to negotiate, you will certainly be able to tell with their response.

Become an expert. Know the ins and outs in the field you are interested in. Buy, collect, find great buys, and don’t worry about spending “too much” now and then for something that is a great addition to your collection.

Be prepared. Don’t ride a bike to go antiquing. Bring along boxes, blankets, rope, or whatever you may need to pack up and safely take home that special purchase.

Here are just a few places to put these tips to the test in Denton:

The Antique Gallery

5800 N-I-35, Suite 400

Denton, TX 76207

940-243-3933

County Seat Antiques

109 W Hickory

Denton, TX 76201

940- 383-0054

Downtown Mini Mall

118 North Locust Street

Denton, TX  76201

940-387-2218

W Douglas Antiques

940- 381-2628

119 North Locust

Denton, TX 76201

The Western Heritage Gallery

58010 N. I-35, Ste 400 

Denton, TX 76207

940-243-3933

If you are among the throng of local Denton art seekers, get downtown to the Square! 

Start with Oxide Gallery, a consignment, “For Sale” gallery dedicated to promoting North Texas artists. 

Catch a show at the Campus Theatre performed by the Music Theatre of Denton (MTD), Denton Community Theatre (DCT) or DCT's Theatre School.  Here’s one for your calendar:  DCT's Theatre School will present Annie, JR, based on Little Orphan Annie November 19-21. 

The local art circuit is celebrating Denton’s Black Box Performing Arts Center.  The new theatre opened recently as rehearsal space and will serve as an additional venue for "Alternative Shows" that DCT will soon present.

It’s a fact:  wine and art go hand in hand.  Wine shops around the Denton Square enhance the artistic experience for everyone, from beginners to connoisseurs. Places like Wine Squared, Vigne Wine Shop & Delicatessen and Cellar 22 offer wine tastings, daily happy hours and great food.

The crisp, fall air around the Square is filled with aromas of great eateries, sounds of entertainment, and intriguing art.  A true art mecca, the Denton Square is vibrant and eclectic with something going on ALL the time.

Picture credit: http://dustandillusions.com/blog/category/film-festival

Since 1985 when the third Thursday of November was established as the uniformed release date for Beaujolais wine, shops all over the world celebrate its arrival. Denton celebrates its arrival as well, with a fundraiser for the Campus Theatre. 

The fundraiser started as a small, intimate gathering and has continued to grow for the past 11 years.  Thanks to Gary and Carol Kirchoff, local Denton residents, Denton and the Campus Theatre enjoy a wine and food fest each year.

This year's festival will take place at the Denton Civic Center, November 18 from 5:30 - 7pm.  Beaujolais & More Wine and Food Tasting not only offers a tasting of Beaujolais Wine but samples of unique recipes prepared by 20 local Denton restaurants specifically to accompany the French wine.

Enjoy Beaujolais Nouveau, gourmet food and great entertainment for $25, all while supporting local Denton art.  For more information contact the Campus Theatre at 940-382-1915.