The video above takes you on a walkthrough of Highland Park, Texas — one of the wealthiest and most distinctive towns in the entire state. David Bridwell stopped through the Highland Park area while he was in Dallas and gives a ground-level look at what makes this small incorporated town stand out, from its historic shopping village to its tree-lined streets and famous homes. He also shares footage from a live music gig he played at Casual Friday Wines over in the area before heading back to Fort Worth.
Why Is Highland Park Called the Beverly Hills of Dallas
Highland Park earned that comparison honestly. As David explains in the video, the same landscape designer who planned Beverly Hills was brought in to design Highland Park back in the early 1900s. The town incorporated in 1913 after residents were refused annexation by Dallas, and it has operated as its own self-contained municipality ever since — a little town of about 9,000 people essentially surrounded by the city of Dallas. The area sits on elevated land north of downtown Dallas and just above Uptown, which is how it got its name. Residents sometimes refer to it as "the bubble" because of how separated and self-contained it feels compared to the surrounding city. Parks make up roughly 20% of the land area, and the broader neighborhood is often called Park Cities. The town is also well known for its elaborate Christmas light displays and a high school football program that regularly competes for state championships.
What Is Highland Park Village
Highland Park Village is a historic shopping center featured prominently in the video. Built in 1931, it is actually considered one of the first shopping centers in the United States and served as a prototype for shopping centers that came after it across the country. The architecture is designed to resemble Spanish, Mexican, and California styles. Today it is home to luxury retail shops, fine dining restaurants, and upscale bars. David also points out the Village Theater, which was once a functioning movie theater but now appears to serve as a retail space.
Where Did David Bridwell Play Music Near Highland Park
After walking around Highland Park, David headed to a live music spot nearby:
- Casual Friday Wines — A large outdoor venue surrounded by trees where David performed original music for the crowd. It has a laid-back atmosphere that fits its name, making it a solid spot to catch live sets in a relaxed outdoor setting.
David Bridwell posts regularly about touring around Texas and the Texas music scene on his YouTube channel, including original songs and visits to towns and venues across the state.