The video above takes you on a walk through Highland Park, Texas — one of the wealthiest and most distinctive towns in the entire state. Located just north of downtown Dallas and sitting above the Uptown neighborhood, Highland Park is technically its own incorporated town with a population approaching 9,000 people. It's completely surrounded by Dallas, which gives it that self-contained quality locals refer to as "the bubble." The video also includes a stop at a wine spot out in Azle where David Bridwell played some live music before heading back to Fort Worth.
The History and Character of Highland Park
Highland Park was built on elevated land overlooking Dallas, which is exactly how it got its name. Back in the early 1900s, residents tried to annex into Dallas and were turned down, so they voted to incorporate as their own town in 1913. The same landscape designer who planned out Beverly Hills handled the design here, which is why Highland Park is often called the Beverly Hills of Dallas. About 20% of the area is dedicated to parks — hence the broader nickname "Park Cities" — and the tree-lined streets make it feel completely separate from the surrounding metro. Folks who live here introduce themselves by mentioning the block they live on, and the local country club dates back to the early 1900s with an exclusive membership that requires recommendations from two existing members.
The video spends a good amount of time showing Highland Park Village, which was built in 1931 and is considered one of the first shopping centers in the United States. The architecture was designed to resemble Spain, Mexico, and California, and it actually served as a prototype for shopping centers that came after it. Today it's full of luxury retail, fine dining, and upscale bars. The old Village Theater is still standing but has been converted into retail space.
What Is There to Do Near Highland Park for Live Music?
Highland Park itself leans more toward fine dining and upscale shopping than live music venues, but the surrounding Dallas area is loaded with options. The video also highlights a spot a bit further out:
- Casual Friday Wines (Azle, TX) — A laid-back outdoor wine spot surrounded by trees, with live music from touring and local artists. David Bridwell performed here during his trip through the area.
Highland Park is also well known for its elaborate Christmas light displays and a high school football program that regularly competes for state championships. If you're passing through Dallas and want to see how the other half lives before catching a show somewhere in Deep Ellum or Fort Worth, a drive through Highland Park is worth the detour.