Dallas, Texas

Lara Olson: Want the latest Batman comic? Indie graphic novel? Freddy Kruger figurine? They've got you covered! Located in the heart of Bishop Arts shopping district, these guys sell unique finds for everyone.

Lara Olson: Come in to smell the malt, or just hang out with Jerry Garcia lookalikes who are sages of beer brewing. Beer experts offer kits for new brewers, or even custom bottle caps for seasoned pros.

Lara Olson: Bring your deck to a Friday night Magic the gathering tournament, or buy the newest Settlers of Catan expansion. Table top pros demo the newest indie board games, or help you brush up on favorites.

Lara Olson: This place is a kid's wonderland! Play and explore within a fun colorful store that will make you wish you were a child again. Guaranteed best place to find a gift for the kids back home.

Lara Olson: Mmm...Pie. (Cue Homer Simpson noises.) Every slice of pie is so absolutely delicious, I'm pretty sure you could just close your eyes, pick something off the menu, and still relish every bite.

Lara Olson: Bring home a bottle of hand made chocolate whisky sauce, or try your luck with the chef's gourmet dark chocolate creations. This place is a sample lover's heaven; taste test to your heart's delight.

Lara Olson: Who cares about a rough neighborhood and day-glo decor when you have over 500 items on the menu? Try the calamari or shaken beef, and treat yourself to boba tea made from real fruit puree afterwards.

Lara Olson: Call ahead a day in advance to reserve a peking duck or authentic clay sealed beggar's chicken. Feel like a king as your duck is carved at your table, and afterwards re-made into a rich second course.

Lara Olson: A meat-lover's paradise - grill select cuts of meat at a charcoal broiler built into your table. Pungent and spicy side dishes offset the meat coma.

Lara Olson: Shoot back soju shots and blast Kpop hits while lounging in this authentic Korean bar. Savor the eye watering heat of Budaejigae stew, and cool down with fruity yogurt soju afterwards.

Lara Olson: Are you feeling sugoi? Does Hatsune Miku make your heart go doki doki? This is the place for you. Hundreds of hard to find manga, figurines, and anime merch await you at Anime pop.

Lara Olson: This place has burgers as big as your face, which in my book is a plus. Try the ultimate cheese burger - grilled onions, jalapenos, mushrooms, bacon, cheese, avocado. The heartburn is 100% worth it.

Lara Olson: Nothing beats steaming hot Sichuanese hotpot on a grey chilly day. Clear out your sinuses with the spicy broth, or opt for the more mellow white broth to cook tasty tidbits in.

Lara Olson: Come in for a weekend brunch to get the full experience; waiters push carts laden with a-la-carte delicacies to your table, in this tapas-style restaurant. Try the crispy pork or the barbecue duck.

Lara Olson: This no-frills barbecue joint is about as down-home as you can get. The pork chop will make you cry tears of joy and forever ruin you for any other pork chop in the future.

Lara Olson: I always score "cool aunt" points when I take the kids to this indoor lego theme park. After playing here, you are guaranteed to have some blessedly quiet, worn out kids by the end of the day.

Lara Olson: Nothing beats the Texas heat like all you can eat Pani Puri. Enjoy 101 Indian dishes at this high end lunch and dinner buffet, and don't skimp on the Jalebi afterwards!

Lara Olson: Teach kids about geology, outer space, and the environment while taking time to soak in the gorgeous modern architecture. Kids love playing with the neon frogs outdoor sculpture on sunny days.

Lara Olson: Book lovers can spend hours browsing and treasure hunting at the flagship location of this beloved Dallas institution. Don't come with a specific shopping list; this place is made for browsing.