How to entertain your family in the DDD Thanksgiving weekend

Thanksgiving dinner is over but not your family’s visit. Don’t sit at home watching holiday specials and dreaming up ways to use that leftover turkey. Head out to the Dallas Design District for some eats, shopping, drinks and fun.

The Eats

What better way to celebrate the weekend after Thanksgiving than with more food! Start the day with a knockout cup of coffee at Ascension to fortify you for a day of family festivities. When hunger finally strikes — and it will — take your out-of-town guests to The Slow Bone, where you’ll find some of the finest barbecue in Texas. But Big D is more than just brisket and ribs. Make sure y’all check out FT33 and Chef Matt McCallister’s seasonal menu, which offers a modern take on locally grown and artisanal ingredients.

The Shopping

Once your bellies are full, celebrate Small Business Saturday at one of the district’s independently owned businesses and showrooms. Indulge everyone’s inner bad boy with a stop by Billy Jealousy for some award-winning, PETA-approved beauty products. Part of the proceeds from every product sold goes to charity. Of course, you can’t go to the Design District without stopping by one of its many art galleries. Visit SITE131, where you and your family can enjoy new art from artists around the world side by side with works from Texas artists. And draw inspiration for your next home design project at the Adriana Hoyos Furnishings showroom.

The Drinks

Wind up your week on Friday night at Inwood Estates Vineyards’ “Wind Down the Week Happy Hour” with a glass of vino from one of the 101 Best Wineries in America. Next, check out one of DDD's local craft breweries such as Peticolas Brewing Company. And make sure you schedule a stop for the family at the Little D Markets’ Small Business Saturday, hosted by Community Beer Co., featuring more than 50 vendors, artisans and clothing makers (not to mention beer), located in the brewer's taproom. With any luck, your guests will go home with more than just happy memories.

The Fun

Thanksgiving’s not just for football. Channel The Dude and get your game on at Bowlounge. Take advantage of the restored and refinished vintage bowling equipment, as well as bar games, pool and more. And if your schedule permits, take in a show at Kitchen Dog Theater. Feathers and Teeth, a horror-comedy, is playing Thanksgiving weekend. Go — if you dare! 

Throw those Thanksgiving leftovers in the fridge and DVR the football. Thanksgiving weekend only comes once a year, so don’t miss out on all the Dallas Design District has to offer!