A NEWapproach to senior engagement

• Personal and customized companion service

• Opening doors to the outside world for seniors

• Conversations and Excursions focus on individual interests

Three

Head north on Hillcrest to an artistic oasis, hidden away from the busy intersections. The small and intimate Valley House Gallery (6616 Spring Valley) showcases regionally and internationally recognized artists in various mediums. Find a moment of Zen in the outdoor sculpture garden lush with plant life, canopy trees and a tranquil pond. You’ll forget you’re in Dallas at all. Now it’s time to eat —which type of cuisine do you prefer?

SOMETHING ETHNIC. GO TO #6.

214.794.7934 www.peopleintouch.net

AMERICAN COMFORT FOOD. GO TO #8.

Four

NorthPark meets most of our shopping needs, but today be a tourist and roam the four levels of the Galleria (13350 Dallas Pkwy). Go iceskating. People watch. Score major cool points with your daughter and have afternoon tea at the American Girl Bistro (dolls are provided if you left yours at home). Soon, though, you’ll be craving a grown-up meal. Pick one:

INTERNATIONAL CUISINE. GO TO #6.

GOOD OLE’ STEAK-ANDPOTATOES FARE. GO TO #8.

Five

The once declining Valley View Center is making its comeback even before the $3 billion redevelopment turns it into Dallas Midtown. Scores of local artists have moved in to create the Gallery at Midtown, hosting free art walks 6-10 p.m. every third Saturday of the month. Next on the agenda: dinner and a show. Which type of entertainment do you prefer?

MUSIC. GO TO #7. COMEDY. GO TO #9.

Six

For sharable Mediterranean dishes, go one street north to the fantastic Pera Wine and Tapas (6006 Belt Line). For great dumplings and pad Thai in a basic, no-frills setting, head east to Thai Soon (101 S. Coit). For upscale Indian cuisine, dip one street south to Mughlai Restaurant (5301 Alpha). Now, how epic do you want today to be?

I WANT MY MIND BLOWN. GO TO #10.

LET’S KEEP IT FUN BUT LOW-KEY. GO TO #7.

Seven

Cozy up with a bottle of wine and a cheese plate at Mercy Wine Bar (5100 Belt Line). The warm, low-lit atmosphere and live jazz music provide a great way to wind down after exploring the mall. [END]

Eight

Zip down Belt Line to Addison, a dining Mecca full of coma-inducing comfort food. Order the adult mac ‘n’ cheese at Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill (5000 Belt Line), try the famous chicken and waffles at Buttons Restaurant (15207 Addison Rd.) or, for some New England clam chowder and Maine lobster, visit Lefty’s (4021 Belt Line). Now, how much money do you have to throw around?

LET’S NOT GET CARRIED AWAY. GO TO #7 OR #9.

I’M ROLLING IN IT. GO TO #10.

Bring these ...

Don’t forget to capture some memories during your adventure, and then tag your photos with #ADVOCATEDAYTRIP

Nine

Stand-up comedy can be hit or miss, but that’s part of its appeal. Addison Improv hosts famous and unknown comedians every weekend. Arrive early for dinner before the show. The menu has a little something for everyone from grilled steak to fried catfish. Got kids? Sunday afternoons feature an all-ages comedy and magic show.

Ten

Want a bird’s eye view of Dallas? All you need is clear skies, a love for heights and $500$700. Epic Helicopters (epichelicopters. com) operates out of Addison Airport and offers a variety of tours, including an aerial tour of Dallas landmarks, a romantic ride at sunset and a private fireworks show during the summer months. You can even pipe your own music through the helicopter speakers. How’s that for a Far North Dallas adventure? [END]

Forever Young South

One

First stop: lunch. This is around the time that Deep Ellum wakes up. The neighborhood boasts restaurants that routinely make local and national headlines. How long are you willing to wait in line?

AS LONG AS IT TAKES! THE LONGER THE LINE, THE SWEETER THE REWARD. GO TO #2.

LESS THAN HALF AN HOUR. GO TO #3.

Three

Take your pick of diverse cuisine: Chinese noodles at Monkey King Noodle Co., Chicagostyle dogs at Luscher’s Red Hots, a gooey grilled cheese at Uncle Uber’s, fresh seafood at Deep Sushi, or chicken fried steak at All Good Café Feeling good and sluggish? Get moving:

STROLLING ART GALLERIES. GO TO #4.

SHOPPING. GO TO #5.

Four

The power of the Dallas Arts District often overshadows the small, indie galleries that showcase emerging or lesser-known artists. A quick hit list includes: The Kettle Art Gallery (2650-B Main), 500X Gallery (500 Exposition), Barry Whistler Gallery (2909 Canton), and Kirk Hopper Fine Art (3008 Commerce), to name a few. Let’s take a breather. In which would you rather partake?

BEER. GO TO #7.

COFFEE. GO TO #8.

Five

Book a babysitter for this one because today is all about recapturing the wild days of our youth. Don your favorite old school band t-shirt, and wear comfortable shoes. We’re going to Deep Ellum. TWO

Snag some souvenirs at In Accord (2719 Main), a fair-trade gift shop stocked with handmade goods made from local artists. Peek inside Deep Ellum Postal & Grocer (3100 Main), part post office, part thrift store. Go exploring at Lula B’s Antique Mall (2639 Main) — you never know what you’ll find. Been walking a while? Choose a rest stop:

A BUSTLING BREWERY. GO TO #7.

A LOW-KEY COFFEE HOUSE. GO TO #8.

You guessed it — Pecan Lodge (2702 Main). Get in line and find out what all the fuss is about. Arrive well before they open at 11 a.m., and get comfortable. Make some new friends. Sometimes, it’s all about the journey, but know what you’re going order: The brisket, the hand-made smoked sausage or, mix things up with the “hot mess,” which combines barbacoa, chipotle cream cheese, sea salt-crusted sweet potatoes, butter and green onions. Enjoy it with a cold beer on the spacious patio. Now, how would you like to walk off some of those calories?

STROLLING ART GALLERIES. GO TO #4.

SHOPPING. GO TO #5.

Seven

Deep Ellum Brewing Co. offers tours and tastings noon-3 p.m. Saturdays. The $12$15 admission fee includes a souvenir pint glass and three beers. If you miss the window for a tour, hang out on the patio, and sip some craft brews, play board games and have snack from one of the many food trucks parked outside on weekends. Should the night end here?

YES, MY DOGS ARE BARKIN’. [END]

NO, LET’S MOVE ON! GO TO #9 OR #10.

Eight

Get a caffeine boost and a sweet snack at the spacious and friendly Murray Street Coffee Shop (103 Murray). Enjoy a brew upstairs in the cozy lounge area. Are you recharged? Great, get back on your feet and choose an activity:

DANCING. GO TO #9.

A ROCK SHOW. GO TO #10.

Nine

Hit the dance floor at Adair’s Saloon (2624 Commerce), a Deep Ellum honky tonk with live music every night. Or, during the week, Dallas Swing Dance

Society hosts blues and swing dancing classes at Sons of Hermann Hall (3414 Elm) on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Dance until the cows come home. [END]