Lori Jones, a Beautycounter consultant and educator, lives in Richardson with her husband Chris and daughter Willa. The family loves the city because of the people. “Neighbors help each other out, say hello on walks and get outside together,” says Jones. The community is the perfect place to raise a family—while still being close to downtown Dallas and nature.
Favorite family restaurant We love Roman Cucina and have been going there since before Willa was born. The staff and management are incredible and so friendly. The atmosphere is laid back, and the food is delicious!
Roman Cucina // 7989 Belt Line Rd., Suite 315, Dallas
Best park We love the waterfall at Prairie Creek Park. It is right around the corner from our house, so we can walk there anytime. It’s perfect for a picnic, a nature trail walk or a Frisbee game. We love to look for turtles in the pond or grab a quick photo by the wildflowers.
Prairie Creek Park // 2514 Prairie Creek Drive W., Richardson
Favorite family outing We love going to the pool at Canyon Creek Country Club, Alamo Drafthouse for a movie and dinner, or walking in Spring Creek Nature Area.
Canyon Creek Country Club // 625 West Lookout Drive, Richardson
Alamo Drafthouse // 100 South Central Expressway, Suite 14, Richardson (more DFW locations)
Spring Creek Nature Area // N. Plano Road, Richardson
For a night out Date night for Chris and me is Mena’s Grill. We also love seeing a film and having dinner at Alamo Drafthouse. Girls nights are at Canyon Creek Country Club adult pool, Mena’s or Guitars & Growlers for trivia.
Mena’s Grill // 1851 N. Greenville Ave., Suite 500, Richardson
Guitars & Growlers // 581 W. Campbell Road, Suite 101, Richardson
Self-care spot I love Oscar Nail Bar on Custer. It’s comfortable, clean and close by. I go to Hair by Sharin for a haircut and color. She is another mom friend from my neighborhood.
Oscar Nail Bar // 3501 Custer Parkway, Suite 123, Richardson
Hair by Sharin // Legacy Salon, 1301 Custer Road, Suite 482, Plano
Go-to for getting active I take barre at Pure Barre Richardson. It is the only workout that has ever made me feel both strong and beautiful. It has a mind–body connection while improving flexibility, balance, toning and mental clarity.
Pure Barre // 322 W. Campbell Road, Richardson (more DFW locations
For cooling off Willa and I are obsessed with Mexican paletas and get them at La Michoacana Paleteria y Neveria. We grab $20 and come home with a dozen and a half paletas for the freezer. My favorite is pepino y chile (cucumber and chili), and Willa’s pick is the fresas con crema (strawberries and cream).
La Michoacana Paleteria y Neveria Ice Cream & Fruitsicles // 8086 Spring Valley Road, Dallas; Search on Facebook
How they give back We are active in Richardson Area Democrats organization, Together Richardson and local animal rescues.
Richardson Area Democrats // 433 Belle Grove Drive, Richardson
Together Richardson // richardsonliving.com/together-richardson
How she found her mom squad When Willa was a baby and toddler, I was president of Canyon Creek Moms Club—I met a lot of ladies through that. Now I meet moms mostly through Girl Scouts, PTA, the country club and Aldridge Elementary! We love to walk in the neighborhood, have porch hangouts and swim.
Canyon Creek Moms Club // canyoncreekmomsclub.org
Why Richardson is great for families We love Richardson, specifically Canyon Creek, because of the people! The area is very friendly. People help each other out, say hello on walks and get outside together. There is an annual July 4th parade that brings the whole neighborhood together and lots of block parties. Our community is safe, and people look out for one another. And there is a lot of diversity at Aldridge Elementary. It’s a wonderful school.
Photo courtesy of Lori Jones.
