How to spend a day in Uptown

There's no such thing as a rushed toast and coffee at Ascension. Housed in one of Uptown's most recognized buildings, The Crescent, breakfast at Ascension is done leisurely and preferably over a long flat white. Power up with a trendy avocado toast packed with two poached eggs over a healthy hippie loaf or the prettiest paleo berry bowl in town that is almost too artful to eat. Instead of plain old pancakes, lap up a skillet baked orange-scented ricotta cake with mascarpone, drizzled with Grand Marnier syrup. 

Before leaving The Crescent, take a peek next door at Bivins Gallery for modern art and stroll around the elegant garden walkways. Walk through Atrium courtyard to the equally iconic, Stanley Korshak, a high-end luxury emporium with unparalleled customer service.

The best way to tour Uptown is to take a ride on the M-Line or McKinney Avenue Trolley. The fleet of vintage trolleys, some which date back to 1909 runs on a hop-on-hop-off route and takes about an hour to complete. While you're there, take advantage of the conductor's knowledge of the Uptown area and ask about the fascinating backstories of the historic trolleys. The rides are free, but consider dropping a donation in to support their restoration and operation efforts when you leave.

History buffs will enjoy a walk around the State Thomas Historic District which has the largest collection of intact Victorian residential structures in Dallas. Stop for lunch at one of these local favorite neighborhood gem. Si Tapas for authentic Spanish shared plates or State & Allen, which offers an eclectic menu like bacon wrapped venison meatloaf and Tikka Masala lamb meatballs.

Explore the neighboring cemeteries: Greenwood Cemetery, Dallas' second oldest cemetery and final resting place of Alexander Cockrell, who was known as 'the Father of Dallas'; Temple Emanu-El Cemetery, a Jewish cemetery with tombstones that read like a historical who's who of Dallas' early retailers like Neiman, Titsche, Sanger and Linz; Freedman Memorial, honoring African-American freed slaves who previously lived in Freedman's Town in 1850s, and Old Calvary Cemetery, which was established in 1878 and hosted Dallas' early Catholic settlers. The cemeteries are rich with history and makes for a serene afternoon.

Take a macaron or cruffin (croissant-muffin) break at the French patisserie, Bisous Bisous or caffeinate at Sip Stir Coffee House. You can spoil yourself at the organic Spa Habitat or do a little retail therapy at the shops at West Village where you'll find fashion-forward boutiques for trend setting ladies and dapper dudes.

There's no shortage of eateries which run the gamut of budgets. You'll find cheap eats at the neighborhood favorites like Hook, Line & Sinker or Jakes Burgers and Beer. Yutaka Sushi Bistro serves up stellar sushi or go all out for the celebrity chef experience at Fearing's located inside the Ritz-Carlton Dallas. 

Or enjoy dining at some of the best patios in Dallas at Mi Cocina, Taco Diner and Malai Kitchen.

Catch an independent flick or a Hollywood blockbuster over craft beers and cocktails at The Magnolia at West Village.

Sample a wine flight paired with cheeses at Crú Wine Bar for a quiet night. Night owls should head to The Loon Bar and Grill for the classic watering hole experience.