Well, somehow we've made it to November! Halloween decorations are coming down, Christmas decorations are sneaking out of storage, and the sun is clocking out before dinner. 🥲
But before we get into all the fun stuff, today is Election Day! 🇺🇸
If you haven't voted yet, Texas polls are open from 7 AM to 7 PM. Make sure you know where to go, bring your approved ID, and make your voice heard!
🗳️ Find your polling place at VoteTexas.gov
October was such a fun month! We had some friends from Arizona come stay with us for a weekend, so naturally we had to show them a little Dallas hospitality! We spent some time downtown and made a trip to the State Fair of Texas (of course). It was a little drizzly, but honestly, the weather was perfect and the crowds were surprisingly light. No complaints here!
I also made it out to the Invasion Car Show in Deep Ellum, which was an absolute blast! So many cool cars, great vintage vibes, and I got to cheer on my girl Shirley Sweetheart while she MC'd the pin-up contest.
On the real estate side, October kept me BUSY! I've been showing buyers all over DFW, from Seagoville and Dallas to Midlothian and beyond. Despite where interest rates are, people are still out there making moves! The market doesn't just stop because the holidays are around the corner.
We wrapped up the month with a pretty low-key Halloween at home, passing out candy to the neighborhood trick-or-treaters. Somehow, we ended up with WAY too much leftover candy. If anyone needs a Reese's (or twelve), you know where to find me.
Now, onto November! We've got classic cars, rockabilly music, historic home tours, a little kitschy Christmas crafting, and some bittersweet news about a beloved Dallas landmark.
If you're new around here, welcome to The Retro Edit! This is where I share the cool, quirky, historic, and occasionally downright weird things happening around Dallas-Fort Worth, along with a little real estate and community goodness.
Let's get into it!
– Tash
The Forest Theater has reopened!
Historic Forest Theater Reopens | South Dallas
Now THIS is the kind of comeback story I love!
Originally opened in 1949, the historic Forest Theater officially reopened its doors on November 1 after nearly two decades of sitting dormant!
Once a cultural hotspot that welcomed legends like B.B. King, Tina Turner, and Prince, the beloved South Dallas landmark has undergone a massive restoration led by nonprofit Forest Forward.
The revitalized space will feature live performances, arts education, creative studios, and community programming. And perhaps my favorite part? Its iconic tower and marquee were relit for the first time in more than 50 years!
A beautiful example of historic preservation giving an old building a whole new chapter. We LOVE to see it! 🥹
The Loop Plaza Is Now Open | Victory Park, Dallas
Dallas just got a little more walkable (and bikeable)!
The brand-new Loop Plaza officially opened in October, connecting three popular Dallas trails: the Katy Trail, Hi Line Connector, and Trinity Strand Trail.
Located near Victory Park and the Design District, the new public space features pedestrian bridges, striking architectural details, and new connections for walking, running, and cycling.
It's part of The Loop Dallas, an ambitious project that will eventually connect 50 miles of trails throughout the city, making it easier to explore Dallas without getting behind the wheel.
More green space, better-connected neighborhoods, and another reason to get outside? We love to see it! 🌳
Holiday Tea Returns to The Adolphus
November 4–January 10 | Downtown Dallas
A little old-world glamour for the holidays! The historic Adolphus Hotel is bringing back its beloved holiday afternoon tea in The French Room, complete with sweet and savory bites and plenty of festive elegance.
The Granada Theater Is Closing
Lower Greenville | Dallas
After 80 years, the historic Granada Theater is preparing to close in April 2027. Its neighboring restaurant, Sundown at Granada, ended regular service November 1. A bittersweet change for one of Dallas' most recognizable landmarks.
Holiday at the Arboretum — One Final Chorus
November 11–January 3 | Dallas
The beloved 12 Days of Christmas gazebos are making their final appearance after 12 seasons. It's the end of a Dallas holiday tradition, and one worth seeing before it disappears!
John Barthel The Origami House (1959) is featured on the Preservation Dallas Hidden Gems Home Tour on Nov 14th, don’t miss it!
NOVEMBER 6–7 | Texas Rockabilly Bash
📍 Gillespie County Fairgrounds, Fredericksburg
Calling all vintage lovers, hot rod enthusiasts, and rockabilly fans! The Texas Rockabilly Bash is bringing a weekend of live music, pre-'72 classic cars, vintage trailers, pin-up pageantry, artists, and vendors to Fredericksburg.
Basically, if you love old cars, big hair, and good music, this one's got your name written all over it.
NOVEMBER 7 | Día de los Kustoms Car Show
📍 Dallas / BoomerJacks | 12–5 PM
More cool cars? Don't mind if I do. Día de los Kustoms is bringing custom car culture to Dallas, with an after-party at Adair's Saloon later that evening.
A good excuse to admire some beautiful old machines and support the local car scene.
NOVEMBER 13 | Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
📍 Palace Theatre, Grapevine | 7:30 PM
Steve Martin. John Candy. Thanksgiving travel gone terribly wrong.
Honestly, is there a better movie to kick off the holiday season? Catch this 1987 comedy classic on the big screen at Grapevine's historic Palace Theatre.
NOVEMBER 14 | Preservation Dallas: Hidden Gems Home Tour
📍 Dallas | 11 AM–5 PM
Now THIS is my kind of Saturday.
Preservation Dallas is opening the doors to five unique properties for its 2026 Hidden Gems Home Tour, including the 1959 Origami House, the historic FA Brown Farmstead, the Rolling Rock House, the Alexander Mansion, and the Bianchi House.
From historic architecture to mid-century design, it's an opportunity to see some truly special Dallas homes up close.
If you've been around here long enough, you know I believe old houses have stories worth telling. And this is one of my favorite ways to celebrate them! Maybe I’ll see you there! 😉
NOVEMBER 14 | Historic Grapevine Candlelight Tour of Homes
📍 Historic Grapevine | 4–7 PM
Can't get enough old houses? Same.
Explore properties throughout Grapevine's historic township, meet docents, and learn about the architecture and history behind these beautiful homes.
It's a lovely way to spend a fall evening appreciating the places that give our communities their character.
Make this wreath with us, Nov 21st!
NOVEMBER 21 | Kitschy Christmas Wreath Craft Party 🎄
📍 The Office Lofts, Lancaster
Okay, this one's personal because I'm hosting it!
We're getting together for a little old-fashioned Christmas crafting, with plenty of kitsch, vintage-inspired holiday cheer, and the opportunity to make your very own festive wreath.
If you've been looking for an excuse to get crafty and meet some new friends, consider this your invitation!
There will be refreshments! 🥤
NOVEMBER 24 | A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving & Christmas
📍 Palace Theatre, Grapevine | 11 AM
Two nostalgic holiday classics on the big screen? Yes, please.
Catch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and A Charlie Brown Christmas in a special animated double feature. Perfect for anyone who appreciates the simpler holiday magic of yesteryear.
Looking for even more fun things happening around DFW? Check out my Retro Events Calendar for swing dance nights, tiki events, vintage markets, pin-up meetups, classic movie screenings, and more retro-inspired happenings around town.
Stats from North Texas Real Estate Information System Trends, Resale, Single Family, Residential October 2026
The DFW housing market is still moving as we head into the holiday season, just at a slightly slower pace!
October's average sales price came in at $461,000, down just 0.8% from last year, while homes spent an average of 65 days on the market, a 1.5% decrease year over year.
Inventory is sitting at 5 months of supply, down 1.9% from last year. That means buyers still have options, but we're not exactly swimming in excess inventory either.
And mortgage rates? The average 30-year fixed rate is sitting around 7.27%, down 0.28 percentage points from the previous month. Not exactly the rates we all dream about, but a little improvement is always welcome!
So what does this mean for you?
For buyers, homes spending a little longer on the market can mean more time to explore your options and potentially negotiate.
For sellers, buyers are still out there! But realistic pricing and good presentation are key to standing out.
I've personally been busy showing homes all over DFW, so I can tell you the market certainly hasn't packed up for the holidays!
Whether you're thinking about making a move before the end of the year or getting a head start on 2027, I'm always happy to help you figure out your next steps. Just hit reply!
Listed with Renee Barfoot at Dave Perry Miller Real Estate, $975,000
Listed with Taryn Sherman at Dave Perry Miller Real Estate, $319,900
Listed with Paige Poupart at The Home Connoisseurs, $429,900
Listed with Karen Florence at Brewster Realty & Investment, $2,995/Mo
Thanksgiving Square, Dallas
Thanks-Giving Square | Downtown Dallas
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I couldn't think of a more fitting place to spotlight this month!
Tucked between the skyscrapers of Downtown Dallas is Thanks-Giving Square, a peaceful little urban oasis dedicated to gratitude, unity, and reflection.
Opened in 1977, the square is home to the iconic spiral-shaped Chapel of Thanks-Giving, designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson. Inside, you'll find the breathtaking Glory Window, a spiraling stained-glass masterpiece that's truly something to see.
And here's a little real estate history for you! Legendary Dallas Realtor Ebby Halliday served as president of the Thanks-Giving Square Foundation, helping champion the landmark and its mission. Known for her incredible business success and philanthropic spirit, Ebby believed in giving back to the community she helped build. I love that connection between Dallas real estate history and historic preservation!
But today, this beloved landmark is facing an uncertain future.
The nonprofit that maintains Thanks-Giving Square is currently in a funding dispute with the City of Dallas after the city stopped making an annual payment of nearly $500,000. The foundation says the loss of that funding threatens its ability to maintain and operate the property.
As someone who loves historic architecture and the places that give our cities character, I hate seeing landmarks like this face an uncertain future.
The good news? Thanks-Giving Square is still open to the public, and there are ways to help support its preservation!
Whether you visit, share its story, or consider making a donation, it's a wonderful reminder that the places we treasure need people who care about keeping them around.
And what better time than Thanksgiving to appreciate a place built around gratitude?
📍 1627 Pacific Avenue, Dallas
Admission: Free
Meet Genesis Women's Shelter & Support
With Thanksgiving around the corner, I wanted to shine a little light on an organization doing some incredibly important work right here in Dallas.
I first learned about Genesis through the Junior League of Dallas, but here's something you might not know: You don't have to be a Junior League member to get involved!
Genesis provides free, confidential services to women and children experiencing domestic violence, including emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and other resources to help survivors rebuild their lives.
Whether you volunteer, donate, or shop at their Benefit Thrift Store, there are ways to support their mission.
Because being a good neighbor is about more than just living next door. 💗
UNTIL NEXT MONTH...
November is shaping up to be a good one. Between historic homes, vintage cars, holiday traditions, and opportunities to give back, there's plenty to appreciate about the communities we call home.
I hope you find a little time this month to explore somewhere new, support a local organization, and enjoy the people and places around you.
And remember, if you see an old house with a fabulous front door or a suspiciously beautiful original bathroom, you know who to send it to. 😉
Happy November!
-Tash
Thanks for being here and supporting this weird little retro corner of the internet. 💗
