Why You Should Love Deep Ellum

As you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering if I will continue to post once every 6-8 months, or just when the fancy strikes me. I know, I know... I’m horrible sometimes about following through with certain side projects.

I will try my best to keep posting wonderful things for your reading pleasure... but I guess that artistic, creative side to me is what makes me kinda flaky sometimes.

For those of you that don’t know, Jason and I now live in the wonderful community of Deep Ellum. It’s still in Dallas, on the east side of downtown. We live in a very cool, very concrete, very small loft and we love it!! Jason would add that it’s very noisy, but don’t listen to him. :)

Our very concrete loft

Deep Ellum is rich with unique history, especially in music. For all of you wondering what kind of crazy name this community has, it actually is a corruption of the phrase “Deep Elm Street.” Check out this Wikipedia page for more history.

Since I am such a list maker-extraordinaire, here’s one for today, a list of Why we Love Deep Ellum so much. Enjoy--

1. The People

They’re creative. They’re weird. They like to have fun. Deep Ellum attracts these types of people. And everyone has that sense of good ol’ southern friendliness.  Forget the old reputation of being scary... everyone is looking out for each other. Even for the bums. And Creativity is the norm around here ... we have neighbors that make soap, another that makes hair barrettes, in addition to a smattering of artists, designers, and me of course... flower shop girl.

Being Brave at Recycle Revolution

2. The Sights 

Outdoor murals, tattoos, art, festivals, and the just plain weird....I once saw a baby goat being walked on a leash down Elm Street. But my favorite sight would have to be the downtown view from our rooftop terrace.

Rooftop View of Downtown

More Rooftop View

3. The Food

 My favorite taco stand {Santiago’s} is right around the corner, and if you go down a little further, you’ll find the best little folksy cafe with the best breakfast {The AllGood Cafe}...which has a very Austin-ish, quirky vibe to it. Or if you want Mexican, go to {Monica’s Aca y Alla}, which has a fun history itself. There’s even a couple places down here that have been featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.

Yummy Poblano Chicken @ Monica's

4.The Music

 Deep Ellum has always been a hotspot for music. It started with jazz and blues around the 1930s, and in the 90s, it was a big punk rock scene. Now it’s a mixture of music genres including folk, jazz, metal, rock, and whatever else just happens to travel this way. In addition to the clubs and bars, almost every restaurant has nights where they feature live music. There’s nothing like walking around the neighborhood on a weekend and hearing all the sounds emanating from every corner.

Arts Festival

5. The Personality

Everything here is unique. There are no chains (except for the recent addition of a sandwich chain down the street. Boo). It’s all small business, and they all have personality and something special to present that you can't find just anywhere. The most recent addition would be {The SandBar Cantina}, a bar/restaurant with full-size volleyball courts to play on. The sand there is so nice and soft, you could sleep on it.

Deep Ellum Tunnel Artwork

6.The Church

 This one is the curveball. Wait a minute... church?? in Deep Ellum??? Yep. I said it. It’s so unexpected, but since moving to Deep Ellum, Jason and I have grown so much in our faith because of a wonderful place called {Life in Deep Ellum}. A place to worship, find community, drink coffee, view art, listen to music, or just hang out. It’s a little more alternative than your traditional church... people can wear whatever they want or don’t want. I have seen many bare feet during a Sunday service. If you’re tattooed or pierced... well, you’ll fit right in. It’s a small church with amazing pastors (a young husband and wife team), amazing musical talent, and messages that are relate to real life and will grab you through to the core. Not to mention that these people also put great support into the community and local businesses/artists. LIDE has been probably the best thing to happen to us since moving here.

My Blues Singin' Man

So, the next time you find yourself in the midst of Dallas, just travel a little southeast and come see us. We’ll show you why you should love Deep Ellum too.

When you go down on Deep Ellum,

Put your money in your socks

'Cause them Women on Deep Ellum

Sho' will throw you on the rocks. (chorus)

Oh, sweet mama, your daddy's got them Deep Ellum Blues.

Oh, sweet mama, your daddy's got them Deep Ellum Blues

 (from a song called Deep Ellum Blues)