Holidays in the 'Hood: Firewheel Town Center

Seasonal shopping for the whole family at Firewheel Town Center

By LISA PETTY

Updated 8:30 AM CST, Sat, Nov 28, 2009

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FRESH AND LOCAL: On Saturdays, it pays to hit Firewheel Town Center (Highway 190 at Highway 78 in Garland) early to shop the Four Seasons Market. Beginning at 9 a.m., local produce, artisanal foods, handmade gifts and more are yours for the taking. With over 50 vendors in all, you’ll want to get your coffee to-go and be among the first to pick and choose (and sample) at this new weekly event. For more information and details on individual vendors, visit fourseasonsmarkets.com.

TEAM SPIRIT: Once your market-ing is complete, make a stop for all the ‘Boys fans on your list at Firewheel’s Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop. Whether they’re old school devotees or pint sized players-to-be, this place has it all. We also love the friendly staffers, ready to help you pick the perfect blue-and-silver gift. Plus, through Sunday, November 29th, you can snap up men’s replica jerseys for just $49.99 (regularly $79 and $89) and get a free sideline cap to boot!

BIG TIME: Visit the big guys next to stock up on winter wear staples like sweaters, jackets, scarves and jeans. Mall anchors Dillard’s and Macy’s are a sure bet, and old friend Old Navy is featuring some killer deals. Whether you’re on the lookout for budget-friendly gifts, cozy, colorful tops or pants for the whole family, Old Navy’s got it priced to move for the holiday shopping season.

SALVADORAN SPICE: Dogs barkin’? Time to stop down and refuel at Gloria’s Restaurant. A perennial favorite with ten outposts across the Metroplex, Gloria’s combines classic Tex-Mex with home cooking from El Salvador for a twist on the usual combo-plate lunch. We can’t get enough of the Gloria’s Super Special ($10.99), a hearty sampler featuring a tamale, a pupusa, plantains and addictive yucca fritters (think potato pancake meets best hush puppy ever). On the lighter side, Salmon Chimichurri Salad ($12.99) or Spinach Quesadillas ($9.99) will hit the spot. Top off your meal with a festive Sangria, and you’ll return to the task at hand refreshed and ready to roll.

FESTIVE FINERY: Moms will heart Apricot Lane, a stylish boutique featuring everything from embellished blazers to Yellow Box Shoes and more. Select jewelry is also buy one, get one free right now – bonus! Meanwhile, teens and tweens can head to Papaya for their fashion fix. Trendy skirts, dresses, tops and tanks in sparkling sequins and metallics mean dozens of choices for a certain upcoming big night out (hint: it involves a ball, a baby and plenty of noisemakers).

OOEY, GOOEY: Time for a cookie break – you’ve certainly earned it. Pop into the Nestle Café for a fresh-baked Toll House and a warm latte. (Treat the kids to an ice cream sandwich...if they’ve been good this year.) Now’s also the perfect time to double-check your lists and bags, and if someone’s stocking still needs a little stuffin’, make a note and head to one final stop on the way back to the car.

SECRET’S OUT: If the missing gift is for an office mate, roommate or other fashionable friend, may we suggest Trade Secret? This salon-slash-retail shop has big-name beauty gift sets wrapped up to go, like Biolage and Matrix shampoo and conditioner duos for $14.95 (marked down from $19.95). Paul Mitchell Tea Tree trios for guys, scented lotion sets and OPI mini nail colors are also beautifully affordable. Happy shopping!