Discover Dallas Through the Lens of Tish Wiggins: A Journey of Wine, Culture, and Community
Welcome to Deep in the Heart of Dallas! Our latest series shines a spotlight on the vibrant stories of Dallas’s Black community. Through local creatives, we uncover favorite spots, culinary discoveries, and the ways the city fuels their artistic journeys.
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Tish Wiggins relocated with her family to the DeSoto area in fourth grade. After 17 years in Atlanta, she returned to Dallas, eager to rediscover the city that once inspired her and to share her adventures on her blog, Tish Around Town. From writing and education to event curation, wine remains a central passion in her multifaceted world.
From Napa to Dallas: A Passion for Wine
“It all started when I was bitten by curiosity during a trip to Napa. The winemaking process captivated me, and because I’ve always loved food, the two naturally intertwined,” she explains. In 2019, she earned her first wine certification and is now pursuing a WSET Level 3. “I’m driven to make wine approachable through education,” she says.
Why Dallas Feels Like Home
“Home is where the heart is.” With parents residing in DeSoto, Tish found Dallas appealing for its social fabric and the chance to reconnect with family. “After 17 years away, Dallas offers a new perspective—seeing the city through adult eyes and uncovering hidden gems,” she reflects.
A Perfect Day in Uptown
Residing in Uptown, Tish loves spontaneous, unplanned strolls. A typical day might start with a walk to Katy Trail, a food‑truck lunch, a visit to the Dallas Museum of Art, and stops at local restaurants. She often ends her day with a patio at Yardbird or a late‑night bite at Mi Cocina in West Village.
Top Dining Picks
Hudson House on Lovers Lane is a favorite, boasting a diverse menu and an impressive wine list, especially the fresh oysters. Hillstone Restaurant offers a Hawaiian rib‑eye steak paired with a robust red wine—an experience that brings her to her happy place.
Weekend Explorations
On weekdays, she’s either wandering Uptown’s two‑mile radius or visiting wine bars like Veritas Wine Room and Trova Wine & Market—a female‑owned spot opened during the pandemic, where she works part‑time to deepen her wine knowledge. On weekends, she’s likely at Turtle Creek Park or sampling local wine offerings.
Favorite Neighborhood
Tish is drawn to the Lakewood area, where she might sip wine at the Dallas Arboretum, stroll around White Rock Lake, or simply admire the classic Dallas homes.
Welcoming Out‑of‑Towners
She recommends off‑the‑beaten‑path, family‑owned Tex‑Mex spots like Gabriela and Sofia’s near 75, alongside barbecue. Tex‑Mex always takes the lead in her recommendations.
Memorable Moments
From St. Patrick’s Day parades to Mavericks games, especially HBCU nights, Tish cherishes community celebrations that blend sport, music, and social mixers.
Looking Ahead
In 2021, she hopes to host in‑person wine events—starting small and scaling up as science allows. The goal: bring people together over shared experiences and education.
Follow Tish’s Dallas adventures on Instagram: @tisharoundtown
Header photo courtesy of William Becknell Photography.
