10 Features From 2023

At Southlake Style, we’re incredibly lucky to cover all of the amazing people and stories within the community every month. From students and citizens to volunteers and selfless servants, here are some of the biggest features we’ve covered in 2023. 

1. Pickleball Y’all!

It’s no secret that the sport of pickleball has taken off in Southlake and beyond. Over 4.9 million players joined just this year, and it’s only gaining in popularity. With new developments like Grapevine’s Chicken N Pickle or Southlake’s upcoming pickleball complex, anyone can see that the fastest-growing sport in America is only getting bigger from here. 

2. 2,000 Points

Camryn Tade always had one goal — just score six points every game. In her senior year, those six points helped her reach a new goal of 2,000 points, a record not just for Camryn, but for the Lady Dragon basketball team overall. As she begins her collegiate career at West Point, we take a look back at how consistency was key throughout her time as a Lady Dragon. 

3. 30 Years Of Hokeyin' And Pokeyin'

Ringing in three decades of fried chicken and family fun, it’s impossible not to leave Babe’s Chicken Dinner House with a full belly and a big smile. This iconic local chain started in a historic building in downtown Roanoke and has grown to 10 locations across the metroplex, continuing to put its golden-fried goodness and full-flavored fixings on the map. 

4. Twin Billing

It was easy to mistake the Dragon baseball team’s starting pitch rotation earlier this spring. Other than a slight height difference, it’s very hard to tell twin brothers Jared and Tyler White apart. Even their ERAs were an identical 0.92. With dedication and hard work, these powerhouse twins had players doing a double-take at the mound. 

5. Campus Patrol

Every day, over 60 Southlake police officers make the city safer for residents and visitors alike. Meanwhile, a select few are chosen to protect our most precious population at Carroll ISD’s campuses. These 18 individuals are Southlake’s school resource officers, and they’re the ones to thank for providing over a decade of safety at our schools. 

6. Bagel State Of Mind

When you’re looking for breakfast after a night in the city that never sleeps, the bagel has become as synonymous with New York as Sinatra himself. Dan’s Bagels isn’t in New York, but this successful Trophy Club bakery was born from the love of the quintessential New York bagel. To owner Dan Hilbert, they aren’t just making bagels — they’re making memories.

7. Once A Belle, Always A Belle

Since 1963, the Emerald Belles have been a symbol of Dragon greatness, from competing on nationally televised talent shows to performing for professional league’s halftime shows. The Belles celebrated 60 years of high-kicking pageantry on Sept. 1, with nearly 200 alums and 76 members performing on the field together. 

8. Five, Six, Seven, Eight

Dana Bailey is no stranger to performing. From appearing in commercials for Pepsi, 7/11, Sonic, Long John Silvers and Radio Shack to acting alongside A-list celebrities like Tom Cruise, Dana relentlessly pursues her passions. With her studio of dance commemorating 30 years, Dana continues to help others move to their own beat. 

9. Bound By Books 

Opening earlier this year, Talking Animals Books is Grapevine’s first and only independent bookstore that curates a specific collection of books for children, adults and families alike. Thanks to an enthusiastic community of readers and authors, founders Katy Lemieux and Valerie Walizadeh made a reading destination as special as the many books they carry. 

10. The Gift Of Giving

Founded in 2021, The Gifting Project is a volunteer-led organization that provides gifts to those who need them not just in December, but also on every birthday in between. With their work benefitting over 600 children in the metroplex, The Gifting Project does a lot more than just give presents — they ensure every child knows that they are worthy and that they are loved.