I often hear advertisers marketing their business or service as being located “in the heart of Lake Highlands,” but lately I’ve been wondering. Exactly where is “the center of LH?” Is it a geographic point on the map, a general area of reference or just a state of mind?

When I lived near Forest Lane and Greenville Avenue, I thought of the epicenter as somewhere along Abrams Road between Forest and Royal. My kids went to Forest Meadow Junior High, I shopped at that Tom Thumb (now a CVS and Auto Zone), I stopped in for Starbucks whenever my girls were taking dance at Dallas Ballet Center and – because I have a diabetic child – I spent lots of time (and money) at the Abrams/Royal Walgreens.

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Today I live nearer Skillman and Church. Mi Cocina literally means My Kitchen, since that’s where most of my meals originate, and SuperTarget has everything I need from toothpaste to a new swimsuit to extra long sheets for my son’s OU dorm room. Up and down Skillman feels like my center.

On the other hand, I’m on a fitness kick. Perhaps the hours I spend circling White Rock Lake make that my center. Maybe my membership at Lake Highlands United Methodist Church or my love of Tony’s Pizza or the thrill of finding a bargain at Tuesday Morning indicate the Center of Lake Highlands is nearer to Northwest Highway. And, of course, the brisket tacos and cole slaw (with juicy mandarin oranges) at Highlands Café scream that Walnut Hill and Audelia is a bulls-eye at the center of LH.

Perhaps you have an opinion. Pretend I’m a tourist or a foreign exchange student. Pardon me, sir/madam, can you tell me where I can find the Center of Lake Highlands?

Author

  • Carol Toler

    Blogger CAROL TOLER and her husband, Toby, are the parents of four LHHS graduates. She has an MBA from SMU and is the proud recipient of the Exchange Club of LH's Unsung Hero Award and Councilman McGough's Blake Anderson Public Service Award. She received LHHS PTA's Extended Service Award, FMJH PTA's Charger Award and a Life Membership from the LHFC PTA. She has moderated candidate debates for Dallas Mayor, Dallas City Council and RISD Trustee races and taught seminars on garnering publicity for nonprofits. She completed training with Dallas Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation and Inside RISD, and she's a sustaining member of LH Women's League. She has served on the boards of After8 to Educate, Dallas Free Press, Healing Hands Ministries and Camp Sweeney and chaired fundraisers for multiple Dallas nonprofits. Email ctoler@advocatemag.com.