But, let us, for a moment, think about that fine Fall weather that is just around the corner (I can dream, can’t I?).

One of my favorite places to sit and enjoy some of the best bar food in town is Lee Harvey’s.  It sort of channels the spirit of Austin, right on the south side of downtown…..Wooden tables and fire pits dot the “lawn” of this re-purposed 30’s home, and a diverse crowd is always de riguer.  Check out $1 Taco night on Monday, and ½ Burger Night on Tuesday.  Personally, Stella and I like to rub elbows with our furry friends on Dog Day Sundays (like a dog park that serves cold beer!).

And while it is something of a challenge to find, the bar is unique, and well worth a trip.   Check out  Lee Harvey’s website for directions and other details!

Shoot me a tweet about your favorite patios and why @forrestgregg

For those of you with an insatiable sweet tooth… come check out the most charming house in the M Streets!  5531 Vanderbilt will have you thinking cool thoughts of Cape Cod summers in sought after Greenland Hills.  There are three bedrooms and two baths with lots of room to grow. An updated kitchen with granite and stainless, sophisticated finishes throughout, there is nothing missing here but you!  Come see this house today from 3:30 – 5:00.

1. Median single family home price in Dallas is at $267,929 (Austin is at $299,204 and Houston is at $159,869)
2. Average property in Dallas has been on the market for 157 days
3. Median price per square foot for homes in Dallas is at about $123 (Austin is at $135 with Houston at $76))
4. There are about 4867 properties on the market right now in Dallas

Rest assured, while it is still a buyers market, my business is still solid and we are moving properties on both buying and selling side.  And, as always, you can send me an email if you have any questions about real estate.  Or if you just have any questions in general!

While I’m off on a Thursday afternoon Happy Hour with friends, there is a hairy hound on the couch (where she shouldn’t be), dreaming of fur flying, ball chasing fun.  Sure, I get to socialize, but what of these creatures, who are always happy to see us, love us no matter what and ask so little in return?

Dog Parks can be the answer (well, that and an occasional piece of rawhide and a scratch behind the ears).  Dallas has many options to choose from, and each has their own personality and extra doodads that can make playtime more colorful.  The downtown Main Street Garden Urban Dog Park has structures for your pooch to peruse, (and a playground for the kids), and the upcoming Boone Family Dog Park (coming to the much anticipated Woodall Rogers Park slated to open in 2012) may prove to be the social gathering place to see and be seen while floating above the freeway.  Stella and my personal favorite is Central Dog Park in West Highland Park behind Central Christian Church.  The huge trees keep doggie social hour shady, which keeps everyone’s tail wagging during these hot summer days. Stella loves all of the familiar smells, and I love all of the familiar faces that have become friends.

That said, you may want to read some online reviews of the unleashed venues in your neighborhood prior to bringing your pet……some have fallen into the category of “bad dog”, with the most unruly attendees being owners who lack common sense when it comes to good dog manners and breeding.

Allie Beth Allman listed Troy Aikman’s 10,500 sq. ft. Highland Drive Mansion at the beginning of this summer. At $24 million, it is the most expensive residential listing in Dallas. You can hoop it up on the sports court, sharpen up your air hockey in the game room, and swim in the olympic sized pool. Once you are wiped out from your strenuous workout, relax and recuperate by taking in the view of Turtle Creek from one of the several covered porches or a stroll through the gardens on the 1.5 acre estate. Check out the full listing at: http://www.alliebethallman.com/perl/mlsd.pl?c=aba&p=1&ListingID=11597822