Photographer Paul Tellefsen constantly discovers new treasures and creative inspiration in his hometown by roaming the streets and connecting with people—something easily handled in the all-new 2020 Range Rover Evoque from Land Rover. Tellefsen, who grew up in Dallas, believes the key to the city’s ever-evolving and dynamic quality is similar to that of the city-focused compact SUV itself, “Any time you pursue a new creative endeavor, there’s this responsibility to let go of what was before in order to embrace the new thing. And that’s what Land Rover has been able to do: honor the legacy of the Evoque while embracing this new iteration.”
This strong sense of exploration and curiosity means that there’s always something new to be found in Dallas—a city that Tellefsen says will never idle. “It’s not about getting to the finish line, it’s about respecting the journey,” he says. With that philosophy in mind, we traversed the Texan city together to find architectural gems, remarkable food and community-focused spaces along the way.
Driving over the Trinity River, we cross the striking Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, which was designed by architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava. Opening some seven years ago, the bridge, Tellefsen says, “tells a beautiful story of the connecting of the old and the new, what was and what’s to come. Literally and figuratively, the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge connects the city.”
Our first stop on the other side of the river is Houndstooth Coffee. With coffee, tea, wines and more on offer, Houndstooth adds to the city’s vibrant cafe culture. Tellefsen often finds himself working from one of their three locations. “I need to work in a space that’s beautifully designed, that’s bustling with people. That space really helps me focus… It really motivates me in a way that other places don’t,” he explains.
One of the city’s most special destinations, Bonton Farms is much more than a farm. Located in a once-forgotten and much-neglected neighborhood, Bonton Farms is reviving the community by offering employment opportunities, career mentorship, nutrition and cooking classes, financial education, and even a rent-to-own housing program. As Tellefsen explains, Bonton Farms has “not only provided food in a food desert, but has also become a flourishing center for the community.”
Driving back into the center of the city, we visit the bustling Dallas Farmers Market. In addition to clean, healthy and local produce, there are cafes, ice cream parlors, florists, homeware shops, and spots to dine on cuisines that include Indian, Vietnamese, Mexican and beyond.
Mudhen Meats and Greens offers the ideal complement to the farmers market: accessible farm-to-table fare and a laidback atmosphere. Along with healthy dishes made using local ingredients, there are various juice, kombucha and craft cocktail options available here.
Just a five-minute drive away, the lush Thanks-Giving Square offers respite from the city. With a stunning non-denominational chapel at its center, Thanks-Giving Square acts at a spiritual center for Dallas—and its sunken design only amplifies the feeling of escape and tranquility. Tellefsen says, “When you come here there’s a way to realign and disconnect. Regardless of who you are or where you come from, it’s a place of solace, sanctuary and solitude.”
Nearby the swirling white chapel is another Dallas architectural jewel: the historical and remarkably charming Majestic Theatre. Opened during the height of vaudeville in 1921, the theater fell into disrepair and lay abandoned for a decade in the ’70s until reopening in 1983. Tellefsen says, “Every generation has seen iterations of it.” The glorious theater is now on the National Register of Historic Places and alive with all kinds of performances.
The 2020 Range Rover Evoque is all about refinement—it’s entirely redesigned, but immediately recognizable. Check out A Refined Point of View for Paul’s photos and more videos from the NYC stop on our tour of 10 American cities.