Dana Vollmer spent her youth getting up before dawn to swim, to train, to reach gold. At twelve while her friends attended parties and shopped, Dana was at the Olympic trial, and at 16 she stood on the Olympic stage and received her first two medals for the USA. Then after eight years of hard work, leading the USA Swim Team to Olympic Gold and setting new world records, Dana came home to do some of those things she didn’t get to do as a teenage—like shop with mom. Shopping on the Granbury Square is always fun; however shopping with an Olympian Gold Medal Champion is extra-special.
Creek Boutique – We began our Granbury Gold Shopping Spree at Caylor Creek Boutique, tucked into the east side of Granbury Square Plaza. This store offers a combination of California trends and a touch of the south—perfect for Dana. She fell in love with a pair of boots and looked at the high fashion jeans, blouses and handbags–all excellent brands. While Dana tried on more tops and dresses, I checked out Caylor Creek Boutique one-of-a-kind jewelry by local artists and found a perfect pair. Currently open seven days a week at 201 E. Pearl Street. 817.579.5444. Follow on Facebook at Caylor Creek~Granbury.
As we left, I knew two things: Dana’s legs are much longer, younger and faster than mine and the girl can shop!
The Texas Sampler – Marty Vandaveer welcomed Dana with a huge gift-basket full of all kinds of spices and dips. The Sampler says TEXAS. Quick and easy products with quality taste at your shopping leisure in any season and any temperature. Dana’s eyes lit up as she discovered the gluten-free products. Every party should have some. The Texas Sampler is located on the west side of the Granbury Square Plaza, off of Crockett Street 817.573.3486 www.TexasSamplerFoods.com
Rio Grande Boutique – Color pops in the Rio Grande boutique this year– bright and varied. Dana saw a dress the minute we walked into the store. Like most Texas-raised girls, she looked at the sale rack first and found a darling dress, but the one by the front door called her name. Rio Grande offers many styles by top designers. The top of the top, Joseph Ribkoff, designs for Miss America. When Dana tried on the first dress, her dad, mom and I all sighed, “Wow!” Joseph Ribcoff wins the gold with design. Rio Grande Boutique is located at 111 E. Pearl Street. 817.579.0089
RED on the Square – Owner Vicki and Scott Young met Dana and family as we walked in the door. Red offers high-end fashion at affordable prices in fine clothing for women and children. Dana and her mom browsed through women’s fashions, Lee Andersen clothing and Mary Francis designer bags. Dana’s dad, big brother, Nick, and Hendricks, her best friend’s baby, enjoyed RED boutique lines of infant/toddler toys. Located in the Red bank building at 101 Pearl Street on the southwest corner of the Square, Red has its own parking area. 817.573.3300
Stuff ‘N’ Nonsense Boutique – Owner, Becky Barton met us as we walked up the steps of the shop. Dana glanced through all the wonderful fall vest and jackets, perfect for California where she lives with her husband, Andy. The great selections of fashion jewelry, watches, scarves, ponchos, and wraps caught her eye–especially the watches. Unique tops to wrap and turn to a completely different style are a favorite. Stuff ‘n” Nonsense Boutique is located at 113 W Bridge St. or call 817.573.9060.
Joe’s Pasta – Dana’s family and friends met us at Joe’s and the wait-staff jumped into service—but they greet everyone that way, even if you’re not a famous gold medal champion. Then owner, Cutter Thompson, served up our favorite, fine Italian cuisine. Dana credits her new gluten free regiment and training in the ocean for the world records she set in the 2012 Olympics. Items like Chicken Diana, Salmon Napolitano served with mixed vegetables or steak, shrimp and fish with palate-pleasing sauces make Joe’s the perfect place for those allergic to gluten products. Joe’s stromboli and pizza are the best this side of New Jersey. Joe’s Pasta and Pizza is located at 512 W. Pearl Street in Granbury visit www.joesingranbury.com or call 817.579.JOES (5637).
Mia Bella Spa – When Dana and I met Michelle at Mia Bella Spa, I listened to the two of them talk about hands-on massage therapy and realized the health reasons for massages. Mia Bella Spa offers massage therapy treatment with full-body massage treatments that are enhanced with scented aromatherapy oils, and hot towels to provide a total-body relaxation experience. Their Deep-Tissue Massage/ Sports Massage stimulates circulation, relieve muscle tension and are great for staying flexible and limber during sporting events. Mia Bella Spa can help us all feel better and be healthier, even if we aren’t competing in the Olympics. Located in the southeast area of the Granbury Square Plaza. Call 682.936.7216 for more information.
Cactus Flower, on the west side of Granbury’s Square, showcases many beautiful jackets, contemporary tops, scarves and matching pants. Rita Scott welcomed Dana and I with her warm smile and friendly help. Cactus Flower carries exquisite designs that flatter all figures—Dana’s tall, trim lines and my…fluffy figure. Sterling Indian jewelry, plus a great line of high quality fashion jewelry, unique home décor, pillows, throws, pottery, dinner wear and genuine, bone-handle flatware all caught Dana’s eye. Visit 104 N. Houston Street or call 817.573.7725.
Doug’s Sports House – Doug Knippa, owner of Doug’s Sports House on the east side of the Square in Granbury may have enjoyed Dana’s shopping spree almost as much as I did. The Sports Shop offers everything for the sports fan, although he didn’t have any Cal State (Dana’s college) memorabilia. How can that be? But when Dana asked about Dallas Cowboy items, Doug quickly showed us his wide selection. Dana especially liked the “pillow pet-by night/football by day” in the Dallas Cowboy mascot. I tried to talk her into a Texas Tech hoody with just the right amount of sparkle. Doug’s Sports House offers a large assortment of gifts for men and it’s located at 120 N. Crockett Street. 682.936.2729.
D’Vine Wine – I planned a surprise for Dana at D’Vine Wine, a special label, personalized titled Dana’s Gold with pictures of Dana at the Olympics and with her husband and her at their wedding. She picked the type of wine from their vast supply. We enjoyed a wine tasting and special music. Joshua Winters, one of the owners of D’Vine Wine (along with Tony and Diane Hedges), discussed family connections and then explained how to make your own wine, bottle it and create your very own personalized labels. Dana signed autographs and wished people in the shop a happy birthday. Located on the north side of the Historic Granbury Square. 817.573.7200 www.dvinewineusa.com
Agave Tamale Company – The Agave girls met Dana and I for an afternoon tamale–uniquely made, hand rolled, lard free, gluten free and msg free. Long-time friends with Dana and her family, Susan Miller greeted her with a gold-medal hug. They are comfort food—not like any tamale I’ve ever had. We decided these should be called Agave quiche or pies or just yummies–and the girls cook up the best black beans ever with feta cheese on top. Dine in or take out. Agave Tamale Company caters events or can be mailed to friends and family. Located one block west of the Square at 106 N. Lambert Street. Call 817.579.7600 for more information.
