Known for its eclectic, chef-driven American cuisine and farm-to-table roots, Hannah's Off the Square celebrated its 25th anniversary in September. 

Located in the heart of downtown Denton, Hannah's first opened in 2001, occupying the space now inhabited by Thai Square at 209 W. Hickory St., Ste. 104, and came under owner Phil Shirley's management about a year later. The restaurant was Shirley's first foray into the food business, which he describes as the "hardest ever."

The full story: Shirley and his wife, Kerry, who is also the restaurant's manager, feel Hannah's has grown with Denton and are proud of the thriving downtown community their business has helped foster. Customers can eat in a refined, but relaxed atmosphere welcoming anyone looking for a bite to eat. 

The city's artsy, eclectic culture is central to the way the Shirleys run the restaurant and Chef Anton Babarovic crafts the seasonally rotating menu by embracing creativity.

• 111 W. Mulberry St., Denton

Alpaca Moona, a Latino-owned shop selling sweaters and alpaca plushies, opened across from H&M inside Golden Triangle Mall in October.

What they offer: The store also sells jewelry, bags, home decor and authentic Andean instruments, like pan flutes and ocarina whistles.

Colorful sweaters, many emblazoned with a herd of alpacas, have a starting price of $40. The inventory is handcrafted and the shop supports local artisans.

• 2201 S. I-35E, Denton

Officials with the Perot Museum of Nature and Science released plans for a transformation of its four-acre Dallas campus to double the museum’s exhibition space and improve parking and arrival infrastructure. 

The $185 million project recently reached $135 million in fundraising through the museum’s Curiosity Unbound campaign, according to an Oct. 20 press release. Groundbreaking for the project is expected in early 2027.

About the project: The new outdoor exhibition space, which is set to open in late 2028, will feature 25 large-scale exhibits and many experiential learning activities themed around the forces of nature, including a lightning and thunder pavilion, a mist maze and a fire tornado, according to the release.

The landscaping will also be a part of the exhibit, featuring a river, a pollinator garden and extensive shade trees

Early voting for the Nov. 3 midterm election started Oct. 19, while Frisco ISD introduced a new fare-based busing service. Check out six trending stories from Community Impact’s Dallas-Fort Worth coverage areas.

1. Frisco ISD introduces fare-based busing at 29 campuses

2. Early voting begins Oct. 19: Here is what Collin County residents need to know

3. Q&A: Meet the candidates running for Place 2 on the Collin Central Appraisal District board

4. Q&A: Meet the candidates running for the Tarrant Appraisal District board of directors

5. India Bazaar opens new store on Frisco, Prosper border

6. Avelo Airlines adds 2 more Florida destinations from DTX