What’s your favorite part about discovering a new town?
Of course, there’s getting to know your new neighbors and discovering little bits of history about the place you call home. These are important and enjoyable aspects of getting better acquainted with a new community. However, at Taylor
McKinney is one of those places. Being just north of Dallas, McKinney is a vibrant town where a combination of rich history, charismatic neighborhoods and an emerging cosmopolitan flair creates the perfect backdrop for discovering the hidden gems that will become part of your life in the community.
We don’t want to give all of the secrets away, but to start you on your adventure of discovery, here are a few of our favorite hidden gems in McKinney.
Enjoy a Taste of McKinney’s Historic Downtown
Granted, McKinney’s downtown area isn’t exactly hidden, but what you may not realize is that it’s one of the oldest, most historic downtown areas in all of Texas. A stroll through the district will put you face to face with amazing historic architecture, some of which dates back more than 165 years.
One of the great things about the downtown district is how a modern vibe fuses with the historical elements to create an atmosphere that is undeniably a representation of what lies at the heart of McKinney. It’s the perfect representation of quaint small town with just the right touch of big city sophistication.
So, what is there to do in McKinney’s downtown district? For starters, you’ll find no shortage of events to attend. The district is the place where town festivals, dances and other main events take place. But you’ll also find plenty of gems to explore nestled within the district itself.
With over 120 unique shops and about two dozen restaurants, there’s plenty of opportunity for exploration. For example, those with a passion for antiques or things with a retro flair will love browsing at Mercantile or The Groovy Coop.
If you find yourself building up an appetite during your day of exploration, you’ll find local gems such as The Harvest Seasonal Kitchen, Emporium Pies, or one of McKinney’s favorites – Rick’s Chophouse.
A Booming Wine and Craft Brewery Culture
Many people are surprised to learn that McKinney is home to several of the best wineries and breweries in the northern Texas region. Maybe this is because they’re so great that locals are a bit hesitant to let the secret out. In McKinney, you’ll find both Tupps Brewery and the Franconia Brewing Company. While Tupps has normal tap room hours, they also offer tours every Saturday, including live music on scene to enjoy afterwards. Plus, they also have a food truck onsite on the weekends, so you can try out a new brew while enjoying local eats.
For wine lovers, you’ll enjoy touring and tasting at one of the local wineries, such as Lone Star Wine Cellars, Landon Winery, and Mitas Hill. A day at the winery is perfect for a special date or socializing with a group of friends. They’re also perfect hidden gems for hosting special occasions, such as weddings or birthday gatherings.
Peruse One of the Longest Running Flea Markets in Northern Texas
There’s no better way to discover the hidden gems of McKinney than getting out and engaging with the community, and there’s no better place to do it than diving into the local flea market experience, better known as Third Monday Trade Days.
The flea market, which has become a community staple is held on the weekend before the third Monday of every month. Keep in mind that this isn’t your average flea market where you might have a chance of finding that one unique gem. Instead, you’ll be greeted by more than 450 vendors that feature an incredible variety of merchandise, including one of a kind art pieces, quirky trinkets and stunning collectibles.
Discover McKinney’s Gems Through a Guided Tour
You might think that a tour is only for newcomers to McKinney, but ZeeTours hosts a tour of the downtown area that even lifelong locals are sure to enjoy. Going along on a tour is the perfect opportunity for learning more about McKinney history or seeing the community through a fresh perspective. Of course, you’ll enjoy strolling along the shops and dining scene in the downtown district, but you’ll also learn that there’s plenty more to discover.
Your tour will take you to some of McKinney’s oldest and most treasured locations. You’ll visit the Historic County Courthouse, the Heard-Craig Home, the Collin County Historical Museum, and more.
Enjoy the Gifts of Mother Nature
We talk a lot about all of the places to go and things to do in McKinney, but sometimes, the most amazing experiences aren’t found in the most popular dining spot or strolling along a quaint street. We’ve discovered that some of the best that McKinney has to offer comes in the form of a gift from Mother Nature.
Nature lovers will discover serenity at the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, which features more than six miles of self-guided trails and an incredible variety of wildlife to discover and observe. Bring your binoculars, because the sanctuary is a paradise for birding enthusiasts.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon of sunshine, try out the Bonnie Wenk Park where you’ll find a fishing pond, splash pad and dedicated dog walking trails. You can also head out to Towne Lake Recreation Area and rent a paddle boat or the Gabe Nesbitt Community Park to take advantage of their well lit sporting amenities.
The Real Gems of McKinney
With all that McKinney has to offer, at Taylor
Our Willowcreek at Auburn Hills homes located in
Plus, our homes are designed with gorgeous, open floor plans, gourmet kitchens and all the other comforts you’ve come to expect from us. Contact Taylor Morrison to learn more about Willowcreek at Auburn Hills today.
