McKinney Will Make Your Dreams Come True
Article by Rita Cook

McKinney, Texas is only located a mere 30 miles north of Dallas and 60 miles from Fort Worth, but the lifestyle and charm found here couldn’t be more different. Still holding a small town charm even as suburbia creeps in, McKinney’s little courthouse square will remind you of bygone days and the historic architecture and laid back feel will remind you of hot summer evenings spent during childhood.

McKinney was actually named after a land surveyor, legislator and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence named Collin McKinney and the town became incorporated in 1848. Nowadays, as the area becomes more popular for weekend out-of-towners trying to get away from the city it is also making a name as a good choice for romantic getaways and family outings.

McKinney has over 100 specialty shops from antiques to modern and trendy boutiques. Evenings at one of the restaurants lining the streets of courthouse square will be reminiscent of a bygone era and if you’re a history buff there are 1200 historical homes to pay a visit to depending on your taste in architecture.

In addition to the historical homes you can also enjoy the 3,375 historic structures that include the Collin County Courthouse, the Heard-Craig House, Collin County Museum and the Chestnut Square Museum Village.

Outdoor fun can also be had by friends and family at the Heard National Science Museum and, for those who like to spend time outdoors, try attractions such as the Wildlife Sanctuary with over four miles of nature trails, a native plant garden, natural science exhibits and bird watching. Towne Lake Recreation area is also popular for its lake, trails, picnic pavilions and playgrounds.

There are many festivals and concerts held in McKinney at any given time so plan your visit or wedding celebration around a town festivity. For bargain hunters, the third Monday is known as Trade Days and it’s the oldest trade day markets in Texas.

Finally, the walking tour through McKinney will take about 35 minutes and offers the best way to see the area at leisure. The tour starts on North Virginia Street just north and west of the Old Collin County Courthouse at the corner of Church Street and Virginia. Go north on Church Street to 205 North Church Street and from here you will begin to experience a number of homes from colonial and Tudor revival houses, to Queen-Anne style Victorians to several arts and craft style houses. There are 42 homes to visit in all and the tour ends at the town square.

No matter if you are looking for a long weekend, a family outing or a relaxing honeymoon destination, McKinney will take you back to another place and time and allow you to experience a small town just a few short miles from a big city.

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