Getaways in McKinney, Texas
- McKinney is a northern suburb of Dallas, Texas, that is well known in the state for its large and lovingly preserved historic district. While embracing its history, the city also prides itself on having topped the list of the country's fastest growing cities; it more than doubled in size from just over 50,000 in 2000 to over 120,000 by 2009. This mix of history and progress makes this quaint community a perfect destination for a variety of getaways.
- Visitors to McKinney's historic district, which dates to the mid-1800s, will spend most of their time on the city's quaint downtown square.
What to Do: Tour the historic courthouse (now the McKinney Performing Arts Center) and its Courtroom Theater, where you can see an original Wurlitzer theater pipe organ housed here provide music for silent movies, which are played several times a year. Tour a collection of the city's oldest homes at Chestnut Square Historic Village and the village's Clyde & Doc's Ice Cream Churn Museum. Visit the majestic 7,000-square-foot Heard-Craig House (built in 1900), the old Cotton Mill and Pecan Grove Cemetery. Explore antique shops and nostalgic stores like The Doll Haven, Happiness is Quilting, Mainstreet Magic & Fun Company, The Book Gallery and The Mom & PopCorn Company. A ghost walk held around Halloween each year offers history buffs some fun ghost stories steeped in local legends.
Where to Stay: McKinney's historic district offers four bed-and-breakfasts (all are in historic homes with owners living on the premises) and the Grand Hotel, a boutique full-service hotel on the downtown square. - McKinney is a popular destination for "girlfriend getaways" because of its wide variety of shopping, art galleries and spas.
What to Do: Browse the eclectic boutiques and art galleries on the downtown square, then enjoy a spot of tea while nibbling on soups, salads and other light fare at the Lavender House Tearoom, or coffee and a pastry at Coffee N Cream. Have brunch at Spoons, The Pantry or Mamma Emelia's. Treat yourself to a new hairstyle or manicure and pedicure at Salon Cosabella, a full day of beauty at 209 Downtown Salon & Spa or Spa Esoteric, and a relaxing workout at Yoga Unity or Core Pilates. Explore spa treatments elsewhere in town at Essence of Eve Day Med Spa in the upscale Stonebridge Ranch community or Celebrity Laser Center & Spa in McKinney's Craig Ranch. Shop in McKinney's many retail centers or head south five miles to the Allen Premium Outlets.
Where to Stay: Bed-and-breakfasts are always fun lodging options for girlfriend getaways. For full-service properties, try the Grand Hotel on the downtown square or the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites located right on the main thoroughfare through the city, Central Expressway (U.S. 75). (The Holiday Inn features refrigerators and coffee makers in every room, a fitness center and indoor pool and hot tub.) For more budget-conscious getaways, Comfort Suites and the Best Western are both centrally located and offer a free continental breakfast. - The quaint downtown is a perfect spot for those seeking a little romance, thanks to intimate lodging options, eateries, wineries and even live music and carriage rides.
What to Do: Couples seeking romance can enjoy pampering with his-and-hers spa treatments (see spas mentioned earlier). Listen to live music at many of the city's downtown and west-side restaurants. Take part in a wine tasting downtown at Landon Winery or Lone Star Wine Cellars, on the city's west side at Zin Zen Wine Bar, or north of town at Wales Manor Winery & Vineyard. Bundle up in a blanket and enjoy a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic district. Say "I do" at one of the city's many popular indoor or outdoor wedding venues.
Where to Stay: The two hotels mentioned earlier, downtown's Grand Hotel or the centrally located Holiday Inn, both offer room service and plush accommodations. The city's bed and breakfasts offer intimate accommodations, especially the Virginia Rose Inn which offers the "Romance" room in the carriage house located behind the main house.
