Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
McKinney
POP 137,800
Visitors to McKinney will find no shortage of reminders that the historic town finished
second in
Money
magazine's 2012 list of the best places to live in the US (FYI: Carmel,
Indiana finished first). Laminated copies of the article are posted everywhere. But once
you look past the hype you might well decide that the editors were on to something.
Even as the Metroplex edies around its edges, McKinney has lovely small-town streets
lined with restored Queen Anne and Victorian houses that exude charm. And the town's
center is easily the most vibrant downtown of any historic town in north Texas. All man-
ner of shops, boutiques, cafes and bistros buzz with action. The main square is bounded
by Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee and Virginia Sts. You can easily spend a half day or
more enjoying the charms of McKinney.
Sleeping & Eating
Excellent dining and drinking options abound.
Farmers Market
MARKET
Features the
(
www.chestnutsquare.org
;
315 S Chestnut St at Anthony St;
8am-noon Sat Apr-Oct;
)
best organic vendors and food producers in the region.
Grand Hotel
( 214-726-9250;
www.grandhotelmckinney.com
; 107 N Kentucky St; r from $160; )
In an 1880 build-
ing that once was McKinney's opera house, this inn has 45 plush, modern rooms set amid
exposed bricks and other small luxurious details. It's right on the main square.
HISTORIC HOTEL
$$
Patina Green
CAFE
$$
(
972-548-9141;
www.patinagreenhomeandmarket.com
;
116 N Tennessee St; mains from $12;
store 10am-6pm
Mon-Sat, 11am-4pm Sun, lunch served 11am-2pm Tue-Sat)
For most of the day, Patina Green is an
attractive shop with creative and tasteful housewares plus a deli section with some of the
best local prepared foods and cheeses. But at lunchtime five days a week, a line forms and
happy diners enjoy whatever the chef has decided to make for the day. The emphasis is on
sustainability and seasonality.
