McKinney, Texas

The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary was founded with the help and vision of one local woman, Bessie Heard. Her goal was to see a piece of nature preserved for future generations. And she also hoped it would be a place where people could learn about conservation and preservation. In 1967, her vision became a reality. Today, the property features a 289-acre wildlife sanctuary, hiking and nature trails, several acres of wetlands, a plant garden, indoor and outdoor exhibits, educational programs, conservations projects, live animals, a butterfly house, and more. The Heard attracts tens of thousands of visitors to its grounds each year.

1 Nature Place, McKinney, TX 75069, Phone: 972-562-5566

Chestnut Square Historic Village is located right outside of downtown McKinney and features six historic homes, a model of a small schoolhouse, a chapel and a store. In addition, the village includes a blacksmith shop, a reception house, and gardens. Inside each of these buildings, there are period artifacts that give visitors a glimpse into what life was like in Collin County from 1850 to 1940. Chestnut Square Historic Village is here today thanks to a small group of women who gathered in 1973 with an interest of preserving a piece of McKinny’s history and heritage.

315 S. Chestnut Street McKinney, TX 75069, Phone: 972-562-8790

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

Tupps Brewery is located at the historic Cotton Mill, where customers can feel comfortable by putting their feet up on tables while enjoying a handcrafted beer. Customers are also encouraged to write their name on the wall or add one of their personal bottles to the Brewery’s bottle tree farm. At Tupps Brewery, the philosophy is that great tasting beer derives from a careful balance of both art and science. For the art component, they evaluate the appearance, the smell, and the taste. As for science, they rely on their brewhouse, hydrometers, microscopes, and other state-of-the-art devices.

402 E Louisiana St Building 2, McKinney, TX 75069, Phone: 214-856-7996

McKinney Performing Arts Center was built inside of the historic Collin County Courthouse. It’s a multi-purpose facility that seats 427 guests for live shows such as off-Broadway musicals, comedy shows, concerts, and theater. Tickets to any of the events held throughout the year can be bought online, over the phone, or in-person at the Emerson Ticket Office. Besides live performances, the McKinney Performing Arts Center is available to rent for events or meetings. And there are several different types of rooms at varying prices. Many restaurants and boutique shops are situated just outside of the Performing Arts Center.

111 N. Tennessee, McKinney, TX 75069, Phone: 972-547-2650

Ron and Deanna Ross are the proud owners of Lone Star Wine Cellars. They started the business in 2002 after transforming their 100-acre ranch into a winery. Besides a winery, their ranch is also home to wildlife including more than a hundred different species of deer. Inspiration for Lone Star Wine Cellars originated from Ron’s grandfather, Percy Walter George who owned Crystal Grill and Casino that included an underground speakeasy. Percy had a passion for wine-making and passed it down to his children and grandchildren. All the wines that get produced at the Lone Star Wine Cellars are bottled under the label “The Ranch Wines.”

103 E Virginia St?, McKinney, TX 75069, Phone: 972-547-9463

Where to Eat in McKinney, TX

Italian Garden Restaurant became part of the McKinney community in 2010. Executive chef and owner, Besfort "Benny" Polisi had a vision for bringing a fine Italian dining experience for all guests who walked through the door. Benny trained as a cook at a young age. His grandmother taught him many things while growing up in his home country of Albania. Over the years, Benny became a more knowledgable, experienced, and passionate cook. He blends these qualities into every dish he creates, which all originate from the freshest and finest ingredients. Nearly all the dishes at the Italian Garden Restaurant are made from scratch.

500 N. Custer, Suite 100, McKinney, TX 75071, Phone: 972-540-9333

Dillas Quesadillas was a dream of Kyle Gordon’s for many years. The idea to open a restaurant that specialized in quesadillas came to Kyle while he attended the University of Texas. At first, the idea was fun to think about. At that time he didn’t imagine it would become a reality. He loved to make quesadillas at home and often ordered them while dining out. Then during his junior year of college, he mapped out a business plan, a menu, and sketches of the restaurant's design. Six years after graduating, in 2013, Kyle raised enough money to start his dream business, and it’s been flourishing ever since.

3510 W. University #200, McKinney, TX 75071, Phone: 214-491-4144