Things to Do

North Texas History Museum

Here are some things to do in McKinney (non-shopping):

Chestnut Square: Historical homes and a beautiful church. We took our engagement pictures there. It's fun to walk around there. http://www.chestnutsquare.org/

Walls of Clay: This is a really cute shop on the square where you can paint pottery! I worked there in high school, and I loved it. You could paint Christmas ornaments or a bowl or something fun. If you end up going there, let me know because my mom will have to pick up the pottery a week later so I can bring it to you in College Station or whenever. It usually takes about a week to get it glazed and fired. It's worth it though. Their address is 115 W. Virginia. If you're standing at Rick's Chophouse, facing the courthouse, you would walk to your left. Then take a left at Virginia. It's on the left side of the street with pottery in the window.

North Texas History Museum: This building also includes the Collin County and Post Office Museum. It includes lots of unique stories about the area. It is about a block from the main part of the square. It's easy to walk from the hotel. There are a couple of different exhibits including Civil War and Pioneer. Website: http://www.northtexashistorycenter.org/ Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11am-4pm. Sun. 12:30-4:30pm.

Heard-Craig Museum: They have an indoor nature museum and sanctuary outside. At this time of the year, the indoor museum is probably your best bet. Kids like this museum a lot because it's very hands-on. It is a short drive from downtown. Directions are on their website. Website: http://www.heardmuseum.org/

Mom and POPcorn Company: This place has over 45 different flavors of popcorn, and they will give you samples of any of them! They also have old-fashioned sodas and nostalgic candy. They are located on square. Website: http://www.momandpopcorn.com/. Address: 215 E. Louisiana St. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5; Sat. 10-5 and Sun. 12-4.

Herby's Soda Fountain: This is one of the neatest places on the square to get a snack. It looks an old 50's diner. If you go, you have to get a milk shake. I know it will be cold, but it's totally worth it. Their fries are really good too. Address: 210 North Tennessee. Hours: They probably close about 6pm.

Bath Junkie: This is a chain, but it's pretty cool to make your own bath stuff. Website: http://www.bathjunkie.com/ Address: 201 N. Kentucky


Shopping:
There are tons of shops on the square, but I'm going to list some of my favorites.

Clyde's on the Square: Some of the best antiques on the square. You gotta check it out. Website: http://www.clydesonthesquare.com/ Address: It faces the courthouse on the main part of the square. 102 E. Louisiana

Ambrosia: They have some very unique items that have a vintage feel. Address: 201 E. Virginia.

The French Mix: I love this store! All of their stuff is very different and fun. It has a huge Eiffel Tower on the sidewalk outside. Website: http://www.thefrenchmix.com/ Address: 200 E. Louisiana

Society: I went in there the other day for the first time. It's really cool. Lots of candles and unique home decor. Address: 104 W. Virginia

120, Inc.: This has always been one of my favorite stores on the square. It has very cute gifts. Address: 205-B N. Kentucky

Another Time and Place: This is one of the most unique shops on the square. It reminds me of World Market with a more personal touch. The people who own it actually go all over the world and bring things back to their shop. Ask about them to whoever is behind the counter. I love their jewellry as well. Address: 115 E. Virginia

The Book Gallery: This is a book-lovers heaven. They stock many rare and gently used books-- a glorified Half-Price Books, if you will. Even if you're not in the market to buy, it's fun to look at all of the old books they have. Address: 207 N.Tennessee.

Orison's: This store has really neat art and clothing. The owner is very sweet and accomodating. Address: 113 E. Virginia

The Cup Filler: A Christian bookstore filled to the brim with neat gifts. Address: 109 E. Virginia.

Wedding Weekend

Here are some places to check out if you're coming to McKinney for the wedding.

Price Ranges
$$$= $15-20+
$$ = $10-15
$ = $5-10

Lunch and Dinner:
$$$
Rick's Chop House: Steaks and fine foods. Located directly under the hotel. Everything is very good. They will be providing the food at the wedding, but it will just be hors d' ouerves so if you want to make reservations for Saturday night after the wedding, you could do that as well. Blake and I will be leaving the reception at 8pm. The number is 214-726-9251. Their website is http://www.rickschophouse.com/

Good Hues Woodfire Grill: This is another traditional steakhouse. It's very good as well. Their number is 972-562-7570. Website is http://www.goodhuesgrill.com/

$$
Mama Emilia's: This is excellent Italian food. They have an amazing Sunday brunch. You will probably need reservations for Sunday for a large group. Their number is 972-562-1102.


$
Poppy's: This is an outdoor/indoor grill and bar. They have live music sometimes, and it is the most casual of all the restaurants I've listed so far. Their number is 972.562.8386. Website is http://www.poppys-gardencafe.com/.

Spoon's Cafe: This is a really fun little cafe that has really good food. It is also very casual. They have lots of sandwiches and stuff. You can call to see about reservations if you want, but they are the least likely to need reservations. I might recommend this restaurant for lunch on Saturday or Sunday. They serve breakfast all day. Their phone number is 972-548-6900. Their website is http://www.spoonscafe.com/.

San Miguel Grill: They are the best Tex-Mex in McKinney. We love to eat there! You don't need to make reservations, but there might be a short wait. It is not on the square, but it is not very far. The address is 506 W University McKinney, TX 75069. Phone number is 972-548-2345.

Cafe Malaga: This is a tapas bar on the square. They also have pizzas. I've never eaten there, but I've heard it's good. I don't know if you will need reservations, but your can check out the website or call to check. The website is http://www.cafemalaga.com/ and phone number is 972-542-9996.

The Pantry: They have the best pies!! Their soups, sandwiches, and salads are very good as well. Call 972-542-2411 for group reservations and the website is http://www.thepantryrestaurant.net/.

Baker's Drive-in: This is a fun and easy place to grab a great hamburger and fries! Address: 1001 S. McDonald St. Directions: From the Grand Hotel, take a left onto Louisiana from the hotel parking lot. When you get to McDonald St. take a right. You will see the drive-in on the left.
After-dinner hangout spots (Coffee and Drinks):

La Misha: A cute little place with lots of cool coffee drinks and other things. It is right next to Rick's Chophouse on the square. http://www.lamisha.com/

Cadillac Pizza Pub: This is a cool place to hang out. They have live music every weekend night. They are right off the square less than a block from the Grand hotel. The address is 112 Kentucky St.

The Londoner: This is a British pub on the square. They have pool and it's a fun place to hang out. Address: 100 N Kentucky.

Aparicio's Mexican Restaurant: They have really good fajitas and breakfast. Address: 216 E. Virginia. Phone: 214-733-8600

Landon's Winery: You can get a glass of a variety of wines here. It's right next door to Rick's Chophouse. Address: 101 N. Kentucky. Phone: 972-542-3030. Website: http://www.landonwinery.com/

Rick's Chophouse Bar: Located right in the restaurant (below the ballroom). It has a really fun atmosphere! See information for Rick's above.

Breakfast:
Bill Smith's Cafe: This is a classic breakfast place in McKinney. Address: 1500 W. University Dr. Phone: 972-542-5331

Donuts R More: This is a good place to go donuts on the go. It's very close to the downtown square. Address: 101 N. McDonald St.


These are not all of the restaurants in McKinney, obviously, but these are most of the nice ones within walking disance. Here is the chamber of commerce website with a list of other restaurants in McKinney http://www.mckinneytx.org/chambers/mckinney.nsf/viewbuilder?ReadForm&category=Restaurants.

We're Engaged!

We're getting married!! Blake and I have been engaged since Feburary 24, 2007 and this is slide show of his proposal to me at Lake Somerville. My roommate Holly and her boyfriend were in on the whole thing. Holly is the one who took all of the pictures. After a surprise dinner with our families, there was another surprise waiting for me at my apartment--a bunch of my friends to celebrate with! He did a wonderful job and I was totally surprised. We can't wait to get married on January 5!





Yesterday, we had our first shower. It was a couple's shower so Blake was there to enjoy the wonderful event with me. My next door neighbors, April and Terry,and some other family friends, Connie and Christina did an amazing job with everything. We had a great turnout and it was so good to see everyone.

I'm going to try to keep up with this blog to keep everyone updated about what's going on with the wedding!