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.