Downtown McKinney

01.

Happymix Creperie

Crepes are the headline at Happymix Creperie, a cheerful, cozy spot that also serves smoothies, matcha drinks and boba tea. It makes a sweet or savory pause in the middle of a downtown walk.

03.

Ortaya Coffee & Matcha

Ortaya Coffee & Matcha is a coffee and matcha stop on North Tennessee Street, in the walkable core near the square. Its website currently says it is opening soon, so check before you plan around it.

05.

Mom & Popcorn

Mom & Popcorn leans into nostalgia with gourmet popcorn, old-fashioned candy, homemade fudge, glazed nuts, retro sodas and tin lunch boxes. A carhop figure named Ethel outside is a favorite photo stop.

07.

Goodies Texas

Goodies Texas is a candy and confection shop making Texas-themed caramels, toffee, pralines, brittles, chocolates and fudge, with gift boxes and baskets. A tasty souvenir stop.

09.

Pinkitzel

Pinkitzel is a sweets shop with candy by the scoop, saltwater taffy, gourmet chocolates and lollipops, plus cupcakes, cakes, macarons and truffles. Gifts for adults and children round out the selection.

11.

Sweet Caroline's Gelato

Sweet Caroline's Gelato scoops gelato made fresh on site. Denser than ice cream and lower in butterfat, it is a classic treat to carry along on a downtown walk.

13.

Café LaFaye Coffee Co.

Cafe LaFaye brings New Orleans flavors to downtown, built on family recipes. Beignets, cafe au lait and specialty coffee drinks inspired by the Crescent City make it a sweet stop.

15.

Collective Coffee

Collective Coffee is a coffee house built around community, meant as a welcoming place where anyone can settle in and feel at home, whatever their background or circumstances. A friendly spot for a morning cup.

17.

Habitat Plants + Coffee

Habitat Plants + Coffee is part plant shop and part coffee bar. It sells house plants, pottery and gardening accessories alongside cups brewed with Viewfinder Coffee Roasters beans, so you can sip while you browse.

01.

The Celt Irish Pub

The Irish Pub in Historic Downtown McKinney, TX. The Celt was the winner of Best Irish Pub in the Americas in 2019. It is a five time winner of best music venue/nightlife in McKinney and has awesome specials daily! Full menu along with amazing cocktails and beer selection. Weekend brunch available as well!

03.

Urban Grill and Wine Bar

Urban Grill and Wine Bar is an owner-operated restaurant in the heart of downtown McKinney, pairing a grill menu with a wine bar. It is a comfortable choice for a sit-down dinner within an easy walk of the square.

05.

Koji Sushi

Koji Sushi is a sushi restaurant just off the square on North McDonald Street, adding Japanese dining to the range of places to eat within walking distance. A good option when you want something lighter or different.

07.

The Guava Tree Cuban Cafe & Cantina

The Guava Tree is a Cuban American cafe and cantina run by a couple who call McKinney home. Order at the counter, stop in for happy hour and specials, or pick up your meal to take back to the bungalow.

09.

El Juarez Mexican Restaurant

El Juarez is a longtime downtown Mexican restaurant, with a dining room that leans into the feel of old Mexico. It is a familiar, unpretentious part of East Louisiana Street and a dependable choice for a casual meal.

11.

Spoons Cafe

“Spoons Cafe is a Downtown McKinney restaurant serving breakfast all-day with favorites like strawberry pancakes and chicken & waffles, delicious classic comforts like meatloaf or chicken salad, and a collection of fresh soups and salads. With a variety of made from scratch pies, specialty coffees and cocktails there's sure to be something for everyone.”

13.

Landon Winery

Landon Winery is a Texas winery that has made award-winning wines since 2005. Its McKinney tasting room offers wine tastings, a cafe and events, and the story began in a garage before growing across North Texas.

15.

Rick's Chophouse

Rick's Chophouse is an upscale American steakhouse known for aged steaks and a long wine list. Exposed antique brick, leather finishes, a grand bar and a baby grand piano set a polished but relaxed mood for dinner.

17.

Room One Eleven (at Layered)

Room One Eleven is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked in at Layered. The setting is upscale, and elevated small bites come alongside the drinks, making it a stylish option for an evening downtown.

19.

Square Burger

Square Burger is a downtown burger spot built around grass-fed, dry-aged beef, opened in 2010 by chefs with fine-dining backgrounds. It is a casual place for burgers, with online ordering and room for parties.

21.

El Mejor Mexican Kitchen

“Located in the historic downtown McKinney, Texas, El Mejor serves up authentic Mexican food favorites as well as some special creations. With lunch and dinner offerings, we invite you to come enjoy a taste of Mexico. We have a full-service bar with plenty of seating at the bar and tables. Happy Hour is 4PM to 7PM Monday through Friday.”

23.

Foxiis Restaurant and Bar

Foxiis Restaurant and Bar is a scratch kitchen with a well-kept draft beer bar. The menu runs from familiar American plates to more adventurous dishes, and the staff are happy to offer suggestions.

25.

TUPPS Brewery

“At the brewery, we have created an environment that embraces the feel and the era of the historic Cotton Mill. When you visit you will be immersed in the old Texas feel of the Cotton Mill and experience the past when things were slow and life was not as complicated. We want you to embrace the brewery, so put your feet on the tables, write your name on the wall and bring old bottles to add to our bottle tree farm.”

27.

Centro on the Square

Centro on the Square is a small, locally owned bistro that mixes American neighborhood comfort with Italian touches. Pastas, meatballs, steaks and seafood are made in-house using seasonal ingredients from area farms, and the room suits dates or groups.

29.

Lockwood Distilling Co.

Lockwood Distilling Co. is a working distillery with a full restaurant. Whiskey, gin, vodka and rum are made in-house and poured into its cocktails, alongside shareable plates, soups, salads and sandwiches.

31.

Hamm's Meat + Market

Hamm's Meat + Market is the original butcher on the square, serving downtown McKinney since 1954. Visit for premium meats and custom cuts, a lunch menu, or an occasional Supper Club dinner paired with a handcrafted cocktail.

33.

Sugarbacon Proper Kitchen

Sugarbacon Proper Kitchen is famous for its Sugarbacon appetizer and serves modern American and southern-rooted dishes beyond it. Weekend brunch, a curated whiskey list and a dinner menu round out a comfortable night out.

35.

Hugs Café

Hugs Cafe is a nonprofit cafe that provides training and paid jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Eating here is a feel-good stop, since the cafe's mission is hope, understanding and opportunity for its team.

01.

Spice & Tea Merchants

Spice & Tea Merchants stocks a wide range of loose teas and spices and will brew a cup of any tea to take along. The shelves also hold Texas-made salsa, honey, olive oils and infused vinegars.

03.

The Standard McKinney

The Standard McKinney is a specialty shop for the kitchen and table, with heirloom-style kitchen goods, fine linens and pantry items, each chosen to carry a story.

05.

Lusso Pasta and Market

Lusso Pasta and Market is an Italian market selling handmade pasta, such as tagliatelle, pappardelle and ravioli, along with focaccia and imported pantry staples, so you can bring a taste of Italy home.

01.

Red Zeppelin Records

Red Zeppelin Records is a woman-run record store, a welcome stop for music lovers hunting for vinyl. It sits on South Tennessee Street, just a short stroll south of the courthouse square.

03.

Cadence Cyclery

Cadence Cyclery is downtown's bicycle shop, carrying bikes from several well-known brands along with the gear and parts that go with them. If it has to do with cycling, this is the place to ask.

05.

Doug & Lynda's Ski Shop

Doug & Lynda's Ski Shop is a local ski shop with equipment, apparel and knowledgeable advice for skiers and riders at every level. A handy find if you are packing for a winter trip.

07.

Downtown Dry Goods

Downtown Dry Goods is a fabric and sewing shop where sewers and quilters shop for materials. It belongs to a small group of craft-minded stores on West Louisiana.

09.

E-Ride Outfitters

E-Ride Outfitters specializes in electric bikes and electric skateboards, along with helmets, protective gear, apparel and accessories. It also handles parts and repairs for electric rides.

11.

Diggin' It

Diggin' It sits in a renovated former Greyhound bus station and yard, selling an offbeat mix of plants, garden goods, home items and art. It is one of downtown's more playful shops.

01.

The Menagerie

Antiques gathered from around the world fill The Menagerie, a shop devoted to quality pieces and a steady search for new ones to bring in. A good place to browse for something with character.

03.

Orisons Boutique

Orisons Boutique is a clothing boutique that aims to engage all the senses, with scents and music setting the mood as shoppers browse, backed by attentive service.

05.

Boho Moonchild

Boho Moonchild is a metaphysical shop with crystals, gems and minerals on the shelves. It also carries jewelry made in-house and small-batch goods from a range of artists.

07.

Tambora Boutique

Tambora Boutique is a boutique in the cluster of independent shops on North Tennessee Street. Its website features handcrafted bags, dresses, coats and sweaters, custom boots and personal styling.

09.

Grady Ln Boutique

Grady Ln Boutique is a size-inclusive clothing boutique built around a community of women, with a welcome that extends to everyone who walks in. A friendly stop for finding something to wear.

11.

GoldiLocks Permanent Jewelry

GoldiLocks Permanent Jewelry welds delicate bracelets, anklets and necklaces on, so there are no clasps to deal with. It works by appointment, Tuesday through Saturday, and makes a fun keepsake of a trip.

13.

Littles by Willow House

Littles by Willow House is the children's store of Willow House Boutique, part of the cluster of shops on East Virginia Street. It is a convenient stop for clothing and gifts for little ones.

15.

Barrons Estate Jewelers

Barrons Estate Jewelers deals in antique and estate jewelry, buying and selling fine older pieces along with Swiss watches. It also purchases diamonds, gold, coins and broken jewelry.

17.

Sharla's

Sharla's is a beauty shop stocked with luxury cosmetics, skincare and pretty accessories gathered from around the world. It sits in the historic core of downtown, an easy browse while you explore the square.

19.

Tyler Kingston Mercantile - Men's Shop

Tyler Kingston Mercantile's Men's Shop focuses on menswear. It is the men's counterpart to the main Tyler Kingston store, a short walk from the square.

21.

Landry Kate

Landry Kate offers curated women's fashion, accessories and lifestyle pieces, and it has a sister store nearby. It is one of several clothing boutiques that keep the downtown streets busy with shoppers.

23.

Cotton Hearts

Cotton Hearts is a small boutique with relaxed, bohemian clothing and an easygoing, laid-back style. It is tucked onto East Virginia Street just off the square, so it is easy to fit into a stroll.

25.

Bella Bijou

Bella Bijou is a family-owned fine jewelry shop that sells, repairs and custom builds jewelry. It offers rings and other pieces chosen for engagements, holidays and milestones.

27.

Wishful Thinking Collection

Handmade jewelry is the heart of Wishful Thinking Collection, with pieces forged and shaped by hand in the maker's studio. Designs pair silver or gold with natural stones, freshwater pearls, leather and touches of crystal.

29.

Nan Lee Jewelry

Nan Lee Jewelry makes custom, delicate pieces meant to be worn every day, and works with clients one on one on designs such as engagement rings and wedding and anniversary bands.

31.

Bella Bra Shop

Bella Bra Shop offers professional bra fittings and a large selection in a wide range of sizes, plus sleepwear, lingerie and swimwear. The McKinney store is a second location.

01.

En Fuego Tobacco Shop

En Fuego Tobacco Shop specializes in cigars and pipes. Customers can take their selection home or settle into the shop's lounge area to enjoy it on site.

01.

The Groovy Coop

Retro spirit runs through The Groovy Coop, a shop for eclectic goods both vintage and new, chosen with an eye for individuality and artistry. A fun place to browse for a one-of-a-kind gift.

03.

Doozie's Corner

Doozie's Corner mixes home goods, clothing and gifts under one roof, a handy stop for picking up a present or something small for the house while walking East Louisiana Street.

05.

Holos House

Holos House is a home decor store and design studio arranged in styled vignettes, where modern pieces and antiques are brought together to suit a range of tastes and rooms.

07.

Uptown Home Furnishings

Uptown Home Furnishings fills its showroom with furniture from well-regarded brands for bedrooms, living and dining rooms, kitchens, home offices and media rooms. The staff can help with decorating questions.

09.

House of Motifs

House of Motifs is a gift shop filled with artisan-made pieces inspired by the cultural and artistic traditions of Turkey, suited to finding something distinctive for a housewarming, a wedding or another occasion.

11.

Casa Benedetta

Casa Benedetta is a family-run home decor shop with an emphasis on well-made goods and attentive service, a good stop for anyone furnishing or refreshing a room.

13.

My Favorite Room by KBM Designs

My Favorite Room by KBM Designs pairs a home furnishings store with an interior design firm under one historic roof. It carries furniture, antiques, accessories, gifts and a deep selection of bedding.

15.

East End Salvage

East End Salvage fills a warehouse with European antiques and architectural salvage, chosen for their craftsmanship and the stories behind them. A destination for anyone restoring an old house or hunting for a piece with history.

01.

Palace Barber Shop

Palace Barber Shop is a traditional barbershop on East Louisiana Street, in a spot long used for haircuts, and a familiar part of daily life downtown.

01.

North Texas Yoga

North Texas Yoga offers group and private yoga classes, workshops and teacher trainings, bringing a calmer rhythm to the busy blocks of North Tennessee. A good option for visitors who want to keep up a practice.

01.

Daydream Hair Studio

A women-owned hair salon just off the square, known for balayage, color, cuts and extensions. Its stylists also do hair and makeup for weddings and special events.

03.

Balise Salon

Balise Salon is a full-service hair salon in the historic heart of downtown. The stylists work with color and cuts for every hair length and texture.

05.

Rayfield & Company Salon and Spa

Rayfield & Company Salon and Spa is a full salon and spa centered on each client's needs, working in a friendly, professional setting to help guests get the look they want.

07.

The Alt Shop

The Alt Shop is a tailoring and alterations business, known for bridal alterations and suit tailoring and able to alter all types of clothing. A useful local find if a hem or zipper needs fixing mid-trip.

09.

White Cactus Salon

White Cactus Salon is a hair salon on East Virginia whose team aims to create a welcoming environment, listen to requests and offer an elevated experience. You can book online.

01.

Peace Out body Lab

Peace Out Body Lab is a wellness studio combining yoga, fitness training, massage therapy and spa services. Drop-ins are welcome, and it offers beginner-friendly classes and private sessions.

03.

Emerald Wellness Company

Emerald Wellness Company offers spa treatments and wellness services aimed at rest, renewal and overall well-being, a quieter stop within the busy blocks of East Virginia Street. Appointments are booked online.

01.

The McKinney Cotton Mill

Built in 1910, the McKinney Cotton Mill was once one of the largest denim makers in the world. Today the huge red-brick mill is an arts and design district and a favorite wedding and event venue, with shops, studios and the striking ruins of the old dye room. A short walk from the Bungalow.

Photo credit: Photo: Renelibrary, CC BY-SA 3.0 (opens in a new tab)

03.

Historic Downtown McKinney Square

A half-mile from the Bungalow — local shops, restaurants, patios and events all year round.

01.

The Comedy Arena

The Comedy Arena is a live comedy theater built around improv, with sketch and stand-up shows too. It teaches classes for aspiring performers and can be booked for private events.

01.

Finch Park

A neighborhood park close to the Bungalow, an easy spot to let the kids run and play. It has a playground, a splash pad, a lighted 1-mile loop and a Storybook Trail with a new picture book to read along the way each month.

01.

The Wildflower Production House

The Wildflower Production House is a creative collective offering visual and event production, branding and marketing. Its site also shows a shop with vintage clothing, art, crystals and pottery, plus classes and events.

03.

Laura Tye Photography

Laura Tye Photography is a portrait studio focused on newborns and babies in their first year, with sessions centered on family connection and the small details of early childhood.

01.

Hutchins BBQ

Hutchins BBQ is a family-run Texas barbecue joint and one of the best-known in North Texas, famous for slow-smoked brisket, ribs and its bacon-wrapped, brisket-stuffed jalapeño "Texas Twinkies." Expect a line at peak times; it moves fast and is worth it.

01.

Allen Premium Outlets

About a 15-minute drive south in Allen, this outdoor outlet mall has more than 100 name-brand stores such as Coach, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Nike and Polo Ralph Lauren. Worth the drive for a bigger shopping day.

01.

Adriatica Village

A Croatian-style village on McKinney's west side, with stone buildings, a bell tower modeled on one in Supetar, Croatia, and the Bella Donna Chapel on a little island in the lake. Stroll the waterfront, browse the boutiques and stay for coffee or dinner.

Photo credit: Photo: Jedrollins, CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in a new tab)

01.

Venu Sunset Amphitheater

A 20,000-seat outdoor amphitheater under construction near US-75 and SH-121, with private fire-pit suites. It is expected to open for the 2027 concert season. Check the website for the first shows.

03.

The Sanctuary Music & Events

A concert and event hall in Adriatica Village, attached to The Guitar Sanctuary music shop. It hosts live shows by touring blues, rock and guitar artists through the year.

05.

Moviehouse & Eatery McKinney

A dine-in movie theater with 10 screens, reclining seats, a made-from-scratch menu and a full bar, so dinner and a movie happen in one stop.

07.

Grandscape

A huge shopping, dining and entertainment district in The Colony: Scheels with its indoor Ferris wheel and aquarium, Andretti indoor karting and games, a movie theater, the Legacy Hall food hall and live music on The Stage. Easy to fill a whole day.

Photo credit: Photo: Woobyusmanii, CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in a new tab)

01.

Oak Hollow Golf Course

McKinney's public course, just a few minutes from the bungalow: a par-70 layout fully renovated in 2023 with new Champion Bermuda greens, plus a driving range, practice greens and a grill.

03.

WestRidge Golf Course

A Jeff Brauer design in west McKinney with an unusual layout of six par 3s, six par 4s and six par 5s, plus a lighted Toptracer range, an 18-hole putting course and a restaurant and bar.

05.

Ridgeview Ranch Golf Club

A Jeff Brauer course in north Plano where a creek cuts through limestone outcroppings, with all 18 greens renovated in 2026 and a Toptracer driving range.

07.

The Club at Frisco Farms

Frisco's longest-running public course (formerly Plantation Golf Club), opened in 1988 and refreshed in 2025 with a new clubhouse, restaurant, bar and game room.

09.

PGA Frisco: Fields Ranch East & West

The home of the PGA of America, with two championship courses open to the public: Gil Hanse's walking-only Fields Ranch East (caddie required) and Beau Welling's Fields Ranch West, plus The Swing, a lighted 10-hole par-3 course.

11.

The Trails of Frisco Golf Club

An 18-hole course on Frisco's west side with tree-lined fairways, a driving range and The Trails Bar & Grill. Open to the public with online tee times.

01.

Towne Lake Park

A lakeside park with a lighted 1.2-mile walking loop, fishing, kayaking and sand volleyball courts.

03.

Bonnie Wenk Park

One of McKinney's most popular parks, with 3.4 miles of paved trails, a fishing lake, playgrounds, a splash pad and a large off-leash dog park.

05.

Erwin Park

About 10 miles of natural-surface trails through the woods, popular with hikers and mountain bikers, plus a bike skills course and tent camping.

01.

McKinney National Airport (DTX)

McKinney's own airport, just minutes from the bungalow. Its new passenger terminal opened in November 2026 with Avelo Airlines nonstops to places like Las Vegas, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers, with more routes being added. Small, quick and easy.

03.

DFW International Airport (DFW)

One of the world's busiest airports and American Airlines' biggest hub, with nonstop flights almost anywhere. Allow 45 minutes to an hour from the bungalow, more at rush hour, and check which terminal your flight uses.

Photo credit: Photo: Chew, CC BY 4.0 (opens in a new tab)