Plano Trivia: Do You Know What the City Is Best Known For? 

Plano is the ninth-largest city in Texas and part of the greater Dallas/Fort Worth metro area. The city routinely receives top ratings and accolades for its neighborhoods, schools, safety and even for pet-friendliness. As you experience the things Plano is known for, you'll discover why locals call it the “City of Excellence.”

Where Big Business Is a Big Deal

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Of all the business centers in town, the best place to see corporate America in action is in northwest Plano, where the 2,665-acre Legacy business and retail center is home to favorites such as Frito-Lay, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, KFC and Pizza Hut global operations, as well as several major financial and IT organizations. The buildings are part of an enormous planned community that includes homes, upscale shops and restaurants. Rub shoulders with corporate executives, computer engineers, creative teams and ladies who lunch at Seasons 52 restaurant and wine bar. Or drop in at one of the dozens of other bars and eateries at Legacy to experience the biz buzz and after-hours wind-down.

Skies Filled With Festive Hot-Air Balloons

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Colorful hot-air balloons take to the sky in late September during the three-day Plano Balloon Festival. Bring the whole family to see the awesome sight of giant balloons lifting off from Oak Point Park. Hang around for a while so the kids can play in the Fun Zone, watch the skydiver show and ride in the basket of a tethered balloon. Meals won't be a problem if you stay all day; food booths offer favorites from barbecue to funnel cakes. Live music performances at the main stage are a perfect excuse to let loose and dance. Before you leave, linger until the sun sets to watch the night sky light up with a spectacular fireworks display.

A Stroll Through History in Downtown Plano

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You'll feel the heartbeat of the Old West as you wander through historic downtown Plano. The revitalized town center is home to quaint shops, galleries and performance venues where you can catch music and plays throughout the year. Kids will get a kick out of the interactive exhibits at the Interurban Railway Museum. Stop by Amazeballz for a decadent snack of delightfully decorated cake balls. For authentic north Texas BBQ, Lockhart Smokehouse is the place to pick up your lunch at the counter and then hunker down at a dining room table to enjoy the savory, smoked meat. Come back later for the vibrant nightlife. Dining on the Mexican specialties at Urban Rio Cantina & Grill is a good start, followed by long, cool drinks at the upstairs bar, On the Rocks.

The Great Outdoors in the Middle of Town

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The Old Chisholm Trail passed through Plano in the early days of Texas when cowboys drove vast herds of longhorn cattle to stockyards and railroads in the north. Stroll tree-lined sections of the old trail starting at Big Lake Park where you'll also find a playground for the kids and a picturesque waterfront. At Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, you'll be surrounded by native plants, birds, wildlife and Texas bluebonnets, the state flower, when they're in bloom. Head to Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve to stretch your legs with a stroll or jog; both concrete surface and soft surface trails are available to suit your style.

The Ewings of Southfork Ranch

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If “who shot JR?” was ever part of your conversation, a tour of Southfork Ranch in Parker is a fun way to revel in nostalgia. The opening shot for the long-running TV drama “Dallas” made Southfork a familiar place in living rooms around the world from the late '70s to the early '90s. Although technically just outside Plano's city limits, a tour of Southfork Ranch is just a few minutes away from the city's hotels and business parks. You'll see the pool patio where the Ewing family hosted their famous barbecue parties, Lucy's wedding dress and memorabilia of the fictional family that epitomized Texas oil and ranch lifestyles. Take lunch at Miss Ellie's Deli and wander through the exhibits in the visitor center before the day is done. Guided tours of Southfork are offered year-round except on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Ready to travel? Find hotels in Plano and check out our Texas Travel Guide.