Why You Should Visit Downtown Plano Right Now  

Think you know Plano, Texas? Did you know that this Dallas suburb was recently listed as having one of the Best Downtowns in America by Livability.com? Or that in 2017, downtown Plano was added to the National Register of Historic Places? Thanks to revitalization projects and lots of love from the local community, Plano has experienced growth while maintaining its small-town charms. Plano is a quick trip on the DART light rail line from DFW International Airport, making it easy to visit the city and explore all its historic and modern attractions.

Small town, big food scene

The pizza at Urban Crust is great, but make sure to check out its rooftop bar.

“Plano’s downtown revitalization has led to an energetic pulse that’s resulted in a variety of cuisines attracting couples on date nights, singles and families,” says Dallas food writer Michelle Williams of Rockin Red Blog. Whether you crave comfort food or fine dining, you’ll find an incredible assortment of independent eateries in historic downtown Plano. Try fresh-baked decadent cakes at XO Coffee Company, order Plano’s best burger at Ye Ole Butcher Shop or share a wood-fired pizza at Urban Crust. For a fun night out, sign up for Plano’s Art & Wine Walk, which combines wine tastings with live music and art exhibits.

There’s always a reason to celebrate in downtown Plano

Each October, the Plano International Festival in downtown’s Haggard Park celebrates the food, music and dance of more than 100 cultures. But if you miss it, don’t worry. “There’s always something going on at Haggard Park–a wedding, a festival, outdoor movies,” says Jennifer Shertzer, editor of Plano Magazine. In the downtown arts district, experience polka, beer and food during the annual Plano Steinfest. Or learn how to cast flies at theTexas Fly Fishing & Brew Festival, where local microbreweries are on-site and fly fishing experts teach guests new skills.

“In the past few years, downtown Plano has really entered a renaissance period,” Shertzer says. “Now, on any given evening, you may find a reggae band performing on the McCall Plaza stage, artists painting in a gallery or a group of friends playing cornhole outside.”

You can shop for souvenirs or create your own

Enjoy a stroll with Fido in this dog-friendly historic town while you shop for handmade pottery, vintage clothing and one-of-a-kind home decor items. If you’re feeling inspired, get your hands dirty at Pipe & Palette, a “home outfitters and mixed media” store that sells artisan goods—and invites you to join studio classes taught by local artists. If you need a snack break, sample baked goods and local produce at the year-round farmer’s market held every Sunday at Plano Municipal Center. To shop major retailers, explore Legacy West, an open-air retail and dining space that’s gained a reputation as a must-visit lifestyle complex.

It’s easy to get outdoors

Plano may not be on the Texas coast, but you can always hang 10 at Aqua Shop Indoor Surfing.

For year-round boarding, catch a wave on the FlowRider at Aqua Shop Indoor Surfing. At Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, you can take a stroll in the 200-acre park with roaming wildlife, stunning sunsets and play areas. Or cool off in the Texas Pool, a 168,000-gallon saltwater pool in the shape of Texas.

Ready to travel? Find hotels in Plano.