Discover the Best Hidden Gems of Downtown McKinney
I had the pleasure of attending an influencer event, the McKinney Experience, along with other local influencers. Mckinney, Texas is located not too far away from Dallas. Downtown McKinney is a charming and historic town located a little over 30 miles north of Dallas, or approximately 35-45 minutes away. Known for its small-town, comfy feel, Downtown McKinney has managed to preserve its beautiful heritage while incorporating modern elements. Apart from their well-preserved architecture, throughout the year, downtown McKinney hosts a variety of community events and festivals, in addition to its shopping and dining scene.
One of the first culinary experiences during the tour was located at The Yard. Lunch at The Yard in Downtown McKinney was an entertaining experience that combined great food, a lively atmosphere, and a touch of outdoor charm. With its central location, The Yard, is a popular gathering spot known for its inviting patio and friendly service.
I also got to explore Chestnut Square during a self-guided tour where I indulged in some shopping as I took in the scenery. If you’d prefer something more educational, visitors can take guided tours to learn about the history of the area and community's heritage. However, my favorite part about Chestnut Square was the farmer’s market. Chestnut Square Heritage Village Farmer's Market isn't just a place to buy fresh goods and unique products—it's an experience that celebrates the local entrepreneurial spirit, community involvement and sustainability. What makes it even better is the fact that it is open all year-round on Saturdays. In April through December, you can visit between 8 AM and 12 PM. In the months of January, February & March the market is open between 9 AM and 12 PM.
I hopped on a trolley and headed to the heart of Downtown McKinney to visit Local Yocal, a popular destination for food lovers. Whether you’re feeling brunch, lunch or dinner, Local Yocal has a wide selection of delicacies to choose from. The restaurant also has an event venue attached to it called The Augustus. You can use the space for small events or big occasions like weddings. They even have live entertainment and host their own events from time to time. You can find more information and purchase tickets to attend current events on their website.
An exciting part of the tour included an exclusive sneak peek at the construction of the new TUPPS Brewery location. This location brings together the East and West side of the McKinney community. TUPPS offers a diverse selection of handcrafted beers and they take pride in the variety they have to offer. Enjoy a beer ranging from $5-6 when you visit between Wednesday and Sunday. They even offer brewery tours! I can’t wait to go back and get the whole experience!
My overall experience was amazing and I would recommend Downtown McKinney to visitors and locals alike! If you’re ever in the area and are down for an exciting day trip, check out the Visit McKinney website to learn even more about all there is to do.
Content provided By Vanessa Luna | Written by Malia Boyd