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Mc Kinney Texas

McKinney is a town that flew under the radar for many years but recently exploded in size. From 2000 to 2006, the number of residents jumped from 54,000 to 100,000+. Because of the influx of people, McKinney has now become a bustling center of activity. Visitors to Texas might not consider it on their list of places to see because of nearby Dallas, but McKinney actually has a lot to offer. Restaurants, shops, parks and other areas of entertainment have sprung up all over the place.

The historic downtown district is a popular location. There are over 100 shops, and they sell a wide variety of items. Some sell antiques, while others sell modern apparel, home accessories and art. The downtown area is large enough for an afternoon to be spent there, but small enough for the whole area to be covered by foot.

McKinney is also home to the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary. According to visitmckinney.com, the musuem's attractations include "four miles of hiking trails, two-acre native plant garden, live animals, indoor and outdoor exhibits, classroom and laboratories." One of the rooms in the museum is full of wild animals that have been stuffed and mounted. It's a little creepy, but also very interesting.

For foragers and garage sale lovers, Third Monday Trade Days is definitely worth visiting. As the name suggests, this event occurs on the weekend before the third Monday of each month. More than 300 vendor booths open at 4550 W. University Ave. to sell goods ranging from homemade crafts to modern amenities. There are even vendors that sell animals like chickens and ducks. There is also a variety of "State Fair food" like corn dogs, turkey legs, snow cones and funnel cakes to appease the hungry shopper. Keep in mind when you visit that dogs are not allowed unless they're carried.

Lovers of the outdoors should check out McKinney's disc golf course. The goal of disc golf is to throw a frisbee into a basket that looks like a basketball net. The basket is located about 100 yards from the starting point, and so it takes a couple of throws to reach. McKinney's course is particularly challenging because a ravine with a creek in the bottom of it snakes through the area; you might lose your frisbee in the water. The 18-hole course is located next to the Al Ruschaupt soccer complex at Wilson Creek. Admission is always free.

McKinney's restaurants cover every food type. You could stop for a hamburger at Scotty P's, pick up something from the East at Pei Wei Asian Diner, have an enchillada at El Fenix or grab some high-quality coffee at Cafe Brazil. Visit this Web site for a full listing of restaurants: http://www.visitmckinney.com/chambers/cvb-content.nsf/content-display-dining/dining%20-%20All