City Guide: Plano, Texas

Megan Weaver photography

In my over seven years of living in Texas, four in Austin at the University of Texas and over three in Houston, I’ve really enjoyed traveling the great state and visiting new cities and places. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit Plano, a suburb just North of Dallas, and spend a few days to get to know the city a little better!

You can read my full recap of my shopping trip here, but I wanted to give y’all a breakdown of places to stay, eat and what to do, within my own Plano city guide. I highly recommend visiting Plano if you’re based in Dallas and need a staycation away from the hustle and bustle or in a different part of Texas, but looking to visit an area that offers it all. From unique places to eat and so many things to do, I had a hard time not just sharing everything with you in this Plano city guide.

And for a little plug… would love if you joined me for a Facebook chat on the Visit Plano Facebook page, today, 11/16! The chat will be live from 3-7pm/ct. Would love to hear from you! Have you been to Plano? What are your favorite stores to shop during the holidays?

PLACES TO STAY 

Hilton Dallas/Plano Granite Park: Less than a mile from the Shops at Legacy, the Hilton hits standards that we all enjoy in a hotel – large pool, modern finishes and a spacious, welcoming lobby-area.

Marriott at Legacy Town Center: I grew up staying at Marriott hotels, so it was only fitting that I stayed here during my shopping trip to Plano. The rooms are spacious, request a view of the fountain & park. The gym is one of the best I’ve been to while staying at a hotel – state of the art equipment, complimentary water bottles and cold towels. Quickly walk from the hotel to the ‘main drag’ of the Shops at Legacy in under 5-minutes.

NYLO Plano at Legacy: Not your atypical hotel. The NYLO, based out of New York City, brings together industrial design mixed with modern comforts. Rooms feature exposed brick walls, minimal art and finished concrete floors. The hotel’s approach is “less of what you don’t need and everything that you want”.

WHERE TO EAT

East Hampton Sandwich Co.: Picked off the streets of Martha’s Vineyard, this adorable sandwich shop is a must while in Plano. The sandwiches are delicious and super fresh. Named as one of the 21 best sandwich shops in America, you must try the Holiday Turkey or my personal favorite, the Fried Chicken + Jack. When the weather is agreeable, definitely grab a seat outside on the patio in the colorful adirondack chairs!

Mexican Sugar: This stylish, on-trend Mexican restaurant is delicious. Stop by for happy hour or grab dinner with the girlfriends, this restaurant won’t disappoint. Known for their Hibiscus margarita, it’s a must try. Definitely order the arepas, they will no disappoint!

Jasper’s: A more upscale restaurant, perfect for dinner. The concept of a James Beard award nominee, all of the ingredients are fresh with a take on backyard dining. The patio is gorgeous on the corner and has a great view of the park and fountains.

Kenny’s Smokehouse: This BBQ joint is walkable within the Shops at Legacy and has some great cornbread, beef ribs and their mac & cheese is phenomenal! 

TO DO

Shop: For a unique, outdoor shopping experience, the Shops at Legacy are high on my list. With stores like Elaine Turner, Kendra Scott and Urban Outfitters amongst so many other big-name retailers and boutiques, like Lily Rain and Lauren James, you can really spend an entire day in the area. I highly recommend the outdoor shopping right now! Mid-October through May is perfect for not sweating it out when you walk around. As for a mall experience, head to the Shops at Willowbend where you can make your way through Neiman Marcus, founded in Dallas, and shop at plenty of the usuals like Anthropologie, Brooks Brothers, J.Crew or Vineyard Vines.

Pamper: Book a hair blowout appointment at DryBar before kicking of your day or evening. Walk just a few storefronts down to MiniLuxe for one of the best manicure/pedicure you will ever have. Visit Woodhouse Day Spa for a relaxing spa retreat amongst the shopping hustle and bustle. Finally head over to bluemercury for a bevy of makeup and skincare products, plus highly trained individuals who can do your makeup for you!

Do: Catch an indie flick at Angelika Film Centre. Take a cycling class at Lync Cycling. Visit historic downtown Plano and grab some delicious popcorn from Crave Popcorn Co and grab a gift for a family member or friend that isn’t lucky enough to call Texas home!

This post is brought to you in partnership with Visit Plano. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that help make Girl Wonder Life possible!