There are so many cities and small towns across the sprawling Metroplex, with downtown areas ranging from cute and quaint to progressive and trendy. New communities formed in every direction of major cities Dallas and Fort Worth beginning in the mid-1800s, and with the settlements came the iconic Main Street areas. Most are vibrant locations filled with charm that include shops, restaurants, beautiful architectural buildings, and tons of history. Many of these streets are like taking a trip down memory lane of bygone days… just the way cities like it!
- Carrollton
Phillip Winn/Flickr This area was first settled in 1942 and a mill was established soon after. The city is located in Denton, Dallas, and Collin Counties.
- Weatherford
Trevor Huxham/Flickr Fifteen pioneer families settled here in 1854, and an abandoned cabin from earlier times shows an initial attempt wasn’t successful. Weatherford is the seat of Parker County. This photo shows the old Parker County Courthouse, snapped from Main Street.
- Glen Rose
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr This small town is best known as the “Dinosaur Capital of Texas,” but it also has hundreds of national springs and beautiful Texas scenery. It’s small main street features beautiful architecture and local shops and diners.
- Garland
Dave Hensley/Flickr Mid-1800s pioneers found the black soil here ideal for growing cotton and the area thrived on that crop. In 1886, two railroad lines built depots in Garland. Today, the city prospers on economic opportunities and business-friendly climate.
- Frisco
Courtesy of Calloway Real Estate/Facebook Frisco is a former railroad town, with its namesake from the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway. The Old Town part of Frisco has revitalized as of late, and new shops are popping up in the historic areas here.
William Addington/Flickr Frisco Square has become the new downtown with public commons, although the charm of the city remains throughout. Drive around and you’ll appreciate the blend of old and new throughout Frisco.
- Waxahachie
Peter Boothe/Flickr Ellis County Courthouse in Waxahachie continues to get architectural raves, but the city is also known as the “Crape Myrtle Capital” and “The Gingerbread City.” There is an impressive bluebonnet trail around here every Spring!
- McKinney
Kaitlyn/Flickr McKinney is home to one of the state’s largest historic districts and has retained its tree-lined streets and historic downtown with all the amenities sought in a big city.
- Grapevine
Ken Slade/Flickr There’s always something going on along the historic Main Street in downtown Grapevine. In addition to its shopping, dining, and a hometown feel, festivals occur throughout the year and the street closes for locals and visitors alike enjoy all things Grapevine.
- Granbury
Dana Smith/Flickr This city on the lake has retained its historic square with shops, restaurants, and hotels, all while continuing to grow and thrive. Be sure to check out its Opera House and ghost tours.
- Dallas
richard wezensky/Flickr Dallas’ Main Street is deserving of mention because of its connection to downtown. The city often closes up the street to allow for runs and activities.
- Fort Worth
Dave Hensley/Flickr Main Street is truly the heart of downtown Fort Worth. It is home to the annual Main Street Arts Festival, and continuous activities keep the area hoppin’ all year long. The street dead ends into the Tarrant County Courthouse to the north and Tarrant Convention Center to the south.
This is just a small list of quaint downtown areas and their historic main streets in the Metroplex. Which other cities deserve to be added to this must-visit list? We’d love for you to share your suggestions, photos, and any memories in the comments below!
Phillip Winn/Flickr
This area was first settled in 1942 and a mill was established soon after. The city is located in Denton, Dallas, and Collin Counties.
Trevor Huxham/Flickr
Fifteen pioneer families settled here in 1854, and an abandoned cabin from earlier times shows an initial attempt wasn’t successful. Weatherford is the seat of Parker County. This photo shows the old Parker County Courthouse, snapped from Main Street.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
This small town is best known as the “Dinosaur Capital of Texas,” but it also has hundreds of national springs and beautiful Texas scenery. It’s small main street features beautiful architecture and local shops and diners.
Dave Hensley/Flickr
Mid-1800s pioneers found the black soil here ideal for growing cotton and the area thrived on that crop. In 1886, two railroad lines built depots in Garland. Today, the city prospers on economic opportunities and business-friendly climate.
Courtesy of Calloway Real Estate/Facebook
Frisco is a former railroad town, with its namesake from the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway. The Old Town part of Frisco has revitalized as of late, and new shops are popping up in the historic areas here.
William Addington/Flickr
Frisco Square has become the new downtown with public commons, although the charm of the city remains throughout. Drive around and you’ll appreciate the blend of old and new throughout Frisco.
Peter Boothe/Flickr
Ellis County Courthouse in Waxahachie continues to get architectural raves, but the city is also known as the “Crape Myrtle Capital” and “The Gingerbread City.” There is an impressive bluebonnet trail around here every Spring!
Kaitlyn/Flickr
McKinney is home to one of the state’s largest historic districts and has retained its tree-lined streets and historic downtown with all the amenities sought in a big city.
Ken Slade/Flickr
There’s always something going on along the historic Main Street in downtown Grapevine. In addition to its shopping, dining, and a hometown feel, festivals occur throughout the year and the street closes for locals and visitors alike enjoy all things Grapevine.
Dana Smith/Flickr
This city on the lake has retained its historic square with shops, restaurants, and hotels, all while continuing to grow and thrive. Be sure to check out its Opera House and ghost tours.
richard wezensky/Flickr
Dallas’ Main Street is deserving of mention because of its connection to downtown. The city often closes up the street to allow for runs and activities.
Main Street is truly the heart of downtown Fort Worth. It is home to the annual Main Street Arts Festival, and continuous activities keep the area hoppin’ all year long. The street dead ends into the Tarrant County Courthouse to the north and Tarrant Convention Center to the south.
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