Where to hike, bike, and dine in Dallas's sister city
Located 20 miles north of downtown Dallas, Plano blends historic Texan charm with the modern luxury of its larger sister city. The town of just under 300,000 people was recently voted one of America’s safest cities and is home to a number of healthy eateries, spots for active and cultural adventure, and a new Equinox club.
Here’s how to spend a day in Plano:
Breakfast
Start your morning at the XO Coffee Company on East 15th Street. Order a cold-brewed nitro coffee on tap and oatmeal with banana and strawberries. Or, for an extensive selection of superfruit bowls, parfaits, and fresh juices, head to Original ChopShop in the new Shops at Legacy complex. Try the PB + J Greek yogurt with all-natural peanut butter, blueberries, and granola.
Outdoor adventure
Hike or cycle the trails at the 200-acre Arbor Hills Nature Preserve on Plano’s western border. For mountain bikers, there's a hilly 2.3-mile singletrack loop that winds counterclockwise from the south side of the preserve. To get a bird’s eye view of Plano, tackle the Go Ape! Treetop Adventure course that features 28-foot high tree-to-tree crossings and a 423-foot zip line.
Lunch
Refuel at Mexican Sugar. Share the the squash blossom quesadilla with mushrooms, salsa verde, and Oaxaca cheese, then order the grilled shrimp and avocado salad or adobo red snapper tacos.
Cultural infusion
The Downtown Plano Arts District is the cultural hub of the city and home to three “Plano Stages." Before going to a show, walk around the latest art exhibit at the ArtCentre of Plano located in the Saigling House in Haggard Park, which was built in 1906.
Dinner and drinks
Sixty Vines is a favorite among oenophiles. Locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients are deliberately chosen to complement wines served on tap. Try appetizers like Wagyu carpaccio with lime-hoisin vinaigrette and garden vegetables with green goddess dressing. For an entrée, consider the poké salad with tuna and salmon or the filet mignon with grilled focaccia, tomato salad, and pesto.
Close out the night at Legacy Hall, an entertainment and event space that has 24 food stalls, two craft cocktail bars, a brewery, and a wine bar. Outside, the Box Garden hosts live concerts and viewing parties for big sports events.