The birth of the National Main Street Center happened in 1980 and is still going strong. This national program is based on the National Trust for Historic Preservation so that Main Streets around the country can rejuvenate themselves into a vital part of the community as they once were. Initially the idea of the program was to preserve the buildings, but it has stretched beyond this basic concept. The program has served to involve the public in saving their downtown areas, stimulating the economy of the downtown area and proving that families can have fun in the downtown venues.
The shops in McKinney number over one hundred and offer boutique style stores, restaurants, art galleries, antiques, gift stores and clothing shops. They provide a source for outdoor enjoyment when the weather is good with outside cafes and traditional neighborhood pubs. The service of downtown owners is something special and it keeps visitors and shoppers coming back.
Preserving the architecture is one of the main mission points of any Main Street project. The Collin County Courthouse is one of the success stories of McKinney Main Street. It was completely renovated and has attained a new life as the McKinney Performing Arts Center at the Historic Collin County Courthouse. This lovely building will house a theater that can accommodate more than four hundred guests. Lectures, special events and artistic performances all have a new home with this new venue. Besides having a performing arts hall it will also house an auditorium, reception area, art gallery, rehearsal hall and classrooms with the latest audio visual equipment.
There are several parking lots available for visitors to park in. Besides the large lot at the Chestnut Square Historic Village there are smaller parking lots throughout the downtown area. Visitors can also park on the street for free as long as they don't park for more than three hours. Public restrooms are also available in the downtown area.
Some of the restaurants at McKinney Main Street include: Aparicio's Restaurante Mexicano & Sports Bar, Caf, Malaga, Cadillac Pizza Pub, El Juarez, Herby's Soda Fountain, Coffee N Cream, Churchill's, Donuts R More, La Misha Bistro, Hamm's Custom Meats, Mama Emilia's Italian Restaurant, Lavender House, Rick's Chophouse, The Pantry Restaurant, Spoon's Caf,, Sauce on the Square, Spoon's Garage and Square Burger. These restaurants serve Italian cuisine, Texas cuisine, Mexican and Mediterranean food.
Antique lovers can lose themselves in Antique Company Mall, Antique House, Chase Hall, Heirlooms, Morningstar Treasures, Smitten, Decoratti, Special Things and Unique Vintage & Collectibles. Shopping for clothing is a treat when guests of McKinney Main Street visit Arabella's, U Bee Dazzled, Cotton Hearts, Swanky Boutique, Cynthia Elliot Boutique, Inc, The Little Red Hen, Lulu's, Doug & Linda's Ski Shop, Patsy's, Orison's, and Pumps.
Jewelry stores, Landon Winery, book stores, party stores, furniture stores, a magic store, stained glass store, apothecary shop, art stores and a dancewear establishment round out some of the stores in downtown McKinney. Look for attractions in McKinney such as the Chestnut Square Historic Village to complete your visit to the area.
