About McKinney's Historic District Of Mckinney

Strolling back to my real estate office in beautiful historic downtown McKinney, I stopped into Star Specialty Contempo. Their store front had signs that lured me in. What did these signs say? Circle E Candles - 20% off! For any of you who have heard of Circle E Candles, you know that these candles are by far the BEST smelling candles I've ever encountered. I could literally eat some of them with a spoon - they smell THAT good!

So I strolled in and made a bee-line back to the candle display. I smelled just about each one, not knowing which one would be lucky enough to accompany me back to the office. After all, I really need some more deductions on my taxes for 2009, and a candle is JUST the perfect and necessary "office supply" that I need (wink, wink)!

I chose the Honeysuckle candle. The label said it was good for aromatherapy purposes - it builds self esteem. So for crying out loud, what REALTOR doesn't want to build self esteem? I do! It was a no-brainer.

While checking out I visited with one of the owners, Linda Gentry. I looked at several of the other items her shop had to offer and I was impressed. I knew that I had to share this find with my clients and with other McKinney shoppers! Star Specialty Contempo also offers Crabtree & Evelyn products, Redolere fragrant oil lamps, the fun "drunken chicken cooker", and Timmy Woods handcarved purses! The collection was so interesting - offering something for everyone!

So the next time you are down on the square in McKinney, TX - stop by and say Hi to Linda. They are at 116 N. Tennessee on the East side of the square. Oh, and did I mention that they sell Circle E Candles LESS than anyone else on the square? Go shop!

Have I mentioned just how much I enjoy working on the beautiful historic square in downtown McKinney? Well, in case I haven't - I LOVE IT!

Today is February 26. Winter for all intents and purposes. But McKinney, TX feels like Spring! It's 85 for the high today with sunny skies. That calls for LUNCH ON THE SQUARE! Today's visit brought me walking down to The Londoner at 100 N. Tennessee Street.

The Londoner offers a traditional English Pub atmosphere in one of the most unique buildings on the square. As the anchor for the East side of the courthouse square, it offers a lunch menu with outdoor seating available, dinner, and a lively evening atmosphere in the upstairs bar.

I enjoyed a fresh salad with grilled chicken, eggs, bleu cheese & walnuts, while my friend enjoyed their staple Fish N Chips. It was great! The waitress was friendly and attentive and the atmosphere was relaxing. While I didn't go for a tall glass of Guiness, I would bet they offer a great beer selection for the world beer lover! Go check 'em out!

Working down in the beautiful historic district of McKinney comes with many advantages. One being the number of ADORABLE, UNIQUE places to dine out when lunch hour hits! Move over chain stores, the restaurants on the Square can't be beat!

One place that stands out this week is Poppy's Garden Cafe. The day I went just happened to be a beautiful 60 degree sunny day - yes, in February if you can believe that! I joined my business partner-in-crime and friend for one of the best lunches.

The staff was friendly. The food was incredible. But I think what makes Poppy's stand out is the serene outdoor setting. Even for lunch the environment couldn't be beat! There are bubbling fountains, greenery, covered porch seating & open air sunny dining, outdoor heaters are provided when the air is too chilly and there is an outdoor bar and performing area for weekend evenings. I simply MUST come back with my honey for a romantic evening. Live music is played Friday and Saturday evenings.

The menu offered fresh salads, pasta and comfort foods. We enjoyed a Poppy's Trio (Brie BLT, Potato Soup and house salad for only $9.99), Cobb Salad and Chicken & Artichoke Cannelloni.

I highly recommend Poppy's for a special lunch or dinner treat! They are located south of the square at 107 S. Church Street.

Have I said that McKinney,TX has something for EVERYONE? Well, I really meant EVERONE! Including the furry, 4-legged members of our family!

On Sunday, February 22, bring the family, including Fluffy, to the 7th Annual Krewe of Barkus Parade in Downtown McKinney. The event is being sponsored by the Art Institute of McKinney and McKinney Main Street.

McKinney's celebration is patterned after New Orlean's Mystic Krewe of Barkus. It was organized to help homeless, abused and abandoned animals in New Orleans. The participants will be awarded prizes - for size categories (xsmall up to xlarge dogs) and for costumes. This year's theme is Classic TV! Think Leave it to Beaver, I Love Lucy and Andy Griffith. I can't wait to see the creativity that is displayed this year.

The parade is SURE to have the kids ooooh-ing and ahhhhhh-ing the whole time! What kid do you know that doesn't like dogs? And dressed up dogs in funny costumes? It'll be a hit, no doubt. And let the kids in on the fun, too! Children can dress up, decorate a wagon or big-wheel and have fun right along with the cute canines.

The fun starts at 2:00 with a costume contest immediately after.

To sign up, go to the AIM website.

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Looking for a McKinney, TX Realtor who works and lives in McKinney? Call me!

d + b real estate is McKinney's newest boutique real estate office, located in beautiful downtown Historic McKinney. 972-838-5394.

It is something we do every year! This year it is on December 6^th and 7th. For us there are always homes to dream about. McKinney Historical Society invites homes in the Historic Downtown area to show off the architecture, vintage Furniture, history and Christmas decorations. This is the 35^th year for the tour of homes! Tickets are available at stores on the square including The Little Red Hen, The 120's, Alice's Tea Shop, Stained Glass of McKinney, Antique Collection and the Antique House. You can also buy tickets online at www.chestnutsquare.org or at Market Street in McKinney. Tickets are $15.00 and all the proceeds go to fund Chestnut Square which is a collection of 6 historic homes and the makings of a small town including a chapel, blacksmith shop, smoke house and a one room school house. The buildings are open for many occasions throughout the year showing how people lived in Collin County from 1854 - 1920.
Tour these Historic Homes of McKinney this year

1. Tracy and Glenda Montierth at 401 N. Bradley

2. Karen and David Firth at 504 N. Church

3. Jan and Robert Barstad at 801 N. Waddill

4. Dan and Fredda Perkins at 523 N. Hunt

5. Jim and Sue Gregg at 504 W. Virginia (The Virginia Rose)

See pictures of these homes at http://www.chestnutsquare.org/programs/2008HolidayTourofHomes.asp