Tourism
PROFESSIONAL SPORTS
The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is a sports fanatic’s haven, showcasing virtually every popular professional sport in the U.S. The bustling Texas Stadium is home to Dallas Cowboys football, while the Texas Rangers take on league rivals at the modern Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Baseball enthusiasts also enjoy the Rangers’ Double-A Affiliate Frisco Roughriders’ games at Dr Pepper Ballpark. A visit to the American Airlines Center will bring fans in contact with Dallas Mavericks basketball, Dallas Stars hockey and Dallas Desperados arena football. It doesn’t stop there, as FC Dallas soccer takes the field at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, drivers hit the track at the Texas Motor Speedway, and visitors excitedly root for their favorite horse at Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie.
MUSEUMS & HISTORIC SITES
Heritage Farmstead Museum
Take a trip back in time at the Heritage Farmstead Museum, an interesting living history destination exhibiting an authentic 19th-century farmstead. The four-acre site hosts the 14-room Farrell-Wilson home (circa 1891), blacksmith shop, a one-room schoolhouse, and collection of unique artifacts dating from 1890-1920. The Heritage Farmstead Museum is fully accredited by the American Association of Museums, has earned designation as a State of Texas Historical marker, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. School and group tours of the site are available, as are an array of educational programs and lecture series.
Interurban Railway Museum
The Interurban Railway Museum is housed within the original Texas Electric Railway Station. The station was a stopping point along the railway, which operated between 1908 and 1948. In early 1990, the City of Plano put effort into restoring the station and converting it into a museum dedicated to the history of the Interurban line and Plano. Thanks to a renovation in 2001, guests are invited to tour the Interurban Rail Car 360, which features original seats, a renovated railway post office at the rear and a multitude of artifacts.
Historic Downtown Walking Tour of Plano
Enjoy a stroll along Plano’s Downtown streets, which are outlined by numerous Victorian- and Craftsmen-era structures. The walking tour begins at the Interurban Railway Museum and travels through Haggard Park to nearly 20 well-maintained historic homes. Other historic points of interest in Plano include Skaggs General Store and a number of historic cemeteries. A map of significant historic sites is available through the City of Plano.
EVENTS
The Plano community is constantly bustling with exciting events occurring throughout the year. The City’s Parks and Recreation Department hosts Concerts in the Park at the Amphitheater at Oak Point Park, while Downtown plays host to a number of festivities, including various holiday celebrations, the monthly Downtown@Sundown, regular Art Walks and Exhibits, the Plano International Festival, Asiafest, and the Blackland Prairie Festival—to name a few!
One of Plano’s most anticipated annual events is the Plano Balloon Festival, held each September at Oak Point Park. Crowds of nearly 100,000 eager people pile into the park for three days of lively entertainment. Experience a sky filled with colorful hot air balloons while enjoying the sounds of local bands and international performers and the tastes of a variety of food vendors. In addition to all of this, guests will enjoy arts and crafts vendors, balloon rides, interactive entertainment tents, kids activities, and more. This event, which has helped raise funds for more than 20 nonprofit organizations, has led to the city’s designation as “The Balloon Capital of Texas.”
LODGING
More than 30 options for comfortable accommodations, and even more in the closely surrounding area, are available to visitors of Plano. From economic guest rooms to luxurious suites, there is something for every kind of traveler—whether you are in town on business or a leisurely vacation. High-quality customer service and convenient guest amenities are sure to make any stay a pleasure. In addition, many local hotels and motels offer ample banquet and meeting space, capable of handling virtually any kind of function. For a listing of referred accommodations, please visit the Plano Chamber of Commerce Web site at www.planochamber.org.
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