McKinney’s downtown district, which is one of the oldest downtown areas in Texas, has more than two dozen restaurants, over 120 shops, and regular entertainment. You can watch a live show in the square, attend a daytime festival, enjoy nightlife activities, take part in the rising culinary scene, or shop at eclectic stores. The atmosphere embodies McKinney’s spirit with a combination of both historic and trendy establishments, making it a truly exceptional destination. Here are some incredible shops to check out next time you visit.
Antiques
There are many different antique shops in downtown McKinney. Inside the 540 Mercantile building, you’ll find more than 50 boutiques, many of which feature antique items. With new inventory arriving daily, you’ll always find interesting antique items. The Antique Company Mall is a large store dedicated to antique collectibles, goods, and home accents, and you can easily spend hours searching through vintage items and truly unique treasures. The Menagerie has a large selection of furniture, from antique to contemporary, and is known as the premier place to shop for antique furniture.
Specialty Items
“Historic Downtown McKinney Square” licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Flickr by Get McKinney
There are well over 50 specialty shops in downtown McKinney, and window shopping at all the curious shops is a fun experience. A Twist of Lime has ready-made and custom floral arrangements, funky finds, and unique gifts for any occasion. You can free your inner geek and read graphic novels and comics or play intricate board games at Carpe Diem Comics. Walk through a funky garden oasis at Diggin’ It, an outdoor and indoor emporium full of plants, whimsical yard decor, chimes, and more.
You’ll find items from all around the world — tie-dye headbands from Thailand, carved stones from Kenya, chocolates from Ghana — at Fair and Square Imports, and your purchase will encourage fair trade and help families in poverty. McKinney Knittery is a charming destination for those in the yarn community that is bursting with hand-dyed, natural fiber, small-batch, and name-brand yarns. Sports fans will enjoy stopping at Texas Monkey Business, where you can find almost anything with your favorite team’s logo, from socks to helmets, toys to decor, and more.
Apparel and Accessories
If you’re shopping with your family, check out the Cynthia Elliot Boutique, a multigenerational clothing store that offers designer fashions for a one-of-a-kind look. If you need to make a statement at a formal event or you just want to make a fashion statement, Glitzy Girl is the shop for you. For more casual and comfortable apparel, swing by Landry Kate, where you’re sure to find something you’ll love, from denim and rompers to shoes and accessories.
You’ll linger over high-quality antique and estate jewelry, engagement rings, and fine watches at Barron Estate Jewelers, which is located inside an old bank, in addition to designer handbags, vintage art, and other collectibles. If your feet need some high-octane fashion, Pumps offers a variety leopard print wedge sandals, zebra print sneakers, and other footwear that will match your individual style. For the little ones in your life, Rockin’ AB has adorable clothing, shoes, and accessories for babies and children.
Art
The Kim Guthrie Art Gallery and Studio is a must-see delight, where artist Kim Guthrie uses her versatile talent and quick wit and various mediums to create “tongue-in-cheek” art, whimsical paintings, and 3D characters. If you prefer creating works of art, instead of just looking at them, stop by Last Art Gallery, where you can take classes in jewelry making, collage painting, resin art-making, and more. Walls of Clay offers pottery painting and glass fusing classes on-site, or you can purchase a kit to take home.
Culture
If you’re interested in learning about local history and culture, the Collin County History Museum is located inside a historic post office building and has intriguing exhibits related to local history like the “Then and Now” exhibit, which takes you back in time to experience what life was like as McKinney became a town. Inside the Collin County courthouse, you’ll find the McKinney Performing Arts Center, a community theater for local amateur actors working together to give the gift of theater to the McKinney community.
Health and Beauty
Enjoy some pampering or improve your fitness level while you spend the day shopping and exploring downtown McKinney. For a fresh new look, stop by Balayage Bar & Boutique or Balise Salon where you can get a cut, color, and condition so your hair will always look its best. Then swing by one of the many day spas, such as the Pavitra Organic Day Spa, where you can relax and enjoy a massage, body treatment, or facial. Finally, it’s easy to squeeze in a workout while you’re out and about shopping, because North Texas Yoga offers a full schedule of yoga classes.
Services
You can find just about any service you could possibly need in downtown McKinney. From financial institutions to wedding venues, insurance companies to City Hall, and mortgage teams to wealth management, there are all kinds of services within walking distance of downtown. Jilly Bean Photography is an award-winning studio that’s ready to meet all your photographic needs, from newborn portraits to senior prom memories. The Grand Hotel and Ballroom is a great place to hold a business meeting or private event, and you can dine at Rick’s Chophouse before heading out for the rest of your shopping trip. Take voice lessons, learn to play the piano, or improve your acting skills at the McKinney Piano and Voice Academy.
Here at Huffines Hyundai, we love to go shopping, especially when we get to support local and independently owned shops! With shops for every interest, from fashion to antiques to pets, there’s so much to explore in downtown McKinney. There are so many places to explore that we may not have included your favorite place to shop. If we did, we’d love to add your favorite downtown destination to our list, so contact us and let us know what store to add and why you love shopping there.