What to Know About Historic Downtown Plano
From: Your local Plano Moving Company – Wildcat Movers
When folks first hear of Plano, Texas, many people think of a sleepy, tiny town outside of Dallas with not much going on. However, there is more to Plano, Texas than meets the eye. Plano is currently undergoing a renaissance, and enjoying cultural and economic growth as well as expanding a diversified and artistic downtown area.
What is there to know about the history of downtown Plano, Texas? As local movers in Plano, we’ve got the lowdown, and we love to talk about our town.
A Brief History of Plano, Texas:
Plano was incorporated in June 1873, less than a year after the Houston & Central railroad opened, making Plano the trading center of the Collin county farming community. This spurred an economic growth, as Plano was blossoming into an economic and business hub for the surrounding areas. Dallas then began to expand, and Plano was nearly forgotten. As the lightrail was built and is running through Plano, the city is beginning to grow again, and businesses and families are moving in Plano, Texas to enjoy a growing town with a small-town feel. Today, the city spans seventy-two square miles and has a population that reaches almost 300,000 residents!
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN PLANO: Keeping History in Plano, Texas
In 1896, downtown Plano suffered a tremendous fire, and although many shops were damaged beyond repair, a large amount of the downtown building remain standing, allowing Plano to keep the storied past alive. While Plano is growing at an exponential rate, these buildings give a look into the past of Plano, allowing residents to become a part of the Plano, Texas history.
Downtown Plano, Texas is now comprised of many delicious eateries, specialty retail shops, antique shops and clothing stores, and a bustling nightlife scene, boasting live music and a popular First Fridays.
In 2007, many of Plano’s merchant banned together and reorganized Downtown Plano into a not-for-profit organization called The Historic Downtown Plano Association in order to preserve the character and rich history of Downtown Plano while embracing the growth associated with the lightrail service that is now giving folks easy transportation to downtown Dallas.
What is There to Do in Plano, Texas?
As Plano continues to grow and urbanize, Plano offers activities for residents of all ages with a variety of interests.
Here are four of the best things to do in town as recommended by your local movers in Plano, Texas (that’s us!) that have the skinny on what’s going on around town:
- First FridaysWhat better way to get into the nitty-gritty of your town than to get right in the middle of it? First Fridays in Plano offer live music, dancing, art, and bars and restaurants participating in First Fridays, giving locals a chance to enjoy what all Plano, Texas has to offer.
- Plano Arts Fest Plano has an extremely talented artistic community, and attending the Plano Arts fest is a way to take in all of the talent of the local artists of Plano, Texas. This year, the Arts fest is held in September and kicks-off the holiday season with an artistic bang.
- Arbor Hills Nature ReserveIf you’re a nature lover or an avid hiker, the Arbor Hills Nature Reserve is a must-see when moving to Plano, Texas. With trails and beautiful scenery, the nature reserve is the perfect place to unwind from the daily grind or take the dogs and the kids for a long hike.
- Madness Games & ComicsMadness Games & Comics boasts a large inventory of comics both new and classic and board games for the whole family. Whether you’re trying to up your game-night game, or trying to start a family game night, Madness Games & Comics will delight the inner child (or the inner comic book nerd!) in everyone.
As Plano grows and our neighbors multiply, things to do in Plano, Texas are popping up every day, and neighborhoods change and grow, and become more desirable to live in. Whenever you decide to move, give your local Plano movers (that’s Wildcat Movers!) a call!
Are you hosting an event in Plano, Texas? Let us know in the comments and we will do our best to share your event with the residents of the Plano area!
