I've put over 8,000 miles on my truck in the past two months on an epic mom-kids-and-dog road trip from the Pacific NW to the Texas gulf coast. Before I embarked on such an epic journey I had many moments of doubt and concern. After all, it was a BIG trip and the furthest I've ever traveled the blacktops without my hubby. However, my doubts were overshadowed by my greater desire to head out on a mega-adventure, knowing it would be one of the last road trips with my teenage kids -- especially since one is already looking ahead to college next year. I planned our route, said many prayers, loaded up, and we headed south. Along the way, I stopped for antique malls, great road food, and good times with family and friends.
No matter the distance or amount of time away, McKinney, TX always pulls us back. Since we lived there for 15 years, we easily give into the gravitational force pulling us toward it. On this trip we enjoyed visiting many old friends and making new ones.
My dear friend and fellow-junker, Tracey Collins, had a wonderful karmalicious vision for the old Greyhound Bus depot on Tennessee Street. After many hours of hard work her labour of love, Diggin' It, (507 North Tennessee, McKinney, TX) http://www.thedigginitshop.blogspot.com/ officially opened last month. It is a groovy mix of garden antiques and art along with some incredible funky finds only Tracey could come up with. In addition, Diggin' It has a great selection of plants, herbs, and shrubs. Be sure to check out her inventory which she's always adding to. I'm sure Diggin' It!!
I also spent some fun times at Antique Company Mall located at 213 East Virginia in McKinney, TX. It was so nice to see Bill and Diane Haight and friends who are dealers at the mall. My antique business, The Garden Cat, began at ACM when my daughter (who started ninth grade this week) was three months old. She basically grew up at ACM "helping" me set up my booth for so many years. Bill and Diane and so many of the great dealers there are like family to me. I'm happy to say, that despite all the changes on the McKinney Square, ACM just gets better and better.
McKinney, TX is constantly changing and growing. There are many great new shops and eateries on the downtown square. One of my long-time favorites is Cafe' Ma'laga http://www.cafemalaga.com/, a fantastic Mediterranean Tapas Bar located at 107 South Church Street. The new location offers more seating inside as well as beautiful garden and patio seating outside. An evening in the Cafe' Ma'laga garden area with an ice cold Sangria, live guitar music, and incredible food is hard to beat.
the Dublin Dr. Pepper plant in Dublin, TX (where Dr. Pepper is still bottled the old fashioned way with Imperial pure cane sugar.) http://www.dublindrpepper.com/. Before we headed north again, we were able to go to a Texas Rangers baseball game with my daddy. (GO RANGERS!!)
Peace, love, and happy road trippin' y'all!
Love your blog, Lisa! Wonderful pictures! All your descriptions made me wish I was there with you!
ReplyDeleteI love Harry's Roadhouse. It's not pretentious, like some Santa Fe restaurants, and the food is really good.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan! YOU inspire me daily!! One of these days we'll be doing your Texas book signing tour there -- I can hardly wait to show you around.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Judy! Yeah, I really liked Harry's a lot. It's very laid back and the food was fresh and delish. Did you get to eat in the back garden? It's beautiful.
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