Social distancing might have everyone on edge, but there is still plenty to smile about in Carrollton, Texas. Life in the “new normal” can be difficult and strange, but one of the best ways we have of dealing with it is reminding ourselves of what we have to be grateful for.
Our community here in Carrollton is one of those things. The following is a short list with a few of the things we have to smile about here, even during days of social distancing.
A Well-Developed Trail System
Get out there and enjoy nature. Trails offer a wonderful pastime because you don’t need money or really anything else to enjoy them. All you need is yourself and some nice weather. From the Hutton to the Furneaux to the Greenbelt and more, there is a massive trail system in Carrollton just waiting for you to get out and explore it.
The Carrollton Blue Trail is especially nice this time of year. It provides a great view of nearby waterways and forests. You can even go out on the water and do some fishing.
The A.W. Perry Homestead Museum
Still open, but at reduced capacity, the Homestead Museum shows us what life was like in this area at the turn of the 20th century. A.W. and Sarah Perry were pioneer homesteaders who came to Carrollton Texas from Carrollton, Illinois (yes, you read that right) in 1844. They claimed 640 acres and built a house in 1857. In 1909, their son and his wife tore down the house and rebuilt it. Now, this house is the museum, and a designated Historic Landmark by the Texas Historical Commission.
Historic Downtown Carrollton
Historic Downtown Carrollton is a mix of small boutique and private businesses, restaurants, entertainment, and housing. Much of the architecture dates back to the early 20th century, giving the area a quaint, rustic feel. Come on down to see a movie at an old theater, do some shopping, or even try indoor axe throwing.
Fortunately, numerous businesses are still open, including plenty of restaurants.
Restaurants that are open include:
- 55 Degrees Wine Bar + Food
- Amici Signature Italian
- Lemma Coffee Roasters
- Cane Rosso
- Twisted Root Burger Co.
- C² Cafe
- Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream and Soda Fountain
- Rainbow Grill
- Babe’s Chicken Dinner House
- El Rincon Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar
Note: These restaurants may have reduced hours and offer take-out only. Make sure to call before visiting. Other restaurants may be opening now as well as the quarantine lifts.
Cavanaugh Flight Museum
Aviation enthusiasts will certainly have a reason to smile here! The Cavanaugh Flight Museum aims to encourage people to take an interest in aviation studies. The museum also aims at helping continue America’s proud heritage of flight.
Almost all the planes in the museum are kept in working order and fly regularly, too. Visitors can even take a ride in one of their several warbird aircraft. For more info about the museum and what it offers, look here.
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
This 200-acre park in Plano will have something that can make most people smile, too. There are six miles of paved and unpaved biking trails, and almost 3 miles of off-road biking trails. The restrooms, covered pavilion, and playground make it a family-friendly place, and the pavilion can even be rented for special events.
Nature lovers will love the three different park regions, all with their own flora and fauna. The regions are: Blackland Prairie, Riparian Forest, and Upland Forest. An observation tower provides a great view of the park, including numerous animals. Animals that can be seen at the park include: owls, egrets, turkey vultures, deer, coyotes, snakes, bobcats, turtles and much more.
Crayola Experience Plano
Crayola crayons are important to America’s kids, and they are definitely going to leave this fascinating place with a smile. Opening June 1st, the Crayola Experience is basically an indoor amusement park. Kids can make colorful crafts, solve puzzles in the adventure lab, eat at the Café Crayola while watching a live show, and plenty more. Besides being able to play and have fun, the Crayola Experience stresses creative activities that lets kids express themselves.
If you are in the area, and have young children, it’s something you should check out. Learn more about the Crayola Experience here.
Jimmy Porter Disc Golf Course
Looking to get out there and try something new? Are you already a disc golf fan? Just want to go for a nice park walk? Located just off the purple trail, this park is easy to bike or walk to. Disc golf is fairly easy, not to mention fun, so if you have the time and want to try something new, why not get a few Frisbees and try making the rounds?
Now that You’re Smiling…
For a more personal reason to smile, why not take the jump you’ve been thinking of and make your smile whiter? Josey Lane Dentistry in Carrollton is a trusted dental office in the area. With nearly 20 years of experience, we have what you’re looking for in our dentist office. Josey Lane Dentistry has state-of-the-art technology, short wait times, and staff that continue their education to stay on top of the newest developments in dentistry. Currently, we are only taking emergency visits, but that is changing in the near future as Texas opens back up. Get in touch with us here to find out what you can do now to make your smile its brightest.
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