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Van Alstyne

Y'all, did you know that it is possible to feel like you took a mini-vacation even when you are really close to home!?! Well, my family likes to do this a lot so I will tell you how it's done.  We turn on google maps, pick a place that is not that far away, get in the car, and just drive there.  Yeap, it's that easy!  We have no idea what we will find when we get there (we intentionally don't research it so that it is a surprise).  Well, if you keep reading I will be ruining some of your surprises, but not really because I won't tell you about everything cool to see there.  I will let you find things you love on your own since there is a chance we all like different things.  But, if you like a small-town charm, seeing new places, looking at different stores, wandering in different shops, eating in different restaurants, and watching different people then we might be similar and I think you would like to take a short trip to Van Alstyne.  You should go there.



Today that was the destination we picked out on the map.  And I am so glad we did!  Such a cool place...I had no idea!  I'm sure we will go back.

Here is some basic information:

Location: It is about 45 miles north of Dallas and 15 miles north of McKinney, TX.  Just take the US-75N.  On your way there you will see signs for Buc-ee's.  If you haven't been to one just stop there.  Trust me...just do it.  I know I sound crazy telling you to go check out a rest stop.  But this is one you will be happy you saw.  And you will become like me and tell others that they need to go see it too.  It's more like a store, place to get food (lots and lots of food), drinks, oh and they have 100 gas pumps and are known for their large number of restrooms (that are always spotless) and their Beaver Nuggets.  This is not a sponsored post, this place is just that cool.  It's a must-stop if you are driving past one (and there is a new one in Melissa Texas..you should go since you are passing it).



Back to Van Alstyne.  The town was built in 1872 originally for settlers to be close to railroad stops.  If you are a fan of old, vintage, and different style homes you will love driving around the neighborhoods.  And the downtown charm can be found all over as well.  There are some cute places to shop at that sell handcrafted items by local artists, and a variety of restaurants where you can get some Comfort Food, Southern, Tex-Mex or BBQ.  One of my favorite things about downtown is the wall murals on many of the buildings (great photo opportunities).   Some were bright and newly painted and others were from back in the day.  Those are always my favorite things to see.   And if you like older things, there are even two original Interurban railcars that are on display near the tracks in downtown.

Every day is a good day for an adventure and to see new things.  This mini day trip vacation to Van Alstyne was a lot of fun for me and my kids, and I hope you have just as much fun.



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