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On to Frisco
This booming North Texas town is bursting with history and chances to hit the best stores for miles around.
By Gary Peterson - Editor, Home&Away Magazine
Pssst ... you want in on a secret about some of the best shopping around? Head for Frisco, Texas, and you will see what we mean.
How is this for a vivid example? There are 5 million people living in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, and in Frisco-just 20 miles north of Dallas-there is a square foot for every one of them. That is right: 5 million square feet of retail bliss.
So, what are you waiting for? You don't sit on a secret like this. You get going because you do not know how soon everyone else is going to know what you know. Indeed, the word on Frisco is probably starting to get out.
How is this for another vivid example? In the 2000 U.S. Census, Frisco had a population of almost 34,000. In 2008, it has jumped to more than 100,000 - making it one of the country's fastest-growing cities.
Growing right with it are retail outlets that make it a shopper's nirvana. (And you can stay and play by asking for the Shop in Frisco weekend rates.) So, get going and pass the word.
Hauls in the Halls
Your shopping adventure could not begin at a better locale than the Stonebriar Centre, a true monument to American retail. In addition, it captures the imagination because it is also an entertainment complex.
Stonebriar, one of the biggest malls in the entire region, boasts 1.6 million square feet of space. Setting up shop in that space are anchors Nordstrom, Macy's, Dilliard's, Sears, JCPenney and Dick's Sporting Goods. They are among more than 165 stores in the mall.
But it is not all about the shopping at Stonebriar. Nowhere is that fact more evident than at The Ice at Stonebriar Centre, which is highlighted by a National Hockey League-size rink. The rink offers public ice sessions, as well as private sessions, skating classes and adult hockey leagues. There is also broomball, birthday parties and a pro shop.
Entertainment options at Stonebriar continue with its 24-screen movie theater and carousel. Located on the upper level of the mall, the carousel features 32 colorful steeds and 24,000 lights. There are mounts that range from traditional Western horses to well-armored equine monsters. And, of course, the mall has many eateries to sustain you during your visit.
Stonebriar is not Frisco's only large retail center you can scour in pursuit of shopping paradise; there also is The Centre at Preston Ridge. Covering 50 acres and holding more than 120 stores, Preston Ridge's well-known tenants include Target, Old Navy and Pier 1 Imports. Like Stonebriar, Preston Ridge, too, will satisfy you with it restaurant offerings.
Making this outdoor mall special is its cattle drive theme. Preston Ridge was a stop along the Shawnee Trail, and artwork wends its way through the mall as a celebration of Texas history. Marked by obelisks and sculptures, the display is the largest continuous-theme bronze sculpture in the country. There are individual sculptures along the trail, such as a group of cowboys around a campfire, cattle separated from the main drive and a lone cowboy atop a horse.
On its own, but feeling like the place to be, is Sam Moon Trading Co., where you can take home the latest in travel accessories and luggage. It's also a place where you can find great deals on perfume, sunglasses, fashion handbags and more. In summary, it is a nice eclectic counterpart to the malls.
Bringing It Home
Frisco's status as one of the United States' fastest growing cities (almost 10,000 people move to town every year) means that major furniture outlets have set up operations in town. For you, this means another angle to follow for your shopping aspirations.
Twelve places specializing in home furnishings and accessories are grouped close together in and near Stonebriar Centre. Inside the mall there is a Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware. Nearby is IKEA, one of only three in the Lone Star State. Across the parking lot from IKEA are Eurway, Zuri, Ashley, Rooms to Go and Stone Creek Furniture. The dozen's roster is completed by Ethan Allen, Anderson's, Haverty's and Amish Furniture Showcase.
Going Downtown
Once you're done on the outskirts of town, you can get to the heart of things by strolling the streets of Old Downtown Frisco, a historic district that is packed with restaurants and shops. You can eat barbecue and steaks while taking a breaking from browsing antiques, or you can check out floral arrangements after cooling off with a frozen custard. Your choices are limited only by your tastes.
If your taste is for something new, take a look at Frisco Square, which is just up the street from the historic district. The square is basically a re-creation of the town city center-a 4.4 million-square-foot mixed-use complex that houses residential, retail and governmental properties. The idea of Frisco Square was to give pedestrians easy access to the goods and services they need. Making official the square's status as the city's new focal point is the new city hall. With excitement such as this at its heart, it's no wonder Frisco's pulse is so strong elsewhere.
As the city builds its future, it stays connected to its past. The connection is literal where Frisco Square spills into the Heritage Center, which in turn adjoins Old Downtown. The Heritage Center makes for an ideal bridge, with its having just opened in March and its mission to share the heritage of Frisco.
Frisco's 100-plus years of history, as well as that of North Texas, is encapsulated by exhibits in the two-story museum and in its Frisco Junction. The latter is operated as a living history center so you can put yourself right into the middle of old-time Frisco. The Junction is composed of historical structures in addition to a restored 1910 steam locomotive and caboose. (The city derived its name from the St. Louis-San Francisco Railroad; it was a water stop along the way.)
Unlike the railroad, Frisco will be forever on your map as you return home. After all, your car will surely be full of goodies, your head full of new-found knowledge and your heart full of local charm. Frisco will be a secret to you no longer.
For more information, visit www.visitfrisco.com.
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