Plano Now

If you ever wonder how Plano, Texas, does ordinary days so well, you are not alone. This city is friendly but not fussy, casual but full of surprises, and every part of it seems designed for exploring at your own pace. Whether you call Plano home or have just rolled into town, you will find a day here slips by easily, with just enough excitement to keep you curious for what’s next.

Morning: Easy Starts and Local Flavor

Start your day at Legacy Hall, a food lover’s daydream and the heart of the Legacy West district. This three-story hall serves up everything from third-wave coffee to fresh pastries and breakfast tacos, all made by local culinary talent. Grab a cozy corner table, watch the city wake up, and let the morning sun filter in through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Next, stretch your legs at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. The scenic walking trails here are just the thing for a little fresh air and a gentle reset. Joggers and cyclists will find plenty of company on winding paths through wildflower meadows and woodlands. There is even a lookout tower for a sweeping view of the park—the perfect place for a midmorning snapshot or a pause to breathe it all in.

Afternoon: Treats, Treasures, and Tinkering

The Not So Square Arts District is where Plano’s original downtown lives on. Pop into the various boutiques, like the quirky Lyla’s Clothing, Décor & More, or treat yourself to something sweet at Amazeballz Cake Balls or the always cheerful Sugar Pine Creamery.

For lunch, try Urban Crust, a favorite where wood-fired pizzas and crisp salads come with plenty of people-watching from the rooftop ice bar. If you prefer Asian cuisine, head over to JOA Korean BBQ, where the sizzling aroma from every table will convince you to settle in and sample a few house specialties.

Round out the post-lunch lull with a visit to the Crayola Experience, a splashy space full of hands-on activities. Families and the young at heart will lose track of time coloring, creating, and even designing their own crayon labels. Even without children in tow, you might be tempted to relive some favorite kid moments with a crayon in hand.

Evening: Light Bites and Lively Sights

As the day cools, there is no better place for a pre-dinner stroll than the Boardwalk at Granite Park. String lights twinkle over casual patios, laughter drifts from bustling restaurants, and the lakeside views make for a picturesque backdrop to early evening conversation.

For dinner, Sixty Vines offers seasonal American fare with a special focus on wine. Tap into one of their many wines on tap while sharing plates of fresh, inventive fare and swapping stories with friends or family. Prefer steak? Haywire serves up Texas classics in a warm, rustic setting. Three stories of dining space, including a rooftop patio, mean it always feels lively but never rushed.

Plano after dark can be as quiet or as spirited as you like. For live music and a small-town vibe, McCall Plaza in downtown Plano often fills up with local bands, food trucks, and festival energy. If catching a show is on your list, the Courtyard Theater delivers everything from small plays to concerts and comedy acts in a cozy, historic space.

If you need a nightcap, The Fillmore Pub is a welcoming spot for a pint and the kind of easy conversation that comes naturally in Plano. Classic pub snacks, local beers, and a hint of old-world charm add a gracious ending to a day well spent.