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| Chase Hall. Photography by Elizabeth Lavin |
Shop Downtown McKinney
Only 30 minutes from Dallas, this historic square is more than tearooms and antiques; think mod home furnishings, quirky collections, and a vibrant art scene.
Where to Shop
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| Chase Hall |
Homepieces: Owner Vicki Woods does shabby chic with an emphasis on the chic, all in a space not much bigger than most hallways. Despite the small space, we found all sorts of delicate chandeliers, antique books, plenty of distressed knickknacks (naturally), and a curvy, sexy rocking chair perfect for summer evenings on the porch. Homepieces. 203-A E. Virginia St. 972-542-6191.
Alternative Furnishings: Overflowing with architectural antiques, this shop has stacks of cornices, stained glass, and decorative molding that we could spend hours rummaging through. Alternative Furnishings. 100 E. Louisiana St. 972-547-0721.
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| The French Mix |
Galleria d’Arte: Next door to Alternative Furnishings, artist Carrie Garner’s gallery is filled with unusual collages and oil paintings by Garner herself. Her work reminds us of Tuscany in the summer or Napa in the spring. In other words, rolling hills, sun-dappled villas, and vistas, vistas, vistas. Galleria d’Arte. 100 E. Louisiana St. 469-742-9509.
Chase Hall: Of downtown McKinney’s numerous antique shops, this is one of our favorites. Owners Terry and Lissa Rogers have fashioned an elegant and unusual collection, a mix of 18th to mid-century European and American antiques. Recent visits uncovered a French pine wardrobe, a Victorian silver tea service, and an English soldier’s lockbox from the early 1800s. Chase Hall. 205 E. Virginia St. 972-548-1344.
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| The French Mix |
The French Mix: Francophiles, rejoice. This is the place to get your oo-la-la on and certainly the sweetest smelling shop on the square (thanks to the Jasmine-scented Slatkin & Co. candles for sale). Owner Laura Vogel carries French reproductions by Richelieu, Currey & Co. chandeliers, and Amy Howard’s line of modern European furnishings. The French Mix. 200 E. Louisiana St. 972-548-9229.
Society: Candles, tabletop, soaps, and the oddly beautiful (such as a haunting tree-shaped candelabra) mingle amid the woodsy charm of design firm Jackson Vaughn’s boutique. Society. 104 W. Virginia St. 972-529-9337.
English Rose: European linens fill Mary Brady’s shop like a downy snowdrift and make us want to curl up in the corner for a snooze. Of course, you may want to buy something first. English Rose. 116 S. Tennessee St. 972-548-1947.
Where to Eat and Drink
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| D’Vine Wine |
Backstage Coffee Company: Located inside the Ritz Building, this is the place to get a superior cup of coffee and sweet pastries before you hit the square and break out your Visa. Backstage Coffee Company. 103 E. Virginia St. 972-562-6620.
The Londoner: Homey British pub grub (bangers and mash, fish and chips) with a dash of Indian and even Tex-Mex. The Londoner. 100 N. Tennessee St. 972-562-2929.
D’Vine Wine of McKinney: Family-owned micro winery that offers tastings (three for $5) of any of their award-winning wines. The Nebbiolo Reserve is a lip smacker. D’vine Wine. 101 N. Kentucky St. 972-542-3030.
