Plano, Texas is one of the most rapidly growing cities in the United States. Frequently ranked one of the nation's best cities to live in, Plano features a unique blend of attractions and history that attract visitors from all over the world. The comfortable hotels Plano offers are conveniently located to the historic downtown, where rural and urban meet seamlessly.
Plano's beginnings stretch back to the early 1840s when settlers came to the area. They set up facilities including a gristmill, sawmill and general store, all of which brought more people into the area. A mail service was eventually established and the name, Plano was suggested, from the Spanish word meaning "flat". The name was a reference to the flat terrain of the area and it was officially accepted by the post office. In the 1870s, the Houston and Texas railroads brought more people into the city and Plano was incorporated in 1873. For a suburb of Dallas, Plano's population grew slowly until the 1970s and 1980s when large corporations moved their headquarters to the area. It now stands as one of Dallas' largest suburbs.
A trip to downtown is the best way to experience Plano. This historic downtown features an array of art exhibits, performances and museums. It is home to the Plano African American Museum and the Interurban Railway Museum. Historic attractions include the Thornton House, circa 1900 and the Carpenter House, a Victorian home from 1898. Visitors can also take the downtown walking tour which is offered through the Interurban Railway Museum.
For a taste of music, the downtown area offers the Plano Symphony Orchestra. This professional orchestra maintains high artistic standards and adheres to a strict non-profit philosophy. If you happen upon the Haggard Park Historic District, adjacent to downtown, you will see the Courtyard Theater. This stage has superior acoustics and professional staff to make your experience a lasting memory.
For a trip back in time, take the family to the Heritage Farmstead Museum. This historically accurate museum is the premier living history of the Blackland Prairie farm culture from 1890 to 1920. This nostalgic era comes alive on four acres of farmland. The interiors are carefully reconstructed and designed using in depth research on life during this period, so the house stands as a true representation of a prosperous farming family. Costumed docent tours are available and are managed by professional curators, educators and historians. Some of the highlights of the tour include the one-room schoolhouse, the wash shed, chicken coops, root cellars and the blacksmith shop, not to mention the fourteen-room Farrell-Wilson home. It's an exciting trip for the entire family.
If you want to enjoy Texas outdoors, stop by the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. This 200-acre park is ideal for jogging, hiking, walking, biking and other outdoor activities. Amenities include restrooms, an observation tower, a rentable pavilion and playground. It's a beautiful, natural preserve within the suburban limits and environmental stewardship is of the utmost concern. The park consists of Blackland Prairie, Riparian Forest and Upland Forest, each unique to the Texas countryside.
With over 3,000 acres of public parks and more than thirty miles of hiking trails, Plano is the perfect destination for recreation. The city features some of the best golfing in the area. The Chase Oaks Golf Club has been voted one of the finest facilities in the country, while the Los Rios Country Club offers a championship golf course. There are also other recreational facilities including tennis centers, an NHL-sized ice skating rink, an indoor roller rink and putt-putt and bowling facilities.
Plano, Texas is also a shopper's paradise. Not only can you shop at some of the trendiest boutiques and high-end department stores, but visitors can also tour the JC Penney Museum. Admission is free and it's a fun way to experience the history of one of America's number one department stores.
Now that you want to visit, take your pick from the outstanding hotels Plano offers. Some of the accommodations listed for hotels Plano features come with fully equipped kitchens, fitness centers, business rooms, flat screen televisions and free Wi-Fi. A continental breakfast, swimming pool and airport shuttle services are generally included, but check the hotel description for specific information.
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Fri, Jan 27 - Sunny
Max : 17°C (63°F)
Min : 7°C (45°F)
Sat, Jan 28 - Sunny Intervals
Max : 11°C (52°F)
Min : 2°C (36°F)
Sun, Jan 29 - Sunny
Max : 14°C (57°F)
Min : 8°C (46°F)
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