Local Attractions
The Star, Home of the Dallas Cowboys
The Star, home to the Dallas Cowboys’ world headquarters, is one of Frisco’s top destinations with restaurants, shops, and sports-centered attractions. Guests can enjoy a stroll around Tostitos Plaza, visit the Ford Center, or take a Cowboys facilities tour. Great dining options include City Works, Mi Cocina, The Glen, and Tupelo Honey, offering something for everyone.
Historic Downtown McKinney
Historic Downtown McKinney offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and modern attractions. Visitors can explore local shops, enjoy delicious meals at places like Rick’s Chophouse or Harvest Seasonal Kitchen, and take in live music or seasonal events. It’s a wonderful place to wander, shop, and soak up the inviting atmosphere.
Hutchins BBQ
For classic Texas barbecue, our family’s top choice has always been Hutchins BBQ, with convenient locations in both Frisco and McKinney. The food is consistently amazing—Andrew even gave it two thumbs up—and the atmosphere feels warm and welcoming. It’s a can’t-miss spot for anyone wanting to enjoy real Texas flavor.
Fort Worth Stockyards
The historic Fort Worth Stockyards offer an authentic taste of Texas history and Western culture and are well worth a visit while you’re in DFW. Families love the twice-daily cattle drive along Main Street, the shops and vendors, and activities like the petting zoo and stagecoach rides. It’s a lively experience you won’t find anywhere else in the Metroplex. If you’re still in town after the wedding, we’re heading to the Professional Bull Riding (PBR) World Finals for a fun Texas night out. We’ll arrive around 3:30pm on Friday, May 8 to catch the 4pm cattle drive, grab some Texas BBQ, then head to Cowtown Coliseum for the 7:45pm start. Most of us will be in Section K if you’d like to join. Totally optional and all are welcome. Tickets are on the pricier side since it’s the World Finals (~$100–$110 USD), but it’ll be a great time. Reach out to Andrew with any questions. More details: https://www.axs.com/events/1084104/pbr-world-finals-5-8-tickets?skin=cowtowncoliseum
Fort Worth Zoo
The Fort Worth Zoo is one of the nation’s premier zoos, known for its lush pathways and standout exhibits like Elephant Springs, the African Savanna, and the award-winning Museum of Living Art. Growing up, it was always Hope’s favorite—she loved it even more than the closer Dallas Zoo. It’s a place we’ve always connected with joy and family memories.
The Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a stunning, peaceful escape filled with vibrant seasonal flowers, shaded walking paths, and breathtaking views of White Rock Lake. It’s a longtime Vander Meiden family favorite, and we have so many sweet memories of Hope exploring the gardens when she was young. It’s a beautiful place to wander, relax, and enjoy nature right in the heart of Dallas.
Perot Museum of Nature & Science
The Perot Museum is one of Dallas’s most popular attractions, filled with interactive science exhibits and immersive experiences. Families can dig for fossils, try the earthquake simulator, race a virtual T-Rex, and explore everything from space to robotics. It’s a perfect stop for curious kids (and adults!) looking for a fun and memorable outing.
The Dallas World Aquarium
The Dallas World Aquarium features stunning ocean tanks, rainforest animals, and beautifully designed habitats, creating a fun and immersive experience for all ages. It’s a great family-friendly attraction right in downtown Dallas.
Bishop Arts District
The Bishop Arts District in Dallas is a vibrant, walkable neighborhood filled with unique restaurants, charming boutiques, and a fun, artsy atmosphere. It’s a great spot to explore, with fantastic places to eat like Hattie’s, Eno’s Pizza Tavern, Tei Tei Bishop, and the always-popular Emporium Pies for dessert. Visitors also love browsing the eclectic shops, local art galleries, and cute bookstores—making it a perfect place for a relaxed afternoon or an evening out.