Twice a month, we all link up with Andrea and show & tell ya something. Well, today, I’m linking up early because next week, I’m not blogging while we’re on vacation, but I wanted to make sure I got to participate. Today, we’re sharing about our hometown. In my opinion, I have three hometowns :).
Irving, TX
So, I was born and raised in Irving, TX. Irving is right next door to Dallas. Their city limits bump right up next to each other, so it’s a pretty urban city that doesn’t have a real cozy/homey feel to it. That being said, it was home to me for the first 18 years of my life. My dad had his own business there for almost 40 years, we attended church there, all of my friends lived there and I graduated from Irving High School. Irving is where I’m from. Irving is famous for several things…
Up until a few years ago when Jerry Jones built his new stadium, Irving was home to the Dallas Cowboys. This was Texas Stadium (the city tore it down after the Cowboys left). Even after they moved their stadium, the Cowboys still continued to practice in Irving. Next year, their new practice facilities open up in Frisco, TX, but up until then, Irving has claimed the Cowboys as their own.
Every year, the Byron Nelson Golf Tournament takes place in Irving. Random fact, Dr. Phil McGraw is from Irving and the neighborhood that backs up to the Byron Nelson is where they lived until they made it big and moved to Hollywood (back when I was in middle school).
Irving has a beautiful section filled with canals that, when I was younger, was full of cute little restaurants, cafes and shops. Strangely enough…everyone abandoned this area some time ago and the nationally syndicated Kidd Kraddick in the Morning Radio Show took over this little section of Irving and this is where they produce their show each day. Isn’t that funny? Their show is on an abandoned canal in the heart of Irving.
The Mustangs, as this group of horses is referred to, is perhaps the most famous little part of Irving. Thirteen years ago, a 22 year old boy brought his girlfriend here after dinner one May evening and proposed…and now, she types this blog post for you :).
So, that’s Irving. That’s really and truly where I’m from. At 18, I graduated high school and moved to Denton, TX for college just as my parents were moving to the Colleyville/Southlake part of our metroplex. And that leads me to my hometown #2…
Southlake, TX
So, my parents moved to this quiet little suburban neighborhood nestled between Colleyville, Southlake and Grapevine, TX. It’s weird…part of their neighborhood is in Colleyville, part is in Southlake and their school district zone is Grapevine. So, it’s just this little cluster of cute towns all mushed next to each other west of DFW Airport. I lived in Denton, TX for a year attending college…but when my parents moved to their new house…and my boyfriend at the time got a job in Southlake…it didn’t take long for me to decide to move home and commute to college…so, I lived in their new house for 2½ years before I married Andrew (somewhere in the middle of all of that, I broke up with other boyfriend and met this cute football buddy of Sean’s and fell in love). If you’ve read this blog for any length of time, then you know how much I love the little city of Southlake, TX. My parents have now lived here 15 years, and because I never have a reason to go back to Irving, Southlake feels like home to me.
The heart of Southlake is their Town Center. This outdoor shopping/dining/entertaining complex is unbelievable. When we first moved there, it was only two rows of shops with two restaurants and now, it’s HUGE. Every store you could want is within walking distance, there is a movie theater, a hotel and dozens of restaurants.
Southlake is where you’ll find us for Oktoberfest, their tree lighting ceremony, their art festival and pretty much on every pretty Saturday in between. My kids call this place “Lovie’s town” and if we’re not at “our town” on a Saturday, we’re at Lovie’s :).
The city planners that created this little part of Southlake should be praised. It’s spectacular! And it’s home.
McKinney, TX
So, I’ve told this story before but it bears repeating today…back when I was in middle school and high school, we would drive from Irving to McKinney for lunch and to shop on their historic town square. Back in the day, that was about an hour commute (a new toll road has opened since then, so it’s more like 35ish minutes from Irving today). So, we would go and eat at the famous Pantry on the square and shop. It was always a treat! That being said, I knew nothing else about McKinney besides that square and that restaurant. Well, fast forward to Andrew and me deciding to open our own business and Andrew suggested McKinney. Stupid Andrew. I was not going to live in McKinney. That was so far away! As an Irving girl, anything north of Dallas was basically Oklahoma and I was not moving there.
Well, I did.
Ten years ago, we moved to McKinney to plant our business and start a family and it was one of the VERY BEST DECISIONS OF OUR MARRIAGE. I hate it when Andrew is right. #ithappensalot #donttellhimisaidthat I cannot imagine living anywhere besides McKinney, TX. This is the perfect place to own a business and raise a family. This little suburb is only 25 minutes (depending on traffic) north of Dallas, but at times, feels much further away. We have the historic side of town and the newly developed side of town…and I love both. When I die, I hope they bury me in McKinney, TX. This my friends, is really my home. And as for that restaurant, The Pantry? We’ve eaten there the last three Saturdays in a row. #noshame #somethingsnevergetold Here’s a peek at our McKinney…
McKinney is home. Now, I know I’ve bragged about this before…BUT…Money Magazine did name us the best city in America to live in :). I mean…who knew Andrew was so smart way back in 2006???
So, those are my hometowns :).
If you missed my Show & Tell Tuesday posts from before…
Next time on Show & Tell Tuesday we share about our life’s mixed tape. And to see upcoming topics, look below…
On my foodie blog today…
That’s right…PIZZA. WAFFLES.
Yes, you need this!
Erika Slaughter says
Oh my goodness!! I blogged about my hometown too! Hahahahaha! Great minds! 😉
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
I could eat somewhere on the square ever single day of my life. I'd hop from The Pantry to Spoon's to Harvest to Snug to Square Burger to Sugar Bacon to Emporium Pies….and the list goes on and on. Sure, I'd be 800 pounds, but I'd be happy! 😉
Narci says
Aw!! Loved reading about your hometowns!! Those pictures of your family in downtown McKinney are just precious!
Loren Ferruccio says
I really loved this show and tell, it was a great story to tell. I cried at the mustangs section lol! I am going to miss you next week. Have a blast! take lots of pics!
Scavenger Hunt Blog says
I live in Fort Worth and absolutely love love love South lake!! I am always up for venturing out and trying new places. I think the McKinney town square sounds super fun and yummy!!
Lesley McFarland
Kltfamily.blogspot.com
Nancy M says
Love your blog and have been reading for a couple of years! I am closer to Lovie's age, though and thought it'd be nice to see a once a month post on"Lovie's Looks". You have shown us only a time or two your mom's take on your fashion and I'd love to see more!
kelly says
I'm kind if intrigued by Lovie too! 1st of all, who has the name "Lovie"! But I love it. She's so beautiful and seems to sit back and let everyone else get the limelight… I love Lovie! Haha! #morelovie
kelly says
Who knew I would love reading about the different towns in Texas that you've lived in?! This post was terrific! Thanks!
That canal section of Irving is gorgeous!!
kimm atwood says
Isn't it crazy that a place we could never picture ourselves loving turns out to be the best possible place to call home? And yay for a week of relaxation!!!
Aubrey says
You mean Andrew didn't propose on Turkey Mountain?? Andrew for the win! 🙂
Jamie Allen says
i feel like i need to visit these places. vacation there to explore. i've never been to texas. #idontliketobetoohot
Kjlb37 says
Through your blog posts and Andrea's I love your McKinney! If we ever get to Texas it's on my list of places to visit;).
Rebecca says
The Chamber of Commerce should be bringing you a check! It all makes me so homesick! I love your town stories. I just yesterday told someone they should move to McKinney based solely on what you and Andrea say about it. One day I shall at least visit! In the meantime, I am so jealous! : )
Candice Harvick says
Thank tou so much for sharing! I don't always have time to read blogs, but something intrigued me to ready yours today. I'm so glad I did! My husband and I have been considering a move to Texas, specifically the McKinney area. We've done a lot of research about the area and have wanted to come visit. We actually booked plane tickets last week to come out for spring break and check everything out!
Brittni Rawdon says
Candice.. I am in Real Estate here in Dallas (and surrounding areas) If you and your husband decide this is the place for you I would love to help you find a place to call home. Please don't hesitate if you need anything at all while you are in town! Dallas is so great! 9726582486
Candice Harvick says
Thank you so much for reaching out! I'll keep your number handy!
Suzy says
I live in Colleyville….moved here 10 years ago and Colleyville/Southlake is home…I never want to leave!! I agree – the Southlake Town Center is the best! (if they only had a Nordstroms – you would never have to leave!!) 🙂 Thanks for sharing Shay – have a great day!
Angela Ellingson says
They all sound lovely! But you make me want to move to McKinney! It's only about 12 hours from here (Tea, SD). 😉 We actually lived in Texas for about 3 years. My husband was stationed at Ft. Hood and I attending nursing school in Belton. 🙂
Regine Karpel says
This is great
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
Melanie Smith says
I never thought these words would come out of my mouth, but IM DYING TO VISIT MCKINNEY TEXAS!!!!
SugarFitMama says
McKinney sounds so family oriented and awesome! I'm in Anderson, SC and even though it's growing, it still has a small town feel. Well, at least for someone who grew up here. We will miss reading your posts while you're away, but enjoy your hubby, babies, and Friends.
V @ X-tremely V says
I have only been to Texas once so far (Austin to be exact) and I loved it! I love the south in general! I am hoping we will plan another trip down there to explore the Dallas area and more! That town square in McKinney sounds truly wonderful!
Megan says
I never knew Irving had shops on the canal streets. So sad they are abandoned. The city should revamp that area for sure!! And I agree the Southlake city planners are awesome!! But I love love mckinney!! The downtown is one of my favorite places ever!!
shaeken says
Hey, now, Oklahoma isn't so bad! 🙂
Anamarie Rebori says
Love this! My in-laws live in Prosper and I'm thinking next time we visit, we'll have to check out McKinney's town square!
http://lessthanaverageheight.com/
Jenny says
Love this post!! Since moving to the Dallas suburbs a few years ago, your blog has helped me find ways to make my little Allen suburb feel like home!!
Amanda Regan says
Ha! Our town has been named the Best City to Live in America twice- this year we fell to number 4 🙂 I love these lists.
Life as the Mrs. says
We live in Irving and LOVE visiting the canals. There are now a few fun restaurants next to where 106.1-FM has their studios and it's fun to sit on the patio with the canal behind you and listen to the music from the radio station's speakers. 🙂
Jenny says
I love how much you love where you live. When my husband and I got married, we didn't even discuss where we wanted to live. We just found a house and stayed. When our 10 year anniversary arrived, it dawned on me, that we hadn't even discussed it. I guess we ended up where we were meant to be. 😉
michelle says
Why did your parents move after high school? How far away are you from them now? Do you ever see yourself moving? Such an interesting post, as I'm considering making a move once my 3 oldest graduate high school and I loved your insight on this!
Mix and Match Mama says
They just decided to move a little more out to the 'burbs. My mom especially really loved that area, so that's why. I'm an hour from them now and no, I never see myself moving. I love where I am now :).
Alessandra says
I was so disappointed that you didn't include Detroit in your "hometown" post… I would love to hear your perspective about it!
Mix and Match Mama says
Ah! Well, we only lived there a year, so even though I loved it, it doesn't feel like a hometown. We lived in Dearborn and truly, truly, truly loved living there.
Alessandra says
I am so glad to hear it! I have been in Michigan for 3 years now and despite the rigorous winter I just LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I didn't know you were here for just a year 😉
Lindsay at Lindsay'sSweetWorld says
PIZZA WAFFLES?! Stop iiiit! That's two of my kids' favorite things! I'm heading over to check it out and I'm making it next week for sure!
Lindsay – Lindsay's Sweet World
Alison Morrissey says
Hi Shay,
Thank you for sharing your blog! You have such wonderful ideas. This morning I used the Nars/Bobbie Brown moisturizer combo after reading my one year bible.
?…I am traveling to Dallas and staying at the Omni Dallas for a banking conference mid March. Just wondering if you have any suggestions for restaurants, bars etc? This is my 1st time traveling to Texas.
Also, if you ever travel north of Boston, let me know…lots of fun places for you and your family.
Ali
Jeanie says
Does anyone in your entire family ever take a bad picture? They are all fantastic. My grandparents on my mother's side had the last name of McKinney. I'm pretty sure your town is named after them. Oh, I kid. As far as I know, Texas is one state where they never lived.
Sasha Posey says
Shay, my husband proposed to me there 18 years ago! It's a beautiful area!
Polka Dot Blossom says
I loved this post so much…it made me want to go to dinner on The Square…so we did!
Simply A Rough Draft says
The Pantry meatloaf is enough to make anyone want to move to McKinney! So good! Before I got married I worked at a bank in McKinney, the owner of The Pantry would bring us "leftover" pies quite often. They're such a nice family, too!
What do you order there?
Ruth says
Your town square looks like so much fun! I love places with a little charm, good food and shopping. And the good old Dallas stadium, I became a fan after I went on a summer tour of the stadium and locker room.
Ruth says
Your town square looks like so much fun! I love places with a little charm, good food and shopping. And the good old Dallas stadium, I became a fan after I went on a summer tour of the stadium and locker room.
Unknown says
in the last 2 years, i have seriously considered moving to mckinney because of how you talk about it. it sounds amazing. i am in southern california, so it would be a big leap, but we are still looking into it. i do have a question for you….i cant believe you live in texas and never wear cowboy boots!!! i can totally picture you rocking a cute summer dress and some cowboy boots!
michelle d.
Sarah Kuykendall says
Such great hometowns! And you are so good at taking family photos!
the undomesticated wife says
I bought my house in McKinney in 2004. I love it here, but it's gotten WAY too crowded. We do love the square and go to every parade down there. I have to say I prefer Spoons to the Pantry though. 🙂 Their coconut cream pie is the bomb.
Sandie P says
I love McKinney too. I live in Frisco but I work in McKinney. I think the old downtown has a lot of charm.
Courtney Kaker says
I love this post! My in-laws live in Bridgeport and we visit them all the time. We used to drive through Mckinney to get there but now we drive through Southlake and Irving! My in-laws go to church at Gateway and I fell in love with Southlake. Who am I kidding? I'm an Arkansas girl in love with TEXAS!