Written by: Michelle Joy of Harbors and Havens, @harbsandhavens.
From a historic and artsy downtown to luxury retail centers to aesthetic brunch cafes, Plano has all the ingredients for the perfect Texas girls getaway. I recently spent a couple of days here checking out some of the shops, parks, public art, and museums and can’t wait to come back for more.
If you’re looking for a fun spot to spend the weekend, I’ve put together this itinerary to help you plan the perfect Plano girls trip.
Friday – Dinner, Drinks, and Painting in Plano
Afternoon Walk at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
If you arrive for your girls weekend in Plano before check-in time, head straight to the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve to walk the trails. The 200-acre park has more than 7 miles of hiking paths, plus an observation and tower and picnic areas. It’s extra pretty when the bluebonnets are blooming in spring, but you can spot other wildflowers throughout the year.
Check-In at the Marriott at Legacy Town Center
The Dallas/Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center is the perfect base for a girls trip. It’s right next to the Shops at Legacy East and Legacy north, so lots of restaurants and stores are just a quick walk away.
I recommend booking the junior suite, deluxe suite, or executive suite if you want to fit four or five friends. These spaces have separate living rooms, so it’s easier to spread out, and the executive suite even has an extra half bath and a huge balcony overlooking the pond and fountain. It’s the perfect place to hang out all together while you’re at the hotel.
The Marriott at Legacy has an on-site Starbucks, a brunch restaurant called Copper Creek, and the Rustic Jewel, a cocktail bar that also serves lunch and dinner. After checking in, spend a little time soaking up the sun on the pool deck — you can order drinks and snacks right to your lounge chair.
Drinks and Charcuterie at The Bloom Lounge
Your first evening in Plano is the perfect time to get dressed up for drinks and appetizers at The Bloom Lounge. This floral and girly eatery is known for its delicious brunch menu and cocktails, but it’s also open for lunch and dinner. Stop in for a dragon fruit margarita or espresso martini and order a charcuterie board to snack on smoked gouda and olives.
Pipe & Palette Paint Throwing
Pipe and Palette in Plano offers fun art classes and experiences that are perfect to do with the girls. You can keep it low-key with a Paint ‘N Sip party, but I recommend going all in and booking a private Splatter Paint room, where your whole crew will suit up and freestyle paint a canvas together.
Dinner at The Boardwalk at Granite Park
End the perfect first day in Plano with a late dinner and drinks at the Boardwalk at Granite Park. A few different eateries and a brewpub here sit on a pretty pond with a boardwalk around it. There are several casual hangout spots where you can sit and chat after grabbing food at Blue Mesa Grill, the Biscuit Bar, or Suburban Yacht Club (they have the cutest coastal cocktails here).
Saturday – Downtown Plano History & Adventure
Coffee and Breakfast Downtown
If you love a local coffee shop, head to downtown Plano this morning to grab a cup at Lemma Coffee Co or 1418 Coffee. For a light breakfast, both cafes offer things like croissants, bagels, scones, and avocado toast.
Stroll the Downtown Plano Arts District
After breakfast, it’s time to check out the Downtown Plano Arts District. The historic city center dates to the late 19th century, and the old brick buildings are now filled with boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Don’t miss the free Interurban Railway Museum for some Plano train history, Haggard Park for a pretty gazebo, Georgia’s Farmers Market for local goodies and cute murals, and downtown shops like Lyla’s for souvenirs.
Visit the Heritage Farmstead Museum
Close to downtown, the Heritage Farmstead Museum is like stepping back in time to late 1800s Plano. The old farm site and living history museum has a Victorian house you can tour and grounds full of cute barnyard animals.
Lunch at a Local eatery
Downtown Plano has some great local spots to eat, whether you’re in the mood for barbecue or Austrian food. Make it BAR-Ranch Steak Company for elevated wagyu burgers, Urban Rio Cantina & Grill for Tex-Mex, Jorg’s Cafe Vienna for bratwurst and schnitzel, or Lockhart Smokehouse for brisket, beans, and beer.
Zip Line at Oak Point Park
If your crew likes to spend time outdoors, head over to Oak Point Park in the afternoon for a little adventure. The 800-acre green space has a pond, 13 miles of trails, and a fun treetop and zipline course at Go Ape.
Happy Hour and Dinner Downtown
For happy hour, it’s time to head back to downtown Plano for drinks with a view at Urban Crust. The pizzeria has a rooftop that overlooks the downtown blocks, perfect for enjoying the sunset with a signature Urban Crush or Downtown Old Fashioned.
If you want to hop over to another spot, Vickery Park is a brewpub across the street with bar games and local craft beers on tap.
Hotel Hot Tub
End the day with some relaxation on the pool deck of the Marriott at Legacy. There’s nothing better than a bubbling hot tub under the big and bright stars at night.
Sunday – Brunch and Shopping in Plano
Brunch at Copper Creek
Marriott at Legacy Town Center’s onsite restaurant Copper Creek serves the most elaborate breakfast spread that you must try at least once during your stay! You can order a la carte, but I recommend the all-you-can-eat buffet, which includes everything from fresh scones and parfait to eggs benedict and made-to-order omelets. You also can’t go wrong with a classic Texas waffle loaded with whipped cream and fruit.
Take Mural Photos at Legacy East
After breakfast, it’s time to walk off the calories with a stroll over to The Shops at Legacy East. This shopping and dining district is full of public art that makes a fun backdrop for photo sessions. Head over to the alley by Del Frisco’s Grille for colorful, Texas-themed murals and then pop across the road for a wall full of vibrant shapes. Another fun spot is around the corner from Francesca’s on Kincaid Street, where you’ll find a massive wing mural full of flowers.
Shop at Legacy
The rest of the day is all about shopping, hopping between the three different Legacy zones — The Shops at Legacy East, Legacy West, and Legacy North.
Legacy East is closest to the hotel, with retailers like Francesca’s, Kendra Scott, Urban Outfitters, and Impeccable Pig. Legacy North is the spot to go for some pampering, with several spas, salons, and personal care businesses. You also don’t want to miss the Ella Bleu boutique for girly looks.
The largest shopping center of the bunch, Legacy West mixes high-end retailers with popular chains like Madewell, Lululemon, and Sephora. If you want to shop small, be sure to stop by Read Between the Lines to grab candles, cards, and cute Texas souvenirs.
Eat at Legacy Hall
There are so many places to grab lunch and dinner in the Legacy shopping centers, but Legacy Hall is perfect for a group. The food hall has a couple dozen different dining and drink vendors, including Vegan Vibrationz for plant-based foods, Velvet Taco for elective flavors, and Roots Chicken Shak for Southern favorites. There’s also an ice cream shop, wine bar, and craft brewery onsite.
Find more things to do, places to eat, plus more hotel accommodations here.
