Have you ever heard of the magical, hipsteresque college town called Denton,Texas? For those who live there, such as myself, things like going to The Square for dinner or seeing a friend’s name on a Frenchy’s truck are familiar to you. If you have never heard of Denton, let me start off by telling you that it was voted best small town in America in 2012 and it has one of the best music schools in the country—The University of North Texas. I think everyone should visit Denton and see how much it has to offer. Here are a few of my favorite things in Denton that make it such a great city to live in.
The Square
The Denton Square is a historic part of Denton where the (beautiful) Denton courthouse serves as a centerpiece for the restaurants and shops that surround it. There is always something going on—from an early morning yoga session on the courthouse lawn, to a ghost tour at night, to the social run that Oak Street Draft House puts on. The shopping in The Square is unique. For those who love gaming, you can find board games and fandom merchandise at the More Fun Comics and Games store. For those who are looking for unique handcrafted products from local Denton artists, check out the Dime (Denton Independent Maker Exchange) Store, right off The Square. The Square has a lot of fun things to offer (including food, but I’ll get there).
COLLEGES!
Denton has three colleges, making it a great town for college students as well as singles, married couples, and families. The University of North Texas has been rated one of the top music schools in the nation. UNT has alumni’s such as Dr. Phil, Don Henley, and Norah Jones. (Cool story: The Eagles got their name because Don Henley’s high school and college mascots were both named the Eagles. Go Denton!). Texas Women’s University is home to one of the best nursing schools in Texas. Also, it has a beautiful campus, containing The Little Chapel in The Woods, where many Dentonites choose to get married. North Central Texas College, in Denton County/Corinth, has proved to be a great community college. Basically, Denton has a lot of successful college students.
Golden Triangle Mall
The Golden Triangle Mall is getting a BIG make over. Though it has department stores like Macy’s, JCPenney’s, and Dillard’s, the mall has been working on updating and improving its image. As of August 5, an H&M opened! With big changes like this, it is bound to be the new shopping site for Dentonites.
The Arts
Denton is an artsy place; from paintings and sculptures at the Center for the Visual Arts to seeing a show at Denton Community Theatre, you are bound to get your fill of artistry. You may see photographers walking the streets to capture a perfect Denton sunset or you may hear jazz artists on the courthouse lawn. These are all normal experiences for any Denton resident.
Arts and Jazz Fest
Are you truly a Dentonite if you haven’t been to the Arts and Jazz Fest that takes place in April? The Arts and Jazz Fest is one of the most highly anticipated Denton events, and it has been taking place for over 30 years. The festival includes local artists; meaning photographers, musicians, dancers, singers, actors, painters, sculptors, and PLENTY of food vendors. It is a free event and fun for all ages!
North Texas Fair and Rodeo
Another highly anticipated event for Denton is the North Texas Fair and Rodeo, which takes place in late August at the Denton fair grounds. The fair has great food, fun rides, cute livestock, great local vendors, and country music. Country artists like Randy Rogers Band and Josh Abbott Band give concerts on the main stage for a great ending to an even greater night. And, yes, there is an actual rodeo that takes place, too.
FOOD!
Now for the good part! Denton has about a million different great places to stuff your face, so I have to break it down into a few categories:
Breakfast
You can catch Dentonites lined up to get into these delicious breakfast restaurants, each unique and tasty: Seven Mile Café, Old West Café, Loco Café, and Hypnotic Donuts.
Lunch/Dinner
Have you ever had the complimentary muffins at The Chestnut Tree? How about the Brisket Queso at LSA Burger Co.? What about the barbeque from Bet The House BBQ? Or were you lucky enough to get a reservation at Keiichi to have mind-blowing sushi? If you answered no to any of these questions, you HAVE to make a trip to these restaurants asap.
Off The Square
Right off The Square you can find a dozen locally owned restaurants. You can get pizza at Mellow Mushroom, seafood at Hoochie’s Oyster House, cheap yet delectable tacos at Rusty Taco, amazing sandwiches at Weinberger’s Deli, and Rooster Tails at Rooster’s Roadhouse.
Dessert
Being the dessert connoisseur that I am, let me tell you that Denton has some great desserts. If you are feeling up for a milk shake of any sort, head over to Mr. Frosty’s Drive N to be transported back into the 50’s for a classic shake. What about ice cream? Try Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream, it has over 45 different handmade flavors of ice cream. Are you more of a pastry person? Head over to Candy Haven, where you can get an assortment of chocolate-covered strawberries, delicious pies, and custom-made cakes. Still not satisfied? Go to Atomic Candy on The Square. This place has a variety of old-fashioned candies to choose from (warning: parents will act like children at the sight of their favorite childhood candies). Atomic Candy also has over 250 rotating kinds of soda and was crowned the 2014 winner of Best Specialty Store and Best Candy Store in Denton.
Need Caffeine?
Denton is home to some of the best local coffee shops. A few of the most popular ones include West Oak Coffee Bar, Jupiter House, Cultivar Coffee, Shift Coffee, and Zera’s Coffee Company. If you go to any one of these, you won’t be disappointed. Plus, you will always have a great barista who is passionate about coffee and willing to help you find something you’ll love.
Believe it or not, that was a short summary of some of my favorite things in Denton. Now go experience ALL of them! Good luck.
Picture credits—click the link!
Cover Photo: http://www.ianharber.com/photo/
The Square picture
Apogee Stadium picture
The Little Chapel in the Woods picture
