When I first moved to Denton, Texas to attend Texas Woman's University, I was a tad concerned. I couldn't see past the weird one way streets that are so hard to maneuver, the trashiness that is Fort Worth Drive, and the hipsters taking over every table at my favorite coffee shops when I tried to study. However, I have grown to love this place, probably more than a person should love a city. One may even dare to say I've turned into one of those annoying locals who sits for hours at the aforementioned coffee shops.There are so many cool things to do, it's family-friendly even though it is swarming with college students, and it only gets better after turning 21. Here are just 10 reasons why I love Denton, in no particular order, even though I could probably write a novel on the matter.
1. The Square
Ah, Denton's famous square, otherwise known as "downtown." It is oozing with history, and the new additions only add to its character. West Oak Street is probably my favorite street in the history of streets. Eastside and Oak Street Draft House are my all time favorite bars to grab a craft beer with friends, and usually has super yummy food trucks in the back. Recycled Books is also an awesome get away to get lost in novels or records all day. J & J's Pizza on the Square has a neat basement where you can watch free shows. Finally, West Oak Coffee House is my new favorite coffee shop (sorry Jupiter House... you're still awesome!) If you go, be sure to get their famous hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows. Next to it, a drum circle meets up at night during the week, and anyone can join in! Also on the square is the best ice cream on earth, Beth Marie's. My favorite flavor is the Salty Dog. Next to it is LSA, a two-story burger joint that has live music most nights on the top floor. It is quickly becoming a Denton icon. Be sure to also check out the old fashioned candy shop, comic book store, vintage mall, and Paschall's, a hidden gem above Andy's Bar. It's like stepping into a different world. You know what, just visit everything on the square, excluding the boutiques. I give you permission to not spend over $100 on two mediocre quality sweaters. And best of all, the courthouse is always lit up like Christmas!
2. Morrison's Corn Kits
No, no one knows what the hell a corn kit is, and no, I don't know why it's even making my list. I figured it's kind of legendary, as it's always a good reference point. "Hey girl, where are you?!" "I'm by Morrison's Corn Kits!" It's also always an interesting topic of conversation when you drive by it with first time Dentoners. Maybe by the time I graduate I will figure out what goes on in that oh so ugly, mysterious factory.
3. Hailey's 90's Night
Let me preface this by saying that the rumors are true. 90's night will be a thing of the past come Dec. 31, 2015, and no one is more depressed about it than I am. It is where I met my boyfriend whom I rejected a dance with. Luckily he was able to drown his sorrows in $1.50 doubles. (Don't worry, he tried again three months later and snagged a date with me). It is also where you can dance like a fool with no judgment, because the atmosphere is just so positive. The DJ is always spinning the best songs of the 90's and early 2000s, and you burn about 400 calories dancing the night away with your best friends. What could be better?
4. Goatman's Bridge
While Goatman's Bridge (Old Alton Bridge if you google it) is actually located in Argyle, TX, it is not a far drive from Denton, and most students make it out there at least once in their college career. Legend has it that a black goat farmer moved he and his family just north of the bridge way back in the day. He became incredibly successful, which wasn't accepted to many. In 1938, Klansmen crossed the bridge, captured the goat farmer, and threw him over the bridge before murdering the rest of his family. Locals will warn you that if you cross the bridge in the dark, the goatman will meet you on the other side. Spooky activity has been reported in the area. If you can make it across without getting too scared, there's a creepy, yet kind of romantic spot deep in the woods next to the creek. Just remember a flashlight and watch your step!
5. Music and Art
Denton is home to the famous Denton Arts and Jazz Festival, which is personally one of my favorite events to attend in the area. There's lots of good food, homemade art, and of course awesome music to jam out to. There's art everywhere you look in Denton, and the murals are worth checking out. Be sure to visit the small art shops located just off the square and support the locals! There's so many talented musicians on the streets if you just stop and listen. Appreciate them. Finally, if you like the band "Bowling for Soup," the bass player always hangs out at Mulberry Cantina. Look for the guy at the bar with his adorable dog.
6. The Bubble Man
If you've been to Fry Street, you know who the Bubble Man is. He's as sweet as he is sassy. He sells herbs out of his van (yes, that is his real job!) that aid with anxiety, attention deficit issues, and insomnia. It may sound sketchy, but he's always a fun hippy to have a conversation with even if you don't partake in his special herb blends.
7. Fry Street
The universal meet up spot. Lucky Lou's is my favorite bar, and is usually where my friends and I start the night. If we're feeling particularly crazy, so pretty much every time we go out, we head over to Tavern and Public House. There's not too many frat daddy's, but just enough to where my sorority sisters and I can attain a decent amount of free drinks. And where else can you get $2 doubles on Wednesday nights to get you through the rest of your week? Getting a Mean Green pizza at Crooked Crust while you wait for your ride at the end of the night is a must. There's also lots of cute little bars, such as Hickory and Fry, Tom's Daquiris, and Cool Beans that you should also pop into. Oktoberfest is an awesome time as well in October.
8. Dime Store and Scrap Denton
Two stores that I think are unappreciated. The Dime Store, while a bit pricey, is a tiny mom and pop store that has T-shirts, household items, and other adorable Denton memorabilia. While very small, I could spend hours in there. Scrap Denton is a store that sells...well, scraps. You can go in there and rummage through photographs from the 30's or find scraps of material to assist you in your next DIY project from pinterest that you've been putting off.
9. Good food
In addition to the restaurants I've already mentioned, the yellow taco house on Dallas Dr. (no one really knows what its called) is a good choice for authentic street tacos. Everyone loves Mr. Chopsticks on Scripture St., and Pizza Snob is quickly becoming everyone's favorite pizza parlor. Try their specialty sodas if you go! Seven Mile Cafe and Loco cafe are also top notch choices for a delicious breakfast.
10. The Whitehouse and Harvest House
My two favorite "houses" in Denton! The Whitehouse is coffee shop/beer garden in a renovated house. They have a open mic night once a week, and every time I have gone, I have been blown away by the talent. Harvest House is a bar with a huge back yard where local artists also perform. I am so impressed with the size of the stage, and it's always fun to see local artists in your own backyard!
The sense of community and good vibes radiating through Denton makes this city so special to me. If you're ever in the area, be sure to immerse yourself in the culture. There's nothing else quite like it.
