Frisco’s Hidden Gems

Here’s a secret: There’s more to Frisco than meets the eye. Sure, the city is known as a sports mecca as it serves as the home of Toyota Stadium, Riders Field, the Ford Center, Comerica Center and, later this year, the PGA of America headquarters. Also, there is no shortage of dining, shopping and entertainment at places including The Star District and Stonebriar Centre, among others.However, Frisco also has a fair number of what are best described as “hidden gems” – places, spaces, events and attractions that reside a bit off the beaten path. On the other hand, some are hiding in plain sight just waiting to be discovered by new and longtime residents as well as visitors.From a password-protected speakeasy and a paradise for soccer fans to museums dedicated to trains and video games, there is truly something for everyone in Frisco. Consider visiting some of the city’s lesser-known attractions featured on this non-inclusive list.

Museum of the American RailroadFrisco Discovery Center8004 N. Dallas Pkwy., Suite 400, Frisco 214-428-0101 | historictrains.orgFans of trains can get their fill at this museum that celebrates the history of the American railroad with memorabilia, locomotives and train cars. Walking tours are available. Be sure to visit TrainTopia, a model train exhibit that winds through a 2,500-square-foot world featuring handcrafted scenery and dramatic lighting effects that help depict the topography of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

Black Box Theater

Frisco Discovery Center
br8004 N. Dallas Pkwy., Frisco

972-292-6651 | friscoacts.com

It’s showtime, baby! The 100-seat performance and rehearsal space plays host to improv performances, film screenings, recitals, concerts and talent shows by local performance groups (it’s also used for private events). Upcoming scheduled performances include Theatre Frisco’s Jerry’s Girls (Feb. 18-March 6) and Over the River and Through the Woods (April 8-24); Frisco Improv Players’ A Night of Improv Comedy (Feb. 26 and April 2); and Frisco Area Children’s Theater’s Madagascar Jr. (March 27-28 and April 3-4).

Rare Books Bar J.Theodore Restaurant & Bar 6959 Lebanon Road, Suite 110, Frisco 214-705-7775 | rarebooksbar.comLive music, a fantastic selection of spirits and oh-so-cool aesthetics are on tap at Rare Books Bar. This speakeasy serves specialty cocktails made from whiskey, vodka, gin and tequila as well as liquors from around the world. Visit its Facebook page (facebook.com/RareBooksBar) to learn the bar’s weekly password, then dial the “librarian” from inside the old-fashioned phone booth to gain entry to the place.

Frisco StarfestFrisco Commons Park8000 McKinney Road, Frisco214-800-6000 | texasastro.org Dazzling stars light up the night sky during Frisco Starfest events, hosted the second Saturday of each month by the Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas. This free, family friendly event aims to promote interest in space and astronomy by inviting the public to view planets and stars alongside telescope owners and other volunteers.

National VideoGame Museum Frisco Discovery Center 8004 N. Dallas Pkwy., Frisco 972-668-8400 | nvmusa.orgThis interactive museum showcases the history of video games and allows patrons to play retro and new games during visits. The first dedicated video game museum in the United States, it’s determined to document, preserve and exhibit the industry’s history. Don’t miss the place’s reproduction of an ’80s-era arcade.

National Soccer Hall of Fame 9200 World Cup Way, Suite 600, Frisco
br469-365-0043 | nationalsoccerhof.comLearn about the United States’ greatest soccer stars and the sport itself. The National Soccer Hall of Fame Experience employs virtual reality and interactive technology to honor players from throughout the years and immerse guests in the world of soccer. Exhibits and memorabilia are on display. The annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony is held here.

Nack Theater6711 Oak St., Frisco 972-837-8034 | nacktheater.com With a look that’s reminiscent of an old-fashioned movie theater, this intimate, 210-seat performance space plays host to concerts, plays, private events and weddings, among others. Upcoming shows include a concert by pianist and Frisco Arts Foundation Chair Tammy Meinershagen (Feb. 12), who will perform on a Steinway SPIRIO grand piano as well as a pair of concerts by Christian pop band Anthem Lights (March 26).

Texas Sculpture Garden at HALL Park6801 Gaylord Pkwy., Frisco
brtexassculpturegarden.orgThis stunning place showcases the vision of lifelong art collector Craig Hall, developer of HALL Office Park, with the assistance of curator Patricia Meadows. Surrounded by lakes, fountains and lush landscaping, the impressive display is the largest private collection of contemporary Texas sculpture to be assembled and made available for the public to enjoy.

Frisco Rail Yard 9040 First St., Frisco
br214-587-7245 | friscorailyard.net At the Frisco Rail Yard, food trucks serve a variety of snacks and entrees as well as refreshing beverages, making this a fun and relaxing, family friendly outdoor hangout spot. Play lawn games, listen to live music and attend special events throughout the year, including the National Margarita Day (Feb. 22) and St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) celebrations.

Frisco Heritage Center6455 Page St., Frisco972-292-5665
brfriscotexas.gov/1361/About-Us.Want to know more about the city’s fascinating history? Get educated at the center, which includes the 16,000 square-foot Frisco Heritage Museum and four-acre Frisco Heritage Village. At the museum, learn about Frisco’s farming roots, the important role cotton played in the area’s economy and how transportation changed the city over time. Tour historic buildings in the surrounding village and view the Letters Home: The A.F. “Frank” Smith Story exhibit (through May 28), featuring letters sent from the frontlines of World War I.

Frisco Art Gallery
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p>Frisco Discovery Center
br8004 N. Dallas Pkwy., Suite 200, Frisco
br972-292-6651 | friscotexas.gov/1318/Frisco-Art-GalleryAdmire the works of local, regional, national and international artists at the gallery. Check out its Instagram page (@friscoartgallery) to view photos of art on display and learn about upcoming exhibits.
Monarch View Park1900 Koehn Drive, Frisco
brfriscotexas.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Monarch-View-Park-109This 13-acre park, boasting walking trails, picnic areas and a playground, was designed to encourage Monarch butterfly migration. A native wildflower prairie attracts butterflies and native Texas birds as they migrate during the spring and fall months. Don’t leave without admiring the half-dozen steel art pieces of massive Monarch butterflies created by artist Pascale Pryor.
Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop Outlet Store15825 Gateway Drive, Suite 200, Frisco
br972-785-4240 | shop.dallascowboys.comCan one actually be considered a Texan if they don’t own a Dallas Cowboys t-shirt? We think not. Shop for discounted Cowboys goods at this outlet store (not to be confused with the Pro Shop located at The Star District). The outlet sells licensed team apparel, collectibles and tailgating gear, among other items.
The Depot Café6733 Main St., Frisco 972-377-0707 | depotcafefrisco.com More than five decades ago, Henry’s Supermarket served the grocery and butcher needs of Frisco residents. It was remodeled and opened as The Depot Cafe in 1999. In a nod to the city’s past, the Frisco-themed eatery displays train memorabilia and historic photos and serves such comfort foods as biscuits and gravy, fried catfish and chicken fried steak.
Frisco Public Art ProgramVarious locations
brfriscotexas.gov/708/Public-ArtYou needn’t travel far to view beautiful artworks courtesy of Frisco’s public art program. Follow an interactive, online map to explore and discover the locations of these inspired works.
Sydni Ellis loves shopping, getting lost in a good thriller and taking way too many pictures of her two wild toddlers when she should be at her computer.

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