Carolyn finished summer school.  She had worked endless hours preparing and supervising the yearly summer school classes.   She was ready for some fun, and I am always in need of fun.  This said, we planned to get together.  Minetta was to go, but couldn’t.  Bummer!  (Minetta, we missed you.  We really – really missed you.)  The good news is – now we must plan another outing when Minetta can go.

Where to go?  It is always a dilemma.  You would think this would be easy for me, but it is not.  Do we just want to eat, or do we want to eat and shop?  Do we want “a nice restaurant” or a “hole in the wall”?  What type of food would we like?

Finally, the decision was made. I had not been to the downtown square of McKinney, Texas for a month of Sundays, and that was a destination on my wish list.  I love the old courthouse that now houses a performing arts center.

Immediately we were greeted by clothing – cute, fashionable clothing for skinny ladies.   I love the varied buttons on the top on the right.

For as long as I can remember, there has been a Little Red Hen in downtown McKinney.  Many moons ago it was a country gift shop.  This Little Red Hen has both clothing and gifts.  Cute shop!

McKinney does pride itself in its small town atmosphere, where people are “homegrown and happy.”

But make no mistake – many of the people living in this thriving suburb, have McKinney mansions that are beautifully decorated.   There are shops on the square that offer quality accessories for these homes.

Several antique shops and antique malls are still in downtown McKinney.  While I did not find a treasure on this day, I do think these shops have potential.

Be still my heart.  Look at this!  This leaping rabbit reminds me of the Barry Flanagan rabbits at Northpark in Dallas and at the Tate Museum in London.  Wow!  (I love connecting the dots.)

The name of this boutique and salon caught my attention – Kiss and Make-up.  Makes me smile.

This is my kind of shop.  I love to look in kitchenwares shops to see new cooking gadgets.   Kitchenwares on the Square is a wonderful addition to downtown McKinney.  The owner of this shop is very friendly.

I had done a little research concerning recommended eateries, and the name Snug was high on many customer lists.  Since we were hungry, and this was the first cafe we passed, we decided to give it a try.

Snug is quaint and homey with a slight hippy feel.    It is a coffeehouse and cafe that is open for breakfast and lunch.

PIMENTO CHEESE SANDWICH 6.50

A yummy Southern tradition kicked up a notch with diced jalapenos, topped with lettuce and tomato. 

Carolyn ordered the pimento cheese sandwich and soup as her side.  They pimento cheese is kicked up a notch with jalapeños, and  it was a little too spicy for her taste.  She enjoyed the cheese soup.

TURKEY ALMOND JACK MELT 6.50

Roasted turkey topped with melted smokey almond jack, baby spinach and honey raspberry dijon. Served on buttery brioche.

I liked it.  I loved it.  I will go back just for this sandwich.  The melted smokey almond jack cheese was beyond delicious, and the honey raspberry dijon gave the sandwich great flavor.  I brought half of the sandwich home to Ever-Lovin’.   He asked, “Now, where did you get this sandwich?  It is very good.”  That is a big compliment.

The potato salad was recommended by the young lady at the counter, and it was good, but not as good as the sandwich.

WORLD’S BEST FRESH-BAKED COBBLERS 3.95

Apple Cinnamon, Peach Blackberry or Cherry Berry. Topped with whipped cream.

This might not be an overstatement.  I had the peach blackberry cobbler, and it was delicious.  It was filled with fruit, and the crust in the cobbler was not too gummy.  Carolyn had the apple cinnamon cobbler, and she also loved it.  (Of course, we just ordered dessert for research purposes, so… now you know.)

I would have gladly licked this bowl clean, but I did show some restraint.

Last year, McKinney, Texas was voted the Second Best Place to Live by Money Magazine.  I would think having a downtown square with a hometown feel contributed to their “Best” status.

We had a wonderful day on the square in McKinney, Texas.  We shopped.  We ate.  Most importantly friend Carolyn and I enjoyed each other’s company.  Life is good.

Blessings to you and yours,

FYI:  I have read rave reviews about breakfast at Snug – will keep you posted.