A road trip from Carrollton to Lucas: Discovering Hidden Gems

Driving from Carrollton, Texas to Lucas, Texas may not seem like an adventurous road trip, but with some creativity and a little bit of exploration, this drive can lead to some unforgettable experiences. These two towns are only 25 miles apart, and the drive can be completed in under an hour. However, if you’re in the mood for a mini-road trip with a handful of pit stops, buckle up and let’s explore five unexpected places to visit between Carrollton and Lucas.

The Halfway Point: Plano, TX

As described earlier, Carrollton and Lucas are only a short drive away from one another; in fact, they are so close that we can call Plano our halfway point between the two towns. Plano is not only one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, but it’s also a hidden treasure in the middle of the DFW metroplex. The downtown area of Plano has a wide variety of shops and restaurants, making it the ideal place to stop for a stroll, a cup of coffee, and a small break before continuing our adventure.

1. The Interurban Railway Museum

One of the most interesting and historical spots in Plano is the Interurban Railway Museum. This small, free museum is located in the heart of downtown Plano and explores the history of the railway system in North Texas. The museum is a perfect destination for train enthusiasts and for anyone interested in understanding the history of Plano. The museum is open from Wednesday to Saturday, and admission is free of charge. For a quick bite, head over to Haywire for some southern-style cooking. The chicken-fried steak is a must-try!

2. The Texas Pool

After a visit to the Interurban Railway Museum, it's time to cool off from the summer heat. The Texas Pool in downtown Plano is an outstanding example of the spirit of Texas. It’s a community swimming pool that originated in 1959, shaped like the state of Texas! One can wade in the Gulf of Mexico, swim in the Rio Grande and even dive off of the high board in the Panhandle. The Pool is open every day during the summer, and tickets are a mere $10 for adults and $8 for kids. After a swim, be sure to try the Pecan Chicken Salad from The Fillmore Pub.

3. The Shops at Legacy

The Shops at Legacy is a modern town square located in Plano. Walking through the shops feels like taking a trip back in time, even though the area is full of up-to-date stores like Urban Outfitters, Kendra Scott, and West Elm. There are several restaurants to choose from, but the most notable is The Holy Grail Pub. This spot has an exceptional selection of beer, and the chefs create their dishes by hand, often using local ingredients. They also have some of the best fries and truffle mac and cheese in the area.

4. Southfork Ranch

Any fan of the hit television series “Dallas” knows that Southfork Ranch is where the infamous Ewing family lived. Less well-known, is that it is located in Parker, Texas, a small town that lies on the road between Plano and Lucas. Southfork Ranch has a museum, an event center, and plenty of opportunities to ride on horseback and explore the surrounding trails. It’s a great experience for folks of all ages, especially since rates are relatively cheap. After the tour, take a trip to Patina Green Home and Market for some mouth-watering farm-to-table meals.

5. Mitas Hill Vineyard

Mitas Hill Vineyard is located in McKinney, which is near the final destination of Lucas, Texas. The winery is family-owned and operated, and the perfect spot to take a break between exploring and enjoying a glass of wine. The vineyard includes an elegant restaurant—open Thursday through Saturday for dinner—and a wine bar that offers wine tasting seven days a week. If you’re lucky, you might even catch some live music on the weekends. Finally, end your day enjoying some of the most delicious pizzas you’ll ever have from Urban Crust.

Conclusion

While the road trip between Carrollton and Lucas may not take a long time, there are numerous places to visit and explore along the way. From the railway museum in Plano to the Mitas Hill Vineyard in McKinney, each destination is unique with plenty of things to discover, learn and taste. Whether you’re a foodie or someone looking to learn more about the history of this region, this road trip will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience. Don't let the short distance fool you; there are hidden gems to discover everywhere. So get in your car and start exploring!