Why You Should Visit Denton, Texas

If you are in the mood to take a trip, you might want to go to a city that has hosted famous local bands as well as large scale concerts; and can offer excellent theater, award winning parks facilities, international cuisine, unique shopping and historical sites. Can't afford to go someplace with all that? Don't want to face crowds in some of those big city hotspots? You can have all the fun offered by some of the most popular places, but combine it with easy traffic, small-town friendliness and choices in lodging from quiet camping to nice hotels. You can get all this and some truly distinctive experiences in a visit to Denton, Texas.

For families, Denton has the gorgeous Greenbelt Hike/Bike/Equestrian trail as well as canoe and kayak rentals, fishing, and camping. Located between Lake Ray Roberts and Lake Lewisville, one can enjoy a ride or walk along the entire length of the Elm Fork of the Trinity River at this beautiful site. Shade trees will help keep you cool while you watch for squirrels and let the kids get a taste of off-road bicycling on a wide and well-maintained trail. Horse enthusiasts don't have to stop there. The 912 square miles of Denton County are often known as "Horse Country, U.S.A" and are populated with more than 300 farms and ranches with many of those set up as breeding and training facilities. Maybe nature rides aren't the thing for your family, though? Denton also offers easy access to professional and collegiate sporting events, the Texas Motor Speedway for car buffs, several area golf courses or chilling fun at Water Work's Park.

Of course, while this area may be more peaceful than many, it isn't the only spot with great recreational activities. What is it that makes Denton a really exceptional spot to visit? What is there to do and see in Denton that you might not learn in a tourist brochure? Several well-kept secrets thrive in Denton, including fascinating art and music exhibits, intriguing locations of historical interest, an extraordinary variety of independent shops, and options for those interested in eclectic pursuits.

An interesting exhibition has become an annual event on Sycamore Street, advertised as "Art in the Woods." In recent years you could follow winding paths through patterns of shadows and light to find artworks ranging from beautiful to ethereal. You'll also find a prestigious collection of art in the University of Art collection at Texas Women's University in Denton. Due to the incredible amount of musical talent in Denton, it would take a guide of many pages to cover all of the sites of interest to music lovers. Big names and famous local bands can be found, though some of the most enjoyable music spots are the little hole-in-the wall places where you can hang out with friends and just relax. Take the time to walk around the popular district between Carroll Blvd. and Bell Avenue and you'll stumble onto several of these. You may also want to check out Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studio, a cement factory transformed into a studio, bar, vintage arcade and live music venue. Another excellent university in Denton is the University of North Texas which is recognized by many as an internationally renowned music school.

Denton is well known for a colorful history from the very beginning. Denton's founder lost his life to natives and other real-life characters abound in the archives of Denton. Many of the historic homes and buildings are still in great shape and are available for visits today. Some of the stories about these you'll only hear by chatting with long-time residents. Some will tell you about the unusual architecture at the Davenport-Ivey house; others will speak of a prominent female physician who taught at TWU in the 1930's and owned the beautiful Herrick house. In that era, female doctors were few as were home owners of the gender. This spirit of individualism still prevails in Denton today. Some say that other spirits also hang out near these historic sites. The Scripture Building on Elm has served as a grocery store, ice cream shop and some say a home for wandering wraiths. At one time the second floor was the Grand Orient Lodge and there are rumors that some unusual activities took place in the building at that time and that restless souls are occasionally seen. If you prefer your hauntings in spots where you can run for it, I'm told to visit the historic marker near the Northeast corner of the Denton town Square. This was originally the site of the Lacy Hotel, thought to be the first hotel in town built around 1858. Though the hotel is no longer there, there are various stories about sightings in the area, especially late at night. The most prevalent of these seems to be from those who've seen a young man in old-west clothing who sometimes emerges walking in the area and other times is said to be riding a ghostly horse. Some speculate that this might be the aura of Sam Bass, a notorious outlaw who once lived in Denton, may have occasionally stayed and worked at the Lacy Hotel, and whose gravesite can still be seen in Round Rock Cemetery.

You'll find all sorts of one-of-a-kind shopping experiences in Denton, but some that may not be as obvious are among the most outstanding. Juliet's Jewels may barely catch notice at first glance, but go inside and find out what makes this little shop a must. You'll find gifts and spiritual items from Tibet and India, beautiful jewelry from many far-away places and a little hideaway upstairs with an assortment of unusual clothing and other goodies. I won't even take a chance on ruining all the surprises to be found at Juliet's on 315 W. Sycamore but you are guaranteed an interesting experience whether you stick with the shop or ask if you may explore the other wonders behind it. You'll find a couple of the best places on Locust
For an interactive shopping experience, try out Kil'n Time at 118 W. Congress where you can pick out unfinished pottery and if you wish, hand-decorate it and have it fired. Several of the coolest antique shops can be found on the 100 block of N. Locust. You'll spot a favorite right away when you see a window full of awesome stuff from swords to an array of colored glass. While you are in the area, check out Recycled Books on the corner of Locust and Oak. You'll find the usual collection of wonderful old books, but you might be surprised by the size of the place inside as you wander through an intricate maze. You may feel like a cave explorer or tomb raider as you stumble onto treasures such as vintage record albums and autographed hardback books at unbelievable prices.

This short guide barely touches on the many things to do in Denton and even those of us who've lived here awhile keep finding new things. You can take a walk in what first appears to be a fairly ordinary college campus at TWU and find the legendary "Chapel in the Woods" nestled away in a landscape adorned with trees, fish ponds, pathways made of enormous rocks. Upon closer inspection you'll discover another world of fossils in nearly every rock along the trail. For another outing, head to the Denton Municipal Airport for way more than weary travelers and rules. Turn right at the airport entrance (1945 Matt Wright Lane) and you'll find the Hangar 10 Museum. They have an amazing number of authentic aircraft that are also still in excellent flying condition and not only that, admission is free!

This isn't nearly everything to do in Denton but it gives you a good idea of why this is a great place to visit or live, and hopefully it will give you incentive to explore other places in the Denton area. If you are heading to Denton with the whole gang, there is something for everyone. Yes, you can locate your usual Wal-Mart, a nice little mall (though including some unusual alternative shops,) the typical grocery stores and chain restaurants. If you are willing to dig, though, this article just touches the surface of what you'll find off the beaten path in Denton.