Summer is officially here, which means we’ll take any excuse to get out of the house and get away for the weekend. You might know Allen, Texas for their exceptional retail and shopping but trust us, you won’t want to miss the delicious dining and impressive experiences that’ll make for the ideal summer getaway.
Whether you cool down at Hydrous Wake Park and kidsMania splash pad, get your game on at Pinstack, or tee off at TopGolf, there’s plenty to explore in Allen this summer.
Where to Stay
What’s a great getaway without a great place to stay? Explore Allen’s top-notch hotels with all the luxurious amenities that’ll make for a true escape.
Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel & Convention Center is one of the city’s newest places to stay with a slick, contemporary design that is perfectly paired with vivid, local art and alluring accommodations. Enjoy a relaxing dip in the heated pool, and stay on top of the routine with a spacious fitness center.
End your nights with a stop by the hotel’s Canyon Bar & Grill for a refreshing margarita and plate of sizzling fajitas before heading up to your room to enjoy that cozy, warm king size bed. Not to mention, the hotel is steps away from the countless dining and shopping options at Watters Creek.
For those looking to book a comfortable stay without breaking the bank, Hampton Inn & Suites – Dallas Allen offers some incredibly low rates that include an optimal shopping location and killer amenities. The hotel features pet friendly rooms, free wifi, a fitness center and an indoor pool, and each room comes with a complimentary hot breakfast so you can start your getaway days properly fueled.
Last but certainly not least, the Courtyard Dallas Allen at the Event Center is jam-packed with upscale amenities. Located right off U.S. 75 north of Dallas, this luxurious stay is positioned right in between the Allen Premium Outlets shopping center and the Village at Allen shopping center, offering guests an impressive lineup of shopping destinations all within walking distance.
The hotel also features an indoor heated pool, a huge fitness center, and spacious rooms. For a delicious take on some American classics, be sure to check out the hotel’s restaurant, The Bistro.
Why wait? Check out Allen’s full list of accommodations and start packing your bags!
Where to Shop
If you love to shop, Allen is the city for you. Start off at The Allen Premium Outlets featuring the best deals and discounts at over 120 retailers you know and love. Shop brands like Armani, COACH, North Face, Tory Burch, and so many more.
The Village at Allen is another great place for an all day shopping experience, and the 1.2 million square foot mixed-use development is home to some of Allen’s most impressive store fronts. We’re talking Cabela’s, James Avery Jewelry, Men’s Wearhouse, Sally Beauty Supply, Maurice’s, ULTA Beauty, and so much more.
Watter’s Creek Village is a beautiful, scenic outdoor shopping mall featuring shopping, intrinsic outdoor art, waterfront views, and fantastic dining. Some of the stores you can expect to see include popular stops like Francesca’s, Anthropologie, Kendra Scott, Sephora, DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, and even more. Be sure to pack your walking shoes because you’ll want to check out everything this massive shopping center has to offer!
Looking for something a bit more personal? Allen’s collection of fabulous local retailers do not disappoint! Hindy House is a fan-favorite with bright and colorful home decor, gifts, and knick-knacks you didn’t know you needed. Around the corner at Birds and Words, you’ll find one-of-a-kind decor pieces that scream Texas chic. And a trip to Allen isn’t complete without stopping by Lone Star Mercantile with 200+ vendors all under one roof.
Where to Eat
Along with Allen’s top-notch shopping destinations are some truly incredible and flavorful restaurants that span multiple cultures and continents. Many of these locally-loved eateries are located within the city’s popular shopping centers which allows for a casual meal while you’re out and about, and the diverse range of sit downs allows for the perfect pairing for nearly any special occasion.
Kelly’s at the Village is located, you guessed it, right smack dab in the middle of one of Allen’s most popular outlets, the Village at Allen. This Southern comfort food inspired restaurant features some great American classics like chicken fried steak, fried pickles, jailhouse elk chili, and they’ve even got some solid Tex Mex options as well. Elke’s Market Cafe is another solid pick if you’re looking for a menu packed full of hearty American fare, and the casual ambience makes it an ideal choice for a late lunch.
If you’re craving a European-inspired dinner that features traditional flavors and quality ingredients, be sure to check out family-owned Hedary’s Mediterranean Restaurant. This local favorite takes the idea of home cooking to another level as the restaurant is housed in a quaint little pink dwelling located right in the heart of Allen. Sticking with European flavors, Roman Cucina is an Italian-inspired restaurant located just off Bethany Drive, and this stylish eatery specializes in fine italian flavors and traditional cocktails.
Looking for something on the lighter (and sweeter) side? Spot by Edith’s French Cafe, located in the Watters Creek Village shopping center. This charming and cozy restaurant offers some sweet, hand-crafted desserts, traditional crepes, and an impressive all-day brunch menu. If you’re really feeling crepes, you can also check out Frogg Coffee Bar & Creperie for a refreshing mid afternoon espresso and some solid lunch options like specialty crepes, soups, salads, and even eggs benedict,
Uncle Julios is a great pick for those looking to chow down on some killer Tex Mex, and their impressive menu boasts classic favorite dishes like fajitas, street tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and more. They’ve also got a huge selection of refreshing specialty cocktails like blueberry margaritas and grand swirls. For those that want to take the spice to another level, be sure to stop by Spice Creations Fine Indian Cuisine. Their traditional menu offers classic indian dishes like Tandoori chicken, fluffy naan flatbread, tikka masala, savory samosas, and more.
What to Do
The Hub is a great new addition to the City of Allen, and the fun and welcoming atmosphere makes it the perfect place for a night of family fun. They regularly host events like live music shows and classic movie screenings, and the impressive lineup of restaurants offers the complete package with mouthwatering food, refreshing cocktails, and delectable desserts.
Embrace your competitive edge with a night of bowling at PINSTACK Allen. This premium bowling destination offers a fun outing for the whole family, and they even offer other avenues of entertainment with an arcade, a rock climbing wall, laser tag, and more. PINSTACK also features lane-side service with tasty appetizers, meals, and drinks. To keep the competitive spirit alive, visit one of Allen’s premium party destinations, Topgolf. This local favorite takes golf to a whole other level, and the range features climate controlled bays, HDTVs, and a great selection of food and drinks at the Topgolf sports bar and restaurant.
Once you’ve mastered your swing at Topgolf, you can put your skills to the test at the Courses at Watters Creek. This beautiful, scenic destination is located just outside the Watters Creek Village shopping center, and the course offers a total of 33 holes spread throughout the complex. They even offer a course for every kind of golfer from beginner to expert, so you can be sure that everyone will enjoy the day out on the green!
Summers in Texas can be brutal, and swimming is a great way to have some fun while remaining cool, relaxed, and comfortable. Hyrdous Wake Park at Allen Station has the cool part down, and the intense and adrenaline filled atmosphere will have you fully engaged in a wave shredding day of family fun. Celebration Park is another great place to take the kids for a fun and active day, and the park’s kidMania Play & Sprayground is another ideal destination for conquering the Texas Heat as it features water jets, picnic tables, pavilions, and multiple play structures.
The Edge at Allen Station Park is one of the largest skate parks in the U.S., and it’s another great destination to bring the kids for a day of family fun. Not only is it a great spot for those that practice BMX and Skateboarding, but it also has an indoor skate park for the younger, more inexperienced audience, and it even has pool tables, video games, and an impressive snack bar. For those looking for a different skating experience, The Allen Community Ice Rink is the perfect place to shred some ice!
