While spending the majority of my life living in a small town, I spent many years just itching to move away to a bigger city. It wasn’t until after I finally moved away, that I realized that the small-town, southern charm is pretty much nonexistent in the Frisco, Plano, and Dallas areas. Don’t get me wrong, I love my days exploring trendy restaurants and spending hours at Stonebriar or NorthPark, but sometimes it’s nice to slow down, grab a coffee, take a stroll through some antique shops, and have a conversation with a stranger or two.

I moved to Wylie about six months ago. While I’m very familiar with the area due to having numerous friends and family who live around here, I’ve never actually stopped and explored around my new home. I’m guilty of running through the Starbucks line in the morning, picking up dinner from Chili’s, or spending far too much time roaming around Target. However, after starting to get a little homesick for the small-town feel, I decided to venture out of my normal route, and see what downtown Wylie has to offer.

Man, oh, man, have I been missing out. I really underestimated this town when I moved here. Considering there’s numerous large box stores and chain restaurants all throughout the town, I didn’t think it was possible to feel like I was actually back in a small, rural town for once! I got caught up soaking up the experience at every stop that I made, that I didn’t even have enough time in my day to visit all of the shops and restaurants the town has to offer. However, the ones I did hit up exceeded my expectations. From breakfast, all the way until dusk, take a look at how my little guy and I spent a full day in Downtown Wylie!

Breakfast: Ballard Street Cafe

I had the yummiest, most-filling breakfast at Ballard Street Cafe. I was immediately greeted by the sweetest old ladies who took the best care of me, making sure my coffee was always full, and I had everything I needed. For just under $7, my meal kept me fueled until way past lunch time. IHOP has nothing on good, old-fashioned, southern cooking.

Coffee and Shopping: Shoemaker and Hardt

I always challenge myself to step outside of my normal Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts route. This little shop had the best of both worlds. A full coffee and tea shop inside the cutest gift shop. From baby clothes to antiques! Handmade items, luxury soaps and candles, and funny gag gifts, you’re sure to find a treasure or two in here.

Sweet Tooth: Say it With Sugar

I was starting to crave a little bit of sugar since I gave time for my breakfast to settle. I stopped in to Say it With Sugar to grab a couple of macarons to hold me over until lunch. So many eye-catching goodies in the display case made it hard to choose! The walls were lined with the most beautiful, multiple-tiered cakes on display. If you’re needing a wedding cake, here’s your shop! Bonus: You and your kiddos can watch the staff bake and decorate their items right behind the counter.

Children’s Boutique: Texas Tushies

Okay boy moms, I’m about to put y’all on the CUTEST place to find high quality, non-cheesy, adorable boy clothes. We all know what a struggle it is to find cute boy clothes, but here’s the answer! I wanted to buy every outfit for my little guy. My bank account is in trouble now that I’ve discovered them. They have an online boutique as well that offers in-store pickup.

Lunch: Bold BBQ

Voted best BBQ in Wylie, it definitely stood up to the title. It’s hard to find good quality, juicy, smoked turkey, and they got it just perfect. With such large portions, quick and friendly service, I’m thinking I’ll be making weekly trips here!

Cool-Off: Landon Winery

By late afternoon, I needed to stop and take a little break and cool off from the hot Texas heat. I decided to let my little guy play with the games offered inside for some quiet time while I sat back and enjoyed the tastiest Frozen peach, sangria swirl. It hit the spot on this near-100 degree day!

Play time: Olde City Park

This town definitely knew what it was doing by putting a park right in the middle of downtown. It was so convenient to take a quick walk to the park to burn some energy! With so many trees covering the perimeter of the playground, there’s no worries for the sun to zap you while you sit and watch your little one play.

Dinner: Frankie’s Casa

After playing at the park for so long, we worked up an appetite for dinner. We took a walk down to Frankie’s Casa for some of the best Mexican cuisine I’ve had. So many unique dishes offered and the presentation is top-notch. You won’t be disappointed! The BEST chicken flautas in my book!

Dessert: OMG Creamery

What’s dinner without dessert? Cookies, brownies, ice-cream with fresh waffle cones, and a rare find, FRIED PIES! OMG Creamery was a fun dessert shop to round out our day enjoying downtown Wylie.

What are your favorite stops in Wylie?