FSM February 2022

FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2022 51

Frisco’s Hidden Gems

Explore 15 lesser-known local spots that deserve a closer look

BY SYDNI ELLIS HERE’S A SECRET: THERE’S MORE TO FRISCO THAN MEETS THE EYE.
Photos by Bri Morales Sure, the city is known as a sports mecca as it serves as the home of Toyota Stadium,

Riders Field, the Ford Center, Comerica Center and, later this year, the PGA of America
headquarters. Also, there is no shortage of dining, shopping and entertainment at places
including The Star District and Stonebriar Centre, among others.

However, Frisco also has a fair number of what are best described as “hidden gems” –
places, spaces, events and attractions that reside a bit off the beaten path. On the other
hand, some are hiding in plain sight just waiting to be discovered by new and longtime
residents as well as visitors.

From a password-protected speakeasy and a paradise for soccer fans to museums dedi-
cated to trains and video games, there is truly something for everyone in Frisco. Consider
visiting some of the city’s lesser-known attractions featured on this non-inclusive list.

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MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN RAILROAD
Frisco Discovery Center
8004 N. Dallas Pkwy., Suite 400, Frisco
214-428-0101 | historictrains.org

Fans of trains can get their fill at this museum that celebrates the history of the
American railroad with memorabilia, locomotives and train cars. Walking tours
are available. Be sure to visit TrainTopia, a model train exhibit that winds through
a 2,500-square-foot world featuring handcrafted scenery and dramatic lighting ef-
fects that help depict the topography of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.
BLACK BOX THEATER
Frisco Discovery Center
8004 N. Dallas Pkwy., Frisco
972-292-6651 | friscoacts.com

It’s showtime, baby! The 100-seat performance and rehearsal space plays host to
improv performances, film screenings, recitals, concerts and talent shows by local
performance groups (it’s also used for private events). Upcoming scheduled perfor-
mances include Theatre Frisco’s Jerry’s Girls (Feb. 18-March 6) and Over the River and
Through the Woods (April 8-24); Frisco Improv Players’ A Night of Improv Comedy (Feb.
26 and April 2); and Frisco Area Children’s Theater’s Madagascar Jr. (March 27-28
and April 3-4).
RARE BOOKS BAR
J.Theodore Restaurant & Bar
6959 Lebanon Road, Suite 110, Frisco
214-705-7775 | rarebooksbar.com

Live music, a fantastic selection of spirits and oh-so-cool aesthetics are on tap
at Rare Books Bar. This speakeasy serves specialty cocktails made from whiskey,
vodka, gin and tequila as well as liquors from around the world. Visit its Facebook
page (facebook.com/RareBooksBar) to learn the bar’s weekly password, then dial the
“librarian” from inside the old-fashioned phone booth to gain entry to the place.
FRISCO STARFEST
Frisco Commons Park
8000 McKinney Road, Frisco
214-800-6000 | texasastro.org

Dazzling stars light up the night sky during Frisco Starfest events, hosted the sec-
ond Saturday of each month by the Texas Astronomical Society of Dallas. This free,
family friendly event aims to promote interest in space and astronomy by inviting
the public to view planets and stars alongside telescope owners and other volun-
teers.

NATIONAL VIDEOGAME MUSEUM
Frisco Discovery Center
8004 N. Dallas Pkwy., Frisco
972-668-8400 | nvmusa.org

This interactive museum showcases the history of video games and allows patrons
to play retro and new games during visits. The first dedicated video game museum
in the United States, it’s determined to document, preserve and exhibit the indus-
try’s history. Don’t miss the place’s reproduction of an '80s-era arcade.
FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2022 53

NATIONAL SOCCER HALL OF FAME
9200 World Cup Way, Suite 600, Frisco
469-365-0043 | nationalsoccerhof.com

Learn about the United States’ greatest soccer stars and the sport itself. The
National Soccer Hall of Fame Experience employs virtual reality and interactive
technology to honor players from throughout the years and immerse guests in the
world of soccer. Exhibits and memorabilia are on display. The annual Hall of Fame
induction ceremony is held here.
NACK THEATER
6711 Oak St., Frisco
972-837-8034 | nacktheater.com

With a look that’s reminiscent of an old-fashioned movie theater, this intimate,
210-seat performance space plays host to concerts, plays, private events and wed-
dings, among others. Upcoming shows include a concert by pianist and Frisco Arts
Foundation Chair Tammy Meinershagen (Feb. 12), who will perform on a Steinway
SPIRIO grand piano as well as a pair of concerts by Christian pop band Anthem
Lights (March 26).
TEX AS SCULPTUR E GAR DEN AT HALL PAR K
6801 Gaylord Pkwy., Frisco
texassculpturegarden.org

This stunning place showcases the vision of lifelong art collector Craig Hall,
developer of HALL Office Park, with the assistance of curator Patricia Meadows.
Surrounded by lakes, fountains and lush landscaping, the impressive display is the
largest private collection of contemporary Texas sculpture to be assembled and
made available for the public to enjoy.
FRISCO RAIL YARD
9040 First St., Frisco
214-587-7245 | friscorailyard.net

At the Frisco Rail Yard, food trucks serve a variety of snacks and entrees as well as
refreshing beverages, making this a fun and relaxing, family friendly outdoor hang-
out spot. Play lawn games, listen to live music and attend special events through-
out the year, including the National Margarita Day (Feb. 22) and St. Patrick’s Day
(March 17) celebrations.
FRISCO HERITAGE CENTER
6455 Page St., Frisco
972-292-5665
friscotexas.gov/1361/About-Us.

Want to know more about the city’s fascinating history? Get educated at the cen-
ter, which includes the 16,000 square-foot Frisco Heritage Museum and four-acre
Frisco Heritage Village. At the museum, learn about Frisco’s farming roots, the
important role cotton played in the area’s economy and how transportation changed
the city over time. Tour historic buildings in the surrounding village and view the
Letters Home: The A.F. “Frank” Smith Story exhibit (through May 28), featuring letters
sent from the frontlines of World War I.

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FRISCO ART GALLERY
Frisco Discovery Center
8004 N. Dallas Pkwy., Suite 200, Frisco
972-292-6651 | friscotexas.gov/1318/Fris-
co-Art-Gallery

Admire the works of local, regional,
national and international artists at the
gallery. Check out its Instagram page (@
friscoartgallery) to view photos of art on dis-
play and learn about upcoming exhibits.
MONARCH VIEW PAR K
1900 Koehn Drive, Frisco
friscotexas.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/
Monarch-View-Park-109

This 13-acre park, boasting walking
trails, picnic areas and a playground, was
designed to encourage Monarch butterfly
migration. A native wildflower prairie
attracts butterflies and native Texas birds
as they migrate during the spring and fall
months. Don’t leave without admiring the
half-dozen steel art pieces of massive Mon-
arch butterflies created by artist Pascale
Pryor.
DALLAS COWBOYS PRO SHOP
OUTLET STORE
15825 Gateway Drive, Suite 200, Frisco
972-785-4240 | shop.dallascowboys.com

Can one actually be considered a Texan
if they don’t own a Dallas Cowboys t-shirt?
We think not. Shop for discounted Cow-
boys goods at this outlet store (not to be
confused with the Pro Shop located at
The Star District). The outlet sells licensed
team apparel, collectibles and tailgating
gear, among other items.
THE DEPOT CAFÉ
6733 Main St., Frisco
972-377-0707 | depotcafefrisco.com

More than five decades ago, Henry’s Su-
permarket served the grocery and butcher
needs of Frisco residents. It was remodeled
and opened as The Depot Cafe in 1999. In
a nod to the city’s past, the Frisco-themed
eatery displays train memorabilia and his-
toric photos and serves such comfort foods
as biscuits and gravy, fried catfish and
chicken fried steak.
FRISCO PUBLIC ART PROGRAM
Various locations
friscotexas.gov/708/Public-Art

You needn’t travel far to view beautiful
artworks courtesy of Frisco’s public art
program. Follow an interactive, online
map to explore and discover the locations
of these inspired works.

Sydni Ellis loves shopping, getting lost in a good
thriller and taking way too many pictures of her two
wild toddlers when she should be at her computer.

FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2022 55

DID YOU KNOW?

PUREFOY TO RETIRE Frisco City Man- lic places, civic infrastructure and develop- spending seven of those years as its presi-
ment of the community. Additional infor- dent and one as vice president. He was in-
ager George Pure- mation is available at friscotexas.gov. strumental in bringing Collin College to
foy’s last day on the CUNNINGHAM PROMOTED AT Frisco and served on the Collin County
job will be June 30, PRESTONWOOD Community College District Board and
the City of Frisco re- Collin County Community College Foun-
cently announced. Prestonwood Christian Academy an- dation Board. Donations to the Frisco Edu-
For more than 34 nounced it has promoted Chris Cunning- cation Foundation can be made in his hon-
years, Purefoy has ham to senior athletic director of the PCA or at friscoeducationfoundation.org.
served as the city’s System of Schools. Cunningham, who has DINOSAUR NAME NEEDED
first and only city served as PCA Plano’s athletic director
manager. He began since 2007 and football head coach since Members of the public have until Feb. 6
in the role on Nov. 2008, will oversee all PCA Plano and PCA to submit names for the full-size female T.
1, 1987, when the North (Prosper) athletic programs. Prior Rex skeleton that will be housed at Frisco
George Purefoy to working at PCA, he spent 22 years in Library’s new location, which is scheduled
city’s population was about 5,000 residents. Grapevine-Colleyville ISD as Colleyville to open this fall. Individuals are welcome
Over the years, he has led the way on nu- Heritage High School’s athletic director to submit as many suggestions as they wish
merous public-private partnerships, includ- and football head coach and Grapevine on a form that is posted at friscolibrary.com/
ing those that resulted in the development High School’s defensive coordinator and dinosaur.
of Rider’s Ballpark, Toyota Stadium and assistant coach. PRUSAK PICKED AS PRINCIPAL
the Ford Center, among others. A search COMMUNITY MEETINGS
for Purefoy’s replacement is expected to SCHEDULED Frisco ISD recently announced that Dr.
begin this month and interviews are antic- Kyla Prusak will be the principal of Buddy
ipated to conclude in May, although a hire The Frisco ISD Board of Trustees re- and Joni Minett Elementary School, under
date has not been determined. cently updated the board’s operating pro- construction at 16000 Peyton Abbey Road
cedures to include the addition of a Com- in Frisco, when it opens as anticipated this
CHAMBER HOSTS GALA munity Input Meeting, designed to allow fall. Prusak, who is currently the principal
The Frisco Chamber of Commerce will stakeholders a chance to provide input at Robertson Elementary School, joined
and ask questions about issues related to the district as a teacher in 2004. She earned
host its Annual Awards Gala, honoring district business or governance. The meet- her bachelor’s degree at Austin College,
outstanding businesses, organizations and ings, which will be held at the district's master’s at Dallas Baptist University and
citizens, from 6-10 p.m. Feb. 4 at Embassy administration building, 5515 Ohio Drive, doctorate at the University of North Texas.
Suites Dallas-Frisco, 7600 John Q Ham- are scheduled from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 28, RESTAURANT SET TO OPEN
mons Drive. Ticket and sponsorship infor- March 28 and April 27. Additional informa-
mation is available at friscochamber.com. tion is available at friscoisd.org. Breakfast restaurant Snooze A.M. Eatery
SAM ROACH REMEMBERED is scheduled to open in Frisco later this year
ART EXHIBIT CONTINUES at 9169 Dallas Pkwy. According to Com-
Art in the Atrium, featuring the works of On its website, Frisco ISD paid homage to munity Impact, the restaurant features
Sam Roach, who passed away Dec. 30, 2021. such breakfast items on its online menu as
numerous Frisco-based artists, is on display Namesake of the district’s Sam and Ann omelets, pancakes and burritos as well as
through March 1 at the George A. Purefoy Roach Middle School, in 1953 Sam Roach cold-pressed juices and breakfast cocktails,
Municipal Center, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd. was valedictorian at Frisco High School. among others. Additional Snooze A.M. Eat-
The public-art exhibition is sponsored by He went on to serve four terms on the Fris- ery locations are in Addison, Dallas and
the City of Frisco Public Art Program, the co ISD Board of Trustees from 1978-90, Fort Worth.
mission of which is to promote cultural,
aesthetic and economic vitality in the city
by integrating the work of artists into pub-

56

FRISCO TEACHER AMONG the winners for the 3rd congressional cluding products, meal-planning tips and
FINALISTS district. The teens created an app called a dessert recipe. This is a free event. Ad-
WorkBee, which assists homeowners in ditional information is available newcomer-
Norris Elementary School second-grade locating trusted contractors, scheduling friends.org.
teacher Laura Newell was recently named and purchasing holiday-light installation PROPERTIES PURCHASED
a Texas Computer Education Association services. Independence High School junior
High Impact Elementary Teacher of the Kunal Tiwari and freshman Ashvin Tiwari A trio of Frisco hotels were among
Year award finalist. The award is present- received an honorable mention for their those purchased recently by real estate
ed to educators who advance teaching and app called Pocket Tutor. Meanwhile, Con- investment trust Summit Hotel Proper-
learning through innovative technology. gressman Michael Burgess of the 26th con- ties. Community Impact reports that the
Newell will be recognized Feb. 9 at a pri- gressional district announced Teen Shield Frisco properties were part of a $776.5
vate reception during the 2022 TCEA Con- Addiction as that district’s winning app, million sale that included 27 hotels in Dal-
vention & Exhibition. Winners will be an- which was created by freshman Iishaan In- las, Grapevine, Houston, Amarillo and
nounced during a virtual awards ceremony abathini, Sreeja Surisetti and Ratik Kasar- other Texas cities, as well as New Orleans
in March. la of Reedy High School and Abhiram and Oklahoma City. The Frisco hotels sold
TALK SHOW HOST TO SPEAK Nandiraju of Frisco High School. were the AC Hotel by Marriott Dallas Fris-
BOARD RECOGNIZED FOR co and Residence Inn by Marriott Dallas
The Collin County GOP’s Lincoln Day EXCELLENCE Frisco, both located at 4343 Frisco Green
Dinner, scheduled Feb. 24 at Southfork Ave.; and Canopy by Hilton Dallas Frisco
Ranch in Parker, will include a keynote Frisco ISD’s Board of Trustees is one Station, at 4455 Frisco Green Ave.
speech by conservative radio talk show of five school boards from throughout RENTAL COMMUNITY PLANNED
host Glenn Beck, owner of Irving-based Texas to be recognized as part of H-E-B’s
Blaze Media. Tickets for the event, which Excellence in Education Awards program, Apartment builder Magnolia Property
is set to begin at 6 p.m. with a silent auc- which highlights the importance of strong Co. recently purchased acreage in Frisco’s
tion and VIP reception followed by din- leadership at the board level. Frisco ISD’s The Gate mixed-use development, where
ner, are $125. Information is available at board was selected as a finalist based on it plans to build a rental community. Ac-
collincountygop.org. academic/student progress within the dis- cording to the Dallas Morning News, the
STUDENTS WIN AWARDS trict, identification of community needs company intends to construct 100 apart-
and actions taken based on those needs as ments as well as commercial space west of
Frisco High School student Rudransh well as new and creative methods for com- the Dallas North Tollway on the north side
Arora and Sarthak Dhawan, a student munity engagement. The board will be of John Hickman Parkway. The site is adja-
at Liberty High School, were named the presented with a check for $5,000 for the cent to the Frisco Station mixed-use proj-
winners of the 2021 Congressional App district. Winners will be announced at the ect that includes SkyHouse Frisco Station,
Challenge, an initiative of the U.S. House H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards cer- a 25-story apartment building.
of Representatives to encourage students emony April 30 in Austin. If selected, one GYM OPENS DOORS
or more school board winners will receive
to participate in up to a $25,000 grant to the district. LA Fitness, 6345 Custer Bridges Road
STEM, learn to NEWCOMER MEETING SCHEDULED in Frisco, recently opened its doors. Ac-
code and pursue cording to Community Impact, the club
computer-science The Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano boasts amenities including a pool and
careers. The win- will host its monthly meeting at 9:30 a.m. weight-training, cardio and indoor-cycling
ning entries will be Feb. 8 at Collin College Preston Ridge equipment. Personal-training services are
displayed electron- Campus Conference Center, 9700 Wade offered at the facility, which also features a
ically in the U.S. Blvd., Frisco. Lorraine Bock, a profession- children’s section.
Capitol building al organizer and family coach, will share
for the next year. organizing solutions for the kitchen in-
Congressman Van
Taylor announced

Rudransh Arora

FRISCOSTYLE.COM FEBRUARY 2022 57

ONE DAY IN FRISCO
BY CHRIS FRITCHIE