SerpApi.Org
One of America’s fastest-growing cities combines a thriving historic downtown, local restaurants, parks, and events with authentic small-town charm.
With thousands of new residents arriving each year, Celina (pronounced suh-LYE-nuh) is one of America’s fastest-growing cities. Visitors might expect to see sprawling new subdivisions and construction cranes. Instead, I found a walkable downtown where locally owned shops and restaurants were always busy with regulars, neighbors who knew each other by name, and a welcoming community spirit that is hard to find in larger cities.
After spending a long weekend in the North Texas suburb, it is easy to understand why people are choosing to call Celina home. Even with its massive growth, it is evident that the city is still holding on tight to its small-town charm.
Why Everyone Is Talking About Celina
For the second year in a row, Celina’s population growth has hit 24.6%, adding nearly 13,000 new residents in a single year and outpacing much larger cities like Houston and Atlanta. To put that in perspective, this suburb, located just 40 miles outside Dallas, has grown from just 6,000 residents in 2010 to approximately 64,000 today.
People are flocking to the growing city for more land, highly rated public schools, and the opportunity to have a slower pace of life without giving up easy access to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Ongoing infrastructure projects, including the extension of the Dallas North Tollway and the proposed Collin County Outer Loop, are making the growing community even more accessible.
Downtown Still Feels Like the Heart of the City
Although there has been rapid growth, it is clear, even on one visit, that Celina is proud of the small-town character that made it appealing in the first place. Its historic downtown is very walkable and lined with independent boutiques, cozy coffee shops, and family-owned restaurants where residents are still greeted by name.
One of several historic buildings in the district is The Wick Restaurant, which is housed in a thoughtfully restored 1940s home, with everything from breakfast to cocktails is served in a warm, welcoming setting. Just a few blocks away, The Silos in Celina transformed the town’s century-old grain silos into a destination for elevated comfort food, live music, and outdoor gatherings. Lucy’s on the Square, housed inside another historic building, embraces its Texas roots with eclectic decor including vintage cowboy hats and wagon wheels.
After spending even just a few minutes downtown, it is easy to see why the town square feels like Celina’s community living room. Throughout the year, more than 25 community events bring residents together. From outdoor movie nights and Friday night artisan markets to favorites like Celina Cajun Fest, Oktoberfest, Halloween celebrations, and Christmas on the Square, there is always a fun reason to spend time downtown.
Best Things to Do
If historic buildings and a buzzy town square aren’t charming enough, Celina offers plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors. Old Celina Park is a favorite for its fishing ponds, sports fields, walking trails, and playgrounds. Nearby, Founder’s Station Park features horseshoe pits, a walking trail, and tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts.
History buffs should make time for the Celina Area Heritage Association Visitors Center and Museum, where photographs, artifacts, and interactive exhibits highlight more than 150 years of the city’s history.
If an afternoon of Texas food and spirits is more your speed, Celina’s growing culinary scene has plenty of reasons to dig in. Spend the afternoon sipping local wines at Eden Hill Vineyard & Winery or Valley Vines before heading to Rollertown Beerworks, the city’s only craft brewery, where house-brewed beer and wines on tap have made it a local favorite. When hunger strikes, fuel up with a hearty breakfast and brunch at Celina Star Cafe, stop by Toasted Walnut Table and Market for one of its popular lunch specials, or end the day at Heyday, where photo-worthy, innovative cocktails are the perfect nightcap.
Read the original article on Southern Living
