Located at 315 S. Chestnut St., Chestnut Square invites visitors to explore a vibrant village filled with landmarks such as the Taylor Inn, the Faires House (McKinney’s oldest standing home) and a charming chapel, all telling the story of the community’s heritage.
What happens on the square
Every Saturday, the farmers market brings the square to life with up to 100 local vendors set beneath a canopy of trees. Guests browse fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods and handcrafted artisan items.
“The farmers market plays a vital role in preserving the nostalgic essence of McKinney and reflects the city’s historical roots,” Executive Director DeAnna Stone said. “In earlier times, this was a way of life; residents produced and cultivated goods, then bartered and shared them, creating a strong sense of community and reflecting the beauty of neighbors supporting one another.”
Beyond the market, Chestnut Square offers a wide range of interactive programs, including village tours, ghostly haunting tours and 1800s schoolhouse experiences designed to captivate younger generations.
“[Kids can] step back in time to the 1800s to a school room that doesn't have digitized entertainment of any kind,” Stone said. “They create with their hands, play games that [people] would have played in the 1800s and find joy in the small things.”
Alongside these activities, the square comes alive with special events, most notably the Holiday Tour of Homes. Originally a community fundraiser, this cherished tradition has grown into a signature celebration that attracts thousands each December.
During the tour, historic homes within McKinney’s charming district open their doors, offering guests a glimpse into festive decor, timeless architecture and holiday spirit, all brought to life by nearly 300 dedicated volunteers.
“There is perhaps no gesture more intimate than welcoming someone into your home, and these individuals partner with us to support Chestnut Square, the historical village and all that we provide,” Stone said. “They are inspiring future generations and helping to shape the legacy of our community.”
Upcoming events
Chestnut Square hosts a variety of events throughout the year with new experiences always around the corner. Highlights on the horizon include:
- Prairie Adventure Camp: summer day camps in June and July, offering hands-on historical learning for children
- Farm to table dinner: a fundraising evening in support of the farmers market, taking place in September; more details to come
- Farmers market: Saturdays, year-round, featuring free activities such as live music from local artists, story time, living history tours and blacksmith demonstrations
- School and homeschool tours: immersive educational field trips
To learn more about Chestnut Square, full event details and pricing, and volunteer opportunities, visit their website. To help preserve the square, register to become a member today.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
