There Is A Tiny European Village Hiding In The Middle Of The City In Texas
By Katie Lawrence|Published July 21, 2023
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
I’ve always wanted to visit Europe, but between the hassle of getting a passport, flying there, and arranging the whole trip, I’ve just never gotten around to it. If you too find overseas travel exhausting, I have the perfect solution for both of us: Adriatica, a European village in Texas that allows you to visit the shores of Croatia without leaving home. This hidden gem is nestled in the city of McKinney, and it’s a truly magical place.
McKinney is a bustling suburb of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex with a population of around 200,000. At first glance, it looks like any ordinary city...but it's hiding a big (or little, I should say) secret.
Adriatcia is a 45-acre shopping, dining, and residential living complex in the heart of McKinney's Stonebridge Ranch development. It's modeled after an Old World Croatian fishing village, allowing visitors to step into the Mediterranean without leaving Texas.
With its cobblestone streets and ornate architecture, Adriatica embodies the essence of European charm. You may find yourself wanting to pack up and move here after perusing all of its offerings.
The Bell Tower is one of Adriatica's most iconic landmarks. It serves as the centerpiece of the village and adds an air of regality that is sure to leave you in awe.
Another gorgeous building in the village is the Bella Donna Chapel. Situated on its own little island, people travel from all over Texas to hold their weddings here.
You're bound to get hungry during your visit to Adriatica, so it's a good thing the village offers several amazing dining options, such as Zin Zen Wine Bistro.
With a menu of flatbreads, soups, salads, sandwiches, decadent desserts, and - of course - an extensive wine list, this cozy hideaway is the perfect place to satisfy your appetite.
Visit the Adriatica Village website or Adriatica Village Facebook page for more information about this European village in Texas, such as a full list of retailers.
If you’ve ever visited Adriatica, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article to learn about KidZania USA, a miniature town where kids can role-play various careers. And if you need a place to stay in McKinney, check out Expedia for a wide range of great options.
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