Denton TX

Denton Dining 

These are my family's favorites!

1. Mazatlan Restaurant
   1928 N Ruddell St, Denton, TX 76209
   
   Folks who haven't stopped by this long-time, university-area staple since the Carter administration will find that Mazatlan has changed little over the years. In fact, bare walls, beer signs, and a gravel parking lot look like they always have. Fortunately for the loyal clientele, authentic Mexican fare hasn't changed much either - it's still as delicious as always. Familiar favorites like enchiladas, flautas, and huevos rancheros highlight the menu, and all are prepared using the freshest ingredients.
2. Beth Marie's Old Fashioned Ice Cream and Soda Fountain
   117 W Hickory St, Denton, TX 76201
   
   A perfect place to sate your sweet tooth, this old timey ice cream parlor and sandwich shop features more than 60 scoopables - all homemade - to go along with other usual suspects: waffle cones, sundaes, splits, shakes, and malts. The place dresses for the part with cafe tables, black-and-white tiled floors, a circa-1939 jukebox, and a long wooden lunch counter. In addition to sweets, Beth Marie's serves tasty sandwiches, soups, stuffed baked potatoes, and hot dogs.
3. Ruby's Diner on the Square
   111 N Elm St, Denton, TX 76201
   
   When you're in search of home-cooked fare, this eatery on the historic town square serves it in a casual, neighborly setting. A local fave, Ruby's is generally packed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Area business types saddle up beside cowboy hat-wearing old-timers and enjoy chicken-fried steak, catfish dinners, and seasoned pork chops. More adventurous diners go for wild game dishes, like breaded quail or ostrich steaks. Tasty sandwiches and burgers also find their place.
4. Denton County Independent Hamburger Company
   113 W Hickory St, Denton, TX 76201
   
   If Denton has a legend in the food department, this locally-owned burger joint must be it. Specializing in custom-made burgers for any taste or appetite, Denton County rarely fails to draw raves from patrons. Menu highlights include basic, cheddar-covered monsters, as well as inventive offerings topped with chili or hickory sauce. And, of course, no burger is complete without an order of ever-popular fries - unpeeled and salted to perfection. Oh, yes, and a side of baked beans. Just bring an appetite; County'll do the rest.

Museums and Displays 

1. The Bayless-Selby House Museum
   
   Samuel A. Bayless and his wife, Mollie, came from Monroe County, Tennessee. Samuel purchased a two-roomed farmhouse, located at what we now know as 1301 Myrtle Street, Denton in 1884. That farmhouse is the one-story part of the museum. Samuel contracted to construct the two-story part of the house in 1898. It is in a very popular style from the late 19th century known as Queen Anne. Samuel died in 1919, and Mrs. Bayless chose not to continue to live in the house. Instead, she arranged with a neighboring nursery man, Mr. R. L. Selby, Sr. to exchange houses with her, and she and her family moved out of the house to enable the Selby family to move in on Thanksgiving Day. The museum hosts many historical displays, as well as lectures, classes and other events throughout the year.
   
   Location: 317 W. Mulberry Street, Denton
   Museum Hours: Tues-Sat 10 - Noon & 1 - 3 p.m.
   Admission: Free (Most lectures and classes charge a modest fee)
2. Denton County African American Museum
   
   GRAND OPENING DATE February 16. 2008, 2:00 p.m.
   
   Location: 317 West Mulberry, Denton, TX 76201
   Museum Hours: To Be Announced
3. Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum
   
   Museum archives and the Denton County Historical Commission records are available on the first floor of the Courthouse-on-the-Square. The Historical Commission maintains a continuing record of all cemeteries and burials in Denton County that is especially helpful to genealogists. Archival records also include documents and photographs of early Denton County people and places. The commission and museum library has dozens of volumes on local history, Texas history, and guides to antiques and collectibles available for on-site research. There are also several exhibits of historical interest.
   
   Location: 110 West Hickory -- Denton, TX 76201
   Hours: Monday- Friday, 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
   Saturday, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
   Closed Holidays and Holiday Weekends
   Admission: Free
   Handicapped Accessible

Annual Events 

1. Cinco de Mayo - Saturday, May 3, 2008
   
   The Denton Cinco de Mayo Celebration is about providing the spirit of celebration and friendship by sharing and showcasing rich cultural traditions, songs, dances, art exhibits and foods of the Hispanic Community. This Cinco de Mayo Celebration is a benefit to the Denton Community because it is "THE" Hispanic event of the year. This celebration began as a city event planned and implemented by staff, and over the years it has evolved to include broad community-based support.
2. Denton Arts & Jazz Festival - April 25, 26, & 27, 2008
   
   The Denton Arts & Jazz Festival is a FREE 2 1/2 day event held in the heart of the city, beautiful Quakertown Park . Over 2,200 performers on 6 stages, fine arts and crafts, children's art activities, food and games, and four hundred festival members volunteer their time each year for this exciting annual event on the last, full weekend in April.
3. Juneteenth - June 15 & 16, 2008
   
   Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19 that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863.
   Denton's Juneteenth celebration includes a BBQ cookoff, a beauty pageant, a Gospel music extravaganza, and a parade.
4. The North Texas State Fair - August 16-23, 2008
   
   The North Texas State Fair and Rodeo contributes to the quality of life in the City of Denton, Denton County and throughout the North Texas area. This is done through a first class nine day Fair and Rodeo, year round facilities, and various community and youth oriented programs and events. The North Texas State Fair Association strives to preserve and promote an understanding of the agricultural industry.
5. Texas Storytelling Festival - April 10-13, 2008
   
   The Texas Storytelling Festival will be on Texas Woman's University Campus! Don't miss Doug Lipman, Tim Tingle, Carmen Deedy, Doc Moore, Donna Lively and James Ford and many more at the 23rd annual Texas Storytelling Festival. Experience a weekend of educational workshops, concerts, swaps, gift shop and much, much more!
6. Great American Cleanup - Early spring, 2008
   
   "It is always amazing how many people really care about Denton, and are willing to come out and invest time on a Saturday morning to make the community a better place to live," said Lancine Bentley, KDB Program Manager. "The event not only removes litter from the community but it also raises awareness about litter, and hopefully, inspires people to take more care in handling their trash in the future."
7. 5th Annual "You're Beautiful" Luncheon - January 25, 2008
   
   It's all about surviving and thriving. The fifth annual You're Beautiful! luncheon honoring cancer survivors and benefiting the American Cancer Society will be Jan. 25, 2008 at the Gateway Center.
8. Humane Society Valentine's Pet Pics & Bake Sale - February 9, 2008
   
   Come out and support the Denton Humane Society at the annual Valentine's portrait shoot and bake sale. Loads of fun for dogs and their humans!
9. 61st Annual "Lab Band Madness" Spring Concert - April 15, 2008
   
   The internationally renowned University of North texas One O'Clock Lab Band is the featured performer.
10. 15th Annual Redbud Festival and Romp - April 12, 2008
    
    Denton is the "Redbud Capital of Texas." To coincide with the blooming of the Redbuds in early March, a celebration is held. Activities include: home and garden show, booths, educational programs, and exhibits throughout the day
11. Twilight Tunes Concert Series - Begins June 19, 2008
    
    Local musicians perform every Thursday evening from the lawn of the historic Denton County Courthouse on the Square in downtown Denton. (Rain Location TBA) FREE
12. Denton Blues Fest - September 20, 2008
    
    The Denton Black Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their annual Denton Blues Fest. Come out and join the fun. We will have music for everyone as well as a Blues Idol contest and Apollo Night for the young (and young of heart).
13. Halloween-on-the-Square - October 31, 2008
    
    A culmination of three simultaneous events with trick-or-treating, a treasure hunt, and an 1857 Old West Haunted House to benefit the United Way of Denton County.
14. 29th Annual Holiday Lighting Festival - December 4, 2008
    
    The festivities start at 5:30 p.m. on the Courthouse Square. Events include: Lighting of Chrismas Tree on Historic Courthouse Lawn, Visits with Santa, a children's arts and crafts area, and live music featuring Brave Combo.
15. Dog Days of Denton - June 2, 2008
    
    Best known as the Dog Days of Summer, the Dog Days of Denton festival celebrates its 14th year in downtown this year and the event will be held in Quakertown Park (formerly named Civic Center Park) at 321 E. McKinney, just a few blocks northeast of the Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square. More grass, trees, and space to roam (on a leash of course) are in store this year.