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Verona Villa to Give Away a Wedding to a Hero!

To show gratitude for those that serve, and in celebration of their Summer 2016 grand opening, Verona Villa is proud to give away a wedding to a Hero!

The wedding date will be Saturday, November 11, 2017 (Veteran's Day). Included in this package is the venue, food and beverage, wedding cake, DJ and florals. Head on over to Verona Villa’s Facebook page where they will highlight the vendors who are donating these services.

To enter, email info@veronavilla.com and submit a story for why your nominee should be chosen. Submissions are due by August 15, 2016. Verona Villa’s panel of advisers will read all submissions and the winner will be announced on Verona Villa’s social media pages on September 1, 2016.

Once the winning couple has been selected, the team at Verona Villa will work with them to select aspects of their wedding, and then allow Facebook and Instagram followers to vote on final choices.

For questions, visit www.facebook.com/veronavailla or email  info@veronavilla.com.

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5 Frisco Spots to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Held on May 5, Cinco de Mayo is a celebration in observance of the Mexican army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. A relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture, heritage and a day to indulge in Mexican cuisine.

In anticipation of Cinco de Mayo, we’ve got five spots in Frisco to satisfy your salsa and margarita cravings.

La Hacienda Ranch

If you’re going to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, you might as well enjoy a frozen margarita and if you’re going to enjoy a frozen margarita, you might as well enjoy it at the birthplace of margaritas, La Hacienda Ranch. La Hacienda founder Mariano Martinez invented the frozen margarita machine in 1971 and since then, they’ve been serving up margaritas and amazing Tex-Mex! Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with one of their frozen concoctions, signature fajitas and amazing queso.

Hours: Monday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Location: 4110 Preston Rd.

Mattito’s

A festive environment, great patio and amazing dishes make Mattito’s a great destination for your Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Known for throwing one of the biggest Cinco de Mayo fiestas in North Texas, Mattito’s continues the tradition this year. Enjoy music, drink specials, Mariachi Michoacán, games, prizes and award-winning Tex-Mex all in one location.

Hours:

Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Friday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Sunday, 10 a.m. –10 p.m.

Location: 6129 Main St.

Blue Goose Cantina

At Blue Goose Cantina, every day is a fiesta! Serving up some of the best sizzling fajitas, homemade tamales, mesquite grilled shrimp and enchiladas in town, Blue Goose Cantina keeps Tex-Mex lovers coming back. Known for their holiday parties, Blue Goose Cantina serves up one fun Cinco de Mayo fiesta with music, drink and food specials all day long.

Hours:

Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Location: 9320 Dallas Pkwy., #140

Cantina Laredo

Taste the modern side of Mexican food. Serving up authentic Mexican dishes in a sophisticated atmosphere, Cantina Laredo offers daily fish specials, grilled chicken and steaks complemented by signature sauces. Don’t miss their “out-of-this-world” margaritas or heat things up with their Chipotle Pollo Fajitas. No matter your selection, your Cinco de Mayo celebrations will please the palate at Cantina Laredo.

Hours:

Sunday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Location: 1125 Legacy Dr., #102

Manny’s

Manny’s is a family-owned, long-standing favorite in Frisco. Opened in 2000, Manny’s continues to serve some of the best Tex-Mex in North Texas. Located on Main Street in historic downtown Frisco, enjoy south of the border favorites on their patio or inside their uniquely decorated dining room.

Hours:

Monday – Thursday, 10:30 a.m. –   9 p.m.

Friday, 10:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Location: 705 W. Main St.

For a complete list of Frisco dining, head over to visitfrisco.com.

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Frisco is Going Off the Rails!

Shine up your boots and grab your cowboy hat, because country music’s biggest names are headed to Frisco for the first-ever Off the Rails Country Music Fest April 23 – 24. We’re talking Blake Shelton, Sam Hunt, Chris Young, Eric Church and 11 more of the biggest acts in country music, all in one place: Frisco’s Toyota Stadium.

The festival could stop there, but that’s not how we do things in Texas: we go BIG. In addition to the star-studded musical lineup, there will be a street taco cook-off, a bourbon tasting, plenty of craft beer and BBQ, interactive games, two-stepping classes and local vendors selling every western good imaginable. 

Tickets are on sale now, starting at just $69 for two-day passes, but there are also VIP packages for the ultimate Off the Rails experience.

Since it’s a two-day event, you’ll need a place to hang your hat overnight in Frisco, so click here for special Off the Rails hotel rates. Giddyup.

 There’s plenty of live music to be enjoyed in Frisco this spring. We’re also welcoming EdgeFest 26, Toyota Texas Fest, and of course, the one and only Jimmy Buffett with special guest ZZ Top. VisitFrisco.com for details!

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2 FC Dallas Players Walked into iFLY…

You can file this under “so cool.” FC Dallas players Mauro Diaz and Mauro Rosales recently took a timeout from prepping for the 2016 season to fly high in Frisco—at iFLY Indoor Skydiving.

 How did the Argentinian players fare in the wind tunnel boasting 100 – 125 mph winds? While they weren’t allowed to handle a soccer ball inside the tunnel, they were total naturals, flying with the same confidence and agility they’re known for on the field.

We’d like to think the exhilirating experience contributed to FC Dallas’ 2-0 win against Philadelphia in the home opener on March 6!

iFLY accepts reservations daily and is an excellent indoor option during North Texas’ not-so-sunny Spring Break weather this week.  

FC Dallas 2016 Season Memberships and individual match tickets are available here.

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The USMNT is Headed to Frisco

All we can say is “wow.” Toyota Stadium in Frisco hosted the U.S. Women’s National Team in February, and now the U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team will make an appearance in March! Needless to say, we’re psyched to be hosting two international soccer events in as many months.

The U23 USMNT is hosting Colombia on Tuesday, March 29 at 8:30pm for the second leg of its two-game, home-and-away playoff for a spot in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio. The first game is being held in Barranquilla, Colombia four days prior.

The road to the playoff round has been marked with highs and lows. In October 2015, the team won all three of its first-round games in the CONCACAF Men’s Olympic Qualifying Championship before Honduras took the win a semifinal match. Following the loss, the U23 team scored a win against Canada to earn a place in the playoff round.

If the USA is victorious in these matches against Colombia, they will be heading to the Olympics for the first time in eight years. The 2016 games are an opportunity for the USA to recover from the 2008 games, in which they posted a 1-1-1 record, but failed to advance from a group that included gold medalists Nigeria.

FC Dallas goalkeeper Chris Seitz was a member of the 2008 USMNT, and midfielder Kellyn Acotsa is among the 2016 Olympic hopefuls.

Tickets start at $20 and are on sale now for the March 29 match, and FC Dallas is offering a special two-match deal:

A ticket to the Olympic Qualifier + an east sideline seat for the match of your choice in April

Join us to cheer the USMNT to victory in Frisco!

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USA Wrestling is Stopping in Frisco on its Way to the Summer Games in Rio

USA Wrestling is taking over Frisco on back-to-back weekends starting at the end of the month, with two major international events at Dr Pepper Arena.

The Pan American Wrestling Championships kick things off February 26 – 28, followed by the Pan American Olympic Games Qualifier March 4 – 6, which will prominently feature three native Texans:

2012 Olympian and two-time World bronze medalist Tervel Dlagnev of Arlington, Texas will compete in men’s freestyle, and U.S. Open champion Tamyrah Mensah of Katy, Texas will compete in the women’s freestyle. 2000 Olympic champion Brandon Slay of Amarillo, Texas is now a USA Wrestling Assistant National Freestyle Coach, who will be helping lead Team USA to victory here in Frisco.

The Pan American is a major qualifier for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, and you can be there as history is made. The top two place winners in each of the 18 Olympic weight classes will qualify their nation to compete in Rio.

Tickets are now available for both 3-day events at Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco:

Single-Day Pass: $14.50

Three-Day Pass: $39.50

Six-Day Pass: $59.50

Click to book your hotel in Frisco and get ready to cheer for Team USA!

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Flip in Frisco: The 2016 WOGA Classic

It’s a summer Olympic games year, and we’re already counting down the days until we can watch team USA compete in gymnastics in Rio. But until then, we have the WOGA Classic in Frisco to tide over our vault, balance beam and uneven bars cravings.

Friday, February 12 through Sunday, February 14, Dr Pepper Arena will be an epicenter of gymnastic talent, as an impressive field of competitors showcases their skills. Let’s not forget that World Olympic Gymnastics Academy trained Olympians Carly Patterson (2004) and Nastia Liukin (2008), so you might just see this year’s talent competing on the world stage in a few years.

Speaking of Nastia Liukin, she is bringing her “Shine” tour to the WOGA Classic on Saturday, February 13 at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center. Open to girls of all ages (not just gymnasts), Nastia will lead an interactive and motivational presentation followed by Q&A and a photo op. Cost is $75/person. Call 972.985.9292 to reserve your spot for this unique event.

The WOGA Classic is one of the largest and longest running international gymnastics competitions in the U.S., so it’s a must-see for spectators!

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The Road to Gold Starts in Frisco

The first round of tournament double-headers for the 2016 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying is happening right here in Frisco! It’s the first set of games that will determine which international teams, including the U.S. Women’s National Team, will go to Rio for the 2016 summer games.

The USWNT will play a set of three matches at Toyota Stadium next  month: USA will open the tournament against Costa Rica on February 10, then face off against Mexico on February 13, and finally play Puerto Rico on February 15.

Four teams have already been determined for the 2016 summer games in Rio: Brazil, Colombia, France and Germany. Two more will qualify from CONCACAF, and the USWNT needs you cheering them on in Frisco next month to help them make it there. Click to get your tickets online now!

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When the #1 Team and the 4-Time Defending Champs Meet in Frisco…

…you KNOW it’s gonna be a good championship match-up! That’s exactly what’s happening on January 9, when the (four-time defending FCS champs) North Dakota State University Bison face off against the (#1-ranked) Jacksonville State University Gamecocks in the NCAA Division I Football Championship at Toyota Stadium.

As always, tickets are 99.99% sold out, save for standing room only, hospitality only and a few scarce seats on the NCAA Ticket Exchange. But whether you scored a ticket or not, the real fun is being part of the excitement that’s in the air in Frisco on championship weekend.

 Here are just a few Frisco hotspots where you will undoubtedly feel the energy:

Mattito’s (Tex-Mex), Jake’s Uptown (burgers), Firehouse Subs, Nola Grill (New Orleans Cajun), and Sake Toro Sushi are all just across Main Street from Toyota Stadium, where the action is going down.

 Within a two-block radius of the stadium, The Londoner Pub and Dodie’s Live are perfect for a victory drink.

 Click for even more dining options in Frisco, where you’re sure to run into some Bison or Gamecocks during championship weekend.

 Will the Bison score their 5th FCS title, or will the Jacksonville State Gamecocks put an end to NDSU’s winning streak? Find out January 9!

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Another Legendary Season is Underway in Frisco!

The Texas Legends are one month in to the 2015 – 2016 season, and things are heating up! Just this week, the team announced news of acquiring Manny Harris in a trade with the Los Angeles D-Fenders in exchange for returning player rights to Damion James. The trade is subject to physicals, but it’s an exciting move for the Legends. In his eight-game tenure with the D-Fenders, Harris has averaged 23.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.9 steals in 39.9 minutes.

 In a season with 24 home games, including 18 weekend dates, there are plenty more chances to watch the Legends in action at Dr Pepper Arena. View the complete schedule here.

But the fun and excitement of the season doesn’t end with the games. The Legends are bringing some extra special promotions to Frisco this season, too:

-       WIN a 2016 KIA Forte

At the end of the season, one lucky Legends fan will drive away from the final game in a brand new car!

-       Make game day a date night at Bonnie Ruth’s

Dinner for 2 + 2 Texas Legends tickets for $35

 -       Treat the family to Dickey’s BBQ before the game

Enjoy 4 quarter plate meals + 4 tickets to a Texas Legends game (Sunday – Thursday) + 4 Legends t-shirts for $40

 -       Win a chance to make a half-court shot & WIN $21,000 from Century 21 Mike Bowman

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Ring in 2016 in Frisco!

It’s been fun, 2015, but it’s time to move on. We’ve got our sights set on bigger and better things in 2016! But first, we have to decide how we’re going to ring in the New Year. For everyone visiting Frisco through January 1, we’ve rounded up a few of the best ways to do it in style (top hats optional):

Espíritu Fine Wine, Ale & Spirits

Party the night away starting at 7pm with live music by Radio Love Bus and Matthew Bell, plus festive drink specials (the $4 shot of the night will be Smirnoff Peppermint Twist), beer tappings, giveaways and more! 

Nola Grill

Welcome 2016 with a belly full of Louisiana-style haute cuisine! Choose from a 5pm or 7pm seating, with a prix-fixe menu complete with delicacies like shrimp-n-grits, gulf oysters and caviar, veal, lobster, and of course, gumbo.  

Perry’s Steakhouse

Toast to 2016 over prime beef, chops and seafood at this fine dining favorite as live entertainment plays in Bar 79.

Christmas in the Square

Light up the night at the largest choreographed lights and music show in North Texas at Christmas in the Square between 6pm and 10pm on New Year’s Eve! 

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Ho, Ho, Ho, Frisco!

No one does the holidays like Frisco. From the largest holiday lights and music show in North Texas to a parachuting Santa (yes, you read that correctly) to an exclusive kids-only holiday market, we truly have it all.

Christmas in the Square

Starting the day after Thanksgiving and running through January 2, Christmas in the Square is Frisco’s signature five-week-long holiday extravaganza in Frisco Square. It features the largest choreographed lights and music show in North Texas, complete with 175,000 lights, 11.5 miles of wiring and 8 miles of extension cords! The lights “dance” nightly from 6 – 10pm in sync with holiday music on 107.3 FM. The whole family can also skate on a real ice skating ring every evening!

But that’s only the beginning. On weekends, the same snow machines used by Disney create a winter wonderland when snow flurries fall every 15 minutes! Not to mention horse-drawn carriage rides, a petting zoo and pony rides.

If you can only make it to Christmas in the Square for one night, make it December 19, when Santa will parachute in to Frisco Square. Trackless train rides, a four-lane inner-tubing snow slide and holiday treats are also added to the mix!

Merry Main Street

Frisco’s longest-standing holiday tradition is Merry Main Street, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. For one night only, on December 5, Simpson Plaza will be a veritable North Pole, complete with the city’s official Christmas tree, live entertainment, FREE photos with Santa, carriage rides, a holiday light show, a kids-only holiday market, and a gingerbread house contest exhibit.

With all this festive fun, it’s safe to say you’ll need at least a few days in Frisco to take it all in. Click to book a hotel room and start planning your visit!

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Frisco’s One-Stop Holiday Shopping Spots

Let’s be real: from overbooked social calendars to business trips to dysfunctional family gatherings to baking, the holidays can be just as stressful as they are merry and bright. And one thing that makes them even more stressful: running all over town to get the perfect gift for everyone on your list.

Make this the year that you cross a minimum of 2 – 3 names off your list at each of these convenient Frisco shopping destinations, a.k.a. Frisco’s One-Stop Holiday Shopping Spots:

Frisco Mercantile: For Uncommon Treasures

For the ones on your list for whom a typical mall find just won’t do, make a beeline for Frisco Mercantile. Home to more than 200 artisans, collectors and local designers, you’ll find just the thing for your eccentric aunt and the perfect pair of handmade tutus for your best friend’s twin daughters, too. 

Frisco Square: For Host & Hostess Gifts

Running ten minutes late for your next holiday soiree and completely spaced on a gift for your host(ess)? Fear not. Frisco Square has you covered with sweet treats at Dimples Cupcake Factory, POParella’s Gourmet Popcorn & Treats and Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop. For the more sophisticated palate, try En Fuego for fine cigars and eSpíritu for wine and bubbly. Hint: Grab a few different options so you’ll be ready for the next party.

The Shops at Starwood: For Upscale Boutiques

Find the perfect gift for mom, grandma AND your daughter at Pappagallo Classiques and Mainstream Boutique in the Shops at Starwood. Dimples & Dandelions has kids’ gear so cute you’ll wish it came in adult sizes, and Panache at Home covers the domestic diva on your list. 

The Boutiques on Main Street: For One-of-a-Kind Finds

The boutiques that dot Main Street specialize in the kind of items you didn’t know you needed, but suddenly have to have. Head to Bittersweet Ivy, Blue Door Boutique and Twisted Simplicity for affordable, on-trend women’s apparel and accessories. Lillian Welch is a wannabe interior designer’s dream, filled with crisp white linens from Bella Notte and vintage and antique décor with a French twist.

The Centre at Preston Ridge: For Holiday Must-Haves

Truthfully, you can probably check everyone off your list at The Centre at Preston Ridge. From Pier 1 to Target to GameStop and Best Buy, this spot has something for the kids, the teens, the brothers, the husbands, the dads and beyond.

Stonebriar Centre: For Brand Name Presents

When it’s big brands you’re after, Stonebriar Centre has it all. Nordstrom and Michael Kors have the fashionistas covered, and The LEGO Store and Build-A-Bear Workshop have everything on the kiddos’ wish lists. Dick’s Sporting Goods has everything your athlete wants, and Apple and Microsoft have the latest tech gadgets topping everyone’s list.

Now that you’ve got your plan of attack all laid out, arm yourself with our secret weapon: ShopAcrossFrisco.com. Just click to access HUNDREDS of discounts and coupons available in Frisco! Tip: pull it up on your phone while you’re shopping to be sure you’re getting the best deal.

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Frightful Fun in Frisco

There are so many reasons to spend Halloween weekend in Frisco, and they go way beyond the average costume party.

Kick things off with Ludacris at Dr Pepper Arena on Friday, October 30. For one night only, Luda’s universe is headed to our area code. Grab your tickets for #LudaFrisco while they’re still available!

On Halloween Day, bring the whole family (including Fido!) in their frightful finest to Frisco Square from 1 – 4pm to Trick or Treat the Square. Enjoy a petting zoo, face painters, balloon artists, a pooch parade, costume contest, wagon rides around the plaza, and of course, trick-or-treating at your favorite Frisco Square restaurants and businesses. Mazie’s Mission will be hosting dog adoptions, too! The event is free and designed for kids ages 12 and under.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Halloween without trick-or-treating as the sun sets in one of Frisco’s 150 neighborhoods. Nextdoor.com named Frisco the 5th best city in the U.S. for trick-or-treating, and you can use the Nextdoor “Treat Map” to discover the best streets for treats! 

Last, but not least, don’t miss the Frozen Fall Festival Tour at Stonebriar Centre Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1. The event will feature interactive Frozen-themed games on LeapFrog, LeapTV and LeapPad Premium. Throw snowballs at Marshmallow’s Snow Throw, play Whack-a-Troll and smile for your Frozen portrait, too.  

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GET BOWLED OVER

Teen Masters Bowling Frisco Open October 24 – 25

You’ve never seen bowling like this before! Strikz is hosting the Teen Masters Bowling Frisco Open October 24 – 25, in which teens will compete for $2,500 in scholarships and awards during two days of intense competition.

Each of the young competitors will bowl in 12 games: six on Saturday and six on Sunday. Their 12-game totals will determine the awards and who will advance to the 2016 national championships in Ft. Lauderdale next summer.

Interested in competing? Registration is still open! Register online by October 23 for a fee of $55, or in person on October 24 for $60. Comfort Inn & Suites is offering a special Teen Masters rate of $84/night, too—just mention code “Teen Masters” when booking.

Join us for an unforgettable weekend of bowling and fun in Frisco! :

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Feed Frisco & Fill Your Closet

Sip, Shop, Rock & Stroll in Historic Downtown Frisco this Saturday!

We are this close to full-blown fall weather in Frisco, and you know what that means: time for a new fall look! Shop Historic Downtown Frisco during this Saturday’s Sip, Shop, Rock & Stroll and fill your closet while you help feed Frisco. Here’s how it works:

From 2 – 8pm, shop participating merchants (map below), who will be offering exclusive, one-day-only savings and perks!

Bring canned goods and pantry items to any of the participating merchants for donation to Frisco Family Services (scroll down to see FFS’s most needed items).

Visit all participating merchants (you’ll get a punch card), and be entered to win a prize package valued at more than $500, including a week’s use of a Volkswagen Beetle convertible, compliments of Hendrick Volkswagen. Can you feel your hair blowing in the wind yet?

You’re all but guaranteed to work up an appetite while shopping, and participating restaurants have got you covered: they’ll be open late until 11pm!

We know how much North Texans love to give back and have a good time, so join us this Saturday!

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The Great (Frisco) Outdoors

Ah, fall in North Texas…it’s not too hot, and not too cold—“Goldilocks” weather, if you will. It’s the perfect time to get up, get out, and enjoy what we like to call the great FRISCO outdoors! From hiking to biking to golfing and even batting cages, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy some fresh air in Frisco.

Hike & Bike Trails

Whether you prefer to travel on two feet or on two wheels, Frisco has the ideal trail. Choose from nine beautiful hike and bike trails of varying lengths, each with their own amenities and scenery along the way, such as ponds and playgrounds:

-       Frisco Mountain Bike Trail: 8.1 miles, divided into “loops” of varying distances and terrains

-       Beaver Bend Trail: 1.2 miles

-       Caddo Trail: 1.1 miles

-       College Parkway Trail: 1.2 miles

-       Griffin Parc Trail: 1.1 miles

-       Lone Star Ranch Trail:  0.5 mile

-       Taychas Trail: 1 mile

-       Trails of West Frisco Trail: 0.8 mile

-       West Rowlett Creek Trail: comprised of several smaller trails of varying distances

Texas Sculpture Garden

For truly unbeatable scenery, take a stroll through the Texas Sculpture Garden, located at Gaylord Parkway and the Dallas North Tollway, within Hall Office Park. Recognized as the largest private collection of contemporary Texas sculpture, more than 150 pieces of outdoor art are sprinkled amongst winding walking trails, lush landscaping, lakes and fountains.

Parks

The City of Frisco manages 48 park sites that are open daily from sun up to sun down, ranging from green parks to dog parks to even splash parks. Frisco Commons is among the most popular parks, known for its unique amenities such as three pavilions, a fishing pond, the Veterans Memorial Plaza, a large playground.

Golf

Frisco is home to four nationally-recognized golf courses, ranging in size, difficulty and amenities:

-       The Tom Fazio Championship Course at The Westin Stonebriar

-       The Trails of Frisco Golf Club

-       The Golf Club at Frisco Lakes

-       Plantation Golf Club

Batter Up!

Frisco’s Harold Bacchus Park boasts the “On-Deck Circle,” a training area that includes four batting cages that pitch both baseball and softball at various speeds controlled by the batter. Additionally, the training area has four tunnels complete with nets. The batting cages are operated on a token system (bring cash for the token machine!) on a first-come, first-served basis when there is not a reservation.