Original Town - Carrollton, TX

Once a minor train hub, Historic Old Downtown Carrollton grew up around the tracks in the late 1800s. The town grew rapidly after World War II, becoming known as a "grain and gravel" shipping center. Since that time, Original Town has kept the Americana look, even as the neighborhood grew.

To enjoy a bit of this history, visit Graverly Park and the free A. W. Perry Homestead Museum. With 10 acres of land set up as it was in the 1900s, they show you a glimpse of life then.

Original Town has become known as a great area for small local bands to get their start at the annual Festival at the Switchyard. Now attracting some major names as headliners, the festival has become an important part of the Dallas music scene. Not only can you enjoy the show, but also local food, as neighborhood restaurants set up booths within.

For a large selection of charming, locally owned restaurants, simply visit Historic Old Downtown Carrollton. Make sure to try the Original Town staple, Sid’s Rainbow Grill, for the ultimate diner experience, including an old-fashioned soda fountain. A perfect place for a quick lunch, Sid's quickly serves up orders. Make sure to get an order of the famous homemade sweet potato chips with your order, but prepare to start a lifelong obsession. Just be careful to check the time before visiting, as Sid's only opens between 11 a.m. and 2 p m. for lunch.

To enjoy some more exotic flavors, try Casa Vieja Restaurant for traditional Colombian fare. With big portions and huge servings of meat, you can't go away hungry. If you are just trying Colombian cuisine for the first time, get the bandeja paisa to try a little bit of everything, and pair it with fresh tropical juices.

While the restaurants in the area offer plenty to try, nightlife in Original Town tends to stay pretty quiet. Few clubs or lounges exist here, and most bars also serve as restaurants. One of the best places to relax at night, Twisted Root Burger Co. has a casual atmosphere where you can relax with a boozy milkshake and play pool with friends. Try the Fruit Loops adult shake for a totally original cocktail. Just remember that you have to venture to the back to order at the counter. Make sure to grab some oddly flavored pickles from the pickle bar to pair with your food. Many residents also praise a night out at the Plaza Arts Center. The ideal location to screen a movie, listen to a touring band or watch a play, Plaza Art Center serves as the main events venue in Original Town, hosting everything from local theatre kid's shows to cabaret.

In keeping with the historic theme of Old Downtown Carrolton, all of Original Town remains extremely walkable thanks to countless sidewalks and safeguards. Taking advantage of the well-established bike lanes, a large number of residents choose to bike here to get around as well.

When you need to go a bit father, hop on public transportation conveniently accessible throughout the area. Several DART bus lines run through Original Town, including the major 400 line. You can even get on the DART Green Line train from within Historic Old Downtown. In a pinch, you can easily call a rideshare through Uber or call a taxi.

While public transit has remained popular in Original Town, many residents also drive. With quick access to Highway 77 and Belt Line Road, you can get to most parts of the city without difficulty. Residents have no difficulty parking thanks to the ample number of public spaces, especially a number of free parking garages.

The major parks in Original Town include Jimmy Porter Park and Thomas Park. If you have children, make sure to visit Thomas Park so they can enjoy the free public W J Thomas Splash Park. With plenty of picnic space and even ice cream and food vendors in summer months, Thomas Park offers the perfect, family friendly location to relax for a leisurely afternoon.

When you want to exercise or play with the dog in open spaces, Porter Park provides over 50 acres of undeveloped land where you can stroll in fields or jog along trails. The park also holds a disc golf course, basketball court and lighted fields where you can enjoy sports. Its playground provides a popular place for parents to meet up while little ones play.

Original Town costs a bit more than the Dallas average but remains affordable for most families. Since you can reach downtown Dallas quickly on DART for just $2.50 on the train, Original Town costs even less than some other popular suburbs. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment costs about $705 per month, and a beer sets you back about $9. Gas prices here mirror the Dallas rate, about 14 percent less than the national average.

Although some large department stores sit farther out, most local boutiques and specialty shops in Original Town remain in the historic Downtown Carrolton area. Known for its charming and sometimes kitschy options, you can find any unique gift or home decoration imaginable. One major shopping attraction for the area, Finishing Touch Antique Mall houses 30 mini shops within one store. Each area dedicates itself to a particular kind of antique, making it easy to find what you need. Finishing Touch even has a section devoted solely to antique buttons and fabrics. Make sure to browse the sections on antique advertisements and postcards for a blast into the past. Every visit here, you find something new.

Another local favorite to browse, the Silver Star has an interesting mix of gifts, such as Texas souvenirs and gags, alongside home goods and decorations. If that weren't enough to make this shop one-of-a-kind, you can also get your hair cut in the in-store salon. For even more gift options, head to The Vintage House Gift Boutique to find three floors of cute gift items, figurines and Texas paraphernalia.

For grocery needs, most residents head to the local Albertsons or Fiesta Mart. They also shop for specialities at small markets, including Apna Bazaar Grocery and Grill and La Marqueza Salvadorena.