Two popular McKinney destinations, TUPPS Brewery and The Bingham Estate, are winners of 2025 Texas Travel Awards, a special program hosted by the publishers of Austin Monthly and Texas Music magazines. This recognition program, now in its fifth year, celebrates standout destinations or experiences in the Lone Star State, and we’re so proud to have two of our wonderful tourism partners named as winners.
About the Texas Travel Awards
Each spring, the program hosts accept nominations in about 30 categories, some statewide and some based on city size, from across the state. The nominations are then turned over to a panel of judges who select the winners. (The judges each year are curated from various aspects of the tourism industry - travel writers and photographers, musicians, publishers, travel influencers, and others.) These two McKinney destinations couldn't have achieved this without the continued support of our visitors and locals who are regular patrons of both of these standout businesses!
Let's learn a little more about our two winners below:
TUPPS – Best Brewery in Texas
Celebrating a decade of craft beer excellence, TUPPS Brewery in Downtown McKinney, Texas, stands as a shining example of innovation, community, and unforgettable experiences that draws nearly 150,000 visitors annually. In their new, more sprawling location since early 2024, TUPPS continues to redefine what a Texas brewery can be, and is a proud member of the Texas Craft Brewers' Guild through which McKinney enjoys a Brew City, Texas designation. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, rustic taproom, and expansive outdoor beer garden, the brewery offers an immersive experience featuring a rotating selection of bold, locally brewed craft beers. Weekly live music, signature events like Ratrodtober, Hippie Fest, yoga, The Boho Market, comedy and trivia nights, and a deep connection to local culture make TUPPS not just a destination, but a cornerstone of the Texas brewing scene and a popular hang-out with the locals and visitors alike.
TUPPS's move in 2024 to the east side of Downtown McKinney (adjacent to Local Yocal BBQ & Grill and The Flour Mill) makes this cool destination easily accessible by car, foot, and even via free trolley ride (Thursday-Saturday) from Historic Downtown McKinney. The family-friendly brewery features a kids' area as well as wide open spaces for kids to run, play ball, and even challenge their parents to a game of corn hole! Dogs are also welcome, but only in the outdoor areas. (For health code reasons, dogs aren't allowed in the Grain Room building where the kitchen and drink service area is located.
Ten years strong and still growing,TUPPS Brewery is raising the bar for breweries across the Lone Star State, not just to brew and serve great beer, but also to become invaluable partners in the communities they call home. In addition to brewing great beer, offering tasty scratch-kitchen cuisine, and hosting fun and engaging community events, TUPPS Brewery has also partnered with The McKinney Parks Foundation and the McKinney Community Development Corporation to build the East McKinney Learning Garden. The Garden’s goal is to help bridge the large food-desert gap in the brewery’s area of McKinney east side community. The Foundation volunteers will teach people how to create food-producing gardens in their own backyards so they may use that food as part of a healthy diet. Also, Hugs Cafe maintains a small section of the garden to produce food for their cafe and academy classes.
Plan to stop by TUPPS Brewery soon to learn why it is one of the quintessential (and favorite with the locals) places to visit in McKinney!
Bingham Estate – Unique Lodging
(Big Market)
Nestled in the heart of historic McKinney, Texas, The Bingham Estate offers a distinctive lodging experience that seamlessly blends 19th-century elegance with modern luxury. Originally built in 1883 by Civil War veteran Captain John Henry Bingham, this Georgian Italianate home has been meticulously restored to preserve its rich heritage while providing contemporary comforts.
Guests can choose from four opulent en suite rooms within the main house or six newly-constructed one-bedroom cottages, each named after one of Bingham's children. These cottages feature 11-foot ceilings, antique hardwood floors, cozy gas fireplaces, king-size beds, luxurious soaking tubs, and convenient kitchenettes.
The estate's amenities include a Hollywood-style pool, a pickleball court, and a charming back porch perfect for socializing or relaxation. Its prime location allows guests to easily explore Downtown McKinney's array of boutiques, art galleries, and dining options.
Whether you're seeking a serene retreat or an immersive cultural experience, The Bingham Estate provides an enchanting stay that captures the essence of McKinney's historic charm. This beautiful property is definitely one of the most unique and welcoming places to stay in McKinney.
Previous McKinney Winner of Texas Travel Award:
Historic Downtown McKinney Named 2024's Top Destination for Foodies
No place in McKinney is richer in opportunities to tantalize your tastebuds than McKinney's Historic Cultural Downtown District. Explore the enchanting blend of history and modernity in Downtown McKinney, its atmosphere and historic edifices providing an idyllic backdrop for culinary exploration. With more than 20 one-of-a-kind restaurants plus sweets shops and a thriving coffee shop scene, Downtown McKinney earned the esteemed 2024 Texas Travel Award as Top Destination for Foodies by readers of Austin Monthly, underscoring the top spot's stature as a premier destination in the Lone Star State.
Read the blog post that details some of the favorite and most recognized restaurants headlining Downtown McKinney's culinary scene.
