Discovering your Town series: Legacy Trail, Plano

 Legacy Trail in Plano is another one of those gorgeous oasis in the middle of the urban jungle. A part of this trail is right next to the very busy Preston Road. As you walk this trail alongside Preston Road to the east and horse ranches to the west, you will pass large grassy areas filled with wildflowers and a variety of birds like scissor tail flycatchers, blue jays, and barn swallows. 

The trail meanders along Whiterock creek where you can watch many kinds of shorebirds like egrets, herons, killdeer, and sandpipers. It is truly a birder's paradise and a must visit during any season. It's a fairly popular trail and is always filled with walker, joggers and birders.

The trail beyond Tennyson Parkway opens up onto a lake and there are several spillways that have beautiful views that transport you to a different place.

The trail has been slowly expanded to 4.4 miles and I am looking forward to the remaining connectors that will complete the trail from McDermott Road upto Spring Creek Road.

Here are some pretty images of the trail: 

Discovering your Town Series: Dayspring Nature Preserve, Allen

If you are looking for a wooded greenbelt and trees that evoke images of the East coast, you should explore Dayspring Nature Preserve in Allen. This is a 26 acre wooded preserve along Watters Creek. The City of Allen has done a superb job of building neat bridges, lookout points and well placed seating spaces to sit and enjoy the greenery, the sounds of the creek and the majestic trees. 

The entire route is not wooded - parts of the trails pass through local parks, along backyards, and along a quiet road for a short stretch.  The stretch of the trail that runs behind Boon Elementary is, hands down, the prettiest part of the trail. 

In Fall this stretch has gorgeous fall colors and evokes memories of  the north east with its towering trees, boardwalks, and thickly wooded areas.

This is a lovely trail that everyone's sure to enjoy!

Discovering my town series: Goar Park and Williams Park, Dallas

Goar Park is one of many area parks maintained by the City of Dallas. It is located in the Highland Park area which is a rather exclusive residential community in the metroplex. 

I started my walk at the Highland Park Presbyterian Church which is a beautiful Gothic Revival structure built in 1920s. Walking East from the church you will reach Williams Park, a small urban grassy knoll overlooking a pretty pond. 

Williams Park is home to the iconic LOVE sculpture created by political pop artist Robert Indiana. This piece is on loan from Pauline and Austin Neuhoff and the city of Dallas and its residents are fortunate to be able to enjoy this public art installation. 

As you stroll along the pond, south on Williams Parkway, you will pass the beautiful Highland Park City hall and city offices, well manicured lawns and tastefully landscaped grounds. The City Hall grounds are landscaped with a lovely water feature that meanders along to Goar Park.

Goar Park has large, open grassy areas and a pretty gazebo that stands at the center of the park. This is a popular place for photo shoots. At night,the gazebo is beautifully lit and makes you want to linger and enjoy the quiet, evening hours.

Williams Park and Goar parks are two small parks but it's surrounded by beautiful residential homes that back to Turtle Creek. If you're looking for a short walk along a pretty creek with beautiful landscaping and the chance to enjoy some iconic art installation, head to Goar Park and Williams Park.

Highland Park Presbyterian Church

Iconic public art installation by Robert Indiana

The Gazebo at Goar Park

Turtle Creek

Williams Park

Water feature at City Hall

Beautifully lit gazebo at dusk

Discovering my Town Series: Bethany Lakes Park, Allen

The city of Allen has a network of gorgeous trails and parks and Bethany Lakes is one of those gems - an oasis  in the middle of a busy town.
This is a 40 acre park with all the facilities like sports and picnic sites. But what I love about this place are the picturesque ponds, trails, the board walk, and the variety of birds that the foliage and the water body attracts.

A serene pond at sunset

The resident Great Blue heron

Snow Goose

Seagulls

Norther Shoveler

Ring Necked Duck

Widgeon

One of the best times to visit is during sunset. The beauty of the amazing Texas sunsets are magnified in this picturesque park. The trails are rather short but if you are looking to enjoy the great weather, the wildlife and take in the sunset then this is the perfect spot for you.

Discovering my Town Series: Lakeside Park, Dallas

Lakeside Park is one of Dallas' secluded parks that will lift your spirits anytime of the year. The very first time we visited I was blown away by the beauty and the natural, rugged rocky setting of the place. In the springtime the park is gorgeous with blooming azaleas and rich greenery. It's an interesting lake - long, elongated body of water that is bordered by stately homes with manicured gardens on one side and a walking trail on the other. The topography of the place reminds me of the north east - rough hewn stone steps leading to the lake, pretty bridges, walking trails, quaint sculptures, an occasional egret - a totally picture perfect place and a must visit if you are in Dallas.

                      Bridge on top of Turtle Creek dam

                     The Cute Teddy Bear Park at Lakeside Park

                      Colorful azaleas in springtime

                                     Rough hewn steps along the trail

   Tranquil lake

         Quaint sculptures at Lakeside Park