Denton’s vibrant arts and music scene, picturesque landscape, and friendly community attract visitors and residents alike. What’s not to love about the thriving city that’s still quaint enough to encompass the attractive characteristics of a small town?

Denton has a quintessential town square, as lively today as it was in 1857. Anchored by the elegant Denton County Courthouse—now home to a historical museum—the square creates a sense of community and serves as a central point for restaurants, shops, and museums. The city organizes myriad entertainment events—many of which are free, all of which are affordable. The opportunity to stroll from the art galleries at the Center for the Visual Arts to restaurants and ice cream shops affords a taste of the big city but on a smaller, more approachable scale.

Another major ingredient in Denton’s uniqueness is its niche as a college town: home to Texas Woman’s University, known for its high-caliber academics and touted gymnastics program, and the University of North Texas, whose world-class music program has defined Denton in a myriad of ways.

Aside from helping to launch successful musical acts such as Brave Combo, Deep Blue Something, and Norah Jones, UNT’s student population has set the stage for a local music scene that rivals Austin’s as the best in Texas. Fry Street, once the site of an annual music festival, is in the midst of a redevelopment, and seems on its way to vibrant revitalization.

And then there’s Denton’s year-full of festivals, proving the heartbeat behind the town is its vibrant community.

catch that vibe
At first glance, Denton may seem like a college community, with tens of thousands of students filling local bookstores and coffee shops. But the city also has become a magnet for those seeking a close-knit urban center, complete with a bustling courthouse square, local festivals, live theater, and international exhibits. In short, Denton benefits from a mix of commerce and creative energy, with a little Texas style to boot.

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Keeping the beat
As the heart of the renowned University of North Texas music program, Denton can pick up nearly anyone’s beat. Besides top-shelf jazz, music lovers can enjoy folk, country, and alternative sounds. Every Saturday morning, musicians gather on the courthouse lawn for impromptu jam sessions. For an upscale night of top-line acoustics, buy a ticket for UNT’s Murchison Performing Arts Center. To kick back and soak up the latest vibe, try Dan’s Silver Leaf or Hailey’s.

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living art
Denton hosts traveling international exhibits at the Center for the Visual Arts and elsewhere. But the city is also full of homegrown artistic talent, visible in local galleries and groups like the Quilt Guild and the Visual Arts Society of Texas. Don’t miss the contemporary sculpture on display near Denton City Hall and the local universities. Even the roads are fair game; a Southwestern-style mural now colors the railroad underpass at Dallas Drive.

John B. Denton would have been proud. The eloquent minister, lawyer, soldier, and pioneer the city was named after wasn’t afraid to try new things—and neither is Denton. You see, although the city is 150 years old, it continues to evolve and improve on the very things that made it unique in the first place. It is a community that clings to its past while embracing its future.

Denton’s two major universities, the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University, have greatly contributed to the culture and energy of the city. Be it by bringing home sports titles (including the recent Sun Belt Conference men’s basketball championship) or bringing in big-name musicians like Harry Connick Jr.

Stepping inside the community, you’ll find modern art galleries mixed in with antique shops, and classical musicians jamming alongside local dub and hip-hop DJs at some of the best live venues in North Texas. Continuing the performing artist theme, Denton Community Theatre hosts a variety of stage productions at the Campus Theatre—a renovated movie house that once hosted the 1967 world premiere of Bonnie and Clyde.

Finally, there’s the Square. A century-old reminder of the city’s history. But next to the antique shops and ice cream parlor, visitors find storefronts that feature new shopping concepts like custom bath products and wine bottling. Vintage and new on the same block. Mr. Denton would feel right at home. 

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By Michelle Reneau

The Denton County Courthouse Square is more than just the hub of local government. It’s the center of community activity—and the place to go for yummy food and toe-tapping music. You can taste award-winning Texas vintages during the wine festival in May and pick up fresh fruits and veggies all summer long at the Farmer’s Market. Check out the famous Denton music scene at the Thursday Twilight Tunes Concert Series in May and June, and the Acoustic Lawn Jam held Saturday mornings year-round, where you’re welcome to bring your own instrument and join in.

By Elizabeth Lunday

John B. Denton is the preacher, lawyer, pioneer, and soldier for whom Denton County and the city of Denton are named. On the bicentennial of his birth, Denton will honor its forebear with a three-day celebration of his life and times. Period re-enactors will demonstrate crafts such as weaving and candle making, while bands play old-timey tunes on period instruments. Saturday night will be topped off with a performance by legendary outlaw country singer/songwriter Billy Joe Shaver. The John B. Denton Days will take place on the Denton County Courthouse on the Square lawn July 28–30, 2006.

By Elizabeth Lunday

Denton has its share of multiplexes and mega-movie theaters, but for a cozy—and delicious—movie experience, make your way to the Denton Movie Tavern. While watching the latest Hollywood blockbuster, you can chow down on burgers, pizzas, salads, and desserts (Snickers cheesecake, anyone?) or sample one of the 24 beers on tap. The Denton Movie Tavern is located on University Dr. at Hinkle in the Kroger shopping center.

By Elizabeth Lunday