UNIQUE Denton

by Scott Gensch
Denton Live Fall/Winter 2005

People love Denton, Texas, for lots of reasons. For one, it’s a city that embraces its past with an overwhelming spirit. Visitors here can see that community pride the moment they spy a glimpse of downtown’s century-old Courthouse restored to its original glory. Moreover, this Main Street City of 96,200 residents has renovated more than 203 of its historic structures, including the stunning Victorian Bayless-Selby House Museum pictured here. But don’t let their celebration of history fool you, Denton doesn’t live in the past.

Having it ALL
The wide diversity of Denton’s residents is actually what gives the city its distinct flavor. Just ask anyone who lives here. People from all walks of life — artists, students, musicians, small-business owners, bankers, innovators, and many others — seem willing and open to learn what makes the other tick. That type of community harmony is rare, but it exists here. It’s also what makes Denton a popular place for everything from conventions to fishing trips, from family time with the kids to a quiet date night at the Campus Theatre. Denton is the creative and intellectual center of North Texas.

Campus Influence
Denton’s continuous forward thinking is another reason why people of all ages seem to thrive here. Some of that youthful vigor can be directly attributed to the fact that Denton is quite a dynamic college community. It’s the home of both the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University. With so many students to keep busy, activities and attractions are plentiful. It’s just as easy to spend an evening stargazing at the on-campus UNT Sky Theatre Planetarium as it is to see rising stars on stage at one of the many live-music venues like Hailey’s.

Get Out There
Outdoor activities abound in Denton thanks to its close proximity to both Lake Ray Roberts and Lewisville Lake, and an abundance of unspoiled vistas where many residents indulge their equine passions. A plethora of public parks — 19 at last count — provide opportunities to hike, bike, picnic, or even try your hand at a round of disk golf. And when things cool off, your activity doesn’t have to. Dive into a movie that plays from above as you swim in the indoor pool at the public Denton Natatorium. Or watch your favorite drivers rev things up in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series at the Texas Motor Speedway.