Many people traveling down Highway 380 drive through Denton without a second glance. Those who have lived in Denton for a while have no doubt that this is a much more than an ordinary little Texas suburb. Denton was named after John B. Denton in the early 1800’s: a point in a triangle of cities. Most people are familiar with two of those points – Dallas and Forth Worth. It is lesser know that it is Denton that completes the triangle which is usually called the “Golden Triangle.” The founder of this fascinating city is remembered fondly by the residents of this extraordinary community. This year, on the bicentennial of the founder’s birth, Denton honored its forebear with a three-day celebration of his life and times. John Denton died in battle between early colonists and natives on May 24, 1841. The city of Denton lived on and grew and today is big enough to have a few basic common chain stores and restaurants.
If you tour Denton with open eyes and an open mind, you may get the feeling that it is one of those rare spots where the chain shops are truly outdone by individually owned enterprises frequented by quite a diverse clientèle. Of these many establishments, favorites for tourists and Denton residents alike are the places where you can get delicacies that might be a little different from your standard processed-food restaurant fare. Now, most of these places are not the types to have fancy websites – they’d rather put their time into making great food. If you do want to put in a little web surfing before you visit some of these spots you can find some good information on these and others at http://www.dentonmainstreet.org. Luckily, Denton isn’t hard to navigate as long as you watch out for the one-way streets and most residents are more than happy to help you find one of these special spots.
You may want to start out the morning with a warm bagel and some great coffee at a hangout known as Banter. This pleasant retreat can be found at 219 West Oak Street and the phone number is 940-565-1638. Special coffee blends are favored; toasty bagels with a variety of flavored spreads and a delicious vegetarian sandwich are a treat. In addition, this Coffeehouse/Bistro calls to hungry customers from a sign which advertises Tapas as well as its excellent java. Many local fine arts students enjoy Banter and the open layout with plenty of room between tables makes it easy to get around and socialize. This is a nice change from cramped coffee bars where you can’t type on your laptop without bumping another elbow.
Since our vicarious tour is currently on Oak Street in Denton, I should mention that if you’re not rushed you can pass by the historic Davenport-Ivey House (built in 1885) at 819 West Oak. Now, right down at 110 West Oak Street you’ll find another site of interest. When I first spotted a place known as “The Candy Store,” I assumed that as eclectic as Denton is, the shop would be some unusual shop catering to a regular set of customers or perhaps adult-only items. It seemed a bit surprising in the prime location, but after all, they wouldn’t really still have a whole shop dedicated to distinctive sweets! Any which way, it sounded like something to see. What an amazing place, but be warned- it’s addictive. A friendly proprietor offers many types of sugar candies, chocolates, and lollipops in a myriad of flavors. You’ll see candies in all shapes and sizes and also sugar candies of all sorts of colors. This is the kind of place you’ll want to go for something special rather than a plastic-wrapped box of chocolate-covered pink stuff at the local grocery. If you need directions to “The Candy Store,” give them a call at 940-382-1001
Once you’re all set for lunch, it’s time to head over to a place where you’ll see common choices on the menu but you’ll find them delectable enough to make you want to come back for dinner. The place is a tiny place called Mi Casita at 110 N Carroll and you can call them up at 940 891-1932. Mi Casita is worth the trip just for a huge order of their fantastic chips and salsa. The tortilla chips are super-thin and have just that perfect crispy crunch with the perfect amount of salt and what might be a dash of taco seasoning. The menu will offer you the standard Mexican-style choices but everything is superbly fresh and well-made. You’ll often give your order to one of the owners in person, so you know they are keeping an eye on that food to keep the many regulars coming in! For vegetarians, Mi Casita has some great choices right on the menu so you won’t have to try to explain why you would ever want a taco with no meat.
If you are too stuffed to visit our dessert shop yet, you can go for a little drive over to Hickory Street and look around near the corner around the 100 block of Fry Street. He comes and goes, but if he’s there he’ll be near his van selling interesting and absolutely legal blends of tobacco and herbs for gourmet smokers. They say that he calls out “Smoky Treats” to passers-by and will offer free samples of some of his creations. So I hear, the tobacco is often mixed with herbs that were used medicinally by a variety of healers, and Mr. Smoky Treats can tell you what mix will help you with which kind of ailment. Now, if he’s got one that prevents lung cancer and emphysema, he might someday by selling out of a Mercedes instead of a van! If you don’t find him, the corner of Hickory and Fry might offer you some other surprises, but for now let’s go for that dessert.
Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream & Soda Fountain at 117 Hickory is our destination and it lives up to its name. If you need directions, give them a call at 940-384-1818. Just about anyone who has lived in Denton long enough to make a friend or two has heard about Beth Marie’s because it is said that the freshly made ice cream in all sorts of tastes to savor just cannot be beat.
