Imagine finding a secret place that looks just like a small town in Croatia but it’s actually hidden right here in the United States.
This special village, built to look just like those beautiful Croatian towns with old stone streets and unique buildings, offers a surprising change from the usual scenery of Texas.
In this article, we’ll take you on an adventure to explore this hidden gem!
You’ll see buildings that look like they’re from a different country and find out about all the fun things you can do there.
Get ready to be amazed by this little piece of Croatia tucked away in the heart of Texas.
Adriatica Village
Adriatica Village is a 45-acre unique and beautiful place located in McKinney, Texas.
McKinney is a suburb of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and is today home to around 200,000 people.
But it’s hiding a big secret…Adriatica Village!
This impressive residential area was designed to look just like a small Croatian fishing village.
You’ll find it in the Stonebridge Ranch development in the heart of McKinney.
When you step into Adriatica Village, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled all the way to Europe!
The village includes buildings with old-world designs, charming cobblestone paths and even a bell tower that you might see in towns by the Croatian coast.
As you stroll through the streets, you’ll wander past fountains, statues and small gardens. It’s truly beautiful.
This special spot in Texas is known for its picturesque views and peaceful atmosphere.
It definitely has some fairytale charm!
People visit Adriatica Village to experience its stunning architecture and to feel like they are in another country without ever leaving the United States.
The village is not just about looking pretty though, it’s also a lively community where people live, shop and enjoy these beautiful surroundings every single day.
If you fancy it, you could even move here!
Adriatica Village is pretty unique in that it brings a piece of Croatian charm to Texas.
It stands out because it’s so different from anything else you usually see in the area.
Things To Do
Adriatica Village isn’t just a pretty place, it’s also full of fun activities for everyone to enjoy!
Here’s a list of things you can do when you visit this unique village:
Shopping
There are many boutique shops around the village where you can find unique gifts, clothes and handmade crafts.
These shops are great for finding something special that you can’t get anywhere else.
Dining Out
If you love food, you’re in for a treat.
The village has a variety of restaurants and cafes that serve delicious meals and snacks.
You can try dishes that have a Mediterranean flair and taste different kinds of foods from around the world.
Umai Sushi and Zin Zen Wine Bistro are two popular choices.
Guitar Sanctuary
The Guitar Sanctuary is a pretty special place for music lovers.
You can find unique guitars here that aren’t available in many other places and they also have classes where you can learn how to play the guitar.
The store is set in a beautiful area of town.
Bell Tower
One of the most scenic spots in town is the 128-ft Bell Tower.
This beautiful landmark is designed to look like the old bell towers found in Croatia.
It even has 3 working bells inside plus apparently there’s an office inside that can only be accessed by a rotating bookshelf!
It really does add a touch of elegance and charm to the village.
Boating and Fishing
There’s a beautiful lake in Adriatica Village where you can rent a boat or go fishing.
It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the water, especially on a sunny day.
Events and Festivals
Throughout the year, Adriatica Village hosts various different events and festivals.
These include music concerts, cultural festivals and holiday celebrations.
They even have a chili cookoff!
It’s a fun way to experience the community spirit and enjoy entertainment with friends and family.
Walking and Biking
The village has many lovely paths and trails that are perfect for walking or biking.
You can take a leisurely stroll or a bike ride and enjoy the scenic views around the village.
Photography
With its beautiful buildings and scenic landscapes, Adriatica Village is a fantastic place for photography.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll find plenty of beautiful spots to capture on your camera.
Bella Donna Chapel
One of the highlights of Adriatica Village is the Bella Donna Chapel which is actually situated on its own island.
This beautiful chapel is a popular place for weddings and it’s definitely worth a visit to see its stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings.
Adriatica Village offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, making it a great place to spend a day or even a weekend.
History
You might now be thinking “why on earth is there a Croatian village in Texas?”.
Well, Adriatica Village actually has an interesting story about how it came to be.
This unique place in McKinney was purposely built to recreate the feel and look of a Croatian village.
The idea started because the main developer, Jeff Blackard, wanted to bring a piece of European charm to Texas.
They chose Croatian architecture because it’s known for its beautiful designs and historical significance.
The construction of Adriatica Village then began in the early 2000s.
The developers studied Croatian towns and villages closely to make sure they could mimic the style accurately.
They mainly modeled it after a small fishing village on the island of Brač called Supetar.
They paid a lot of attention to details, from the types of stones used in the buildings to the layout of the streets.
Everything was designed to make you feel like you are in Croatia even though you’re right in the middle of Texas.
The main goal was to create a modern community that felt like a small European town where people could live, work, shop and play.
The developers wanted to offer a unique living experience that combined the beauty of old-world architecture with modern amenities.
It was also built as a place where people could gather for community events.
Building Adriatica Village was a big project and cost over $250 million.
It involved architects, historians and builders who all worked together.
They used materials that would not only look authentic but also last a long time, just like the buildings in Croatia.
They also made sure to include lots of public spaces, like the village square and the waterfront, to keep the community feeling open and welcoming.
Today, Adriatica Village is not just a residential area but also a popular destination for visitors.
How To Get There
Getting to Adriatica Village is quite straightforward whether you’re driving, using public transport or flying in from somewhere else.
By Car
If you’re driving, Adriatica Village is easily accessible via major highways.
From downtown Dallas, take US-75 North towards McKinney.
Take exit 40A and then follow the S Central Expy and Virginia Parkway until you reach the village.
By Public Transport
For those preferring public transport, you can use the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) services.
The DART will take you to Plano and from there you can take a local bus up to McKinney.
By Air
If you are coming from out of state or from another country, the nearest major airport is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi.
It’s about a 30-minute drive to Adriatica Village from the airport.
Once you arrive, parking is available around the village.
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