The video above follows a road trip out to Melissa, TX — a small town just north of Dallas that's been growing fast. With a population that's doubled to around 10,000 over the past decade, Melissa still has that tight-knit community feel where high school football and the local library are a big deal. The trip covers a stop for combo plates at a popular Mexican spot, a look around town, and a live music gig at one of the area's go-to wine bar venues.
What Is There to Do in Melissa, Texas?
Melissa sits just above McKinney, roughly 40 to 50 minutes north of downtown Dallas and about the same distance from the airport. It's the kind of place where the high school mascot — the Cardinals — is a point of real pride, and you'll see that red color scheme all over town. The Melissa Public Library is a solid community hub with a fountain out front. For food, Maria's Mexican Restaurant is a local favorite. The combo plate there is the move — tacos, enchiladas, tamales, rice, and beans all loaded onto one plate. Simple and exactly what you want before a gig.
Live Music Venues in Melissa, TX
Melissa is a smaller town, so the live music options are more limited than what you'd find in Dallas or Fort Worth, but there's quality here:
- Red Feather — A wine-focused spot that books live music a couple nights a week. They serve charcuterie boards and flatbreads alongside a big wine selection. The room has a relaxed, intimate atmosphere that works well for acoustic sets and singer-songwriter performances.
David Bridwell played a set at the Red Feather on this particular trip, and the crowd was engaged and welcoming. It's the kind of venue where you're playing for people who actually came to listen, not just background noise for a bar crowd. The food and drink menu leans more wine bar than honky tonk, but that's part of what makes it a different experience from the typical DFW live music circuit.
Getting to Melissa from Dallas
If you're heading up from Dallas, you're looking at about 40 to 50 minutes on US-75 North, straight past McKinney. It's an easy drive and worth the trip if you want to catch a show at the Red Feather or grab a plate at Maria's without dealing with Deep Ellum parking. The town is growing quickly, so keep an eye on Melissa — more restaurants and venues are likely on the way as the population continues to climb. For now, it's a cool little detour that most people driving through Collin County don't even think to stop for.