Take a scenic ride through the growing landscapes of northeast Texas as we follow a classic stretch of U.S. Route 380 from Greenville to McKinney. This 28-mile journey traverses the rolling blackland prairies and rapidly developing suburbs of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, offering a glimpse into both small-town Texas charm and the region’s changing face. Filmed in 2018, this drive serves as a bit of a time capsule—since then, development has accelerated, and much of the scenery you’ll see has likely evolved considerably.
Our trip begins just west of Greenville, where U.S. 380 branches off from Texas Highway 302. Greenville itself stands as a historic hub in Hunt County, long known for its cotton industry and more recently as a regional service center. Leaving the city limits behind, we immediately settle into the gently rolling terrain of northeast Texas, where grassy fields stretch toward the horizon and clusters of trees punctuate the open landscape. The first small town we encounter is Floyd, a quiet rural community whose origins date back to the late 19th century. Though small, Floyd offers a peaceful pause amidst the increasing bustle of suburban sprawl encroaching from the west.
Continuing along U.S. 380, we soon approach Farmersville, a town rich in history and known for its association with Audie Murphy, the most decorated American combat soldier of World War II. A quick fuel stop at the junction with Texas Highway 78 reminds us of the route’s practical function as a major east-west connector. Farmersville serves as a transitional marker, where the open country starts to give way to signs of suburban growth. West of town, fields gradually shrink, and the scenery shifts—storage units, subdivisions, and roadside retail begin to make their presence known.
Crossing Lavon Lake is perhaps the most scenic portion of our drive. The highway glides over the lake on a causeway, offering serene views of the shimmering waters, especially striking during early mornings or late afternoons. Lavon Lake itself is a major recreation area, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, providing fishing, boating, and camping opportunities to residents across Collin County. On the western side of the lake, we reach Princeton, a rapidly growing community where new housing developments spring up alongside remnants of its agricultural past. The route becomes noticeably busier here, reflecting the proximity to McKinney and the outer limits of the DFW metroplex.
Our journey concludes in McKinney, one of the fastest-growing cities in America during the 2010s. As we cross Airport Drive, the eastern reaches of McKinney reveal a vibrant blend of residential neighborhoods, commercial centers, and industrial developments. McKinney’s historic downtown and tree-lined streets stand in contrast to the more modern infrastructure on the outskirts, offering a unique juxtaposition of old and new Texas. Ending our drive here, we reflect on the transformation this corridor has undergone in just a few years—2018 footage already feels like a snapshot from a simpler time before the wave of expansion reshaped the region.
This drive along U.S. Route 380 is a story of transition: from rural fields to suburban sprawl, from history to progress. While much of what we saw in 2018 may have changed, the road remains a living artery through Texas, connecting past and future across its 28-mile stretch.
🗺️ Route Map
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