Valentine’s Day 2026 in McKinney wasn’t exactly the “romantic sunset stroll” type of day. The rain was relentless, turning the outdoor lawns into a giant puddle. But honestly? We didn’t care. We were headed to TUPPS Brewery, an independent craft powerhouse that recently moved into a massive, 4-acre “forever home” in McKinney’s Historic Mill District.

For those outside the Dallas area, TUPPS is more than just a taproom—it’s a community hub built inside a restored 120-year-old grain processing plant. They are famous for their bold IPAs and stouts, but what we love most are their creative community events.

This weekend, they hosted a Valentine’s Beer & Cookie Flight Pairing, and it was a masterpiece. They partnered with Mary’s Mountain Cookies from Downtown McKinney, and I’m not exaggerating when I say these were honestly the best cookies we have ever had. 🏆

❤️ Why This Beats a Fancy Dinner!

Let’s be honest: standing in the rain waiting for a valet at a crowded restaurant isn’t romantic—it’s stressful.

Walking into the warm, buzzing atmosphere of the Grain Room at the Mill District we completely forgot about the gray skies outside.

Sitting at a rustic table, splitting massive cookies with your husband, and listening to live music 🎸 is the ultimate Valentine’s survival move.

🍪 The “Full Flight” Review!

We didn’t just like these pairings—we loved all four. Here’s the breakdown of why each one worked so well:

1. Day Pass Wheat + Snickerdoodle: 🍋 The light, citrusy notes of the wheat beer made the cinnamon sugar on that soft Snickerdoodle absolutely sing.
2. Backyard Bock + Valentine’s M&M Cookie: 🐎 This was pure Texas comfort. The malty sweetness of the Bock played so well with the classic chocolate crunch of the M&Ms.
3. DDH IPA + Heart-Shaped Almond Cookie: 🎯 The real surprise of the flight! The bitterness of the Double Dry Hopped IPA cut right through the rich buttercream icing on the almond cookie. Perfectly balanced.
4. Full Grown Hombre Stout + Fudge Fantasy: 🍫 The grand finale. This stout is brewed with coffee, chocolate, and ancho chiles, so pairing it with a double chocolate chip cookie was pure decadence.

🏘️ A Valentine to Our Town!

Despite the “horribly rainy” weather, this was a 10/10 Valentine’s win. TUPPS Brewery managed to create an atmosphere so inviting that we didn’t even miss the Texas sunshine. Between the massive flavor of the Mary’s Mountain Cookies and the expert pairings from the TUPPS team, we walked away with full hearts (and even fuller stomachs).

If you are ever in the North Texas area, do yourself a favor and spend an afternoon in Historic Downtown McKinney. There is a reason it’s consistently ranked as one of the best places to live (and visit!) in the country.

Even on a rainy day, the Square feels like a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie. You can spend hours ducking into eclectic spots like Red Zeppelin Records, hunting for treasures at antique boutiques, or grabbing a coffee at a local cafe. It’s a place where 19th-century architecture meets a modern, creative energy that you just can’t find anywhere else.

Whether you’re catching the free trolley over to the Mill District or just wandering the shop-lined streets, McKinney has a way of making every weekend feel like a special occasion. We feel so lucky to call this community home. 💖

Until next week, keep your pints full and your playbooks ready. 🍻