John B. Denton would have been proud. The eloquent minister, lawyer, soldier, and pioneer the city was named after wasn't afraid to try new things-and neither is Denton. You see, although the city is 150 years old, it continues to evolve and improve on the very things that made it unique in the first place. It is a community that clings to its past while embracing its future.

Denton's two major universities, the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University, have greatly contributed to the culture and energy of the city. Be it by bringing home sports titles (including the recent Sun Belt Conference men's basketball championship) or bringing in big-name musicians like Harry Connick Jr.

Stepping inside the community, you'll find modern art galleries mixed in with antique shops, and classical musicians jamming alongside local dub and hip-hop DJs at some of the best live venues in North Texas. Continuing the performing artist theme, Denton Community Theatre hosts a variety of stage productions at the Campus Theatre-a renovated movie house that once hosted the 1967 world premiere of Bonnie and Clyde.

Finally, there's the Square. A century-old reminder of the city's history. But next to the antique shops and ice cream parlor, visitors find storefronts that feature new shopping concepts like custom bath products and wine bottling. Vintage and new on the same block. Mr. Denton would feel right at home.