Less than a mile from Brockdale, both the North Texas Equestrian Center and the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center serve as popular resources for families to take horseback riding lessons or learn about owls, hawks, and other North Texas raptors. And in 10 minutes or less, residents can drive to Allen, Plano, McKinney, Murphy, or Wylie to enjoy the broad range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Allen Premium Outlets, Watters Crossing Town Center, the Villages at Allen and Fairview, Historic Downtown Plano, McKinney Square, and Murphy Marketplace are just some of the area's great retail escapes.