Whether you are simply passing through the Lone Star state or searching for a place to visit in Texas for a true Southern vacation any time of year, with moderate temperatures, big city fun, small town charm, and even water activities galore, Texas has something for everyone.
From the big city scene in Dallas, Houston and San Antonio to the small town feel of New Braunfels, Amarillo or Irving, and even the waterfront districts of Galveston, Corpus Christi and South Padre Island, families and couples alike have so much to chose from the real question becomes how do you fit it all in? The answer: Visit Irving.
Why Irving is the Place to Visit in Texas
Centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, Irving gives you to the best of both worlds. This up and coming place to visit in Texas still holds its small town charm, while also featuring modern amenities, outdoor recreation, an entertainment district and bustling nightlife, and a charming boho vibe.
An easy commute to Dallas or Fort Worth, Irving allows you to combine work and play keeping you on the outskirts of the traffic jams and city lights, but granting easy access to major sporting events, world renowned shopping, cultural events, theater and entertainment found only in big cities.
Where to Stay in Irving, Texas
Texican Court
This boutique hotel features all the charm of the motor courts of days gone by, with the modern amenities to make your stay a truly enjoyable experience. With 152 luxury guest rooms, available meeting and event space, a circular pool, wood burning fire pits throughout the property, complimentary breakfast and a first class tequila bar, this charming Texas hotel allows you to relax in style while also providing plenty of classic entertainment.
Spend your day lounging in the pool, grab a bite to eat in the Two Mules Cantina, play a game of horseshoes on the lawn, or take the family to one of the many fire pits to enjoy some late night s’mores. Whether you want to enjoy your morning cup of joe in one of the rocking chairs outside your room, or a late night with friends or your significant other in the Tequila Bar, the charm of this urban and sophisticated, yet uniquely Texan hotel will be loved by all who come to stay.
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
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Where to Eat in Irving, Texas
Whether you are looking for that perfect Texas cut of beef or simply grabbing a slice with the kids, the diverse cultural atmosphere of Irving, Texas provides plenty of options for pleasing every palate.
The Ranch at Las Colinas
For a farm to fork experience, the Ranch at Las Colinas is the place to visit in Texas. Serving up daily dishes of the freshest seafood from the Gulf of Mexico, the bold and bright dishes of Tex-Mex from the south, and even the favorite comfort foods from your grandma’s kitchen, the Ranch combines a truly Texan style with a modern and contemporary vibe. From Texan sized portions and steaks to craft beers, a wine cellar and live music on the patio, the Ranch at Las Colinas is not only an eatery, it is an experience.
Grimaldi’s Coal Brick Oven Pizzeria
Before (or after) checking out the band of the evening on the stage at the Toyota Music Factory stop at Grimaldi’s for a signature pizza or calzone made just to your liking and cooked in their brick oven. With an extensive wine list, craft beers, and indoor and outdoor seating available, this is the place to grab a bite of Italian cuisine in Irving, Texas.
Reservoir
This bar, outdoor patio, and kitchen features fabulous salads, burgers, and even a great Sunday brunch. Grab a cocktail and a seat on the patio for live entertainment on the Toyota Music Factory green in the evenings, or head in for a quiet Sunday brunch of chicken and waffles, blueberry pancakes smothered in whip cream and lemon curd, Reese’s stuffed french toast and more. Their Captain’s chicken tenders coated in Cap’n Crunch cereal are out of this world!
Pop Factory
A new experience to the frozen treat scene, the Pop Factory serves up artisanal popsicles that are fresh, using only 100% real ingredients with no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners. Additionally, you can top your pops with a wide variety of available toppings.
Select your fruit or milk flavored popsicle (boozy pops are available for the adults as well), select your white, milk or dark chocolate dip, and then select toppings such as nuts, sprinkles or crushed candy options. Fun for the adults and kids alike, the Pop Factory is the place to visit in Texas for a cool treat on a hot day.
Additional Restaurants and Bars at the Toyota Music Factory Include:
- Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
- Bar Louie
- Boi Na Braza Brazilian Steakhouse
- Freshii
- Gloria’s Latin Cuisine
- Green Gator Cajun Sports Bar
- Kabuki Japanese Restaurant
- Nosh and Bottle Market
- TCBY
- Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill
- Yard House
What to Do in Irving, Texas
Located across the street from the Texican Court Hotel, the Toyota Music Factory and the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas are a hub of bustling activities, restaurants, bars, and nightlife.
See a Concert at the Toyota Music Factory
Exclusively booked and promoted by Live Nation Entertainment, the Pavilion at the Toyota Music Factory is a state of the art music venue, adaptable from a 2,500 seat intimate theater to a 4,000 seat indoor theater to an 8,000 seat outdoor open air pavilion. Surrounded by 17 acres of up and coming bars, restaurants and entertainment options, there is sure to be something for everyone in the family located in or around the Toyota Music Factory.
Visit the Mustangs of Las Colinas
The Mustangs of Las Colinas is a beautiful sculpture of 9 mustangs galloping across a granite pond located in the heart of Irving, Texas. Designed to embody the true free spirit of Texan heritage, this sculpture was created and installed in 1984 by the renowned African wildlife artist Robert Glen. Adjacent to the sculpture is the Mustangs of Las Colinas Museum where you can learn about their history and how they were made.
Take a Gondola Tour of the Mandalay Canals
Whether you are on a romantic trip for two, planning a proposal, or even just looking for a quiet and fun evening activity with the kids, a Gondola Tour of the Mandalay Canals is a tranquil and serene scenic ride. Your gondolier will take you across Lake Carolyn where you will visit the city’s waterfalls, through the shaded canals covered in lush and verdant landscape, and under footbridges. You may even find a personalized message in a bottle floating in the waterways while you sip champagne (or sparkling cider) and snack on chocolate truffles during your ride.
Visit Heritage Park and Big State Fountain Grill
While Irving, Texas may be the up and coming centralized location for individuals and families wanting to vacation or live near, but not in the bustling Dallas/Fort Worth area, this small town has still managed to preserve a bit of its old town charm. A visit to Irving wouldn’t be complete without heading the Big State Fountain Grill and Heritage Park right down the street.
Serving Irving since 1948, this old fashioned diner maintains its original charm with its red booths, countertop seating, milkshake selection and soda fountain. Serving freshly made, Texas portioned burgers, hot dogs, homemade potato chips and a wide selection of hand-spun milkshakes, this diner is the place to visit in Texas for a fun blast from the past where you can grab a bite to eat while listening to Elvis on the jukebox.
When you’re finished eating, take a stroll down to Heritage Park where you can check out the Heritage Park Museum and see the old train cars. Walking around this area of Irving, checking out the shops, dining at any variety of restaurants, or even attending one of the many events planned throughout the year, gives you the sights, sounds, and feeling of time spent on a real Main Street USA.
Catch a Movie at the Alamo Drafthouse
Serving up beer, wine, and a full multi-course menu along with traditional movie fare, the Alamo Drafthouse is a modern and superbly comfortable theater where you can catch the latest movies while enjoying a freshly made dinner at the movies.
Visit the Ruth Paine House
Whether vacationing alone or with the kids, a bit of historical education is always a good addition to a trip. From visiting museums to art sculptures, Irving, Texas will not disappoint on this front. A trip to Irving should include a visit to the Ruth Paine Museum. This historic home has been preserved and adapted to a reservation visit only museum that covers a tragic yet integral time in American history.
The Ruth Paine House is where the alleged assassin Lee Harvey Oswald spent his last evening before the murder of President John F. Kennedy outside of Dallas’ Dealey Plaza. This multi-media museum has been restored to its original condition to depict what it looked like in 1963 when it became the hub of the federal investigation into the presidential assassination.
Other Activites Include:
- Escape Rooms
- Irving’s Marble Cow Statutes
- Stand Up Paddleboarding in Lake Carolyn and the Mandalay Canals
- Las Colinas Flower Clock
- Hike the Campion Trail
- Irving Arts Center
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Visit Irving | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube
Irving, Texas may not have been on your radar as somewhere to visit before today, but if you are planning a trip to any of the surrounding areas, make sure to check it out. Whether you are there for business or pleasure, traveling into any of the large surrounding cities, or heading to the convention center or a concert at the Music Factory, Irving is the place to visit in Texas as it really does have the best of both worlds; from its bustling entertainment and nightlife, to its outdoorsy and small town charm there is something for everyone.
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