Located a little more than ten miles west of Dallas, Irving is the home of the Dallas Cowboys, offers many cultural highlights, and is an exciting place to spend a weekend. Get checked in at your Irving hotel — the Double Tree by Hilton and NYLO Dallas Las Colinas might suit — then head out to explore this vibrant city. Here are just five ideas to keep you entertained.
Cool Off at Lake Carolyn
Image via Flickr by steevithak
Located in the heart of the bustling downtown area is the picturesque Lake Carolyn. Join the locals on the weekend to try your hand at paddle boarding. If that sounds somewhat tricky, you can rent a pedal boat for a few hours instead. When your legs won’t carry you any further, head to one of the lively waterside cafes to rest up.
Go for a Gondola Ride
Image via Flickr by Payton Chung
If you like the idea of being out on the water, but would prefer someone else to do the heavy lifting, head out for a gondola ride instead. Cruise along Lake Carolyn and down the Mandalay Canal as you sip on hot chocolate and tuck into a delicious dessert. It’s a great choice for couples, but equally fun for a small group of friends looking for something different to do on the weekend.
Sneak in a Game of Golf
If you’re a fan of the fairways, you’ll be in your element in Irving. Popular courses include Twin Wells, and the Hackberry Creek and Las Colinas Country Clubs. There are also two championship courses at the Sports Club at the Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas. Still want more? You’ll find more than 20 courses in the wider Dallas area.
Enjoy Down Time With Friends
There are few more popular ways to enjoy a little R and R with friends than over a slice of pizza (and perhaps a glass of wine or two). Cavalli Wood Fire Pizza on Regent Boulevard made the list of the eight best pizza shops in Dallas according to the Dallas Observer, while Zagat rates it as the number one spot for Dallas pizza. Expect authentic Neapolitan pizza and great service.
Soak up a Little Culture
Image via Flickr by mabecerra
If there’s one thing that Irving has plenty of, it’s fantastic cultural destinations. The Mustangs of Las Colinas and the Flower Clock are obvious highlights, and are perfect for photo opportunities. Why not spend a few hours checking out other hotspots such as the Irving Arts Center, the National Scouting Museum, the Bear Creek Masonic Lodge, and the Ruth Paine House Museum?
With so much to keep you entertained in Irving, you’ll wonder why you don’t spend more weekends hanging out in this city. Its handy location, convenient to Dallas, Grand Prairie, and Arlington, is a bonus. If you’re keen to visit, Hipmunk can help you find a great hotel.
Author Bio:
Linda Forshaw likes to write about local haunts and far-flung places. An avid coffee fan, she lives in Liverpool, England, and spends her free time exploring new places, going to live gigs, and planning her next adventure.