While most know the Texas town as the home of the Dallas Cowboys and the American Rodeo, there’s more to Arlington than meets the eye.
The home of the Dallas Cowboys and the American Rodeo is packed with adventures, both sports-related and beyond. Sandwiched between Fort Worth and Dallas, Arlington has a wide array of cultural influences, making it a city full of diverse experiences. Whether you’re planning to stay awhile or just passing through, don’t sleep on this hidden gem.
Where To Stay
Location is everything. If your interest in Arlington has anything to do with sports, you’ll want to stay somewhere that provides easy access to the Entertainment District, where both the AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field can be found.
The Live! by Loews back patio provides a perfect view of the AT&T Stadium (PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy Loews Hotels).
Want the luxury experience of a lifetime? Try Live! by Loews, a luxury hotel located directly beside Live Texas!, the ultimate sports fan hub. For a more traditional hotel experience, head down Six Flags Drive to Hyatt Place Dallas/Arlington, which sits just between Texas Live! and the city’s historic Six Flags Over Texas amusement park. Don’t want to be in the middle of the bustle? Holiday Inn Arlington NE offers a more tucked-away experience while still putting you less than 10 minutes away from all the action.
Where To Eat
Arlington, Texas, has got it all, from classic barbecue to artisan pizza and beyond.
Looking for an experience you’ll be able to talk about forever? The atmosphere of Babe’s Chicken Dinner House is … unforgettable. If the elaborate chicken-themed décor doesn’t reel you in, the classic Southern comfort food will. For a more laid-back experience, head to The Tipsy Oak and kick up your feet on their private back patio. For your barbecue fix, hit up Hurtado Barbecue and get yourself a famous brisket sandwich. Need a burger? Twisted Root Burger Co. has selections that you won’t get anywhere else. If pizza is more your style, get yourself some of the state’s best artisan pizza at Cane Rosso. Want to see the home of the first margarita machine while enjoying classic Mexican food? Head over to La Hacienda Ranch.
Get yourself a fajita plate at La Hacienda Ranch (PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy La Hacienda Ranch).
The city is also known for its vibrant coffee culture, with an array of unique coffee shops and brunch hotspots. For good caffeine and great atmosphere, try Inclusion Coffee, Nehemiah Coffee Co., or Salter Brothers. Want some good brunch to start the day off right? Try Bay 24th Street Diner or the Biscuit Bar.
Where To Shop
Whether you’re looking for sports gear or something more high-end, there’s something for everyone.
The Arlington Highlands shopping center makes for a great shopping day. Located in the heart of the 1-20 Restaurant Row, the center offers everything from fashion to furniture to knick-knacks and more. Plus, you can catch a movie at the Studio Movie Grill afterwards.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy Cavender’s
Want to stock up on Dallas Cowboys gear? Head to the Dallas Cowboys Official Pro Shop for official team merchandise. Want to get a dazzling outfit styled just for you? Meison Studio offers a one-on-one personal styling experience like no other. Need to grab some Western fashion for the American Rodeo? Head to Cavender’s to stock up on the best Western clothing, hats, boots, and more.
Where To Explore
If you haven’t gathered by now, Arlington, Texas, is heaven for sports fans. You’ve got the AT&T Stadium for football, Choctaw Stadium for baseball, and the American Western Weekend at Globe Life Field for rodeo. However, if you’re looking to round out your stay with something a little different, try these experiences.
Arlington, Texas, is home to the original Six Flags Over Texas, an amusement park with everything you could possibly want in a family-friendly day out. For less walking and more lounging, head to Levitt Pavilion to hear free live music. Then, make your way to Texas Live! to top off the evening with any number of experiences, from bowling to dining to watch parties and more. Plus, you’ve got the Arlington Backyard right next door, providing fresh drinks, music, and sports channels projected on large flat screens.
The Arlington Backyard is directly behind Texas Live! and just a few minutes away from the AT&T Stadium (PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau).
For a more quiet and laidback adventure, check out the latest exhibit at the Arlington Museum of Art or head to Knapp Heritage Park to immerse yourself in the city’s history. Take the kids to Ripley’s Believe It or Not, a museum and funhouse full of oddities and unique experiences. If you’re an animal lover, snuggle up with a furry friend at The Cozy Catfe, Arlington’s cat café.
For the nature lovers, Lake Viridian offers many lake adventures along with a beautiful view. Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park is the daredevil’s paradise, with ropes courses,ziplines, and other thrills. Go for a bike ride on the trails of River Legacy Park or plan a picnic at Richard Greene Linear Park.
Then, of course, there’s the American Western Weekend. Whether you’re a diehard rodeo fan or rodeo-curious, Globe Life Field’s hottest rodeo is the place to be. With the iconic American Performance Horseman and a headline performance from country star Luke Bryan on March 8, followed by the American Rodeo and a riveting concert by world-renowned rapper Post Malone on March 9, this action-packed event is not one you want to miss. Additional entertainment includes performances by country stars Aaron Watson, Ghost Hounds, and Ali Walker. Grab your tickets now to catch rodeo’s toughest athletes and country’s top artists all in one spot.
Globe Life Field is home to the American Western Weekend (PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy Teton Ridge).
Get tickets to the American Western Weekend here.
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