14 Jan 2025
(IRVING, Texas) - One hundred marriage proposals have been accepted on an authentic Venetian gondola. Nine mustangs can be found galloping across a granite stream. One modest home housed the country's most famous alleged assassin. You wouldn't expect to find all of these things in a small Texas city, but each is a unique attraction in Irving.
History buffs, golfers, runners, music lovers, art enthusiasts or folks who simply like to sip, spa and shop will find an eclectic array of museums, attractions and activities in Irving, an urban oasis poised between Dallas and Fort Worth. Whether in Irving on a layover, for a meeting, a staycation or vacation, visitors will experience the cosmopolitan flair of a big city with the ambience of a small town. Here's a sampling of unique and fun things to do, see, sip and savor.
- Go Play Outside
Hit the Trails
Bike, jog or walk in Sam Houston's footsteps at the Campión Trails, a world-class greenbelt development along the Trinity River's Elm and West forks. Within Campión's bounds lie several of Texas' most historic trails and crossings. Sam Houston traveled along the original Keenan's Crossing Bridge in route to signing The Treaty of Peace and Friendship in 1843. And the 49ers journeyed west on the California Crossing seeking gold. Campión Trails is abundant with wildlife and flora and features pathways and hiking trails, along with other recreational areas. For more information, contact Irving Parks and Recreation at 972-721-2501 or visit cityofirving.org.
Swing into Fun
Golfers may choose from four 18-hole golf courses in Irving. Ranked among America's leading venues, TPC and Cottonwood Valley are part of our comprehensive, the award-winning Nelson Golf & Sports Club located at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas. TPC proudly hosted the Byron Nelson Championship, an annual PGA TOUR event for 35 years and is an 18-hole, par 70 course measuring 7,166 yards from the championship tees. Guests of the resort have access to the club and TPC Las Colinas. Nearby Las Colinas Country Club serves as the annual home of another tour stop, the Invited Celebrity Classic.
Just off the West fork of the Trinity River, a reinvented golf course masterpiece awaits, Irving Golf Club. Renovated by course architect, John Colligan, Irving Golf Club offers players an opportunity to tee it up while enjoying the downtown Dallas skyline. Irving Golf Club offers a par 71 public course with multiple teeing areas to test golfers of all skill levels.
In addition to being a fun place to tee it up, Irving Golf Club offers a first-class practice facility for those looking to hone their game. After a round golfers enjoy a bite to eat and a drink in the Hideout, Irving Golf Club's bar & grill named after legendary criminal couple, Bonnie & Clyde. The famous couple used areas around the golf course as escape routes on several occasions.
Take it to the Lake
One of the most beautiful areas in Irving is Lake Carolyn. It's a hot spot for popular city events, such as the DFW Dragon Boat Festival. Residents and visitors alike are often seen enjoying the trail winding around Lake Carolyn. One can hop on a bike for a leisurely stroll, lap their pup around the lake or go for a run all while enjoying the scenic views. The Lake Carolyn Loop is just 2.8 miles.
- Experience Venice in Texas
More water fun can be had on an authentic Venetian gondola, one of approximately 400 remaining in the world. Located in the heart of Irving's master-planned development, Gondola Adventures is the only gondola operator in Texas, and one of a handful in the United States. Tradition dictates that couples kiss under every bridge. Guests can request a stop at Irving's own Love Lock Bridge, featured on Netflix's Love is Blind third season. The pedestrian bridge is found where Lake Carolyn Promenade meets Las Colinas Blvd East., just next to Waterway Tower. Gondola Adventures will even customize a love lock for customers at an added charge. Excursions are available daily. Prices range from $155 for a Classic Cruise to $450 for an Exquisite Dinner Cruise. The boats can accommodate two to six passengers, and cruises can be tailored to any occasion. Reservations are needed. For more information, call 855-466-3652 or visit irving.gondola.com.
But wait, there's more: paddle boarding and kayaking, and even water trikes and swan and duck pedalboats. You can rent them all (and get a lesson or two, too) at SUP North Texas
- Park it in the Irving Heritage District
History buffs, music lovers and shoppers are sure to enjoy an afternoon in the Heritage District. The district features two historical parks, as well as unique antique and novelty shops.
Heritage Park offers a tribute to the railroad industry, which put Irving on track to become the dynamic city it is today. Heritage Park features the original railroad depot, the city's first library, an original water tower and a restored 1880's cabin. The open space at this 32-year-old park in South Irving combines its nostalgic past with modern entertainment amenities, making it perfect for outdoor events. The park was renovated in 2021 and now features a permanent stage with a large video screen and speaker system. The updated park also has parking for food trucks, new public restrooms and a fountain feature with dancing water jets. The city of Irving schedules free entertainment events during the warmer months, as well as holiday events.
Just down the street Centennial Park features a commemorative wall depicting the history of Irving through words and pictures, as well as Heritage House, one of the city's first homes and a Texas State Historical Landmark.
Irving's Heritage District is near Second and Main streets in South Irving. Heritage House is found at 303 S. O'Connor Road. Free, public tours are conducted from 3 to 5 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month, except in January and February. For more information, contact Irving Preservation and Redevelopment at 972-721-2426 or visit irvingheritage.com.
- Explore an off-the-beaten path museum, arts, song and dance
Ruth Paine lived in a modest 1,250-square-foot Irving home. She was friends with Lee Harvey Oswald, the alleged JFK assassin, and he stayed in her home the night prior to the assassination. To commemorate this historical event, the structure has been restored to its 1963-look and transformed into an interactive museum. For information about the Ruth Paine House Museum, call 972-721-4750 or visit cityofirving.org/498/Ruth-Paine-House-Museum.
For just $7, the family-friendly Irving Archives Museum (IAM) takes guests through some fascinating exhibits that tell Irving's story. The museum also hosts traveling exhibitions, features a flight simulator and has an innovation lab for kids! The IAM is the first museum in Texas to feature a Smithsonian Spark!Lab where young visitors and their families step into the role of inventor in a hands-on interactive laboratory. Take the tots (for only $5) to discover, explore and invent at the Irving Archives & Museum. Visit https://www.irvingarchivesandmuseum.com/spark-lab or call 972-721-3700.
The culturally inclined will enjoy ballet, concerts and theater performances throughout the year at the Irving Arts Center. Plus, the center features gallery displays of contemporary and traditional works by established and emerging artists. For more information, call (972) 252-7558 or visit irvingartscenter.com. And, the Jaycee Park Center for the Arts has rotating monthly exhibits by local and regional artists. For more information, call (972) 721-2488 or visit irvingart.org.
- Marvel at Marble…and Bronze…and Blooms
High atop Brune Hill (northeast corner of Highway 114 at Rochelle Road) sits a tribute to the rolling ranchlands that once dominated the area now known as Las Colinas (Spanish for “the hills”). The five marble cows were sculpted by Harold Clayton.
Folks can't miss the Las Colinas Flower Clock. Fresh flowers are planted quarterly around this larger-than-life landscaped clock at the southeast corner of Highway 114 and O'Connor Rd.
Visitors are fascinated by the famous Mustangs of Las Colinas, one of the world's largest equestrian sculptures. Nine majestic, larger-than-life bronze mustangs gallop across a granite stream in the heart of the Las Colinas Urban Center in Williams Square. The Museum Exhibit in Williams Square includes additional works by the Mustangs' sculptor, African wildlife artist Robert Glen. Museum guests will also find a documentary chronicling the creation of the sculpture. The mustangs and their plaza recently underwent a $7.8 million upgrade.
- Sample a Taste of Texas and Beyond
Tempt your senses with local flavors or savory tastes from around the globe. With one of the most diverse zip codes in the entire country, Irving dishes up cuisine from Texas farm-to-table at The Ranch to authentic Argentinian empanadas at Empa Mundo. Po Melvin's serves up down-home, Southern and Cajun-influenced dishes. Mr. Max specializes in ramen, while LA Burger puts an irresistible Korean spin on classic burgers and hot dogs. For modern Southwestern cuisine and a wide selection of margaritas, try Via Real.
- Spa 'til you Drop
Plan the perfect girlfriend getaway or quiet retreat. Multiple relaxation meccas await, all conveniently located minutes away from a variety of attractions. The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas boasts an amazing fitness center, as well as superior, five-star spa. Guests of the Omni Las Colinas can unwind at the adjacent Mokara Salon & Spa.
- Get Ready to Rock
With 20+ restaurant and entertainment concepts, an Alamo Drafthouse Movie Theater, and ample parking throughout, the Toyota Music Factory is the centerpiece of the city's entertainment district. From power lunches to happy hours, date nights to show time, it's sure to satisfy any taste in food, music, movies and more. The Pavilion, an indoor/outdoor amphitheater, offers an incredible live entertainment experience for fans from the world's leading live entertainment company, Live Nation.
In January, the Irving City Council approved a planned redevelopment includes an estimated $6.3 million in improvements to the Toyota Music Factory's plaza and outdoor stage, new signage and architectural graphics, and enhancement to the storefronts of several tenant spaces. The renovation is expected to be completed in October and unveiled at a grand re-opening party.
“Irving's Toyota Music Factory is about to usher in a new era of entertainment for North Texas,” said Mayor Rick Stopfer. “Already a resounding success with an award-winning amphitheater, world-class entertainment, and international cuisine, the planned redevelopment of the plaza and outdoor areas will reinvigorate the entire space, bringing an even more spectacular and dynamic visitor experience.”
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CONTACT:
Lori Sirmen (214) 766-1550 lsirmen@irvingtexas.com
