Longing for a relaxing stay-cay or extended vacay with a unique, entertainment-fueled vibe — and a rockin’ music scene, stat?
Don’t miss this little-known slice of paradise in Dallas/Fort Worth. With a beautiful lake, resort hotels, award-winning golf and a prime music scene, Irving is the idyllic setting for summer fun. Picture yourself poolside, cocktail in hand or off to the lake for an outdoorsy escapade. Family fun? Early tee time? Next-level nightlife? Blues, jazz, hip-hop or rock & roll? It’s your summer. It’s your playlist.
Ways to Play:
Take it to Italy
Well, not exactly – inspired by Venice, the Mandalay Canals are an alluring part of Irving’s Las Colinas Urban Center. Connecting with Lake Carolyn, the canals wind through restaurants hotels, and residences, offering scenic views of waterfalls, vine-covered bridges, and more.
You can take in all the Old-World charm on a cozy European-style gondola with Gondola Adventures of Las Colinas, which offers a variety of lunch, dinner, and entertainment cruises that can accommodate a romantic twosome — or groups as big as 12.
Go jump in a lake
More water fun on Lake Carolyn can be had via paddle boarding and kayaking, and even on water trikes and swan and duck pedalboats. You can rent them all (and get a lesson or two, too) at SUP North Texas.
Marvel at the Mustangs of Las Colinas
One of the largest equestrian sculptures in the world, the Mustangs of Las Colinas feature nine bronze mustangs galloping across a granite stream. The mustangs and their plaza recently underwent a $7.8 million upgrade.
Pump up the volume
Toyota Music Factory is one of the most expansive and comprehensive entertainment venues in the country, with an indoor-outdoor amphitheater, event plaza, and two indoor theaters.
You can expect to see the best national and international touring music acts, from indie and classic rock to blues, jazz, and soul. Now, there’s a new show venue making a splashy debut in the music factory, aptly named The Rayleigh Underground. The two-story space is tucked under the Pavilion’s amphitheater lawn with an underground vibe, expansive indoor and outdoor dining on both levels and six bars. Rayleigh differentiates itself from its music factory neighbors by combining upscale dining with a show reminiscent of a Vegas supper club. And y’all, that’s all in the Toyota Music Factory. You can get a first look at up-and-coming Texas talent all around town.
Get a room
Without a doubt, Omni Las Colinas is the epitome of an immersive urban retreat, sitting along the shores of Lake Carolyn and the Mandalay Canals with tree-lined, cobblestone walkways and lush greenery.
For the epitome in luxury, the new Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas (formerly the Four Seasons) invites you to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and submerge yourself in a world of unparalleled comfort and relaxation. Relax in style while you take in the stunning views of TPC Las Colinas golf course. Take a dip in one of the pools, spend the day at the blissful spa, sharpen your tennis and pickleball game at their championship courts, join an aerial yoga class or tee it up just steps from your accommodations.
Get your glamp on
The Americana spirit comes alive at the retro-mod Texican Court, which is nestled into acres of courtyards with twinkle lights, fire pits, lawn games, and a small but sexy pool that’s perfect for hip swimsters. Live music comes with the territory, too.
Hit the Trail
The cocktail trail, that is. Irving on the Rocks is leveling up summer fun in Irving’s entertainment district as your guide to where to drink in the Toyota Music Factory (Water Street is coming soon). Folks who download the app and check-in on the Sip, Stroll, Rock ‘n’ Roll trail, will win free drinks, food and Pavilion concert tickets, plus not-your-average swag along the journey.
