Ah, Arlington, Texas. If you’re a King of the Hill fan, you’ll be reminded of Arlen. If you’re a sports fan, you’ll think of the Rangers and the Cowboys. If you’ve never heard of us before, welcome! Established in 1884, Arlington is a city sandwiched between Fort Worth and Dallas, and often lumped in with Grand Prairie and Mansfield. Here’s the scoop on the best places to visit in Arlington, Texas.
This massive stadium hold 100,000 people and is home to the Dallas Cowboys. It used to be called the Cowboy’s Stadium, and locally some of us still call it that. It has a retractable roof and HD screens. If you’re coming by, definitely schedule a tour. It’s worth it to walk on the turf of the Cowboys and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Half Price Books
770 E Road to Six Flags St, Arlington, TX 76011 | Website
Half Price Books is a common bookstore in the metroplex. There’s quite a few locations, but this one takes the cake. Located just down the street from the Cowboys Stadium is Half Price Books. There’s a great selection of used (and new) book, games, videos, and music. It’s a fairly big store, so you might find yourself browsing for a while.
If you’re in Arlington, The Parks at Arlington or The Parks Mall, is a stop you have to make. It’s the third largest in the area. This mall houses all of your favorites, and some extras like Cheesecake Factory, Barnes & Noble, and ThinkGeek. There’s also an AMC Theatres, a bowling alley, and an ice rink (more on that later). At Christmas, there’s a huge tree right in the center.
Arlington Highlands
I-20 at Matlock Road & Center Street Arlington, TX76018 | Website
I don’t think it’d be remiss to say that any store that isn’t in the Parks is probably in the Highlands. It’s located incredibly close to the mall as well, and offers stores for shopping, restaurants for eating, and spas for relaxing. Pro Tip: Come at Christmas! Like the Parks, there’s a large Christmas tree, plus outdoor decor.
Or the Rangers Stadium! Located practically in Cowboys Stadium’s backyard is the home of the Texas Rangers. You can take a tour or go to a game. There’s may not always be something happening here, like at Cowboys Stadium, but it’s worth visiting year round.
The atmosphere of this small little burger joint is unlike anything I’ve encountered. There’s knick knacks around and the tables each have their own theme under a clear top. My favorite is the concert table with all of the ticket stubs. Eat the Pake, that’s the cake made in a pie crust. It’s so delicious. The burgers are great, fries are perfect, service is excellent. Fork in the Road is tucked away so be careful not to drive right past it!
Savor Coffee Bar and Eatery
1101 E Bardin Rd #101, Arlington, TX 76018
Need a place to study or chill? Savor is it! This coffee shop is where you should go for a break from it all. It’s spacious with plenty of outlets and cozy places to sit. They’re crepes are the stuff of dreams. They also make the best Chai tea lattes. My favorite part about Savor? Even when it’s busy, it’s not too busy.
Jay Jay Cafe
4401 Little Rd, Ste 580, Arlington, TX 76016
Jay Jay’s is known for their pies but you really ought to sit a while and grab something to eat while you’re here. Their down home cooking includes all of the southern classics made to perfection. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner with daily specials for each meal. Get the chicken fried chicken and ask for Bob!
Six Flags Over Texas
2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington, TX 76010| Website| Open March – January
If you’re coming to Arlington and like amusement parks, Six Flags is your go-to spot. It’s 212 acres, so bring your walking shoes. The Titan has a 255 ft drop and the New Texas Giant (it was just the Texas Giant until it was renamed for it’s 20th birthday) packs a wallop with it’s 153 ft drop and 65 mile and hour speed.
Hurricane Harbor
1800 E Lamar Blvd, Arlington, TX 76006 | Website | Open May – October
Located literally across the street from Six Flags is Hurricane Harbor. At 50 acres, it’s the largest water park in North Texas. You can float through the lazy river or bob your way through the wave pool. If you’re more adventurous, you can plummet down any of the water slides. The Texas heat is no joke, so cool off while you’re down here by spending a day at the Harbor.
Bowling is 5,000 years old the International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame celebrates it’s history. This museum carries centuries old bowling memorabilia and artifacts.Want to know more about Bowling’s notable players? Stop by and explore each exhibit.
River Legacy
701 NW Green Oaks Blvd, Arlington, TX 76006 | Website
Take a break from all the fun and enjoy nature. River Legacy offers playgrounds, biking, and hiking trails so you can become one with the outdoors. There’s also a Science Center for those wanting educational fun. River Legacy spans a few hundred acres and plays home to multiple species of wildlife and plants. This enormous park follows the Trinity River. Happy trails!
Catch outdoor concerts and performances at Levitt Pavilion. Visitors attending a free concert can bring lawn chairs, coolers, and snacks, while paid concerts have provided seating. Bring your furry friends and enjoy entertainment year round.
In the heart of downtown Arlington is this beloved art museum. The AMA strives to provide art to the community and displays exhibits across its four floors. During select times of the year, this museum displays artwork from the local school district’s young artists.
If you’re in the mood for Mediterranean food, enjoy lunch or dinner at Istanbul Grill. Enjoy dolma, falafel, or humus for an appetizer, and gyros or moussakka for your main course. Their pita bread is fresh and delicious, and you can BYOB.
If you’re looking for comic books, table top gaming, and nerdy merch, this is the place. Wild West has everything you could ever need or want to complete your collection. There’s a large table for those wanting to play, and more prints than you have wall space for. Celebrate during Free Comic Book Day or take part in a costume contest. Wild West is something you don’t want to pass on.
Visitor Welcome Center for Arlington
1905 E. Randol Mill Rd., Arlington, TX 7601 | Website
Don’t overlook the welcome center while you’re here. Located in between the stadiums, this little building has maps, coupons, Arlington merch, and photo ops galore. The people who run this place are very helpful, and you’ll be glad you stopped by.
Be sure to check in at the Arlington Convention Center. You never know what events are happening at the Convention Center. This venue has been home to everything from library sales to the Pinner’s Conference. There’s something exciting happening nearly every week.
Richard Greene Linear Park
1601 E. Randol Mill Rd. Arlington, TX 76011
Hike and bike along the trail around this park’s 41 acres. It’s located in the heart of Arlington’s excitement, so you’ll get a great view of both stadiums. The stone sculptures in this park make artistic additions worth checking out while you’re there.
The home of live performances is the Arlington Music Hall. Local favorites and big name acts find their places at this venue. You also catch a documentary or a tribute show. The auditorium seats over 1,000, but every seat is a good one!
Alley Cats
2008 W Pleasant Ridge Rd, Arlington, TX 76015 | Website
For fun with your friends and family, hit up Alley Cats. Bowl a couple of rounds, play some pool, and have a drink. Get a quick workout in on the rock climbing wall, or hit up the arcade and win yourself prizes. Anyone up for two-story laser tag?
Putt-Putt Fun Center
2004 W Pleasant Ridge Rd, Arlington, TX 76015 | Website
While you’re visiting Alley Cats, head next door to Putt-Putt. Play a bit of miniature golf, then let go of some stress at the batting cages. Once you’re done, visit the game zone and rack up those tickets.
University of Texas Arlington’s Planetarium is so much more than just an educational star-studded dome. Even if you’re not a student, you can still check out any of the six shows, including a Pink Floyd laser light show.
Babes is like a country Thanksgiving. Choose from five main dishes and get ready to pass all four unlimited sides for your table. Each table has sorghum syrup, which goes perfectly with the biscuits. The best thing about Babes? Everything is homemade.
Set a day aside for this one. D&B is a sports bar and Alley Cats combined! Order a beer and catch the game. Not a sports fan? Fuel up with their large menu and prepare for some friendly competition. Dave and Busters has midway and arcade games, billiards, and bowling.
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
4201 W Green Oaks Blvd, Arlington, TX 76016 | Website
Tex-Mex doesn’t get much better than Fuzzy’s. Huge glasses, large selection, cheap prices, and they’re open for breakfast. Fuzzy’s is a chill place to meet up with friends, have a few tacos or guac, and relax. Their chips and queso is amazing!
Texas Christkindl Market
1098 Ballpark Way Arlington, TX 76011 | Website| (Seasonal)
During the holiday season, head over to the Ballpark for the Texas Christkindl Market. This outdoor craft fair has German foods, handmade items, and vendors. Bundle up and get your holiday shopping done at this market inspired by German traditions.
Gracie Lane is all of your Pinterest faves in one place. This store is made up of several shops and boutiques, each with their own booth. Browse the aisles and find the perfect gift or new decorative addition to your space. Everything is one-of-a-kind!
Chill out with some pizza at Mellow Mushroom. You can order one of their specialty pizzas or build your own. That’s not all they serve. Get salad, sides, calzone, and even hoagies and burgers. Mellow Mushroom has something for everyone. When you finish, you can get cookies and brownies for dessert. Yum!
Lake Arlington
6300 W. Arkansas Lane Arlington, TX 76016
Enjoy boating, paddling, and fishing at Lake Arlington. Explore the shores and pack a lunch for a scenic picnic. Rent jet skis, kayaks, and anything else you may need to have a fun afternoon on the water.
J.R. Bentley’s
406 West Abram Street Arlington, Texas 76010| Website
This pub started 40 years ago, and has since become a local favorite. J.R. Bentley’s has all the pub necessities: burgers, steak, fish and chips, and beer. Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday night at J.R. Bentley’s. It’s also very close to the stadiums if you’re wanting something before or after a big game.
This brewpub has been around nearly as long as J.R’s and is a casual place for a good meal. Humperdinks brews their own beer. Join their Mug Club for incentives, and be on the look out for their seasonal brews. No matter when you visit, you might find something new. Pick up a Growler, or 64-oz jug of beer, to bring a taste of Texas home with you.
Decorator’s Warehouse
3708 W Pioneer Pkwy, Arlington, TX 76013 | Website
Love the holidays? This store is the largest Christmas store in Texas. Every nook and cranny of this place is filled with ornaments, decorations, and trees 365 days a year. There’s also sections for fall, Kwanza, and Hanukkah. A tearoom is available for snacks and there’s a TV room for anyone wanting a break from the holly jolly.
Calling all crafty people! Sew Fabricated has anything you may need for sewing and quilting. They have a wide variety of fabrics in solids, prints, and novelty designs. There’s also books and patterns available for inspiration. Take a class, participate in a shop hop, or just look around. You’re sure to find something perfect for your next project.
Embrace your inner Kristi Yamaguchi at Ice at the Parks. This indoor ice rink located in the Parks Mall is open to the public. Take a lesson, have a party, or catch a hockey game. If you’re a skater, you can even enter a competition or join a team.
Twisted Root
310 E Abram St #100, Arlington, TX 76010 | Website
This is the place for good eating! Each burger has fresh ingredients, and can be made with just about any meat you want. Twisted Root makes custard shakes in speciality flavors like Fat Elvis and Oreo & Amaretto. Everything is made in house, including their root beers.
Another burger joint, another good place to eat. Nolan Ryan Beef is the main meat served here, but their hot dogs are definitely worth trying. Design your own burger, or order a philly cheesesteak. There’s so many choices and they’re all delicious. Don’t forget to order fries!
1102 Bubble Tea and Bites
3610 S Cooper St #110B, Arlington, TX 76015 | Website
Want to get the creative juices flowing? Settle in at the cozy environment at 1102 Bubble Tea and Bites. This cafe offers black, green, and oolong flavored teas and hot milkteas. You can also get Italian sodas and smoothies if you’re not in the mood for tea. Pop in for dessert and try their sorbet and ice cream. Their crepes are tasty, too!
Daiso
3891 Parks at Arlington Mall, Arlington, TX 76015 | Website
Located just outside the Parks Mall is Daiso. This Japanese dollar store has everything from school supplies and home goods, to snacks and gifts. Most of the items in Daiso range between $1 and $1.50, but some items go up to $10. The goods here are cheap, but they’re quality and last. Hit up Daiso. You’ll be surprised with what you’ll find and how little you’ll spend.
Potager’s used to be a cafe that closed. Now, it exists as a coffee shop known as Potager’s Other Stuff. Here you can find coffee-based favorites such as cappuccinos, espresso, and french press. Potager’s also has teas and hot chocolate if you’re not a coffee person. What’s the Other Stuff? Wine, bakery items, and food. They even has a a few unique gift items available for purchase. Find peace at Potager’s.
Pilaski’s Donuts
4201 W Green Oaks Blvd #400, Arlington, TX 76016
At first glance, Pilaski’s seems like any other donut place. What sets them apart is their donut holes. Every day, Pilaski’s offers donut holes decorated as cute animals and characters like Hello Kitty, Batman, and Elmo. Their maple-filled holes are unlike anything you can imagine and taste great with their kolaches.
UTA’s College Park Center isn’t just the university’s basketball arena, it’s an entertainment venue. Arlington regularly holds concerts and events here. This energy efficient arena holds up to 7,000 people. College Park Center’s concessions are by Ted-E’s and cover BBQ, Tex-Mex, and Grill items. College Park has played host to WWE, Counting Crows, and other big name acts.
Gene Allen is an excellent place to find gifts. Hallmark cards, candies, and even Vera Bradley can be found at this shop. Gene Allen is family-owned and operated. It doesn’t matter what the occasion is, Gene Allen has something that will match your needs.
Taste of Europe
1901 W Pioneer Pkwy, Arlington, TX 76013 | Website
Featured on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives, Taste of Europe has traditional European food. German, Russian, and Ukrainian-based items can be found on the menu. There’s gifts and groceries imported from Europe available in the store. Taste of Europe makes each meal from scratch. Try the crepes or the potato pancakes.
Chelsea’s Tea Room is a little girl’s paradise. Chelsea’s tea parties have tea cakes, tea, and cookies for every girl attending. The boutique offers clothing and accessories for girls infant to six years. Princess Parties and camps are available for small groups.
This farmer’s market and garden center provides high quality, locally grown vegetables, fruits, and plants. Green’s has a large collection of outdoor displays and antiques to add to your home. They’re open all year, so check their website to see what’s in season.
Nothing Bundt Cakes
5001 S Cooper St #111, Arlington, TX 76017 | Website
Nothing Bundt Cakes sells exactly what their name suggest: bundt cakes. With nine flavors and three sizes to choose from, there’s no reason not to try a cake. The smallest size is the bundtini, which is bite sized. The next is a bundtlet, a mini bundt cake the size of your hand. The largest is the normal sized cake. Each cake has piped frosting on top. While you’re here, pick up some baking accessories and a card to complete your gift!
In the mood for a sugar rush? Check out Sugar Bee Sweets. Featured on the Cooking Channel, this bakery makes custom cakes for weddings and occasions, and daily sweets for the public. Stop by for pies, cupcakes, and cake balls. They have the most adorably decorated cookies that are definitely Instagram worthy.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, pick Thornton Inn. This B&B is the epitome of Southern charm located in downtown Arlington. Look forward to breakfast every morning and high tea in the afternoon. There’s five rooms to choose from, each more beautiful than the last.
This home is over 100 years old and was served as a home to Mr. and Mrs. Fielder. Today, it acts as a museum and reminder of WWII. You can tour many of the rooms and learn more about the city. This house is one of a few historical homes in Arlington.
This landmark is historic piece of Arlington. Top O’ Hill Terrace used to be a prime place for gamblers. The acts that took place there were illegal enough in it’s time that there were underground escape routes and hiding places. This place has served as a casino, racetrack, brothel, tea garden, and Baptist Seminary. Schedule a tour to learn more about this nearly hundred year old space.
We hope you loved learning the scoop on Arlington, Texas! Have fun hitting all these fabulous destinations the next time you’re in the area.
Make sure to check out the rest of our “51 Scoops” series!
Half Priced Books in Lincoln Square closed months ago…Not sure when this article was published either, since there is no publish date on it.