As the little brother to neighboring Dallas, Irving offers exceptional opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Boasting just as much office space and modern architecture as Dallas, Irving also encompasses a wealth of cultural highlights and outdoor activities. Championship golf courses, a world-class equestrian center, amusement parks, museums, theatres, and fine dining will delight and entertain even the most discerning travelers.
You could easily spend a long weekend or even a mid-week break exploring the sights and sounds of this cosmopolitan city, but if you only have 24 hours to explore Irving, you can still get a feel for the beating heart of this Texan gem.
8 a.m.: Start Your Day with a SUPing Session
Image via Trover by Chris Pickering
Irving is blessed with a sizable network of rivers and lakes that wend their way in and around the city. Consequently, watersports are a popular past-time for many locals. Get in on the action and start your day with a SUP (stand up paddling) session on the water. It’s one of the best low-impact workouts and the perfect activity to set you up for the day ahead. A session with SUP NTX stimulates both body and mind.
10 a.m.: Learn the Art of Scouting at the National Scouting Museum
Image via Wikipedia by Viktor Gurniak
Discover the origins of scouting, learn about scouting’s national honor society, and test your Order of the Arrow knowledge by playing a computerized Jeopardy-style game at the National Scouting Museum. Visiting Irving with current scouting members? Sign them up for one of the museum’s merit badge workshops. Too young to scout or too old to join in? Pedal your way through the Virtual Reality Gamebike Adventures or explore the Norman Rockwell exhibit and dig deeper into the history of the Boy Scouts.
12:30 p.m.: Channel Italy During a Lago de Claire Lunch Cruise
Image via Flickr by Iain Simpson
Just seven miles north of Irving, you’ll find the Lago de Claire, a picturesque body of water bordered by a 1.3-mile promenade. If the sky is blue, head out of the city for a spot of lunch in a rather unusual setting: aboard a traditional Venetian Gondola. Relax on a rowing or motor-powered gondola as you sample a delicious picnic-style luncheon and chilled sparkling cider.
3 p.m.: Get Your Comic Con On at Zeus Comics and Collectibles
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When the Dallas Comic Con relocated to the Irving Convention Centre, it brought with it a cosplaying, superhero-worshiping, fan fiction-producing culture that continued to reign supreme even after the convention had come to an end. Head over to Zeus Comics and Collectibles on Inwood Road and explore the magical world of comic book heroes, Manga art, and action figurines.
5 p.m.: Sample the Shuffleboard and Free Popcorn at the Inwood Tavern
Image via Inwood Tavern
A lively locals’ tavern full of southern charm, the Inwood Tavern is the ideal watering hole in which to take a dip after a day exploring Irving. Happy hour is a daily affair, so get in before 7 p.m. to take advantage of the discounted prices. Check out the game room that offers pool, shuffleboard, big screen TVs, and free popcorn.
Must Eat: Indulge in a Deliciously Sinful Bag of Shin’s Donuts
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Despite the number of people who seek it, the perfect donut is not often easy to find. Don’t complete your visit to Irving without a trip to Shin’s Donuts. The venue is noted for its light and fluffy donut holes that propel this humble establishment from simple to sublime. Owner Paul Shin boasts a secret ingredient that he claims makes his dough lighter than air.
Check into a Golf Hotel in Irving for Easy Access to the Green
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Irving boasts green fairways aplenty. Golf enthusiasts checking into golf hotels in Irving can book an early morning tee-time before heading out to explore the cultural highlights in and around the city. If you’ve cash to splash, consider theFour Seasons Hotel Dallas from $310. Budget conscious visitors may prefer the more affordable rates at the Omni Mandalay Hotel at Las Colinas from $89 or theNYLO Dallas Las Colinas from $87. All three hotels offer easy access to some of Irving’s best courses and provide well-appointed accommodations to ensure a restful stay. Think golf is a good walk spoilt? Try one of these cheap hotels in Irving from $74.
Regardless of when you visit and where you stay, Irving will ensure you enjoy a restful and relaxing respite.