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Photo by Olaf Growald
Legal Draft Beer Company
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Photo by Olaf Growald
Gracie Lane
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Provided by River Legacy Facebook
River Legacy Park
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Provided by Texas Live!
Texas Live!
Quick question: The last time you went to Arlington, was it because you went to the OG Six Flags for an adrenaline rush? Cheered on the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium? Or maybe you thought it was a decent idea to sweat through a Rangers game at Globe Life Park? Next question: How long ago was that? If you’re like the rest of us, it’s probably been a while — and you haven’t really explored Arlington outside of these three spots.
Sure, driving along Interstate 30 can feel like an expedition to another planet (one that often isn’t worth our time unless it’s rewarded by a concert and beer out in Deep Ellum), but Arlington isn’t all thrill rides and sports games. In fact, the next time you’re thinking of flying past this mid-city, don’t. Hit the brakes and take a hike, see a concert, or venture your way through this list.
OUTDOORS
Richard Greene Linear Park is like a modern-day Stonehenge: unusual sculptures surrounded by Arlington’s iconic stadiums. Park at Texas Live! and grab a bite to eat before hitting the paved trail across the street.
1601 E. Randol Mill Road
Veterans Park should be at the top of your springtime bucket list. This large green space has more trails than meets the eye, along with a fun playground and disc golf course that’ll give you a run for your money.
3600 W. Arkansas Lane
Village Creek Historical Area is a hidden gem along Dottie Lynn Parkway. The paved trail may only be a mile long, but the canopy of trees overhead and picnic tables sprinkled along the path are ideal for an afternoon outside (with a packed picnic, of course).
2605 Dottie Lynne Parkway
River Legacy Park has eight miles of paved and unpaved hike and bike trails (along with a unique Living Science Center) that are a welcomed respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Fan of ghost tales? Look for Hell’s Gate, a rumored haunt deep inside the park.
701 NW Green Oaks Blvd.
Legal Draft Beer Company is the brainchild of two friends (Greg, a lawyer, and Curt, a medical logistics professional) with one dream: to open a local brewpub. Their dream is now reality, complete with a taproom, weekly events (including live music), and large dog-friendly patio.
500 E. Division St.
Division Brewing may look like an old warehouse from the outside, but this unassuming gem is the town’s first locally owned and operated brewery. Its neon sign outside says it all: Beer Me, Now.
506 E. Main St.
Shopping
Gracie Lane houses multiple local boutiques under one roof. From home décor to jewelry, this is where you’ll discover unique Arlington finds.
4720 S. Cooper St.
Truth Vinyl supports great music, simple as that. Pop in to find a new record or catch a live show. This local hotspot has 10,000-plus records, a listening station, and (drum roll, please) is BYOB.
300 E. Abram St., Ste. 190
FESTIVALS
Vandergriff Arts Festival, formerly known as Art on the Greene, is Arlington’s longest-running arts festival ... and it’s free. Come browse the work of over 150 artists the weekend of
May 1. vandergriffart-festival.com
Arlington All-Star Craft Beer, Wine and Cocktail Festival is basically a day-long party at Globe Life Field. Tickets include 16, 2-ounce samples (yes, you can buy more at the event), two tickets to a Rangers game, live music, and free admission to the Texas Live! after-party.
ballparkfestival.com/arlington
Want more art? Mark your calendar for Arlington’s East Main Street Art Festival, May 2, and South Street Art Festival, Oct. 9 – 11.
LIVE MUSIC
Levitt Pavilion has free outdoor concerts every summer and fall. Come prepared with a blanket or a chair and kick it on the lawn in Downtown Arlington. You can even bring your favorite adult beverage if you’d like — just make sure it’s in a can or plastic bottle. 100 W. Abram St.
Growl (Division Brewing’s neighbor and heaven-made match) will make you miss the ’90s. Head here for talented bands rocking out in a room that’s reminiscent of DIY punk shows. As a bonus, Growl sells records and comic books. 509 E. Abram St.
Stumpy’s Blues Bar lets you feel like a local, even if you’re not. Don’t let the strange exterior dissuade you. Gear up for a dive, grab a drink, and hit the dance floor. 2811 W. Division St.
Arlington Music Hall has probably crossed your radar before — its neon marquee is hard to miss. Step back in time and soak in live tunes at this nostalgic venue. 224 N. Center St.
SIGHTS TO SEE
International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame is exactly what it sounds like — one of those odd and unusual museums that deserves to be on your bucket list.
621 Six Flags Drive
UTA Planetarium, one of the three largest planetariums in Texas, has (surprisingly affordable) public shows. Most are about the universe, but some feature surround sound and digital dome effects set to the sound of Pink Floyd.
700 Planetarium Place
Top O’ Hill Terrace was where Bonnie and Clyde lay low from the law back in the 1920s. This “Vegas before Vegas” had escape tunnels, an active casino, and a brothel. Although it’s now — ironically — part of Arlington Baptist University, this former gambling haven still offers tours by appointment.
3001 W. Division St.
Arlington Museum of Art might not be the Kimbell, but we Fort Worthians are so spoiled. This under-the-radar museum has stellar galleries and is just $10 for adults.
201 W. Main St.
Esports Stadium Arlington has made its name as DFW’s gamer hub. Catch a pro tournament or visit the late-night Gaming Center, where you can test your skill on PCs and various consoles.
1200 Ballpark Way
NIGHTLIFE
Caves Lounge has a name that rings true. It’s a low-lit dive bar with a cozy atmosphere (note the fireplace featuring a sugar-skull mural) and a big ol’ patio, perfect for Texas nights.
900 W. Division St.
Pearl’s Cherokee Lounge was named one of the best dive bars in Texas by Texas Monthly. Pair that claim to fame with live music every weekend and friendly locals, and you’re in for a night to remember — or not.
2607 W. Division St.
Texas Live! may be a different nightlife scene — think West 7th — but it’s one hell of a party. Ride a mechanical bull at PBR Texas, play some Skee-Ball at Sports & Social, or dance the night away at its newest weekly shindig, The Drop (featuring local DJs).
1650 E. Randol Mill Road, texas-live.com
