Arlington, Texas, is upping its game so fast it’s not even fair to limit this list to just these suggestions. This not-so-little patch between Dallas and Fort Worth has done an about-face in the past few decades. If you want to experience some of the larger than life things Texas has to offer, Arlington is your destination!  

• Scoping out the Urban Union District
  A string of huge former auto shops has been reimagined as Arlington’s newest downtown destination, The Urban Union District. The businesses that have moved into the area, likeSugar Bee Sweets Bakery, Legal Draft Beer Co., and 4 Kahunas Tiki Lounge, are all keeping this in mind, and the “repurposed” look is a theme. Who knew used car lots could be so good for craft beer, music, and tacos? 

The monthly Urban Traders Market brings together all kinds of uber-talented local artisans selling whatever they make by hand: clothing, jewelry, home decor, upcycled furniture, stationery, pet gear, leather goods. Urban Union will ultimately be a three-phase, 100,000-square-foot district of restaurants, shops, and breweries, perhaps the hippest place in an increasingly hip city. 

• Hiking River Legacy (for the elusive hissing mushroom)
  The River Legacy Foundationprotects more than 1,000 acres of forest floodplain that follows the curves and bends of the Trinity River. There are eight miles of paved hiking trails and 10 miles of mountain bike trails that wind through the wildlife-filled forest and greenbelt, plus other essential amenities like picnic areas, a canoe launch, covered pavilions, and playgrounds. 

But River Legacy’s best-kept secret? Mushroom hunting. In fall, you can search for a unique hissing mushroom that’s so rare, it’s only been found in Texas and southern Japan. This three-inch fungus is called the Devil’s Cigar (aka Texas Star) for the smoke-like cloud of spores that rises from its surface, accompanied by an audible hiss. But whether you find one or not, head to the River Legacy Living Science Center afterward and check out the terrariums and aquariums full of native-to-Arlington creatures. 

• Texas Coffee School – Attend a cupping
  If you’re a “but first, coffee” kind of person, get yourself to the next cupping class at the nationally renowned Texas Coffee School in Arlington.

Coffee cupping, similar to a wine tasting, is a 1.5-hour-long class where you will taste the good stuff, learning to evaluate small-batch coffees from across the globe. The Texas Coffee School is just like it sounds — a training ground for coffee fans and professionals alike — but it’s also become an entrepreneurial launchpad for those looking to open their coffee shop. You do not need any business ambitions to take a cupping class. 

• Planting yourself on the Caves Lounge patio
  Caves Lounge calls itself an unapologetic dive bar, and that’s pretty much spot on. You can often catch a movie on Mondays, play bar trivia on Tuesdays, and hear people wail karaoke on Thursdays. Sit across from the sign that says, “DRINK WHAT U LIKE” and do what it says. All this, plus a jukebox. You will just need to choose if you want to hang out in the dim interior that will remind you of your favorite college bar, or get out onto the patio, an artsy backyard space that just feels like Texas. 
• Experiencing European racing in the heart of Texas
  Arlington gives racing fans some certifiable hands-on thrills at K1 Speed, an indoor track for all-electric go-kart racing. K1 Speed’s all-electric European go-karts can reach a top speed of 45mph in seconds, which you’ll put to the test in head-to-head Arrive and Drive races against up to 11 other (adult) racers. 

You will also find junior karts — for kids between 48 and 58 inches tall — that top out at 20mph. Staff will teach you how to operate the kart and give you all the safety instructions you need before you put the pedal to the metal. 

• Drinking down the budding craft beer scene
  Arlington’s craft beer scene is officially legit even though it hasn’t been around too long. The city’s first locally owned and operated brewery, Division Brewing, is lauded for rolling out some of the most unique beers in the Metroplex. There’s also the city’s first high-production brewery, Legal Draft Beer Co. Get in on one of Legal’s Donuts & Drafts pairings, or skip straight to the Legal Blonde Lager, the brewery’s most popular. Tour the Urban Union District and then head over to Division for a Shush ‘n’ Crush on the patio. 

Stay at the Comfort Suites Hotel in Grand Prairie and be a part of all the awesome things to do in Arlington 

Welcome to the brand-new Comfort Suites hotel in Grand Prairie – a hotel near Grand Prairie City Hall. 

This centrally located all-suites hotel is perfect for your next family getaway to DFW and features all-new guest rooms and amenities. 

The Comfort Suites Grand Prairie is located equidistant between DFW Airport and all of Arlington’s major attractions including Dallas Market Center, Urban Union District, AT&T Stadium, Traders Village, Six Flags over Texas, Six Flags Ripley’s Believe It or Not and more. 

If traveling with a family or for leisure in general, our hotel near Arlington puts you minutes from all the major theme parks and sporting/concert venues. Don’t miss out on all the exciting things to do in DFW while staying at the Comfort Suites Grand Prairie.