Ask anyone outside of Texas if they’ve heard of Arlington, and they might think you’re talking about the city near Washington, D.C. Located 20 miles west of Dallas, the city of Arlington has worked hard and used a lot of resources to gain the respect it deserves. It offers amazing experiences for all types of travelers.
Family Fun
Image by Chad Zandi via Trover.com
As a kid growing up in Texas, Arlington was my Disneyland. Back when family road trips were still a thing, my parents piled my brother and me into the back seat of our sedan and drove 400 miles north for a fun-filled weekend in Arlington. We stayed in one of the many IHG hotels near Six Flags Over Texas and had a great time at the amusement park. It was my first experience with adult rides.
I still remember the rush of adrenaline as I spotted the outline of the Texas Giant off into the distance. At the time, it was the largest wooden roller coaster in the world. Six Flags remains a popular facility today, with rides, characters, and shows.
Sports Fanatic
Image by Tiffany Allington via Trover.com
Arlington is where both the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers play. If you’re a baseball or football fan, Arlington is your mecca. The ultra-modern AT&T Stadium has been the home of the Cowboys since 2009. Metroplex residents know the stadium as The Death Star or one of a few other choice nicknames. If you want to ask somewhere where to find the stadium, have them point you in the direction of Jerry’s World.
Just across the massive parking lot is Globe Life Park. I still refer to it by its original name, The Ballpark in Arlington. It’s a classic structure that reminds you of baseball stadiums of the past. Every seat in the house is fantastic, and you can get game day seats for under $30 for most games. If you happen to plan your trip on a dollar hot dog day, you’ll be in baseball heaven. Both parks offer in-depth tours on non-game days, too.
Business Minded
Nestled between the two iconic sports stadiums is the Arlington Convention Center. With a massive 30,000-square-foot Grand Hall and another 40,000 square feet of exhibition space and meeting rooms, the convention center offers you plenty of options and amenities for meetings of five to 500.
It’s not all business when business travelers go to Arlington, though. If you need a team-building exercise, book a lane or 10 at Alley Cats or race at K1 Speed and beat the tar out of your boss with no guilt. For refreshments, you have to check out Arlington’s first locally owned brewery. The pretzel bites and pale ales are amazing at Division Brewery.
With its rapid growth and proximity to two major cities and a major international airport, Arlington, Texas, is on its way to becoming a household name. No matter what type traveler you are or what kind of trip you’re planning, Arlington has something for you.
“Look at it.” Hailee pointed up at the metallic structure. “It does look like the death star.”
“No it doesn’t.” Brian tried the door, but it wouldn’t budge. He pushed the next door, again, locked.
It’s round, ominious.” Hailylee placed her hand on the structure. “I bet Darth Vader’s in there right now reading out thoughts.”
“Darth Vader controls thoughts, he doesn’t read them.”
Brian tried another door. Locked, “What’s so precious in there that every door has to be locked.”
“Here, let me try.” Hailee put her hand on the next door and pushed. It opened.
He grabbed her hand, “Come on.”
They walked into the structure. The energy flowed from the structure through him. It practically buzzed.
“You feel that?” Hailee said. “It’s alive. Just like the Death Star.”
Rolling his eyes, he pulled Hailyee down the corridor. Feeling the smooth metal walls along the way. They were cold to the touch. Strange considering it was 90 degrees outside.
The hall took a sudden left turn. The light from outside did not.
“I think we should go back.”
“Let’s keep going.” Several feet more, there was a faint light visible in the distance. The comfort of the light encouraged them to walk faster.
Brian dared to take his eyes away from the light for a second to make sure Hailee saw what he saw. As they drew closer, they could feel the warmth. They entered a large open space, but didn’t notice, they were mesmerized. The light, warm and inviting, bobbed up and down in the middle of the space.
Hailee reached for it, but Brian pulled her hand back. “No, don’t touch it.”
“I have to, it’s so beautiful.”
“No must not touch,” It was hard for him to articulate because every ounce of his being wanted to touch it, too.
“Why?” Hailee whispered.
“Because, we haven’t earned the right.” As soon as the last syllable left his lips, the light exploded into a thousand lights. The blinding light knocked Brian and Hailee down.
The roof parted and sun shined brightly in there eyes.
“Yes,” a voice from above said. “You have not earned the right, but you will, I promise, you will.”
Brian and Hailee laid there, on the star, basking in the greatness that is Cowboy Stadium.
Sydney Aaliyah Michelle 