I’m crazy about travel, but I also love local urban exploration—in other words, visiting the hundreds of wonderful destinations to be experienced right here in Arlington and throughout DFW.
For my money, there’s no better time to plan a staycation than spring break, when the weather is mild and there’s a sense of excitement in the air as everyone gears up for spring and summer. In our last blog, we profiled four excellent staycation destinations in Arlington or within driving distance of Arlington —and now we’ll take a look at four more ideas that are definitely worth including on your spring break agenda:
AT&T Stadium Tour
One AT&T Way
Arlington, TX
I don’t know a lot about football, but I can dazzle you facts about football’s greatest venue thanks to a fascinating tour I recently took of the architectural wonder that is AT&T Stadium. Choose from either self-guided or guided VIP touring options, which will take you behind-the-scenes to look at the stadium’s locker rooms, postgame interview room, private suites, private clubs, and the press box, among other interesting spots. Bring a football with you, because there’s a good chance you’ll also get to go down on the field and throw a few passes or have your picture taken midfield on the famous Cowboys star (subject to field access and availability). Tip: I highly recommend spending the extra dollars and time to take an AT&T Stadium Art Tour as well—you won’t regret it. BUY DISCOUNTED TICKETS NOW.
Texas Live!
1650 E. Randol Mill Drive
Arlington, TX
After you finish your AT&T tour, cruise on over to Texas Live! (one of Arlington’s coolest new venues) where you can relax over a drink or a fine meal (or both!) and view the beautiful stadium from a distance. What I like best about Texas Live! is that it’s actually collection of venues—like Troy’s (gourmet food and drink in a chic beer hall setting), the Miller Tavern (beer and upscale bar bites), and Sports & Social (craft cocktails, shared plates and games)—and you can move from place to place and sample more than one Texas Live! experience. Plus, there’s almost always something going on, like trivia nights, live music, or karaoke—and if you want to watch a game, there isn’t a better place to be than the Live! Arena and its 100-foot TV screen.
Grapevine Vintage Railroad
705 S. Main Street
Grapevine, TX
I love all things retro as well as opportunities to sit back and enjoy the passing scenery, so it’s no surprise that I enjoyed my experience on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad when I took my nieces and nephew for a ride last year. Choose from three excursions: The deluxe five-hour Cotton Belt Route, (which includes an extended stopover to explore the Fort Worth Stockyards), the one-hour Grapevine Excursion, or the 45-minute Trinity River Excursion (which also goes to the Stockyards but doesn’t stop). The last two options are best bets for families with little kids. Tip: Build in a couple of hours before or after your train ride to explore Historic Downtown Grapevine, one of the most charming downtown destinations our fair state offers.
U.S. Bureau of Engraving & Printing (AKA “The Money Factory”)
900 Blue Mound Road
Fort Worth, TX
Did you know that over half of the nation’s currency is printed in Fort Worth? Unfortunately, you can’t pocket any free samples at the U.S. Bureau of Engraving & Printing, but they do let you come and watch money being made at this best-kept-secret destination that features a self-guided tour, a film presentation, and exhibits. Kids absolutely love this place, but it’s also a lot of fun for grown-ups, too. Tips: No photography is allowed inside the facility, but you can take pictures of your group in front of the tour entrance sign outside. Also: Be sure and check out the gift shop, where you can buy shredded money, unused currency sheets and other cool stuff.
Coming soon – still more great ideas for spring break staycations in the final installment...Part 3!
Read previous edition - Four Great DFW Spring Break Staycation Ideas – Part One
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