Life in Arlington
Attractions
Arlington is home to numerous tourist attractions that are popular with people of all ages. Six Flags Over Texas is a hugely popular theme park with rides and attractions that thrill everyone who makes a visit to the park. The University of Texas is home to a Planetarium that is an affordable attraction with something to offer everyone in the family. If you're in the mood for something a little more eclectic, the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame is one of the greatest tributes to the game of bowling that you can see anywhere in the world.
Dining
Although you can get lots of great Texan food in Arlington, there are also a host of wonderful ethnic establishments to visit. Istanbul Grill is one of the best-reviewed restaurants in the city, and focuses on traditional Turkish Cuisine. Taste of Europe is another great bet, with dishes that all draw upon an Eastern European and Russian influence.If you're in the mood for the type of food you more commonly associate with Texas, try Mariano's Mexican for a spicy night out. For great burgers, Twisted Root Burger Company on Abram Street is a local favourite. Davids Barbecue is centrally located and features a greatly varied menu of barbecued meat of all descriptions.
Bars
Mavericks Bar and Grill is a bit of a hidden gem, because it doesn't look like much from the outside. However, inside a friendly staff and great food make it extremely popular. Sidetracked Pub & Grub is a friendly neighbourhood pub on E Division Street that is also worth a visit. Septembers is a good venue for watching the football game on TV if the Cowboys are away or you weren't able to get a ticket. Louie Louie's Duelling Piano Bar is a fun place to go if you like live music and a lively atmosphere. It is definitely not your typical laid-back piano bar.
Culture
One of the largest cultural institutions in Arlington is the Arlington Museum of Art. Rather than building a private collection, the museum instead puts it's time and money into bringing the very best touring exhibitions to Arlington, so residents can get more out of the museum via repeat visits. There are several great live music venues in town, including the Arlington Music Hall, a 1000-seat theatre, and the Levitt Pavilion, which also hosts dance and theater shows. Theater Arlington is a large producer of live theatre in the downtown area. In addition to several large productions each year, they also offer a variety of theatre classes and educational programs.
Events
If you've got any Scottish heritage in your background, or if you just enjoy the sound of bagpipes, then you should visit the Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games held in May in Arlington. During the Christmas season, the Annual Texas Christkindl Market is a German-style market that makes the perfect place to buy a gift, enjoy a meal, or just enjoy the Christmas cheer. As with many American cities of this size, the 4th of July is one of the most important dates in Arlington. The Arlington 4th of July Association celebrates by organizing a large parade every year.
Shopping
Great shopping can be found all over Arlington. Right near the Six Flags theme park you have the old Six Flags Mall, now called Plaza Central, a multicultural shopping center. The Parks Mall at Arlington is a more traditional shopping mall that features an AMC Theatre and a skating rink known as ICE at the Parks. Lincoln Square is another great shopping complex that is located just of I-30, making it very easy to access by car. Lincoln Square is a very good place to head for a meal, as it hosts restaurants for all tastes. Chain favorites like the Olive Garden and TGI Fridays are here, as are less famous delights like Sherlock's Baker Street Pub & Grill and Sprouts Spring Roll & Pho.
Sports
When it comes to sports in Arlington there is no question that the Cowboys are the hottest ticket in town. America's team continues to be on of the most popular sports franchises on the planet, and watching them play in the new At&t Stadium is a treat for any fan of football.Although the Cowboys are relatively new to town, the Texas Rangers have been playing there for more than 40 years now. In addition, the support for college and even high school athletics programs is among the best in the country in Arlington. The UT Arlington Mavericks Baseball and Basketball teams both enjoy a great deal of support.
Outdoors
The River Legacy Living Science Center is not only a great way to enjoy nature, but also to learn about it. The park was designed in a completely sustainable manner, and features numerous exhibits and events designed to inform the public about the wonders of nature that surround them. If you like biking or playing sports outdoors, then the 86 acres of trails in Cravens Park should be appealing to you. There are also baseball and basketball facilities, as well as a fishing area in the park. In addition to the River Legacy, if you head just outside of Arlington there are great hiking and biking trails in Dallas and Fort Worth. The Big Cedar Wilderness Trail in Dallas and the Sansom Park Trail in Fort Worth are both worth a visit.