Maybe you’re brand-new to the lovely city of Irving and haven’t had a chance to explore its nooks and crannies, to settle on your favorite park, or to find the best burger in town. We’d love to show you around! Poke through our list of can’t-miss local spots, and then get out the planner to make sure you hit them all.

1. Mandalay Canals

Meandering the Mandalay Canals makes for a classy, Old-World experience and a perfect Irving day. The historic canals of Venice will come to mind as you stroll along a cobblestone pathway under brick facades with wrought-iron railings and vine-covered bridges. Do the truly European thing and stop for a glass of wine at one of several restaurants with open patio seating, or bring along an ice cream cone from nearby Creamistry, where you’ll see your treat made right in front of you using liquid nitrogen.

2. Irving Arts Center

The beloved Irving Arts Center functions as an exhibition space for established artists, a community art gallery, and a performing arts space, and it generally serves as a hub for the artist community in Irving. Whether you’re attending a timely play or touring a thoughtful art exhibition, you’ll be both entertained and engaged.

3. Campión Trail

If you’re looking for an active way to see more of Irving, lace up your running shoes or hop on the bike and head out to Campión Trail, a paved multiuse path following the Elm Fork and West Fork of the Trinity River. Connecting some of the area’s finest green spaces and offering plenty of scenic views, this trail amounts to a delightful tour of the area’s nature and wildlife.

4. The Ranch at Las Colinas

More than a restaurant, The Ranch at Las Colinas gives you an experience, from the cowhide barstools to the servers in boots. Especially enticing for meat lovers, this quintessential Texas spot serves up beef from local ranchers in the form of mouth-watering steaks and burgers. Hang out for dinner on the weekends and stomp along to live music from talented local artists.

5. Ruth Paine House Museum

See a slice of local history with a trip to the Ruth Paine House Museum, a multimedia exhibition space housed in an unassuming suburban home. Restored and staged to look exactly like it did in 1963 when it entered the lore of political history, this house museum tells the tale of its own role in the assassination of JFK.

6. Lake Carolyn

You won’t truly have seen Irving until you’ve spent time at beautiful Lake Carolyn, a local landmark that is central to the city’s social life. Bring the dogs for an evening walk, or, to get the best view around, take out paddleboards from SUP NTX and enjoy a peaceful day floating the water.

Looking for more recommendations on where to go and what to do in the Irving area? Check out the Olympus Las Colinas blog to stay connected.