By Alexandria Dedovitch

Shop your way through the nation’s largest retail destinations, enjoy an afternoon sipping craft beer, line up a tee shot down a lakeside fairway, or hike scenic nature trails. Settled on the eastern shores of Lewisville Lake only 30 miles north of downtown Dallas, The Colony is an all-in-one getaway where it’s just as easy to indulge in some retail therapy as it is to escape to the great outdoors. Read on to see some of the many amazing things you can only experience here and plan your visit today.

Delight in Lakeside Dining

As the sun sets over the water, take in the stunning views from the patio of The Rackhouse. This scratch kitchen and whiskey bar offers delectable dishes, craveable cocktails or majestic lakeview sunsets inside an old whiskey-styled warehouse atmosphere. Sip on a signature drink, like the Heavenly Cloud Old Fashioned, while you listen to live music on the patio for the ultimate end to an evening. Adjacent to The Rackhouse is Angelina’s Mexican Restaurant. Serving genuine Tex-Mex since 1986, this local staple offers up comforting classics like cheesy enchiladas, brisket tacos, sizzling fajitas, and flavorful chile rellenos. The festive atmosphere and beloved Tex-Mex fare make for a delicious night out.

Explore these menus, and more, here.

Experience the Local Live Music Scene

North Texas is a hotspot for live music, and The Colony is no exception. On any given night, touring bands and local talents light up the stages at one-of-a-kind venues across town. Top bands from across the country headline at Lava Cantina, The Colony’s largest music destination. The open-air venue doubles as a restaurant that serves coastal Mexican fare with a Creole twist, including crawfish and gator dip and enchiladas made with French crepes.

Immerse Yourself in a Virtual World

Venture to a new dimension at Immersive Gamebox. In a private room, team up with friends or family to fend off an alien invasion, search for Martian minerals, or complete a CIA training mission in one of several digital games. You won’t find anything like this in Texas, let alone the United States. The British attraction’s first international location features a fully immersive adventure, with projection mapping, touch screen, and motion tracking for a headset-free VR experience. This one-of-a-kind experience makes screen time social again.

Sample Local Microbrews

For the craft brew connoisseurs, there’s no shortage of incredible regional beers in The Colony. The city is filled with taprooms, beer gardens, and pubs in addition to two distinct microbreweries. Windmills brings a passion for curated cuisine and craft brewing from Bangalore, India. The director of brewing sources the best hops, grains, and malts for the natural fermentation of all 14 of the beers brewed on-site. Ranging from malty German-styles and hoppy double IPAs to fruity saisons, Windmills features some of the highest quality brews in the business.

In line with current brewing trends, Beard Science specializes in the complexity of sour beers. Once unique to Belgian and north German breweries, the distinct fermentation technique has taken off in the United States. Beard Science utilizes live cultures and naturally occurring local yeasts to create unique flavors in a very controlled environment. Experience the sour beer craze with one of 10 brews on the tap, including pickle, caramel tart apple, and watermelon sours.

Get Lost in Grandscape

When it comes to dining, shopping, and having a great time, Grandscape doesn’t mess around. Spanning more than 400 acres, this all-in-one destination has more than three million square feet of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Catch a showing at the luxury movie theater, browse artisan wares at The Homestead, sample wines from across the world, and so much more.

Sip on wines sourced from across the globe at The Colony Wine Bar. The tasting room and bottle shop offers private samplings and special events where knowledgeable staff guides you through a curated wine list with featured light snacks. Satisfy your taste buds at one of Grandscape’s many restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for fast-casual eateries or upscale dining at renowned restaurants such as Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, there is something for every palette.

Any given day of the week, you will find live entertainment on the outdoor stage. Have a seat on the spacious lawn and get ready for a concert, fitness class, or family-friendly movie screening. There’s a ton to see and do in Grandscape, so get here early to get the most out of your time here.

Experience America’s Largest Shopping Destinations

Stepping into NFM is like entering a different world. Spread across 560,000 square feet, America’s Largest Home Furnishing Store is an extensive selection of the hottest tech products, on-trend home décor, collections from world-famous designers, and just about everything you can think of. Along with all the shopping, NFM hosts special events worth seeing. Discover the latest tech showcased by big-name companies, participate in exclusive gaming opportunities, and meet celebrities with regular guest appearances. View a list of upcoming events on NFM's Facebook page.

For all things outdoors, stop by the World’s Largest All-Sport Store, SCHEELS. From athletic gear to home décor, the 85 specialty departments sell a wide range of brand names. Throughout the store, you’ll find friendly associates equipped with expert knowledge of sports and products. SCHEELS offers much more than just quality products, the massive store is home to entertainment for the whole family. Ride the 65-foot indoor Ferris wheel, view the 16,000-gallon aquarium, sample gourmet fudge from the café, and play interactive games designed for kids of all ages.

Savor a Day Out with Your Best Friend

Craft beer, delicious food, live music, and quality time with your puppy? This may sound too good to be true, but not so at The Shacks Dining & Dog Park. Take your pick from the long list of mouthwatering eats, including fusion street tacos, wood-fired pizzas, and Texas-sized burgers. Then stop by Grrrowler’s to sample one of the more than 25 craft beers on draft at the dog-friendly taproom. Enjoy your meal al fresco on the expansive patio overlooking the dog park. Speaking of which, the canine hangout is an off-leash park that features areas for dogs large and small to play and mingle with pups their own size.

Although you can relax here throughout the year, you won’t want to miss The Shacks’ special events. Catch a performance from up - and - coming artists or watch pups compete in costume contests throughout the year . For a list of the latest events coming to The Shacks at Austin Ranch, check out their Facebook events page.

Enjoy Award-Winning Golf & Stunning Lake Views

Gently rolling fairways, lush greens, and a vast lake just beyond. You wouldn’t find this compelling combination at most golf courses, but in The Colony it’s standard. The town’s three golf courses offer breathtaking lake views and challenging play that’ll have you coming back for more. The picturesque Old American Golf Club is widely considered one of the best 18-hole golf courses in Texas, with its natural contours and homage to America’s Golden Age of Golf. 

If you have ever dreamt of playing at The British Open, take a swing at The Tribute Golf Links. The links-style course on the eastern shore of Lewisville Lake pays homage to the fabled courses of Scotland. The 18th hole is a treat all its own, as it’s a direct replica of the final hole at St. Andrews, right down to the Swilken Bridge. Finally, let the towering lighthouse at Stewart Peninsula Golf Course draw you to this part of Lewisville Lake’s shoreline. Set on a captivating peninsula, the course provides complex play that’s accessible to everyone thanks to the six tee boxes and double greens on each of the nine holes.

Not only are all three courses well worth playing, but they’re also all open to the public. Visit each course’s website to book a tee time, then pack your golf clubs for a round you won’t soon forget.

Escape Along Miles of Nature Trails

Stroll along the shoreline of Lewisville Lake and watch as birds and butterflies flit by. It’s easy to find inner peace away from the hustle and bustle of the big city on The Colony’s tranquil trails. Both the Shoreline and Tribute Shoreline Trails provide over three miles of environmentally sensitive footing, perfect for casual hikes, bike rides, and jogs. When you wander through the dense woodlands and meadows, blooming wildflowers and a calm lake breeze will welcome you. Pause to learn more about native flora and fauna through educational signs dotting the trails.

These are just two of The Colony’s trails waiting for you to explore. Find out more about the others here.  

Check Out The Colony’s Unique Family Events

Any season is a good time to visit The Colony, but there are a few one-of-a-kind events here you won’t want to miss. Swim with your puppy and participate in contests and games at the annual Bow-Wow Luau, held at Hawaiian Waters Waterpark. Explore a trail haunted by ghouls and goblins during Family Fright Fest, a Halloween festival with hayrides, campfires, scary movies, and trick or treating. American Heroes: A Salute to Veterans celebrates those who have served our country with live music, great food, and an exuberant drone show in conjunction with Veterans Day. 

These are only a few of The Colony’s many great events. See a full list here.

No matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for, you’ll find it in The Colony. Learn more about this Dallas-area destination and plan your trip here.

About the Author: Alexandra is the Digital Content Creator for Tour Texas. She is an avid traveler, lover of the arts, and enthusiast of all things Texas!