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Make the Most of the Texas Spring in Garland
Finish off that last sip of hot chocolate, shove those wool socks to the back of the drawer, and throw a rabbit on top of that Christmas tree you refuse to put away, because spring is almost here! Garland, Texas—just east of Dallas in the DFW metroplex—is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you spent all winter indoors. Lush wooded areas, 16 miles of mountain biking trails, one of the largest lakes in North Texas, and a giant glowing cowboy hat are only the beginning.
That means it's the perfect time to start planning your long-awaited return to the outdoors. Read on for some great ideas for enjoying the springtime in Garland, TX.
Experience the Wonders of Nature Up Close
If your idea of going outdoors is a bit more involved than a day at the golf course, you may be interested in the Spring Creek Forest and Park Preserves. With 230 acres of oak forest and native prairie, this is an excellent spot for hiking, having a family picnic, or admiring the more-than-650 species of plants and animals. The preserve is one of only two forests in Texas recognized by the national Old-Growth Forest Network, a distinction that draws scientists, conservationists, nature buffs, and birdwatchers who flock—pun very much intended—to Spring Creek.
Likewise, the Rowlett Creek Preserve comes with its own brand of outdoor fun. In addition to picnic areas and a gazebo, it has nearly 16 miles of multi-purpose trails that come in a variety of difficulties. If you spot someone who looks a lot like former president, George W. Bush, it just might be him, since he’s been known to bike on those trails in the past.
When it comes to enjoying the water, look no further than Lake Ray Hubbard, one of the largest recreational lakes in Texas. Aquatic sports and fishing tournaments throughout the year are some of its biggest attractions.
Downtown Square: The Beating Heart of Garland
For a relaxing afternoon with the whole family, you’re going to want to take a stroll through Downtown Garland Square. This communal heart of Garland features an event lawn, interactive splash pad, an illuminated promenade, public art around every corner, and—standing tall at the corner of Main and Fifth—The Big Hat. This super-sized cowboy hat sculpture is Garland's love letter to the Resistol and Stetson factories that made it the Cowboy Hat Capital of Texas.
The Square is also where the foodies find the goodies. For those who like their food with a side of thematic purpose, Garland has built out several trails—the Pho Real Trail, the Tamale Trail, and the GarlandRita Trail—that turn an ordinary lunch into a self-guided tour of the city's global cuisine. If you've only got time for one, you can't go wrong with the Pho Real Trail, as Garland has one of the largest Vietnamese communities in the entire country.
But that’s not all. The downtown district also happens to be home to the Music Made Here concert series, which lands on the first Friday of every month, all year round. Garland is a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation and this series is a big reason why. Food will be available, as will friendly competitions for the kiddos to partake in.
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All Fun and Games at Firewheel Golf Park and Jon Comer Skatepark
Maybe you’d like something a bit more on the sporting side of things. In that case, we have to mention Firewheel Golf Park, a 63-hole course of champion-caliber golf. 600 scenic acres of rolling hills, winding streams, and mature trees make up three regulation courses. When the game’s over, stop by the Texas-themed Branding Iron restaurant in the clubhouse.
On the other side of the sport spectrum, Garland can boast of having the second-largest skatepark in Texas. We’re talking about Jon Comer Park, formerly known as Boneyard Skate Park. The park was renamed in honor of Jon Comer, the first professional skateboarder with a prosthetic limb. None other than Tony Hawk was instrumental in lobbying for the name change.
Dine Outside at One of These Refreshing Craft Breweries
After you’ve spent a long day of springtime festivities, your stomach may politely remind you that it’s time to eat. But that doesn’t mean you have to forsake the sunshine. Garland has a wide variety of breweries that allow outdoor dining.
Take Lakewood Brewery, for instance. This brewery is known for their Temptress series, an Imperial Milk Stout with chocolate and caramel. Along with live music, they even offer brewery tours on Saturday and Sunday. As a matter of fact, they were recently listed as a Top 20 brewery in Texas.
Have some barbeque with your beer at Intrinsic Smokehouse & Brewery in downtown Garland. You can enjoy smoked meats and handcrafted beer on their spacious patio, all while enjoying the brewery’s creative atmosphere and live music. Their love of art extends to their beer wraps, which are designed by local artists.
And then there's Fortunate Son on Main Street. In addition to craft beer, they also serve a killer New Haven-style pizza, charred and thin-crusted. If you won't take our word for it, Barstool's Dave Portnoy gave it an 8.1 ("very good" on the Portnoy scale). It should come as no surprise that Fortunate Son is from the same folks behind the highly respected Goodfriend Beer Garden & Burger House in Dallas. It’s safe to say the pizza is in good hands before it’s in yours.
Cool Off at Strike + Reel
The spring is a great time to go outdoors, but even the most ardent outdoorsman needs to cool off at some point. One of Garland’s biggest good-time destinations is Strike + Reel, a 90,000-square-foot entertainment super-venue. Perfect for groups of friends, you can catch a dine-in movie, play interactive video games, try your hand at the LED-lit rock-climbing wall, or indulge in some good ol’ fashioned bumper cars. It’s going to take more than one visit to see everything Strike + Reel has to offer.
If arcades are more your speed, Side Quest at Firewheel Town Center runs nearly 200 games on an all-you-can-play model, with the entry fee getting you unlimited plays and unlimited popcorn. Nickelrama keeps it old school, as the games run on actual nickels. Finally, nickels are good for something in the 21st century! Between the two of them and Strike + Reel's arcade floor, you've got enough indoor options to survive the hottest Texas spring.
Springtime is the Right Time to Visit Garland, TX
There’s nothing like the end of winter to make you appreciate going outside. Garland makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors through its nature preserves, downtown hub, sports parks, and outdoor dining options. When you’ve had your fun in the sun and could use some shade, Garland has you covered—once again, pun very much intended. Planning a trip? Don’t sleep on your friend’s ancient couch, visit one of Garland’s many comfy hotels.
About the Author: Hunter Lanier is the head writer and content specialist for Tour Texas. When he isn’t writing about the many great places in the state of Texas, he’s writing books and screenplays. He may or may not own an armadillo in the future.
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