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A Slice of America: 24 Hours of Adventure and Romance in Las Colinas, Irving, Texas
Las Colinas is a master-planned community in Irving, Texas, United States, between downtown Dallas and Fort Worth, and a quick 15-minute Uber ride from DFW International Airport. Las Colinas sits on land that Ben H. Carpenter initially owned. Mr. Carpenter began developing Las Colinas in the 1970s.
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A Little Info on Las Colinas
Las Colinas is known for its beautiful scenery, with lakes, canals, and parks. It is also home to several corporate headquarters, including ExxonMobil, Fluor Corporation, and Kimberly-Clark. If you’re visiting Las Colinas, you may be here to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, do some shopping, and you will want to eat!
In recent years, Las Colinas has been undergoing a revitalization effort, with new developments such as the Toyota Music Factory and the Irving Convention Center. The community also has several universities, including the University of Dallas and Texas Woman’s University.
The Las Colinas Resort is home to two 18-hole championship golf courses. The courses are well-maintained and offer a variety of challenges for golfers of all skill levels.
Las Colinas is a vibrant and growing community with something for everyone. But if you’re only passing through or need a quick itinerary for a 24-hour stay, I’ve got you covered! This post will cover all the basics. So let’s go!
Where to Stay?
Texican Court
Texican Court is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Las Colinas, Texas, conveniently located about 12 miles from DFW Airport. The hotel is known for its unique style, which blends Spanish and Mexican influences. I think what makes Texican Court so unique is that it has the feel of a roadside motel you’d find on a long road trip but comes with all the amenities of a fine resort.
All rooms at the Texican Court are delightfully appointed with spacious floor plans, including a vintage-style refrigerator and everything you could ask for in bathroom facilities, including a walk-in shower with a very tall showerhead. Just outside your room, you’ll find comfortable rocking chairs, perfect for relaxing and breathing fresh air before bed or with your morning coffee.
Texican Court offers a variety of amenities, including a pool, a spa, and a fitness center. The hotel also has several restaurants and bars, including Two Mules Cantina, which serves traditional Tex-Mex cuisine.
You will find both leisure and business travelers enjoying the hotel due to its proximity to many business centers and entertainment venues, not to mention restaurants and bars. The Irving Convention Center is right across the street, a quick 2-minute walk, and the Toyota Music Factory and the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center are also within walking distance.
Texican Court is a great place to stay if you want a unique and luxurious experience with a down-home feel.
501 West Las Colinas Blvd, Irving, Texas 75039
Where to Eat?
Breakfast
Two Mules Cantina
Since you’ll be staying at Texican Court, head to the Two Mules Cantina, located right on the campus of Texican Court, for an easy way to start your day off right! The atmosphere at the cantina is bright and cheerful with a distinct Texas flair. You’ll love the wall that slides open when the weather permits.
Two Mules has a full breakfast menu with many hearty choices to begin your day. I recommend the yogurt parfait, served as a hearty helping of Greek yogurt topped with granola, sliced strawberries, and a side of honey. Yum! They serve a mighty fine stack of pancakes with a side of bacon if yogurt isn’t your cup of tea. Either dish served with a cup of coffee is the perfect way to start your day.
501 W Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, TX 75039
Lunch
Bar Louis
Bar Louis is a popular gastropub near the Texican Court as part of the Toyota Music Factory development (host of several of TV’s well-known award shows). You’ll find plenty of options for American Cuisine and a full bar for a mid-afternoon cool-down with a craft beer or a cocktail.
I recommend a burger with a side order of tater tots. The tots are perfectly crispy and come generously portioned and served in a dimpled steel serving cup, where they stay nice and warm throughout your meal. If you’re not into burgers, some of their other popular items are chicken nachos, buffalo chicken salad, or fish and chips. Bar Louie also offers gluten-free and vegetarian options.
If you like to linger over lunch, you’ll be happy here because the seating is comfortable, the bathrooms are clean, and plenty of TVs are located around the dining room to keep your eyes busy.
360 W Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, TX 75039
Dinner
Hugo’s Invitado
If you love Mexican food with flair, you’ll LOVE Hugo’s Invitados! This fine-dining restaurant serves elevated Mexican cuisine and craft cocktails in a modern setting. Artfully decorated mannequins are tastefully placed around the dining room, where you’ll also find unique artwork reminiscent of jungle décor.
Ask about their daily cocktail, and be sure to try an appetizer. I loved the unique and delicious Corn Margarita when I visited, and the Octopus a la Parrilla was delicious and a site to behold. Your server will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the menu.
Hugo’s Invitados pays special attention to detail, and its menu includes various gluten-free and vegetarian options.
5240 N O’Connor Blvd. Ste 160. Irving, TX 75039
What To do in Las Colinas?
Daytime Activity
Stand Up Paddleboards North TeXas SUPNTX
The Mandalay Canals are a series of man-made canals that run through the Las Colinas area. The canals are beautiful and practical, controlling flooding in the area and providing natural drainage. So it makes sense that you’ll want to check them out!
Take a Mandalay Canal Walk on the 3-mile paved path that runs along the Mandalay Canals and is the perfect way to walk, run, bike, or rollerblade your way around the canals while taking in the scenery.
But if you’d like to get into the water, look no further than SUPNTX. SUPNTX is a stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) and kayaking rental company located right on the canals off Las Colinas Boulevard. Choose a kayak rental or try out a stand-up paddleboard with quick instructions from the staff if you’re a beginner.
You can also choose an aqua cycle water trike, but beware – these are not for the faint of heart. You will do lots of pedaling, and your trike won’t necessarily take you where you tell it to go. Steering is not the strong suit of the water trike.
SUPNTX is a great place to go for a day on the water. The friendly and helpful staff will ensure you have a great time.
113 Las Colinas Boulevard East, Irving, TX 75039
Evening Activity
Gondola Adventures
When you’re ready to wrap up your day, head to Gondola Adventures for a private gondola cruise and a truly unique experience on the waters of the Mandalay Canals.
Gondola Adventures Las Colinas offers a variety of experiences in gondolas modeled after traditional Venetian gondolas. They are decorated with colorful lights and flowers and are equipped with comfortable seats and a roof, so you can enjoy your gondola ride even if it’s raining or cold.
Electric motors power some gondolas, but many are powered by authentically trained gondoliers, who may even serenade you on your ride. Choose a private ride for a romantic or leisurely experience. You can even choose a dinner cruise or a dessert and wine cruise. Gondola Adventures also offers a bottle drop experience, perfect for a proposal, celebrating big news, or any special occasion!
357 West Fork, Irving, TX 75039
Wrapping it All Up
If you have a short time in Las Colinas or are passing through quickly, you won’t go wrong with any of these excellent experiences. All of these options offer a perfect American slice of life. And they are easy to access during your stay at Texican Court and are within walking distance, a short drive, or an Uber trip away from your room. The Las Colinas area is clean and safe, but always remember to practice safe traveling habits.
If you’ve been to Las Colinas in Irving, Texas, I’d love to hear about it! Please share your favorites in the comments below!
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The Texican Court looks like a fun and unique place to stay!
It is really lovely – and very unique! Highly recommend it if you are in the area!