Arlington, TX: A Texan-American Gem
The seventh largest town in Texas and continually voted one of the friendliest, the dynamic city of Arlington has a way of stealing your heart again and again. Located 20 miles west of Dallas, 12 miles east of Fort Worth, and just south of the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport, Arlington enjoys a prime location with access to countless amenities. Arlington will also charm you with its warm, balmy summers and mild winters, inviting enjoyment outside all year round.
Brief History
Arlington’s vibrant nature draws from its fascinating history. Founded in 1876 and named after General E. Lee’s Arlington House, the city began rapid expansion as a stop along the Texas and Pacific Railway. Arlington grew slowly as a cotton ginning and farming community until after WWII, when in 1954 General Motors located an assembly plant in the town. The advent of the assembly plant along with the burgeoning aerospace industry led to rapid growth of the town through the 20th century. In the late 20th and into the 21st century Arlington became home to a University of Texas campus and welcomed businesses from all throughout the globe. Arlington’s identities as a rail town, farm town, location for major industry, and cosmopolitan education and business center are beautifully mixed today, providing countless things to do in Arlington TX.
Arlington’s Culture
Any citizen of Arlington will proudly pronounce that the city is never short on culture. Firmly American, Texan, and international, Arlington offers something unique to each visitor. From bluegrass music coursing through the night air outside Arlington Music Hall to world class sporting centers and restaurants downtown, smiles seem to be contagious in this city. For the intrepid, one especially smile-engendering place is Six Flags Over Texas, the first Six Flags Amusement park and in the opinion of many still one of the finest. Even if you don’t enjoy roller coasters, the park is a fascinating look into the cultural identity of the city.
Arlington benefits from hosting scores of fine hotels and restaurants, accommodating from the most budget traveler through to all-out luxury. Most hotels are located in the center of town, with restaurants sprawling across the city from Pioneer Parkway to the many high-end malls located throughout the metro area. While options from Lebanese to Italian fill the city, those seeking good Texan fare won’t go hungry either.
With a truly American-Texan identity, one of the friendliest crowds around, and things to do in Arlington TX that will keep even the most choosy busy for months, you will quickly find yourself hankering to return to this vibrant city.