Spring Into Staycation Season in Irving

An oasis in the heart of Texas, this often-overlooked slice of paradise in Dallas/ Fort Worth is the perfect destination for a spring escape. With a beautiful lake, resort hotels, award-winning golf and a rocking music scene, myriad elements make Irving a surprisingly captivating spot for your spring fling. Whether you seek an intimate retreat, a bit of adventure, or a calm weekend reprieve, Irving ticks all the boxes. Here’s what’s hot and new this spring:

Get Ritzy

Any memorable getaway begins with a great stay, and Irving has a range of options from affordable to luxury. Among Irving's diverse array of accommodations, the new Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas (formerly the Four Seasons) stands out as the epitome of luxury. This resort invites you to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and submerge yourself in a world of unparalleled comfort and relaxation. Pulling from authentic local inspirations, the rustic, yet refined decor details and color palette provides an inviting place to relax in style while you take in the stunning views of the championship TPC Las Colinas golf course.

Indulgent comfort meets understated in the hotel's recently renovated suites, villas and guest rooms. Explore a collection of refined retreats - from tower accommodations that overlook the sweeping surroundings to private villas fit for the most intimate escapes. Take a dip in one of the pools, spend the day at the blissful spa, sharpen your tennis and pickleball game at their championship courts, join an aerial yoga class or tee it up just steps from your accommodations.

Go Italian

Texas doesn’t have any Michelin-starred restaurants, but Irving’s Ritz-Carlton hotel has a new Italian steakhouse with Michelin pedigree. Renowned Michelin Starred Chef and Restauranteur, John Tesar, has partnered with The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas, to bring Knife Italian to Irving.  Rooted in authentic Italian tradition, Knife Italian draws on global inspiration and influence to create a progressive culinary experience that starts with light and vibrant flavors and gradually leads to heartier and more robust, and decadent options. Diners can opt for oysters with cucumber mignonette, caviar or yellowtail crudo with Texas grapefruit to start. Go for the yellowtail if you enjoy crudo. There’s a selection of squid ink bucatini, lobster agnolotti, potato gnocchi with blue crab and black truffle, and goat cheese mezzaluna from the pasta section, all made in-house by hand daily. Tesar’s meat skills are on display in a 48-ounce Bistecca alla Las Colinas, carved tableside with skill by Executive Chef Tony France. The restaurant features a whimsical, colorful décor created by Schoos Design, a Los Angeles-based hospitality design company known for memorable interiors at hot spots like Tao Las Vegas and O-Bar in West Hollywood. 

Go Glam

Here’s an insider tip. Texas has more than one music city and Irving has been quietly claiming the spotlight with phenomenal local and global acts gracing stages across the city. The Toyota Music Factory and its Live Nation Pavilion amphitheater are where you want to be, promising major acts and a buzzing nightlife featuring a plethora of delicious eats and bars with live music.

There’s a new show venue making a splashy debut in the music factory, aptly named The Rayleigh Underground. The two-story space is tucked under the Pavilion’s amphitheater lawn with an underground vibe, expansive indoor and outdoor dining on both levels and six bars. Rayleigh differentiates itself from its music factory neighbors by combining upscale dining with a show reminiscent of a Vegas supper club.

The Violet Bar and Lounge, located inside the Rayleigh, offers Pacific Rim-inspired dining and craft cocktails. At the center of the venue is a modern 1,100-seat theater with an impressive 18' x 50' stage, with a 36' video wall on center stage, plus multiple interactive LED screens. Happy hour in the Violet Bar & Lounge begins at 4 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday with dinner service starting at 8 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, it’s showtime! Musical acts of all genres make dining more than a culinary experience.