By Melissa Lewis
Garland, Texas Vacation Ideas
In 2008, Garland, Texas was ranked number 67 in the top 100 places to live by CNN and "Money" magazine. While more than 200,000 people make Garland their home, many others travel there on vacation to get a taste of first-class entertainment and recreational venues, much of which is owned by the city itself. Besides going to the movies, shopping or other common vacation activities, Garland has the following opportunities for vacationers to enjoy.
Golfing
The Firewheel Golf Park has three public regulation golf courses, each with different challenges and features. The Bridges Course has three unique nine-hole courses, the Lake Course is the most difficult with 10 separate lake crossings, and the Old Course has a gentle rolling terrain with streams and tree-lined fairways.
Firewheel Golf Park
600 W. Campbell Road
Garland, Texas 75044
(972) 205-2795
Swimming
Garland is home to three community pools and a community wave pool, each with a small fee. See the Resources section below for a link to Surf and Swim to view locations, fees and hours for each pool.
Theater Hopping
The Patty Granville Arts Center is made up of three different rental theaters where different groups put on their performances. Shows like "The Sound of Music" and "The King and I" are just a couple examples of past performances.
Patty Granville Arts Center
300 N. Fifth St.
Garland, Texas 75040
Roller Skating
The Texas Skatium has roller skating on wooden floors for the whole family. Kids will also enjoy the bounce house area for an additional fee. There are special times for speed skating as well.
Texas Skatium
2020 Rowlett Road
Garland, Texas 75043
(972) 240-6455
Hiking and Biking
There are several hiking and biking trails in and around Garland, including the Rowlett Creek Nature Trail located in Rowlett Creek Preserve. Different loops make up the trail and each is marked with a number--the higher the number, the more difficult the trail.
Rowlett Creek Nature Trailhead
2525 Castle Rd
Garland, Texas 75040
Resources
About the Author:
Melissa Lewis is a former elementary classroom teacher and media specialist. She has also written for various online publications. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
Photo Credits:
www.sxc.hu/photo/910869
