As local restaurants fire up again, some of us are joyous at the prospect of eating out while others are slowly warming up to the idea, but almost all of us are craving the social connection of the dining out experience. Pre-pandemic, dining out wasn’t just about eating and exiting, it was about enjoying an experience that delivers a true “occasion.”

Here are a few of our favorite places that show that dining can be about way more than just good food on a plate. Plus, they each offer al fresco dining which might make you feel more comfortable eating out.

I don't know about you, but I'm getting pretty good at binge-watching these TV series I missed on the first go-around.  Sitting in my comfy chair with a Diet Coke and a bag of buttered popcorn (the calories cancel themselves out, right?), then turning on a great movie or binging on a show is like Netflix Nirvana to me. 

In our previous blog you learned all about the Visit Irving Marketing and Communications staff picks, so today I get to share with you what our award-winning Sales Team is watching.  They, too, love their movie time. Let's see what's playing! 

French fries in all of their crispy, golden glory are delicious enough on their own, but these restaurants upgrade the classic snack by adding innovative toppings and delectable dipping sauces. 

A pandemic can cancel a lot of things, but not the way we commemorate our fallen heroes. It is their sacrifice that has made our freedoms possible. So, let’s fly our flags (half-mast), take a moment to reflect on the men and women who have paid the ultimate price and take care of each other as we kick off the summer season with the three day weekend.

Typically, Memorial Day weekend activities include parades, commemorations, flyovers, and ceremonies, plus yard parties, dinner parties and barbecues with family and friends. This year, big

Allow me to introduce you to the stories behind many of our attractions and historic areas here in Irving, Texas. This week we'll look at what our downtown area used to look like, and we’ll concentrate on a favorite eatery – Big State Fountain & Grill. After the story, you can have fun with the Big State Sudoku Puzzle. Simply click on the puzzle below to print it out. Now let's get started! 

Society is starting to open back up, and soon you might have to put on "real clothes." Now just might be the time to incorporate a salad into your daily food offerings. ;) I mean we can't wear stretchy pants forever, right? My husband calls salads “crispy water,” but I'm not talking about your Mom's iceberg recipe. Irving is quite up on their salad game and here are a few of my favorites around town that will fill you up and help you add a colorful variety to your diet.   

“Dream big or go home.” It’s a phrase I’ve used throughout my life - at work, at home, as a sports fan. But as life has changed the last two months, maybe we should change this around. “Stay home but continue to dream big.” And with more time at home these last couple of months, we can dream of big adventures ahead! 

A tribute to America’s favorite cookie

Today we honor the signature ingredient in the most beloved cookie of all time, the chocolate chip. Why? Well, we don’t really need a reason, do we? But today is National Chocolate Chip Day, hooray!

Allow me to introduce you to the stories behind many of our attractions and historic areas here in Irving, Texas. This week we'll look at the small towns that were “swallowed up” and became a part of Irving. In other words, you may be living in an area that used to be called a different name.  After the story, you can have fun with the crossword puzzle activity page. Simply click on the puzzle below to print it out. Now let's get started! 

While we have been in a “stay at home” environment for the past several weeks, many of us thought it would be over quickly. As that has not happened and days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months, the everyday mundane things we used to do or see seem to now be a luxury that we can’t wait to do or see again.