Blog

Movie buffs undaunted by the Texas heat can take to the great outdoors for drive-in films, as the all-American old-time pastime is making a comeback during the coronavirus pandemic.

Showings of movies like Wonder Woman, Sonic the Hedgehog and Straight Outta Compton will fill outdoor theater screens this month, along with a cinematic concert by Blake Shelton and troupe.

We've listed some old school drive-ins that are still kicking it around North Texas, as well as a few newbies. {Read More}

Macaroni and cheese is relatively simple: pasta tubes, cheese, milk, some butter and you’re in business.

But perhaps because of its simplicity it also is incredibly versatile. There are so many potential combinations, whether using a different type of cheese, adding a breading or getting an add-on like chicken or jalapeno into the mix.

Whether you’re a purist who wants to keep it basic or love a macaroni mish-mash, July 14 is the day the people who decide these things have deemed we celebrate macaroni and cheese. {Read More}

Fans will be in the stands again Saturday at the historic Mesquite Championship Rodeo, in what organizers say will be the first professional ticketed event in the United States since the coronavirus pandemic forced major sports leagues and events to shut down.

Gov. Greg Abbott cleared the way for the start of the season by allowing rodeo and equestrian events to begin May 22.

Mesquite Championship Rodeo had held out hope it would be able to put on rodeos this summer, but even with plans to return, it’s been hectic with the rodeo looking to make sure concessions, signs, graphics and in-arena staffing are taken care of, while modifying its normal procedures as COVID-19 continues to spread.

“We had about two months of work to get done in about a week and a half to two weeks,” Travis Wheat, director of Mesquite Championship Rodeo, said this week. “Our heads have been spinning, but it’s good. The goal is clear: Just put on a rodeo and keep fans safe.” {Read More}

They celebrated their first anniversary in April, and right as high noon hits, the dining room is empty. It’s literally empty — the chairs and tables have vanished, and stickers form a pathway every six feet to show where a few souls can stand. Miroslava Pena, who’s runs the burger joint with her family, punches the register behind a shield and a mask.

Porky’s Burgers and Wings is the free-standing, baby-blue hut on the edge of a vision-spanning parking lot. It’s a family business situated at the base of a mountain range of big retail shops, a real Rocky Balboa kind of burger joint on Gus Thomasson Road in Mesquite. {Read More}

The pandemic has hit many businesses hard, and with shelter orders not many people are traveling, but that hasn’t stopped several Mesquite hotels from giving back to the community.

Skip Parsotam, owner of Budget Inn, reached out to local hotels, and eight were able to contribute to the Mesquite Hospitality Scholarship Fund this year, slightly less than the first year, but they still raised $2,100 that will go toward a 2020 Mesquite ISD high school graduate(s).

Parsotam said the idea came to him from seeing a social media post. He was aware that Sharing Life and the Mesquite Police Association had done something similar and wanted to rally the local hospitality business to do the same. {Read More}

Dallas, Texas – The Mesquite Championship Rodeo is back and open for business. Since 1957, the Mesquite Championship Rodeo (MCR) has been captivating the attention of rodeo fans and tourists alike and this year will be no different. The MCR will continue its 63rd consecutive year with its 13-week series on Saturday nights.

“We’re a privately-owned rodeo, so the pressure to shut down was never really applied or forced on us. We held off canceling, with the thought that we’d be right on the bubble, and as it turns out, we were right. And with aid from all our partners and a big thanks to Visit Mesquite Texas and the citizens of Mesquite, we’re able to produce Texas’ Original Sport for the 63rd consecutive year in the Rodeo Capital of Texas”, says Travis Wheat, MCR Rodeo Director. {Read More}

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – The Mesquite Championship Rodeo is hosting what it calls “the first ticketed professional live sporting event” in the country since the coronavirus shutdown.

“We’re a privately-owned rodeo, so the pressure to shut down was never really applied or forced on us. We held off canceling, with the thought that we’d be right on the bubble, and as it turns out, we were right. With aid from all our partners and produced in cooperation with Visit Mesquite Texas, we’re able to put on Texas’ Original Sport for the 63rd consecutive year in the Rodeo Capital of Texas,” said Travis Wheat, MCR Rodeo Director.

The rodeo, which started in 1957, will follow Dallas County guideline by opening at 25% capacity and taking extra precautions to sanitize high touch surfaces by its fans. Wheat said they will also encourage social distancing. {Read More}

May is National Historic Preservation Month and a great time to explore and reflect on Mesquite's history. From a new depot town on the historic Texas Pacific Railway to a bustling city full of dedicated workers and their families, pieces of Mesquite's past are still present throughout the city thanks to the work of Historic Mesquite Inc. {Read More}

Explore Mesquite through Google Virtual Tours

Did you know that Mesquite has 25 Google Virtual Tours? Discover the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, Devils Bowl Speedway, Downtown Mesquite and more from the comfort of your home.




Spend Quality Time with your Furry Family Member at Mesquite Parks

The Mesquite parks are still open to the public, but patrons are encouraged to enjoy the park responsibly with a mind toward social distancing. Since it can be lonely walking or running alone, take your four-legged family member along. They will love to get out in the fresh air, just as much as you. {Read More}

Enjoy a Virtual Art Class through The Mesquite Arts Center.

The MAC Doodles Workshop will be offered each week. This video tutorial is perfect for all skill levels, featuring "How To" doodle videos for beginners, intermediates and experts.

Have a Virtual Concert with the April Rocks! Rockin' Rhapsody Line Up

April Rocks! Rockin' Rhapsody is Mesquite's annual outdoor concert series that highlights local talent in the DFW Metroplex. As we keep each other safe by staying at home, you can still stream performances on Facebook and YouTube. Set up your own outdoor concert experience in your backyard and enjoy these bands here: {Read More}

The UAMTF 94-1 is a multi-purpose and flexible medical unit composed of 85 soldiers. The task force is designed to relieve the strain on an areas healthcare facility. The team can break up into any size team depending on what is required by their civilian counterpart needs. The task force has nearly every medical specialty and capability found in a hospital except for surgery. {Read More}

Trail Dust Steak House was different.

Yes, there was steak, but there also was an enormous dance floor, a stage for a live band, ties on the wall that had been cut from customer’s necks and, of course, what restaurant is complete without a slide?

Jared Guynes grew up going to the Mesquite location, now closed, and last month posted a photo from one of the restaurants on Facebook. It brought back a flood of nostalgia.{Read More}

More than 130 Mesquite restaurants are now offering delivery and take-out options. To see a full list click here VisitMesquiteTX.com/DiningWithSocialDistancing.

Delivery

Many Mesquite restaurants are offering direct delivery, and some are offering free delivery. Also, you can have your meal delivered through apps like UberEats, DoorDash, PostMates, GrubHub, and more. A little tip: Schedule your dinner delivery in the afternoon, just in case the demand is super high later.{ Read More}

Ask a Texan this question – “What is the Official Sport of the State of Texas?” And you’ll inevitably get one answer – FOOTBALL!

Sadly – that is 100% wrong. Our official sport is RODEO, proclaimed so by the Texas Legislature in 1997 under Governor Bush. But the history of Rodeo in Texas goes back much further.

Mesquite, TX – February 24, 2020 - The deep western roots of Mesquite have garnered it the distinction of "Town to Watch" by national publication True West Magazine for its February - March 2020 issue dedicated to the Top Western Towns in the nation. The Official Rodeo Capital of Texas is recognized for showcasing and promoting its place in western heritage and continuing to bring travelers in for an authentic Texas experience.

"The Mesquite Convention and Visitors Bureau is leading efforts to brand Mesquite as a destination of choice by visitors. We are proud of our history and heritage," stated Mayor Bruce Archer. "Growing up in this community, the Mesquite Championship Rodeo has always been a part of my life and the lives of generations of those who have lived and visited Mesquite." {Read More}

DALLAS—Who knew that two simple strings could have so much impact.

Christina Null is a professional cellist with the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra who could not help but comment on the stirring, two-stringed instrument known as the erhu, or the Chinese violin, that she saw for the first time in Shen Yun Performing Arts.

DALLAS, Texas — In the great State of Texas, tacos are a food group all their own.

We decided to put together some of the locals' favorites and must-eat taco spots you don't want to miss. Whether you are looking for a quick bite for lunch or you are looking for a spot for the family, these will surely satisfy everyone's taco craving.

FUEL CITY TACOS

Located at 801 S Riverfront Boulevard and open 24hrs a day. Don't let their location fool you not only do the locals love it but, they frequently have visiting celebs stop in for their famous tacos as well. Their award-winning tacos, gas station, and Texas bravado have been named many a'times on some of Texas' top lists.

They've also recently opened locations in Mesquite, Haltom City, and Saginaw if, bless your heart, you can't make the trek to their Dallas location. {Read More}

What’s the first thing you do when you don’t know where a place is? You Google it, right? There’s just one problem: When you Google the town of Mesquite, you’ll find not just one, but two Mesquites—Mesquite, Texas, full of natural beauty, great restaurants, and a world-renowned rodeo—but also a small town in Nevada, close to the Arizona border.

The two Mesquites are sister cities—but for the sake of confused Googlers, here is some help: How do these cities, separated by roughly 1,200 miles and nearly three full states, stack up? What do the cities have in common—other than the name, of course—and what makes each unique? Here is just about everything you need to know about Mesquite—both of them. {Read More}

Mesquite, Texas, just 15 minutes east of Downtown Dallas, is ideally situated smack dab in the middle of the sunbelt of the United States. It gets, on average, 233 sunny days a year, far above the national average. That means that visitors have a pretty great chance of having stellar weather on a trip here.

But on the off chance that there is rain in the forecast, it’s best to be prepared with a plan B, especially if there are kids in tow. Good thing there is a wealth of indoor options to do, see, and experience in Mesquite. Things that every member of the family can take part in and enjoy.

Here is a list of the best that the area has to offer when the sky is gray, and the raincoats come out. In fact, they’re so much fun that they needn’t be on a rainy-day list at all—they are just as enjoyable underneath a bright Texas sun. {Read More}

Whether you’re visiting a town for the first time or planning to stay awhile, the best way to make the most of your time there is to get to know the locals. These are the folks who know where to eat, which parks to visit, when and where to go outside, and which events are worth attending. To understand just what it is that makes Mesquite so special, we reached out to two longtime locals, Gary Baumann and Mary Jo Pickett.

Baumann, who owns Baumann Promos and is an ambassador for the local Chamber of Commerce, moved to Mesquite more than 30 years ago for its good home values and easy access to the Metroplex. Mary Jo Pickett, whose husband Stan is the mayor of Mesquite, has lived here since 1979 when she became an elementary school music teacher with Mesquite Independent School District. It’s no wonder they’ve stuck around all these years. Here are some of their suggestions for the best that Mesquite has to offer.{Read More}

There’s a reason dogs are hailed as our best friends, and in addition to all their other wonderful qualities, they can make great travel partners. Mesquite City welcomes travelers with pets by offering comfortable lodging and inclusive activities.

Before you travel with your pup, you’ll want to take a few basic precautions. Visit your regular veterinarian and make sure your dog is up-to-date on all their shots and vaccinations. You’ll also want to ensure that the information on your dog’s collar and microchip (if they have one) is current—you want the friendly residents of Mesquite to be able to get in touch with you if your pooch turns up somewhere unexpected.

You can rest assured that Mesquite has the bases covered while you’re there, too. The pet-loving city is home to 10 veterinarians, which means you’re never far from help if you have questions. Not only is there a city ordinance banning neglectful behavior like leaving dogs outside in extreme weather, but they’ve also got a detailed strategic plan to make sure pets at the animal shelter are adopted to loving homes. And it’s not just infrastructure—this is a city that really loves its pets, so you know yours will be welcome, too. {Read More}

Even if you’ve never visited Mesquite, Texas chances are good you’ve seen it before—whether on the small screen or the silver screen. Parts of Ron Howard's 1978 made-for-TV drama Cotton Candy were shot at Mesquite's Town East Mall, and a pivotal scene in the 1999 film Boys Don't Cry was shot at Dad's Broadway Skateland (which remains open today). The long-running USA Network hit Walker, Texas Ranger was shot in and around Mesquite, as well.

Crews from all over the world have known for decades that Mesquite makes a desirable filming location: The city has been certified by the Texas Film Commission as a film-friendly community, it boasts a variety of scenic settings, and several incentives and local supports make it an attractive destination for shoots big and small. Here’s a look at why you should consider filming in Mesquite for your next project. {Read More}

When the daily grind is getting you down, there’s nothing like a girls’ getaway to help you recharge. What’s better than sharing belly laughs—and maybe a few glasses of wine—with good girlfriends? There’s something special about women traveling together: It’s a chance to connect over aspects of life it sometimes feels like no one else understands.

With that in mind, a Mesquite vacation is one of the best ways to escape humdrum routines without breaking the bank. Its location just 15 minutes east of downtown Dallas offers easy access to the greater Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, so it’s convenient without the big city price tag—savings you can apply directly to a spa splurge or fancy meal. It’s also a safe, friendly town with plenty of Texas charm.
Ready to gather the girls for a relaxing weekend away? Here’s how to make it happen in Mesquite. {Read More}

Just when cold winds and early snows move into the northern U.S., mellow autumn sunshine and crisp, starry nights make it the perfect time for a Mesquite getaway. One of the Lone Star State’s longest-running Tree City USA towns, 29 years and going strong, Mesquite delivers on the fall foliage with a blazing red and gold tree canopy.

The city also packs the month of October full of family events to celebrate the culture and traditions of the season. There are Halloween costume contests and trick or treating along decorated neighborhood streets, as well as annual events that bring the whole town together like a spooky camp out weekend, the authentic and artistic Day of the Dead celebration, and the costumed spectacle of PumpkinFest. Revel in harvest season at these festivals and events for all ages. {Read More}

Sometimes, “par for the course” doesn’t cut it. Sometimes, you want something a little extra. Fore-tunately, Mesquite, Texas—a beacon of recreation, relaxation, and culture just 15 minutes east of Downtown Dallas—is a hole-in-one kind of destination offering a whole lotta fun for everyone. Especially for, you guessed it, golf (and disc golf) aficionados—that breed of folks whose idea of clubbing isn’t going to bed late, but rather waking up early, heading to the clubhouse, and swing dancing on a fairway all afternoon with a set of irons and woods (or frisbee discs).

The best part? The driving distance between these golf courses isn’t much farther than what you could do with a 1-wood. With Mesquite Golf Course as the central hub for traditional golf, and a whopping three(!) parks with fully operational disc golf courses, here’s why a golf getaway in Mesquite is a par-tee you should follow through with. {Read More}

Finding a home base for your next family reunion takes more than a little planning: You need plenty of hotel rooms, with accommodations for the whole family; a good mix of eateries to suit even the pickiest palate; and activities—indoors and out—for kids and the young at heart.

So while you could spend hours comparing and contrasting destinations, weighing the pros and cons of each, and running your suggestions by a cadre of disagreeing kids and cousins, we’ll make it easy: Mesquite is the perfect spot for your next family reunion.

Sure, we might be biased. But Mesquite’s variety of lodging choices, outdoor recreation, and family entertainment options make it a crowd-pleasing hit. It also sits at the intersection of several major highways—so it’s easily accessible, regardless of where your family members are coming in from. So here’s a look at why you should host your next family reunion in Mesquite. {Read More}

FRIDAY NIGHT

When you arrive in town, check in to your hotel. Mesquite has more than 20 options, with five premier hotels topping most travelers’ lists. Hampton Inn & Suites, which is attached to the Mesquite Convention Center & Exhibit Hall, and TownePlace Suites and Holiday Inn Express, which are convention center adjacent, offer easy access to this event epicenter. Courtyard by Marriott and Fairfield Inn & Suites are both within walking distance of Celebration Station and Mesquite’s Restaurant Row, two places that feature prominently in any family-fun trip. {Read More}

If you’re looking for the heart and soul of Texas, you’ll find it at the Mesquite Championship Rodeo. Grab a cold beer and a plate of brisket, take your seat in the stands and watch bulls kick up dust as cowboys hang on for dear life. It’s here that you’ll experience Texas in all of its spurs-and-cowboy-boots glory.

From herds of iconic longhorn cattle to legendary boot shops, the Lone Star State has long been associated with cowboys. There’s no place better to see them in action — and feel like one yourself — than in Mesquite, which just so happens to be the “Rodeo Capital of Texas,” as dubbed by the state legislature. Here you’ll find a permanent rodeo that’s such an essential part of the community that you can feel the spirit throughout town.

Whether you’re a lifelong rodeo fan or a first-timer who doesn’t know steer wrestling from barrel racing, here’s everything you need to know about getting into the cowboy spirit by experiencing the rodeo in Mesquite. {Read More}

It’s hard to imagine getting married somewhere that feels more quintessentially “home” than Mesquite, Texas. Filled with friendly neighborhoods and dotted with parks, the Mesquite community has a distinctly Texas flavor and a Hometown USA feel.

Conveniently located just 15 minutes east of downtown Dallas, Mesquite sits at the junction of four major freeways—which means it will be easy for guests from all over the country to join you on your special day. The city provides ample entertainment and restaurant options to keep your guests occupied while wedding parties are getting ready for the festivities.

Whether you’re looking to get married on a budget or going for an all-out celebration, there’s a perfect venue waiting for you in Mesquite. It’s time to start planning the big day and make your wedding a magical memory made in Mesquite. {Read More}

Although Mesquite is the Rodeo Capital of Texas, the Dallas suburb also offers a variety of cultural opportunities. While we can certainly see the artistic merit in cowboy hats, bull riding and blue jeans, sometimes you want a Texas experience that offers something a little different.

And you’ll find it here in Mesquite, from a top-notch symphony to a thriving theater scene and a healthy artistic community. Whether you’re looking for a night out, a day at the museum or a walk through an art gallery, you can find it in Mesquite. Here are just some of the cultural offerings to check out. {Read More}

Located just east of Dallas, the city of Mesquite, Texas, is the perfect mix of Southern hospitality and Western culture that make the Lone Star State so unique. Whether you live in the area or are just traveling through, make a point to carve out at least one day to check it out. With tons of attractions that set it apart from the rest — including a speedway, an arts center and a world-renowned rodeo — you’ll find plenty to fill your day. In fact, choosing what to do may be the toughest part of your trip.

But don’t worry, help is here. Here are some recommendations for spending the perfect day in Mesquite, including some of the best dining and cultural attractions in the area. Take advantage of every moment and enjoy all that this Texas city has to offer. {Read More}

Did you know that Mesquite, Texas, has been a Tree City for almost 30 years? The Arbor Day Foundation designation recognizes cities that have demonstrated a commitment to spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry. Mesquite has done exactly this by planting more than 31,000 trees since 1988. So if you’re enjoying all of Mesquite’s greenery, you can rest assured that the city’s tree canopy is only going to grow — and so are the opportunities for enjoying the fresh air.

Whether you’re a Mesquite local or a visitor, the city offers a wide range of ways to get outside. From taking a stroll with your family through one of Mesquite’s many parks to hitting the links at Mesquite Golf Club on a sunny Texas afternoon, outdoor opportunities abound. Here are seven fun and easy ways to get some fresh air in Mesquite.{Read More}

From the cultural melting pot of San Antonio to the funky music venues of Austin, Texas is ripe with opportunities to explore. For a taste of Southern charm and hospitality that can’t be found anywhere else in the world, head just east of the towering skyscrapers of Dallas to Mesquite.

This charming city is a must-visit destination for families, couples, groups of friends and explorers looking to experience something new. Whether you’re visiting Dallas or if you’ve lived in the area for decades, Mesquite is worth the trip. While you’re in town, here are a few of the experiences you have to try. {Read More}