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}

With a vibrant atmosphere, nationally renowned restaurants, picturesque parks and upscale shopping destinations, the Dallas area is filled with attractions for every age and personality. But to truly experience all the Lone Star State has to offer, you need to get out of the city. The best part? You don’t have to travel far, either. The greener side of Texas is just 15 minutes east of Downtown Dallas in the nearby town of Mesquite.

Named for the Mesquite trees in the region, this idyllic town is the perfect road-trip destination in Dallas County, with quirky local attractions, excellent restaurants and a relaxed character that invites you to stop and stay awhile. And regardless of whether you’re in town with a group of friends, a loved one or the entire family, it’s easy to keep everyone entertained.{Read More}

Rodeo grew out of the American West’s cattle industry, but no one seems to agree on exactly when or where it started. Several dusty cow towns claim to be the home of the first rodeo including Sante Fe, New Mexico, in 1847, Deer Trail, Colorado, in 1869 and Pecos, Texas, in 1883.

The rodeo’s origins, however, date back to the time when Spanish conquistadors first colonized the New World in the 16th century. Along with their culture, the Spanish introduced horses and cattle to the Southwest. As the cattle industry grew to satisfy the demands of the East Coast market, cowboys (originally called vaqueros) were needed to work the cattle. The golden era of the cowboy began after the Civil War with the advent of large ranches and cattle drives.{ Read More}

It’s a warm Texas night, and you’re sitting in the stands watching a blur of cars fly by. The beer in your hand is cold and the stars above you are burning bright. You can feel the rumble from the stream of vehicles, and even though the sound of all of those roaring engines is deafening, the sound of the crowd’s cheering is even louder. You climb to your feet and shout alongside them, watching as your favorite driver careens across the finish line. No, this isn’t NASCAR; you’re at Devil’s Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, Texas.

If you’ve never experienced it, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. You may have been to other auto races, but what goes on at the Mesquite racing hub is something else entirely. The Devil’s Bowl Speedway features dirt-track racing with a community feel — there’s not a bad seat in the house. And as an added bonus, it’s got a very affordable price tag. Many families have been going to races for generations, and the family-atmosphere is welcoming for kids. {Read More}

Just 15 minutes east of the hustle and high rises of Dallas, Mesquite is a place that offers an altogether different kind of Texas city experience. Draped with an Old West charm and a progressive arts and entertainment scene, Mesquite is a city that seamlessly blends the old with the new — the energy of urban life with a down-to-earth hospitality. (And, of course, there’s some pretty world-class BBQ, too!)

Whether you’re traveling to Dallas for work or searching for a weekend getaway that’s full of fun surprises, here’s why Mesquite should be on your Texas travel radar. {Read More}

“We have a strong schedule that should provide plenty of excitement for fans,” said Outlaws Head Coach Tatu. “We’re looking forward to getting our team finalized and on the field.”

Season tickets are now on sale at mesquiteoutlaws.com. Single-game tickets will be available at a later date.

Centurion American plans to refurbish both the interior and exterior of the 5,500-seat building, which is near LBJ Freeway and Military Parkway. Improvements will include upgraded VIP suites, new locker rooms, a new turf surface for soccer play, roof repairs plus renovations to the parking lots and other outdoor features.

"The city of Mesquite is thrilled to witness the next generation of investment by the leadership of Centurion American into the historic Mesquite Arena," Mayor Stan Pickett said in a statement. "With the introduction of major league soccer [Major Arena Soccer League] and their dynamic entertainment platform, this level of capital investment is phenomenal.

Across the street, a Little Caesars sits with an empty parking lot. You'll find Porky's in the strip mall, with a welcoming, unstressed amount of parking, flanked by a commanding Auto Zone and Dollar General. Ignore the big brand chains — Porky's is a family joint.

Miros Pena is behind the register, next to a towering burger ornament, and she greets each customer who jangles through the door brightly. Behind the register, the griddle gets scraped clean of burned bits. It's a slower afternoon, so there's nothing else hissing on the flattop. One of life's treats as a consumer of burgers is this moment: At an empty restaurant after the lunch rush, you can hear the fresh beef crackle on the griddle.

“We had a record 116 entries this year,” said Kim Phillips, TACVB Chief Operating Officer. “The winners faced stiff competition and these awards are well-deserved”.

Kevin Day is playing the Steinway in Room 132 at Texas Christian University. His eyes are closed and he’s swaying. The music reminds him of the worst time of his life.

At this same piano three years ago, he first played the chords that helped him find his way back.

Day is a 23-year-old composer and multi-instrumentalist from Arlington who has earned considerable success. He received an award from the prestigious Broadcast Music Incorporated Foundation in May and recently became the first composer-in-residence at the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra. { Read More}

Abuelito #2

According to Belknap, he and his wife have friends who are baristas and own other coffee shops in Michigan and Arkansas. From their friends’ experience and training, they began doing pop-ups in the Mesquite downtown square during the city’s winter events.

Everyone loves a comeback.

Antonio Swad, founder of iconic American chains like Wingstop and Pizza Patrón, knows this. After selling Wingstop in 2003 and Pizza Patrón in 2017, he started his newest concept, Porch Swing, back on his home turf and opening sometime early this summer. At 3855 W. Emporium Circle in Mesquite — right across the street from a Wingstop he built — Swad is back in the game.

“I’ve been in this industry [since I was 15],” Swad says. “That’s not to say I still can’t screw it up, because I sure can, but that’s what I like about the restaurant business, because there’s so many ways to fail and I’ve already discovered most of them. So I think I’ve got a real good shot here.”

t’s been 35 years since Don Gay snared a record breaking eighth world bull riding title on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association circuit.

In 1984, the North Texas cowboy broke Jim Shoulders’ then record of seven world titles that was set in 1959, the same year that the National Finals Rodeo was founded.

Today, Gay, 65, who lives near Terrell in the Dallas area, is the general manager of the award winning Frontier Rodeo Co. The company served as the primary livestock producer for the May 3-5 Guymon (Okla.) Pioneer Days Rodeo.

Gay grew up as the son of stock contractor Neal Gay who produced the renowned Mesquite Championship Rodeo in the Dallas suburb of Mesquite that ran on weekly basis during the spring and summer months for many years.

MESQUITE ARTS CENTER

MESQUITE

The city of Mesquite purchased an old hospital in 1995 and turned it into a performing arts complex. Half of the building was turned into the Mesquite Arts Center, which is home to the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra, and the other half was developed into the Black Box Theater, home of the Mesquite Community Theatre.

When those organizations are not using the space, conference planners use it for concerts, meetings, weddings and parties, fashion shows, trade shows and exhibits. The rehearsal hall, next to the concert hall, is a good location for meetings. {Read More}

DALLAS, TX – March 6, 2019 — Calling all thrill-seekers in Mesquite! Urban Air announced today the opening of a 30,706 square-foot indoor trampoline/recreation and entertainment center where kids of all ages can play, slide, climb, jump, duck, dunk, and bounce! The newest Urban Air Adventure Park will open in Winter 2020 at 3777 Childress Avenue, Mesquite, TX 75150and promises to show local residents why Urban Air is an experience like no other!

“At Urban Air, we are constantly creating new ways to thrill and delight our guests,” said Urban Air CEO Michael Browning. “Our indoor parks feature dozens of exhilarating activities from trampolining to dodge ball to rock climbing to obstacle courses and indoor playgrounds for junior adventurers. We have something for everyone and are thrilled to introduce our exhilarating brand of active entertainment to the families of Mesquite” {Read More}

Mesquite Arena and The Mesquite Championship Rodeo

Mesquite Arena is home to big-name events ranging from concerts to the Hip Hop Cowboys Spring Rodeo and Cowboys of Color. The crown jewel is the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, which runs each Saturday evening June through August. Get into the Shark Tank, a cage in the middle of the arena that gets you right in the thick of things (and up close and personal with the bulls) or treat yourself to tickets to the season-opening rodeo with a concert by Mark Chesnutt on June 1, 2019 or the closing concert with Clay Walker on August 24, 2019.[ Read More ]

The small but mighty city of Mesquite is more than a destination; it’s an experience. To make the most of your trip, check out these must-see spots and activities that deliver authentic Texas flavor (figuratively and literally) from start to finish.

The Mesquite Championship Rodeo

What’s better than a great night out with your sweetheart or a fun-filled afternoon with the kids? Doing those things without spending a dime. Life can get expensive, but this list of free things to do in Mesquite will help you keep the family entertained while also keeping your budget in check.

Note: All events offer free admission, but some activities (rides, food, etc) may require a fee.

Mesquite Arts Center

The Mesquite Arts Center is a hotbed of cultural activity, and many of the events are completely FREE. Start by introducing your kids to art, courtesy of the Just for Kids: Canvas Creation Series, an ongoing group of classes that teaches kids how to paint. Once they’ve created their own masterpiece, show them the work of other artists at Mesquite Arts Center Art Galleries, including the Main and Chamber Gallery. [ Read More]

To visit Mesquite is like traveling back in time. From warm, inviting homesteads that transport visitors back more than a century to a house of worship still finding new ways to bring people together, these historic destinations are also an important part of Mesquite’s future.

Opal Lawrence Historical Park

To see how one of the founding families of Mesquite lived, visit Opal Lawrence Historical Park, a restoration and preservation project overseen by Historic Mesquite, Inc. The Lawrence family originally lived in a lovely but relatively simple farmhouse. That original 1800s structure blossomed over the years; the family continued to expand the home and made additions, including a belvedere, a weathervane, chicken coops, a smokehouse, a curing shed, and a barn built in 1886 that still stands on the property today.

The sprawling property now holds a Texas Historical Marker and is part of the National Register of Historic Places, giving locals and tourists alike a chance to experience a piece of history right here in Mesquite.[ Read More]

You may know Mesquite for its lofty reputation in the rodeo world or its many historical attractions, but Mesquite is a real Texas destination in Northeast Texas for its major retail hub. A place where national and regional brands rule, Mesquite is enhanced by creative local retailers scattered throughout the city, too. More than 18 million visitors a year flock to the Town East Mall and Market East shopping hub, with favorites like Super Target, Home Goods, Kirkland’s, Bed Bath and Beyond, Home Depot, and Best Buy.

Mesquite, Texas, is a town bubbling with activity and excitement. There’s never a bad time to check out the “Rodeo Capital of Texas,” but here are six festivals and events particularly worth traveling for.

Summer Sizzle

Summer in Mesquite doesn’t truly start until Paschall Park transforms into the fun-a-palooza that is Summer Sizzle. Parking and entry are both free (some activities, such as rides and food, require an additional fee), so you can bring the whole family to enjoy everything from a mud volleyball tournament to carnival rides. There are plenty of things for kids to do—life-sized Jenga and carnival rides, anyone?—and a lineup of food trucks to visit when your belly starts to rumble.

Rodeo Season

It’s never truly too hot or too cold in Mesquite. Though summers top out in the mid-90s, early morning and nighttime temps dip into the 70s, and winter rarely hits freezing. All this is to say the city is the ideal setting for beautiful parks and outdoor attractions, and there are certainly plenty to explore with more than 70 parks.

Mesquite Heritage Trail

Though the Mesquite Heritage Trail just opened in 2015, the lush, sprawling expanse is already a hit. The trail encompasses three trailheads and more than four miles of walkways, incorporating an exercise station and a pedestrian bridge. Part of the trail connects to homes, The Mesquite Golf Club, schools, shopping centers, and more.

[ Read More]

“Sedalia loves rodeo and bull riding, and the people here really support the guys who literally put their lives on the line to compete,” says Courtney Fry, events manager for the Missouri State Fair, which stages three nights of rodeo and two nights of bull riding every August during the fair. “Sedalia started as a cow town and was part of the route during the cattle drive of 1895. There are still a lot of cattle ranchers in the area, and rodeo riders can relate to them.”

A community’s local roots play a significant role in its rodeo success. Just ask sports tourism officials in the destinations profiled in this article.