Driving Near Mesquite? Here Are the Reasons You Should Stop and Stay

Feeling cooped up? There’s never been a better time to pack up the family and take a road trip. You might think that booking your hotel in Downtown Dallas is the ideal way to experience the DFW. But, as any experienced road-tripper will tell you finding a home base outside the city that offers the same amenities you’d pay extra for downtown is actually the way to go. This hub-and-spoke approach to vacationing saves you time and money, and you may even discover local hangouts not listed in the guidebooks. The next time you visit the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area stay right outside the city in Mesquite, Texas. Here is why Mesquite makes a perfect home base to see the sights of the region.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Staying overnight in downtown Dallas sounds great until you find yourself spending valuable sightseeing time stuck in traffic. With five highways radiating out from Mesquite in every direction, you can keep your vacation itinerary on schedule. Interstate 635 runs through Mesquite, giving you a direct route to points north and south of the Metroplex. Interstate 75 and 20 connect Shreveport, LA and points beyond Mesquite and Dallas before heading northwest to Grapevine and DFW International Airport. Highway 80, part of the historic, coast-to-coast Dixie Overland Highway, connects Mesquite with Downtown Dallas and Fort Worth, while Highway 30 is your quickest route northeast to the shopping, dining, and watersports on Lake Ray Hubbard, one of the largest lakes in the state. The 22,000-acre lake has plenty of room for boating and angling, while picturesque marinas offer plenty of people and boat watching. Grassy lawns and parks across the shore also make the perfect spot for picnicking and sunbathing.

LESS EXPENSIVE THAN STAYING IN THE CITY

Another advantage of staying in Mesquite is the cost savings over hotels in the middle of Dallas. A well-appointed, four-star property, like Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Mesquite, with amenities like free high-speed internet, a fitness center, a full bar, in-room coffee and microwave, and express checkout, will run you anywhere from $50 to $100 more per night in downtown Dallas than in Mesquite. Top that off with the daily valet parking fee downtown and costs really start to add up. Wouldn’t you rather spend those vacation dollars on an extra tour or show while you’re in town?

Budget hotel savings are similar, with additional amenities to reduce your travel stress. You’ll save up to $30 a night at the Sure Stay Plus by Best Western instead of a Best Western in the center of Dallas, while enjoying all the same amenities, like an in-room microwave and fridge, full breakfast, outdoor pool and hot tub. If you’re looking for an extended stay property or a hotel that welcomes your four-legged travel companions, Mesquite’s got you covered there too. From Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas-Mesquite to TownePlace Suites by Marriott Dallas Mesquite there are plenty of places you can stay longer and your pets are welcome. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dallas Mesquite also allows pets for a fee.

There are plenty of adventures in Mesquite to keep you busy when you roll into town, want to eat, or need something to do.

STOP & SHOP

Downtown Mesquite TX is your destination for authentic local flavor. Join us for the Downtown Mesquite Farmers Market (Saturdays, April - November) and other events at Front Street Station. Experience authentic menus and destinations, and stay for one-of-a-kind experiences in the historic heart of the city. More shopping can be found at locally owned stores in Mesquite.

Town East Mall is the premier place in Mesquite for shoppers. Unlike many other malls, Town East Mall is constantly buzzing with shoppers on any day of the week. The three-story shopping arena is filled with recognizable names like Forever 21, Macy’s, Dick's Sporting Goods, H&M, Dillard’s and many more. (Fun fact: Town East Mall served as the backdrop for one of Ron Howard’s first films, Cotton Candy.) Regardless of whether you’re shopping for statement fashion pieces, kitchenware or sporting items, you’ll find everything you need and more.

Market East Shopping Center is right across the street from the mall along Interstate 635 and Town East Boulevard. This 350,000 square foot retail area offers a wide variety of shops and restaurants like Half Price Books, Ulta Beauty, Men's Warehouse and more.

If you are looking for something quirkier, the city is home to several specialty shops. Urban Legends Comics is one of Mesquite's hubs for pop culture and comics. They offer everything from comics and manga to tabletop games and puzzles. Game Nerdz is there for the digital side of pop culture with games and accessories from classic systems for a fair price. Need a break from all the shopping? Painting with a Twist offers a fun pause that will also help create memories that will last a lifetime.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Mesquite is best known as The Official Rodeo Capital of Texas, as declared by the Texas Legislature in 1993. The Mesquite Championship Rodeo has been thrilling spectators since its opening in 1958, and while it may be old-school fun, the air-conditioned arena is filled with modern amenities, including luxury suites and high-definition video boards. Taking in a rodeo is a must-do when you’re in the vicinity, so pull on your boots and come to experience a barrel-racing, mutton-busting, bull-riding good time. (If you don’t have boots or any other country apparel, take a trip to the Boot Barn in Mesquite, the top-selling location in the state.) There’s even barbecue on-site to make the experience complete.

For a different kind of thrill, head to the Devil’s Bowl Speedway. The D-shaped, half-mile-long dirt track gives spectators an up-close view to the action. The back straightaway is 15 feet higher than the front, giving the grandstands an excellent view of the entire race. Four different classifications of cars race the track, and special championship events are held during the racing season from March through October.

If you have little ones in tow, you won’t want to miss Celebration Station (conveniently located right next to the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Dallas Mesquite ). This indoor and outdoor amusement park includes bumper boats, go-karts, bungee jumping, minigolf, an arcade and so much more. It’s just one of the destinations that make Mesquite very popular among families.

There's no better way to experience Mesquite than the Mesquite Championship Rodeo.

Mesquite is also known for its arts and culture scene, with a full calendar of community events, concerts and art exhibits. Attend a performance of the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra, which has been a local favorite for more than 30 years. The Mesquite Arts Center features theatrical performances, visual art installations and children’s programs. Catch a show at the Mesquite Arts Theatre, which has been putting on comedies, mysteries, musicals and improv sketches since 1983. Concerts are also performed at the Mesquite Arena, featuring national touring acts like the Charlie Daniels Band, Keith Sweat and The Temptations.

You can't visit Texas without trying some barbecue, and Mesquite offers visitors a variety of options.

CUISINES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

After a day of adventuring, you have a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. No matter what time you roll in, you can grab a bite to eat at more than 250 restaurants in town. Of course, this is Texas, so you have a number of options for Tex-Mex, including large operations like the 9,000-square-foot Cafe Del Rio and smaller taquerías like Tortas La Hechicera. You can enjoy a meal on the patio at Dos Panchas, located on Broad Street in Downtown Mesquite, or take a trip to El Fenix, which was founded in 1918 and was instrumental in the creation of Tex-Mex cuisine in the first place. Martinez Restaurant is a Mesquite staple that is loved by locals.

For barbecue, Mesquite BBQ is a longtime favorite. Since 1959 the mom-and-pop restaurant has loaded up plates with pulled pork, smoked sausage, barbecue Frito pies and all the helpings you can eat. Soulman's Barbecue offers healthy portions of smoked brisket, bacon and all the fixin's in their famous Double Barrel Potato. Relative newcomer Slabs BBQ opened in 2002, and the smell of carefully smoked meats wafts out the store’s front door every time it’s opened.

For Asian cuisine, Kaze Sushi & Hibachi is the go-to spot for both sushi and grilled Japanese specialties. Come with a group and enjoy the show as your food is prepared in front of you. At Genghis Grill, pick your protein, veggies, sauce and seasoning, add rice or noodles, and the cook will prepare it for you on the large, circular grill. Riyen Chinese, located on the newly renovated Gus Thomasson, has delicious and authentic Chinese cuisine. The convenient location and price make it a natural choice for both dine-in or takeout.

Believe it or not, Mesquite has two Jamaican restaurants: Reggae Wings & Tings, located in North Town East, and the Jamaican Cook Shop, on Military Parkway. Both are good options whether you’re in the mood for jerk chicken or willing to explore some more unique dishes like curry goat, ackee, salt fish or oxtails. For Mediterranean food, Atheneos Greek Village Cafe has a wide range of traditional Greek dishes, while Yia Yia's House of Gyros is known as the place to go for its signature specialty. For chile and spice of a different variety, head to The Curry Leaf, the home of authentic Indian cuisine.

For seafood, the Sunday Morning Catfish and More is known for delicious fried catfish and shrimp and hushpuppies, while Shell Shack is a sit-down option that has just about anything you could want, from king crab legs to steamers. If you're looking for something with a tad more spice, Razzoo's Cajun Cafe offers a little bit of Cajun flair with gator tail and shrimp piquant.

Of course, if you're bringing along a furry friend or just want to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, there are a few outdoor options too. You can never go wrong with tacos, and Fuzzy's Taco Shop delivers a variety of them with a Baja-style atmosphere. Juicy Seafood and Bar has a large patio that is perfect for hosting large parties and get togethers, while Bubba's 33 is a great spot to enjoy the game with a frosty beverage.

Wherever your road trip adventures take you, Mesquite provides a wonderful spot to stop and stay for an evening or two at an affordable price with all the necessary amenities needed to wind down from a long day in the car as well as easy access to day trips at all the nearby attractions when you are ready to take to the road again.