Exploring the Metroplex: A Weekend in Mesquite

When I think of Mesquite, Texas, the first thing that comes to mind is the rodeo. Maybe also barbeque, if I'm honest. But here in North Texas, I feel confident in saying that Mesquite is synonymous with its famous rodeo. So when I was invited on a media trip around the city in late June, I was excited. I love exploring DFW and beyond, and I couldn't wait to see what makes Mesquite unique!

 Located about 40 miles east of Arlington, Mesquite is an eastern suburb of Dallas proper. As of the 2018 census, the city has more than 140,000 residents and is declared the "Rodeo Capital of Texas." The city has been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Founded in 1878, Mesquite even has its own airport. Mesquite got its name from locals who named the town after Mesquite Creek.

During the media tour, I was able to tour the Opal Lawrence Historical Park, a fun piece of Mesquite's history that is part of the National Register of Historic Places and a great local spot to learn about life in the city during the early Twentieth Century. Local groups (think schools, daycares, scouting groups, and so many more) can tour the historical property and learn about the family that grew up here. The house itself has been wonderfully preserved and offers a glimpse into life 100 years ago. The part my youngest found most fascinating (me, too, if I'm honest!), is that this house was occupied by members of the family until 1995 and did not have any indoor plumbing! Can you imagine? For more information, visit https://www.visitmesquitetx.com/business/opal-lawrence-historical-park.

We also got to see Downtown Mesquite, which, not unlike Arlington, is undergoing a revitalization. The historic downtown square is ready for new businesses to delight locals and visitors alike. We got to visit Bear Cave Coffee, one of the new businesses hoping to revitalize the square. We enjoyed listening to the owners speak about their passion for java while the kids on the tour were able to draw and play in the Cubs Cave, an area designated for kiddos inside the shop. For more information, visit https://www.visitmesquitetx.com/business/downtown-mesquite.

Other awesome places I highly recommend in Mesquite (especially if you are visiting with kids!), are City Lake Park (bring some seeds or other approved foods and feed the ducks or pack a lunch and play on the playground or bring some cash and splash around in the adjacent City Lake Aquatic Center, which charges an admission fee) and the Mesquite Arts Center, which offers lots of fantastic programming for residents and visitors. This is the awesome spot where we got to screenprint shirts, which was so cool and new for us! My youngest has been proudly wearing hers for a week now, telling everyone she made it herself. For more information, visit https://www.cityofmesquite.com/214/Parks-Recreation.

But certainly, if you do anything while you are visiting the Metroplex's other half, I recommend it be the rodeo. The Mesquite Championship Rodeo, we got to attend in June was literally my youngest's first rodeo, and it did not disappoint! Doors open about an hour before the events begin to allow kids to check out the Kid's Zone. Little Miss was able to ride a pony, pet animals, and bounce in a bounce house. She got her wiggles out so she could sit (somewhat) still and watching the cowboys in the arena try to last eight seconds on a bull, rope calves, barrel race and so much more.

The rodeo runs June to August and is such an up-tempo, high-energy event for all ages. The rodeo clowns are a hoot and kept us entertained during slower moments of the rodeo (hard to believe slower moments even exist the rodeo life is so fast and exciting!). There was an intermission halfway through, and kids were included in the show! During the second half, any kiddo who wanted could go down into the arena and chase after two calves that had ribbons tied on their tails. The two kiddos who snagged these ribbons won gift certificates to Shenaniganz in Rockwall. You could also sign up for a chance to participate in mutton-bustin', which my daughter was so bummed she wasn't picked for! (Names are pulled at random from all kiddos who sign up) We got to watch a few adorable kids try to last eight seconds on the back of a sheep! Throughout the rodeo, things such as t-shirts were tossed into the crowd, so she was always trying to catch goodies. The rodeo has drinks and snacks for purchase, as well as a number of vendors you can shop before and during the event. The last rodeo of the summer on August 24 even features a post-event concert by Clay Walker! Tickets prices vary but start at $22 for a given Saturday night's event. For more information, https://www.visitmesquitetx.com/p/events/mesquite-championship-rodeo

If you need a place to stay after the rodeo, check out the Hampton Inn & Suites in Mesquite- it's just a quick walk to the rodeo from there! (And the pool is great for kids!)

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*Please note, I was hosted in Mesquite by the Mesquite Visitors and Convention Bureau. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*