Recently, my girlfriend and I attended ZestFest 2017 held at the Irving Convention Center. Now that I look back, I’ve actually attended a handful of some pretty sweet events there over the years. This made me wonder if there are some other interesting things to do in Irving, Texas, that can be done year-round and as a couple. Here are a few are four date themes, if you feel like venturing toward our neighbor to the northwest for the night.

1. Gone(dola) to Italy for the Night 

Sail along the Mandalay Canal and Lake Carolyn in Las Colinas in an authentic Venetian gondola complete with a singing gondolier.  Reserve your seat at http://www.irving.gondola.com/. Couple your gondola gallivant with another taste of Italy at i Fratelli Ristorante and Wine Bar. Owned by four brothers who boldly warn customers to “never trust a round pizza”, i Fratelli offers popular pies like “The Big Brother” (Italian sausage, pepperoni, bell pepper, green onion and mushrooms) and “The Carne Classico” (pepperoni, Italian sausage, meatball, Canadian bacon, hamburger) http://www.ifratelli.net/.

2. Museums and Malts

Next door to the Boy Scouts of America headquarters in Irving is the National Scouting Museum which showcases a collection of 61 original pieces of scouting artwork from Norman Rockwell, artifacts from 100 years of scouting history, and more.  There’s even a laser shooting gallery and a pinewood derby mini-racing track http://www.bsamuseum.org/Home. Then, head south to Irving’s historic Heritage Crossing district for a visit to the Texas Musicians Museum, opened in 2015.  The museum boasts an eclectic assortment of stage attire, instruments, photos and memorabilia from Willie Nelson, Janis Joplin, Buddy Holly and more http://texasmusiciansmuseum.com/. Continue your evening of nostalgia right down the block at Big State Fountain Grill.  The colorful old fashioned diner is famous for its Blue Bell ice cream malts and milk shakes, and its memorabilia covered walls. http://bigstatefountaingrill.com/.

3. Of Chops and Choppers

Dinner and a movie is so last century.  If you’re looking for a real break from reality, it’s all about dinner and a helicopter ride. First, indulge in local, farm fresh Texas fare at The Ranch at Las Colinas. After your double cut Texas wild boar chop or smoked fried chicken, order the famous sticky toffee cake for dessert and then head out for a skyline tour of DFW from the restaurant’s own heli-pad. http://www.theranchlc.com/.

4. An International Food Tour

We just learned that Irving is one of the country’s most diverse zip codes, and the cuisine shows it.  Stop in to Fortune House for a taste of Shanghai in an unassuming shopping center. Don’t miss the juicy soup dumplings http://www.yongsfortunehouse.com/.  Next stop: Argentina. Empa Mundo offers empanadas for every taste. For those who prefer sweet, there’s the banana and Nutella  variety. Prefer savory or spicy? The cheesesteak, chorizo, pulled pork or “chilipanzinga” empanadas are your top choices. http://www.empamundo.com/. Finally, fusing Korean and American cuisine, L.A. Burger is known for burger creations like the “K Town” (Korean spicy cabbage over an Angus patty topped with teriyaki sauce) or the “Cali Sunshine” (eggs, bacon, cheese and a special sauce) http://la-burger.com/.

This doesn’t even include the Four Seasons, but we’ll save that for another article.