Near Dallas Is A Charming Texas City Filled With Lake Fun, Casual Eats, And Small Town Vibes

Dallas might be the setting of the eponymous and long-running soap opera, but not too far from this bustling metropolis, there's a smaller Texas city with no shortage of dynamism and activities on offer. It also boasts a delightful small-town vibe and sense of community and serenity. 

The next time you're visiting Dallas, don't forget to check out the charming North Texas city of Rowlett. This greater Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area suburb is situated east of Dallas on the banks of Lake Ray Hubbard. For visitors, there's abundant lake fun, tasty eateries, and a generally welcoming ambiance here, all of which make Rowlett well worth a visit.

Getting here is easy: Rowlett is only about a 20-minute drive from the beating heart of Dallas. If you're opting for public transit, you can take the Blue Line of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) light rail system, which will get you to Rowlett in around 45 minutes. If you're flying in, you'll want to arrive at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and from there, it's likely to be around a 40-minute drive (though this is highly contingent on the Dallas-Fort Worth area's infamous traffic) to Rowlett. If you're coming or going through DFW and flying with American Airlines, you're in luck: Travel is getting much smoother with a new big change to boarding for American Airlines passengers at this major airport.

For a relaxed meal in an establishment that exemplifies Rowlett's welcoming small-town energy, head to Bankhead Brewpub, which offers a patio and easygoing vibes. This spot is consciously family-friendly and prides itself on offering excellent hospitality and service, as well as its delectable food and beverage options. Opt for a creative sharing snack that combines Texas cuisine with laid-back bar food (like the Texas Twinkies: prosciutto-wrapped jalapeño peppers), or order up a full meal, like a burger, steak frites, pizza, or fish and chips. No matter what you order, wash it down with one of Bankhead Brewery's beers on tap. As one Google reviewer warmly put it, "Rowlett needed a spot like this and I am so glad we have it ... The outdoor patio is a great touch and the whole place just feels like a community spot that actually cares about the people coming through the door."

For an establishment serving up a different type of cuisine but equally laid-back and friendly small-town charm, snag a table at (or order carry-out from) Valentinos Ristorante Italiano. The staff dish up cozy and comforting Italian classics like eggplant Parmigiana, chicken piccata, baked ziti, and more, as well as memorable house specialties with humorous names, such as the Fuhgeddaboudit pasta or the How U Doin' breaded chicken. Diners here speak highly of the customer service, the garlic rolls, and generous and reasonably priced portions. It's important to note that this eatery doesn't take reservations, instead operating on a first-come, first-served basis that befits Rowlett's mellow vibes.

A trip to Rowlett wouldn't be complete without taking full advantage of 22,000-acre Lake Ray Hubbard, the city's natural wonder, and all of the fun activities it encourages. If your idea of lakeside fun involves casting a line, stock up on the underrated fishing tool from Home Depot you never realized you needed in your tackle box. Then, make your way to Lakeside Park, where you'll find a pier to fish from, plus multiple trails to explore with a view of the lake. Lake Ray Hubbard is known for its white crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass, among other species.

Alternatively, you can go to Paddle Point Park, which, as its name suggests, is a boat launch area where you can take to the water in a kayak, canoe, or jon boat. This lake is dotted with coves and inlets to check out; starting from Paddle Point Park's 1.4-acre boat launch area is a prime way to do so. And if, after your visit to Rowlett, you're itching to continue your local travels with more time in another Texas lake paradise, this one with noteworthy shopping, craft beer, and buzzy nightlife is worth checking out.