Did someone mention shopping? There's the famed Galleria Dallas, North Park Mall and Valley View Mall, all within minutes of any Farmers Branch hotel. Just to the west is Grapevine Mills Mall, one of the largest retail complexes in the nation featuring more than one-million-square feet of retail space, plus the American Wilderness Experience Wildlife and Entertainment Complex. A day trip to Fort Worth offers the chance to shop the boutiques in Sundance Square or pick up some authentic western wear and souvenirs at the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.

Looking for local color? Head to the 66-acre Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden outside of downtown Dallas. Or take a tour of Southfork Ranch - yes, the same Southfork of television's famed "Dallas" - just a few minutes northeast of the city in Parker. Then take in the beauty of the Dallas Museum of Art or the wildlife at the world-class Dallas Zoo. Need historical perspective? The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealy Plaza, located in the former Texas School Book Depository, examines the life, times, death, and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. The Legends of the Game Baseball Museum at Rangers BallPark in Arlington showcases the best of the sport and appeals to fans young and old.

Whatever your interests, satisfy your longings with a short venture around the Farmers Branch Historical Park. This 22-acre park touts the proud heritage of Farmers Branch. Farmers Branch was founded in 1841, the result of an extensive and highly successful advertising campaign by the Texas Land and Emigration Company. The 1856 Gilbert House is the oldest structure still standing on its original foundation in Dallas County, and is the cornerstone of the Historical Park. Also on the grounds are a church, train depot, school, several log cabins, and Victorian cottage that will amaze and interest you with facts on historic Texas and the development of the Dallas Metroplex. A visitor's information center and a gift shop are also on site.

The Farmers Branch Dr Pepper StarCenter joins the growing network of ice-skating facilities throughout the Metroplex focused on event planning services and family entertainment. The Dr Pepper StarCenter features two NHL sized ice sheets, a full bar and grill, meeting rooms with Internet access, and many more amenities.