Grand Prairie was the starting point of our road trip through Texas and marked the beginning of my journey through a pretty crazy state. In this article, I’ll show you what Grand Prairie has to offer—from the best brisket to the largest flea market in the U.S.
Where To Find Grand Prairie
Grand Prairie is located in the center of the Metroplex, a large metropolitan region between Dallas and Fort Worth—close to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), one of the world’s busiest airports. This prime location makes the city the ideal first stop after a long flight: rather than jumping directly into Dallas’s traffic or beginning your Texas road trip, you can use this time to rest and adjust to the time zone.
Zavala’s Barbecue & Its Award-Winning Brisket
There’s hardly a better introduction to Texas barbecue culture: According to Texas Monthly, Zavala’s Barbecue is among the top 50 BBQ spots in Texas — and in this barbecue-crazy state, that really means something. This family-run business is famous for its melt-in-your-mouth brisket, but its ribs and homemade jalapeño-cheddar sausages are just as good.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes glimpse: the meat is slowly smoked for hours until it almost falls apart on its own. It is traditionally served on paper.
Epic Central: Entertainment Complex with Water Park & Light Show
Grand Prairie is characterized by Epic Central, a recently developed entertainment hub that includes hotels, restaurants, green areas, and various attractions.
Epic Waters is a huge indoor water park with slides and pools—and thanks to its glass roof, it’s a great choice even in the Texas summer heat or on those rare rainy days. Next door, the Bolder Adventure Park offers climbing walls and fun for the whole family.
In the evening, there’s a free light show right in the middle of the complex that mainly attracts locals. It’s a little cheesy, but also quintessentially American. If you’re staying at the Hilton Garden Inn at Epic Central, the light show (as well as the surrounding bars and restaurants) is within walking distance.
Pickleball at Chicken N Pickle
If you’re unfamiliar with it: Pickleball is currently the most popular new sport in the U.S. I first noticed it on Bainbridge Island near Seattle, the birthplace of pickleball, and was surprised to find courts elsewhere as well. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, using paddles and a perforated ball on a small court. Its simplicity is part of its charm, making it accessible and enjoyable—beginners can start playing within just five minutes.
At Chicken N Pickle in Epic Central, you can see for yourself what all the buzz is about: The concept combines pickleball courts with a restaurant and bar.
Traders Village: The Largest Flea Market in the U.S.
Every weekend, Traders Village becomes a bustling fairground, hosting over 3,500 vendors, making it the largest flea market in the U.S. There are also countless street food stalls, a large stage for live music, and amusement rides.
The selection includes fresh fruit, tools, and traditional Native American art—a diverse snapshot of authentic Texas off the beaten path. My tip: arrive early. In the morning, you can browse at your leisure; after noon, it becomes crowded and hot. It’s only open on Saturdays and Sundays; admission is free (parking costs extra).
Lone Star Park: Horse Racing Just Like in “Dallas”
I’m unsure if a racetrack was featured in the show back then, but at Lone Star Park, set amidst Texas’s elite, I felt reminiscent of the classic TV series “Dallas.” From the grandstand, you can observe actual horse races and even place bets if you’re up for it. Even without knowing much about odds or jockeys, the atmosphere is an experience in itself: the lively chatter, the nervous energy before the start, the cheering on the home stretch.
Also To See in Grand Prairie
The Grand Prairie Premium Outlets are located right off the interstate. In my opinion, the prices aren’t necessarily any lower than in Europe. However, I found an Estée Lauder outlet with brands like Clinique, Smashbox, and MAC—and there I was able to stock up on a whole year’s supply of skincare and makeup for a good price.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not features its popular wax museum and offers a surreal experience: wax replicas of the Last Supper, cowboy legends like John Wayne, and nearby figures of Beyoncé alongside infamous dictators, creating an eclectic mix that might feel a bit odd. If you seek this kind of quirky Americana, this is the place to go.
Food & Drink in Grand Prairie
Vidorra offers upscale Mexican cuisine in a vibrant setting within the Epic Central complex. Here, you can enjoy modern interpretations of Mexican dishes. For weekends, reservations are recommended. Adjacent to it is an alternative venue, Chicken N Pickle.
Good Day Café If you’re looking for an authentic brunch spot outside of Epic Central, you’ve come to the right place—here you can enjoy classic American breakfast dishes. But be warned: the portions are Texas-sized; one dish is easily enough for two.
If you’re in the mood for authentic Texas-style barbecue, I recommend Zavala’s Barbecue.
All the stops on our road trip, for your reference:
Grand Prairie – Grapevine – Lubbock – Amarillo
Where To Stay in Grand Prairie
We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn at Epic Central. While I usually prefer more unique accommodations, this hotel stood out because it’s fairly new, boasts a sleek, modern design, and is conveniently located near the highway—making it easy to start your road trip fresh the next day. In the evenings, you can relax with a drink or a snack at the nearby bars and restaurants, adding a nice touch to your stay.
Check prices and availability for the Hilton Garden Inn at Epic Central
Practical Tips for Grand Prairie
Getting There: From Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Airport, it takes about 20 minutes by car to reach Grand Prairie. The city is the perfect first or last stop on a Texas road trip.
How much time should I set aside? One or two nights are enough. If your visit falls on a weekend, be sure to plan a stop at Traders Village.
Getting Around: You won’t get very far without a car—the attractions are spread out. Only within Epic Central, everything is within walking distance. Book your rental car for Texas here
Are you looking for more inspiration for your trip to the U.S.? Here you’ll find all articles about destinations in the U.S.
Note: Travel Texas helped organizing this research trip.
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