The Keep Texas Beautiful Annual Conference is only a months away and we are so excited! This year, it will be hosted in beautiful Rockwall, Texas at the Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront Hotel. Volunteers, city officials, affiliates and more look forward to this event every year, and we know that many use this as an opportunity to explore another amazing Texas city. To make that a little easier, we have composed a short list of things to do in Rockwall and surrounding areas! Whether you are coming with a group, partner, or solo, this list has an activity for you!
The Harbor Rockwall
Virtually in the backyard of The Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront Hotel, The Harbor Rockwall has a wide variety of amazing entertainment options. During the day, take a stroll down the boardwalk or through one of their beautiful parks. Kick back and watch a new movie at the Cinemark 14 Rockwall & XD. Want to try some local restaurants? Get your meal with a lakefront view at Dodie’s Cajun Diner or try some of Rockwall’s best Italian cuisine at The Oar House. At sunset, take a trip out on the water with Harbor Lights or Sail With Scott LLC to watch the sun dip below the horizon. The Harbor Rockwall has so much to offer any traveler. The best part? It’s only a hop, skip, and jump away from your hotel!
Blase Family Farm
The Blase Family Farm is a staple for families in the area that want to get outside and spend some time together in nature. In the summer, they open their farm so visitors can pick organically grown blueberries from any of their 1,300 blueberry bushes! Their farm also has a nature walk, outdoor games, farm animals to pet, and delicious treats like their blueberry popsicles. Only 11 minutes from the Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront Hotel, it is a great option for those who want to explore closer to the hotel. People of all ages will enjoy this amazing family farm!
Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden
Renowned as one of the best gardens in the world, The Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden is a must-see destination when travelling to the Dallas metroplex! In the summer, they boast a wonderful weekly concert series, numerous children’s activities, cooking demonstrations, glorious floral displays, and so much more. Traveling with kids? They have the Roy Meyers Children’s Adventure Gardens. Want lunch or dinner with a view? There are a number of dining options that look out to parts of the stunning garden, or you can bring your own meal and have a picnic in the garden. From the Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront Hotel, a 20 minute drive is required to get to this magical botanical garden, but it is well worth the drive! This place has so much to offer!
Local Wineries and Breweries
There is no denying that Texas’ wine scene is growing rapidly. Get in on the action at a winery or brewery near Rockwall! From San Martino Winery & Vineyard to Bankhead Brewing, there are so many options to choose from. Each place is unique and offers something different. Wine/beer tastings, local eats, karaoke, games, and more can be found at locations in the area. With the closest being 6 minutes from the Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront Hotel, you have the option to stay close to the hotel or venture out as far as you please! If you’re looking to immerse yourself in local fare, find your new favorite bottle of wine, or just want to let your hair down, there is a local establishment for you!
Other Rockwall Favorites
- Trail Walks – the new Squabble Mountain Bike Trail has opened
- Painting with a Twist – enjoy step-by-step paint instruction while sipping wine
- Rockwall Concert by the Lake Series – Thursday night concerts are free and begin 7:30pm at The Harbor (2059 Summer Lee)
- The Londoner – pub-style restaurant
- Bin303 – new-American restaurant
- Zanata – wood-fired pizza restaurant
At the Harbor
- Gloria’s Latin Cuisine – family-friendly Salvadoran and Tex-Mex restaurant
- Rodeo Goat – ice house and patio bar
- Culpepper’s Steak House – upscale American fare
- Sideways BBQ – rustic-industrial BBQ eatery
- The Oar House – upscale Italian restaurant
These are a few great examples of what the Rockwall area has to offer. There is so much more to the community that we can’t fit into a blog. We are excited to get out and explore this amazing area with you all! We can’t wait to see y’all at the conference!
Still haven’t registered for the KTB Annual Conference? Register here!
Blog Post Written By Morgan Johnson, Communications Intern.
