Hotel at a Glance: Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham DFW Airport North

Located just minutes from DFW airport, this hotel makes visiting the Dallas/Fort Worth area easy. Its free shuttle takes travelers to and from the airport, as well as to destinations near the hotel.

• Home away from home: Double-queen rooms have microwaves, and king suites have kitchens.
• Free breakfast with waffles and fruit is available daily.
• Stay fit with a workout at the on-site exercise area
• Free WiFi lets guests check their email and social-media feeds.

Irving, Texas: World-Famous Equestrian Statues and Artistic Community

Though Irving is much smaller than its booming neighbors Dallas and Fort Worth, the city earned a place on the map as the home of the biggest equestrian sculptures on the planet. The bronze horses are nearly twice the size of an actual horse and seem to be frozen midgallop as they splash across a fountain. You can also see live horses in action by riding a real-life steed through winding trails (there are many horseback-riding outfitters in and around the city).

Head out of the urban center for more rugged outdoor adventure. The Campion Trail caters to hikers and birdwatchers as they make their way past rivers and creeks that flow through thickets of towering trees. The picturesque landscape also helps inspire an artistic presence in Irving; at the Irving Arts Center, you can stroll through an outdoor sculpture garden or see live ballet.