If you're looking for a destination with Real. Texas. Flavor., try Mesquite! Located just 15 minutes from downtown Dallas, Mesquite's unique location at the junction of I-30, I-20, U.S. 80 and I-635 makes getting around the metroplex simple and convenient.

Since 1958, the renowned Mesquite Championship Rodeo has provided visitors with the best in professional rodeo, where they can watch all the exciting PRCA action up-close, in air-conditioned comfort every Friday and Saturday from June through August. Be sure to get your tickets early for the rodeo's new holiday season, with two performances scheduled over Thanksgiving and two performances scheduled during the Christmas holiday. Resistol Arena, home of the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, also serves as the location for sports and other events, including mixed martial arts. Visit www.morethanjustarodeo.com for details.

Plan to spend time searching for that perfect holiday gift or just relax and enjoy window shopping in The Rows of Texas, Mesquite's shopping, dining and entertainment district located off I-635, featuring Town East Mall and more than 200 specialty shops, 100 restaurants, and the AMC 30 movie theater. Celebration Station offers arcade games, paint ball and miniature golf, perfect for the younger crowd. Devil's Bowl Speedway, renowned for its innovative and affordable auto racing entertainment, is open March through October.

Experience Mesquite's pioneer heritage at the Florence Ranch Homestead and Opal Lawrence Historical Park, or find a unique treasure in Mesquite's historic downtown. At the Mesquite Arts Center, visitors can find a rich variety of art exhibits, and musical and theatrical performances year-round. For those whose musical tastes lean more towards traditional C&W and gospel, catching a Saturday night performance at Rodeo City Music Hall can be a real treat, and provides viewers with an opportunity to catch young, up-and-coming performers honing their craft.

Find Real. Texas. Music. and more at the Real. Texas. Festival, held each April at Rodeo Center. For value that can't be beat, the price of festival admission includes entry to the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, a classic car show, three stages of entertainment, a barbecue cook-off and lots of shopping opportunities at various vendor booths. Children love the carnival rides and special games areas.

In addition to the Real. Texas. Festival. Mesquite hosts a number of other special events and festivals sure to appeal to kids of all ages, including Pumpkinfest in October, and Christmas in the Park each December. With more than 20 hotels, Mesquite has a variety of accommodations to fit every family's needs and budget (often at 1/3 the price of what you'd expect to pay in downtown Dallas). For lodging, attractions and event information, visit www.realtexasflavor.com or call us at 1-800-541-2355.