Irving was established in 1902 by J.O. Schulze and Otis Brown as a rail link between Dallas and Fort Worth. Both men dreamed of founding a town that would prosper alongside one of the rail lines they helped construct, so they purchased 80 acres of land. The town was founded in 1903 and incorporated in 1914. Local historians think the city was named after author Washington Irving. The thriving commercial and residential city is on the western edge of Dallas and the eastern boundary of DFW International Airport. It's home to North Lake College and the University of Dallas.

A herd of five marble cows, sculpted by Harold Clayton, makes an unusual setting along Texas 114 near Rochelle Road.

Visit Mandalay Canal and experience a gondola ride. 972/506-8037. www.gondola.com.