I believe it was Gandalf who said it best when he said, “You don’t need to travel to go on an adventure.” Or maybe that was Bilbo who was saying that to Gandalf, and then Gandalf was the one saying, “If you don’t go anywhere, then you’ll never experience adventure,”…or something like that.

If you don’t live near Garland, or if you do and you’re in need of an adventure, my little Halflings, you’re close to it.

Going outdoors, even just outside your house for a few hours of sunshine and walking around, is epic. It’s even more epic if you live in Garland, especially if you love walking a little further from The Shire. OK, last LOTR reference. Garland outdoors is an epic quest!

Make your mark epic by stepping outside and exploring all that Garland has to offer.

Garland Vibe: Playful & Unexpected

That probably describes you, too. It definitely describes Garland. Here, you’ll find an eclectic mix of neighbors, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists with an adventurous spirit. Many a Garlander (if that’s not a thing, that should be a thing) has echoed this sentiment, that the vibrancy of the community is the direct result of passionate people from all walks of life. And they made their mark in Garland, expectedly or unexpectedly.

The Lake (Emphasis on “The”)

The lake that many people think of when they think of North Texas. The crown recreational jewel of Garland, Lake Ray Hubbard, is a 22,000-acre lake that calls to one and all with a simple message: relax, unwind, or tear me up with boats and Jet Skis! Or maybe beachside is more your thing, with fishing rods and an iced-down cooler. How to get to this oasis? From almost any point in Dallas, you’ll arrive at the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard in about 20 minutes. From boating, waterskiing, and fishing to sailing and windsurfing, Lake Ray Hubbard redefines relaxation. Access the lake via Bass Pro Shops docks or through the Chaha Ramp at John Paul Jones Park.

Trails & Preserves

Maybe you want to make your mark more than epic by embarking on a quest, like traversing through forests and all! Spring Creek Forest Preserve is a hidden gem in Garland for outdoor recreation, offering a place for artistic contemplation, idea sharing, and taking in the natural beauty of the largely untouched flora and fauna. Don’t forget to watch out for relic timbers (100- to 300-year-old Chinquapin, Bur, and Shumard Oaks), and the 650+…