11 Incredible Experiences Only Found in The Colony

North Texas has a lot of offer, but The Colony features attractions, restaurants and shopping experiences unique to Texas and the United States. Check out a roundup of the top experiences you can only find in The Colony.

Unexpected Entertainment

Test your skills at Sixes Social Cricket at Grandscape, the first location in the US. Their interactive games and scoring technology reimagine cricket for a modern audience. Compare your scores on the global leaderboard in a relaxed, social setting with delectable food and delicious cocktails on hand to make your night out one to remember!

Putt your way through this modern spin on mini golf at the first 21 and up location in North Texas. Not only are Puttery’s four multi-level courses Instagramable and immersive, the innovative auto-scoring technology makes gameplay a breeze. This adult-only locale serves up contemporary craft cocktails and chef-crafted signature dishes perfect for a night out in the lounge or on the outdoor terrace. The good times keep rolling with DJ nights and special events for an unforgettable evening out with friends.

Existing somewhere between fine art and roadside attraction, Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum is home to over 1,400 pieces featuring mixed media affixed to toilet seat covers, reusing found objects while documenting a moment in time. The collection is the life’s work of retired plumber-turned-artist Barney Smith and has been amassed for nearly 30 years. You’ll find the permanent collection on the second floor of Truck Yard, a laid-back honky-tonk beer garden. This museum is truly a sight to behold.

Unparalleled Dining

Combining microbrews, live jazz concerts and refined fusion eats, Windmills makes for an unforgettable night out. The only U.S. location pays tribute to its Indian roots with a curated menu featuring tandoori favorites mixed with Texas flavors. Batter-fried Gulf shrimp and Texas redfish pakora (spiced fritter), parmesan & green chile kulcha (stuffed flatbread) and wagyu chicken-fried steak are all available daily. Craft brew lovers will appreciate 14 distinct beers, ranging from pilsner and blonde ales to a range of hoppy IPAs, all made with the highest quality ingredients. Settle in for an evening and feel transported as a curated setlist features sounds of exceptionally skilled jazz artists.

The Colony’s diverse food scene includes an array of restaurants bringing together flavors from across the world. Akira Back, named after the Michelin star chef and owner, showcases modern Japanese dining with Korean flavors. Fresh, world-class ingredients are crafted into enticing masterpieces served in the upscale yet inviting dining room. From sashimi and signature rolls to lamb chops and Japanese A5 Wagyu, your palette will delight in a melting pot of flavors. Experience Akira Back’s only Texas location for a memorable evening out full of unexpected flavors and presentations.

The perfect pet-friendly dining experience awaits at The Shacks at Austin Ranch. Inspired by food trucks, this collection of small restaurants, known as The Shacks, boasts an assortment of cuisines. Order from a California-style taqueria and Cajun seafood shop while sipping on a local brew from the adjacent taproom. Dine al fresco on the expansive patio, connecting the restaurants and overlooking Bacon’s Dog Park. The one-acre dog park is open to the public and is a great excuse to bring man’s best friend along for mealtime.

Make the trek next door to find another exclusive venue, The LOCAL, a vibrant venue for those with two and four legs. This dog-friendly local hangout next to The Shacks features live music, multiple food and drink concepts surrounding a patio with fire pits, heaters and yard games. There’s even a place to purchase tasty treats for the doggos. It’s the ideal space for a bite to eat, drink and spend a night out with man’s best friend!

Discover a complete list of restaurants in The Colony for more exceptional dining experiences.

A Huge Selection of Shopping

Yes, it’s true. Everything is bigger in Texas, including the shopping. SCHEELS is the World’s Largest All Sports Store with more than 331,000 square feet of retail adventure. Easily spend a day browsing more than 85 specialty departments ranging from golf equipment and hunting gear to women’s apparel and fashion footwear, all staffed with knowledgeable team members. SCHEELS is more than just a store; it is a shopping destination with entertainment for the whole family around every corner. Take a ride on the 65-foot indoor Ferris wheel, watch exotic fish swim around the 16,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, snap a selfie in front of the wildlife mountain and sample hand-made fudge from Ginna’s Cafe.

Not to be outdone, NFM offers selections for home and lifestyle within the nation’s largest home furnishing store. The 1.8 million square feet of showroom and warehouse space is not a typical furniture store. “The Mart” offers goods for everyone with the hottest electronics, on-trend décor, kitchen essentials and more. A walk through the expansive showroom will also reveal a wide variety of appliances, fitness equipment, flooring and furniture for every room.

Neighboring the retail giants is a collection of makers, artisans and curators inside The Homestead at Grandscape. Each storefront in the Homestead is a small business with local ties. These boutique shops offer goods ranging from handmade leather wares to handcrafted candles and body products.

A Look Inside: The Homestead at Grandscape

Tucked inside Grandscape is an assortment of boutique shops, sweet treats and sommelier favorites. Take a closer look at the small businesses offering some of the coolest finds in the city.

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Truly Special Events

The Colony has a long-standing tradition of annual events, which have become some of the most distinct in the state. One of the largest events is the much-anticipated American Heroes: A Salute to Veterans every November. In conjunction with Veterans Day, American Heroes honors former military members while celebrating their service with family-friendly entertainment. Carnival games, fair foods, car shows and veteran ceremonies await at The Athletic Club – The Colony (formerly The Colony Five Star Complex). The biggest attraction at American Heroes is the live music series, featuring past performances by The Oak Ridge Boys, Eli Young Band, John Michael Montgomery, Jack Ingram, Sawyer Brown and Tanya Tucker.

There’s even more to discover in The Colony. Plan your next adventure with our handy itinerary builder, complete with all the restaurants, attractions, hotels and retailers in The Colony. website, complete with all the restaurants, attractions, hotels and retailers in The Colony.