I remember when Las Colinas and the Mandalay Canal were brand new. I loved it. the shopping was great and wonderful restaurants lined the banks. The energy was electric. Then I moved to California for a while. One of the first places I wanted to visit was the Canal - but I was the only one there and everything was closed. It's still a lovely place to take a relaxing walk, but not the center of activity it once was.
The canal is scenic but disappointing in terms of restaurants, retail, etc. Water can be dirty with dead fish frequently seen floating.
It's definitely THE most romantic place in Las Colinas. It's the perfect place to stroll after a great dinner at Bombay Sizzler or the Italian Cafe. There are even gondola rides available with singing gondoliers. Perfect place for making a good impression on a first date!
The city of Irving tried to replicate the San Antonio river walk but unfortunately the project seems like it was never planned right or never completed, now the Mandalay canal is a deserted area even the shops are closed or not even rented. I have been there 3 times, thinking that maybe they have done something better about it but nothing except 2 restaurants. So don't expect to see anything like the river walk district in San Antonio.
took a walk during our stay at the mandalay hotel and i was impressed how they kept it clean. excellent place for running. very quiet.
The Mandalay Canal runs thru much of Los Colinas! In 1990, if you worked in one of the Los Colinas office towers, you could get married on the canal for free... I like to go back a few times a year...There are restaurants and hotels off this man made water way...23 years later, I'm still married to the same woman I wed in an outdoor ampitheater section of the waterway...Good times and a very mellow vibe!
Disappointed no one was in the water using the canals. I understand there is a dragon boat festival soon.
This is a great place for a nice pre-breakfast walk or jog, especially if you are staying at the Omni Mandalay. Amazingly quiet and nicely landscaped it is a lovely break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
I lived here for 6 years on the canal walking the dog on it on a regular basis. Little do people know that the canal, water falls and the lake are all part of the the water treatment area for the city. Clever design, and increases property values. Since they have finished the perimeter around the lake it has been slowly getting nicer. I wish that it would of been better than it is with restaurants on the canal but it never happened. Great escape from the city even if only for a couple hours.
Beautiful views of Irving as you go by the canal. Beautiful homes a real nice area. Irving does a great job of keeping the Las Colinas Valley Ranch area looking beautiful.