10/21/2008                                                                    Contact: Dana Guyer
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Things to Do In and Around Arlington
During APS AmeriStamp Expo/Texpex 2009

Located 12 miles east of downtown Fort Worth and 20 miles west of downtown Dallas, Arlington is the southern central part of the sprawling Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. This North Texas urban region embraces more than 9,000 square miles and 6.1 million people, making it the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States, surpassed only by New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

Named for Robert E. Lee’s Virginia home, Arlington started small after the Civil War as a farm center on the Texas & Pacific Railroad. Post-World War II booms in the automotive and aerospace industries rocketed the town’s population from under 8,000 in 1950 to more than 370,000 today. Its modest roots sharply contrast with Arlington’s 21st-century rebirth as “Fun Central” to the Metroplex — home to the Texas Rangers’ Ballpark and the original Six Flags Over Texas theme park, with the Dallas Cowboys’ new stadium coming in time for the 2009-10 NFL season.

In the middle of “Fun Central” at 1200 Ballpark Way is the Arlington Convention Center, the venue for APS AmeriStamp Expo/Texpex February 20-22, 2009. Only 15 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, the Convention Center has nearly 50,000 square feet of open exhibit space and 12 meeting rooms, all of which will be busy throughout the show.

During the days, you’ll enjoy building your collection, taking in the exhibits, and making new friends. But before and after the show, there are other great things to see and do in and around Arlington. For a few to whet your appetite, see the December American Philatelist, or visit the “Attractions” page on the website.