If you’ve driven through the intersection of Main and Center Street recently, you were actually driving over the very spot where Arlington’s identity was born.

In 1893, city leaders dug a well hoping for plain old water. Instead, they struck a mineral-rich gusher that changed everything. For decades, Arlington wasn't a sports town—it was a wellness destination. People traveled from across the state to drink from the ornate "lion-head" fountain, and local entrepreneurs even sold "Arlington Crystals" as a cure-all health supplement.

So, what happened to it?
As the city grew, the fountain became a "traffic hazard" for the new era of automobiles. In 1951, it was unceremoniously capped and paved over.

Where to see it today:
While the original well is still pressurized right beneath the pavement, you can see the city’s brand-new tribute to this history: the Mineral Well Public Plaza. Located right between City Hall and the Library, the 40-foot clock tower features the iconic lion-head spouts, ensuring that even if the well is capped, Arlington’s "founding water" isn’t forgotten.

This week is all about the best of Arlington life: free live music at the Levitt, family-friendly gatherings at the park, and a high-energy Cinco de Mayo weekend.

Featured: Free Concert Season Kicks Off

The Levitt Pavilion (100 W. Abram St.) is the heart of local life in May. Grab your lawn chairs and coolers for these free shows:

Community & Family Fun

The Weekend "Fiesta"

While most locals grew up visiting the AMA in its old bank building downtown, the museum has officially leveled up. Now located in the heart of the Entertainment District (inside the former Esports Stadium complex), the new AMA is a world-class venue that finally has the scale to match its ambition.

This isn't your typical "quiet hallways" museum. The new space features immersive, large-scale installations and high-tech galleries that bring art to life in ways we haven’t seen in North Texas. It’s a persistent gem where you can see everything from classic photography to cutting-edge digital art. Even if you aren't a "museum person," the sheer scale of the new Community Gallery and the outdoor mural spaces make it a must-visit spot to show off to out-of-town guests.

1. A New Landmark: "Touched by Time" Sculpture

As part of the city's 150th birthday, a new landmark public art installation titled "Touched by Time" was recently approved for Founders Plaza Park. This sculpture is intended to be a central focal point for the year-long celebration, bridging Arlington's history with its future as a global destination.

2. Small Business Spotlight: Smash Toast & Folklore Grove

Support your local Martin High School grads! Two longtime friends have teamed up to open Smash Toast & Folklore Grove Bookstore. It’s a unique new spot combining a funky sandwich shop with a curated bookstore, designed to be a community hub for local readers and foodies alike.

3. Arlington Ranked #3 Most Diverse City in the U.S.

In a study released for 2026, Arlington has been ranked as the third most diverse large city in America. This ranking highlights our city's unique mix of cultures, languages, and religious diversity—outranking every other city in North Texas.

Thanks for joining me for the debut of the Forever Arlington Newsletter. My goal is to make sure you never have to say "there’s nothing to do in Arlington" ever again. If you enjoyed this, please forward it to a friend or neighbor—the more, the merrier as we build this community.

Reader Question: What’s your favorite "hidden gem" restaurant in town that doesn't get enough love? Hit reply and let me know, I might feature it in Issue #2!

Until next time, stay local.

MC