Sprouting from the suburbs between Dallas and Fort Worth is Grapevine, a charming, small-town escape known for its historic downtown, Lake Grapevine and wineries. Grapevine’s proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and renowned festivals and events make it a desirable retreat from the bustling metroplex.
Fireworks over Lake Grapevine (Photo: Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau)
A unique Texas experience awaits in Grapevine, located in North Texas in the heart of the metroplex–about 23 miles from both downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth. While Grapevine’s historic Main Street celebrates the past, the city is chock-full of modern comforts, including world-class restaurants, wineries, shops and family-friendly attractions.
A leisurely stroll down Main Street can fill an entire day, with its abundance of fine art galleries, clothing boutiques and an array of shops, including several antique stores that carry farmhouse-style relics and shabby chic furnishings. The Grapevine Antique Market (1641 W Northwest Hwy) is located a short drive from Main Street. One could easily spend an hour or two treasure hunting for affordable gems in the vast two-story complex.
For some family fun, hop aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad (707 S Main St.) and be transported back in time in its authentic 1920s Victorian-era coaches. Every April, children can ride Thomas the Tank Engine on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad during its annual Day Out with Thomas weekends.
Grapevine Vintage Railroad (Photo: Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau)
Grapevine also offers myriad ways to bask in the great Texan outdoors. Head to Lake Grapevine where you can boat, water ski, wind surf, fish, camp, hike and bike within its 8,000 acres. For mini outdoor excursions, experience 19th century life at historic Nash Farm (626 Ball St.), the oldest farmstead in Tarrant County, or meander through the fragrant blooms at Grapevine Botanical Gardens (411 Ball St.) at Heritage Park. Both sites are located within walking distance or a short drive of Main Street. Golfers can hit the links at Grapevine Golf Course, designed in 1979 by famous Texans—the legendary PGA golfer Byron Nelson and golf architect Joe Finger.
For those who prefer the Great Indoors, Grapevine Mills Mall (3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy) is home to over 180 outlet and value retails, a movie theater and other family-friendly attractions. Parents may enjoy a bit of childhood nostalgia watching their kids (or playing along) at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center. More exploration awaits at the SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium, where you can get up close to underwater creatures (sans sunblock and beach gear!).
Make the most of your trip to Grapevine by planning it around one of the town’s many annual events and festivals. Grapevine’s Main Street Fest features a carnival and midway, wine pavilions, live entertainment and a Craft Brew Experience that offers samplings of more than 75 local, regional and national craft beers. From late November through the end of the year, see why the city is known as the “Christmas Capital of Texas.” Main Street is transformed into a magical holiday destination with millions of lights, brilliant decorations and the North Pole Express, where children can visit Santa.
Hotels
The Gaylord Texan Resort (Photo: Gaylord Texan)
The Gaylord Texan Resort (1501 Gaylord Trail) is, in itself, a premier destination all its own. Just a jaunt from Lake Grapevine, the grand hotel boasts over four acres of stunning indoor gardens, a winding indoor canal, first-class restaurants and Paradise Springs, a ten-acre water park. Visit during the holidays and witness the beauty of its Texas-sized Christmas tree and magnificent light displays. Bundle up in heavy parkas to experience the crowd-pleasing ICE! exhibit, filled with more than 2 million pounds of Christmas-themed ice sculptures and ice slides, kept at a chilly nine degrees.
For kid-friendly accommodations, head down the street to Great Wolf Lodge (100 Great Wolf Drive) where families can swim year-round in its 80,000-square-foot water park, the only indoor water park in North Texas. Experience Historic Main Street at its fullest by staying within walking distance at the Doc Holliday Guest House (and Grapevine Vineyard House) (317/319 Smith St.), the house that the legendary gambler, gunfighter and pal of Wyatt Earp rented for two months in the late 1800s. On Lake Grapevine, The Vineyards Campground & Cabins (1501 North Dooley St.) lets you escape into wooded, waterfront accommodations that are still an easy drive to Main Street, Grapevine Mills Mall and other area attractions.
Eat & Drink
Winewood Grill (Photo: Jennifer Nicole Sullivan)
While exploring Main Street, refuel at one of the numerous top-notch eateries on the strip. Along with Texas specialties like Tex-Mex, barbecue and Southern cooking, an assortment of other tantalizing cuisines beckon, including seafood, steaks, pizza, and French and upscale American fare.
Made with the freshest ingredients and culinary mastery, the American fare at Winewood Grill (1265 S. Main St.) delights from one dish to the next. Nosh on the Texas Size Cinnamon Roll with warm cream cheese icing at brunch or the scrumptious Louisiana Shrimp Po’Boy for lunch. The Winewood Mac & Cheese with creamy smoked Gouda sauce and bacon is another menu hit.
Mi Dia from Scratch (Photo: Jennifer Nicole Sullivan)
Just across the path from Winewood Grill, past the larger-than-life bronze sculpture The Pastoral Dreamer by artist David L. Phelps, is Mi Dia from Scratch (1295 S. Main St.). Here traditional Mexican dishes are fused with modern Tex-Mex and Santa Fe flavors, like Hatch green and red chiles from New Mexico. Dishes like cochinita pibl, pork shank rubbed with achiote, and duck carnitas street style tacos set this restaurant notches above typical Mexican restaurants.
But if you crave more traditional Tex-Mex dishes in a casual, laid-back atmosphere, Esparza’s Restaurante Mexicano (124 E. Worth St.) has the goods, including an affordable lunch menu and mouth-watering brunch dishes. Classic Tex-Mex dishes include tamales, fajitas and a variety of nachos combinations.
You can start and/or end your day at Main Street Bistro & Bakery (316 S. Main St.). The local favorite is known for their divine French-inspired breakfast offerings–crepes, Quiche Florentine and a variety of pastries, including the ever-popular almond croissant. Stop in for dinner for steak frites au poivre or shrimp and chorizo grits, kicked off with a buttery escargot appetizer.
Wineries
Delaney Vineyards & Winery (Photo: Delaney Vineyards & Winery)
Texas is the fifth-largest wine-producing state in the country. Grapevine’s motto is “aged to perfection,” and the city lives up to its name with its award-winning wineries and winemakers. Every September, GrapeFest celebrates Grapevine’s wine culture with a rousing weekend of wine tasting, live entertainment and a GrapeStomp.
There are a variety of ways to enjoy the range of wineries. Grapevine Wine Tours offers guided bus tours to tasting rooms, while Jazz Wine Trains offers tastings aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. If you prefer to go at your own pace, head out on the self-guided tasting tour of Grapevine’s Urban Wine Trail, which includes 10 wineries in Historic Downtown Grapevine and a vineyard just a short drive away.
Located a short drive south of Main Street, Delaney Vineyards & Winery (2000 Champagne Blvd.) is the largest vineyard in North Texas. During free tours of the grounds, explore the French-inspired chateau and 10 acres of Cynthiana grapes, a variety that thrives in the area’s hard clay soil and hot summers. Some of Delaney’s award-winning wines include Muscat Canelli, Three Daughters and Texas Claret.
Messina Hof Grapevine Winery (Photo: Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau)
Step into the 19th century at Messina Hof Grapevine Winery (201 S. Main St.), located in historic Downtown Grapevine in a replica of the Wallis Hotel (the original was built in 1891, torn down in the 1930s and rebuilt in 1991). Nibble light bites paired with a choice of more than 50 wines. If you’re having trouble choosing, go for favorites like the Solera Sherry, Private Reserve Cab Franc and Private Reserve Papa Paulo Port.
Just a block away from Main Street is Homestead Winery & Tasting Room (211 E. Worth St.), situated inside a quaint Victorian cottage. Swirl your glass to the sounds of local musicians and sip popular varieties like Rose of Ivanhoe, a GrapeFest favorite; Moon Shadow, a sweet Riesling; and Prairie Rose, an off-dry Chenin Blanc—all produced in the Red River Valley wine region of North Texas.