By Eric Miller

Too few towns in the United States enjoy the benefit of rail passenger service today. Even fewer enjoy the benefit of having a historic railroad and the original railroad depot.

Grapevine is a notable exception.

A visitor to the Grapevine Vintage Railroad might assume the Cotton Belt Depot has always been there. That may depend on how you define always. Built in 1901, the depot served the city as a railroad station until abandoned by the railroad. If you found a photo of the intersection from the late 1970s, you might note a strangely absent train station. It had been moved off-site.

Luckily for us, the Grapevine Heritage Foundation later purchased the land and moved the depot back. Today it serves as a home for the Grapevine Historical Museum. The museum will soon have a new home, however, when work is complete on an attractive new building across the street. The future use for the Cotton Belt Depot may be primarily a train station, where tickets as well as souvenirs can be purchased.

A new train depot for Grapevine is also in the works. That’s because new commuter trains that make it easier for visitors and residents of both Dallas and Fort Worth to get to Grapevine (and hotel guests in Grapevine to get to Dallas and Fort Worth) will be in service within the next few years. The new station will also be at the intersection of Dallas and Main Street. With that in place, Grapevine will enjoy both commuter service and the tourist-oriented train that operate today. (Keep in mind, there’s nothing to keep you from using the trains running today to get to Fort Worth!)

Of more immediate note, there are some fun events coming up on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad including a Labor Day train ride, mini-excursions during GrapeFest September 17, 18 and 19 and the Halloween Scream Train October 30th and 31st. All aboard!

By Eric Miller

 

Earlier this year a record price was set for a piece of American glass. A two-piece cut-glass footed vase made by Bakewell Glass of Pittsburgh in 1825 brought more than $250,000 at auction.

While the popularity of some other antiques has waned in recent years, the record price highlights the continued and accelerating interest in collecting American glass. Popular magazines including Martha Stewart Living extol the activity, most recently with an article on collecting flint glass in the September issue.

Glass collectors from several states will gather next weekend at the Grapevine Convention Center to share their love of glass collecting. The Metroplex Glass Show and Sale offers everyone for the beginning to advanced collector of American Glass. All major glass companies and all major glass patterns are offered for sale at each show. Whether you collect a particular pattern, or are looking for home decorating ideas, you will find what you are looking for at the Metroplex show. Also included will be pottery and china.

Ralph Rider of Dallas has collected a type of glass called Fostoria for decades and plans to be at the show. He knows the show from past years well and says visitors can expect to find items beginning at $1 ranging up to several thousand dollars. Rider says most of the glass collected today dates to about 1870 and falls into the category of dinnerware.

One of the most popular eras of glass is from the 1920s and is known as "depression glass."

More information on the Metroplex Glass Show is available at www.dfwglass.com Discount tickets are available from the web site.

Perhaps the biggest event of the season in Grapevine, Texas is Grapefest. Known for its wine-tasting rooms, Grapefest provides that extra impetus to break your routine and make it out to Grapevine for the best in Texas wines.

Named for the wild Mustang grapes that blanketed the land when settlers first arrived to the area in 1844, the City of Grapevine is an internationally recognized leader and trendsetter in the wine industry. The history of winemaking in Texas stems from the 1600’s when Spanish missionaries began growing grapes near present day El Paso. The annual Grapefest celebrates this rich history and showcases historic Grapevine to affirm the state’s position as a destination for all wine connoisseurs.

In recent years, the number of wineries in Texas blossomed from 46 in 2001 to 181 in 2009. That same time period saw the addition of a million gallons of wine culminating in 2.4 million gallons of production in 2009. In that same period, estimated economic impact has gone from millions of dollars to more than a billion dollars.

Lasting for four days from September 16 to 19, the event actually starts a week before with a wine auction. The GrapeFest Vintners’ Auction Classic takes place on September 11 at the Grapevine Convention Center. The lavish auction will feature rare and collectible wines, domestic travel packages, antiques and incredible works of art. Proceeds benefit the benefit the Grapevine Heritage Foundation and the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association.

During GrapeFest, the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic showcases some of Texas’ finest wines in the largest consumer-judged wine competition in the nation. Texas is the fifth largest wine-producing state and guests will have the chance to sample more than 125 Texas wines submitted from some 30 Texas wineries.

Grapefest is a community event as well as a celebration. It’s about more than just wine and includes sporting events such as golf and tennis, a culinary pavilion, a carnival and midway, arts and crafts, min-train rides and food booths. When you’ve exhausted the tastes of Texas, there’s also an international wine pavilion and a draft beer pavilion.

By Eric Miller

 

Big Fish is a big deal in downtown Grapevine. I stopped in for the first time this past week and to make it simple, I shouldn’t have waited so long.

Big Fish is pretty much located in the center of the Main Street shopping strip in a brick-fronted building with large windows. More often than not you’ll see a crowd inside, but there’s plenty of seating and long waits don’t appear to often be an issue. Plus there’s a bar with lots of cold drinks that go great with seafood.

I asked the waitress what the specials were. It turned out to be fish tacos and blackened redfish. I didn’t have either, but notice from online reviews that both are well-liked. Other popular recommendations include the buffalo shrimp appetizer and the coconut salmon. One reviewer claims the catfish are the closest to those to be had in Louisiana without being there. The oysters are also mentioned frequently as is the fact the drink prices are very reasonable.

I’m a big fan of fish and chips and the last time I ordered it at a bar in Dallas the result wasn’t so good. I also have had mixed results at the famous Chip Shop in Brooklyn. The waitress at Big Fish brought out two generous-sized portions of cod, cooked just right (flaky, not chewy) with waffle fries and hush puppies. Washed down with a Texas-brewed Shiner Boch, I just couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

Happy Hour is Monday thru Friday 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. There’s live music every Wednesday and Saturday evenings and should it be cool enough when you visit, you might try the outdoor patio.

For information call (817) 481-2010

By Eric Miller

With about 6,684 acres of water surface, it’s the most noticeable geographic entity you see when landing or taking off at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. It’s a focal point of local activity, from picnics to fireworks displays and outings on the water. It’s surrounded by jogging and hiking trails, as well as facilities for soccer, tennis and other sports. I’m talking of course about Lake Grapevine.

What may be lesser known about Lake Grapevine was its recent revealing of the oldest bird fossil in North America. This past spring, a sharp-eyed collector found a roadrunner-like bird fossil known as Flexomornis howei, named after its discoverer. Scientists knew the bird existed on other continents, but there was little evidence of its presence in North America. That was until Kris Howe came across a few bones during a dig at Lake Grapevine.

 

It’s not the first time something other than the usual became part of an outing to this inland Texas lake. In 2006 low water levels revealed imprints several inches deep in sandstone bedrock — believed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to be those of the hadrosaur, a duckbilled plant-eating dinosaur that lived about 96 million years ago. Dinosaur tracks were also found at the lake in 1982. Needless to say, the news sent dozens of parents and schoolchildren to the lake for a look.

 

A model of what Flexomornis howei might have looked like is on display at the Museum of Nature & Science at Dallas Fair Park.

 

By Eric Miller

Those who enjoy architecture will find the buildings on Grapevine’s Main Street have considerable appeal. It's one of the oldest and bustling intact business districts around. While many towns in North Central Texas have tried to create historic charm with more recently built town centers, Main Street in Grapevine looks much as it has for generations.

Of course, it wasn't always this lively. Once serving farmers in the surrounding countryside, by the 1980s, local residents found the street wasn't as busy as it had been. The move was on to revive business, preserve existing buildings and recreate those that were gone. The Art Deco Palace Theater (now the Palace Arts Center) was renovated, and the Wallis Hotel was reconstructed. Slowly downtown Grapevine regained its status as the place to go for a meal out or just to soak in the ambiance on an active business district can provide. For more on the history, click here.

Anyone who visited Grapevine in the ‘80s will also notice several new additions, including an attractive bank building fronting the North end of Main Street. A mixed-use development has also been built south of the historic train depot. Here visitors will find one of the town’s many wine-tasting rooms and see a new building rising just to the north of the train depot. When completed, it will be the new home for the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau. It will also include a new home for the Grapevine Historical Museum, housed in a replica of an ice house that once stood nearby.

Soon a clock tower will take shape here too, complementing the tower on Grapevine City Hall to the North and framing the business district with time in architecture. Other buildings of note a the former home of the Grapevine Sun, the Torain Log Cabin and a one-room jailhouse known as the Grapevine Calaboose, where unfortunate lawbreakers were once held.

Surely they would have rather been in your position, on the outside looking in.

By Eric Miller

July is the month for Summer Nights at the Gazebo in Grapevine. This past week the event featured a talent show and art exhibit. The weather was particularly warm, but a good crowd was on hand for the art exhibits and talent show.

On arrival a number of artists were set up in Liberty Park near the log cabin. The paintings included a variety of subjects and even some glass and metal art. The exhibit is one of the events sponsored each year by the Grapevine Art Project. The mission of the Grapevine Art Project is to enlist a broad cross section of the community to support the visual arts through programs and events at unique local venues, with the objective of developing a recognized Grapevine regional art destination.

Each artist had chosen a few of their favorites from the selection they displayed for sale, and visitors were encouraged to vote for favorites among them. Artists Lindsay Dunnagan and Shelly Burden were the winners, but the town and its visitors receive the most from the talent that comes together at this event.

The main event for the organization is an art show in October. There’s also talk of establishing an art museum in Grapevine.

If you missed last Friday’s event, there are two more chances to participate in Grapevine Summer Nights. July 23 will feature Art in the Park, more great art from talented community artists. Then it’s Western Night July 30, so dust off your boots for this one.

When you’re finished downtown, don’t forget fireworks every Friday evening from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. The fireworks are a lot of fun to watch from a boat on the lake or from any of the area lake parks.

By Eric Miller

I can’t think of a better way for a town or municipality to celebrate a new millennium than to establish something likely to blossom for another hundred years — a botanical garden. Located in Heritage Park on Ball Street, Grapevine’s botanical garden (established in 2000) boasts a great lawn, a garden court, performance stage, amphitheater seating, a gazebo, annual color planting areas and perennial beds — all told, it’s more than 250 different species of plants. There’s also an 8,500 gallon water garden complete with two bridges, a waterfall, aquatic plants and a koi and goldfish pond. Few towns the size of Grapevine are lucky to have attractions such as this.

Each time I visit the garden I find photographers snapping away. It’s a popular location for weddings, graduations and other special events, making it one of the most photographed locations in Grapevine. It’s also a great place to read, paint, draw or just look at nature.

The Botanical Garden at Heritage Park is simply one of the most beautiful and serene places in Grapevine, and it’s a place for residents and visitors alike to find respite from commerce and traffic. Admission is free, and the gardens are open from dawn until dusk, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Docent-led tours are also available and can be arranged using this form.

It’s one of the attractions here you won’t want to miss on your next trip. There’s also considerable room for expansion making it likely the gardens will continue to grow bigger and better year after year. In a short while, however, it won’t be Grapevine’s only botanic-related attraction. Plans are underway to construct a monumental walled Chinese Garden; check back here for more on that in the future.

By Eric Miller

This weekend the bandstand in downtown Grapevine was decked out for the 4th of July holiday. With the anticipation of celebration in mind, the festive atmosphere provided the perfect backdrop for my first visit to the Grapevine Farmer’s Market.

Were I celebrating with a summer picnic, the market would provide a fresh supply of red and blue to create a scrumptious centerpiece. These strawberries, blueberries and blackberries are all grown in the Lone-Star state. I came for the atmosphere as much as anything, but picked up some butter squash and fresh black-eyed peas as a bonus.

I had never had a black-eyed pea, and just now learned that this southern favorite is actually a bean and not a pea. Luckily the farmer at the market was able to offer information on how to cook black-eyed peas. It was relatively simple, just cover with water, add some oil and garlic and simmer for about an hour.

If you’re visiting Grapevine, you may not be up to carrying black-eyed peas home, but nonetheless, the market is a great place to get a taste of Texas-grown fruit. Samples of fresh watermelon and peaches are the perfect refreshment on a trip to Grapevine’s Main Street. There is also locally produced olive oil, jams, honey and sauces available.

Also, don’t miss the popular, open-air Grapevine Market one block north of the bandstand, across from City Hall. Here you can find an eclectic array of items including handmade jewelry, distinctive home décor, quality antiques and more.

Grapevine Farmers Market: Thurs.-Fri., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through October 30.
Grapevine Market: Thurs.-Sat., 9 a.m.-noon through October 30.

By Eric Miller

One of the stops on the Grapevine Visitors Shuttle is the Grapevine Antique Mall. As a visitor, you might not be able to take furniture home with you, but the mall is filled with paintings, porcelain, glass, clothing and collectibles that can all easily stow away in your trunk or carry-on. And if you're like me, you would rather bring home gifts a little less typical than the ordinary t-shirt and mug.

The Grapevine Antique Mall is a good place to look for an out-of-the-ordinary souvenier. My friend was visiting from California and we stopped into the Grapevine Antique Mall. He picked up a small painting for his condo that will remind him of his trip to Texas and never get relegated to the back of the cupboard. It's the kind of item you know you're going to buy when you see it — a much easier decision than trying to figure out which refrigerator magnet you prefer. And if a real Texas souvenier is what you're after, never fear because you'll find plenty of Lone Star State antiques in the mall, such as an old Texas state flag.

It's not uncommon to hear the sound of guitar strumming in this antiques mall. Just one of the things that makes Grapevine Antique Mall a must-see on your visit is the collection of more than 150 guitars and amplifiers on the second floor. All are available for purchase, and you'll often hear visitors testing out the wares.

Bright, spacious and well decorated, 120 dealers and 20,000 square feet of shopping mean you won't want to leave Grapevine without stopping in.

Grapevine Antique Mall: 1621 W. Northwest Highway, Grapevine, TX. 817-329-2124. www.grapevineantiquemall.com. Click here for shuttle information.