Grapevine is one of the oldest
settlements in Texas and as such it's sites and attractions
chronicle the state's history in a unique way. Simultaneously the
city manages to be thoroughly modern with more than 200 restaurants
and 20 hotels (see Gaylord Texan)
designed to fit every taste and budget. Grapevine is located a few
miles from Dallas Forth Worth Airport (DFW) entrance and is a great
destination, hub for travel throughout the state or day trip from
the airport. Organized tours are available from DFW that are a
perfect adventure during a layover.
https://www.GrapevineTexasUSA.com
In 1843 Sam Houston led a group to
Tah-Wah-Karro Creek, Grape Vine Springs, to open the Texas frontier
for US settlers. Ten regional indigenous nations met and signed a
treaty. Homesteaders immediately poured into the area, largely from
the southern states, bringing their slaves with them. Grape Vine was
established the next year and named after the wild grapes that grew
there.
One of the first sites visitors see is
the 9/11 Flight Attendants Memorial, dedicated on July 4, 2008. Dean
Thompson sculpted the bronze tableau that consists of five figures,
two pilots, two flight attendants and a child clutching a teddy
bear. The 14-ft. figures represent the 33 crew members who lost
their lives on 9/11. The 12-ft., white Texas limestone, base faces
west with the crew's names etched around it. The flights involved
were American flights 11 and 77 and United flights 93 and 175. The
memorial is situated so that it can be seen by DFW flights.
Grapevine's Main Street is a National
Registered Historic District and the 6-block street has more than 60
sites of architectural and historic importance. Many of the
structures date from the early 1900s when brick buildings were
erected in place of existing wooden ones. Highlights of the
self-guided tour are the 1888 building that was once a bank robbed
by Bonnie and Clyde and the Great American West Gallery that
exhibits more than $1-million in western art.
https://www.greatamericanwestgallery.com
There is debate about Bonnie and Clyde's
participation in the bank robbery but there is no doubt about the
events on Easter, April 1934. Bonnie's mother lived in Dallas and
the gang drove through the area often. On this Sunday they parked
their car, reasons are unclear, and were approached by two troopers.
They killed both men. The Wheeler-Murphy Monument has been placed at
the site.
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| Bonnie and Clyde |
The relocated Grapevine Calaboose,
Spanish for dungeon, is located on Main Street and was in use from
1909 until the 1950s. This one-room, stone, jail was used for
overnight incarceration until felons could be transported to a
larger facility. Members of Clyde's gang were held here. It is
considered the best-preserved original "calabozo" in the nation.
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calaboose |
Grapevine's shiniest gem is its 75-ft. tall Glockenspiel clock tower over the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Twice daily two 9-ft. cowboys exit the doors and reenact Nat Barrett and Willy Majors' train robbery and gunfight complete with animation and dialog. Computers select the winner. Best views are obtained from a viewing plaza across the street.
The railroad came to Grapevine at the end
of the 19th-century and the spirit of that experience
continues with rides aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad on the
Cotton Belt Route. An 1896 steam locomotive is one of two vintage
locomotives that pull the Victorian coaches. Special events, wine
tours and rentals are regularly scheduled.
https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/grapevine-vintage-railroad
The Settlement to City Museums is a
complex that consists of three facilities that interpret individual
aspects of Grapevine history and culture. Inside the 1888 Keeling
House a museum, through a series of dioramas, artifacts and
memorabilia, displays the city's story from pioneer to present. The
1900 Donald Schoolhouse portrays the story of education on the
prairie. A 1910 house is the site of the Grapevine Cotton
Ginner's Museum. Texas Cotton was once an important crop and the
museum tells its story with both hands-on and static exhibits.
https://www.Grapevinemuseums.org
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museums |
Gaylord Texan Resort is a clear choice
for any visit to Grapevine. Situated on Grapevine Lake, the hotel
offers luxurious accommodations and nearly 5-acres of indoor gardens
and water features. Guestrooms offer a full menu of amenities and
guests can avail themselves of a world-class fitness center and the
services at the on-site Relâche Spa & Salon. The Gaylord is a
destination hotel and they are renowned for their spectacular
holiday decorations and presentations including "Lone Star
Christmas." Highlights of the Christmas season are more than
2-million lights and the "On the Blocks" ice bar for guests 21 and
older.
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dalgt-gaylord-texan-resort-and-convention-center
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| Gaylord Resort |
Grapevine was named a "World Festival &
Event City" in 2012. The city puts on events, fairs shows, parades
and festivals throughout the year and 40 days at year's end it is
known as the Christmas Capital of Texas hosting more than 1-million
visitors.
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Tolbert's |
Do not leave the area before stopping at
Tolbert's for a bowl of their award-winning chili. For 50 years this
restaurant has been wowing locals and visitors alike.
A 60-minute drive south of Dallas takes
you to the city of Waco, once the site of a Waco Indian settlement.
The Waco Indians were forced from their land by the Cherokee in the
early 1800s and shortly there after the Texas Rangers established a
fort. Fort Fisher was soon vacated and in 1844 Torrey's Trading Post
No. 2 opened. Additional people began moving into the area and in
1849 the first black resident, a free man named Armstead Ross,
arrived and helped built the first house in the town. #explorewaco
It should be noted that historians state
that nonindigenous Texas history begins with North African
Estevanico who was part of the 1520s Spanish expeditionary forces
and later crossed the territory alone. Under Spanish rule Texas'
population was 15% black and in 1836, when Texas became a republic,
there were 13,000 people of African descent.
Most early Waco citizens were either born
in the southern states or were native Texans and the city, as the
state, was firmly on the Confederate side. After the war Waco felt
the economic impact of the loss of enslaved labor. Waco recovered as
part of the Chisholm Trail, a route used by cowboys to herd the
cattle to stockyards and railheads. The city became a transportation
hub and supply point for cattlemen and settlers heading further
west.
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bridge plaque |
Waco Suspension Bridge was built in 1870
and was the first single-span suspension bridge to cross the Brazos
River. The 1870 bridge is 475-ft. long has been free since 1889 and
in 1971 it was closed to traffic. Panoramic views of the city can be
obtained from the middle of the bridge. It was placed on the
National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
Bridge
Located on the north side of the bridge
is a bronze sculptural diorama, "Branding the Brazos," that depicts
life on the trails that ran in or near Waco, the Chisholm, Shawnee
and Western Trails. The three figures represent the groups that
drove the cattle, a Hispanic vaquero and an African American and a
European. The men are based on actual cowboys and such attention has
been paid to detail that their saddles are tooled, the vaquero dons
a bandolier and the spurs spin. The figures are larger than life and
there are more than a dozen steer strung out along the walkway, each
weighing 1,200-lbs.
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Brazos Sculpture |
A great path for touring is the 7-mile Waco Riverwalk that winds beside the Brazos, past Baylor University and through downtown. Baylor University red brick buildings make up one of the world's most beautiful campuses. The science building, the largest academic building on a college campus, is in the shape of a bear claw. The garage is so fancy that is called known as Garage Mahal and the $267-million McLane Stadium is on a lake. https://www.baylor.edu
Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of HGTV's
"Fixer Upper," are based in Waco. Waco Tours gives a fun and
informative tour that relates city history and visits homes that
were featured on the show. One of the most visited places in the
city Magnolia Market, a retail experience designed by the Gaines.
Adjacent to the market is the Silo Bakery Company serving phenomenal
baked goods. Waco-tours.com
A park in Waco honors hometown Doris
"Dorie" Miller, the Navy cook who became a hero at Pearl Harbor.
Efforts are underway to build a memorial. https://www.dorismillermemorial.org
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Dr Pepper |
In 1885 Waco pharmacist Charles "Doc"
Alderton created Dr. Pepper, a carbonated soft drink and in 1904 the
drink was served to millions at the St. Louis World's Fair. It
remains the oldest major manufacturer of soft drink concentrates and
syrups in the nation. The Dr. Pepper Museum related the history of
the soft drink through restored vehicles, soda wagons and a 7 up
bottling line.(More
about musuem) Must stops include the gift shop and soda fountain.
https://www.drpeppermuseum.com
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Texas Ranger Museum Sign |
Texas Ranger Museum |
If you have ever seen a western then the
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum is for you. The museum interprets
ranger history from their beginning in 1823 to the present with more
than 14,000 artifacts in 7 galleries. They are the oldest state law
enforcement agency in the country. Self-guided tours begin with a
45-minute film and continue with a timeline, artworks, rogues'
gallery and pop culture icons the Lone Ranger and Walker Texas
Ranger. https://www.texasranger.org
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Texas Ranger Museum diorama |
There are three female Texas Rangers,
their average age is 42 and there is no forced retirement. The iconic
hat can be white or fawn and are most often purchased from Master
Hatters of Texas. The tour ends with the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame.
There are 30 honorees, all deceased.
https://www.masterhatters.com
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Mammoth Site sign |
President Obama designated Waco Mammoth
Paleontological Site and Museum a national monument, the only site
of its type in the world, in 2015. Approximately 65,000-years ago a
natural event, probably a flash flood, killed a nursery herd of
Columbian Mammoths. The site was discovered in 1978 and excavated
1984-2001.
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| A mammoth |
Two of the ten acres have been excavated and 24 mammoths and other Ice Age mammals can be viewed in situ. The female herd surrounded their babies for babies for protection. Camels, once indigenous to N. America, were found on the periphery of the herd. Mammoths had no real predators and poor vision. Camels were vulnerable, had good vision and could sound a loud warning. The camels were allowed to accompany the herd in a trade-off. The exhibition building has an elevated walkway for viewing from all angles and an accurate mural on the rear wall details the event. This is a singular attraction. (More about Mammoth Site)
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mammoth bones |
Homestead Heritage Traditional Crafts
Village focuses on artisan and agrarian pursuits on 520-acres. The
complex features heritage barns, a 1760's gristmill, a forge, craft
shops and Cafe Homestead. The village teaches traditional crafts
including furniture making. (More
about Homestead Heritage)
https://www.homesteadheritage.com
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| Homestead Heritage carpentry class |
Before heading out of Waco, visit Vitek's, home of the Cooking Channel's #1 Best College Eats winner, the Gut Pak, layers of beans, brisket, corn chips, onions, pickles, sausage, and jalapenos peppers. The experience is unforgettable.www.viteksbbq.com
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Vitek |
When you think West, think Waco. https://www.wacoheartoftexas.com
Granbury, Texas, in Hood County, is scenic, historic and filled with dining options, shopping opportunities and outdoor activities. It is also unique as a destination because Granbury is notorious for the number of sites believed to be haunted and the number of famous, quirky, residents who have called it home. The earliest of these notable residents were dinosaurs who lived near an ancient ocean.
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| Texas |
Dinosaur Valley State Park allows views of some of the nation's best-preserved fossilized footprints. Prints can be seen in limestone layers near the Paluxy River. The Taylor Site within the park has been the scene of controversy because of what appears to be "man tracks" beside the dinosaur tracks. This has been used as proof that dinosaurs lived alongside humans. Reputable scholars state they lived 60-million years apart. The park also has hiking, swimming, camping and biking. https://www.paleo.cc/paluxy/dvsp
The first humans to settle the area were
Native Americans and it was they that the first nonindigenous
settlers encountered in 1854. At that time the area was the edge of
"civilization." It was on the deadline and settlers who crossed the
Brazos were in Comancheria, land of the Comanche. The land was given
to the families of those who fought in the 1836 Texas Revolution. In
1846 representatives met with area tribes atop Comanche Peak to
inform them that Texas was now a state and they no longer controlled
the land. Comanche Peak, 1,100-1,200-ft. tall, was traditionally a
sacred meeting place and a site for smoke signals.
Forty-acres on the Brazos River were
given in 1866 to plot the town and it was named for a Confederate
general. A 16' X 16' log cabin Hood County Courthouse was built on
the square followed by a 2-story stone structure. After the
first two burned a Second Empire courthouse was constructed in 1890
for $40,000. The 3-story courthouse was made of Brazos limestone
with an illuminated clock tower. The working Seth Thomas clock is
still hand wound. The courthouse is listed on the National Register.
Granbury Courthouse
Elizabeth Crockett, widow of Davy, moved
to the area with her family to settle on the 1,280-acres awarded to
Davy for his wartime service. Elizabeth died there in 1860 and is
buried 5-miles from the town square in Acton State Historic Site in
what is the smallest state park in Texas. The park measures
.01-acres and the gravesite is 12' X 21'. A 28-ft. monument of a
female pioneer marks the grave. Directional signs lead to her grave
in the cemetery and an interpretive plaque gives information.
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| Nutt House |
Granbury Ghosts and Legends Tour is a
wonderful way to see the historic district, learn about the
characters who lived there and those who have refused to leave.
Earlier era authentically clad guides lead you on a 90-minute
walking tour that departs from the Nutt Hotel on the town square.
The spirits of Granbury have been featured on Discovery Channel's
"Ghost Lab" and there are ongoing ghost investigations. The city
hosts an annual Paranormal Festival and Frommer's has rated this one
of the top seven ghost tours in the country.
www.granburytours.com
Two blind brothers erected the Nutt House
in the 1860s as a log mercantile store. In 1891 they built the
limestone structure you see today. Businessmen began to stay
overnight and the store became known as the Nutt Hotel. It is now a
B&B with stunning architectural features. The hotel is said to be
haunted by Sudie Nutt who ran the hotel.
https://www.nutthousehotelgranbury.com
The Old Hood County Jail is a tour
highlight. The original log jail was built overlooking the Brazos
River in the 1850s. A 50' square limestone building replaced it in
1886 and was in use until 1978. Ironically no one was ever executed
there because the ne prior legal execution so horrified the citizens
that they never had another. The sheriff lived in the four rooms on
the first-floor, the second floor housed a cell for women and the
gallows and men were in cages in a different section. Meals were
prepared in a separate kitchen in the rear. Exhibits are on view in
a small museum. Ghost hunting groups often lead investigations here.
Old Jail
Historic Granbury Opera House dates from
1886 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as
is the complete town square. Originally named the Kerr Opera House,
the theater was on the second level and was used by touring
companies. The theater has been restored and has such features as
dual curving staircases and an imported chandelier.
Granbury Opera House
The ghost of the opera house is a man
named John St. Helen who mysteriously appeared in the town after the
Civil War. In spite of a pronounced limp he acted and taught
theater. It was said that he drank on only one day a year, April 14th,
the date of Lincoln's assassination. At one point he became very
ill. On what he thought was his deathbed he confessed that he was,
in truth, John Wilkes Booth. He recovered and left town. People have
both seen and heard him walking in the balcony.
Booth
In 1951 the 103-year old J. Frank Dalton
died in Granbury. It was believed by many that he was Jesse James as
he claimed. Identifying marks included 33 bullet wound scars, a
noose scar and burns on his feet. He was buried in Granbury Cemetery
as Jesse W. James. In 2002 papers were filed to exhume the remains
for DNA testing. They disinterred the wrong body.
Jesse James
Bonnie and Clyde liked the town so much
they ate lunch at a restaurant on the square. There are now many
more places to choose from and locals voted for the Rib Shack. You
can eat-in or take-out the "Best BBQ in Hood County."
https://www.ribshacktxgranbury.com
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| Rib Shack |
Granbury is a great destination with a
"spirited" twist. Get to know Texas in a different way.
https://www.visitgranbury.com