GRAPEVINE, Texas — The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is chock full of attractions, whether Dealey Plaza or the Fort Worth Stockyards.
However, one community that many visitors might overlook is the historic community of Grapevine, with a main street that may be among the metroplex’s most charming.
Shoppers can enjoy local shops, while history buffs can explore the city’s past. Then, everyone can come together for a glass of Texas wine and a bite to eat.
Grapevine sits roughly 22 miles from Dallas and Fort Worth, making it an easy side trip, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport partially sits in Grapevine.
Delve into the history
In October 1843, Gen. Sam Houston and Texas commissioners camped at Tah-Wah-Karro Creek. They met with leaders of 10 Indian nations, which resulted in a treaty of “peace, friendship, and commerce,” opening the area for settlement.
The “Peace Circle” statue downtown commemorates the occasion.
The settlement, originally “Grape Vine” because of its location on the Grape Vine Prairie near Grape Vine Springs and because of wild grapes growing in the area, dates to when Texas was still a republic, making it the oldest settlement in Tarrant County.
Many visitors first learn of the community from the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. The heritage railroad whisks riders from downtown Grapevine to the Fort Worth Stockyards.
While the railroad tracks were a lightly used rail corridor a few years ago, they are today part of TEXRail, a commuter rail line between the airport and downtown Fort Worth.
History buffs might want to start with a visit to the Settlement to City Museums, a collection of vintage structures that bring to life Grapevine’s history. From there, they should stop by Bermuda Gold & Silver at 404 S. Main Street.
The jewelry store was once home to Grapevine Home Bank. In 1932, two friends of Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker held up the bank at gunpoint, locking bank officials in the vault as they escaped.
Try the wine
Visitors would be remiss if they didn’t take advantage of the opportunity to try Texas wine. Many of the state’s vineyards are located in western Texas.
However, Bingham Family Vineyards at 620 S. Main Street offers tastings of 100 percent Texas estate-grown and produced wine for anyone looking to find wine from a new terroir.
The drawback is there might not be enough room in the suitcase for souvenirs. In that case, consider joining the wine club.
Stay for dinner
A natural starting point for dining options would be Harvest Hall, a 20,000-square-foot food hall featuring chef-driven concepts. Outside the hall, consider AJ’s on Main, a barbeque joint just across the railroad tracks, or Napoli’s Italian Kitchen & Market, about a half-mile down Main Street.
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