By Jamie Harper
What to do on a long layover at DFW?
Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) airport is so big it has its own zip code. Chances are, if you fly across the country, you will make a stop at the DFW airport. If you have a few hours to kill, DFW provides easy and inexpensive access to the highlights of the area on the new TEXRail system, which was just completed in January 2019.
How to get around
The TEXrail system connects DFW airport to Downtown Fort Worth. It is only $2.50 per ride (or $5 for a day pass). From Terminal B, you can ride the train all the way to Fort Worth and back. The trains run every hour. Find today’s schedule. If you have plenty of time, Fort Worth is a great stop. More on that trip found my personal blog.
On the TEXRail from Terminal B, you can get to Grapevine in only 10 minutes.
Where to go
Grapevine is a historic town in Texas most known for… you guessed it: Grape Vines (i.e Wine). While I am not a wine drinker, I still find their festivals and celebrations to be fun and interesting for the whole family.
This growing town does a great job preserving the old time feel of a Texas prairie town and mixing it with the modern.
From the TEXRail train platform, you can begin walking up Main Street in Grapevine. The first building on your left is the Visitors Information Center.
Learn from an Exhibit at the Visitors Center
Grapevine’s Main Street begins with a free visitors center. Here, there is a rotating exhibit on display as well as information and maps about the area. Every day, every 2 hours from 10-8, there is a “Would-be Train Robbers Performance” in front of the visitors center.
Wander through the Free Settlement-to-City Museums
The free Museum Complex area has several buildings you can enter and explore. Our personal favorite is the schoolhouse with little desks, chalk and chalkboards, and the school primers. My kids love pretending to be in old-time school!
Watch a movie at the Palace Arts Center
Rotating through old time classic films, see if you can fit one into your schedule here.
Shop at the Boutiques and Specialty stores
Main Street Grapevine is lined with shops, from wine to Texas treasures. You’ll enjoy window shopping and might even find something special to take home.
View art from the gazebo in the Town Square
The town square is right in the middle of Main Street. There are tables and chairs as well as a lovely gazebo for relaxing. You’ll find different sculptures and artwork throughout Grapevine Main Street, but especially in the Town Square.
Where to eat in Grapevine
Main Street is lined with good eating options, but in you need a recommendation to narrow it down, here are my favorites. Main Street Bistro and Bakery serves amazing desserts and brunch. Willhoit’s Restaurant has a buffet for a quick and filling bite. Weinberger’s Deli serves amazing sandwiches. Homemade treats, gourmet chocolates, and frozen desserts are plentiful in Grapevine — don’t miss out!
Seasonal Fun in Grapevine
During certain seasons of the year, you can enjoy even more festivities in Grapevine. Main Street Fest is in mid-May, and includes three days of brews and family fun. Grapefest, in September, is a huge wine festival. Christmas in Grapevine is not to be missed, as it is the Christmas Capital of Texas!
If you haven’t already, schedule a long layover in DFW airport. Or better yet, stay awhile and explore all that Texas has to offer!
