Folks sometimes find themselves on vacation and business, given Grapevine’s location from Dallas-Fort Worth. The lone star state of Texas has sprawling metropolitans. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, look no further than Grapevine! This charming town is known as the Christmas Capital of Texas. From shopping at the Grapevine Mills outlet mall to visiting the Discovery Center to exploring Nash Farms, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant town. Don’t forget to check out the SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium, the Grapevine Botanical Gardens, and -the wineries and numerous tasting rooms – all must-sees while in town.
SEE ALSO: 37 Top Things To Do In Waco, Texas
20 Top Things To Do In Grapevine TX
Grapevine is three hours from Austin – we went to Waco for a couple of days and then drove up to Grapevine. Fly into DFW and be minutes away from the Grapevine Historic Main Street, where you’ll likely be spending most of your time.
Main Street
Main Street Grapevine is the the heart of Grapevine and you’ll find a festive place to environment any day of the year doing both indoor and outdoor activities. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to explore and entertainment options like live music and theater performances. You can also find some great deals at the various boutiques and stores. Be sure to check out the calendar of special events to see what’s happening during your visit. Grapevine Glockenspiel Clock Tower is picturesque and provides a central focal point of historic downtown Grapevine.
Beyond food and shopping, Grapevine is also home to a number of art galleries and museums. The Grapevine Heritage Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the city, while the Art Deco Society Gallery features a variety of vintage and contemporary pieces. If you’re looking for something a little more hands-on, the Interactive Art Park is perfect for kids of all ages. Those interested in art deco from the 1940s will appreciate popping into Palace Arts Center, which hosts Palace Theatre and Lancaster Theatre. If you’d like a Wild West story, head over to Texas Star Dinner Theater for some mystery, comedy, and a meal.
Stay at Hotel Vin
Steps from the downtown scene, I checked into Hotel Vin, an iconic luxury boutique set against Main Street. Tucked into the historic district, it is characterized by 19th- and 20th-century architecture. The space hosts both local and international guests. Located across Harvest Hall, Hotel Vin is home to a sprawling food scene that spills onto Main Street and the lively wine bar.
A stay at Hotel Vin is not complete without a visit to the on-site wine bar, which features a rotating selection of over 50 different wines. The perfect place to unwind after a long day exploring the city, the wine bar also offers small plates and charcuterie boards.
If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, Harvest Hall or step out onto Main. As Grapevine’s only luxury boutique hotel, Hotel Vin offers an unmatched level of service and style. The rooms are thoughtfully designed and appointed with top-of-the-line amenities, while the staff is always available to attend to your needs. Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, a stay at Hotel Vin is sure to make your visit to Grapevine unforgettable.
215 E Dallas Rd, Grapevine, TX 76051, hotelvin.com
Harvest Hall
Harvest Hall is a beautiful European-style food hall as part of Hotel Vin. The hall is perfect for a casual or romantic date night. The lunch menu offers something for everyone, and the dinner menu features seasonal favorites. The hall also has a large selection of wine and beer. Live music is often a feature in the evening hours. At the top of the observation tower is a 150-foot lookout. Enjoy panoramic views of Grapevine Historic Downtown and the surrounding area.
215 E Dallas Rd, Grapevine, TX 76051,
Wine tasting on Main Street Grapevine
Grapefest is held every September and is host to the largest wine festival in the region. The city hosts over 400 wineries and many other events, including Jazz Wine Trains in April/May, New Vintage Wine and Gallary Trail in April, Hallo-Wine Trail in October, and Christmas Wine Trains in December. While Grapevine is great for singles and couples, it’s also perfect for group getaways.
Grapevine, Texas, is home to some of the best wine in the country, over 40 wineries, and countless tasting rooms! Whether you’re a red wine lover or a white wine enthusiast, we have something for everyone.
Most visitors (and locals) will hit Main Street for some wine tasting. Popular wineries in the area include:
- Messina Hof Winery – One of the most famous wineries in Texas, Messina Hof is known for its award-winning wines and beautiful grounds.
- Landon Winery – Known for its friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere, Landon Winery is a great place to enjoy a glass of wine with friends.
- Bull Lion Winery – A family-run winery with a focus on sustainable and organic practices, Bull Lion offers a selection of red, white, and rose wines.
- Sloan & Williams Winery – A newer winery with a modern style, Sloan & Williams offers a variety of red and white wines. *I didn’t visit this last one but would have if I had time. After a few glasses, you kind of just end up moving to a bottle leaving you little time to go to the next stop.
There are many other great wineries in the area, so be sure to explore at least a few. No matter which winery you choose, you’re sure to have a great time tasting all that Grapevine has to offer!
Grapevine Vintage Railroad
While on Main Street, be sure to take the excursion on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, which takes you east to west from Main Street to Fort Worth Stockyards. This short ride will get you an experience on Victorian-fashioned coaches, and if you’re visiting in the summer, don’t worry; these are air-conditioned. If you’re there between late November and December, you can ride the North Pole Express, a special railroad event decorated for Christmas.
707 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051, fortworthstockyards.com/attractions/grapevine-vintage-railroad/
Pie Workshop at JudyPie
JudyPie is a small, family-owned vintage pie shop that makes all of its pies from scratch. They are especially well-known for their delicious crust, which often results in people booking their Thanksgiving pies weeks in advance. On Wednesday evenings, they host PIE BINGO with the option of a full dinner of chicken pot pie or shepherd’s pie. JudyPie is definitely the place to go for anyone looking for a bite!
520 S. Main St., Ste. 200, Grapevine, judypie.com
Charcuterie class at YaYaYum Boards
I wanted to pop into YaYaYum Boards, thinking I’d grab a charcuterie board to bring to Lake Grapevine for a picnic. But when I found out they had a schedule and I wouldn’t be able to get level up my charcuerie skills, I was a bit disappointed. In the end, I got myself a deluxe cheese + charcuterie board to go with my drive back to Austin.
112 E Texas St, Grapevine, TX 76051, yayayumboards.com
Esparza’s Restaurante Mexicano
When you’re in North Texas, there will be no shortage of Tex Mex cuisine and beautiful happy hours with margaritas. Esparza’s Restaurante Mexicano is the perfect menu to fix the Mexican craving. The restaurant is known as the Margarita Capital of Texas, so it’s best to stick to the playbook and order the margarita.
124 E Worth St, Grapevine, TX 76051, esparzastexas.com
Farina’s Winery & Cafe
Farina’s Winery & Cafe is a solid choice for those looking for a great Italian meal downtown. I popped in for lunch hungry, had the spaghetti and a pizza, and strayed away from wine this time, drinking a frozen sangria. Prompt service and a hearty meal had me smiling but needing a walk. Remember, Happy Hour is from Monday to Friday between 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm, and flatbread pizzas are 50% off.
420 S Main Street, Grapevine, TX 76051, farinaswinery.com
Magnum Room
Magnum Room naturally has a phone booth entrance. Entering, you’ll be transformed into a Roaring 1920s-era theme with leather sofas and a Prohibition-style drink menu. With speakeasy bars trending in North Texas, it is nice to see experience an expensive drink once in a while. A Magnum Margarita sets you back $40 while a Gold Fashioned. This unique cocktail menu has a seasonal rotation and top-shelf spirits. If nothing strikes your fancy, ask for the Dealer’s Choice. These bartenders will whip something right up whether you’re looking for the first drink of your weekend or capping off the night, you won’t be disappointed. Come dress to impress it’s a fancy 18-seat cocktail set-up.
Hours are Friday and Saturday, 5:00 pm-12:00am
Bacchus Kitchen + Bar
If you’re looking for a delicious, upscale restaurant, look no further than Bacchus Kitchen + Bar. This restaurant is located inside Hotel Vin, and offers a wide variety of dishes that will satisfy any palate. Whether you’re looking for a juicy burger for lunch or a seafood feast for dinner, Bacchus Kitchen + Bar has you covered. I opted for the Seared Bay of Fundy Salmon, which was cooked to perfection, and threw back a couple of Pinot over Happy Hour. So if you’re looking for something to wet your whistle, they also have a full bar with an extensive wine list. Whatever the occasion may be, head over to Bacchus Kitchen + Bar and enjoy a meal.
215 E Dallas Rd, Grapevine, TX 76051
Pax & Bmenefica
Pax & Bmenefica is a must-go for coffee lovers. This Turkish coffee shop roasts their own beans on-site, so you know the coffee its fresh. When you walk in, the smell of the beans engages the senses after an evening of wine and tasting rooms. The atmosphere was perfect for relaxing and taking a break from work or school. If you miss out on this trip, they have other locations in North Texas- Las Colinas and downtown Forth Worth.
3550 Grapevine Mills Blvd N #100, Grapevine, TX 76051, paxandbeneficia.com
Cafe Italia
If you’re looking for a delicious and refined Italian dining experience, look no further than Cafe Italia in Grapevine. This charming restaurant has been voted the best Italian restaurant in Northeast Tarrant County six years straight, and it’s easy to see why. The food is amazing, and the atmosphere is incredibly inviting. I couldn’t fish my Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo and was surprised by how much sauce they gave. Plus, it’s BYOB, so you can bring your favorite bottle of wine from one of the local wine shops on Main Street.
505 W Northwest Hwy, Grapevine, TX, cafeitalia-grapevine.com
Grapevine Mills
If it’s hot or if it’s cold, you can expect Grapevine Mills to have you covered with its climate-controlled building. This is one of the largest outlet and value retail shopping destinations in the southwest, with over 180 stores. You can find anything from clothing and accessories to home decor and children’s toys. The mall is home to the popular Escape Game, an immersive escape room.
3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy, Grapevine, TX 76051, simon.com/mall/grapevine-mills
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center- Lake Grapevine
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors, Grapevine has several parks that offer hiking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and more. Lake Grapevine is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and boating. There are also several golf courses in the area if you’re looking to tee off. Rentals can be found over at the Silver Lake Marina.
The Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center is a great place to mix family and work. The kids get the 10-acre Paradise Springs waterpark as their playground. The waterpark is complete with waterslides. Leave the children in front of a movie and pop into the Glass Cactus nightclub for a drink. Work can still be happening at this convention center in between all the fun. Conveniently located, the resort runs frequent shuttles for guests to and from DFW airport, a short 7-minute drive.
1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051, marriott.com
Grapevine Botanical Gardens at Heritage Park
For more outdoor activities, hit the bike trails or walk the grounds of a popular pandemic space Grapevine Botanical Gardens at Heritage Park, for locals and tourists alike.
411 Ball St., Grapevine, TX 76051
Nash Farm
If you’ve got young kids, you might opt for a visit to Nash Farm, just 2 minute drive from the botanical gardens. It has animals such as sheep and turkey. The National Register recognized the farm, and is currently being operated as a heritage farm museum. Visitors will learn about Texas prairie homesteading.
626 Ball St Grapevine, TX , 76051
Vetro Glassblowing Studio Vetro
You’ll pass by Vetro Glassblowing Studio Vetro while in downtown. Do yourself a favor and pop in. People of all ages come from all over to watch skilled glassblowers create beautiful works of art. The studio offers classes for all ages, so visitors can learn how to create their own glass art. There is also a gift shop on site where people can purchase pieces created by glassblowers. Perfect for a personalized gift to that special someone.
Interestingly, artists at Vetro recently put in a large installation in June 2022, appropriately named Grapevine, with 1000 plus hand sculpted glass pieces twisted with copper, resulting in 21 sculpted glass spheres representing grapes hanging on vines in the public display.
701 South Main Street, #103 Grapevine, TX 76051, vetroartglass.com
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center
As part of the Dallas/Fort Worth Area, Grapevine is stacked with things to do. For some family fun, check out Legoland Discovery Center. With rides, a 4D Cinema, and LEGO building workshops, there is plenty to keep the little ones entertained. For the adults, you’ll have to wait until you get out, it’s a short stroll to many award-winning wineries and the historic Main Street.
3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, legolanddiscoverycenter.com/dallas-fw/
Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau Headquarters Glockenspiel Clock Tower
While in Grapevine plan to see a train robbery gone wrong. The wild west shows itself each day at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8 p.m; two characters act out the tale of would-be train robbers Nay Barrett and Willy Majors. Set in the 1890s, the two robbers we’re hoping to rob a train carrying $60,000. Come early 5 minutes early to read some background information before the shootout.
636 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051
When to visit Grapevine
There are other things to do in Grapevine, no matter what time of year you visit. During the spring, you can enjoy the blooming flowers and trees, as well as the various festivals and events. The Easter Egg Hunt is a popular event for kids, while the Main Street Wine Walk offers a unique way to experience the local wine scene.
The summer is a great time to visit Grapevine because of the warm weather and abundance of outdoor activities. You can enjoy a day at the park or take a scenic hike through one of the city’s many trails. Kids will enjoy the SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium, the close stingray experience and other encounters with sea creatures and even a sea turtle. To beat the heat family head to the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park. There are also plenty of events happening during the summer, including concerts, theater performances, and fireworks shows.
In the fall, you can enjoy the changing colors of the leaves of North Texas and all of the fall festivals. The Texas Star Ferris Wheel is a popular attraction this time of year, and has plenty of places to get your pumpkin fix. The Thanksgiving Parade is always a fun event to watch, and it’s followed by an annual tree lighting ceremony.
The winter is a great time to visit Grapevine if you’re looking for some family-friendly fun. You can enjoy a day at Heritage Park or take a ride on the North Pole Express. For an indoor activity pop into the Grapevine Mills Mall and play the Escape Game. There are also plenty of holiday-themed events happening throughout December, including caroling, ice skating and visits from Santa Claus himself.
