There are many delivery services that will bring you food and drinks, do your grocery shopping for you, and give you a ride to where you need to be for a fee. It’s nice to open your front door and see the things that you have a hankering for as if they magically appeared. As a food and package delivery person, I want to fill you in on the other side of the door.
THE PROCESS:
Picking up and delivering food, groceries, etc. doesn’t sound hard, and for the most part, it isn’t. My task as a driver is to pick up and drop off food ASAP, which I do without issues most of the time. I make sure the order is correct by comparing my information to the receipt on the bag(s). Occasionally, a restaurant employee wants to see the order number from the app, just to make sure I’m not some random chick off the street trying to steal food. I wish more restaurants did that, but I’d estimate that 90% don’t.
Surf’s up this summer in historic Grapevine, Texas! Wax your boards, get ready to hula and come celebrate the dog days of summer on a unique ’60s-themed excursion aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s new Summer Wine Train, presented by Trinity Metro TEXRail.
Beat the heat and enjoy the breeze on this carefree two-hour ride that comes with two glasses of complimentary wine*, individually portioned savory bites (chicken kebabs and Caprese skewers), a souvenir tumbler, and all of your favorite ’60s surfer jams. Check in with your party at the Historic Cotton Belt Depot starting at 6:30 p.m., where train coach seats will be assigned. Then enjoy some delicious ham and pineapple sliders along with pita chips, fresh guacamole, and salsa. Pre-ride platform entertainment will have everyone in your party hula-hoopin’ next to the bean bag toss, a limbo contest, and more fun photo ops. Ukuleles are encouraged!
Boarding will start at 7:15 p.m., with a final boarding call (train doors close) at 7:25 p.m. The train departs at 7:30 p.m., returning approximately two hours later. Tickets are $52 per person and can be purchased here. Appropriate attire required (no swimsuits please).
WHEN: Friday, July 22, 2022 (7:15 p.m. boarding begins)
WHERE: Historic Cotton Belt Railroad District, 705 S. Main St., Grapevine, Texas, 76051
WHO: Ages 21+
*Additional wine will be available for purchase.
About the Grapevine Vintage Railroad
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad, located in the heart of Historic Grapevine, offers a unique experience on authentic, air-conditioned 1920s Victorian coaches. The historic attraction offers more than just standard train rides—throughout the year, guests can discover a variety of special events and excursions including the adults-only Jazz Wine Trains, the annual family-favorite North Pole Express®, or the After Christmas Trains to close out the year, and more.
About Grapevine, Texas
Historic Grapevine, Texas—centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth—is the premiere go-to destination when planning a getaway or vacation in North Texas, providing guests a sophisticated escape from the big city. Step back in time on Historic Downtown Main Street and visit the more than 80 charming locally-owned shops, boutiques, jewelry stores, winery tasting rooms, restaurants, and artisans. Guests can unwind at one of the many award-winning winery tasting rooms, and rest easy at one of the city’s exceptional hotels, like Gaylord Texas Resort & Convention Center or Great Wolf Lodge, which features an indoor water park. Take advantage of recreation on Lake Grapevine as well as over nine miles of wilderness and biking trails. Hop aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad or experience late 19th-century farm life at historic Nash Farm. Whether you enjoy indoor or outdoor activities, Grapevine has something for everyone. For more information, visit GrapevineTexasUSA.com.
Dave Besgrove, the owner of Grape Vine Springs Winery in Grapevine and Cowtown Winery in Fort Worth, didn’t grow up with dreams of becoming a vintner or a ghost hunter. His story is not unlike many others: He graduated college and went right into the corporate world. But then, forces beyond his control altered his life path forever…and ever…and ever.
Have a fiendishly fabulous time during Halloween in Grapevine this October. From train rides and wine trails to scary stories and more, there’s something for Halloween trick-or-treaters of all ages.
Photo Courtesy of Grapevine CVB
Spirited revelers are invited to don their best costumes for a ride aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s Witches Brew Train. During this spook-tacular ride, enjoy two Texas craft brews served in a commemorative mug, deliciously freaky fare of savory bites and spirited entertainment. The Witches Brew Train is $39 per ticket and is open to those 21+ only. This train departs from the Cotton Belt Depot (705 S. Main St.) on Friday, October 29 at 7:30 p.m. Visit www.GVRR.com for details.
Start trick-or-treat early aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s Trick ‘R Treat trains on October 30. Enjoy a Halloween storybook reading, interactive games and a pre-packaged bag of treats. Be sure to wear your favorite costume! These excursions are one-hour long. Trains depart at 10 a.m., Noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets are $16 per person. Visit www.GVRR.com for details.
Ghouls and goblins of all ages will enjoy Bewitched by the Barn at Grapevine’s Historic Nash Farm (626 Ball St.) on Friday, October 22 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. This family-friendly event features stories that become spookier as the night progresses. Guests may also enjoy popcorn and hot cider. Make sure to bring flashlights, chairs and blankets. Admission is $3 per person.
Participate in an All Hallows’ Masquerade at Settlement to City Museums (206 W. Hudgins St.) on Saturday, October 23. Learn Victorian Halloween traditions, make masks and enjoy tricks and treats from 10 a.m. to Noon. Visit www.GrapevineTexasUSA.com for more information.
Grapevine’s Historic Palace Theatre hosts classic Halloween-themed movies all month long. Enjoy dinner at a Grapevine restaurant before the show and receive a free small popcorn with a same-day receipt. Tickets are $6. The Palace Theatre is located in the heart of Historic Downtown Grapevine at 300 S. Main St. The upcoming movie schedule includes:
“Bride of Frankenstein,” Friday, October 1, 7:30 p.m. NR (1935)
“Beetlejuice,” Friday, October 8, 7:30 p.m. Rated PG (1988)
“Dracula,” Saturday, October 9, 4 p.m. NR (1931)
“Young Frankenstein,” Saturday, October 9 7:30 p.m. Rated PG (1974)
“Hocus Pocus,” Saturday, October 16, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Rated PG (1993)
On Saturday, October 30, join Sound Bachs at the Palace Theatre as they play some of the best spooky classic rock songs by artists such as The Doors, The Who, The Rolling Stones and more. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $23 per person.
Little boos and ghouls will enjoy Halloween-themed cartoons and crafts each Tuesday in October at the Lancaster Theatre (300 S. Main St.). Watch Halloween classics such as “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” “Scooby Doo: Mummy Scares Best” and “Garfield’s Halloween Adventure.” Then craft your own ghost door hangers, Halloween picture magnets, pumpkin glasses and more. Cost is $6 per child.
Vetro Glassblowing Studio is firing up the furnace this fall for their Hand-Blown Help Create Pumpkin Workshops, Fridays and Saturdays, October 1 through October 30. Glass artisans will help you create a pumpkin from molten glass. Twist your color to create your own personalized design. Advance reservations are required, ages 12+. Visit www.vetroartglass.com for dates, times and details. 701 S. Main St.
Get into the Halloween spirit on Saturday, October 30 along the “Witch Way to the Wine” Hallo -Wine Trail, presented by Grape Vine Springs Winery (409 S. Main St.). Three wine tastings and food pairings will be offered at each participating winery. This event takes place rain or shine. The trail runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is $50 per person; day of event tickets are $55 per person. Visit https://grapevinewinerytrail.com/ to learn more.
Each Friday and Saturday during October, learn about Grapevine’s paranormal past on the Grapevine Night Watchman Tour, presented by Grape Vine Springs Winery (409 S. Main St.). A blend of hauntings and history, the tour features tales about Main Street, such as the infamous bank robbery of 1932 and a haunted winery tasting room. Beginning at Grape Vine Springs Winery, the walking tour lasts 90 minutes through Grapevine and concludes with a complimentary glass of wine upon returning to the winery. Group tours available. Visit https://www.grapevinespringswinery.com/ or call 817.329.1011 for days and times.
Meet a cast of wily characters and try to figure out whodunnit as the Texas Star Dinner Theater (816 S. Main St.) performs “Dead, Dead on the Range” on Saturday, October 30. The town is bustling with elections, cattle drives, promises of a railroad, and murder! Horace Grimsby, the wealthiest Cattle Baron in Texas, has been found dead and it’s up to Marshal Jim Courtright to bring the killer to justice. Did the Mayoral nominee Roger “Rooster” Montebank get involved in an election scandal? Could the lead reporter for the International Inquisitor, Barbara Wawas, have made her own headlines? Perhaps Buster Beggs, the gentle sheep herder, was bullied by the bull king one too many times. Or was his wife, Emma Grimsby, tired of marriage and looking to get rich quick? Tickets are $59.95 + tax per person. Visit https://www.texasstardinnertheater.com/ for tickets.
Have a BOO-tiful time all October long at LEGOLAND ® Discovery Center. Their Brick-or-Treat event invites you to build your own haunted house, create your own DOTS bracelet or take a photo with a 6-foot-tall Jack-O-Lantern. Venture through MINILAND to spot skeletons, monsters, trick-or-treaters and more! On weekends help Master Model Builder, Thad, build a Dracula Big Build ® . For more information, visit LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com/DallasFW. Grapevine Mills (3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy).
For a frightfully good time, see divers carve pumpkins underwater at SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium every Sunday and Wednesday in October, starting Sunday, October 10. Learn spooky fish facts at the aquarium’s several underwater Halloween adventures. VisitSeaLife.com/Grapevine for details. Grapevine Mills (3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy).
Gather your favorite ghouls and goblins and enjoy festive Halloween fun all weekend long at Grapevine’s many cafés, bistros and restaurants. Live music at various venues along Main Street will get you in the mood to shake, rattle and roll!
Stay at the Gaylord Texan Resort and enjoy family-friendly fun at their second annual Goblins & Giggles event that runs through October 31. Join in for Ghost Stories LIVE! where you become part of a spooky, interactive Texas ghost story. Participate in other events such as the Trick or Treat Expedition where you will experience a world of Halloween fun, Hide & Seek Scavenger Hunts with Spookley the Square Pumpkin, the Goblin & Giggles Art Studio and more. For details on events and reservations, visit https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/offer/goblins-and-giggles-package/654/.
Great Wolf Lodge invites guests to a month of Halloween-themed fun with a variety of fab-BOO-lous events and treats to celebrate the spooky season. Enjoy a game like Howl-o-Ween Trivia or Boo Bingo. Create spooky creations with craft kits or flex and stretch during a Halloween-themed yoga class. Put on your costume for trick-or-treat adventures and the Monster Bash Dance Party. Visit https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/listing/great-wolf-lodge/8/ for more details.
Across the state of Texas, October is known as Texas Wine Month, a 31-day-long celebration of Texas wines and the Texas Wine Industry. Texas is the fifth-largest wine-producing state in the nation with more than 400 wineries and over 5,000 acres of producing vineyard farmland. Grapevine, a trendsetter in wine culture and a leader in the wine industry, is home to the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association, as well as seven winery tasting rooms and award winning, wine-centric festivals and events.
Wine enthusiasts are invited to celebrate Texas Wine Month in Historic Grapevine, which kicks off with the 38th AnnualLone Star International Wine Competition, and the Nash FarmHarvest Moon Supper(NOTE: This event has been delayed because of weather. The event is now scheduled for October 7) featuring Bull Lion Ranch and Vineyard Wines. Additional wine activities include the Urban Wine Trail, the “Witch Way to the Wine” tour, Grapevine Wine Tours and more.
Raise a glass and celebrate wine at Grapevine’s 35th Annual GrapeFest – A Texas Wine Experience , presented by Bank of the West, September 16, 17, 18 and 19. This year’s theme, Texas Wine: Come and Taste It! invites you to sip your way through delicious wines from Texas and from guest wineries from South Australia’s Barossa Valley and California’s Napa Valley. For up-to-the-minute schedule and event information, visit GrapeFest.com.
Today (Thursday) ONLY: FREE ADMISSION! 11am – 9pm
Special Event:
Thursday, September 16:
Sister Cities Friendship Hall dedication takes place at 11:30 a.m. at the Settlement to City Museums, located at 206 W. Hudgins St. This new community and event venue features artifacts and photographs of Grapevine’s Sister Cities: Parras de la Fuente, Mexico; Krems, Austria; and West Lothian, Scotland.
FESTIVAL EVENTS
People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic, the largest consumer-judged wine competition in the nation, features more than 30 Texas wines and is located at the Cotton Belt Railroad District (705 S. Main St.).
Thursday, September 16: VIP Session at 5 p.m.; Session 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, September 17: 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 18: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, September 19: 1 p.m., 3 p.m. Awards Presentation at 5 p.m.
Champagne Terrace, sponsored by DFW Hilton Lakes features champagne and sparking wine under the shade of the oak trees and is the ideal setting to enjoy a glass of premium bubbly. Champagne Terrace is located in Weem’s Alley (between Palace Arts Center and City Hall).
Thursday, September 16: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, September 17: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday, September 18: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday, September 19: Noon to 6 p.m.
GrapeStomp invites teams of two tow stomp 18 pounds of grapes for two minutes to see how much grape juice they can produce. Winners earn the highly- coveted Purple Foot Award. GrapeStomp located at Main Street and Wall Street.
Thursday, September 16: every half hour 4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., daily Stomp-Off at 8 p.m.
Friday, September 17: every half hour 2 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., daily Stomp-Off at 8 p.m.
Saturday, September 18: every half hour 2 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., daily Stomp-Off at 8 p.m.
Sunday, September 19: every half hour 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., daily Stomp-Off 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 19: Grand Champion Stomp-Off at 4 p.m.
Mayoral GrapeStomp occurs on Sunday, September 19 at 11 a.m. and will feature teams from across North Texas.
Champagne Cork Shoot-Off, sponsored by Texas Gun Experience, invites participants to test their accuracy shooting a cork from a champagne bottle.
Liberty Park Plaza Stage: K Ellingson Group – 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Town Square Gazebo Stage: Josh Christopher Davis Band – 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and Chaz Marie Band 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Peace Plaza at Grapevine Main Station: Rob Holbert Group starting at 6 p.m.
Remembering Our Fallen Photographic Memorialby Patriotic Productionsis in Grapevine to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 will be located at Main Street and College Street.
GALLERIES
Tower Gallery at 636 S. Main Street features the “Festival of Grapes” art show.
Faust Event Center hosts the Grapevine Art Project’s “Artists Uncorked.”
FunZone, featuring LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium, Grapevine Escape’s Agency Phone Booth, Corky’s Gaming Bistro’s ax throwing game and more.
Draft & Craft Brews
Festival Foods
Live music in Third Rail and on the Rioja Rooftop Terrace inside Hotel Vin
The 35th Annual GrapeFest – A Texas Wine Experience opens on Thursday, September 16 at 11 a.m. Admission for everyone is free all day on Thursday. Festival hours are Thursday, September 16 from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday, September 17 from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Saturday, September 18 from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; and Sunday September 19 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Admission prices are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors (62+) and children (6-12). Admission is free for children 5 and under. Credit cards and cash will be accepted at booths and various locations throughout the festival. Paper coupons will be used throughout the festival for various purchases and activities. For more information, call the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau at 817-410-3185 or visit GrapeFest.com.
Celebrate Texas wine and participate in the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic at the 35th Annual GrapeFest, presented by Bank of the West on September 16 – 19. This year’s theme, Texas Wine: Come and Taste It! invites you to sip your way through delicious wines from Texas.
One of the signature and most popular GrapeFest events, The People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic, is the largest consumer-judged wine competition in the United States and features more than 30 Texas wineries pouring more than 130 wines. The competition offers eleven 90-minute sessions throughout the weekend, with wines being judged in 10 categories. Winners are announced and awards are presented on Sunday, September 19 at 5 p.m. in the People’s Choice Pavilion at its new location in the Cotton Belt Railroad District (705 S. Main St.). Cheese offered at this event is donated by Southwest Dairy Farmers. This is a separate ticketed event. Tickets are $23 in advance. Starting at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 16 tickets will be $25. Guests must be 21+ to enter.
New this year is a VIP two-hour tasting on Thursday, September 16 at 5 p.m. for $45 per ticket. This event includes light hors d’oeuvres and a souvenir wine glass.
As the fifth-largest wine producing state in the United States, the Lone Star State’s sunny, dry climate has is ideal for wine production. The first vineyard established in North America began deep in the heart of Texas. In 1662 Franciscan priests planted the first vines, followed by European settlers who planted grapevine cuttings and further developed the Texas wine industry through the 1800s. Today Texas is home to more than 4,000 acres of producing vineyard farmland across diverse wine-growing regions.
The state boasts eight American Viticultural Areas (AVA): Texas High Plains, Escondido Valley, Texas Hill Country, Bell Mountain, Fredericksburg, Mesilla Valley, Texas Davis Mountains and Texoma. Harvest time in Texas is normally around the end of July, two months earlier than in California and three months earlier than most of the wine regions in France.
Texas has 310 wineries that range from small producers who concentrate on tourism for the majority of their sales to large wineries who have developed state, national and international markets. The Texas wine industry contributes more than $1.83 billion in economic impact.
Texas wineries participating in GrapeFest include: Descarado Winery, Landon Winery, Valle della Pace Vineyards & Winery, Llano Estacado Winery, Rancho Loma Vineyards, Tara Vineyard & Winery, LLC, Red Road Vineyard Winery, 4R Ranch Vineyards & Winery, Silver Dollar Winery, Bingham Family Vineyards, Messina Hof Winery, Checkered Past Winery, O’Farrell Country Vineyards, Firelight Vineyards, Lost Oak Winery, Lucky Vines Vineyard & Winery, Bluff Dale Vineyards, Deschain Cellars, Blue OStrich Winery & Vineyard, Haak Vineyards and Winery, Watson Vineyard, Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards, White Fox Vineyards, Four I’s Winery, Bull Lion Ranch & Vineyard and Domaine des Hospitalieres LLC/ H-Wines.
ADMISSION
The 35th Annual GrapeFest opens on Thursday, September 16 at 11 a.m. Admission for everyone is free all day on Thursday. Festival hours are Thursday, September 16 from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday, September 17 from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Saturday, September 18 from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; and Sunday September 19 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Admission prices are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors (62+) and children (6-12). Admission is free for children 5 and under. Credit cards and cash will be accepted at booths and various locations throughout the festival. Paper coupons will be used throughout the festival for various purchases and activities. For more information, call the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau at 817-410-3185 or visit GrapeFest.com.
Airport Cities VFW Post #10454, [Veterans of Foreign Wars] located at 221 N. Main St. in Grapevine, has gone through a couple of facelifts and added some services.
They have added a Canteen with a full menu (curbside pickup available) and a store. Profits go to area VFWs and other veteran-related causes.
The Canteen offers an array of libations, sodas and snacks to enjoy in a friendly atmosphere. They have two pool tables, TVs, free Wi-Fi, games and a jukebox. They have events all through the year and live music on Fridays & Saturdays.
If you are interested in planning an event at the post please contact the Canteen Manager, Tara Robbins, at tararobbins1@gmail.com or 817.451.6768.
About Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW):
The VFW Mission is,”Fraternal, patriotic, historical and educational, to preserve and strengthen comradeship among their members, to assist worthy comrades, to perpetuate the memory and history of their dead and to assist their widows and orphans, to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States of America and fidelity to its Constitution and laws, to foster true patriotism, to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom and to preserve and defend the United States from all her enemies, whomsoever.”
So, come out and sample the Canteen’s menu and let me know what you think in the comments!
Italian restaurant InFretta in Irving held their first drive-thru food giveaway at that location on April 18 in their parking lot. The original location in Plano, which has been open for a year-and-a-half, has been doing the food giveaway every week for weeks.
InFretta partnered with Mama Pita Mediterranean Grill in Plano, Big Guy’s Chicken and Rice in Dallas, and Chameli in Richardson, each sending volunteers to set up, tear down and hand out food to the folks who drove through.
1 Solar Solution also partnered with InFretta, contributing funds for the food. Founder and CEO, Ali Samana, was at the event, handing food to people.
“1 Solar Solution is committed to supporting the local communities that we live and work in. We believe in sponsoring as many events and programs that we can, including local events like this one,” said Samana.
Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer (R) chats with an Irving Police Officer
Even Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer came by to chat with everyone and there was an Irving police presence to make sure everything and everyone was safe.
The food giveaway included all kinds of fried rice and pasta, with dessert being ice cream that was donated by Ked’s Artesian Ice Cream and Treats out of Plano.
InFretta owner Ram Mehta said he was continuing the work of his mother, who passed away a few years ago. He grew up in India, and his mother believed heavily in charity and generosity. Following in his mom’s footsteps, InFretta regularly donates pizzas to Children’s Hospital.
There has been a sign on the front door since the business opened that says anyone who is homeless or hungry and cannot afford food can come in and get a free meal.
“We’ve been giving food to the people who need it since the day we opened this location about seven months ago. The Plano location has been open a year and a half, and we do the same there. It’s just that people are not aware of it,” Mehta said. “Those customers will be treated just like any paying customer. It’s also all over our social media: Free pizza or pasta. If you can’t afford it, no questions asked and no judgement.”
The event provided 4,000 meals to give away.
“We already have 1,800 meals spoken for. Some of our volunteers are delivering them to churches and others that requested food. If the number of meals goes over 4,000, nobody’s going to go hungry. We’ll make more. No problem,” said Mehta.
Several businesses partnered up with Mehta, donating money, food and volunteers.
“I partnered up with Ram and his team because he was doing something to give back to the community, and we thought we’d support him and try to stand with him and see how we can make him stronger, as well as take care of the people in the community,” said Zaid Beyan, Co-Owner of Sara’s Market and Bakery in Richardson.
InFretta Owner Ram Mehta delivers food to a customer
“There are a lot of people out here that are hurting and are looking for a meal. Nobody here should be looking for a meal. We are all in this together, and there are a lot of people out there looking for food, and the least we can do is give back. Even if it’s something small, it goes a long way,” Beyan said.
Representative of the Dallas Halal Buzz and the Dallas Buzz Facebook pages, Ali Siraj, said, “We promote mostly the Indian and Pakistani restaurants that open up in the area because they usually don’t get that much exposure. We are here volunteering for him, as we always do. We create and promote all the events with him and are pleased to be out here volunteering today.”
Ice cream was a favorite!
One customer, who preferred to remain anonymous, drove up with her three children to get meals. “This is helping us very much,” she said. “I have been laid off from work and we have been eating the same things every day. It will be nice to have a change, especially with good food like this.”
InFretta plans to have another event like this very soon. For more information, call the Plano store at (214) 618-5431 or visit https://www.in-fretta.com/index.html.
"It always amazes me to think that every house on every street is full of so many stories; so many triumphs and tragedies, and all we see are yards and driveways." - Glenn Close