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Word from the CVBs Fort Worth's Will Rogers Heritage A question often asked by visitors is “Why does Fort Worth have a large complex of buildings named for Will Rogers? I thought Will Rogers was from Oklahoma!” It is true that Will Rogers, the famous American cowboy, entertainer and humorist was from Oklahoma, but he was very important to both Fort Worth and to the entire nation when he died in a plane crash in Alaska in 1935. One interesting way to visit Fort Worth is from the perspective of the Will Rogers traditions that live on in our community. The great Will Rogers Memorial Center (WRMC) in the Fort Worth Cultural District is named for this great man. Amon G. Carter, Sr., the long time head of the Star Telegram, was a close friend and admirer of Will Rogers. During the 1920s and 1930s, Will Rogers became perhaps the most popular American as a result of his wit, humor and heart. After touring the world as a cowboy and trick roper with wild west shows, his many talents made him famous through vaudeville, movies, newspapers and radio. His humor and words of wisdom boosted the spirits of the entire nation during the Great Depression. Visitors can see the famous bronze of Will Rogers on his horse Soapsuds which stands in front of the Will Rogers Memorial Center. Inside this beautiful art deco building is a great bust of Will which cowboys still rub to give them good luck at the Stock Show Rodeo, and as a result, Will's nose always has a bright shine. A large painting of Will Rogers is in the beautiful lobby of the WRMC Coliseum. Will Rogers loved Fort Worth, and Fort Worth still honors this great man for his many contributions to western heritage and to human understanding. Romance is Fun, Too! February is a romantic month, and here in FUN CENTRALTM Arlington, Texas, romance can also be fun. From candle lit dinners for two, to a private bed and breakfast with adjoining spa, to gifts for the sports hound in the family as well as jewelry and thoughtful gifts for her, FUN CENTRAL has Valentine's Day down. Rated “four stars” by the restaurant review section of Zagat magazine, Cacharel on Lamar is a lovely place with a view for couples. Call early for reservations at 817-640-9981. Tucked away on Center Street is a gem of a B&B called The Sanford House, where it's easy to forget all about busy lives. The Sanford House is designed as a large, rambling, Victorian home, but complete with modern amenities including bedrooms with full bathrooms, a lovely pool and manicured grounds. Also on the grounds are cottages, which truly are private and offer peace and tranquility in the middle of the city. The Sanford House Spa is just across the street for a little Valentine's Day pampering. For those couples who are in love with baseball, the Texas Rangers are selling ticket packages for the upcoming highly anticipated 2005 season. Call 817-273-5100 or go to www.texasrangers.com for ticket information. For jewelry that sparkles but is truly unique, visit James Avery, Village Jewelers or Custom Jewelers at Lincoln Square. Spending less? Try Bath & Bodyworks, Mackenzie's Trendy Gifts or one of the boutiques located there. Have a happy-and-FUN Valentine's Day. Bending Iron to Blowing Glass, Live
Stage to Southwest Bluegrass… Art and Culture abound in Grapevine Grapevine is host to numerous events in February with a special focus on arts and culture. For those interested in art, there are a number of opportunities this month to either learn a new craft or watch some masters at work. For a hands-on experience, take a swing at the age-old art of blacksmithing as instructed by master craftsman James Ryan. Not only will you learn the process but you will also have the opportunity to craft your own piece of iron art. The Blacksmithing Class will be held Feb. 12, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. at the Grapevine Blacksmith Shop at 701 South Main Street in Historic Downtown Grapevine. For details call 817-247-6877. If you would rather view the completed artwork of others or watch as artists create one-of-a-kind masterpieces in hand blown glass, oil paintings and more, come to Grapevine's Gallery Night in Historic Downtown Grapevine Feb. 25, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Stroll through the “Arts District” and meet featured artists, or relax and enjoy a poetry reading, or taste wine at local wineries, or sip champagne and sample chocolate pastries. For details call 817-251-5193. If you prefer your entertainment on stage or the big screen, we have a line- up that is sure to satisfy. The Grapevine Opry presents numerous shows including RADIO KGVO, a hilarious spoof of an ol' time radio show Feb. 5; The Country Music Showcase Feb.12 & 26; Swingin' West, a performance featuring Texas and Western swing Feb.19; and the Gospel Country Showcase Feb. 25. All shows start at 7:30 p.m. in the Palace Theatre on Main Street. For details on any of these shows call 817-481-8733. The Southwest Bluegrass Club presents two concerts at the Grapevine Convention Center Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Featured artists include Cedar Hill, Salt Creek, The Alan Munde Gazette and The Tennessee Gentleman. Tickets are $20. For details call 817-358-0594. The End of the Runway Players present Taming of the Shrew, Feb. 4-20. For details call 817-488-4842. On the big screen this month at the Palace Theatre, check out Monty Python – In Search of the Holy Grail Feb. 4 & 6, Clancy Street Boys Feb.12, Sabrina Feb. 14 (a Valentine's Day special complete with a wine reception and dinner), Independent Film – Hop Feb. 20 and the Jungle Book Feb. 26. For movie details call 817-410-3100. You will find all of this and more in Grapevine! For general information call 817-410-3185 or go www.grapevinetexasusa.com. Grand
Prairie, Right in the Middle of Dallas/Fort Worth Don't let Old Man Winter fool you. Grand Prairie is the "Hot" place to be in February. Louis Tussaud's Palace of Wax and Ripley's Believe It or Not! are great attractions to visit in all kinds of weather. There's always a new wax figure to see. Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie offers live racing via simulcast daily from tracks around the world in the Post Time Pavilion. Stop by for a cup of coffee or specialty tea at the Brass Bean in downtown Grand Prairie. If it's an old-fashion soda you desire, visit Miller Drug, a retro 50s soda shop. Then step next door and shop for antiques at the Main Street Antique Mall. During February, in celebration of Black History Month, Grand Prairie Memorial Library is presenting an art exhibit featuring local African American artists. On February 3, Grand Prairie's Chamber of Commerce hosts the 4th Annual Taste and Tour of Grand Prairie at the Ruthe Jackson Center. February 25, Evangel Temple, presents Stained Glass Gospel Concert Old & New, a free concert benefiting the Lifeline Shelter for Families, Inc. NOKIA Theatre has an exciting line-up for all ages in February. On the 16th, 3 Doors Down appears on stage followed by Modest Mouse on the 18th. A full house is expected for Duran Duran on the 19th. The pace will change on the 22nd with Jill Scott. Bring on the kids, February 24-27, when Sesame Street Live! presents “Elmo's Coloring Book.” For more information, log on to www.gptexas.com or call 972-263-9588. February
is for Romance In Granbury Imagine a carriage ride around a 19th Century courthouse square, followed by a romantic dinner in a special restaurant, topped off by decadent luxury in one of Granbury's delightful Bed and Breakfasts. Choose from a wide variety of unique accommodations including cozy cottages, private guest houses, new Victorian inns or historic homes. February is a great month to refresh your soul and senses at one of our special hide-a-ways. Indulge your special Valentine with the ultimate in total pampering-strawberries dipped in chocolate, hot tea or wine sipped by a crackling fire, or a long, luxurious bubble bath in an antique claw foot tub. Snuggle under soft sheets, quilts and comforters in the privacy of your week-end getaway. Wake up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in the morning and a variety of breakfast options. Enjoy picturesque lake views and luxury pampering. Guests can choose a day of shopping where they will discover a unique selection of boutiques, antique and gift shops as well as lunch in a quaint tearoom, 50s style soda shop or a historic sandwich shop. For a romantic evening, Granbury offers fine dining, live entertainment at Granbury Live or Granbury's 1886 Opera House or a romantic cruise on Lake Granbury aboard the Granbury Riverboat. Your Bed and Breakfast hosts will be happy to assist you with reservations. Granbury is a hidden treasure offering total escape only 25 minutes from Fort Worth. To view pictures and individual listings of our unique facilities, log on to our website at www.granburytx.com or call the Granbury Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-950-2212. See you in February! Glen Rose's 4th Annual Winter Tractor Show and Pull While most of the world is going high tech, the folks in Glen Rose like to step back to a simpler time. That simpler time will be on display at the 4th annual Winter Tractor Show and Pull on February 11 and 12 at the Somervell County Expo Center in Glen Rose. This show features a wide variety of tractors and machinery that led to the high tech world we live in today. Antique tractors, engines, and machinery will not only be on display, but will also feature competitions such as the antique tractor pull and tractor games. There will also be fun and games for the children with a kiddie pedal tractor pull and model tractors. in addition, several vendors selling everything from tractor parts and memorabilia, to arts and crafts, will be there. The event is held inside the Somervell County Expo Center, so rain or snow, participants and visitors will be snug and warm. There will also be a raffle for a 16 foot trailer and a pedal tractor. The event is presented by the Somervell County Antique Tractor and Machinery Club. Glen Rose is best known as the “Dinosaur Capital of Texas,” and was also named America's Dream Town for 2004. For a visitor packet or more information, call the Glen Rose Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-888-346-6282 or visit their website at www.glenrosetexas.net. Denton's Texas Storytelling Festival Texas Storytelling Festival is fun for the whole family. Come to Denton March 30 through April 3rd, 2005 for the 20th annual Texas Storytelling Festival. Held in Civic Center Park just a few blocks away from Denton's historic Courthouse Square, the storytelling festival is a one-of-a-kind event, featuring great family entertainment, including stories and music from the greatest storytellers in the world using a variety of telling traditions. You'll hear spine-tingling ghost tales, Texas legends, Spanish cuentos, Irish yarns, war stories, toe-taping music and much more. Under large circus-style tents, our audience members sit on folding chairs as they relax under the spell of traditional storytelling, laugh at shaggy dog stories, thrill at tall tales, learn urban legends, and reminisce about times gone by. You can shop in the festival's gift shop and conveniently grab a great meal on site or in nearby restaurants. Annual favorites like “Tiny Tales for Tiny Tots,” and expertly told Ghost Tales are presented along side totally new, unique and exciting features such as “From Our Mothers' Hands” focusing on quilts, quilting patterns, embroidery, and other hand work. Hear Kids' Tales, Sacred Tales, tales full of laughter, and tales full of tears…and this is just a sampling! The Texas Storytelling Festival in Denton, Texas is March 30 through April 3, 2005… “you have to hear it to believe it!” Denton offers quality hotels, over 100 great dining options, specialty shopping, rich history, a dynamic and thriving downtown, museums, and year round fun. We are Denton…and all that Jazz! For more information, call 940-382-7895 or visit us at www.discoverdenton.com. Sweethearts & Orphans VI Car Meet In Historic
Downtown Waxahachie Mark your calendars for the Sweethearts & Orphans VI Car Meet presented by the North Texas Chapter of the Hudson-Essex-Terraplane Club in Historic Downtown Waxahachie February 18-20, 2005. On Friday, February 18, guests can enjoy a driving tour of the many beautiful, historic homes in Waxahachie circa 1890 to 1900. In the early 1900s, Waxahachie was the center of the Texas' cotton industry. Also, a number of major movies, including Places in the Heart, were shot in Waxahachie, so there will be plenty of great photo opportunities for the cars throughout the city. From 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, the cars will be on display at the Waxahachie town square surrounding the historic Ellis County Courthouse, which is one of the top 100 most photographed structures in the state of Texas. The square is also home to many antique shops, galleries, boutiques, restaurants and taverns. Also some craft shops offer “hands on” seminars in mosaics and quilting. Mark David Manders will be in concert Saturday evening at the Texas Theater, “Waxahachie's Home of Texas Music.” Built in 1895, the Texas is one of Waxahachie's original theaters and is now a popular live music venue. As always, Sweethearts & Orphans is a not-for-profit meet with all proceeds benefiting the American Heart Association. For more information, call 817-220-5858 or email johnclement@netcommander.com. For a complete calendar of events, visit us at www.waxahachiechamber.com. Current
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