 |
Word from the CVBs Zesty Food and Tourism ZestFest 2005 is coming to Fort Worth’s Will Rogers Memorial Center September 9-11. This fun event underscores the close connection between travel and tourism and the food experience. I have had the opportunity to travel in this country and to other nations, and everywhere the food experience is key to the memories that I have about the places that I have visited. We are fortunate that ZestFest takes place annually in Fort Worth because it opens up a world of food experiences in our own backyard. There was a time a number of years ago when Fort Worth had a limited number of outstanding restaurants offering varied international cuisine. How things have changed over the years! ZestFest brings together exhibitors, chefs, food suppliers, media and others around the great theme of the zesty food uses of chili peppers. In Texas, we have a special connection with chili in our food, but sometimes we forget that the various types of chilies have long been used by different cultures around the world. Chili Pepper magazine sponsors the event in Fort Worth. This lively food publication regularly examines the use of this unique ingredient in other parts of the world. A recent issue described foods from Peru, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Argentina as well as from some great restaurants in the U.S. Everyone attending ZestFest will have the opportunity to sample, experience and learn about the bold world of spicy foods in a fun atmosphere. All those who love food and travel will find ZestFest to their liking. Friday, September 9th, ZestFest is open to the companies in the food trade, but on Saturday and Sunday, September 10th and 11th, the event is open to the public. You can reach the ZestFest hotline at 866-844-0089 or the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau at 817-336-8791 for more information. Take an Education Vacation in Arlington The Texas Travel Industry Association is encouraging families to make learning a part of their annual vacations. At www.texaseducationvacation.com, folks can research what kind of trip will be the most fun AND educational. In Arlington, we’re home to River Legacy, a huge park system with bicycle trails (and bike rentals), hiking trails and the Living Science Center, with exhibit halls, classrooms and a library. Park activities: National Kid’s Day, Aug. 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Free. Celebrate with a variety of activities for families in conjunction with the unveiling of three dynamic new exhibits: Make A Splash Day, Sept. 24, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Free. This event is to educate about water stewardship and conservation. After Dark in the Park, Oct. 14-16, Friday & Saturday 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 5 p.m.-9 p.m., $4 per person, children under 2, free. This “non-scary” event features a children’s craft and activity area, storytelling under the stars, karaoke krooning, stargazing, a pumpkin patch and hay rides. Arlington Recycles Day, Nov. 12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Free. Through a variety of fun and interactive games and activities, this event will raise awareness among children and their parents about the benefits of recycling. River Legacy is located at 703 Northwest Green Oaks Blvd. at Cooper St. in Arlington. For more information, call 817-860-6752. The Center is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $2 for adults; $1 for youths 3-18; and free for children 2 and under. The web site is www.riverlegacy.org. Grapevine Provides Relief from the Heat of August The dog days of summer are upon us but there are plenty of ways to stay cool in Grapevine during August. Temperatures can reach at least 100-degrees on any given day, but guests are always guaranteed 72-degrees in the comfortable climate at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center. Stop by the Gaylord for SummerFest, a family festival celebrating all things that make Texas great… food, music, history and even native animals. SummerFest is daily through August 31. Visit www.gaylordhotels.com or call (817) 722-9444 for prices, schedules and other information. School is right around the corner. Grapevine Mills Mall has hundreds of the best names in retail including Last Call from Neiman Marcus, American Eagle Outfitters, AMC 30 Theaters, Brooks Brothers, Dr Pepper STARCENTER, and ESPN XGames Skatepark offering the latest fashions, gifts, electronics,entertainment or dining options. Grapevine Mills Mall is located at 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway in Grapevine. Visit www.grapevinemills.com or call 972-724-4900 for more information. Mark your calendars, the State of Texas Tax Free weekend is August 5-7, giving shoppers a break from state and local sales taxes. Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s Steam Locomotive No. 2248, known as Puffy, turns 109-years-old August 28. The “little engine that still can” is the oldest continuously operated steam engine in the South. Enjoy party hats, a barbershop quartet, and join us in singing “Happy Birthday” to Puffy on August 28 prior to departures from the Grapevine Cotton Belt Depot and at Fort Worth’s Stockyards Station. Grapevine Vintage Railroad operates Thursday-Sunday from April through August, and Friday-Sunday from September through March. Go to www.gvrr.com or call 817-625-7245 for more information. Nothing says summer like a crispy cool cucumber or a plump, juicy tomato, fresh from Grapevine’s Farmers Market open Wednesday from 1 p.m. to sellout and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to sellout. The new Grapevine Market, an open-air market, featuring one-of-a-kind finds ranging from quality antiques, collectibles, fine art, handmade crafts, jewelry, plants, and more is open Thursday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Grapevine Market is located on Main Street around City Hall, in Liberty Park Plaza and at the Gazebo. Farmer’s Market is located behind the Gazebo. To learn more about events or attractions visit www.grapevinetexasusa.com or call 1-800-410-3185. Grand Prairie, Right in the Middle of Dallas/Fort Worth Summer equals fun, relaxation and memorable events, and Grand Prairie is just the place to find all three. There are performances, festivals, park and lake fun, and popular attractions to visit. August brings events for the entire family at NOKIA Theatre. August 2nd Gigantour with Megadeth/Dream Theater are featured. August 3rd Jack Johnson performs. August 6th-7th The Wiggles are in town. American Idols Live! fills the house on August 13. Scream IV rocks August 14 and The Killers on August 17. August 18 The Veggie Tales are in town. The Used are supported by Glassjaw, 30 Seconds to Mars, and Broken on August 27. In addition to great shopping, Traders Village has lots of special events this month. August 6th is Family Fun Day with events planned for the entire family. A Caribbean Music Weekend is planned for August 13 and 14 with 2 days of magic music performed by Johnny ‘O’. August 21 DeWalt Tools celebrates the trades’ people with a Champion of the Trades Fair. August 27, Estrellas Del Mañana (Star of the Future) is a talent show sponsored by a local radio station. Don’t forget to drop by The Winery in Grand Prairie and sample a glass of wine and enjoy the experience of making wine and labels. Visitors have more time to enjoy summer hours through Labor Day weekend at Louis Tussaud’s Palace of Wax & Ripley’s Believe It or Not!. There’s still time to enjoy a swim, boat ride or a day at the beach at Joe Pool Lake. August 13th is National Marina Day at Lynn Creek Marina. The event features boat rides, a boat show and exhibits showing how marinas and boaters are protectors of the environment. While there, enjoy a great meal at the Oasis on Joe Pool Lake. Also on the 13th, Lone Star Park hosts Anand Bazaar, a day of celebrating India’s Independence Day with food, live entertainment, shopping, games and fireworks. Open to the public with admission fee. Lone Star Park is open daily for simulcast racing year round. Log on to www.gptexas.com or call 1-972-263-9588 for more information. Visit Us to Enjoy Antiquing, Granbury Style Only a few minutes from the hustle and bustle of the Metroplex, you will find peace, tranquility and ANTIQUES galore in Granbury.Granbury’s historic town square was voted “Best Town Square in Texas” by readers of Texas Highways magazine. Visitors will find many unique merchants in the historic district and plenty of “husband benches” so he’ll be comfortable while you shop till you drop! Great lunch possibilities abound in the district, where you can rest your weary feet, and enjoy a delicious meal. And what about those antique stores, you ask. From sophisticated to primitive antiques, you will come upon most anything your heart desires. Prowl around in treasure trove shops like the Brazos River Trading Company, Wagon Yard and Sugar & Spice on Bridge Street or Brazos Moon, Market on the Square, Almost Heaven, Whimsy and Merry Heart Tearoom on Houston Street and on Pearl Street just off the square, you will find Witherspoons. The seasoned shopper will discover many other interesting shops tucked away in the historic district, just waiting to be found! After all that shopping, it’s time to refresh and relax with a frozen Granita at the Coffee Grinder or ice cream at Rinky Tinks Ice Cream Parlor. If fruit of the vine suites your fancy, the latest wine selections await you at D’Vine Wine. Granbury offers many dining options from great burgers to true fine dining. When it comes to entertainment, just name it. Choose live stage productions at the Texas Star Theater at the Granbury Opera House, musical reviews at Granbury Live, a moonlight cruise on the Granbury Riverboat, or a romantic carriage ride. For a real “blast from the past,” visit an honest-to-goodness drive-in theater, Granbury’s own Brazos Drive-In. It’s one of the few still left in Texas. To enjoy everything Granbury has to offer, make your reservations at one of our charming, award-winning Bed & Breakfast establishments - spend a night or two and get ready to be pampered! Contact Granbury’s Convention & Visitors Bureau for more information at 1-800-950-2212 or go to www.granburytx.com. “Raz on the Braz” In Glen Rose Glen Rose hosts a number of concerts and music festivals throughout the year and “Raz on the Braz” is slated for August 18 thru 20 at Buck’s On The Brazos. The Raz is Terry Rasor, who hosts the event that features a number of Texas singers, songwriters and musicians. Rasor is from Fort Worth and has been writing songs and performing for nearly three decades and has a loyal following. Buck’s on the Brazos makes up the Braz part of the event and is situated on the banks of the Brazos River. Operating year-round as a campground, Buck’s also makes for a great music venue. Buck’s has received a lot of press in recent months for the luxury camping packages they offer that includes a two room tent, complete with electricity and a queen sized bed. They also offer kayak packages and rv camping. For more information on “the Raz on the Braz” or Buck’s On the Brazos, call 254-898-2825 or go to their website at www.buckbrazos.com. For more information on Glen Rose and the surrounding area, contact the Glen Rose Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-888-346-6282 or check out their website at www.glenrosetexas.net. Denton’s Fall Arts, Antiques & Auto Extravaganza Denton’s Main Street gears up for fall with its Arts, Antiques & Autos Extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2005. Held on the historic Courthouse Square in Denton, this family-oriented event offers a wide variety of activities throughout the day with free admission. The festival celebrates the vibrant town square that is nationally recognized as a Great American Main Street Community. Come find that special object d’art, have family heirlooms appraised, enjoy strolling entertainment or check out the dream machines lining the square. The Chalk Art Fest will return to this year’s festival and cash prizes will be awarded in the professional artist category. The exhibition is open to all ages and levels, from children to professional artists. Chalk will be provided. Preregistration for the professional artist competition is required prior to the event. Featured festival activities will include a classic car show, juried art show booths, Chalk Fest, live-painting performances, strolling entertainment, and a special Kid Zone. The popular “Attic Treasure Appraisals” are provided by appraisers with various specialties in antiques and collectibles.Arts, Antiques & Autos is the ideal way to spend a Saturday. For information or directions, call 940-349-8529 or visit www.dentonmainstreet.org. Summer Grilling Festival in Waxahachie Visit the Waxahachie Downtown Farmers Market for the Grilled Vegetable Festival on Saturday, August 27 to taste the fresh flavors of summer around the Ellis County Courthouse Square in historic downtown Waxahachie. Enjoy recipes, tips on grilling vegetables and fruits, as well as tasty samples to try in addition to the usual selection of wonderful vegetables, fruits, herbs, breads, pastries, plants, flowers and foods that are always available at the market. Mary Doebbeling, owner of Our Thyme Herb Garden, will be the guest chef performing cooking demonstrations throughout the event. Doebbeling’s products are featured at Central Market and many other places. Downtown Waxahachie is also home to great shopping with several antique shops, boutiques and specialty stores, plus unique restaurants. The Waxahachie Downtown Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information on the Waxahachie Downtown Farmers Market Festival, contact Pamela Cowan at 972-937-7330 ext. 198. Current
Issue | Previous Issues | Keep
Me Posted | FW Welcome | Events | Hotels
Attractions | Art Galleries | Dining | Shopping | Phone Numbers | Area Maps How to Subscribe | Related Links | Return Home Copyright 1997-2006 KEY Magazine
Fort Worth. All Rights Reserved.
This website designed, hosted and
maintained for KEY Magazine Fort Worth by
 ...when it's time to establish an Internet presence. |
||||||||
