KEY Magazine Fort Worth

Word from the CVBs

Spend a Delightful December in Fort Worth
By David A. DuBois, CMP, CAE, President and CEO of the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau

It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays in Fort Worth! Fort Worth’s many attractions, restaurants and hotels invite you to enjoy a wide variety of festivities in the City of Cowboys & Culture.

Bring the kids to see Santa in Sundance Square! He will be here each weekend. While you’re downtown, enjoy the Texas Ballet Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker through December 16 at Bass Performance Hall. Many other musical productions, shows and events are happening including Christmas in the Stockyards on December 1, Rose Marine Theatre’s “La Posada Magica” December 13-16 and the Holiday Animal Toy Drive at the Fort Worth Zoo on December 15. After the gifts have been opened and you’re ready for more holiday glitz, spend New Year’s in Fort Worth! From football to Bass Hall, there are events and fun activities for everyone in the family. Enjoy theater productions, the Armed Forces Bowl, dining, shopping and all the Fort Worth attractions. Make a weekend of your visit and spend a few nights at one of our fantastic hotels. For more information, visit www.fortworth.com, call 800-433-5747, or stop by one of our Visitor Information Centers.

FunCentral Arlington’s Christmas Poem
By Diane Brandon, Vice President Communications, Marketing & Research,
Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau

T’was the night before Christmas And all through Main Street Come watch a parade The lights and sounds are a treat!

It happens on Saturday The 8th of December www.ArlingtonParadeofLights.com Is a night you’ll remember!

Or go dashing through the stores On your shopping spree There’s so much you can choose For the relatives you’ll see

Visit The Parks Mall at Arlington With carousels and ice skating The festivities and sparkle Are all quite captivating!

There’s Lincoln Square with gift giving potential With so much on your list You’ll find the essentials!

The Arlington Highlands With its stores full of goodies And restaurants galore For all of you foodies!

Johnnie High’s Music Revue Visit that when you’re done Jingle Bell Rock And other classics are sung!

For more information 817-265-7721 Or visit Arlington.org Where we’re all about FUN!!

Grapevine’s Texas Christmas
By Barry Lewis, Director of Marketing, Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Grapevine. With all of the festivities celebrating the holidays, Grapevine is the “Christmas Capital of Texas.”

A holiday tradition in Grapevine is “ICE!” at the Gaylord Texan Resort on Lake Grapevine. This exhibit displays two million pounds of ice shaped as unique and incredible sculptures. Guests will be thrilled with the fantasy in ice, exciting slides, dramatic lighting and music. “ICE!” is part of the Lone Star Christmas celebration, which features holiday activities for the entire family through January 5, 2008. Visit www.gaylordhotels.com or call 817-778-2000 for more information.

Also starting in December is the popular North Pole Express, presented by Great Wolf Lodge - Grapevine. Ride the Grapevine Vintage Railroad to your Christmas dreams. In addition to a great train ride, enjoy ornament making, a bounce house, pictures with Santa, the North Pole Express General Store and much more. The North Pole Express operates November 30, December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21 & 22. Various departure times are available each day.

Another event for the entire family The Best Time of the Year, a musical celebrating this wonderful time of the year, playing at the Historic Palace Theatre on December 2, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16 and 18. Shows start at 8 p.m. all days except Sunday, which is a matinee at 3 p.m.

Each Wednesday before Christmas, you and your family can catch a classic holiday movie at the Historic Palace Theatre, 300 S. Main. December 5 is Christmas Vacation, December 12 is The Bishop’s Wife and December 19 is the 1970 version of Scrooge. Movies start at 7 p.m. and are $7.50 per person. Bring a same-day receipt from any Grapevine restaurant or merchant and save $2.50 each! Grapevine is a festival of holiday décor as the city is blanketed with millions of lights; enormous holiday decorations, animated characters and a whole lot more. With all of this, plus great shopping opportunities for everyone on your list, Grapevine truly is the “Christmas Capital of Texas.” For complete information about all the activities as well as Grapevine’s accommodations and attractions, visit GrapevineTexasUSA.com or call 817-410-3185.

Christmas in Granbury
By Charlie McIlvain, CTP, Director, Granbury Convention & Visitors Bureau

Seasons Greetings from Granbury! If you’re a little too old to sit in Santa’s lap explaining what you want for Christmas you are in luck. Granbury, the “Branson” of Texas, is less than a tank of gas away. A Granbury getaway is the perfect solution to your holiday gift-giving dilemma.

Merchants surrounding the Historic Downtown Square have unique items that will fit the needs of the most challenging individual on your Christmas list. If entertainment is what you have in mind, then you won’t want to miss the holiday show at Granbury Live, “Dreaming of a White Christmas.” Enjoy “Merry Christmas” at the Historic Granbury Opera House or special Christmas country classics at Warm Country Heart Theatre. Audiences are raving about this year’s performances and productions.

Maybe you’d rather have a relaxing evening on The Star of Lake Granbury’s Riverboat. Enjoy a special “Murder Under the Mistletoe” dinner cruise and later star gaze in tranquility on the upper deck.

Granbury offers many unique dining opportunities from some of the best hamburgers in Texas, to fine dining and everything in between; the restaurant setting generates an unforgettable experience. Wine tasting is also available on the Square or at one of the local wineries.

Packaging a combination of these items will create the ultimate Christmas gift. Granbury is the ideal location for that special getaway package. With over 25 Bed and Breakfast inns, your options are almost limitless. A variety of hotel accommodations is available if the bed and breakfast concept is not for you. You may even want to invite Santa to come along. Other stocking stuffers including golf, spa treatments, hiking and biking along the City’s Moments in Time Trail, or just relaxing.

If a camera is on your wish list, Granbury is the ideal location for getting acquainted with your new equipment. Christmas decorations around the city’s historic square will make a perfect setting for next year’s Christmas card photo.

Contact the Granbury Convention & Visitors Bureau for additional information or other holiday ideas at 800-950-2212 or www.granburytx.com.

Plan Your Next Meeting in Glen Rose
By Billy Huckaby, Director, Glen Rose Convention & Visitors Bureau

For a small town with a population of 2,122, Glen Rose has plenty to offer individuals and groups. Known as the “Dinosaur Capital of Texas,” Glen Rose is only 60 miles from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, and is surrounded by rolling hills, rivers and scenic views. Glen Rose was also voted America’s Dream Town in 2004.

Glen Rose offers several venues that can be utilized for meetings and board retreats. These include the Somervell County Expo Center, a multi-purpose event center, capable of hosting an array of diverse events. Meeting and exhibit space is available, including arenas for equine events and livestock shows.

Glen Rose offers a number of options for lodging including hotels, historic inns, bed & breakfasts and cabins. Conference facilities are on site at several of the properties and include high-speed Internet and audio/visual capabilities. More than 350 rooms are currently available, but with two new hotels under construction and scheduled to open in 2008, an additional 150 rooms will be available.

Squaw Valley Golf Course is the perfect escape from a busy meeting schedule. Offering 36 holes of championship golf, the course is consistently rated as one of the top courses in the state, including a 4 1/2 star rating from Golf Digest Magazine and one of the Top 5 municipal courses in Texas by The Dallas Morning News.

Other attractions include Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, where you can see animals living in their near natural environment. Fossil Rim is world renowned for working with and helping preserve endangered species. Fossil Rim offers driving tours as well as special educational programs. Dinosaur Valley State Park offers an outdoor experience including hiking, biking, camping and where you can literally walk where the dinosaurs once roamed. The Paluxy River runs through the park and is great for swimming or wading on a hot summer afternoon. Dinosaur World is scheduled to open in March of 2008 and will include more than 100 life-size dinosaurs along a walking path. A movie cave, fossil dig for the kids, picnic area and gift shop will all help enhance the visitor’s experience.

GRAND PRAIRIE DECEMBER 2007 EVENTS
By Cheri Pattillo, Public Information Officer, Grand Prairie Convention & Visitors Bureau

December 1-31 Simulcast Racing, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. Simulcast racing is available seven days a week in the Post Time Pavilion, the Las Vegas-style racebook and sportsbar. Smoke-free simulcast available on Saturdays and Sundays on the second level of the Grand Stand. (call for exact dates) Admission fee. Call 972.263.RACE.

December 1-31 Prairie Lights, Lynn Creek Park, Grand Prairie. Grand Prairie's drive-through holiday spectacular is back. See more displays this year 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and holidays. Stop by Holiday Village half way through the drive for concessions, rides, gifts and Holiday Magic, a brand new 10-minute light show. The cost is $12 per car load Monday through Thursday and $15 per car load Friday through Sunday and holidays. Visit www.PrairieLights.org for details or call 972-237-GLOW.

December 1 Fall Meeting of Champions, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. Experience live Quarter Horse racing at Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. Wednesday through Saturday first race at 6:35 p.m. Simulcast racing continues year-round at the Post Time Pavilion. Post Time Pavilion Hours: 10:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. Post Time Pavilion Prices (non-live racing days): Admission - $3, General Parking - $2. Valet Parking - $9. Lone Star Park prices (live racing days): General Admission - $3, General Parking - $2. Valet Parking - $9. Call 972.263.7223. Fax 972.262.5622.

December 1 Winter Wonderland, Lynn Creek Park, Grand Prairie. The popular holiday event, Winter Wonderland, has moved to Lynn Creek Park on Joe Pool Lake. Family fun activities include GPISD Fine Arts chorus, orchestral and dance performances, horse-drawn carriage rides, barrel train rides, face painters, festival food and much more. Santa Claus will make a special appearance. 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Free admission. Call 972.237.8100 or visit www.GrandFunGP.com /Specialevents.

December 1 Historic Copeland Home Open House, Grand Prairie. Tour the historic Copeland Home and enjoy refreshments. Hours 1-4pm. 125 SW Dallas Street. Call 972.237.8140.

December 1 Dierks Bentley with Jack Ingram, NOKIA Theatre at Grand Prairie. For tickets, call 214.373.8000 or 972.647.5700 or www.Ticketmaster.com. For information visit www.NOKIAtheatreDFW.com.

December 5-6 Stevie Wonder, NOKIA Theatre at Grand Prairie. For tickets, call 214.373.8000 or 972.647.5700 or www.Ticketmaster.com. For information visit www.NOKIAtheatreDFW.com.

December 7 21st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, Grand Prairie. City Hall Plaza will sparkle with lights during the holiday season. The 21st annual Christmas tree lighting will be held at City Hall. Call 972.237.8100.

December 7 John Fogerty, NOKIA Theatre at Grand Prairie. For tickets, call 214.373.8000 or 972.647.5700 or www.Ticketmaster.com. For information visit www.NOKIAtheatreDFW.com.

December 8 Lamb of God with Killswitch Engage, Devil Driver and Soilwork, NOKIA Theatre at Grand Prairie. For tickets, call 214.373.8000 or 972.647.5700 or www.Ticketmaster.com. For information visit www.NOKIAtheatreDFW.com.

December 8 17th Annual Christmas Boat Parade, Lynn Creek Park on Joe Pool Lake, Grand Prairie. Holiday carolers, food and fun for the entire family including a parade of boats lavishly decorated for Christmas. The event is complete with a visit from Old Saint Nick. Begins approximately dusk. Call 817.640.4200 Fax 817.640.4253.

December 13-16 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Woman's Club of Grand Prairie. Holiday Community Theatre production features a hilarious Christmas tale of a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant. You won't believe the mayhem and the fun. Shows are December 13-15 at 7:30 p.m. and December 16 at 2 p.m. The Woman's Club is located at 1 Park Square North. Admission fee. Call GPAC 972.642.2787 or visit www.artsgp.com.

December 14 How The KDGE Stole Christmas Modest Mouse, Jimmy Eat World with Silverchair, Coheed & Cambrio, Silversun Pickups, The Vanished, NOKIA Theatre at Grand Prairie. For tickets, call 214.373.8000 or 972.647.5700 or www.Ticketmaster.com. For information visit www.NOKIAtheatreDFW.com.

December 15 How The KDGE Stole Christmas Avenged Sevenfold, Toadies with Flyleaf, Seether, Puddle of Mudd, Madina Lake, Miser, Drive A, NOKIA Theatre at Grand Prairie. For tickets, call 214.373.8000 or 972.647.5700 or www.Ticketmaster.com. For information visit www.NOKIAtheatreDFW.com.

December 28 Playhouse Disney Live!, NOKIA Theatre at Grand Prairie. For tickets, call 214.373.8000 or 972.647.5700 or www.Ticketmaster.com. For information visit www.NOKIAtheatreDFW.com.

Please note: All dates, times and events are subject to change.

Hoofbeats, Horizons and Horses-welcome to Denton, Texas!
By Kim Dillon Phillips, Vice President Denton Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Horse Country Tour of North Texas is a self-guided driving tour that invites you to meander your way through beautiful Denton County. Located just northeast of Fort Worth, the horse country region extends through Denton County to the Red River at the Oklahoma State line. Known as "Horse Country USA", the area is populated with more than 300 farms and ranches, many of which are breeding and training facilities. The horse population exceeds 25,000 and includes many different breeds from Quarter Horses to Thoroughbreds and from Paints to Andalusians.

The horse industry represents the number one economic impact in agriculture for Denton County and has promoted this region to become a national equine trading center.

The tour takes visitors among farms specializing in a variety of disciplines including halter horses, pleasure horses, cutting horses, reining, hunter-jumpers, and more. Lovely country roads wind along miles of pipe and rail fencing, beautiful pastures, impressive barns and, of course, lots and lots of horses.

The farms on this tour are all working farms. We suggest you exercise the courtesy commonly practiced here in horse country. We call it "Heads Up". Horse farms ask that visitors call first to give the "Heads Up" that they plan to visit. In fact, a "Heads Up" is appreciated even if you only plan to drive through a farm on its private roads. Unless gate signage specifically invites drop-in visitors, please refrain from entering private driveways and stick to the main roads. This ensures safety for our visitors, our horses, and a positive visitor experience for everyone.

For a Horse Country brochure and driving map, please call the Denton Convention & Visitor Bureau toll free at 888-381-1818 or visit online at www.horsecountrytours.com.

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