The American Bus Association Marketplace is headed to historic Grapevine from January 8-11, 2022

Centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth, Grapevine is the go-to destination whether your group enjoys indoor or outdoor options. Here are just a few items to warm your appetite for Grapevine and entice you to register for ABA Marketplace.

WINE TIME IN GRAPEVINE

Texas is the fifth-largest wine-producing state and Grapevine is certainly the epicenter of the state’s wine culture. No trip to Grapevine is complete without stopping by one (or more) wine tasting rooms. There are more than a half-dozen to enjoy, each with its own story to tell. Grapevine’s Urban Wine Trail is the place to start.

GRAPEVINE’S HISTORIC PAST

A great place to begin experiencing the city’s heritage is the Historic Nash Farm. History comes to life through exhibits, touchable displays and interpretive programs. Groups are welcome and can participate in seasonal events, too.

Although shopping may not be historic, you’ll discover plenty of historic gift ideas in Grapevine’s Historic Downtown. A must-stop on any tour of the area, there’s live entertainment venues, art galleries, restaurants and more than 80 shops from antiques to chocolates. The Grapevine Vintage Railroad located in the Historic Downtown is a ride back in time. Groups are certainly welcome.

GRAPEVINE’S EXCITING PRESENT

In April of 2021, Grapevine held a ribbon cutting of Grapevine Main Station, a $114 million development embracing the town’s railroad past while including modern amenities. A gateway to Grapevine, it is just steps away from Trinity Metro TEXRail, a 27-mile line servicing Fort Worth with a stop at DFW Airport. It’s within walking distance of Historic Downtown.

The Grapevine Main Station development includes Peace Plaza, with its interactive water feature, and an art installation by local artist Linda Lewis that will be prominently displayed. Harvest Hall is a seven-kitchen European food hall. Globally inspired and made from scratch, cuisine combines with two lounges serving craft brews, wine and artisanal cocktails. Also open is the Hotel Vin, a luxury 120-room Marriott Autograph Collection.

Grapevine Mills is just two miles north of DFW Airport and features 180 stores for shopping, entertainment and restaurants. Among them is Neiman Marcus Last Call, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th, Ann Taylor Factory Stores and many other favorites. There’s fun for all ages at LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Aquarium. The latter features a Sea Turtle Rescue Center and a behind-thescenes tour for groups. Finally, although there are events happening every week in Grapevine, three Signature Events may be calling your name. Main Street Fest takes place in mid-May with two days of craft brews and plenty of fun. Grapefest is traditionally held in mid-September and is the largest wine festival in the Southwest. Christmas Capital of Texas is 1,400 events in 40 days from November through December.

When ABA Marketplace online registration begins, make sure you include Sightseeing Tours on your agenda. There are three scheduled for Grapevine, “Canvas, Glass and Bronze,” “Grapevine Food Tour” and “Christmas Capital of Texas.” Also, there are five neighboring communities: Dallas, Fort Worth Arlington, Mesquite and McKinney, that will also be offering sightseeing tours. Watch for the ABA Marketplace Registration Page announcement. buses.org/events/event/ aba-annual-meeting-marketplace-2019- grapevine-tx

The Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau website is a wealth of information and a great place to begin your planning. grapevinetexasusa.com

By Dave Bodle