You explored Dallas’ city side on day one and the stockyards on day two, now it’s time to get out of the area (kind of). On your third day in Dallas-Fort Worth, go north to Grapevine for a taste of North Texas wine country.
Breakfast at a diner
Photo: original market diner/Facebook
As you head up to Grapevine, find a way to fit Original Market Diner in your drive. There’s a healthy list of both sweet and savory options, as well as sweet-savory like the fried chicken sandwich where the bread is replaced with waffles. Take some pie from the pie case to go before you leave.
Explore North Texas wine country
Located only 30 to 35 minutes from Dallas or Fort Worth, Grapevine is an easy wine country getaway. Texas is the fifth largest wine-producing state in the US, and North Texas wine is starting to get some serious attention among wine lovers. Stroll through the town until the wineries start to open along the Urban Wine Trail. You can stick to the storefronts on the main street or take a bus to the wineries just outside of the town.
Wine-filled lunch
Photo: Winewood Grill/Facebook
Head to the Winewood for an upscale lunch paired with local wine. The food is the best version of American classics like burgers and barbecue, along with plenty of fish and steak entrees if you’re looking for something more refined.
Take a ride on the wine train
Photo: Messina Hof Winery & Resort/Facebook
The Grapevine Wine Train on Grapevine’s vintage railroad is one of the best experiences in the DFW area. There’s live music on the train, which stops at multiple wineries. Come prepared and plan ahead, though, because these train rides book up fast and are limited.
If you can’t score a ticket, don’t feel bad. There are always more wineries to head out to, and you can hit the urban wineries if you went out of the city in the morning or vice versa. Messina, Cross Timbers, Sloan & Williams, and Delaney Vineyards all have tasting rooms or working wineries in Grapevine that are open to visitors.
Dinner at an upscale burger bar
Photo: The Honor Bar/Facebook
Go back to Dallas for dinner at The Honor Bar. Get the eponymous Honor Burger or Ding’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich. If the weather is nice, eat on the outdoor patio with a drink in hand. Note: There’s a dress code that bans bold logos and open-toed shoes.
End your trip at a Dallas classic
Originally opened in 1974 as the Corner Bar, Chelsea’s Corner has been renovated into an even better version of itself. There’s a dog-friendly patio and a back bar along with billiards and a dance floor. There’s a little something for everyone here, and it’s the perfect way to cap off a three-day trip to DFW.