OPINION: The Other Side of Food Delivery

Posted on July 31, 2022 by | Leave a comment

There are many delivery services that will bring you food and drinks, do your grocery shopping for you, and give you a ride to where you need to be for a fee. It’s nice to open your front door and see the things that you have a hankering for as if they magically appeared. As a food and package delivery person, I want to fill you in on the other side of the door.

THE PROCESS:

Picking up and delivering food, groceries, etc. doesn’t sound hard, and for the most part, it isn’t. My task as a driver is to pick up and drop off food ASAP, which I do without issues most of the time. I make sure the order is correct by comparing my information to the receipt on the bag(s). Occasionally, a restaurant employee wants to see the order number from the app, just to make sure I’m not some random chick off the street trying to steal food. I wish more restaurants did that, but I’d estimate that 90% don’t.

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Posted in Convenience, Food and Wine

Irving Art Association’s Current Exhibit Emphasizes Diversity

Posted on July 25, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Artworks that feature the diversity of several cultures are on display at the Jaycee Park Center for the Arts until July 29. The show is entitled, “The Twilight: Middle Eastern Art,” which celebrates Middle Eastern culture and was juried during a reception on July 10.

Exhibit curator Pouran Lashini said, “This show is different because the visual art power helps to show who we are with no political rhetoric. It is such a pleasure and an honor to serve as a curator for the celebration of the Diversity in Texas exhibition.”

Pooran Lashini with her work, The Good and Evil

The Jaycee Park for the Arts is under the umbrella of the Irving Art Association. “This exhibition serves to open a window into Middle Eastern visual artists who live in Texas to develop a collection of artistic visions,” Lashini said. “Our main goal is to celebrate different cultures as a new generation of immigrants come to Texas as artists, who live in a new home. ‘No matter where you go, your homeland will always be with you,’” Lashini explained.

Read more on NewsBreak…

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Posted in Arts and Culture, Irving

DART Light Rail Speed Reductions Due to Extreme Temperatures

Posted on July 20, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Due to the record high temperatures across North Texas, which is expected to last for the next several days according to the National Weather Service, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will implement speed restrictions on light rail service between 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., through Wednesday, July 20.

Light rail vehicles will operate at no more than 30 miles per hour during this time. DART light rail passengers should expect delays of 10-15 minutes due to these speed restrictions.

DART will continue to monitor the weather conditions across the North Texas area for the safety of our passengers and employees and to determine if future speed restrictions will be necessary. Riders can stay informed about service changes by registering for DART Alerts at www.dart.org, or by contacting DART Customer Information at (214) 979-1111.

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Posted in DART, Weather

Grapevine Vintage Railroad Hosts New ’60s Surf-Themed Summer Wine Train

Posted on July 15, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Surf’s up this summer in historic Grapevine, Texas! Wax your boards, get ready to hula and come celebrate the dog days of summer on a unique ’60s-themed excursion aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s new Summer Wine Train, presented by Trinity Metro TEXRail.

Beat the heat and enjoy the breeze on this carefree two-hour ride that comes with two glasses of complimentary wine*, individually portioned savory bites (chicken kebabs and Caprese skewers), a souvenir tumbler, and all of your favorite ’60s surfer jams. Check in with your party at the Historic Cotton Belt Depot starting at 6:30 p.m., where train coach seats will be assigned. Then enjoy some delicious ham and pineapple sliders along with pita chips, fresh guacamole, and salsa. Pre-ride platform entertainment will have everyone in your party hula-hoopin’ next to the bean bag toss, a limbo contest, and more fun photo ops. Ukuleles are encouraged!

Boarding will start at 7:15 p.m., with a final boarding call (train doors close) at 7:25 p.m. The train departs at 7:30 p.m., returning approximately two hours later. Tickets are $52 per person and can be purchased here. Appropriate attire required (no swimsuits please).

  • WHAT: Grapevine Vintage Railroad’s Summer Wine Train – ’60s Surf Theme
  • WHEN: Friday, July 22, 2022 (7:15 p.m. boarding begins)
  • WHERE: Historic Cotton Belt Railroad District, 705 S. Main St., Grapevine, Texas, 76051
  • WHO: Ages 21+

*Additional wine will be available for purchase.

About the Grapevine Vintage Railroad

The Grapevine Vintage Railroad, located in the heart of Historic Grapevine, offers a unique experience on authentic, air-conditioned 1920s Victorian coaches. The historic attraction offers more than just standard train rides—throughout the year, guests can discover a variety of special events and excursions including the adults-only Jazz Wine Trains, the annual family-favorite North Pole Express®, or the After Christmas Trains to close out the year, and more.

About Grapevine, Texas

Historic Grapevine, Texas—centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth—is the premiere go-to destination when planning a getaway or vacation in North Texas, providing guests a sophisticated escape from the big city. Step back in time on Historic Downtown Main Street and visit the more than 80 charming locally-owned shops, boutiques, jewelry stores, winery tasting rooms, restaurants, and artisans. Guests can unwind at one of the many award-winning winery tasting rooms, and rest easy at one of the city’s exceptional hotels, like Gaylord Texas Resort & Convention Center or Great Wolf Lodge, which features an indoor water park. Take advantage of recreation on Lake Grapevine as well as over nine miles of wilderness and biking trails. Hop aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad or experience late 19th-century farm life at historic Nash Farm. Whether you enjoy indoor or outdoor activities, Grapevine has something for everyone. For more information, visit GrapevineTexasUSA.com.

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Posted in Food and Wine, Grapevine, Grapevine CVB, Grapevine Lake

DART Silver Line Community Meetings Begin July 25

Posted on July 15, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will hold the next series of Silver Line Regional Rail Biannual Community Meetings beginning on Monday, July 25. DART staff and the design-build contractor, Archer Western Herzog (AWH), will be on hand to outline the latest design and construction developments and answer questions.

With revenue service scheduled for 2024, the 26-mile Silver Line project will traverse seven cities between DFW Airport, Grapevine, Coppell, Dallas, Carrollton, Addison, Richardson, and Plano, and include 10 new stations. The primary purpose of the Silver Line is to provide passenger rail connections and services that will improve mobility, accessibility, and system linkages to major employment, population, and activity centers in the northern part of the DART service area.

The Silver Line will connect with the Trinity Metro TEXRail commuter rail line at DFW North station providing access to Downtown Fort Worth and various other Tarrant County locales. The Silver Line will also connect with the Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) A-train commuter rail line providing access to various Denton County locations, DART’s Green Line providing access to Dallas Love Field and Downtown Dallas via Downtown Carrollton Station, and DART’s Red and Orange Lines at CityLine/Bush Station, giving riders easy access to Downtown Plano and the eastern side of the DART network.

More information about the DART Silver Line Regional Rail project can be found at www.dart.org/silverline.

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Posted in DART, Transportation News

Christmas Capital of Texas to Add Outdoor Ice-Skating Rink this Holiday Season

Posted on July 13, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Just when you thought the Christmas Capital of Texas® couldn’t get any bigger, Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce that, for the first time, the city will unveil an all-new attraction for the 2022 holiday season: a 4,500-square-foot outdoor ice-skating rink on Historic Main Street.

The Grapevine City Council recently approved an agreement with ICE Challenge Enterprises to construct and operate the temporary ice-skating rink on a contingency basis for the next three holiday seasons. The 90-by-50 ice rink will be adjacent to a 30-by-40 concession area located on Peace Plaza in front of Grapevine Main Station, home to Harvest Hall (815 S. Main St.). The towering live Christmas tree will remain in its location on the plaza, as well as the larger-than-life ornaments visitors have come to know and love each season, such as the giant reindeer, Victorian coaches, and more.

Construction of the rink will begin on November 11, and the rink will open on November 18. The rink will stay open for 52 days through January 8, 2023, making it a must-visit winter activity for all ages, and adding to the list of more than 1,400 attractions and events Grapevine hosts over 40 days during the holiday season. As home to the Christmas Capital of Texas®, it only makes sense that the new, exciting attraction would be placed on Grapevine’s Historic Main Street.

“Families from all over Texas and beyond will be delighted this year when they come to Grapevine and experience open-air ice skating on this exciting new rink,” Paul W. McCallum, Executive Director, said. “The rink will be a beautiful sight to see there on Peace Plaza, accompanied by an even bigger and brighter live Christmas tree for the 2022 season.”

The rink’s location in front of Grapevine Main Station is adjacent to the Historic Cotton Belt Depot, from which the highly anticipated North Pole Express® will depart. Tickets for the North Pole Express go on sale Tuesday, July 26 at 10 a.m. Visitors will be able to plan their holiday festivities in advance with a trip aboard the North Pole Express, holiday shopping along Main Street, comforting eats and warm drinks at the many restaurants and winery-tasting rooms, and a chance to hit the ice on the new outdoor rink.

About the Christmas Capital of Texas®

It’s merrier in Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas®! Over 40 days, the city hosts more than 1,400 holiday-themed attractions and events, from the day after Thanksgiving through the month of December, so there’s always something magical to see, do, taste and experience. More than a million guests come to Grapevine at Christmastime, and there’s no question why—it’s the perfect place to create wonderful Christmas memories with family and friends. Guests will be amazed by a city that dazzles and sparkles with millions of lights, enormous decorations, animated characters, and much more.

About Grapevine, Texas

Historic Grapevine, Texas—centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth—is the premier go-to destination when planning a getaway or vacation in North Texas, providing guests a sophisticated escape from the big city. Step back in time on Historic Downtown Main Street and visit the more than 80 charming locally-owned shops, boutiques, jewelry stores, winery tasting rooms, restaurants, and artisans. Guests can unwind at one of the many award-winning winery tasting rooms, and rest easy at one of the city’s exceptional hotels, like Gaylord Texas Resort & Convention Center or Great Wolf Lodge, which features an indoor water park. Take advantage of recreation on Lake Grapevine as well as over nine miles of wilderness and biking trails. Hop aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad or experience late 19th-century farm life at historic Nash Farm. Whether you enjoy indoor or outdoor activities, Grapevine has something for everyone. For more information, visit GrapevineTexasUSA.com.

About Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Convention & Visitors Bureau acts as the promotional arm of the City of Grapevine and is responsible for actively selling, marketing and publicizing Grapevine globally. The Bureau promotes the city’s hotels, meeting facilities, historic and family attractions, festivals and events, dining establishments and retail businesses to the group meetings and leisure markets.

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Posted in Christmas, Grapevine, Grapevine CVB

OPINION: Palace Arts Center is a Grapevine Gem for Movie and Performance Fans

Posted on July 9, 2022 by | Leave a comment

One of Grapevine’s jewels is the Palace Arts Center, which is made up of the Palace Theatre and the Lancaster Theatre, which are both located at 300 S. Main Street. The Palace was built in 1940, and The Lancaster, which was used as a grocery store before it was a theatre, was constructed in the 1930s. Both venues became victims of neglect and disrepair.

In 1991, the Grapevine Heritage Foundation bought the Arts Center and revamped both buildings to save them from demolition. The Foundation used an art deco theme for the Palace, making it feel like a trip to the past once the threshold is crossed. For the Lancaster, they used a Spanish Mediterranean style design.

Read more from NewsBreak…

Enjoy this gallery of photos:

Ticket and Small Popcorn
Concession Stand
Volunteer Frances Jensen before film
Movie poster
Title scene
The Lancaster Theatre
Inside The Palace Theatre
The Palace Theatre
Credit screen
Winner of the Grapevine Escape tickets
Winner of Jaws movie poster
Friendly ticket salesperson
Customer buying Jaws ticketas
Volunteer Frances Jensen in lobby

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Posted in Grapevine, Grapevine CVB, Palace Theater

Grapevine to Become ‘Rockefeller of the Southwest’ with New Ice Skating Rink

Posted on July 6, 2022 by | Leave a comment
Photo courtesy of Grapevine CVB

Main Street will have a 9,000-gallon ice skating rink during the holiday season this year as part of Grapevine’s Christmas Capital of Texas festivities.

Grapevine City Council unanimously approved an agreement at its July 5 meeting to construct and operate an ice skating rink for the next three holiday seasons at Grapevine Main Station. Construction of the rink will be done by ICE Challenge Enterprises, which has previously built outdoor rinks in Prosper and Frisco.

“If Prosper can do it [and] Frisco can do it, then we need to do it, [or] we can give away ‘The Christmas Capital’ to someone else,” Mayor William D. Tate said during the meeting.

Construction of the rink is to begin on Nov. 11. The rink must be operational by Nov. 18, per the city’s agreement. The rink will stay open for 52 days until Jan. 8.

Read more from Community Impact…

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Posted in Christmas, Grapevine

Fireworks canceled mid-show due to safety concerns

Posted on July 6, 2022 by | Leave a comment

On Monday, Fort Worth’s Fourth fireworks display was halted after several grass fires developed along the banks of the Trinity River, the Fort Worth Fire Department reported.

After consultation with the pyrotechnic company, a decision was made to suspend the fireworks show, out of an abundance of caution, due to concerns about damage to additional tubes used to shoot off the fireworks display.

Tarrant Regional Water District, the organizers of the fireworks show at Panther Island, issued this statement: “The fireworks show at Fort Worth’s Fourth was cut short tonight. We apologize that the show wasn’t able to be completed. Necessary preparations were taken leading up to the event, and as safety is our No. 1 priority, the decision was made to cut the show short at the direction of the Fort Worth Fire Marshal.”

Once the crowds departed the Trinity River area, the pyrotechnic technicians and the Fort Worth Fire Department’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit completed a review of the tubes. A decision was made to eliminate the remaining fireworks by discharging them in a controlled environment.

At about midnight, parts of the fireworks display were discharged to make the area safe. There was no threat to public safety while carrying out this disposal.

On Tuesday morning, the FWFD Bomb & Arson Unit in collaboration with the pyrotechnics company began eliminating the remaining fireworks at Panther Island Pavilion. This was done in a controlled environment under controlled circumstances by professionals. There was no timetable given for how long this process would take.

By midnight on July 4, FWFD had been dispatched to 203 grass fires across the city, which is 126 more than in 2021.

Original Source: Texas Police News

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Posted in Fort Worth, Holidays

July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza 

Posted on July 4, 2022 by | Leave a comment

Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. on July 4th

Celebrate America’s birthday at this year’s July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza complete with spectacular fireworks set to patriotic music. Viewing locations listed below include some of Grapevine’s lakeside parks and are subject to change. Parking or entry fees may apply.

Lake Parks Viewing Areas
Suggested Viewing Areas

(Click on each location name for more information)

Boater/Trailer Parking at Boat Ramps is $10 per.

Due to capacity limitations, cars will not be allowed to leave and re-enter the park without paying an additional fee.
 

Distant/Obstructed Viewing Areas

Viewing Areas with Restricted Acces
  • The Vineyards Campground & Cabins (Accessible to guests only with pre-scheduled reservations for that Sunday night. Gates are closed to the general public. Click here to make your reservation)
Fireworks Music Track

You can’t have a fireworks show without a rocking music track! We have made it easy by giving you the option to stream the show here from the page.

Follow the steps below to enjoy the show to the fullest!

Play Via Soundcloud
  • OPTION 1: If you don’t have the Soundcloud app installed, click on the black “Listen In Browser” button. Please allow up to 15 seconds for the song to buffer.
  • OPTION 2: If you have the Soundcloud app, click on the orange “Play on Soundcloud” button. The app should automatically open. Please allow up to 15 seconds for the song to buffer.
    • The Soundcloud app is free to download for the Apple and Android stores. It is free to register for an account but is not required to activate the app.
    • If you have the app but have not registered an account, the song should still play. You may see a screen that says “create an account” while the song is playing. Click on the button, and then on the next screen click on “cancel” in the corner. This should display the standard playback controls.

Please note that some viewing areas have less cell phone signals than others. It is suggested you check how many bars of service you have and even practice starting the music to see how long it takes to begin playing in the case that buffer times are 30 seconds or longer due to lower cell service signal. We suggest hitting “play” at 9:29 p.m. and then pausing the track to be prepared to hit play once the first shell goes into the air so that the song has appropriate time to buffer.

When you see the first firework go into the air, hit play!

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Posted in Grapevine, Holidays