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5/21/2012 4:14:59 PM
By Kevin B. Kalley  A few weeks ago I was on a press trip to Gulf Shores Alabama. One of the highlights of this trip was a visit to a glassblowing studio where we were actually able to participate and create glass ornaments, paperweights, and flowers.
I was truly enjoying the experience, when I had one of those “open-palm-slapping-forehead … duh!” moments remembering that I could have the same type of experience in my own backyard of Grapevine. So upon my return, it was off to VETRO Glassblowing Studio and Gallery which should definitely be on any visitor to Grapevine’s list of must-sees.  VETRO was founded in 1999 by artist David Gappa. In its current location, in historic downtown Grapevine – and sharing a parking area with our beloved train depot - it has grown into a beautiful art glass gallery and state-of-the-art glassblowing facility.
Gappa and fellow artists demonstrate, and teach, the entire glass blowing process while creating their artwork. The knowledgeable, inviting, and enthusiastic gallery staff have created an enticing and beautiful setting to display Gappa’s and other artists work.
While creating your own glass artwork is an incredible experience, just browsing and perhaps buying something from the light-filled and colorful gallery is a wonderful option if your schedule doesn’t coincide with an actual hands-on session or class. Jewelry, vases, objets-de-art, wall pockets, ornaments, and paperweights are just some of the many dazzlingly beautiful items to choose from.  I strongly urge you, however, to check out VETRO’s website for their calendar of classes, as there is something very special about pointing to an ornament or paperweight and saying “I made that”. The website also has a beautiful gallery section, but even the best photographers can’t capture the feeling of awe that a visit to the gallery allows.
There are demonstrations, make your own one-piece events (most frequently around appropriate holidays such as Mother’s and Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Christmas), classes and workshops. Examples of classes and workshops include: Glass Beadmaking, Borosilicate Off Mandrel Pendant (okay, I admit I listed this one to force you to go to the website to find out what it means), Beginner/Intermediate Paperweight, and Advanced Glassblowing, among others.
There is a great “buzz” about the Dale Chihuly Exhibit at the Dallas Arboretum and a visit there may inspire you to try your own hand at the ancient art of glassblowing. But a visit to the gorgeous VETRO Studio and Gallery is probably all you will need for that spark of inspiration.
More Information:
VETRO Glassblowing Studio & Gallery 701 S. Main Street #103 Grapevine, TX 76051 817.251.1668 Tue. through Sat. – 10:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. Sun. and Mon. – closed (Glassblowing demo’ schedule varies, call or check website for details and updates) VetroArtGlass.com
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5/14/2012 2:48:49 PM
By Kevin B. Kalley  The brand new Grapevine Convention &Visitors Bureau Headquarters and Museum Complex is the site for the 91st Annual National Watercolor Society’s (NWS) art exhibition and the Grapevine Art Project’s (GAP) plein air exhibit. Plein air is a French expression meaning “in the open air” and refers to painting outdoors.
From more than 1500 entries, NWS selects the top 100 artworks for awards and recognition, and then 30 of those best are chosen for the traveling exhibition. GAP chooses the top 15 plein air entries for display, along with additional works from Grapevine art galleries, and paintings by watercolor artists throughout North Texas. This will be one of the most significant art exhibits to occur in the region outside of the major Dallas and Fort Worth museums. Selections from The Southwestern Watercolor Signature Member Juried Show from the Dallas Watercolor Society, The Society of Watercolors 2012 Members Invitational from the Fort Worth Watercolor Society, and GAP’s Juried Membership Exhibit complete this wonderful exhibit.
The National Watercolor Society (NWS) encourages interest and excellence in water-media paintings by providing quality exhibitions, and acts as an educational channel for information, exhibition opportunities, and beneficial programs for artists and their public. In addition, NWS sponsors programs to encourage and assist education in the arts.
The Grapevine Art Project (GAP) is a non-profit organization established to promote local artists, increase art appreciation and education of the visual arts, and to bring regional and national art exhibits to Grapevine.
This is one of just six stops for this exhibition and the opening coincides with Grapevine’s 28th Annual Main Street Days.
More Information:
Location: The Grapevine CVB’s new Headquarters and Museum Complex is located at 636 S. Main St.
Tickets: $5 at the door (Children under 10 accompanied by adult are free, and discounted and group tickets are available from a variety of Downtown Grapevine merchants or by going to GrapevineArtProject.com.) Hours: During Main Street Days Friday, May 18 10:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. Saturday, May 19 10:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. Sunday, May 20 11:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m.
May 21 through June 15
Mondays – Thursdays 10:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. Fridays – Saturdays 10:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. Sundays 1:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m.
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5/7/2012 4:04:17 PM
By Kevin B. Kalley I’ve lived in Grapevine long enough to remember the very first Main Street Days Festival. I’ve volunteered at some, and only missed a few (when I’ve been out of the country). And they just keep getting better and better.  One of this year’s themes is “A Pizza Experience”. There will be a Pizza Piazza where you can indulge in an incredibly vast variety of pies… and vote on your favorite one, too. The winner will claim the coveted title of Peoples Pizza Pick. The Pizza Piazza Pub (say that, three times, fast) will feature a selection of craft- and premium-beers and wines. Even the Main Street Days Grillin’ Competition will have the teams that make it to Sunday’s final round grill pizza for the championship title and prizes. But man cannot live on pizza alone (well, I might be able to) so festival food fans will also find a full lineup of culinary choices including funnel cakes, corn dogs, turkey legs, kettle corn, cotton candy, lemonade and more. Just walking the length of this festival a few times is enough exercise for me, but if you want to burn off some of those festival-food calories in a more vigorous fashion there will be ample opportunities for some boot-scootin’, boogeyin’, swing, and rock-style dancing. Non-stop live entertainment includes Emerald City, performing classic hits as well as some of their original hits. Fans of that mellow big-band sound can swing along to Hunter Sullivan and his 14-piece band. True rock fans will be lining up to see AC/DC cover band Back in Black.  You should make plans to be at the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Headquarters before noon on Friday, May 18 for the debut of Grapevine’s new animatronic would-be train robbers. These two, 9-foot tall, animatronic train robbers will emerge shortly before noon and 6 p.m. each day. Each time the train robbers appear provides an exciting look into Texas history, and each performance is different. But the final lesson of each performance is “crime doesn’t pay.”
The Main Street Days Grillin’ Competition is presented by BBQ Outfitters of Southlake. Teams can enter one of six sessions throughout the festival with the championship session taking place on Sunday. Each session features teams grilling chicken, pork and shrimp and the winner receives a Big Green Egg grill. The winner of the championship session on Sunday wins a $1,000 package from BBQ Outfitters Southlake.
And for those who think shopping is a “must have” at any festival, Main Street Days also features a variety of vendors at this year’s event. Crafts, jewelry, home decorative items and gifts for friends and family are just some of the items you’ll want to pick up.
For the kids, KidZone allows the little ones to build their own Texas-themed creations out of LEGO® bricks, or enjoy activities such as games, rides, face painting, a petting zoo and live children’s entertainment.
More Information:
Main Street Days – A Pizza Experience Hours: Fri. and Sat. May 18 and 19, 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. Sun. May 20, 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Prices: Adults $7 Children 6 – 12 and seniors $5. Weekend passes are $15 per person. Souvenir weekend passes are $20 per person. (Free admission on Friday until 5:00 p.m.) Free shuttles run continuously from designated parking lots. 800.457.6338 GrapevineTexasUSA.com/MainStreetDays Photos courtesy of the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau
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5/1/2012 10:44:22 AM
By Kevin B. Kalley  It’s often said “save the best for last”. So I’m wrapping up my series of fun & free, outdoor, activities for springtime in Grapevine with what I consider to be one of Grapevines hidden jewels. Actually the Botanical Gardens are far from hidden, they’re actually right out in the open on Ball Street, but the gorgeous gardens and facilities seem way under-utilized to me. (And yes, I’ll still be blogging about fun & free things to do, but some of them will be inside.)
I actually had a bit of a conundrum writing about this tranquil spot, selfishly wanting to keep it a secret. But I was reminded of a conversation I recently had with a local restaurant reviewer. She told me that when she found that perfect hamburger joint or fabulous slice of pizza, she was tempted to keep it to herself to enjoy… at least for a little while. But her professionalism always won out and she realized it was her duty to promote these gems and share them with her readers. So, in that spirit, I’m telling you about the Grapevine Botanical Gardens at Heritage Park.
Located near the heart of Historic Downtown Grapevine, the Botanical Gardens welcome visitors with hundreds of varieties of plants and flowers, tantalizing scents, and the calming sounds of fountains and water features. There are meditation gardens, vertical gardens, square-foot gardens, butterfly gardens, and herb gardens. Small ponds host Koi fish with colorful, French Impressionist-like markings that rival the nearby flowers.
The Botanical Garden’s free brochure suggests a variety of self-guided tours, or you can take advantage of free Docent-led walking tours along wooded and landscaped trails. There are plenty of benches and seating areas for a peaceful respite along the way. Classes on garden planning, composting, and other horticultural endeavors are frequently offered and for a minimal fee there are photography classes.
 For the children, a number of fun activities are scheduled throughout the year. For example: May Flower Fun on May 15 lets the little ones create paper and cup flowers, and includes a story time. On June 19, Who’s Buggin’ You includes viewing bugs through handheld lenses, story time, and a chance to create “bug art”. On June 19, Insta-pets will let the children create a take-home, mini-aquarium for pets than can swim, will stay in their tank, only need to be fed every few weeks and will live up to eight months. In July, children’s classes include Ooey-Gooey Slime and Sunflower Shower along with craft activities and story time. There’s a large playground with a nice selection of equipment for the children, too.
Admission is free, and the Gardens are open from dawn until dusk, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The gardens are an ideal location to exercise, hold a wedding, read a book, enjoy a picnic, or take special family photos. During my last visit to the gardens I observed several Plein-Air artists throughout the grounds taking advantage of the leaf-filtered light to help them create their masterpieces. When you visit, if you see a really-handsome (☺), silver-haired man of “indeterminate” age, sitting on a bench reading a book, or staring at the koi-pond or fountains… say “hi”… it’s probably me. More Information:Address: 411 Ball Street, Grapevine TX Telephone: 817.410.3350 Hours: Dawn till Dusk, 365 days a year. Admission: Free (Donations welcome) Website: gvpard.com Photos by David Currier
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4/23/2012 3:28:35 PM
By Kevin B. Kalley For my ongoing series a fun and free Spring-time things to do in Grapevine, I decided to consult an expert. Master Gardner Pam Braak shared some ideas for wonderful places to enjoy nature and see some of our areas gorgeous plants and flowers.  First, let’s establish Pam’s credentials. To become a Master Gardener, you must go through four months of training and volunteer a minimum of 72 hours in the first year. Thirty-six of those hours must be in manning a phone bank to answer caller’s questions about landscape problems. There are 378 Master Gardeners in Tarrant County and the program is available in counties all over the U.S. Pam is also a member of the Grapevine Garden Club. The club has 210 members and about seventy percent of them reside in Grapevine. The Grapevine Garden Club is an organization of men and women who enjoy gardening, sharing plants and having fun. Through its monthly programs, field trips, annual plant sale, scholarship program and civic beautification projects, the club promotes interest in gardening and floral design. Annual dues, for those interested in joining the club, are $30. The Grapevine Garden Club was recently voted Garden Club of the Year, by Texas Garden Clubs Inc., at the annual State Convention which was held in Grapevine. Some of Pam’s favorite places for viewing plants and flowers include; Nash Farm, the trails around Grapevine Lake, the hiking/biking trails that connect a number of our neighborhood parks, and her own neighborhood. Pam’s backyard has been featured on Garden Club tours and we are fortunate to have numerous families in our Glade Crossing neighborhood who definitely have very green thumbs and whose yards are pretty enough to be showcased in glossy magazine spreads.  Also recommended, (and as I mentioned in my previous blog) are our beautiful Grapevine roadsides. While I focused on the bluebonnets, Pam points out that there are also fields of red clover, Indian paintbrush, Mexican Hats, Queen Anne’s lace, and evening primrose to enjoy. And it’s not just about flowers… Pam advises that Grapevine is uniquely placed in the Eastern Crosstimbers Region. This region is one of only two (both in Texas) that features our beloved Post Oak and extends from Grapevine all the way to College Station. The Post Oak variety is what most of us have in our yards, and they make up the majorityof our wooded areas. They prefer our sandy soil and tolerate less water than other oaks. On the commercial side of things, Pam recommends Marshal Grain and Blooming Colors nurseries here in Grapevine. Both have very knowledgeable staff and are great places to see beautiful plants and flowers and get inspired to plant your own gardens. Even those among us without yards can learn to plant a breathtaking window-box or an herb garden for your kitchen windowsill. But I left the best for last. Pam’s, and now my, favorite spot for viewing spectacular horticultural displays is The Grapevine Botanical Gardens at Heritage Park. This wonderful Living Museum is open 365 days a year, and is located at 411 Ball Street. The Gardens offer so many interesting features, such as: self-guided, guided-, and adventure-tours, educational programs and photography classes, wedding facilities, meditation gardens and calming reflective ponds, and a children’s playground. But I’ve run out of room for this week’s blog, so The Grapevine Botanical Gardens at Heritage Park will get its own full story… next week. Until then, “Get out and smell the roses” … and lilies … and columbines … and … (well, you get the idea). More Information: Grapevine Garden Club: grapevinegardenclub.comGrapevine Botanical Gardens and Heritage Park: grapevinetexas.gov/individualdepartments/parksandrecreation/botanicalgardensNash Farm: grapevinetexasusa.com/heritage/nashfarmMarshall Grain Nursery: marshallgrain.comBlooming Colors: bloomingcolorsnursery.com Tarrant County Master Gardeners: tarrantmg.orgPhotos by David Currier
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4/17/2012 11:34:00 AM
By Kevin Kalley  My continuing series of fun & free things to enjoy in Grapevine this spring just had to include one of my favorite pastimes: visiting farmers markets. I’ve visited markets in Europe, Mexico, the Middle East, the Far East, the Caribbean, and throughout the United States. At my other home, on the Big Island of Hawaii, I’m fortunate to have a weekly market in walking distance, and two even larger markets just a short drive away. But I spend most of my time here in Grapevine, and our own Grapevine version is one of the best! We are so very fortunate in Northern Texas to have a really long growing season… it starts early and lasts long into the fall. Many farmers markets don’t really have any fresh, local, products until the typical fall, harvest season. And in many locations, the farmers market is only open one day a week. Not in Grapevine. Our market is already open, and will be every Thursday through Saturday until the middle of October. Almost every fresh fruit and vegetable at the market is grown right here in Texas and much of it is grown within a few hours’ drive from downtown Grapevine. If you ever want to know exactly where your purchase comes from… just ask. The vendors are all proud of what they are offering and are more than happy to discuss it with you, often offering recipes and serving suggestions, too. Many of us live in condos, townhomes or apartments. And even those of us with yards, frequently don’t have room for more than a small pot of herbs or a tomato plant. As for me, even if I had the room, my “black thumb” keeps me from enjoying any home-grown fruits and veggies. But there is nothing like a vine-ripened tomato, a freshly picked peach, or a basket of sun-warmed strawberries.  And don’t forget herbs, salad fixin’s, beans, potatoes, squash, melons…ahhh, the list goes on and on. Many vendors have even taken their produce a step further and sell items such as salsas, vinegars, olive oil, honey, and jams and jellies. The best way to keep up with which vendors will be at the market each week, what produce they will be offering for sale, and any special events that will be going on, is to sign up for the markets’ email updates. But wait! There’s more! By signing up you’ll receive discount coupons. The market is open from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. (or until sold out). I recommend getting there early, as from my own experience, sellout days happen frequently. (And I don’t want to have to fight with you over that last basket of tomatoes.) More Information:325 South Main Street, Grapevine, TX 76051 817.439.4466 March 22 until October 13 Thursdays – Saturdays 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. www.farmersmarketofgrapevine.comPhotos by David Currier
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4/9/2012 10:03:10 AM
By Kevin Kalley  It’s time to… “Stop, and smell the bluebonnets.”
Nothing says “Spring” like the arrival of Texas Bluebonnets along our highways, in fields and in pastures. In my ongoing series of fun and free, things to do in Grapevine during the spring season, bluebonnet hunting is one of the best.
The Texas bluebonnet, Lupinas Texensis, was designated the state flower in 1901. In Texas, where everything is bigger, our bluebonnet is actually on the “short” side compared to other lupine varieties. The Texas bluebonnet is less than one foot tall on average, whereas other varieties range from one to five feet in height, and some varieties grow as a bush to heights of 20 feet. But what ours lack in stature, they make up for with their vibrant colors, masses of flowers and aromatic perfume.
Some describe the scent as similar to freshly aired laundry, while others are reminded more of the scented dryer sheets many of us use where line drying is not practical. When the breezes are just right, a field of bluebonnets can give off a perfume that can be detected nearly a mile away.
This year, the search in Grapevine might be a little bit harder due to the construction taking place along many of our highways and roadsides, but the extra effort is definitely worth the time. If your nose doesn’t lead you to a lush field of these little blue beauties, you can find some wonderful patches along Highways 360 and 121 as well as the service roads that surround DFW airport.
Let’s dispel some of the myths about this beautiful little flower. First, not all bluebonnets are blue. There are lavender, pink, white, crimson, and burgundy colors in Texas. In other locales, yellow, raspberry, coral, and peach occur. Second, it is not illegal to pick bluebonnets, but please due so judiciously, if at all. A large field can be quickly decimated if every visitor takes an armload, or even a small bouquet. If you must, pick one or two for remembrance and leave the rest for others to enjoy.
 It’s very popular to use a field of bluebonnets as a background for photo opportunities, especially with small children, pets, or a beautiful bride as the subject of the photograph. Try not to trample the delicate flowers when arranging your tableau, and if your chosen field of flowers is on a highway or roadside area, use extreme caution in placing your own vehicle out of harm’s way.
There are numerous sites on the internet (too numerous to list) where you can find directions to great bluebonnet viewing locations. If you are willing to share your favorite Grapevine location, please leave a message in the Comment section at the bottom of this story.
Photos by David Currier
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4/2/2012 5:39:27 PM
 By Kevin Kalley
This is the second in our series of blogs on fun, FREE, springtime things to do in Grapevine. And if the high-80s temperatures we’ve been experiencing — along with the arrival of May-flies in February and June-bugs in April — are any indication, we’d all better enjoy this likely short stretch of spring while we can.
You don’t have to be Catholic, or even have any particular religious affiliation, to appreciate the centuries-old ceremony of the “Blessing of the Vines” celebration of the new vintage on April 14. The priest will bless the vines for the 2012 harvest, as well as the new release wines from crops from previous years.
Wine aficionados, or those just out to enjoy a beautiful spring day, can gather at Delaney Vineyards to celebrate as a priest performs this European tradition of blessing the new harvest, ensuring robust vines and savory grapes. Beginning with a colorful procession through the largest vineyard in North Texas, the ceremony is followed by a complimentary wine tasting, along with bread, cheese and more live entertainment. 
And if those tastings should whet your appetite you can continue celebrating on the New Vintage Wine and Gallery Trail with visits to Grapevine’s wineries and art galleries. (Full disclosure, the “free” part is now over.) A special stop this year will include an art show by the Grapevine Art Project featuring the work of 35 local artists on display, and for sale, at the Palace Arts Center on Main Street in Historic Downtown Grapevine.
Tickets for the Wine and Gallery Trail are $49 per person and include wine tastings at all of Grapevine’s winery tasting rooms, food offerings, live entertainment and a souvenir wine glass. Participants must be 21 years of age or older. Shuttles to and from Delaney Vineyards will operate continuously from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
More Information:
April 14, 2012
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Delaney Vineyards, 2000 Champagne Blvd., Grapevine
Free Admission
817.410.3185
www.GrapevineTexasUSA.com
Photos by David Currier
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3/26/2012 12:07:38 PM
 By Kevin B. Kalley
The next few blogs will all be about celebrating spring. And even better, the next three spring-themed blogs are all about fun and interesting things that you can do for free. We certainly didn’t have much of a winter, so we might as well celebrate spring before summer gets here in all its triple-digit-temperature glory.
Let’s start by celebrating springtime on the farm, Nash Farm that is. On April 21, we’ll be at Grapevine’s 11th annual Spring Into Nash Farm celebration. This annual, family-friendly, event has activities and demonstrations including; blacksmithing, wood-burning stove cooking and wood carving. Children will be able to interact with farm animals, help plant some cotton, construct a jump-rope toy and learn about other vintage toys.
Here’s a chance for you and your family to step back in time and actually experience how the settlers and earliest residents of Grapevine lived. They’ll be cultivating the fields, and folks (age appropriate) can help out and also do some cotton planting or learn how to plan and plant a kitchen garden. Visiting the farm is free, but some activities may have a small fee. Hayrides, for example, will be $1 per person.
Nash Farm, circa 1859, is the oldest operating farmstead in Tarrant County. Through its interpretive programs, events and exhibits, Nash Farm educates the community about the heritage and importance of the Grape Vine Prairie and Grapevine’s pivotal role in the development of North Texas.
Nash Farm hosts numerous events throughout the year, and I recently took a bread-baking class at the farm. There are also volunteer opportunities at Nash Farm, either through the Nash Farmhands program or through the Grapevine Heritage Foundation. More information on both programs is available through the contact information listed below.
Next week we’ll be covering the Blessing of the Vines, the following week the Grapevine Farmer’s Market. And then we’ll have an interview with Grapevine Master Gardener, Pam Braak, and learn about some great places to go in Grapevine to just enjoy spring… or maybe get inspired to create, or improve our own gardens and landscapes. More Information:
Nash Farm
626 Ball St.
Grapevine, TX 76051
Date: April 21, 2012
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Admission is free (some activities may require a small fee)
817.260.0312 or 817.410.3185 https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/heritage/nashfarm/tabid/522/default.aspx
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3/21/2012 3:50:09 PM
 By Kevin B. Kalley
Inside just three theater complexes, there are nearly 50 movie screens in Grapevine. Our neighbor — Southlake — adds over a dozen more screens to the mix. When the mega-screen theaters were being built, there was talk of having a couple of the screens (well, at least one each) dedicated to showing classic movies. It never happened.
I’m told the advent of DVDs and all of those movie rental services are what put the kibosh on those big-screen plans. But let’s face it: some movies are just so much better when seen on the big screen. (I’ve yet to see a home-based television that truly rivals a movie house experience.) And some movies, especially comedies and scary-genres, are more enjoyable when shared with a crowd. The popcorn always tastes better there, too.
Well, you can still enjoy classic movies in a movie-house setting. Grapevine’s Palace Arts Center offers its Classic Movies Series and First Friday Movies. The Classic Series is somewhat randomly scheduled (often paired with like-themed events or festivals that are taking place) and the First Friday Movies takes place — as the name implies — on the first Friday of each month. First Friday offerings are scheduled four months into the future, but you’ll want to check their website often as Classic Series offerings are sometimes announced somewhat last minute.
Recent, and upcoming, offerings include(d): Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (paired with the 8th annual Chocolatefest), Field of Dreams, Tootsie, Big, Goldfinger and the 1950’s classic The Day the Earth Stood Still (paired with the 2nd annual Taking Care of Mother Earth Day Expo and Earth Day).
Just visiting The Palace Center is a treat. Originally built in 1940 and fully renovated in 1999, it boasts 439 seats, including a nostalgia-inducing balcony. You can purchase your tickets online until midnight the day before the show, or at the box office one hour before the show. Another nostalgia-inducing feature — tickets are only $5, and if you show a same-day receipt from any Grapevine restaurant or merchant you get a free bag of popcorn ($1 otherwise).
More Information: Palace Arts Center
300 S. Main Street, Grapevine
Box Office – 817.410.3100
Show Times – 7:30 p.m.
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