Downtown Showdown, a Photo Series: Grapevine

by Laura Evans

A metroplex is more than just the sum of its parts. Or is it? To dive into the true character of Dallas/Fort Worth, here we present the fourth segment in a photo series featuring the down towns, old(e) towns and city centers that feed into Dallas/Fort Worth. Each city brings its own character that, together, make D/FW such a special place to live. So keep an eye out for us, we will hit your neighborhood downtown soon. The metroplex, however, is a very large place. To tell its story through only two pairs of eyes (mine and staff photographer Laura Seewoester) wouldn't do it justice. If you have photos of your area city center, send them to our Flickr group and tag them Downtown Your City's Name and we will feature them in the segment on your city.

Grapevine is the oldest settlement in Tarrant County; the earliest record of settlement in the area is in the 1840's. The city went through several names (Cross Timbers, Grape Vine Springs, Leonardville, and Dunnville) before residents settled on the name Grape Vine (later changed to one word). Grapevine was named after the wild Mustang grapes native of the area. It is now known to many as the wine capital of DFW. It hosts the annual wine festival, Grapefest, where the city features wine from all over Texas in the historic downtown Grapevine. The quaint downtown area, located on Main Street, consists of small shops, restaurants and performance venues where residents and tourists go to wine, dine and shop.

Downtown Grapevine

(Click photo to see entire gallery)

Into The Glass Wine Bar and Texas Cafe

Photo by Laura Evans

Grapevine's City Hall, located at 200 South Main Street.

Photo by Laura Evans

The Prairie Windmill was erected in 1999 during the 15th Annual Main Street Days Festival. According to the city of Grapevine the windmill serves "as a reminder of changes that came to the Grape Vine Prairie with the European settlers during the mid 1800's, and the beauty and grace of machinery that made a way of life possible and pleasant..."

Photo by Laura Evans

The inside of the Torian Log Cabin, the oldest structure in Grapevine.

Photo by Laura Evans

The Palace Theatre Arts Center is the place to celebrate music, theatre, dance, cinema, and the visual arts in downtown Grapevine.

Photo by Laura Evans

The Main Street Bread Baking Company, known for their delicious desserts, sandwiches and salads. The fruit tart is pretty darn good.

Photo by Laura Evans

The Main Street Gazebo

Photo by Laura Evans

Detail of mural in parking lot.

Photo by Laura Evans

Street view of shops