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The Best Way to See All of TexasAll in one placeBy Madelyn Miller
Welcome to Gaylord Texan, one of the biggest hotels in the state and probably the most Texan. Located on its own little lake (well, little by Texas standards, and maybe the only little thing around) it has shopping, dining, a spa and more all in its own complex.
If you want to have a spa treatment, reserve ahead. Even though it is a large spa, it was completely booked the weekend I visited. Hopefully I will get back for that experience. TASTE OF TEXASThere are six delicious dining options in the hotel. My favorite was a tapas-style bar, Ama Lur where you get lots of tastes by sharing plates. The elegant Nuevo Latino style cuisine is inspired by the flavors of Spain, Central and South America. But most of all, it is inspired by one of Texas’ leading chefs, Stephan Pyles. Small plate prices range from $8 to $15 dollars, so if you like foie gras and want more than simple tastes, your bill will add up faster than you gobble down the delicious fare.
If you are really hungry, Riverwalk Café is the best choice. The market style buffet is open breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are six show kitchens. Well planned and well laid out, guests move through easily without crowding or backup. Daily cuisine varies, highlighting foods from around the world with regional influences. Full buffet at all meals. Breakfast $16, Lunch $19 and Dinner $24. Don’t worry too much about overeating. You will get a lot of exercise walking around the grounds, even if you never make it to the state of the art gym facility. Old Hickory is the signature Steakhouse offering Certified Black Angus beef and an international wine room with over 200 selections. There is a wonderful artisanal cheese course.
Texan Station is a restaurant and Sports Bar with Texas size burgers, sandwiches, salads, desserts and drinks, Internet Bar, Cigar Lounge and 40 Plasma TV’s. $15 to $25.
There is also the Silver Bar with a Western Saloon feeling in the lobby and 24-hour in room dining. You will never be hungry at Gaylord Texan. But then that is Texas hospitality at its best.
Or come for a few days and really explore the state. GAYLORD TEXAN Resort and Convention Center on Lake
Grapevine KNOW BEFORE YOU GOGrapevine is one of the oldest settlements in North Texas, originating in 1844 when settlers from the Peter’s Colony in Missouri blazed a trail to Texas and put down roots. Grapevine gets it name from the tart, wild Mustang grapes that grew abundantly on the prairie. Today, Grapevine celebrates its history and agricultural heritage with a restored downtown that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Great GuidebooksTHE OLD WEST TOURING TEXAS WINERIES TEXAS PARKS AND CAMPGROUNDS ROMANTIC WEEKENDS TEXAS Helpful WebsitesFOR MORE INFOCall 1-800-8888-TEX (x 2634) for a free 264-page Texas
State Travel Guide, |
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There is a new star on the Texas horizon. A hotel
complex that really reflects the size and spirit of the essence of Texas. It
is big. It is bold. And everything tastes terrific.
Imagine flying into the Dallas Fort Worth Airport in
Grapevine, Texas and being able to experience the Alamo, the Riverwalk, the
Missions of Texas and some international cuisine…all within a six minute
ride from the airport.
And you don’t ever have to worry about the temperature.
Everything is enclosed in an almost hermetically sealed cool environment
(except the pool) that makes any concerns about the weather non-existent. No
thunderstorms or tornados unless the brilliant people behind the climate
control and polytechnics decide to create them for your viewing pleasure.
Gaylord Texan is a miniature (in relative terms)
replica of the state with symbolic areas for the most significant parts of
Texas. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be embraced by the spirit and
heritage of Texas. From the giant Texas Star beneath Gaylord Hotel’s
signature glass atrium to interior landscaping featuring the rugged canyons
of the Texas Hill Country and a meandering replica of San Antonio’s
legendary Riverwalk, it a world brought to life in a lush,
climate-controlled environment under glass.
Here you’ll experience the old world charm of dining in
a Texas vineyard, the vistas of the rugged Hill Country, and an outdoor pool
reminiscent of a West Texas spring-fed pool.
You can “shop until you drop” in boutiques with a Texas flair, and if you
want to be a discount diva, the Grapevine Mills Mall is only five minutes
away. But the hotel stores have unique merchandise at relatively reasonable
prices. No reason to leave the property.
You can walk along the Riverwalk and even dine in the
Riverwalk Café buffet restaurant. Enjoy 4.5 acres of indoor gardens,
winding pathways and sparkling waterfalls. You can watch a water and light
show every evening.
Java Coast is open 24 hours to satisfy all your
caffeine and sweet tooth cravings. It is fun to sit on the outside balcony
and watch the water show and people watch everyone wandering around.
Pool Bar and Grill is a full service pool-side bar,
offering refreshing, ice cold beverages, great snacks and sandwiches. They
will provide service to tables, lounge chairs, and cabanas, meaning you can
continue working on your tan line while you dine.
Gaylord Texan almost makes you wish for a long layover
at the DFW airport.