This Tarrant County city has one of the ‘most charming’ Main Streets in U.S.

When visitors travel to North Texas, they’re most likely thinking to spend time in either Dallas or Fort Worth. But this city in between is worth a look, too, according to USA Today.

The newspaper ranked Grapevine as No. 9 in the U.S. for “most charming” Main Street, thanks to its “dozens of galleries, boutiques and dining options.” The list is curated by a panel of expert judges and voted on by USA Today readers.

When you think of a North Texas Main Street, you may think of the historic Fort Worth Stockyards or John. F Kennedy’s memorial in Dallas. But USA Today said it aimed to round up the most charming Main Streets with history, culture and a thriving community.

Grapevine, next to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, is directly between the two major cities. Even if it’s not a part of your travel itinerary, it can still be a day trip on your way in or out of the airport.

Here is why Grapevine’s Main Street is worth a visit, especially with Main Street Fest coming up in May.

Grapevine Main Street is top 10 most charming in the country

This is the second year in a row that Main Street in Grapevine has been voted “most charming” by USA Today.

Main Street anchors the historic downtown neighborhood that dates back to 1844. The brick-studded buildings on the street were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They now serve as various wineries, boutiques, restaurants and art galleries.

The Cotton Belt train tracks were laid in the late 1800s, when farmers transported good across Texas. These are now used as the Grapevine Vintage Railroad experience. Guests can ride on restored versions of trains that date back to 1896, 1953 and 1957. They have short train rides as well as weekend-long excursion packages.

Grapevine also hosts a handful of wineries along Main Street. The Urban Wine Trail features Texas-grown wines. Texas is the fifth-largest wine producing state in the country, and Grapevine hosts nearly a dozen wineries for local tasting.

There are more than 40 restaurants around the historic district, with familiar favorites like Jake’s Burgers or Mister O1 Pizza. But also wineries, barbecue, Cajun seafood, plenty of Mexican and a few steakhouses.

Grapevine has also been dedicated as the official Christmas capital of Texas. During the holiday season, the historic downtown welcomes over 2 million visitors to enjoy the festive activities, decorations and Christmas market. The vintage railroad also turns into “Santa’s North Pole Express.”

The 42nd annual Main Street Fest is May 15-17 with food, shopping, a KidZone, live music, a carnival and midway and art.

USA Today most charming Main Street rankings

1. Bethlehem, Pa.
2. Waynesville, N.C.
3. Emporia, Kan.
4. Howell, Mich.
5. Paso Robles, Calif.
6. Ogden, Utah
7. Ocean City, N.J.
8. McMinnville, Ore.
9. Grapevine, Texas
10. Virginia City, Nev.

Ella Gonzales

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Ella Gonzales is a service journalism reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions and write about life in North Texas. Ella mainly writes about local restaurants and where to find good deals around town.