https://www.traveltexas.com/ Archives - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

The Grape Gatsby in Grapevine in Texas

3rd June 20253rd June 2025 funtime65

Bet you’re wondering how I knew, how I knew before you, but they’re championing The Grape Gatsby in Grapevine in Texas.

Our good old Southern compadres in the Lone Star State have borrowed a Yankee icon for this, the 39th Annual Grapefest, in September.

But anything goes in the name of wine, we say.

And we know that Texans and visitors will rise to the challenge to don DJs, Spatz and flapper dresses and coif out of goblets.

Grapevine, which runs four unforgettable days on Historic Main Street, September 11, 12, 13 and 14, is a veritable fest of fun.

Stomp of approval

Stage is set: For Grapefest in Grapevine, Texas

And we can just picture Jay, Nick, Tom, Daisy and Myrtle trampling away in the popular GrapeStomp.

Where teams of two against each other in a race against the clock to stomp about 18 pounds of grapes in a thrilling two-minute frenzy.

The stakes are high, culminating in the Grand Champion Stompoff.

Where the ultimate victors are awarded the coveted Purple Foot Award!

While for those with a steady hand and a celebratory spirit, the Champagne Cork Shoot-Off offers a unique test of skill.

Participants take aim at targets, with smaller targets yielding higher points.

All building to the Grand Shoot-Off finals on Sunday.

The best possible taste

Now the Grapevine Annual Grapefest is a showcase for Texan wine and the week when the Lone Star State challenges California’s riches.

Boasting the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic, the largest consumer-judged wine tasting competition in the states, exclusively featuring all Texas wines.

And you can meet Texas winemakers while sampling and judging more than a dozen varietal categories including sweet, dry and blush.

Elevate your wine knowledge with engaging pairing workshops.

Where experts will guide you in discovering the perfect harmonies between your favorite vinos and delectable cheese, chocolates and more!

All the fun of the fest

While the GrapeFest guys and gals helpfully tell us what else is on offer.

Live Music and Entertainment: Enjoy a vibrant soundtrack throughout the festival with performances across multiple stages.
Iconic Festival Food: Indulge in a diverse culinary scene with food options to complement the wine selections. And try a Texas corny dog or funnel cake!
Artisan Marketplace: Discover unique handcrafted goods and souvenirs made by Texas vendors.
Family-Friendly Fun: With activities for all ages, GrapeFest includes a KidZone, Carnival and Midway.
Historic Backdrop: Buildings on the National Register of Historic Places are repurposed as boutiques, international cafés and bistros, art galleries and winery tasting rooms.

Will you be mine?

Now, you’ll be glad after your jet lag from Europe to know that the Texas tipplers’ town is just beside Dallas Fort Worth.

For you to roll in and roll back to the airport after all the fun.

And is home to a range of world-class hotels.

From luxe resorts, including Gaylord Texan to the boutique Hotel Vin.

And family-friendly Great Wolf Lodge, visitors will find accommodations that suit their needs and preferences.

Grapevine is also home to the Urban Wine Trail, Historic Main Street, Historic Nash Farm, Grapevine Vintage Railroad.

And hosts many annual festivals and events including GrapeFest.

Super trample: And aim for that Purple Foot trophy

And Main Street Fest – A Timeless Texas Tradition.

While if you can’t get away until later in the year Grapevine is also the Christmas Capital of Texas.

With more than 1,400 Christmas events over 40 days.

And was voted Newsweek Reader’s Choice Best Christmas Town in the US in 2024.

And all year round too, and not just the four days of GrapeFest.

We can celebrate The Grape Gatsby in Grapevine in Texas.

America, Countries, Deals, Europe, Food & Wine, UK

Czech Pilsner is the first among Urquells

14th August 202414th August 2024 funtime65

A toast to Scottish lager Innis & Gunn on winning gold in the Olympics of Beer, but patriotism aside Czech Pilsner is the first among Urquells for us.

Innis & Gunn’s successes in the Country and Taste Categories and silver in the Taste category at the World Beer Awards is deserved for a fuller lager.

With Scotland not known for its lager, whisky yes, but amber nectar.

With the electric fizzy Tennent’s the template for the less sophisticated Scottish palate.

Until, of course, you get out to see what proper lager is all about at the Nirvana of Nectar, Oktoberfest in Munich.

Not that any amount of Tennent’s can prepare you for steins of the finest Hofbrau, Lowenbrau or Paulaner.

Thing is though that once savoured you’ll never go back to electric fizzy beer.

And so began a life mission to road test as many different lagers.

Across the world’s great lager-drinking nations of the world to find out which is best.

So here are my alternative podium, my 1-2-3, or top of the froths if you will.

Czechs mate

Look at the head on that: Zatec, Czech Republuc

Pilsner Urquell: And any reason to flag up the oft-repeated claim that the Czechs drink more lager than any other country in the world per head of population.

And that Czech Pilsner is the first among Urquells.

Our Bohemian friends don’t just drink it, they also bathe in it.

And dedicate astronomical clocks to it and have competitions measuring the girth of their beer bellies, as they do in Zatec.

And if you want to try something more left-field then the Loket Ruby beer was so good I took as much of it back with me in my luggage as I could.

Best of the Fest

Hofbrau: And a big-up to the classic Bavarian beer in an attempt to get my ban lifted from 1986.

For trying to split up Bayern and Nuremberg female football fans from fighting, for which I copped a broken nose.

Hofbrau, which is protected under the German Purity Law, is the quintessential Bavarian beer.

But don’t take the word of a tipsy Scot coralled by Aussies and Kiwis. Ask, of all people the Swedes.

During the Thirty Years’ War in 1632, Munich was besieged by Swedish troops but they came up with a wizard wheeze to get them to stop.

They offered the Swedes 23,168 litres from the Hofbräuhaus to spare their city.

Ruby, Ruby, Ruby, Ruby: And a 24-hour bar in Munich

These days the celebrated Hofbrauhuis is the best place to clink your steins and sing Ein Prosit.

While your own award-winning Travel Editor is clearly being seen in a different light.

With Ruby Lilly and Ruby Rosi dropping me what they’re offering which is a 24-hour bar service for residents.

With rates from €331 per room per night during Oktoberfest, or from €123 at other times.

Check the Ruby Hotels website for rates, booking and the Oktoberfest Guide.

Beers to American IPA

Avery day’s a school day: With Travis in Colorado

American IPA: OK, I’m cheating here because every time I find a favourite American lager I go to another state and am knocked out by a new one.

I’ve been knocked over by lagers from Angel City Brewery in Los Angeles, perfect prep.

For your La La Land trip to see Los Angeles Angels baseball game.

Through Denver, which bills itself as the beer capital of the US.

And where because it’s the Mile High City you get twice as drunk for half as much.

And Colorado and Avery Brewing Company where Travis works as a beerologist.

Tracing ancient booze from the Biblical times… and I still want his job.

Down to Texas and its Shiner Bock which will salve even the salsaiest Tex-Mex food.

Popping into Mississippi and sopping up your soul food and grits.

Before paying tribute to Old Sam himself, Samuel Adams in Boston, the birthplace of the American Revolution and the American story at Samuel Adams Tap Rooms.

America, Countries

Texas’ Christmas Capital I heard it through the Grapevine

26th July 202426th July 2024 funtime65

I guess you’re wondering how I knew… well, Texas’ Christmas Capital, I heard it through the Grapevine.

Drink it all in if you will.

You’ll go down in history: Grapevine’s Rudolf

A land rich in vitis vinifera which being European types the 18th-century pioneers christened Grapevine.

And built a community around the vine and the wine all year round.

Grapevine with ICE!

Now at the height of a baking Texan summer, or elsewhere in this warming world, it may seem strange for thoughts to turn to Christmas.

But Grapevine has built its reputation as the Christmas Capital of Texas and are already planning their Yuletide.

So if you like ice with your wine, and that’s not just South Africans, at Christmas then read on.

And set your compass for this charming town between Fort Worth and Dallas.

For a bit of the North Pole in North Texas and a Rudolf like you’ve probably never have seen him before.

All part of the ICE! attraction at the Gaylord Texan where guests can now book special early bird packages.

Rudolf the Texas Reindeer

ICE! is all masterfully carved by a team of 40 expert artisans from Harbin, China, home of the world-famous Harbin Ice Festival.

These skilled craftsmen spend about 40 days creating a vibrant, icy spectacle that fills the 17,000-square-foot attraction.

Visitors will journey through floor-to-ceiling scenes hand-crafted from 2 million pounds of ice.

The attraction is kept at a chilly 9 degrees Fahrenheit to preserve the intricate, frozen detail.

As warm as ice

To help stay warm, guests will don the attraction’s signature complimentary blue parkas.

In addition to ICE!, the resort will feature an enchanting line-up of over-the-top Christmas activities.

From an ice tubing hill, ice skating rink, and gingerbread decorating corner to live shows, dining experiences, and photos with Santa.

With the resort property displaying two million twinkling holiday lights, 15,000 sparkling ornaments, and a 54ft-tall rotating Christmas tree.

Sweet Marriott

So visit ICE.marriott.com to receive limited-time discounts.

Overnight guests will be able to access resort-only benefits including the Extra Cool Hour and Chill Pass.

And that will allow overnight visitors early admission into ICE! and the Christmas Village.

As well as front-of-the-line access to the attraction.

ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer will be presented from November 15-January 5.

Yes, Texas’ Christmas Capital I heard it on the Grapevine at American Travel Fairs in San Antonio.

And now we are bringing its charms to you all year round.

America, Countries, Ireland, UK

Put your back into Texan Irish Dancing

19th June 202419th June 2024 funtime65

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

Double jig time

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

While most competitors will be from the States, Canada, or Mexico.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

Nearly 4,000 Irish dancers, from under 7 to over 70, will descend on Grapevine from all around the world.

While most competitors will be from the States, Canada, or Mexico.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

Where across six large ballrooms and stages at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center the dancers will kick up a treat.

Grape expectations: Dancing in Grapevine

Nearly 4,000 Irish dancers, from under 7 to over 70, will descend on Grapevine from all around the world.

While most competitors will be from the States, Canada, or Mexico.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

Over five days from June 30 through July 4.

Where across six large ballrooms and stages at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center the dancers will kick up a treat.

Nearly 4,000 Irish dancers, from under 7 to over 70, will descend on Grapevine from all around the world.

While most competitors will be from the States, Canada, or Mexico.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

The 2024 North American Irish Dance Championships (NAIDC) are only scheduled to place in Grapevine, near Dallas.

Over five days from June 30 through July 4.

Where across six large ballrooms and stages at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center the dancers will kick up a treat.

Nearly 4,000 Irish dancers, from under 7 to over 70, will descend on Grapevine from all around the world.

While most competitors will be from the States, Canada, or Mexico.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

They’re not natural bedfellows but here’s why you should put your back into Texan Irish Dancing.

The 2024 North American Irish Dance Championships (NAIDC) are only scheduled to place in Grapevine, near Dallas.

Over five days from June 30 through July 4.

Where across six large ballrooms and stages at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center the dancers will kick up a treat.

Nearly 4,000 Irish dancers, from under 7 to over 70, will descend on Grapevine from all around the world.

While most competitors will be from the States, Canada, or Mexico.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

They’re not natural bedfellows but here’s why you should put your back into Texan Irish Dancing.

The 2024 North American Irish Dance Championships (NAIDC) are only scheduled to place in Grapevine, near Dallas.

Over five days from June 30 through July 4.

Where across six large ballrooms and stages at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center the dancers will kick up a treat.

Nearly 4,000 Irish dancers, from under 7 to over 70, will descend on Grapevine from all around the world.

While most competitors will be from the States, Canada, or Mexico.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

They’re not natural bedfellows but here’s why you should put your back into Texan Irish Dancing.

The 2024 North American Irish Dance Championships (NAIDC) are only scheduled to place in Grapevine, near Dallas.

Over five days from June 30 through July 4.

Where across six large ballrooms and stages at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center the dancers will kick up a treat.

Nearly 4,000 Irish dancers, from under 7 to over 70, will descend on Grapevine from all around the world.

While most competitors will be from the States, Canada, or Mexico.

Some will travel from Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, France and Argentina.

Double jig time

Dancers who place within the top percentage of their categories will also have the chance to qualify.

And compete in next year’s World Irish Dance Championships in Dublin.

The NAIDC will host several different dance categories throughout the week.

There will be Solo Championships, Teams, and Traditional Irish Set Dances.

The events will also be accompanied by live Irish music from some of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians.

The NAIDC will also be hosting over 25 vendors from across the world, offering all things Irish.

Sure, we’re all Irish

Now for those of you who might think that you have to be Irish-born to truly be an Irish dancer then you’d be wrong.

As our own jiggy daughterie showed when she picked up her Granny’s dancing skills in our 13 years in Wicklow.

And, sure, isn’t the greatest Irish dancer of them all, Michael Flatley a Chicagoin.

And weren’t this year’s worlds only in my home town of Glasgow.

Texas, as it always does, will lay out the carpet for its visitors.

And they do love a party in the Lone Star State and a barn or line dance.

Why not bring your own moves and put your back into Texan Irish dancing.

America, Countries

Head is spinnin’ in Universal Hollywood

8th May 20248th May 2024 funtime65

So my head is spinnin’ in Universal Studios Hollywood.

No, not because of the rides… I learned my lesson from when The Hulk got angry with me years ago down in Orlando.

Although I held my breath and onto my breakfast then thanks to guide Natalie’s motion sickness tablets.

And fitted in a spin around Hogwarts in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

This year in Universal Hollywood I’m pacing myself.

Not least because my head is spinnin’ after a night that any of the Hollywood hell raisers would shrink away from.

I blame, er thank, the Minneapolis-St Paul, Travel South USA, Travel Texas and Washington DC Pride delegations for getting me this way.

Now while it is a schoolboy error to turn up like this on match night, haven’t we all been here?

The trick to making the most of your Universal Orlando evening is to follow the Murty Manual.

Water ride

Rehydrate: Don’t be a hero. Yes, the wine, cocktails and beer are flowing like the water rides but water is key.

You don’t have to be a monk, of course, and it would be rude not to order a Duff’s at Moe’s.

But soak it all up with a dirty Krusty Burger and fries.

It’ll bring some colour back to your face and make you more appealing when you meet up with Marilyn.

What a character

Meet the gang: The whole Universal gang is here, of course.

Doc from Back to the Future, Beetlejuice and our cast of animated heroes.

Shrek and Puss in Boots will pose for photos while Donkey will riff with you for your vid.

While I haven’t a scooby what the Mystery Machine mob made of this Bandanaman.

Tour de force

Get off your trolley: No, not like that, and I refer you to the Rehydrate section.

No, the studio tour is a joyous journey through 60 years of the behind-the-scenes world of Universal.

Now, they’ve ramped things up here since the last time I was here, as Universal Hollywood always do.

And Jimmy Fallon no less spins us through six decades of stories and sets in 45 minutes.

Joined by pals Stephen Spielberg, Meryl Streep, Jack Black and a host of Hollywood A-listers.

While you’ll also meet Jaws up close and personal who jumps out at you from the Hollywood lake.

While on your mid-tour break when you get out you can meet King Kong.

And something even scarier, Norman Bates fixing his eyes on you as he brings a wrapped-up body out of the motel bedroom.

Throw in a trip into a subway where you roll when an earthquake takes hold and everything breaks around you.

And it’s clear that Universal Hollywood’s story is a ripping yarn with you at the centre of it.

Oh brother

Pizza the action: We end the evening in Universal Hollywood’s in the resort’s newest attraction, Nintendo World.

Where we enter into a world of fun through the Green Tunnel and join Mario, Luigi and Princess Peaches.

And even get to go on a Mario Kart for a ride and a 3-D shoot-up for gold coins.

I’m back in credit (I scored 61 against a high score of 71).

I still got it. My head is spinnin’ in Universal Hollywood.

But I’m rich… in memories.

America, Countries, Sport

The home Rangers are on top of the baseball world

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They’ll be breaking out the Shiner Bock beer down Arlington, Texas way… the home Rangers are on top of the baseball world.

And for the first time too as the Texas Rangers, who play their games in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth conurbation, at last emerged.

From the two-time winning Houston Astros‘ shadow.

To win their first world series with a romp against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

And most importantly keep the World Series in Texas.

The South Rises

Now, those of who see Texas as a football state would be right.

With the storied Dallas Cowboys having lifted the SuperBowl five times… never mind the religion that is college football.

But there has been a geographical switch in American sport in recent years.

With Southern states challenging and bursting down the door of northern dominance in baseball and ice hockey.

The Lone State back-to-back World Series victories come after Atlanta Braves beat the Astros in another all-southern showdown.

Ice one

And heck when the South rises again in ice hockey when there’s never any ice in the sunny states then you know that the world is turning on its axis.

Texas’s own Dallas Stars have been recent Stanley Cup finalists while Tampa Bay Lightning have made three of the last four finals.

And Florida Panthers got to this year’s final only to be beaten by the Vegas Golden Knights, a snub to the north with Sin City being deep in the West.

Which only leaves basketball as the outlier with the San Antonio Spurs who went through their tricks for us this summer in Alamo City..

The Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks carrying the hoop dreams of the state.

The Homer Star State

All of which tour around the world of Texan sport drives home how games are central to the Texan experience.

So that when you get out there take in a game, any game.

Get down to Arlington where the home Rangers are on top of the baseball world.

Watch the rodeo or have a go yourself.

Countries, Deals, Europe

Crockett man at Disney Paris

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Who knew… you don’t have to go to the Alamo to see the king of the wild frontier, he’s here in Europe, Crockett man at Disney Paris.

Inspired by the famed Senator of Tennessee I ignored the critics and exclaimed: ‘You may all go to Hell, and I will go to Texas.’

And happen you’ll get out to San Antonio and the Lone Star State too but like the Alamo heroes it’s a winding road out there.

King of the wild Paree

But in the meantime you can channel your own Davy Crockett at Disney Paris.

With an army of film fans, and their families, who grew up watching Davy Crockett’s feats of derring-do.

Among them rocker Phil Collins who has curated Alamo artefacts and has his own wing in the San Antonio attraction.

Now as we wait for Hollywood to revisit our Wild West hero it’s reassuring that Disney, along with San Antonio, keeps his flame aglow.

Disney are offering a family break for £91pp per night.

For a total price of £722.04, enjoy an unforgettable stay.

Deal us in

And here’s what’s on offer.

• Two nights at Disney Davy Crockett Ranch, where you can relax in the heart of nature in your very own cabin.

•3-day tickets for the whole family allowing you to explore both Disney Parks.

•Extra Magic Time allowing you even more time in the parks, exclusively available to Disney Hotel guests.

•Plus a FREE P&O Ferries Crossing if you book by book by 2nd October 2023.

This package is available on selected dates, based on two adults and two children travelling.

So we can all channel our Wild West hero.

And be a Crockett Man (or woman) at Disney Paris.

America, Countries, Sport

Mums are bigger in Texas

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Listen up y’all like everything else in the Lone Star state Mums are bigger in Texas.

No, not the wrinkled stocking screeching mouse-fearing Mamma of Tom and Jerry…or Barbie Bubba from the trailer park.

Though don’t shoot me… I’ve seen all the Smokey films and Texan women are some of the prettiest in the world.

It’s just the received wisdom is that Mums come in bigger (Gawd, I’m digging a hole here) sizes.

I am, of course, not talking mothers here but the big adornments women wear for Homecomings which Texans call ‘Mums’.

More is more

Which traditionally corresponds with the college football team’s first home game.

And we all know college football is as much about what happens off the pitch as on it.

And there are big parades featuring the school’s choir, a marching band.

With most importantly the coronation of a homecoming queen (and king).

With a dance following the big game.

Now if you think less is more then just think how much more ‘more’ can be.

Be your own lone star

So forget the subtle wrist corsages, faux chrysanthemums decorated with ribbons, go big or go home is the message from Texas.

With the Texan friends and big eads I met at the American Travel Fair in San Antonio giving us a flavour of how they do things.

The good folk of the charmingly named Grapevine are running an exhibition on all things Homecoming Mums tagged…

‘MUMENTOUS: Football, Glue Guns, Moms, and a Super-Sized High School Tradition Born Deep in the Heart of Texas.’

Book me in: Author Amy

The exhibit is presented in partnership with the Texas Lakes Trail Region, author and photographer Amy J. Schultz, and the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Activities include the GHS Homecoming parade on Wednesday, October 4.

And the Homecoming football game against Polytechnic High School of Fort Worth on Friday, October 6.

An exhibition of yourself

MUMENTOUS will be exhibited at the Grapevine Tower Gallery, 636 S. Main Street, from September 23rd-October 14.

The gallery is open Mondays through Fridays, 8am-5pm and Saturdays from 10am-5pm.

Additionally, there will be a MUMENTOUS Open House on the evening of October 4 in conjunction with the GHS Homecoming parade schedule.

Grapevine is just six miles from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

And we found a sample British Airways return flight from London Heathrow for the first week in October from £589 return.

America, Countries, Sustainable Tourism, UK

America’s Wild at Hampton Court Flower Show

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If you can’t get out to the Great Outdoors then get into America’s Wild at Hampton Court Flower Show.

And that’s how my own little green-fingered one will be getting her fix of America’s heartland.

On her annual trip down to London to see The Son and Heir.

Which incidentally would be less stressful than going Stateside.

Particularly if she’d been planning to train it down Britain which can correspond to the cost of a flight to New York.

Rant over and military-style planning to negotiate a trip from Scotland to London over it’s time to zen out among the plants.

And transport ourselves in our minds and with our senses to America with expert gardeners and travel providers.

In our old friends Visit USA, and American specialists Trailfinders from July 4-9.

Land of the flora

The show-garden will take you from the dusty Californian desert…

To the fiery Aspens of the Colorado forest and the wildflower prairies of North Carolina’s sweeping plains.

While Oregon and Charleston will also be exhibiting show gardens alongside America’s Wild.

My little flower will also get the Texas vibe I’ve been telling her about since returning from San Antonio.

With Austin musicians Natalie Price and Jo James performing for gardening fans on the RHS Festival Stage.

Special relationship

Our old friend from the American Travel Fair, IPW, Chris Thompson, CEO, Brand USA said: ‘America’s Wild is a snapshot of the spectacular landscapes that shape the United States.

‘We hope that as visitors wander our garden, it will spark curiosity and inspire adventurers to discover more of the U.S. beyond the gateways and into our great outdoors.’

My own heavenly horticulturalist will be interested to discover that the America Wild Garden is designed by fab flora females like her.

Inspired Earth’s Jude Yeo, Emily Grayshaw and Imogen Perreau Callf, who won RHS Gold last year.

America on the move

A little corner: American Museum & Gardens

When they pack up the tools at Hampton Court Flower Show, fear not.

America’s Wild will relocate to the US Embassy in London and the American Museum & Gardens in Bath.

The trees of the ‘forest’ will be transplanted to create a new Aspen grove on the hillside at the American Museum & Gardens.

And the desert and prairie planting will be housed in both existing collections.

America, Countries, Flying

Air Miles and Hurry Styles

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And I’m back with more pins for my world map… but only after a 26-hour trans-Atlantic odyssey of air miles and Hurry Styles.

Now they say the last yards are the hardest for a runner to which my 16-year-old Scottish long-distance champion can testify.

And I had to put the sprint of all sprints on along Princes Street and into Waverley Station to catch the last North Berwick train.

After the peacocked Harry had left Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium and its environs in gridlock and our Citylink bus running at snail’s pace.

That said chapeau to the bus driver for negotiating the back roads of the city.

To get me to the snaking Waverley station with half a chance of my connection.

Deep in the heart of Texas

Get off your horse: John Wayne in Alamo City

It had been a long day’s journey into night.

Starting out at the Westin Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas, my base over four days of the annual American Travel Fair, IPW.

Where I had booked a taxi only to cancel sheepishly when he arrived when a colleague kindly offered me her Uber ride.

My glee at saving a few precious bucks was tempered though when my airline carrier American Airlines charged me $70 for my check-in bag.

But I’d arrived five hours early, the advice is three for international travellers, but better safe than sorry.

And I couldn’t book online, I’m old school and irrationally don’t trust the digital pass.

And then the British Airways app crashed.

Dallas mini-series

Now for all that Alamo City, San Antonio is America’s seventh-biggest city it is smaller in comparison to Dallas Fort Worth.

And with only a couple of hours to play with I’d lie if I said I wasn’t anxious.

Particularly with a shuttle to my terminal to negotiate.

What the duck: Heathrow, but the Coronation is still going on

If my last leg would be the longest my flight out of the US alas was seemless.

And here was me hoping it would be cancelled and I might be offered a free night in Dallas.

With the new pal I’d made in the line, the Dallas Stars basketball fan, celebrating a comeback play-off leg win that night.

American nights

Refuelling: With Philly cheesesteak and an Arnold Palmer

American Airlines has been a new experience for me but save for the baggage check-in surprise it went off smoothly.

Randomly I got front of aisle seating to help for the overnighter with those long legs I’d need later.

And timely films to take in such as the Civil Rights epic true story Till which brought back memories.

Of MLK50, walking in the footsteps of Martin Luther King through Tennessee and Mississippi.

Alas, and isn’t it always the way, the hardest leg was the home one?

My British Airways London to Edinburgh flight pushed out and then held up a couple of hours.

Making the whole experience longer than the nine hours it took to get from Dallas to London.

My heart is ticketying

Mind you, American Airlines were as good as their word and got my baggage home.

Albeit my address slipped out of its Universal Orlando Shrek and Donkey ‘Are we there yet’ luggage tag.

The question I fired off like a repeater all through our crawl through the Harry Styles traffic to the train station.

Now Waverley with its random platforms is a challenge at the best of times…

Thankfully the train was delayed a couple of minutes and got on, a sweaty mess, just in time.

I’d made it home after all those Air Miles and Hurry Styles.

And the Scary One was there on the platform waiting for me.

Now to break it to her that I’m off to another Travel fair in early June.

Leeds should be a breeze but my travels are rarely ticketyboo.

Still it wouldn’t be any fun following my misadventures otherwise.