Texas Charm Meets Oklahoma Spirit

There’s nothing quite like exploring the heart of America – where cowboy culture, small-town charm, and big-city surprises all meet.

On this trip, I started in Grapevine, Texas, just minutes from Dallas Fort Worth Airport, and then crossed the border into Oklahoma for a road trip full of history, culture, quirky stops, and unforgettable experiences.

If you’re looking for an itinerary that mixes wine country, heritage trails, holiday magic, and wide-open adventure, this one’s for you.

HOT TIP: Quick and Easy Exit from Dallas Fort Worth Airport

If you’re arriving at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) on an international flight, you can often clear immigration, collect your bags, and exit the airport in as little as 30 minutes – especially during off-peak hours or if you qualify for Mobile Passport Control.

Some of the beautiful mural artwork you will find in Grapevine

WELCOME TO GRAPEVINE, TEXAS

This little gem just 10 minutes from Dallas Fort Worth Airport. Whether you’re sipping your way through wineries, strolling historic Main Street, or getting swept up in the magic of Christmas, Grapevine is the perfect mix of history, family fun, and Texas charm. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your travel list.

Wine Capital of Texas

Grapevine is best known for its thriving wine scene. With dozens of wineries and tasting rooms, it’s the perfect place to raise a glass. If you visit in September, you might catch GrapeFest, a four-day celebration of wine and food that’s the largest festival of its kind in the Southwest.

Step Back in Time on Main Street

Wander down Grapevine’s Main Street and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another era. The preserved buildings, antique shops, boutiques, and galleries make for the perfect afternoon stroll (and some great photo opportunities!).

Ride the Vintage Rail

For a unique experience, hop aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad – a restored 1920s train that takes you on a scenic ride all the way to the historic Fort Worth Stockyards.

The Christmas Capital of Texas

If you love the holidays, Grapevine is the place to be. Known as the Christmas Capital of Texas, the city hosts over 1,400 festive events across 40 days leading up to Christmas. Think twinkling lights, parades, holiday markets, and even the North Pole Express train ride.

Outdoor Adventures

Looking to spend time outside? Lake Grapevine is a local favourite for boating, fishing, camping, and hiking trails. You can even explore the Wine & Grape Trail for a scenic wander.

All aboard! Jump on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad for a short train ride, or out to Fort Worth Stockyards. At Christmas time, this train turns into the North Pole Express.

WHERE TO STAY IN GRAPEVINE, TEXAS

Grapevine has accommodation options for every type of traveller:

Embassy Suites Grapevine DFW North – All-suite accommodation, right next to Grapevine Mills shopping mall.
Great Wolf Lodge – A family favourite, with 605 rooms, a giant water park, and endless kid-friendly activities.
Gaylord Texan Resort – True Texas scale, with over 2,000 rooms and an incredible atrium that’s a destination in itself.

HOT TIP: Perfect for a Layover

Have a long layover at Dallas Fort Worth Airport? Hop on the TexRail from Terminal D to Grapevine Main Street – it’s just a 10-minute ride. You can even store your luggage at the Grapevine Visitor Information Desk while you explore.

Whether you’re a wine lover, history buff, Christmas enthusiast, or just passing through, Grapevine offers more than enough reasons to stop and stay awhile. It may be small, but it packs in big Texas charm.

The Gaylord Texan’s grand atrium feels like a world of its own, blending Texas-inspired architecture with lush gardens and tranquil waterways.

LET’S CROSS THE BORDER INTO OKLAHOMA

Just 1 – 1.5 hours north of Grapevine, Texas, you’ll reach the Oklahoma border. But before you dive into Oklahoma City, there are plenty of fun (and sometimes unexpected!) stops worth pulling over for along the way.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Spread across nearly 60,000 acres, this refuge is home to around 650 free-roaming buffalo and longhorn cattle. Keep your eyes peeled – you never know what you’ll spot!

Mount Scott

Take a scenic drive to the summit and soak up panoramic views of southwest Oklahoma. On a clear day, you can see for miles.

Comanche Cultural Center

Step inside to learn the story of the Comanche people, past and present. Exhibits and cultural programs bring their heritage to life.

Bath Lake, Medicine Park – a town renowned for its unique cobblestone architecture & natural surroundings

Chisholm Trail Heritage Center

Perfect for history buffs and art lovers alike, this center captures tales from the Old West with interactive exhibits and murals.

Chickasaw Leg Lamp

Yes, it’s as quirky as it sounds! Modeled after the infamous prop from A Christmas Story, this oversized lamp has become a roadside selfie magnet.

The Toy & Action Figure Museum

With more than 11,000 figures on display, this museum is a nostalgia trip for kids and adults alike. From superheroes to Saturday-morning cartoons, it’s like stepping straight back into your childhood.

Chickasaw Cultural Center

A place to celebrate and learn about Chickasaw history and culture through storytelling, exhibits, and performances.

The Chickasaw Leg Lamp: A towering tribute to the movie ‘A Christmas Story’.

OKLAHOMA CITY

When people think of Oklahoma City, they often picture cowboys, wide-open plains, and Route 66 nostalgia. But today’s OKC is so much more – a city that blends Western roots with modern culture, vibrant neighborhoods, and a food scene that will surprise you.

Oklahoma Riversport

This state-of-the-art facility will host the 2028 Olympic Slalom Canoe Races. Visitors can try kayaking, rafting, and other watersports right on the river.

First Americans Museum

This powerful museum shares the history of Oklahoma’s 39 First American Nations. Don’t miss a meal at Thirty Nine, the on-site restaurant that celebrates Indigenous ingredients and flavours.

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

A deeply moving tribute to those affected by the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. Both the outdoor memorial and the museum inside are places of reflection and resilience.

The Reflecting Pool at the Oklahoma City National Memorial – A memorial honoring the victims, survivors and rescuers and all who were affected by the Oklahoma City Bombings in 1995.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

Home to one of the finest collections of Western art and artifacts, this museum celebrates cowboy culture and the spirit of the American West.

Bricktown Water Taxi

End your visit with a fun ride through the Bricktown Entertainment District. It’s a great way to see the restaurants, shops, and murals that make this part of the city buzz.

Whether you’re chasing quirky roadside attractions, diving into Native culture, or exploring the mix of history and modern life in Oklahoma City, a road trip across the border is filled with surprises. Oklahoma is more than just the land of cowboys – it’s a destination with heart, heritage, and plenty of adventure.

Take a ride in the Bricktown Water Taxi boats that offer tours through the historic downtown district

From the boutique wineries and festive spirit of Grapevine to the rich cultural heritage and vibrant energy of Oklahoma City, this journey highlights the very best of the South Central United States.

It’s proof that you don’t have to travel far to experience incredible variety – from charming small towns and scenic nature escapes to bustling urban scenes and meaningful historical sites.

Whether you’re passing through on a quick layover or planning a dedicated getaway, Grapevine, Texas and Oklahoma offer unforgettable experiences that invite you to slow down, explore deeply, and make lasting memories. Raise a glass to adventure – you won’t regret the trip, and chances are, you’ll want to come back for more.