The Hood County Courthouse shines like a beacon at the center for the Historic Granbury Square. | Photo by @w_hastings_54
If you’re looking for the perfect weekend vacation away from the city, then look no further than Granbury, Texas. Situated ~1 hour from Fort Worth, this historic weekend destination is the perfect getaway for solo travelers, couples, or family + friends.
🎟️ Things to do
Historic Granbury Square Located in Hood County, Granbury was founded by Confederate Civil War general Hiram B. Granbury. Granbury Square was Texas’s first downtown square on the National Historic Register.
🍔 Where to eat
Ketlzer’s Schnitzel Haus & Biergarten A little slice of Germany — Ketzler’s has proudly been serving Granbury for over a decade and is located right on the square. It began in 1988 when Herbert Ketzler, who dreamed of bringing authentic German food to Texas, migrated to Texas with his daughter Angelika.
🏨 Places to stay
Hotel Lucy Looking for a luxury stay? Within walking distance to the square, guests can elevate their stay with variety of upgrades like fresh flowers, sweet chocolates, or a charcuterie board.
Lone Star Christmas & ICE! | Thursday, Dec. 12-Sunday, Jan. 5 | Times vary | Gaylord Texan Resort, Grapevine | $19.99+ | Book an overnight stay with family + find bundles of your favorite Gaylord Christmas activities.
Unreal Winter | Thursday, Dec. 12-Saturday, Dec. 21 | 5-9 p.m. | Meow Wolf Grapevine | $7+ | Create a stunning snowflake garland, a friendly snowman bobblehead, or unique festive ornaments.
Billy Strings | 6:30 p.m. | Dickies Arena | $59.50+ | The Grammy-nominated bluegrass artist recently collaborated with the legendary Willie Nelson.
Men’s Basketball | 7:45-9:45 p.m. | Sid Richardson Center | $0+ | The Texas Wesleyan University Rams will tip off against the Wayland Baptist University Pioneers.
Friday, Dec. 13
TCU Press Annual Holiday Book Sale | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Dee J. Kelly Alumni Center, Murphy Conference Room | Free | Shop new releases, old favorites, classics, and beyond at this holiday book sale.
December Supper Club | 6-9 p.m. | Emerald Sky Company | $95 | Join Emerald Sky for its kid-friendly, festive December Supper Club featuring halibut florentine and brioche bread pudding.
“The Nutcracker” | Friday, Dec. 13-Sunday, Dec. 29 | Times vary | Bass Performance Hall | $25+ | Don’t miss the children’s Kingdom of Sweets area before the Texas Ballet Theater presents the classic Tchaikovsky story.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Holiday Gift Market | Saturday, Dec. 14-Saturday, Dec. 21 | 5-9 p.m. | Sundance Square Plaza | Free | Shop local vendors and artisans under the glow of the 82-ft Norway Spruce.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Sip & Sculpt: Corepower | 10:30 a.m. | Saddlerock Wine & Beer Company | $20 | This 21+ event is perfect for yogis and wine lovers — ticket includes a glass of sparkling brut.
$46.3 million. That’s how much two Fort Worth companies — Ariat and Bell Textron — are looking to expand, potentially creating a collective ~750 new jobs in the area. Both expansions take into account city council’s offer of economic incentives if they were to invest in Fort Worth property. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Community
Fort Worth’s newest community center will be named after Betsy Price, the city’s longest-serving mayor. The 25,000-sqft Betsy Price Community Center — which will include a gym, fitness equipment + meeting rooms — is slated to open in January in the Northwest Community Park.
Sports
Texas Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi will return to the team after agreeing to a $75 million, three-year-long deal. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Rangers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Biz
Cowtown’s Tandy Leather Factory Inc. announced last week that it’s selling its headquarters in January to transition to new facilities. The $26.5 million transaction includes its primary distribution center and its flagship store located in south Fort Worth. (Investing)
Plan Ahead
Two new fire stations will be breaking ground on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Fire Station 26 will break ground at 9 a.m. and will serve District 6 + Fire Station 37 will break ground at 1 p.m. and will serve District 4.
Development
A new housing initiative for families with children experiencing homelessness officially opened yesterday in the Western Hills North neighborhood. Casa de los Sueños — which replaced an Express Inn Motel — offers 55 families housing, health-related services, educational services + more.
Theater
Amphibian Stage fans can expect more than just a new line-up of plays in 2025. Whilst under new leadership of artistic director Jay Duffer and managing director Elizabeth Kensek, the local theater is planning on bringing back its festival, comedian residencies, special events, and National Theatre Live screenings. (CultureMap Fort Worth)
Featured
WFAA anchor Morgan Young shared that DFW restaurant Hudson House was named in the top 100 restaurants in the US by OpenTable. Thankfully, Fort Worth gained its own Hudson House back in 2022.
Feel Good
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Kids
Good news, parents: Com’On Play Kids recently celebrated its grand opening in The Shops At Willow Park. If you’re on the hunt for an imaginary play place for the kiddos, look no further. Bonus: Enjoy coffee and baked goods in the lounge while your child plays. Book a time.*
Finance
6AM City COO Ryan Heafy here — we’re referring friends to American Express’s The Business Platinum Card®. Join the AMEX family + receive up to 150,000 member points.*
Shop
Looking for a gift the kiddos will actually use? Enter: Dribbleup’s Smart Basketball. It features guided coaching sessions so they can train anytime, anywhere. Psst — it’s 60% for the holidays.*
The Buy
The Buy
Not sure what to gift for the holidays? Browse ideas from this year’s top 100 gifts on Amazon:
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