Arrive in Tyler, TX for a two-night stay at a local hotel.  Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (D)

After breakfast, travel to Palestine, TX for a ride on the Texas State Railroad.  This historic train excursion takes passengers on a journey through the impressive Piney Woods of East Texas and 135 years of history.  Unplug for an experience where history, nature and adventure meet. (Train runs Friday & Saturday)

From the moment one you step aboard a vintage 1920s car, history comes alive.  Relaxed seating, thoughtful décor and friendly, responsive car attendants add to the ambiance of the scenic journey afforded by travelers a century ago.  This excursion departs the historic Palestine Rail Depot travels to the Rusk Rail Depot.  This will be a one-way ride where tour bus will travel to Rusk to pick you up at the Rusk Depot.  (This can also be a 4-hour round-trip excursion for groups who wish for a longer train ride.)

Next, stop in Jacksonville, TX for lunch at a local restaurant.  Then make a stop at Loves Lookout Park, a scenic overlook with East Texas’ most breathtaking views.  At an elevation of 720 feet above sea level and rising 240 feet above the surrounding terrain, this vaulted ridge affords a panoramic view of the Eastern horizon – as far-reaching as 30 miles on a clear day.

Returning to Tyler this afternoon, enjoy a winery tour and tasting at the Kiepersol Estates Winery & Distillery.  Travel through East Texas’ legendary wine destination with an engaging behind-the-scenes tour.  Kiepersol sits atop a peaceful rolling vineyard of grapevines nestled in the forested countryside south of Tyler.  The picturesque farm of roaming guinea hens and timeless views produces internationally award-winning wines which can be tasted on-site.

Tonight, enjoy dinner and souvenir shopping at The Potpourri House.  The Potpourri House is THE Tyler destination restaurant – for locals and family/friends coming into town.  Best salad bar in East Texas, huge gift shop and ever-changing women’s boutique. (B,L,D)

This morning, visit the Historic Tyler Municipal Rose Garden and Tyler Botanical Garden (located inside the Rose Garden).  The Tyler Municipal Rose Garden was recently placed on the National Register of Historic Places (it’s rare for a Garden to be listed on the Register).  The Garden features 14 acres, thousands of rose bushes, and more than 300 varieties of roses & 600 beds.  Special areas of interest include the Idea Garden, Heritage Garden, and camellia and day lily collections.

You will also have time to visit the Tyler Rose Museum, located in the Rose Garden Center to learn about the history of the Texas Rose Festival, which began in 1933.  See costumes, crowns and other memorabilia from Rose Festivals past.  You will also get a glimpse into the history of the rose growing industry.

Next, travel to Grapevine, TX where the afternoon features Grapevine’s Urban Wine Trail with stops at least two wineries.  Grapevine is home to a vibrant and growing urban wine trail which features daily wine tastings and special events throughout the year.  From strong and bold Texas red wines to crisp and clean Texas white wines, you’ll find a variety of favorite taste sensations.

Texas is the fifth largest wine-producing state in the U.S., and Grapevine has served as a trendsetter in wine culture and a leader in the Texas wine industry with award-winning festivals celebrating the fruit of the vine as well as wineries and winemakers for more than 25 years.

Then check into your Grapevine hotel for a two-night stay.

This evening, enjoy a Murder Mystery at the Texas Star Dinner Theater (Friday & Saturday).  A night you won’t forget complete with a delicious dinner and dessert, a well-stocked cash bar, and a side-splitting show. Immerse yourself in an award-winning 90-minute murder mystery dinner theater performance set in the 1880s of the wild west of Texas.  Test your investigation skills and solve the murder mystery.  Take photos with the cast after the show to round out a great night of fun!  (B,D)

This morning, enjoy some time in Historic Downtown Grapevine.  Experience the Grapevine Glockenspiel, the only one in North America, featuring the “Would-Be Train Robbers” Nat Barrett and Willy Majors.  Watch an exciting interaction between the larger-than-life mechanical figures as they emerge from the clock tower every day at 10 a.m., Noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Then take a ride 150-feet up in the newly opened Grapevine Main Observation Tower at and take in the magnificent 360-degree view including Lake Grapevine, Downtown Dallas and Fort Worth.  Enjoy shopping and sightseeing on Main Street in beautifully restored historic buildings filled with unique boutiques, one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants.  Lunch is on your own.

This afternoon, ride the rails of nostalgia when you experience the Grapevine Vintage Railroad.  The train operates a seasonal schedule including a round trip excursion from Historic Grapevine to the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards (Saturdays & Sundays only).

Travel along the historic Cotton Belt Route Grapevine to the Fort Worth Stockyards.  You will take a step back in time and experience train travel as it was in the glory days of the expanding West.  Pull into the Fort Worth Stockyards Station and you are right in the middle of the Stockyards National Historic District where the Old West comes alive.

You will then have some time to explore the Fort Worth Stockyards.  You may want to take a historic Walking Tour, visit the Texas Trail of Fame, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, browse over 25 unique shops including an art gallery, sports store and great restaurants that offer anything from ribs to enchiladas.  You will also see the famous Cattle Drive that travels through the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards.

Tonight, enjoy dinner, live music and dancing at Billy Bob’s Texas “The World’s Largest Honky Tonk.”  Located in the Historic Stockyards, Billy Bob’s is a unique entertainment facility. Return to Grapevine for the evening. (B,D)

After breakfast, depart for home. (B)