Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/520419
S ummer travel is meant to be enjoyed. You've earned it. You've looked forward to it all year. And once you have finally reached your destination, the fun begins. However, it is the traveling there and back, whether by car or plane, that is not so fun and can break the bank. Lucky for us Texan's, we have one of the grandest summer stay-cation destinations right in our own backyard. One that includes four-and-a-half acres of indoor gardens and winding waterways, four award-winning restaurants, a world- class spa & salon, unique retail shopping, a live music venue, and three sparkling pools including a 10-acre waterpark. If you haven't guessed by now, it is the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine – named one of the "Top 20 Family Resorts in the World" by American Airlines' Celebrated Living Magazine the last two consecutive years in a row. This summer, in addition to its luxurious resort amenities, Gaylord Texan will be featuring its 12th annual SummerFest event themed after "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." Running now through September 7th, the resort leads guests down its own yellow brick road to enjoy themed décor and characters from the original storybook in its indoor gardens kept at a comfortable 72 degrees all summer long. guests receive a grab bag with a rub and signature barbeque sauce made by Chef Stalters as well as a t-shirt. Tickets for the junior chef camps and VIP barbeque events can be purchased online at www.GaylordTexanTickets.com. Paradise Springs, the resort's 10-acre outdoor pool & lazy river, is a free amenity for those staying overnight at the resort. The sparkling oasis boasts a 600-foot long lazy river, a 6,000-square-foot family lagoon with a 27-foot tall winding waterslide, a 25-foot long zip-line, two horseshoe-shaped hot pools, water basketball and a dedicated toddler pool. For VIP treatment, the pool offers a selection of private cabanas for rent that include flat-screen televisions, refrigerators and fire pits. Kids enjoy the pool activities and games, while parents enjoy sipping on a cold beverage as they float down the river. It is the perfect place to relax in the sun, play, and unwind. Locals and resort guests will also enjoy a Summer Music Series hosted by Glass Cactus. Local bands will be featured on Friday and Saturday nights from 8pm – 2am in addition to a special Sunset Patio Hour from 6pm – 8pm where you can watch the sun go down over Lake Grapevine while enjoying great appetizer and drink specials. SummerFest features a variety of activities for both the adults and kids including an Oz-themed scavenger hunt, an "Oohs & Ahhz" art walk with original pieces from local artists, crafting for kids including painting and cookie decorating, a game station, family movie nights, horticulture tours, and a fireworks show every Friday night all summer long! Special culinary programs include wine & cheese pairings, junior chef camps, and happy hours in all of the restaurants including "Margarita Madness" in Riverwalk Cantina. In addition, brand new executive chefs Zeb Hartline and Brian "Butta" Stalters are hosting a series of three VIP barbeque events on the outdoor decks at Glass Cactus overlooking the shores of Lake Grapevine. The experience includes cooking demonstrations along with generous tastings of brisket, ribs, beer-can chicken, mac n' cheese, coleslaw, roasted potato salad, local craft beer and wine. At the end of the event, For more information on Gaylord Texan's 12th annual SummerFest activities as well as summer room rates and packages, please visit www.gaylordtexan.com or call 817-778-1000. As always, local day visitors who spend $25 or more in the resort's restaurants, retail shops, or spa receive complimentary validation for short-term parking.