Grapevine 'Santa House' takes St. Nick decor over the rooftop for charity

Here comes Santa Claus

Photo courtesy of Louie Murillo

If the Murillo family doesn't capture the top spot on Santa's nice list this year, there's no hope for the rest of us. They have filled their front yard in Grapevine with more than 1,000 lighted Santa decorations as a beacon of awareness for a local nonprofit.

They're calling it, simply, Grapevine Santa House.

The half-acre property is a "Where's Waldo?" maze of Santa statues, which visitors can walk among, snap photos with, and then, they hope, make a donation to Grace Grapevine's Christmas Cottage program. The charity's seasonal initiative provides new, unwrapped gifts to Tarrant County families facing financial hardship.

"I've always been a holiday guy, way over the top," says Louie Murillo, the dad and Santa House head honcho. Anyone who's seen the 20-foot Christmas trees perched atop the the two Chick-fil-A restaurants he owns near Dallas Love Field can attest.

"About a year ago, I bought some Santas on clearance and thought maybe we'd do something with them for a family Christmas card," he says.

Along came COVID-19, and his holiday passion intersected with a desire to help those who were struggling. During his quarantine free-time, he bought a few more Santas online. Then a few more. Then his idea for a Santa House really began to take shape.

"Once we dipped our toe in, we decided to go all out," he says of his family, including kids ages 12 and 14.

His search for Santas took him around Texas and beyond. Murillo even flew to Chicago and drove back a truck loaded with nine reindeer and a sleigh.

By July, one of the home's three attics was stuffed with Santas. Then a game room overflowed with them. By fall, a storage unit was filling up.

To be clear, these aren't just any Santa statues. They're "blow molds," a specific kind of hollow, plastic figure popular in the '50s, '60s, and '70s. They're rarely made now, and considered collectibles, costing anywhere from $30 to $140 apiece.

"How much I've spent is not a number we're gonna discuss nor share with my wife," Murillo says with a laugh. "It definitely got out of hand."

Then there was the matter of lighting it all up. An electrician helped wire the yard with an additional, 14-outlet breaker, and they're hoping a switch to LED lighting helps ease the electricity bill a little.

Some decorations are set up in vignettes, and Murillo's favorite piece isn't actually a Santa. It's a vintage church, an expensive piece he found in Chicago. The display also includes carolers and a nativity, and a sign urges people to tune to a radio station to hear the Christmas story from the Bible.

Murillo reached out to the Grace organization about a partnership at the perfect time. Their need would be higher than ever at a time at the holidays, when fewer gatherings meant fewer opportunities for donations to be collected. Typically, Christmas Cottage serves more than 2,500 individuals and families each holiday season. Families are given a hypothetical “budget” that allows the parents to “purchase” donated toys, home goods, and appliances in a secure, store-like setting.

The Murillos' goal is to raise $15,000 with Santa House, which will help 120 kids. By December 1, just a few days after turning the lights on, they were already at $9,000.

Rather than collecting contributions on site, they're encouraging guests to donate online via a GoFundMe page set up in conjunction with the Santa House.

Among the first visitors to the Santa House was a single mom whose child had been helped by Grace, Murillo says. Mom and daughter enjoyed the lights and then made a donation — they paid the kindness forward.

"It's cool to see real people being helped that are in need," Murillo says. "It's fun just to see kids' excitement. We've all been stuck indoors, not traveling, and this is something to do as a family."

The Santa House lights will go on every night from 5-10 pm through December 27. The home is on a cul-de-sac in the Western Oaks neighborhood, and visitors can park along the street.

The exact location is 3373 Spruce Lane, Grapevine. Follow the Grapevine Santa House Facebook page for updates.

The Murillo family home has become the Grapevine Santa House.

Photo courtesy of Louie Murillo

The Murillo family home has become the Grapevine Santa House.

Photo courtesy of Performing Arts Fort Worth

5 new virtual fundraisers to add to Dallas-Fort Worth social diaries this fall

Coronavirus pivot

The coronavirus pandemic continues to prevent nonprofits from holding large luncheons, galas, and parties, but many are still finding creative ways to raise crucial funds.

While organizers of some big events, like Fort Worth's Jewel Charity Ball and Classically Cliburn Gala, are scratching their galas entirely from the 2020 and 2021 calendars (both are postponed until 2022), others, like the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League, are simply holding scaled-down versions of their events, with strict attendance limits for social distancing.

Many are still pivoting to virtual formats to fit in one last opportunity to raise money before the year ends.

Below are the latest Dallas-Fort Worth fundraisers that patrons can join using their favorite electronic device. More upcoming virtual benefits are listed here.

Virtually TITAS Gala, October 6
TITAS' annual performance gala, which normally takes place in person during a full season, will feature all seven U.S. dance companies from the Dallas dance group's 2020-21 season. They include New York's Ballet Hispanico, Aspen/Santa Fe Ballet, Alonzo King LINES Ballet out of San Francisco, and more. The event is free, and donations are accepted. Not only will the gala benefit TITAS, but it will also give the companies an opportunity to present their work to the public at a time when performances are not happening in person. The gala will start at 7 pm, and registration is required here. Once registered, patrons will receive an email with viewing instructions.

Epilepsy Foundation Texas Virtual Dinner Party, October 24
The local Epilepsy Foundation is partnering with Del Frisco's Grille to bring the restaurant home. Participants will pick up a "culinary kit" containing ingredients for a gourmet steak and salmon dinner, salad, side, and bottle of wine. Then, at 6:30 pm, Hell's Kitchen winner, chef Ariel Fox, will join in virtually for private meal preparation instruction. All proceeds benefit the foundation's seizure clinics, school first aid education, and summer camp programs — all of which are offered at no cost to communities. Tickets, $275, can be reserved through the website.

Heart (at Home) for the Homeless benefiting Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County, November 10
The sixth annual Union Gospel Mission benefit will be presented for guests to enjoy at home. Favorite Fort Worth singer-songwriter Josh Weathers will be the featured entertainer at a virtual, hour-long concert experience that begins at 7 pm. Tickets, $100, can be purchased through the website, and sponsorships are still available. A virtual event admission link will be emailed before the concert, and one admission link will be good for an entire household. Union Gospel Mission provides love, hope, respect, and a new beginning for those experiencing homelessness in Tarrant County.

Lakewood Home Festival Virtual Auction Party, November 13
The 44th Annual Lakewood Home Tour has two parts, neither of them a "traditional" home tour. The weekend of events, November 13-15, starts with a free “Lakewood Live” virtual auction party. A Saturday Night Live-style presentation will include pre-recorded skits, special musical performances, and both live and silent auctions. Guests are encouraged to don their SNL-inspired costumes and party in place. (Party Packs, premium gift baskets filled with a DIY cocktail kit, merchandise, and more, are available for pre-purchase.)

Then, the home tour will proceed as a street-view only event on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am-5 pm. The official home tour guidebook is available online for $20 and is the only way to see interior photographs. So you drive up to a home, flip through the book to read about what's behind the doors, and drive on to the next one. All proceeds go to the Woodrow Wilson feeder pattern of schools; for more information, visit the website.

Circle Theatre Holiday Punch Online Fundraiser, December 5
The beloved Fort Worth theater's fundraiser is getting a new, virtual twist: "We will gather digitally to hear performances from our favorite local artists and celebrate the hope of theater coming back to our stage in 2021," they say. The free event, which takes place at 7 pm December 5, will continue Circle's tradition of showcasing original monologues commissioned by patrons and performed by seasoned local actors. It will also include a video featuring the faces of Circle Theatre, an online auction, live prize drawings and a wine pull via social media, and surprises from the Circle staff. To get started, you can have your favorite holiday memory or Circle anecdote turned into a monologue for $250. Purchase and find out more at their website.

Photo courtesy of National Cowgirl Museum

5 new can't-miss virtual fall fundraisers in Dallas-Fort Worth

Coronavirus pivot

In this year of social distancing and canceled gatherings, many nonprofit galas and luncheons are pivoting creatively to virtual formats. They can still raise crucial funds to continue providing services without risking the health and safety of patrons.

Below are the five latest Dallas-Fort Worth organizations to hold virtual fundraisers — and how to join in the fun without slipping on stilettos.

TeamTait For TeamConnor, September 25
TeamConnor was founded in 2008 while young Connor Cruse was in the midst of his four-year battle with neuroblastoma cancer. Today, Connor’s father, Tait Cruse, is fighting a similar battle. From 6 am until midnight September 25, participants can walk, run, swim, bike, Peloton, jump rope, climb a mountain, or participate in anything athletic to stand against cancer. Participants are encouraged to post photos on social media with the hashtag #TeamTait4TeamConnor. Participants can register at TeamConnor.org. The initiative has already raised about $ 424,000 and is striving to reach a $1 million goal.

Virtual Old Bags Luncheon benefiting National Cowgirl Museum, October 20
Each year since 2013, the Fort Worth museum has partnered with designers to create an auction based around gently used designer purses. Proceeds go to support the museum’s educational efforts. This year the event goes virtual, with the exception of the two-day, paid-only viewing days; the entire event will span six days. Guests that had previously purchased tickets for the luncheon (still available for a $125 donation) may preview the bags in person at the museum on October 18 and 19. On October 20 those original ticket holders will have a full day of early bidding. Oct. 21, 22, and 23 Old Bag’s shopping will open up for anyone to bid. The virtual experience will provide a ‘Buy Now’ option and chances to simply place a competitive bid. For more information and updates, visit the event's Facebook page.

Dine In to Stop Domestic Violence benefiting The Family Place, October 24
Unable to "ReuNight" in-person this year, past co-chairs of the dinner fundraiser are encouraging the community to "U-Night" to support The Family Place and its mission to end family violence. Supporters are invited to dine in on October 24; they'll enjoy a four-course elevated dining experience with wine and a floral arrangement from Grey Gardens Florist within the comfort of home. Dinner will be prepared by the innovative Chef Jordan Swim of Vestals Catering and Front Burners Restaurants. Diners will receive a locally sourced farm-to-table meal featuring a charcuterie board, fall vegetable salad, beef entrée, and dessert. Vegetarian options will also be included upon request. Top donors have the option of hosting an executive chef to prepare the four-course dinner in their home. For more information and registration beginning at $375, visit the website.

Camp Fire An Artists' Christmas Virtual Gala and Art Auction, November 13
In lieu of gathering in-person this year, An Artists’ Christmas is being presented online. The beloved Fort Worth Camp Fire fundraiser will allow patrons to bid on art donated by local and nationally recognized artists and engage in a live auction featuring luxury packages. The main event takes place 7-8 pm November 13, but tickets and sponsorships at various levels are on sale, and auction packages and art will be available for viewing ahead of the event. While the event will be enjoyed in the comfort of home, why not dress up a little? "Festive cocktail attire" is encouraged. For more information and tickets, visit the event's website.

Cancer Support Community North Texas' "Paint the Canvas Red" at-home fundraiser, November 14
Cancer Support Community North Texas' inaugural "Paint the Canvas Red" fundraiser is a virtual, hands-on art and wine event that allows people to paint and drink wine from the comfort of their own couches. The idea is to show how the power of art has helped thousands of cancer patients heal and stay mentally healthy — especially during this frightening pandemic. CSCNT will send participants a canvas, wine, and art supplies for the $125 ticket price. The live event will take place from 7-9 pm November 14 and proceeds will provide the ongoing social and emotional support programs and services to all impacted by cancer across DFW.

Tito's/Facebook

Tito's Vodka pours $1 million into Texas research institution for COVID-19 vaccine

Research on the Rocks

A famous Texas vodka distiller is sending funds to a research group that's working on a vaccine to fight the coronavirus.

Austin-based Tito's Handmade Vodka — through its philanthropic arm Love, Tito's — has pledged to give Baylor College of Medicine in Houston a $1 million grant to accelerate research on a vaccine for the virus.

Two BCM researchers are taking the work they began in 2011 to develop a SARS vaccine with the intent to make adjustments to target SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Dr. Peter Hotez is the dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor, and Dr. Maria Elena Bottazzi is the associate dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine. The duo serve as co-directors of the Texas Children's Hospital for Vaccine Development, as well.

"Our coronavirus vaccine is designed in Texas and tested in Texas with the utmost priority to ensure it is safe and effective," Bottazzi says in a news release. "To now see that it will be supported by Texas-based Tito's is a testament that our state will be recognized as being at the forefront of this pandemic, making a difference and reaching all populations locally and globally."

Hotez and Bottazzi focus on developing vaccines for new or neglected tropical diseases that affect those living in poverty around the world. Along with their partnership with PATH, a global nonprofit organization that will help speed up the vaccine's regulatory phase, the doctors' work from 2011 on SARS is promising and will hopefully help safely and quickly develop a COVID vaccine.

"It's an honor to work with Tito's on this life-saving initiative, which we hope will ultimately lead to a vaccine for America," Hotez says in the release. "Our vision is that it would also advance as a low-cost global health vaccine, now that COVID-19 is racing through Latin American nations, such as Ecuador and Brazil, in addition to South Asia."

Love, Tito's has contributed to a few other organizations amid the COVID-19 crisis, including: Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE), USBG National Charity Foundation's COVID-19 Relief Campaign, World Central Kitchen, and Southern Smoke Foundation's Emergency Relief Fund.

"Everything we do at Tito's is rooted in giving back to the communities we serve, and this pandemic is no exception," says Sarah Everett, director of global impact and research at Tito's Handmade Vodka.

"We applaud the worldwide effort to fund and support vaccines that look promising, because we can never know in advance which ones will be effective. We're proud to support Dr. Hotez, Dr. Bottazzi and their team's work to improve humanity's odds of success against COVID-19 and future coronavirus mutations."

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This story originally appeared on our sister site, InnovationMap.com.

One-day fundraising blitz aids North Texas nonprofits reeling from coronavirus impact

Giving back

UPDATE: North Texas Giving Tuesday Now raised $20.7 million for more than 2,500 area nonprofits. Another $21.8 million was raised by specific COVID-19 relief funds, the organizers announced on May 6.

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The spirit of generosity is alive in North Texas, with residents from Fort Worth to Forney supporting businesses and individuals most impacted by the coronavirus crisis. On Tuesday, May 5, a community-wide campaign will show special love to struggling Dallas-Fort Worth nonprofits.

North Texas Giving Tuesday Now is an online fundraising event to help nonprofits faced with extraordinary challenges due to the pandemic. Organized by the United Way, the Dallas Cowboys, and Communities Foundation of Texas' North Texas Giving Day, the one-day campaign will last from 6 am to midnight May 5. Gifts can be scheduled in advance.

"Our greatest asset in an unprecedented time is each other," the organizations say on the website. "With many nonprofits seeing an increase in demand for critical services and cancellations of in-person fundraising opportunities, all charitable organizations, including North Texas nonprofit organizations, are reeling from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic."

More than 3,000 nonprofits of every stripe — food banks, theaters, museums, parochial schools, homeless shelters, veterans' causes, even wildlife rescues — will be participating in the virtual fundraiser.

Donors simply search the website for their favorite nonprofit or browse the 21 cause areas until they find one they like. They can make a secure, one-time donation through the site and create a "FUNdraising page" to rally support from others.

The #GivingTuesdayNow effort will get a celebrity boost from “The Concert for North Texas Giving Tuesday Now,” hosted by singer Caroline Kraddick, airing on CBS 11 from 6:30-7 pm May 5. Performers include Ryan Cabrera, Jason and Michael Castro, Josh Abbott, Jaret Reddick, and more. There will be a special message from the Dallas Cowboys.

Special events
But, wait. There's more.

Many organizations will hold their own special events and campaigns to help generate support. Here's a sampling of what they're doing:

The Arlington Tomorrow Foundation has teamed up with the Levitt Pavilion for a day of free live-streaming music. Beginning at 11 am, performers taking the stage include Brad Russell Band, September Moon, Latin Express, Steve Helms, and award-winning singer/songwriter Sara Hickman (at 7 pm). The shows will be live-streamed through the Levitt's Facebook page. For the Arlington concert venue, the emergency campaign will provide critical funds to help them keep bringing patrons free music.

In honor of North Texas Giving Tuesday Now, Theatre Three is hosting a free livestream on Facebook of award-winning local playwright Matt Lyle's new work. The working reading, featuring local actors, will also have the playwright and director (Jeffrey Schmidt) answer questions and participate in discussion during the reading. It takes place at 7 pm. For more information about the play, go here.

Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity will host a virtual Home Sweet Home event with special guest Kellie Rasberry, host of the Kidd Kraddick radio show on 106.1 Kiss FM. At 11 am, guests who purchase a $75 "ticket" will get to take a virtual peek around Rasberry's house as she talks about what "home sweet home" means to her. Gifts received from the event will help provide mortgage relief for a growing number of Habitat homeowners who are experiencing job loss or job interruption due to COVID-19.

The Arts Foundation of St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Plano will host a livestream-only concert featuring local artists, beginning at 10 am. It will benefit The Storehouse of Collin County and will feature performances by Imperial Brass; Chris Widomski, saxophone; Ladies Liberty Show Troupe; Yumiko Endo Schlaffer, harp; Kaylyn Wilson, soprano; Noah Bales, tenor; Michael Agnew, spoken word; Megan Koch, soprano; Lucik Aprahamian, mezzo-soprano; and Martha Walvoord, violin. Additionally, Krista Miller, a visual artist, will paint a custom piece live to be auctioned at the conclusion to also benefit The Storehouse.

“The Storehouse has seen more than a 100 percent increase in neighbors needing food and relies on funding to purchase items from the North Texas Food Bank, says foundation director Jonathan Gregoire. "This telethon-style fundraiser is designed to help The Storehouse serve an increasing number of neighbors in need.”

To raise an additional $6 million needed to meet increased demand related to COVID-19, The Salvation Army of North Texas has secured an anonymous $250,000 matching gift for #GivingTuesdayNow to prompt donations to support families in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis and Tarrant counties that are experiencing a loss in income.

“We recognize that times are tough and people may not have a lot to give," says Major Barbara Rich, Salvation Army's area commander. "Thanks to a very generous matching gift, what we receive on #GivingTuesdayNow will be amplified exponentially, and our plans to not turn anyone away will remain intact.”

Courtesy photo

Dallas-Fort Worth artist talks inspiration behind her bright new downtown mural

Opt for Optimism

If you happen to be in Dallas, seek out the new "Optimism Starts With You" mural that has gone up on the side of the Sheraton Dallas' parking garage, in downtown's Pacific Plaza Park. The giant public artwork has brought a bright burst of color to the area.

"Optimism is important for the community because it's something you can have inside of you regardless of what the outside circumstances are," says Mari Pohlman, the local artist who goes by Marpohl and who painted the mural. "How you can continue looking for opportunities and things you can still do even if you're in a tough spot."

It's the latest project in Frost Bank's Opt for Optimism campaign, in partnership with CultureMap. The colorful new artwork is based around the idea that optimism may start with one person, but it can easily ripple out through small acts and thoughtful moments, therefore changing the people and communities around you.

The mural's silhouette is meant to encourage passersby to stand in its place for photo opps.

Pohlman's hoping that the mural will remind everyone that it's okay to start small. "You may not know what impact your actions have, but it can continue out from you," she says.

Pohlman also created an Opt for Optimism Spotify playlist. Give it a listen if you're in need of some pick-me-up tunes.

And if you're looking for some fresh air, stop by and snap a pic with the uplifting mural at 400 N. Olive St. Be sure to tag @culturemapdal and #optforoptimism if you snap a picture.

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'Yellowstone' stars to greet fans at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

Yellowstone news

Yellowstone fans, get your comfy shoes ready - there'll be a long line for this one. Cole Hauser a.k.a. "Rip Wheeler" on Yellowstone, and Taylor Sheridan, the show's co-creator, executive producer, and director of the series, will meet fans and sign autographs at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

The event will take place from 4:30-6:30 pm only on Friday, February 3. Location is the 6666 Ranch booth near the south end of Aisle 700 in the Amon G. Carter, Jr. Exhibits Hall.

According to a February 2 announcement from FWSSR, "fans will have the opportunity to snag an autograph as well as purchase some distinctive Yellowstone and 6666 Ranch merchandise while also enjoying all the features the Stock Show offers."

The event is free to attend (with paid Stock Show admission) and open to the public.

It's the second year in a row for Hauser to appear at FWSSR; in 2022, he and fellow cast mates drew huge crowds.

Sheridan, a Paschal High School graduate, is no stranger to Fort Worth; he lives in a ranch near Weatherford and filmed 1883, the prequel to Yellowstone, in and around Fort Worth. Currently, another spinoff, 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, is filming in North Texas.

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is winding up its 2023 run on Saturday, February 4.

Launch your next Texas trip with this essential guide to its biggest cities

Hit the Road

Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the state itself. At 268,597 square miles, it's a lot to traverse — but luckily there's plenty to see, do, eat, and drink along the way.

No matter what kind of trip you're planning around Texas, Marriott Bonvoy Hotels can be the launchpad for your next travel or culinary adventure. Its hotels and resorts are as diverse as the Lone Star State and offer amazing culinary, spa, and destination experiences in each city.

Plan your next trip from this guide below:

People stand-up paddleboarding in Austin See Austin from the water.Photo courtesy of Marriott International

Austin
At a glance: Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin is also home to the State Capitol. University of Texas at Austin helps "Keep Austin Weird," but it's also a growing tech hot spot with a vibrant, culinary-focused atmosphere.

Must-see spots: Ladybird Lake, Texas Capitol, Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Botanical Garden, Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, Pennybacker Bridge, Blanton Museum, ACL Live at Moody Theater, Rainey Street, UT Austin.

Must-try eats & sips: Head to the new Dean’s Steakhouse Austin at JW Marriott Austin for a special occasion or business dinner, and try the Wagyu beef cuts in addition to an acclaimed raw bar and generous happy hour.

Travel north to Renaissance Austin’s restaurant, Knotty Deck & Bar, for an urban retreat with patio views of the Texas Hill Country. It serves elevated Austin cuisine with a spacious backyard for bean bags and other outdoor games to enjoy with family and friends.

Austin easily features the highest density of rooftop bars in the state, including the popular Zanzibar, a tropical oasis serving up inventive Tiki cocktails. Toast to “golden hour” nightly at Otopia Rooftop Lounge with craft cocktails high above the nearby university.

Must-attend events: SXSW Conference & Festivals (March), Blues on the Green (all summer long), Pride in Local Music Festival (June), Austin City Limits (October), Austin Film Festival (October).

Must-experience vibes: Get your retro music fix with unique vinyl record programs at the Otis Hotel Austin and the W Hotel Austin.

Family at Las Colinas Resort Take the whole fam to Las Colinas Resort.Photo courtesy of Marriott International

Dallas-Fort Worth
At a glance: A pair of cities that have undergone true transformation, beginning as cattle hubs and railroad centers and blossoming into Texas' current window to the world with incredible art museums and performing arts centers (the largest arts district in the nation, in fact).

Must-see spots: Dallas Museum of Art, Katy Trail, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Reunion Tower, Fair Park, Meyerson Symphony Center, Kimbell Art Museum, the Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts neighborhoods, Mesquite Rodeo Arena, Fort Worth Stockyards, NorthPark Center.

Must-try eats & sips: Dallas’ dining scene is highlighted by Margaret’s, the restaurant at the JW Marriott Dallas Arts District that's opening in June. It offers farm-to-fork ingredients in a dramatic setting with sweeping views of the city and a lively bar with handcrafted cocktails from seasoned mixologists.

Head to Uptown Dallas for its sophisticated restaurant, shopping, and boutique fitness scene highlighted by Good Graces in Marriott Uptown Dallas, a bright and airy brasserie where you can indulge in fresh oysters, charcuterie boards, crisp salads, and a variety of steak and seafood dishes.

In the northwest suburb of Irving, visit LAW at Las Colinas Resort to experience the very best of land, air, and water elements, alongside locally sourced ingredients. Mesa Mezcal at the Westin Irving is the spot for modern Mexican fare, curated mezcal cocktails, and YogaRitas on the patio, a partnership series with YogaSix Studio.

Head west to Fort Worth to dine al fresco at 97 West, where a Southwestern ambiance beckons adventurous spirits and serves up classic Texas heritage dishes.

In the heart of Cowtown, experience the convivial dining culture of Central and South America at Toro Toro in the Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth. Slip outside afterward to take in a movie on its rooftop deck via a partnership with Rooftop Cinemas, complete with a food truck for snacks and drinks.

Marriott Bonvoy’s restaurants aim to incorporate local and regional breweries in their beverage menus whenever possible, so ask your bartender for his or her favorite brew. Explore DFW's robust brewery scene, from Martin House Brewing Company to Deep Ellum Brewing Co., Celestial Beer Works to Manhattan Project Beer Co., and Peticolas Brewing to Texas Ale Project.

Must-attend events: Dallas Pride Parade (June), Homegrown Music & Arts Festival (June), Riverfront Jazz Fest (September), State Fair of Texas (September-October), Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (January-February).

People on rooftop in Houston The best way to see Houston? From a rooftop.Photo courtesy of Marriott International

Houston
At a glance: Founded as a bustling commercial center and shipping port in the mid-1800s, with major influence from Charlotte Baldwin, known as the "Mother of Houston," today H-Town is statistically the most diverse major city in Texas with a thriving gastronomic scene, world-class museums, and the Houston Space Center.

Must-see spots: The Museum District (18 institutions within walking distance; includes the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston), The Galleria, Houston Aquarium, Buffalo Bayou Park, POST Houston entertainment district, Chinatown, Houston Graffiti Park, Discovery Green, Houston Zoo.

Must-try eats & sips: Located inside the Magnolia Houston, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is The Dispatch, which pays homage to its building’s rich history as the home of the Houston Post-Dispatch paper. The Art Deco vibes complement the eatery’s contemporary American cuisine and enticing cocktails.

After a day of shopping at The Galleria mall, stop by White Oak Kitchen + Drinks for a collection of fresh ingredients, a curated wine and cocktail menu, and weekend brunch.

Explore Houston’s culinary melting pot with an experience at Xin Chao, a modern Vietnamese restaurant owned by MasterChef winner Christina Ha. Locals also hail Killen’s BBQ as some of the best in the state.

Houston visitors will also find food trucks dotted around the city, offering inventive cuisine with global fusion showcasing Houston’s diversity.

Must-attend events: Freedom Over Texas Festival (July), Houston Restaurant Week (August), Fiestas Patrias (September 2023), Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (February-March).

Must-experience vibes: Stay cool in the Houston heat this summer by diving into the city's best urban party playground: the iconic, Texas-shaped lazy river at the Altitude Rooftop & Pool at Marriott Marquis Houston.

It's always a party on the San Antonio River Walk.Photo courtesy of Marriott International

San Antonio
At a glance: Remember the Alamo! Explore San Antonio’s famed River Walk or journey further south to the San Antonio Missions National Park, where some of the Lone Star State's most pivotal moments occurred. Northwest of the city, treat your family to a thrill at world-class amusement parks.

Discover the emerging arts and culinary scene while touring historic, trendy neighborhoods like the impressive King William District, dotted with colonial mansions, and Dignowity Hill, sporting the Hays Street Bridge and a deep-rooted sense of community.

Must-see spots: The Alamo, the San Antonio Missions, River Walk, San Antonio Botanical Gardens, San Antonio Zoo, Southtown, Brackenridge Park, SeaWorld San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Historic Pearl Brewery, Tower of the Americas, La Villita, Market Square.

Must-try eats: Check out incredible South Texas fare on the River Walk such as Tributary restaurant in the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter Hotel, with seasonally rotating menus and ingredients sourced from regional farming partners and purveyors.

Escape to the Texas Hill Country at 18 Oaks for an outstanding quality of meats and seafood prepared with style and expertise, ideally enjoyed after a day of golf at TPC San Antonio or a splashy time at the nine-acre waterpark at the JW San Antonio Hill Country Resort.

Take the kids or pups and head to the Historic Pearl Brewery, where you'll find everything from upscale bistros to an array of dining choices inside the Food Hall at Bottling Dept. Enjoy a picnic on the green spaces and a family-favorite splash pad while taking in the quaint European vibes in this special area of Alamo City.

Must-sip drinks: Visit the new 1 Watson rooftop deck atop the AC Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk for downtown views and a cocktail or two by a fire pit.

Photo courtesy of Marriott International

Gather at Knotty Deck & Bar in Austin.

Hop on the city’s shared bike or scooter systems to explore local-favorite breweries and coffee shops such as Merit Coffee, Freetail Brewing, Weathered Souls Brewing, and Alamo Beer Co.

Must-attend events: Fiesta San Antonio (April), Pride San Antonio (June), Día de los Muertos (November), San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo (February).

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Marriott Bonvoy member benefits include free membership, special member rates, ability to earn and redeem points, contactless mobile and contactless service, free WiFi, and more.

Pop culture provocateur Janelle Monáe loves on Dallas-Fort Worth with Age of Pleasure tour stop

Lipstick lover

Janelle Monáe's upcoming Age of Pleasure album is already making headlines with her latest single (and music video) "Lipstick Lover." And thankfully, Dallas fans won't have to wait long after the album's release (June 9, via Atlantic Records) to watch it come to life on stage.

The critically acclaimed and award winning singer and actress will bring her "Age of Pleasure Tour" across North America later this year, with a 26-city lineup kicking off on August 30 at WAMU Theater in Seattle, Washington. The Texas leg of her tour will include a stop in Dallas-Fort Worth (October 9 at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory) before moving on to Houston's Bayou Music Center on October 10 and Austin's Moody Ampitheater on October 11.

Known worldwide for her inimitable style and visionary sound, Monáe is an eight time Grammy Award-nominated singer, songwriter, producer, performer, and fashion icon. According to a release, she promises to light up your body, soul, and all of your senses with an unforgettable performance featuring songs off her latest album and classic hits from her discography.

Tickets for the tour go on sale Thursday, June 1, starting with a Verizon presale at 10 am; the exclusive presale via Verizon Up gives customers access to purchase presale tickets for select shows until Tuesday, June 6, at 10 pm. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Wednesday, June 7 at 10 am on Ticketmaster.

The full list of tour dates is below:

Wed Aug 30 – Seattle, WA – WAMU Theater
Thu Aug 31 – Vancouver, BC – UBC - Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre
Sat Sep 02 – Portland, OR – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
Wed Sep 06 –Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
Thu Sep 07 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Sat Sep 09 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre
Mon Sep 11 – Minneapolis, MN – Armory
Wed Sep 13 – St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre
Thu Sep 14 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
Sun Sep 17 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Mon Sep 18 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met
Wed Sep 20 – Montreal, QB – Mtelus
Thu Sep 21 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall
Sun Sep 24 – Washington, DC – The Anthem*
Tue Sep 26 – New York City, NY – Radio City Music Hall
Thu Sep 28 – Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theatre
Mon Oct 02 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Tue Oct 03 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
Wed Oct 04 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company
Fri Oct 06 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre Atlanta
Mon Oct 09 – Dallas-Fort Worth, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Tue Oct 10 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
Wed Oct 11 – Austin, TX – Moody Amphitheater
Sun Oct 15 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
Tue Oct 17 – San Francisco, CA – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
Wed Oct 18 – Inglewood, CA – YouTube Theater

* non-Live Nation date

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