SummerFest 2009
Take a Short Trip to Big Summer Fun at Texas' Ultimate Staycation Destination
Grapevine, Texas—( April 24, 2009 ) This summer, Gaylord Texan invites visitors to experience a luxury destination vacation minus the travel expenses at the grandest hotel in the Lone Star State. In addition to the property's impressive amenities, its fifth-annual SummerFest event, taking place Thursdays through Sundays between May 21 and September 6, 2009, will feature a variety of festive events and entertainment for adults and families.Within the hotel's four-and-a-half acres of lush indoor gardens, kept at a comfortable 72 degrees, guests of Gaylord Texan will discover strolling entertainment, including musicians, caricature artists, stilt walkers and face painters in addition to a Texas art tour, a train exhibit, and musical performances. Culinary events will include junior chef camps, a restaurant dine-around, dessert tastings, wine & cheese pairings, murder-mystery dinners, a winemaker dinner series, and "Kids Eat Free" Thursday nights. Outside, the hotel will host spectacular firework shows, poolside movies, and a lakeside brunch. In addition, visitors can play watersports on the lake or 18-hole championship golf at nearby Cowboys Golf Club.
During SummerFest, visitors also will enjoy six award-wining casual and fine dining restaurants; the 25,000-square-foot European-inspired Relâche Spa; eight unique retail shops; live music and dancing at Glass Cactus nightclub on Lake Grapevine; and a constant schedule of atmospheric entertainment.
Gaylord Texan's SummerFest room package, beginning at $179 per night, includes luxury guest room accommodations, breakfast for two adults and two children in the hotel's Riverwalk Café restaurant, self-parking and the resort fee. Those who book two or more consecutive nights of the SummerFest room package will receive a $50 Gaylord Texan gift card that can be used in the hotel's restaurants, retail shops or spa. Overnight guests of Gaylord Texan can also take advantage of discounted tickets to area attractions during their stay, including the Fort Worth Zoo, Dallas Zoo, JFK 6th Floor Museum, and the Dallas Museum of Art, just to name a few.
SummerFest Event Descriptions
CULINARY EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Junior Chefs Camp
Designed to introduce basic kitchen techniques and provide a hands-on opportunity to prepare popular and simple recipes, young aspiring culinary students will learn the secrets of the profession from Gaylord Texan's executive chefs. Each Junior Chef will rotate throughout interactive kitchen stations learning techniques on table setting, serving styles and hands-on cooking specifics. At the program's conclusion, two guests (i.e. parents, siblings, grandparents) will be invited back to enjoy a three-course luncheon, hosted and served by their very own "Junior Chef."
Dates:
Class #1, June 13 — "Old MacDonald had a Farm," featuring a fresh "farm to table" menu
Class #2, June 27 — "South of the Border," featuring Tex-Mex creations
Class #3, July 11 — "House Party," featuring snacks made with Texas ingredients and paired with Junior Chefs ipod tunes
Class #4, July 25 — "The Brunch Bunch," featuring breakfast selections
Class #5, August 8 — "Old MacDonald had a Farm"
Class #6, August 22 — "House Party"
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
At 12:30 p.m., Junior Chefs will each prepare and serve lunch to their two guests.
Location: Ama Lur restaurant at Gaylord Texan
Ages: 8-16
Cost: $80 per child.
Class includes a monogrammed apron and chef's hat, class recipes, a camp class photo, and lunch for each Junior Chef plus two guests. For those who wish to attend more than one camp, the Junior Chefs Camp Package for $240 (an $80 savings) includes 4 classes plus a limited edition Junior Chefs Cookbook.
"Taste of the Texan" Restaurant Chefs' Dine-Around
Gaylord Texan chefs prepare tastings of their "must have" items paired with beverages, providing a fun-filled appetizer or after-dinner experience! The menu includes Crab Cakes paired with Raspberry Margaritas at Ama Lur, Kobe Burgers paired with Blue Moon draft at Texan Station Sports Bar & Grill, Short Ribs and Malbec "Trivento" at Old Hickory Steakhouse, and Tortilla Soup and Frozen Strawberry Margaritas at Riverwalk Café.
Date: Saturdays
Time: 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Location: Throughout Gaylord Texan's indoor atriums with stops at the onsite restaurants
Ages: All ages (alcoholic beverages are available only for those 21 and above)
Cost: $15 per person, including tax and gratuities.
Each "Taste of the Texan" ticket includes a 10&20%-off coupon that can be redeemed at any of the hotel's restaurants during SummerFest 2009 (excluding alcoholic beverages).
Reservations: Visit www.gaylordtexan.com or call SummerFest reservations at (817) 722-9444. On-site, tickets can be purchased at the Concierge Desk or in the hotel's restaurants.
"Triple-licious" Dessert Tasting for Kids (big & small)
Little and big kids of all ages will enjoy dessert tastings as they travel to the hotel's Java Coast Coffee Shop, Texan Station, and SummerFest Sweet Shoppe. Featured sweets will include Chocolate-Covered Rice Krispy Treats, Assorted Cupcakes, Chocolate-Covered Strawberries, M&M Brownies, and Peanut Butter Cream Tarts.
Date: Thursdays
Time: 6:00-9:00pm
Location: Java Coast, Texan Station, and the SummerFest Sweet Shoppe at Gaylord Texan
Ages: All kids and kids-at-heart welcome
Cost: $5 per person, including tax and gratuities.
Reservations:
Visit www.gaylordtexan.com or call SummerFest Reservations at (817) 722-9444. On-site, tickets can be purchased at the Concierge Desk or in the hotel's restaurants.
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater
Rebecca Angel has been murdered! It seems our "angel" had fallen on hard times and intended to climb back up—any way she could. She would stop at nothing: bank robbery, blackmail, murder, and yes, even double-parking her horse. The problem is, she may have messed with the wrong people. Be prepared to have some knee-slappin' fun!
Date: Fridays and Saturdays
Time: 8:00pm (doors open at 7:00 p.m.)
Location: Riverwalk Café restaurant at Gaylord Texan
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: $55 per person.
Includes dinner at Riverwalk Café's all-you-can-eat market-style eatery, show, tax, gratuity, and self-parking.
Reservations:
Visit www.gaylordtexan.com or call SummerFest Reservations at (817) 722-9444. On-site, tickets can be purchased at the Concierge Desk or Riverwalk Café.
Wine & Cheese Pairings
In the hotel's intimate Wine Bar, featuring the unique Enomatic Wine Tasting System, enjoy white or red wine flights (three, 3-ounce tastings) paired with Artisanal cheese selections created by Executive Chef Joanne Bondy. Red wine flights include Fall Creek Granite Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, McPherson "Tre-Colore" 2007, and Becker Merlot 2006. White wine flights include Becker Chardonnay 2007, Messina Hof Pinot Grigio 2006, and Becker Viognier 2006.
Date: Fridays
Time: 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Location: Old Hickory Wine Bar at Gaylord Texan
Ages: 21 and above
Cost: $25 per adult
Reservations:
Tickets can be purchased on-site at the Old Hickory Wine Bar or at the Concierge Desk.
2009 Winemaker Dinner Series
Drink, dine, and be Texan at Gaylord Texan's 2009 Winemaker Dinner Series events! Events take place throughout the year, but summer season events will include:
"King of Beers" — June 18, 2009
Ama Lur seated dinner paired with a variety of beer from around the globe
$80 per person
Reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m.
"Patron Tequila Dinner" — July 10, 2009
Ama Lur seated dinner paired with Patron Tequila tastings
$95 per person
Reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m.
Mojitos and Margaritas with Bacardi — August 7, 2009
Ama Lur seated dinner paired with Bacardi tastings
$85 per person
Reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m.
Reservations: Visit www.gaylordtexan.com or call SummerFest Reservations at (817) 722-9444.
Grillin' & Chillin' Lakeside Sunday Brunch
Enjoy a delightful and casual Sunday brunch on the outdoor decks of Glass Cactus, offering breathtaking lake views, live deck music, and an extensive menu featuring all-you-can-eat shrimp, breakfast items, an omelet station, chilled salads, carved meats, fish tacos, items on the grill, and dessert selections.
Date: Sundays
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Glass Cactus at Gaylord Texan
Ages: All ages welcome. Alcoholic beverages for 21 and up only.
Cost: $25 for adults (excluding alcohol);
$17.50 for children ages 6 to 12; FREE for children ages 5 and under
Reservations: N/A
Kids Eat Free Thursday Nights
In celebration of summer, families will enjoy delicious dining experiences minus the cost at Gaylord Texan's restaurants each Thursday night —where KIDS' EAT FREE!
Date: Thursdays
Time: 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: Gaylord Texan restaurants, including
Old Hickory Steakhouse, Texan Station Sports Bar & Grill, and Ama Lur. Children's menus
at each will include:
- Old Hickory Steakhouse: Mini Kobe Burgers with Fries or Mac & Cheese with Fries
- Texan Station: Chicken Fingers with Fries or a Grilled Hot Dog with Fries
- Ama Lur: Pepperoni Flat Bread or Chicken Fingers
Ages: Children 12 and under
Cost: One free kids' meal with every adult meal purchase
Reservations: Reservations suggested. Call SummerFest reservations at (817) 722-9444.
"Beer & Bites" Flight
Why stop with food and wine pairings? Beer lovers will enjoy Texan Station's Beer & Bites Flight, offering a variety of cold brews paired with sizzling menu samples, such as mini Kobe burgers and buffalo wings.
Date: Saturdays and Sundays
Time: Lunch and dinner hours
Location: Texan Station Sports Bar & Grill at Gaylord Texan
Ages: 21 and up
Cost: $18
Reservations: N/A
OUTDOOR EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Fireworks Fridays
Summer nights at Gaylord Texan will sparkle with spectacular firework shows presented by the City of Grapevine! Fireworks can be viewed on top of Gaylord Texan's garage or on their outdoor grounds. However, the best viewing spot will be from the outdoor decks of the hotel's Glass Cactus nightclub overlooking Lake Grapevine (21 and up only).
Date: Fridays
Time: 9:00pm
Location:
Fireworks can be seen from the top of the hotel garage, on the hotel grounds, or from the Glass Cactus nightclub outdoor decks (for ages 21 and above).
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: FREE
Reservations: N/A
Poolside Dive-In Movie Night
Grab your towels and enjoy family movie night at Gaylord Texan's outdoor pool!
Date: Thursdays and Saturdays
Time: 8:30-10:30 p.m.
Location: Outdoor pool at Gaylord Texan
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: FREE and open to OVERNIGHT GUESTS ONLY
Reservations: N/A
"Splash!" Pool Party
Party at our water playhouse featuring DJ music, a pool bar, and games!
Date: Fridays and Saturdays
Time: 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Outdoor pool at Gaylord Texan
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: FREE and open to OVERNIGHT GUESTS ONLY
Reservations: N/A
INDOOR EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Strolling Entertainment
Discover a variety of strolling entertainment throughout the hotel grounds, including magicians, balloon artists, guitar players, caricature artists, the Gold Cowboy, jugglers, Miki the Monkey, the Texas Roper, and face painters!
Date: Thursdays – Sundays
Time:
Thursday, 6:00-9:30 p.m.
Friday, 4:00-9:30 p.m.
Saturday, 4:00-9:30 p.m.
Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Throughout Gaylord Texan's indoor atriums
Ages: All ages
Cost: FREE
Reservations: N/A
Texan Rocks!
Texas musical trio, "3 Fools on 3 Stools" will entertain visitors on top of the hotel's large canyon rocks with their music, savvy wit, and audience interaction!
Date: Saturdays
Time: 9:00-9:30 p.m.
Location: Lone Star Atrium at Gaylord Texan
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: FREE
Reservations: N/A
Atrium Art Tour
Journey through four-and-a-half acres of lush indoor gardens while making stops to admire unique Texas art created by local artisans. A self-guided tour map is provided.
Date: Displayed throughout SummerFest
Time: Available for viewing day and night
Location: Throughout Gaylord Texan's indoor atriums
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: FREE
Reservations: N/A
Train Exhibit
Gaylord Texan's train exhibit, sponsored by Lionel, is sure to impress train enthusiasts of all ages! On Thursday nights, members of the Lone Star High Railers train club will be present to teach visiting kids how the train was built and operates.
Date: Displayed throughout SummerFest
Time: Available for viewing day and night.
Train operators on-site Thursday nights from 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: Riverwalk Atrium at Gaylord Texan
Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: FREE
Reservations: N/A
For more information on SummerFest 2009 at Gaylord Texan, or to book a SummerFest Room package, please visit www.gaylordtexan.com or call SummerFest Reservations at (817) 722-9444. As always, local day visitors who spend $25 or more in the hotel's restaurants, retail shops, or spa receive validated self-parking.
About Gaylord Texan Hotel & Convention Center
Already the premier convention destination of the American Southwest, Gaylord Texan Hotel & Convention Center on Lake Grapevine offers world-class facilities, more than 400,000 square feet of convention space and four-and-a-half acres of Texas vistas under signature atriums. Ideally situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Grapevine, Gaylord Texan is only six minutes from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Gaylord Texan is a Gaylord Hotels-branded property owned by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET), a Nashville-based hospitality and entertainment company that also owns and operates the Grand Ole Opry. For more information, visit www.gaylordhotels.com
