1. Traders Village - Grand Prairie

This place touts itself as "America's #1 Marketplace" and most agree! It features thousands of dealers, and even includes rides, food, special events, and an RV park. This Texas flea market opened in 1973 and grows larger every year.

2. Third Mondays Trade Days Flea Market - McKinney

Who knew there could be so many varieties of hot sauce? That's just one of the popular booths at this Texas flea market, which regulars flock to every month. The oldest and largest monthly trade days in North Texas, Third Mondays Trade Days Flea Market is full of treasures and its schedule can be found on the official flea market website.

3. First Monday Trade Days - Canton

Billed as the World's Largest Flea Market, First Monday Trade Days truly is a Texas-sized spectacle to experience. On the first Monday of every month, thousands of people gather in Canton to partake in First Monday Trade Days. The market has changed a lot in its 150 years of operation, but one thing that remains the same is the Southern charm and hospitality of vendors and customers alike. At this massive flea market -- easily at the top of the list of the best flea markets in Dallas, Texas -- You can browse unique antiques that can't be found anywhere else, from household wares to vintage decor to locally made artwork!

4. Cattle Barn Flea Market - Fort Worth

This indoor flea market in Texas offers great finds and a walk down memory lane. It boasts free admission, free parking, and, best of all, it has air conditioning!

5. Harry Hines Bazaar - Dallas

One of the best flea markets in Texas, this popular indoor bazaar features about 180 shops and is known for its amazing Mexican food that really hits the spot after an afternoon of flea market shopping in Texas!

Are you ready for a treasure hunt? What’s the best find you’ve uncovered at a flea market? Any favorite flea markets in Dallas we need to know about! Share your favorite TX flea markets with us in the comments below!

The post 5 Must-Visit Flea Markets In Dallas – Fort Worth Where You’ll Find Awesome Stuff appeared first on Only In Your State ®.

1. Delaney Vineyards - Grapevine

This beautiful winery has been a presence here for over 20 years. Their main vineyard is in West Texas, but they also have one in the aptly-named City of Grapevine. The 8,000-square-foot winery is made to resemble an 18th century French chateau and its grounds include 10 acres of grapevines.

Public wine tastings and tours are offered on most days at this Texas winery. Delaney Vineyards is located at 2000 Champagne Blvd. in Grapevine.

2. Lost Oak Winery - Burleson

The tasting room here is Texas-themed and inviting. Performances and special events are held throughout the year and many sell out quickly, so be sure to stay up to date with their events calendar and reserve a spot early.

Covered outdoor areas and space heaters don't stop wine lovers from enjoying tastings, regardless of the Texas weather! You can find Lost Oak Winery at 8101 County Road 802 in Burleson.

3. times ten cellars - Dallas

This upscale winery and tasting room features extensive wines and a beautiful outdoor patio and wine lounge so you can choose where you want to enjoy them. Their Dallas location can be found at 6324 Prospect Ave.

4. times ten cellars - Fort Worth

This TX winery is astute enough to offer a wine experience in both major cities to make it convenient for wine lovers across our vast Metroplex! Their Fort Worth location is found at 1100 Foch Street.

times ten cellars features wines from Cathedral Mountain Vineyard, which grow their grapes in the high desert mountains 18 miles south of Alpine, Texas. The bulk of the vines are Tempranillo and Syrah, with some Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Mourvédre for blending.

5. Sunset Winery - Burleson

Located in a home-turned-winery, Sunset Winery offers high quality wines, a broad selection, unique events, and extensive wine education and tours throughout the year.

The Texas wine bar offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seating with beautiful Texas views! Sunset Winery is located at 1535 S. Burleson Blvd. in Burleson.

6. Cross Timbers Winery - Grapevine

This quaint wine tasting venue is set inside a historic home built in 1874.

In addition to indoor and outdoor areas, an old barn on site has been reconstructed and now is home to special events. Cross Timbers is located at 805 N Main St. in Grapevine, TX.

7. Messina Hof - Grapevine

This location is Messina Hof’s first urban winery. Being on Main St. allows the winery to be in the midst of city celebrations held here throughout the year.

This winery near Dallas features multiple tasting areas with 40 different wines, tastings and premium flights, wine on tap by the glass or growler, gourmet food items & accessories, and multiple event spaces. Their address is 201 S Main St. in Grapevine.

What other local wineries serving Texas’ finest selections should be added to this list? Do you have a favorite wineries near Dallas, Texas, you’d like to share? We’d love to read your recommendations!

The post The 7 Most Beautiful Wineries Around Dallas – Fort Worth appeared first on Only In Your State ®.

If you arrived here by looking up something like waterfalls near Dallas, you’re sure to find at least a few, considering how enormous Texas is! Check these amazing cascades out and let us know which ones are your favorites:

1. Airfield Falls - Fort Worth

The trailhead to the city's only natural waterfall opened in spring 2017. The easiest way to access the waterfall is from Pumphrey Drive off 183. Turn onto Pumphrey Road from either White Settlement Road or Alta Mere Road and head toward the Carswell Front Gate. The trailhead parking lot is on the right. This is one of our favorite places to go hiking in Dallas.

2. Prairie Creek Park - Richardson

This tucked-away neighborhood park and waterfall gives visitors a welcome respite from city life, and it's one of our favorite Dallas parks with a waterfall.

3. Hidden Falls at Marion Sansom Park - Lake Worth

This little-known waterfall is located right below Lake Worth Dam. While you're here, embark upon the wonderful Speakeasy Loop Trail, which is one of our favorite hikes.

4. Anderson Creek Waterfall - Glen Rose

It takes about an hour to get here from Fort Worth, but it's worth it! This 25-foot seasonal waterfall in Glen Rose is the result of overflow from the Paluxy River, and it's nothing short of impressive! Find the waterfall via the creek access off Moody Lane. Glen Rose also makes for an amazing fall day trip near Dallas!

5. Botanic Garden - Fort Worth

The Botanic Garden here is the oldest in Texas, and both entry and parking are free. Return to nature by admiring the flowers and landscape, as well as the various waterfalls inside this 109-acre living museum. These falls are located just outside of the Japanese Gardens and within the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.

6. Lakeside Park - Highland Park

This peaceful and scenery-filled park has a seasonal waterfall, Mother Nature permitting. You can find it at Lakeside Dr. and Armstrong Ave in Highland Park! This is one of the best hidden gems in Dallas for families.

7. Spillway Bridge - White Rock Lake, Dallas

The spillway is beautiful, especially after times of heavier rains. You'll find it just off of Highway 78 and Winsted Drive. Oh, and White Rock Lake might be one of the most haunted places in Dallas!

8. Pioneer Plaza - Dallas

It may not be a natural waterfall, but this little waterfall in downtown Dallas still makes for beautiful photographs and a nice getaway from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Funny enough, Pioneer Plaza is one of those tourist traps in Dallas that's actually worth it!

Do you know of any cool waterfalls hiding in the Metroplex? Which waterfalls near Dallas are your favorite little oases? Let us know in the comments!

The post These 8 Breathtaking Waterfalls Are Hiding In Dallas-Fort Worth appeared first on Only In Your State ®.

Dallas and Fort Worth may be sister cities located within 35 miles of one another, but don’t make the mistake that they are the same. These two anchors and surrounding cities and towns form the fourth most populated area in the country. However, a quick trip down one of the interstates connecting the east and west ends of the mighty Metroplex shows how very different the areas are. Ever wonder about the difference between Dallas and Fort Worth? Here are 19 undeniable differences between the two in terms of history, personality, culture, and even lifestyle:

1. Both cities were established near the banks of the Trinity River, but the differences end there.

Dallas, to the east, ranks as the ninth in the U.S. with a population of over 1.3 million. Fort Worth, to the west, is ranked as the 16th largest, and it's the fastest-growing city in the nation, with a population reaching nearly 900,000. The Trinity River is both beautiful and dangerous, as demonstrated during the Great Flood of 1949.

2. Dallas thrived as a railroad town and quickly developed a "big city" feel.

An early claim to fame is the ongoing State Fair of Texas first held in the late 1800s. Today it is the largest and longest-running fair in America. Dallas was formally established in 1841 and became a business and trading center. It was booming by the end of the 1800s and the early 1900s.

3. Fort Worth was a rough-and-rowdy Cowtown.

Fort Worth was established in 1849 as an Army outpost by the Trinity River. Its growth was attributable to its stop on the Chisholm Trail. It became a bawdy, gunslinger sort of Western town, with a legendary Hell's Half Acre. It became the center of cattle drives, and later, the ranching industry, earning it the nickname, "Cowtown." Fort Worth became the host of successful stock shows and exhibitions, and, of course, rodeos. The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is its hallmark event and is still held every January/February.

4. Dallas had to work hard to live down its "City of Hate" image following the John F. Kennedy Presidential assassination in 1963 and with periods of civil unrest.

Dealey Plaza, where John F. Kennedy was assassinated in November 1963, is still the top tourist attraction in the city today. Tourists flock to landmarks from that tragic event. This theater is in Oak Cliff, which is where assassin Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested.

5. Fort Worth has had to work hard to build up its image as being more than just a Western town.

Although locals and city officials are still proud of Fort Worth's moniker of "Where the West Begins."

6. Dallas has a more expansive and impressive skyline.

The city has a big ball in the sky that features nightly LED light shows, for example. The newest addition is the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, a spectacular bridge that crosses the Trinity River.

7. Fort Worth's skyline is smaller, but the buildings light up to form a beautiful evening silhouette.

Its downtown Main Street and Sundance areas are beautiful, lively, clean, and safe. It's one of our favorite main streets in Texas.

8. Dallas is known for its fashion, sophisticated bars and club scenes, and its urban feel.

It is considered more progressive and open-minded. It's an excellent place for artists and creatives.

9. Fort Worth has a more casual feel, with a come-as-you-are friendliness vibe.

Residents, in general, are more apt to be a bit more traditional and old-fashioned than those living in Dallas.

10. Dallas loves its eclectic artsy feel.

If you've never been to Deep Ellum, you've never truly lived. While you're there, you definitely want to check out Truth and Alibi, a truly unique restaurant in Dallas that doubles as a speakeasy.

11. Fort Worth embraces the classics.

The internationally-renowned Kimbell Art Museum is in the Cultural Arts District of Fort Worth, but don't be misled - both cities embrace and surround themselves with art of all kinds through countless caliber museums and arts festivals. By the way, the Kimball Art Museum is one of the best museums in Dallas that you need to add to your bucket list ASAP.

12. Some say Dallas has an inflated sense of self...

13. ...while Fort Worth has had to stir things up to generate excitement.

The city was once called "Panther City" because, in 1873, a local said things were so quiet there that there was a panther asleep on Main Street. Whether this is actually true or not... well, we doubt it... but it's fun to think about.

14. Dallas is one of the fastest-growing cities for millionaires.

Dallas has more than 115,000 millionaires, largely due to the oil and technology industries. Dallas alone is home to numerous high-earning neighborhoods - some of the highest-earning folks call the city home.

15. Fort Worth's established neighborhoods are full of charm.

Make no mistake, there are plenty of mansions spread across Fort Worth as well.

16. Dallas has renowned culinary restaurants known for their food as well as their expensive prices.

The Mansion Restaurant at Turtle Creek (shown here) is just one example.

17. Fort Worth beckons with friendly and affordable options.

Tasty restaurants abound there too, but locals flock to Tex-Mex, barbecue, and Southern homestyle options. While you're here, be sure to check out some of the most unique restaurants in Fort Worth.

18. Dallas is home to Southern Methodist University.

Go Mustangs!

19. Fort Worth has Texas Christian University.

Fear the mighty Horned Frog!

City leaders showed great wisdom in building the Dallas – Fort Worth International Airport in the Irving area, which is centrally located between the two cities. Also, The Dallas Cowboys Stadium and Texas Rangers Ball Park are in a more neutral spot in Arlington. While each city has distinctly different personalities and goals, locals agree that there’s nothing better than living in the Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex!

Do you live somewhere in North Texas? If so, which city or suburb is your personal favorite? Any experiences or insights to share about living here? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

The post 19 Undeniable Differences Between The East And West Sides Of The Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex appeared first on Only In Your State ®.

Cold weather typically comes late in the season, but not during the winter of 1977-1978.

While the meteorological winter season runs from December through February, most wintry precipitation around here occurs from January to March rather than during the earlier months of winter. Leaves may not even turn until November. When wintry weather arrives early, it catches all of us by surprise.

These cacti were certainly caught off guard by a surprising ice storm.

It's not an everyday sight, cacti frozen over... but we had that here, if only for a little while.

In the winter of 1977-1978, the area's average temperature was 39.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

This makes it the coldest winter on record in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We hope it stays the coldest on record - no colder than that for us, please. Thanks.

Additionally, there were 62 reported freezes - also a winter record.

When a wintry mix - more commonly called an ice storm - strikes the area, everything shuts down.

This is because there is not enough equipment and supplies on hand to keep roadways clear, and oftentimes we end up with everything covered in a half-inch (or more) of ice. It's a pain, to say the least.

North Texans also simply don't know how to drive on snow and ice.

Accidents tie up the highways and keep crews busy. The advice is always to just stay home. It's seriously just easier that way (and safer).

This robin was fooled into thinking spring was coming, but it's okay. So were we.

He apparently forgot that north Texas easily sees temperature swings of up to 50 degrees in a single day ... and that's the norm.

While this year was record-setting for north Texans, most of our winters are a little bit of cold followed by mild temperatures…and then repeat! It’s not unusual to see temperatures in the 70s or down to the teens. But isn’t that better than a constant, bone-chilling cold any day? It’s our spring that has more people talking…that’s when we get high winds, hailstorms, and tornadoes. But it’s just another aspect of living here, and we just wouldn’t be happier anywhere else.

Have you experienced a winter here in Dallas – Fort Worth, and if so, what are your thoughts on our climate? What are some of your favorite things to do in Dallas in the winter? Let us know!

The post In 1977-1978, Dallas – Fort Worth Plunged Into An Arctic Freeze That Makes This Year’s Winter Look Downright Mild appeared first on Only In Your State ®.