Grapevine, Texas

Grapevine is a city located predominately in Tarrant County and has areas that extend into Dallas and Denton counties. The city is part of the Dallas Fort Worth Statistical Area and a significant part of the city limits are mostly within the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, with neighboring cities such as Coppell and Euless.

In recent years several wineries have opened in Grapevine, and the city has been very active in maintaining its historic downtown corridor. The city is adjacent to Grapevine Lake, a large reservoir impounded by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1952 and serves as both a source of water and recreational area. Part of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is located within Grapevine city limits, the largest portion of any municipality bordering the facility. In 2007 CNNMoney.com rated Grapevine as one of "America's Best Places to Live."

History

In October 1843, General Sam Houston and fellow Republic of Texas Commissioners camped at Tah-Wah-Karro Creek, also known as Grape Vine Springs, to meet with leaders of 10 Indian nations. This meeting culminated in the signing of a treaty of "peace, friendship, and commerce," which opened the area for homesteaders. The settlement that emerged was named Grape Vine due to its location on the appropriately-named Grape Vine Prairie near Grape Vine Springs, both names an homage to the wild grapes that grew in the area.

Vitis

Vitis (grapevines) is a genus of about 60 species of vining plants in the flowering plant family Vitaceae. The genus is made up of species predominantly from the Northern hemisphere. It is economically important as the source of grapes, both for direct consumption of the fruit and for fermentation to produce wine. The study and cultivation of grapevines is called viticulture.

All vines share the same basic, physiological features. The roots anchor the vine to the soil and serve as the conduit where nutrients and water from the soil are absorbed. Along with the trunk or "permanent wood" features, the roots also serve as storage reserve of carbohydrates which the vine can use for energy in the winter after the leaves have fallen and are no longer conducting photosynthesis. The function of photosynthesis in the grapevine is to produce glucose which can be combined with other molecules to form larger carbohydrates (such as cellulose) that can be used to create other structures in the vine, energy reserves for the plant and, for fruiting grapevines, can be concentrated in grape berries which contain the reproductive seeds of the vine and are more attractive to birds and other animals.

Great Wolf Resorts

Great Wolf Resorts is the world's largest chain of indoor water parks. The company owns and operates its family resorts under the Great Wolf Lodge brand. The company is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. In addition to a water park, each resort features specialty restaurants, arcades, spas, fitness rooms and children’s activity areas.

History

Black Wolf Lodge was founded by brothers Jack and Andrew "Turk" Waterman, the original owners of Noah's Ark water park. Black Wolf Lodge was purchased by The Great Lakes Company. Founder and chairman Bruce Neviaser changed the name to Great Wolf Lodge and the company headquarters were established in Madison, WI. The chain has since added twelve additional locations and has one in development.

On May 1, 2012, Great Wolf announced they were adding a new amenity or attraction to each of their resorts in time for the summer season. In addition, they spent over $4 million renovating the company's first two locations – Wisconsin Dells and Sandusky.