Clang, clang, clang went the trolley (actually a 15-passenger rented Chevrolet van) as the Westside Wanderers headed to the historic town of Granbury Saturday morning to shop at the boutiques on the downtown square, dine on Southern cooking and enjoy the musical, “Meet Me In St. Louis.”
Granbury is a 1.5-hour drive from Dallas and is home to the Granbury Opera House.
Opera houses were the mark of civilization in the late 19th century. By 1885, nearly every town in West Texas had an opera house — usually the largest and most decorous building in the community.
Originally built in 1886, the Granbury Opera House has been painstakingly renovated to the period. The interior boasts elaborate imported chandeliers, elegant curved staircases, the original limestone walls, filigree iron balcony railings, pressed tin-inspired acoustic ceiling tiles, and an intimate seating arrangement. The Opera House, the landmark crown jewel of Granbury, brings to the small town patrons of the arts from all around the Dallas-Fort Worth area and is home to the Granbury Theatre Company.
During the Christmas holiday season, “Meet Me In St. Louis” is playing at the opera house. The 1944 romantic musical comedy starring Judy Garland brought us memorable songs such as the show title song, plus “The Trolley Song,” “Skip to My Lou,” and the Christmas classic, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.”
The musical is a perfect way to get in the holiday mood and a beautiful live performance that can be enjoyed by the entire family.
Granbury’s town square is filled with quaint little shops selling charming knick-knacks, antiques, candy and more. One of our group’s favorites was the 1890 Market Place, selling spices, olive oils and vinegars. Taste and select, and your bottle will be filled and sealed as you watch.
All up and down the streets around the beautiful old courthouse are restaurants and diners to stop in for coffee, a craft beer, a full lunch or just a piece of pie.
Treat your family or your church group or club to a day trip from DFW this holiday season and visit Granbury.