Robin Gabriele stays busy working part-time at a specialty food marketing company and being mom to three kiddos, Oliver, 14, Harrison, 11, and Amelia, 8. She and husband Jason enjoy taking the family to explore all that Coppell has to offer.
Favorite family restaurant: Our go-to family takeout is Little Greek; it’s delicious, fresh food and [they have] the best dolmas! The Sound is a fantastic family spot with a lot of outdoor space and a handful of restaurants; it’s fun when the weather is nice. There’s bocce, huge Jenga, ping pong, art work and great outdoor seating. Little Greek Fresh Grill, 230 N. Denton Tap Road, Suite 106, Coppell; 972/745-2233; The Sound at Cypress Waters, 3111 Olympus Blvd., Dallas; 214/270-1000
Favorite local park: I love the Andy Brown park system. There are perfectly paved trails that wind around lakes, through trees and past playgrounds. Andy Brown East is my favorite; the trails are nice and wide, and they’re scattered with sculptures from a rotating art exhibit! 260 Parkway Blvd., Coppell; 972/462-5100
Favorite family outing: Over the past year, we’ve spent a lot of time walking through the Coppell Nature Park, exploring the trails and creeks. Andy Brown West is also a great spot for all ages; there are fields, basketball courts, a big shaded playground and sand volleyball courts. Coppell Nature Park, 367 Freeport Pkwy., Coppell; 972/304-3581; Andrew Brown Park West, 363 N. Denton Tap Road, Coppell; 972/462-5100
Go-to date night and girls’ night spots: Victor’s Wood Grill is a great date night restaurant. The food is top notch and it is right in the middle of our little town. Anamia’s has a cozy, little bar area perfect to grab a margarita and appetizer for date night or with friends. Victor’s Wood Grill, 150 S. Denton Tap Road, Coppell; 972/393-5152; Anamia’s, 110 W. Sandy Lake Road, Suite 112, Coppell; 972/304-0321
For self-care: I love Deluxe Nails & Spa for a pedicure. My daughter and I go every once in a while, and they always make the experience so enjoyable. Anita at Z Beauty Salon is fantastic! I go there for threading mainly, but they offer a whole host of services. Angelika at Salon on the Creek is my go-to for hair these days. Deluxe Nails & Spa, 143 S. Denton Tap Road, Suite 160, Coppell; 972/304-1199; Z Beauty Salon, 110 W. Sandy Lake Road, Coppell; 469/453-2222; Salon on the Creek, 684 S. Denton Tap Road, Suite 100, Coppell; 972/462-1388
Get active: I have two personal favorites: Get You In Shape is an outdoor “bootcamp” I’ve been a part of for a few years now. GYIS was created by an amazing local couple and caters to all fitness levels. Coppell also has a handful of adult sports leagues, so I play in an adult co-ed soccer league with a wonderful group of people. 260 E. Parkway Blvd., Coppell; 214/603-8287
Cool off: Our youngest loves the pool at the CORE, especially the water slides! There’s a cute little splashpad in old downtown Coppell, adjacent to a playground, great coffee shop and huge shaded area-to sit and picnic in the summer. 234 Parkway Blvd., Coppell; 972/304-7077
Give back: As a family, we like to put together bags with snacks and drinks to have in the car if we come across anyone in need. Our soon-to-be high schooler and I are new members of the local YMSL [Young Men’s Service League] chapter and, as parents, most of our volunteering is through our kids’ schools and sports leagues at this phase in our lives.
Why Coppell is a great place to raise a family: Coppell has everything a family needs within 14 square miles. Older kids can literally bike from one end of town to the other, there are music and art classes, all kinds of sports leagues, and beautiful outdoor spaces. One of my favorite things about Coppell is the cultural diversity. We have met friends from all over the world and country, which I just love!
Find your squad: Most of my mom friends I met through our kids’ schools and activities. Coppell’s size makes it really easy to meet people and see them regularly. Whether we are at the grocery store, the park, or anywhere in town, it’s always comforting to run into a familiar face.
Photo courtesy of Tracy VanSickle Photography.
