Great schools and recreation drew Wendi MacMahon’s family to Grapevine five years ago. But the city’s appeal extends beyond education and fitness. From Main Street Fest in the spring to a plethora of holiday events, Grapevine offers family fun throughout the year. It’s the perfect place for MacMahon—a part-time executive assistant, part-time stay-at-home mom—her husband Thomas (who works in finance) and their kids: Bella, 13, John, 9, and Landri, 7.
Favorite family restaurant Any restaurant down Main Street in Grapevine! Our favorite breakfasts are enjoyed at The Main Street Bistro & Bakery. We can have a phenomenal brunch at Mac’s on Main and end the day with drinks on the patio of Esparza’s. It’s nice to park and walk to several places in one centralized location. You don’t have to load up kids and drive to another area for dessert—it’s all down Main Street. The kids love it, and it’s a different adventure every time.
The Main Street Bakery & Bistro // 316 S. Main St., Grapevine
Mac’s on Main // 909 S. Main St., Suite 110, Grapevine;
Esparza’s Restaurante Mexicano // 124 E. Worth St., Grapevine
Best park We are fortunate to enjoy Parr Park and all it has to offer right in our backyard. Several homes in our neighborhood back up to greenbelts of Parr Park. The trails, playground and splash pad are frequented by my family. I appreciate the city taking such pride in its parks and rec facilities. The upkeep, the gardens and the appreciation for green space is enjoyed by so many.
Parr Park // 3010 Parr Lane, Grapevine
Favorite family outing We live on Grapevine’s south side, but we like to venture to the north side to visit the lake. Having Lake Grapevine in our town brings another element of adventure—Friday night fireworks, Meadowmere Park with its floating water park, Oak Grove with lake views and ballfields, even horse trails … the possibilities are endless.
Meadowmere Park // 3000 Meadowmere Lane, Grapevine
Oak Grove Park // 2520 Oak Grove Loop S., Grapevine
For a night out Date nights are the best, and Grapevine is not lacking in options. Our go-to date night is an evening at Perry’s Steakhouse, with phenomenal culinary creations and a sophisticated atmosphere.
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille // 2400 West State Highway 114, Grapevine
Self-care spot I try my best to get away at least once a month for a mani–pedi. And I love to visit my hair stylist over at Heidi’s Salon & Spa. The salon offers a variety of treatments that are sure to recharge any momma.
Heidi’s Salon & Spa // 120 N. Main St., Grapevine
Go-to for getting active Grapevine Parks & Rec offers a hike or bike trail or park within a mile or two of every Grapevine residence. Our town has created wonderful amenities for residents of all abilities and ages, so staying fit and active is easy here. If there’s bad weather in the forecast, no worries—we hop in the car and go to The REC. My youngest enjoys the indoor play area, my middle loves the indoor pool and my oldest enjoys the pingpong tables and playing courts. And there’s the added bonus of an extensive list of classes for the whole family.
Grapevine Parks & Rec // gograpevine.com
The REC of Grapevine // 1175 Municipal Way, Grapevine
For cooling off Every year, we enjoy a staycation. We alternate between Great Wolf Lodge and the Gaylord Texan. The water parks are so fun and right in our own backyard. We’re fortunate to have kid-friendly hotels that offer activities every day. It’s a nice treat during the summer months.
Great Wolf Lodge // 100 Great Wolf Drive, Grapevine
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center // 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine
How they give back I have had the honor and privilege to help my children’s Grapevine-Colleyville ISD school through our PTA. We have fundraised, rallied and created new opportunities for all our students. My husband has helped with recreational baseball and softball. He volunteers with our Grapevine program as well as the programs that coordinate with our sister cities. Through our passion for serving, we hope to inspire our kids to do the same. They have had the opportunity to collect food drive donations in our neighborhood and participate in litter pick–up days. Their favorite is helping with the Grapevine Police Santa Cops program.
Grapevine Baseball & Softball // gograpevine.com/gbs
Grapevine Police Santa Cops // grapevinetexas.gov/492/santa-cops
How she found her mom squad When my children were itty bitty, we used an online platform for a local meetup group. Those friendships are still going strong today. Through moves, separations and job changes, we still find ways to connect. In more recent years, our greatest friendships have come from church and school. This is such an active, lively, spirited community. Now, there are MOPS groups, social media outlets, community boards and so many other ways to find friends.
Why Grapevine is great for families Between our phenomenal school district, our community of neighbors, city leaders, the security from our police and fire departments, our recreation amenities and centralized location between Dallas and Fort Worth, this is a wonderful, safe, charming place.
Photo courtesy of Kristen Hafner Photography.
