By Mayor William D. Tate
I’d like to welcome all NIRSA members to Grapevine, the premier destination in North Texas! I know I speak for all our citizens when I say that we are thrilled to play host to the 2015 NIRSA Annual Conference & Recreational Sports Expo.
We hope you’re getting as excited about visiting Grapevine as we are to have you, and we’d like to invite you to discover all that Grapevine has to offer. Come see first-rate attractions and world-class events, visit an abundance of shopping and dining options, and check out a thriving arts community. For a preview of all the fun you can have, check out Grapevine’s destination video!
To begin planning your Grapevine experience, please visit our official website, which features up-to-the-minute information about Grapevine’s many events and attractions. You’ll find details on the LEGOLAND® Discovery Center; the SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium; the Would-Be Train Robbers, Nat Barrett and Willy Majors; the Grapevine Vintage Railroad; the Settlement to City museums, the Historic Downtown Grapevine walking tour; the Grapevine Mills, and the Grapevine Urban Wine Trail among other attractions. There’s also a calendar of events for your convenience.
While you’re here, make sure to experience the stunning art galleries and fine art working studios throughout the city. See the vitality of our community in the more than 80 locally-owned shops—these include restaurants, boutiques, winery tasting rooms, and jewelry stores—along Historic Main Street. Enjoy evening entertainment at family-friendly spots like the Texas Star Dinner Theatre, Runway Theater, or the Historic Palace Theatre which is home to Main Street LIVE. Consider catching a game at the Oak Grove Ballfield Complex or the Oak Grove Soccer Complex, or partake in one of the many exceptional programs offered by Grapevine’s award-winning Parks and Recreation Department.
And don’t forget to enjoy the great outdoors while you’re here! If you’re in the market for a new tent, rod and reel, or rain boots, stop into Bass Pro Shops to gear up. Then set sail on Lake Grapevine, an 8,000-acre recreational lake which offers plenty of opportunities to boat, swim, and wake surf. You could also wheel away the hours by taking a tour of Lake Grapevine with Segway Grapevine.
The city is also home to one of the oldest dude ranches in Texas. Visit the historic Austin Ranch, which features horseback riding, Texas trail rides, team building, and more. And for any hiking and biking enthusiasts, Grapevine features more than 22 miles of paved and natural trails, including Katie’s Woods, which is conveniently located just outside the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center.
Grapevine truly has something for everyone! Check out the NIRSA 2015 Pinterest board for great ideas on things to do and places to eat. We look forward to seeing you in our city and want to welcome you to a place that always delivers true Southern hospitality!
For more information about the city of Grapevine, please contact NIRSA Assistant Director for Event Management Sierra Smith.
