The Vineyards Campground and Cabins on Grapevine Lake

Getting Ready for SPRING BREAK

2011-03-04T10:26:00.000-08:00

There's nothing like Spring! All of us on the campground can hardly wait for that beautiful weather, much warmer days and spring flowers to pop out all over the park. And don' forget to follow our Spring happenings on FaceBook too.

You'll be happy to know that the Camp Store is almost finished, and so is the path down to Grapevine Station from the store. Soon, the outdoor stage will be 'center court' for many of our fun, weekend activities and special events.

Local artist Janie Cavendar and Fred Foxx are putting the finishing touches on the stage backdrop. Janie has creatively drawn the campground's logo on the wooden stage, and both she and Fred are painting away this morning...and it's looking REALLY good.

Stay tuned - we are planning a great Spring Break Week on the campground and hope you are booked here to enjoy the week long fun!

SPRING BREAK Looks Good for a Staycation

2011-03-01T09:19:00.000-08:00

The campground staff is already planning Spring Break Week around the Grand Opening of our new Camp Store. "Spring Break will kickoff with a great Open House on Saturday March 12, here on the deck of the store. And, there will be great events and activities every day during the week for our campers," says Fred Foxx.

"This is the best place for a Staycation, since the price of gas has shot way up the last few weeks---and luckily I'm one of the few that doesn't have to drive," notes Fred. Meeting today on the beautifully-finished front deck of the Camp Store, Junior Hall and Fred talk about plans and upcoming events for Grand Opening Week.

Hall is part of the Camp Store team that has been extremely busy stocking the store with everything our guests might need. "We know we'll be really busy that opening week...so our staff wants to have all of the supplies on the shelves," shares Hall. "The store has snacks and drinks, RV supplies that folks need for their rigs, and a computer station for our guests. And we are getting lots of compliments for having that, too."

Here's just a peek at what all is planned so far for the campground's Spring Break FUNfest Week. Stop by the store for more information; it will be open from 8am - 7pm every day.

Saturday, March 12 - Saturday, March 19:
Grand Opening Week at the Camp Store
Saturday, March 12 - Raffles, Grapevine Mills Chick-fil-A treats,
and Painting Demonstrations with artist Janie Cavendar
Sunday, March 13 - Self-directed Wildlife Observation Hike
Monday, March 14 - Take a Penny Hike for families
Tuesday, March 15 - Search for Animal Tracks Hike
Wednesday, March 16 - Tree Identification Tour and Garden Crafts
Thursday, March 17 - St. Patricks Day Gift bags
Friday, March 18 - Bass Pro's 'Gear Up for Camping' Show
Saturday morning, March 19 - Outdoor YOGA Classes for Adults/Children
Saturday night, March 19 - Outdoor Movie Night!

'Hope to see you and your family soon," says Fred.

Pizza Party Pizazz

2011-02-28T14:50:00.000-08:00

The campground Pizza Party was a great success outdoors at Grapevine Station last weekend and we had surprisingly beautiful weather for it in February. We had a great group paticipate, and everyone gobbled up their favorite kind of pizza - even those with peppers, pepperoni, portabellas, and just plain sauce.

One family said they heard we were having pizza, so that made them decide to coming camping here. Special thanks as well to our team event coordinators- Adrienne and Ira -for doing such a great job!

Presidents Day - Finishing Touches on Camp Store

2011-02-21T12:40:00.000-08:00

Fred Foxx was out early this morning celebrating Presidents Day on the campground with his American flag. Many campers who were outside walking around also noticed that the new sign is now atop the store and looking really good.

Today, the Camp Store is closed for the holiday, and will be for a couple of more days while Fred and the work crew finish sealing the front deck surrounding the store. The steps, deck and entry ramps to the store are now completed, and the store is beginning to take center stage at the park.

After all of the woodwork is properly stained, it will take an extra day or two for it to dry, and then we will reopen the store. We do appreciate your patience as we finish up this final construction!

Creative Campers LOVE Ceramics

2011-02-16T07:09:00.000-08:00

The front porch at the new Camp Store turned out to be the perfect place for this fun Saturday class on painting ceramics.

Campers of all ages had a choice of many diffferent kinds of pieces to paint, including vases, animals, fish and more. Children and adults alike were not shy about grabbing a paintbrush and creating their own individual masterpieces for Valentine gifts.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook to learn what events are coming up next!

Sunshine, Valentine Roses and Crafts

2011-02-12T08:14:00.000-08:00

It's a beautiful, sunny day on the campground and, ladies — it's time to come visit the Camp Store and pick up your complimentary Valentine's Day Rose. The Front Office is passing out rose coupons to each guest, so come by the store during the day and receive your beautiful red rose.

Also, we have great fun planned for this afternoon! All ages are invited to join in and make a gift for someone you love, or yourself! Today's Special Event is painting and decorating all different kinds of ceramics, making fun Valentines, and getting creative with many other kinds of crafts. Meet us on the porch of the Camp Store from 1-3 p.m. It will be great fun...

SUPER Snow Blankets Campground for Super Bowl

2011-02-08T08:38:00.000-08:00

Snowy, snowy wonderland...did leave campers 'wondering' for sure... Snow on Super Bowl weekend was not expected at all, but campers are adventureous at heart and made it through the very cold weekend.
Special thanks to workampers Nancy and Junior Hall for getting out in the snow and taking these great pictures.

The Camp Store and the Front Gate were open to those that needed extra help or a cup of hot coffee. And by Sunday, the sunshine returned, and many football fans appeared on the campground in team colors to hollar and yell for their favorite teams. We don't know which was greater - the can-do spirit of campers, or the football fever of fans...both helped us get through this rare snowy weekend in Texas!

Snowy Weather Cancels Weekend Events!

2011-02-04T10:39:00.000-08:00

Events planned for this weekend, unfortunately have now been canceled on the campground for Saturday and Sunday.

In regard for the safety and comfort of our guests, the inclement weather and icy roads are not what we would have ordered for a big football weekend in the Grapevine/Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex!

Those guests with daughters will want to know that the "Party with a POPstar" gala in Grapevine has had to be postponed because of snowy weather until next month, Saturday, March 5, 4-9 p.m.

Also, the Sunday afternoon football Super Grill'n and Chill'n Party at the campground Pavilion has been canceled, and we will rescheduled to later in the season.

Guests now on the campground will receive one complimentary night's stay in lieu of this event cancelation. We regret the inconveniences this major storm has caused at the park, and hope you will come again when the Texas weather is beautiful once again in the spring.

If you have any questions about these events, please contact our campground events coordinator Adrienne Stamp.

Groundhog Says Early Spring for Campers!

2011-02-02T15:20:00.000-08:00

To the delight of most of us that camp—USA Today reported this morning the infamous Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil indicated that we will have an early Spring!

Only 16 times since 1887, has Phil failed to see his shadow and predict the early arrival of springtime. We are glad to hear this news because
construction and improvements to the park are finished and we are ready for you to visit us here in Grapevine and enjoy the campground.

The Vineyards Campground got an inch or two of light snow today, and the weather will stay cloudy and cold for just a few days. Weather today kept our local groundhogs from seeing the sun shine here as well.

Roads throughout the campground were heavily sanded today, so incoming RVs and motorhomes easily reached their sites for the Super Bowl XLV weekend and game day BBQ on Sunday night. If you need extra supplies, the Camp Store officially opens tomorrow and is full of goodies as well.

Yes, we too welcome an early Spring here at the campground and we are looking forward to seeing you and your family soon!

We Are Ready for Some Football!

2011-01-23T19:10:00.000-08:00

We are on Super Bowl countdown now!

We have the best RV sites and cabins ready for those Green Bay Packer and Pittsburg Steelers fans on Super Bowl weekend, just two-weekends from now. The campground has great Special Rates for campers coming to see the game—we have a week long special, as well as a great 4-day weekend package that begins on Thursday, February 3.

It doesn't matter which special offer you choose, you are invited to join all the campers at our Sunday night extravaganza at the Pavilion. We plan to have our own tailgate party, lots of barbecue and grilling, and a large outdoor screen to watch the football game together. It will be a great weekend of fun with the 'cheeseheads' and 'steelers' fans...

Check out our special rates on fully-furnished Cabins and the upgraded RV sites on our website; then call the Front Office or stay online and make your reservations quickly. We look forward to having you here to enjoy historical downtown Grapevine and the exciting Dallas/Fort Worth area during your stay with us in Texas.

TREE-rific Arbor Day Saturday!

2011-01-09T12:51:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning, Grapevine City officials and the Parks Boards welcomed more than 100 guests to the campground to help celebrate the city's Arbor Day Celebration and plant 45 trees in honor of the SuperGrow XLV program. Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops joined the ceremony, as well as campground guests, the Grapevine Garden Club, and local citizens to help plant trees around the campground.

Grapevine also was honored again this year as a TREE CITY USA, and in addition, a commerative stone was set by one of the planted trees to commerate the first Super Bowl to be played in North Texas in February 2011.

An old-fashioned hot dog lunch was followed by tours of the newly completed 1 and 2-bedroom cabins overlooking Grapevine Lake. Special thanks to all of the great Vineyards staff, city employees, and our many business partners—including the North Texas Super Bowl Host Committee in partnership with the National Football League, Texas Trees Foundation, Moore Tree Care and the Texas Forest Service—who worked hard to make this a wonderful day!

SuperGrow - Arbor Day Celebration and Lunch January 8 10am - Noon

2011-01-06T11:50:00.000-08:00

Campers are invited to join in the City of Grapevine’s 24th Arbor Day Celebration on our campground Saturday morning, January 8, 2011, at 10am. The program is presented by the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Commitee.

Regional Forester Courtney Blevins with the Texas Forest Service will honor Grapevine as an official Tree City USA. Super Bowl XLV’s Super Grow Program is building partnerships with Metroplex cities to enhance local air quality for years to come. The youth-oriented NFL SLANT-45 Program has donated 45 1.5-inch Elm trees to be planted at The Vineyards Campground.

Representatives of the Super Bowl XLV NFL Host Committee, Texas State Legislators, City and local officials, Keep Grapevine Beautiful, and local Boy Scout troops will all participate in the 'shovel and hands-on planting' of these new trees. All of the Vineyards campers are invited to join the group and enjoy a hot dog lunch at the Pavilion following the ceremony.

In addition, there will be a golf cart shuttle over to the newly finished cabins for public tours during lunch. Special thanks to Texas Trees Foundation, Texas Forest Service, Moore Tree Care, National Foodball League and the SuperGrow XLV program for the opportunity to received these trees.

Hats Off to Christmas Contest Winners

2010-12-29T16:33:00.000-08:00

Hats off to all of the campers that participated in the park's Christmas decorating contest. The campground had many sites twinkling with colored lights, and the spirit of the holiday!

Contest winners were:
--- The People's Choice Award went ot Mike Foreman on
Site #21; he won 2-complimentary night's stay at the Vineyards Campground.
--- First Place Award was given to Andrew Bost on Site #51; he received a $50 Gift Card.
--- Pamela Evans on Site #33 won our Second Place Award and received special show tickets to the Grapevine Opry in downtown historical Grapevine.
--- The Third Place Award went to Rebecca Kenyon on Site #36 and she received a custom-designed Vineyards Campground T-shirt.
---Roger Harrison on Site #41 recieved an Honorable Mention for his site decorations, along with two Vineyards Campground wine glasses.

We also appreciate the colorful decorations in other sites— 10,11, 12, 36, 37 and 38—and those guests each received one of our Vineyards coffee cups for participating as well. With a touch of cold weather, it almost felt and looked like the North Pole here. Thanks to all for choosing to stay with us during the Christmas holidays.

Merry Christmas Ya'll

2010-12-25T19:16:00.000-08:00

We wanted to take a minute and wish each of you a Merry Christmas today. Thank you for choosing to stay at The Vineyards Campground during the holidays. We even ordered some colder Texas weather to make it feel like Christmas.

Do know that we appreciate you choosing to be with us in the park. On behalf of the staff, we wish you the very best in the coming year as well.

Perfect Christmas Tree for Wildlife

2010-12-23T09:09:00.000-08:00

What fun guests of all ages had this week decorating the campground Christmas tree for our resident squirrels and birds. We made Pine Cone Bird Feeders, Fruit Loop garlands, and covered the tree in popcorn as well.

The recipe for Pine Cone Bird Feeders is very easy; you can do it yourself and have campground birds right at your RV too. Find a large pine cone, smear peanut butter on it, then roll it bird seed!

Special thanks to Chick-fil-A at Grapevine Mills Mall for sharing great coupons for our guests as well. Fun was had by all.

Construction Begins on Camp Store Porch

2010-12-11T09:32:00.000-08:00

Excitement grew this week as construction began on the long-awaited outdoor porch that will surround the new stand-alone Camp Store.

The beautiful wood deck will be the center-point of the campground, giving guests a special place to gather and visit with other campers. We plan to hold many of our weekly outdoor events on the deck, as well as special classes on nature, local birds, and Grapevine Lake.

The deck will be partially covered to allow guests to relax in all kinds of Texas weather, and the openness of the design will welcome outdoor conversation, reading and playing board games as well. Stairs and a ramp will make the store easily accessible to all to shop for camping supplies, firewood, or rent kayaks and golf carts.

Visit our Blog often to follow the progress on the campground's centerpiece - the Camp Store.

Holiday S'mores

2010-12-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

The weather outside was delightful last Friday night for our new version of Holiday S'mores.

We had a great crowd of folks for this event and everyone enjoyed trying new toppings on these hot, gooey, yummy S'mores. And, someone's family dog really enjoyed some fallen treats as well.

There were a few who stayed with the tried and true Hersheys, graham cracker and hot marshmallows...but most everyone gave the new toppings a try. We had crushed peanut butter cups, red and green colored Christmas sprinkles, and Cookies and Cream chocolates as well. We will continue to have fun events each weekend throughout the winter season, so watch the calendar for upcoming activities. See you soon!

Perfect Weather for a Campfire

2010-12-03T15:03:00.000-08:00

December has arrived with a chill in the air and it's the perfect time now for a campfire! Special thanks to workampers Mike and Nancy McCutcheon for splitting wood the last couple of weeks. The campground now has a great supply of firewood available.

"Contact the Front Office and the bundles of wood will be delivered right to your campsite," says Fred Foxx. Each bundle costs $10; and we also have Pinion wood from New Mexico—you can purchase a bundle of it or just a good size log for $1 to split and add to your campfire. The Front Office has packaged Fire Starters as well, so there's no reason not to sit outside these beautiful December nights and enjoy a campfire.

Thankful For Our Campers!

2010-11-24T09:21:00.000-08:00

As we celebrate Thanksgiving on the campground, we are most thankful for our wonderful campers. We do have the greatest folks staying with us in the park!

Please join us—the Foxx Family and our wonderful campground staff— in being thankful for all of the blessings we have today. From our site to yours, we wish your family, relatives, and friends the very best today...

Great Night for a Turkey Hunt!

2010-11-24T09:02:00.000-08:00

We had a perfect night to "hunt" for Turkeys on the campground! More than 50 folks—those young and young-at-heart—showed up with their flashlights in search of turkeys hiding somewhere on the Vineyards Campground.

Earlier in the day the campground event staff, lead by Adrianne Stamp, had scattered colorful pictures of turkeys around the campground for the evening "hunt."
Running here and there, everyone with a flashlight had great fun. Pictured here are the lucky winners with their prizes! Thanks to all our campers who participated and made this such a fun event...

Salute to Veterans

2010-11-11T10:10:00.000-08:00

Just as the leaves are beginning to turn colors at the campground, a number of folks turned out for the annual Veteran's Day Flag Raising ceremony at the Front Gate this cool morning.

Several of the men represented all branches of the military, and had served abroad as well as stateside in their years of service to our country. Though many of the guests were not Veterans, campers thanked those who served for their time and commitment to America.

We especially remembered Lake Parks Foreman Mike Hooker and his son, Clint—who is now serving overseas as a reconnaissance helicopter pilot attached to the 101st Airborne Division in the Middle East.

After raising the flag, campers joined Grapevine Parks Board Member Bob Tipton in prayer and campers followed by saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

Campers and staff, along with mascot Fred Foxx, stayed around and visited with each other, recalling stories about their military service and recent trips across the USA camping. All enjoyed the complimentary coffee, Cinnamon Cluster pastries and Chick-n-Minis biscuits from Chick-fil-A at Grapevine Mills Mall.

Veteran's Day Flag Raising Ceremony - Thursday 11/11

2010-11-08T12:40:00.000-08:00

"Please accept our invitation to join us at the Front Gate Thursday morning at 8:30am for our own tribute to Veteran's Day," says Fred Foxx, Project Manager for the campground's improvement project.

"We are finishing up a lot of final details on this new construction, but we want to take some time off to salute those who served our country. We especially want to thank those Veteran's who are staying with us on the campground this week or have loved ones serving now in the military."

Join us at the flag pole at the Front Gate for the Flag Raising Ceremony, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Plan to stay around and visit with others who have served in the Armed Forces, and share stories of your service. Chick-fil-A at Grapevine Mills Mall will provide hot coffee and warm cinnamon rolls for all of us to enjoy.

Halloween Fun This Weekend!

2010-10-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

"It's a beautiful fall weekend on the campground, and we couldn't ask for better weather for our outdoor movie tonite!" says Fred Foxx. Join us in the middle of the park, near the 'soon-to-be' Camp Store. Soon we will inflate a large outdoor movie screen, and when the sun goes down... and we will watch the Harry and Hendersons outdoors on the closed-off street. It's the perfect movie for our Halloween weekend.

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, or whatever you'd like to sit on and enjoy this great fall evening. We'll have a FREE popcorn machine onsite for all movie goers as well.

Fred also says, "on Sunday, there are no specific plans for Trick or Treating in the evening on the park. One of our campground's business partners—The Sonic Drive-In—has invited campers to their afternoon 'Fall Festival' in Grapevine with lots of fun things going on there. So stop by the Front Gate and get directions to it, as it's only a few blocks from the campground." We know that several guests enjoy having trick or treaters, and since we are closed campground, feel free to join in Sunday evening as well.

Final Punch List This Week on New Construction

2010-10-21T14:59:00.000-07:00

The whole construction team met most of Tuesday to review the final punch list on campground improvements. Before the group walked the grounds, Project Manager John Weeden and Joe Moore, assistant director of Grapevine Parks and Recreation, agreed, "at first glance, there is a consensus among our group that our work crews have surpassed expectations—the additions to the park are looking excellent."

The first order of business was to check every site's 50 amp electrical, water and sewer connections for proper installation and above ground access. Park Rangers Ken Myers and Allen Creel joined the group from the Grapevine office of the U.S. Corp of Engineers, offering oversight as well on the completed work. Site by site—on all 87 sites—the team suggested and documented all final construction notes.

Project Manager Fred Foxx also joined the group, and shared his compliments for a job well done by all.
The review team included (l-r) Joe Moore and Mike Hooker, the City of Grapevine Lake Parks; David Moore, Jacobs Engineering; Park Rangers Ken Myers and Allen Creel; Gene Cooper, President of Cooper General Contractors; Mark Hill, Jacobs; Chad Hester, City of Grapevine Facilities Division; and Project Managers John Weeden and Fred Foxx.

As Construction Nears End, More Firewood and S'mores

2010-10-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

Fred Foxx, construction Project Manager, grabs a ride with workamper Floyd Harper to check on some of the last details that need to be covered as the campground improvement project winds down the next few days.

So much has been done, and now work crews are finishing off many of the details, like cutting down trees that have been lost to weather or age. Mike Hooker, who also has been instrumental in working closely with Cooper Construction, has been on the campground identifying items on the final punch list.

Fred also joins workamper Walt Bullock later in the day to help oversee that one the campground's largest trees safely comes down.

Of course these trees will be recycled, and cut into firewood to be used this month on the campground. Campers are encouraged to purchase two (2) bundles of firewood at the Front Office — and then, we will throw in a FREE bag of marshmallows, graham crackers, and Hershey bars so you can make and enjoy your own S'mores! We do appreciate your support during construction on the campground...

The Perfect Night for S'mores

2010-10-16T11:51:00.000-07:00

Last night was a beautiful fall night for building a campfire and having S'mores. Special thanks to campground Host John Tork for getting the fire started early; we had the perfect coals to roast marshmallows at sunset!

We decided to try some new "Fancy" S'mores this time around, and our campers—who were all young at heart—created all sorts of delicious treats. We started out with the basics...some perfectly roasted marshmallows and some really, really toasted ones, Hershey's chocolate squares, and graham crackers.

Our guests then had the option to add extra toppings, including peanut butter, carmel sauce, a variety of colored sprinkles, cinnamon sugar, strawberry topping, white chocolate chips (yummm), or Junior Mints. The hot marshmallow melted right into the toppings.

There were a couple of children that put everything on one S'more...but the rest of us decided to test 'several' different kinds of S'mores. The 'hands-up' favorite for the night went to S'mores with peanut butter and Heath English Toffee bits, which now might have to become our park's signature S'more.

Do plan to join us often for our weekly Friday night events; it's a great time to meet and visit with others who love to RV and camp just as much as you do. See you soon...

The CAMP STORE has Arrived!

2010-10-15T14:32:00.000-07:00

One of the most awaited moments during the campground expansion plan has finally arrived! At the end of this week, the CAMP STORE rolled through the Front Gate on a beautiful fall day in Grapevine.

The idea for a camp store has been on the drawing board for years, and to see it finally appear brought great joy to all of the staff, and campers alike. Did you hear the applause?

It took many tries to get the building into the right spot, tucked right in the middle of the campground and adjacent to the EPA (environmentally protected area) crosstimbers forest that hugs the southside of the park. This family-friendly gathering spot will be easily accessible to everyone that stays with us.

Once the building is stabilized and secured, carpenters will begin to build and attach a large covered deck on the front of the store. We are sure that it will become the gathering point of the campground for all kinds of special events, music, and visiting with other campers, as well. There will be enough room for classes, ice cream socials, or just playing a boardgame or cards.

As soon as the camp store is in place, there are plans to connect the new building area with a pathway and an upgraded outdoor patio and deck to the adjacent building, which houses the Laundry Room and central bathrooms.

The expanded area will now share the new location name of "Grapevine Station." It will be at the crossroads of Nectar Drive and Grapevine Trail on the campground.

Bingo Night Great Family Fun

2010-10-13T12:25:00.000-07:00

Friday nights are family fun nights on the campground, and Candy Bar Bingo last Friday was a big favorite.

The Texas weather is great this time of year, with warm Fall days and perfect sunsets filling our October evenings. We offer a variety of outdoor events each week throughout the year that range from playing games to listening to musical groups to kayaking nights, so all ages can participate.

Candy Bar Bingo is relaxing enough for all to play, so that's why it is a favorite with our campers ... and of course, anyone can eat up all the candy they win at the end of the game!

Plan to join us each week, as we offer a variety of guest events at the Pavilion, Hummingbird Station or near the shoreline and beach. Most are listed ahead of time in our campground newsletter, The VINELINE. You can read about each month's news and events online, or send us an email and we'll be happy to add you to our monthly newsletter e-mail list.

Come Enjoy the Comfortable New Cabins

2010-10-04T12:03:00.000-07:00

Four new cabins came last week, and the others will follow as they are completed the next few weeks in October — and they look great! "Our new cabins are getting rave reviews from onsite campers, who are peeping in the windows, and taking impromptu tours when they can catch the make-ready staff opening the cabin doors," says Fred Foxx, project manager.

One cabin design is especially getting noticed. Fred says, "these large one-bedroom cabins offer a carpeted, upstairs loft above the main bedroom for youngsters to sleep and play in, which is great when you have little ones like Fiona and I have." The kitchen/living area is especially spacious with a large futon that serves as additional sleeping space as well. There are many new amenities in each new cabin, including a flat screen television and an electric heater that looks exactly like a fireplace. The front porch is an additional family space to relax and enjoy the wildlife on Grapevine Lake.

"Cooper Construction is on schedule to complete the campground improvement plan by the end of October," assures Fred, " so we look forward to seeing many of you soon."

Stonescaping— a Striking Success

2010-09-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

This past week, many sites on the east side of the campground have been finished off with beautiful stone retaining walls, adding to the beauty of the campground.

Today, stonescaping is being used more often to make a substantial impact in a small space. "As a reuseable natural resource," states Project Manager Fred Foxx, "the variety of earthtone stone works very well throughout the park and really enhances the beauty of many of our RV sites. "

"With each stone cut and dressed, Cooper Construction has carefully laid the site walls and steps to create an atmosphere of permanence for our guests as well," says Fred.

A Great Day for GRAPEFEST!

2010-09-18T09:34:00.000-07:00

Fred Foxx, Construction Project Manager, was out early this morning examining last weeks' concrete pours on the East side of the campround. "Since we've had so many requests from our guests, we've added several brand new Pull-Thru RV sites near the boat ramp to Grapevine Lake."

Eleven new sites were poured this last week, and we have only 10 more to go before we are finished. "Folks will really be pleased with these new sites and it wont be too long before we can reserve them."

"Once again," says Fred, "thanks to all of our guests for being so patient as we continue the clean-up from last week's flood on the campground."

After completing the early campground checklist, Fred gathered up the family and they all headed downtown to enjoy Grapevine's annual fall festival — GRAPFEST!

Campground guests also are invited to downtown historical Grapevine this Saturday and Sunday. Main Street—only 5 minutes from the campground—is closed-off from Northwest Hwy to the Train Depot. Vineyards guests can walk up and down the festival, listening to live music, carnival rides, eating all kinds of food, visiting wineries, and shopping the quaint little stores. There's something for every age to do or see. It's a beautiful day to be outside, so come and enjoy the fun with The Foxx familly!

New Cement Pours Finished on East Side

2010-09-13T07:15:00.000-07:00

We saw a remarkable orchestration of equipment and manpower last Friday on the campground!

"Cooper Construction really jumped on the site pours after the rain, and finished all of this major part of the campground improvement project Friday," says Fred Foxx, project manager. "It was amazing to watch the cement trucks come and go; and see the construction team pour and then level each site on the east side of the campground. It won't be too long before these sites are cured and ready for our campers."

Special thanks to Cooper Construction for working quickly to get this done, especially after unexpected heavy rains from tropical storm Hermine last week on the campground. They have done a remarkable job of staying on task and watching construction deadlines with the high water.

Soon, The Vineyards Campground will begin transitioning new site numbers on the west side of the campground with Reservation Friend. Your favorite site may have a new site number.

As soon as the pads on the east side are cured, we will begin renumbering those sites as well. "We continue to thank our guests for working closely with the our staff in the Front Office during the next few weeks as we make this site number transition," says Foxx.

Lake Levels to Fall as Dam Releases Water

2010-09-11T12:11:00.000-07:00

The level of Grapevine Lake is leveling off as the U.S. Corp of Engineers continues to release the run-off water from this week's heavy rains. We are not seeing any rise in water on the campground, which is good because we have eight sites in 'the valley' that have been closed down for a few days until the lake levels return to normal.

We send a special thanks to guests who have graciously relocated to other sites on higher ground for the short term, and have kept that 'can-do' camper spirit.

We also caught guest Kay Zimmerman and Kidd out picking up some extra trash up that had washed up along the shorelines today. Yes, Kidd—a handsome White German Shepherd—was picking up trash as well! Kay says he's been doing this for years, and is an official member of Keep Ponder Beautiful team where they live. "I have a great picture of Kidd carrying a cardboard box during a recent city clean-up day," shares Kay with a big Texas smile. Thanks Kay and Kidd - we appreciate your help...

Also with big smiles, The Vineyards staff is always on-site and in the golf carts throughout the weekend to to help you if you have any special needs or questions about the high water. Don't hestitate to ask them at the Front Office.

Rain, Rain...Go Away - RV Sites Close Today

2010-09-08T15:00:00.000-07:00

"It's definitely hard to keep from getting wet on the campground today!" says Fred Foxx.

The Foxx family has hunkered down under an umbrella for a few hours this afternoon, keeping dry. We've recieved alot of rain in the last 24-hours.

The Front Office has had to close down several of the lower RV sites today, but was able to relocate many guests to new sites on the west side of the campground.

Runoff from rain overnight and additonal showers will cause Grapevine Lake to rise more over the next three days—currently, it is standing 4-feet above normal levels. If you are interested in following Grapevine Lake levels, please visit the U.S. Corp of Engineers website. Information is on the front page.

Guest are still cautioned to be careful as the enter and exit the campground. "We are sorry for the inconvenience, but we want to put your safety above all else." Those who have reservations for the coming weekend should check with the Front Office NOW. If lake levels continue to rise due to more rain or runoff...this may keep you from getting the exact site you wanted.

"On behalf of all of the staff, we thank you for working with us through the next few days...," says Fred Foxx.

Moving Fast...

2010-08-30T11:31:00.001-07:00

"There was barely time to stop today for a photo, as our Cooper Construction team members were ready and rolling early this morning," says Fred Foxx, project manager for the campground improvement plan.

The east side of the campground is looking good...in terms of accomplishments the crew is making. Dirt is being moved quickly to make pathways and carve out new RV sites, so there is lots of equipment and trucks on the campground today.

Several newly leveled sites had concrete pours last weekend, and they are setting up nicely this morning. "It looks like there will be a lot of work done before this coming Labor Day weekend," says Fred, "so our campers will have a great time with us."

Our 'Hummer' Friends are Real Happy!

2010-08-29T11:16:00.000-07:00

After re-filling the feeders today at Hummingbird Station on the campground, birdlover David Parsons reports that it only took about five-minutes before seven hummingbirds swarmed in for lunch!

Buzzing each other, and flying back and forth to nearby trees, these hummingbirds are quite entertaining. "There were two females and five males drinking intermittently for several minutes near the laundry room," said David, "and they were putting on quite an aerial show."

An adult hummingbird may eat twice its body weight in food each day. In turn, their high metabolism rate burns it up quickly in order to sustain rapid wing beats and those fly-by acrobatic movements. "We see a lot of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds on the campground; and they visit the flowers folks put out by their RVs too," shares David. "The males have the striking red throats, and females do not; so it's easy to identify them."

Black-chinned Hummingbirds visit here as well - but you have to look quickly to catch a glimpse of them. The best place to see the tiny birds may be at Hummingbird Station; come sit at the picnic tables with your binoculars and watch them feed now through October.

Thanks Heritage Lions!

2010-08-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you friends...we could not have put all of these tables together without the help from the Grapevine Heritage Lions Club!
Giving up your Saturday to work on this project for us was most appreciated...

During campground construction the last few months, many sites have been leveled so that concrete driveways and patios can be poured. And soon, these newly assembled picnic tables will be delivered to those individual sites for installation thanks to the day-long efforts of the Heritage Lions Club.

Starting really early in the day to beat the Texas heat, the group unloaded, then assembled dozens of picnic tables. The service project took most of the day, and this outstanding effort was greatly appreciated by the campground. Tables will be soon be moved and bolted to cement patios as RV sites become ready.

If you'd like to join the Heritage Lions Club, they meet on the 1st and 3rd Monday nights at 6:30pm at the Bessie Mitchell House in Grapevine. They are well-known in the community and support many charities and special events throughout the area, as well as internationally. For more information, please visit their website.

Thanks again Heritage Lions for a job well done!

Number One Request - Level Sites

2010-08-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

"The number one request we see most often on Guest Review surveys from our campers is for level sites," says Fred Foxx, construction project manager.

"Of course, when our guests speak up about something they'd like fixed, be assured that we will always look into it. And, so leveling sites was at the top of our list on this improvement project."

Cooper Construction crews are using all kinds of heavy equipment and shovels to move dirt and gauge the width and depth of each site. Many of the sites will be lengthened a little to accommodate RV sizes and improve off-road access as well. "Several sites on the east side are now ready for concrete pours, which will happen next week, as well." says Fred.

MORE GOOD NEWS: Additional work next week will include testing the lift stations on completed sites. The RV sites on the west side are now connected to the lift stations and are online, and working. Do I hear applause? And it get's better: The campground will NOT be charging for new sewer connections until January 1, 2011, on any of the old sites that did not have sewer beforehand.

Going Green...in September

2010-08-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

Newly completed sites on the west side of the campground are now getting prepared for new sod installation. The pallets of sod that should have arrived this week, have been postponed because the Texas heat. It will a few more weeks before the temperature drops and then, we will be green once again!

While each improved site on the west side has been carefully raked and leveled, Cooper Construction crews are outside watering each daily to encourage native grasses to sprout and take hold.

"The soil we've put down is very fine so it sticks to tires and tennis shoes very easily," says Project Manager Fred Foxx. Fred urges all campers to watch where they walk; and especially where they drive.

"This Texas dirt will stick to anything! And my wife Fiona tells me it's hard to get it off of little feet and shoes. So, it's best not to cut corners, walk or drive through it—just stay on the paved roads when you can."

"And here's a big 'hat's off' to this family of campers who managed to keep ALL of their bicycles out of the dirt this weekend."

We really appreciated that extra effort! The campground will continue to spread new dirt ove the next few weeks, as well as repair common areas within the campground that need upgrading. The new grasses will follow soon in September when its cooler, so know that we appreciate your patience and support throughout the whole campground improvement project. We know you will be pleased with the results...

Improvements Begin on East Side of Campground

2010-08-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

Campers will begin to see some of their favorite sites, like old pull-thru #3 on the East side of the campground, change right before their eyes these next few weeks.

Old asphalt is being scrapped and torn up in these familiar sites, making way for new construction. Cooper Construction Company crews are working systematically around the streets to neatly pile up the debris, then load it off—making way for new site preparation.
"We want to thank our guests for being so patient and understanding throughout the process," says Project Manager Fred Foxx from atop the tractor. "We've been able to easily relocate folks in the park, and really appreciate their willingness to help us out during this improvement project. Some of the families are moving near the Pavilion and playground area in the P-sites for a short time, until we get the East side completely re-opened."

Take a Survey: Children in Nature

2010-08-06T05:48:00.000-07:00

While Fred Foxx is out working on the campground today, his wife, Fiona, decided to join other campers online and participate in a grassroots effort to develop a new Texas policy, upgrading the quality of life for our kids.

Many citizens want to place a greater importance on getting children outdoors more often in Texas. And there are ways to provide them with fun, healthy experiences in nature around the state.

Please take a few minutes to express your opinions in this online survey offered by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department before the end of August. Your input is welcome.

"We are working closely with an important new public/private task force called The Texas Partnership for Children in Nature," says Joe Moore, assistant director of Grapevine Parks and Recreation. "Input from our campers will be really valuable for Texas Parks & Wildlife in formulating a strategic plan to bring more outdoor, nature experiences into the lives of more than 6.7 million children in Texas."

"The survey will only take a minute or two to fill out...and will benefit many children, not only here but across the nation. Others will see the value of enjoying and spending time outdoors, as well as the improved physical health in our youth," assures Moore.

Great Fishing Dock and Fresh Produce in Grapevine

2010-08-04T12:31:00.000-07:00

This week we ran into very special guests on the campgrounds' new Fishing Pier —the Morehead family from Keller, Texas. We are used to seeing the family at the city's Farmers Market in downtown historical Grapevine every weekend.

While managing operations there, the Moreheads make sure customers have a sample of the delicious and fresh produce they sell—including peaches, tomatoes, strawberries, watermelons, honey, etc. "After a busy weekend of selling local Texas produce, The Vineyards has everything else we need to relax," says Racquel Morehead.

"We decided to stay close to home for a family vacation this month. It's just perfect after working downtown off Main Street. We can be here in our cabin in 5-minutes and unwind for a few days." The kids can bring friends, and look—the brand new fishing Pier is right across the street from the cabins, within easy walking distance. The new Pier is great, and you know, the staff is the best too."

In addition, the Morehead family has extended an invitation to all Vineyard's guest to visit them near the Gazebo at the Farmer's Market every Thrusday, Friday and Saturday from 8am-4pm until October 30.

Vist their w ebs ite each week to get an up-to-date list of what fruits and vegetables are for sale...plus there's a 10%-off email-coupon for Vineyards Campground guests! Now that's being right neighborly...thanks Moreheads! Come back and see us.

Demolition Derby

2010-07-29T18:52:00.000-07:00

As construction crews begin to move to East side of the campground, the last couple of days look like a demolition derby. Fred Foxx, project manager, says "that several picnic tables and concrete pads at the old tent sites have been broken up according to our plans."

Tent campers are being permanently relocated to one of our beautiful sister Lake Parks—Meadowmere Park. And dump trucks were busy today, being loaded quickly to haul rubble off to be recycled.

The West side of the campground is now open since road repairs have been made, allowing campers to come and go easily.

As the construction crew makes their transition to the East side of the park, orange construction fencing is being placed around upcoming construction sites. The fish station is temporarily closed as well.

Tropical Holiday and Sunsets on the Campground

2010-07-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

On Friday night, we had a little taste of the islands here in Texas! Our campground friends Jeff and MaryAnn Waddell started our Friday Night Event off by serving complimentary KONA ICE's to all campers as they walked by.

"It's always so hard to choose what tropical flavor you want," says MaryAnn. "Most campers just mixed all the flavors together, except a few that are hooked our special blends—like Wild Watermelon or Pina Colada." Most campers just smiled from ear to ear, sipping their KONA ICE, as they walked down to the shoreline to try out the Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUP).

Earlier in the evening, Penni and Kevan Burt tried the shoreline next to the beach for a local Grapevine "Meet-Up" with fellow SUPers. After unloading more paddleboards for campground guests to try the new sport, it didn't take long for lots of folks to be on top of the lake, easily gliding around the inlet.

"It's a sport that welcomes all ages," says Penni, "...and it looks like even a few dogs even went paddleboarding with their owners too! Grapevine Lake is perfect tonite for this new sport."

Rains earlier in the afternoon cooled the evening off, and many guests enjoyed being out walking and riding in their golf carts around the park, talking with other RVers and watching another one of the campground's most beautiful sunsets on the lake!

Thanks Troop #700 Trailblazers!

2010-07-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, Grapevine's Boy Scout Troop #700 came to work once again on the Silver Lake Nature Trail on The Vineyards Campground. It is a secluded 1,030 foot soft service pathway through one of the Corp of Engineers Environmentally Protected Areas on Grapevine Lake, and enjoyed by many of our campers and guests.

The trail winds through a lush, cross-timbers forest unique to the North Texas region, providing habitats for native wildlife and numerous species of beautiful birds. Many of the trees along the pathway have identification tags for nature lovers.

Troop #700 tent-camped the night before at Meadomere Park—one of our nearby sister Lake Parks—then rode their bicycles 10-miles over to The Vineyards Campground for their service project.

The scouts worked side-by-side most of all of the day, moving and raking mulch over the whole length of the nature trail. On behalf of our campers and The Vineyards staff - "Thanks so much for your hard work...our Trail has never looked better!"

Best Parks in America — Sign Up for FREE Summer Giveaway to RVers and Campers

2010-07-18T13:46:00.000-07:00

Now through September 9, 2010, Best Parks in America is giving away FREE RVing and camping vacations to its members every other Thursday!

RVers and campers alike can win a one-week vacation at any Best Parks in America location of their choice. "By enrolling to be a member of Best Guests in America—a free camping club devoted to those who enjoy vacationing at unique destinations," says BPA President David Gorin, "guests can choose from one of many fine locations. Our 'Best Parks' affiliates, including The Vineyards Campground & Cabins in Grapevine, Texas, will exceed your expectations and camping experiences."

There is no purchase necessary; just sign-up now with Best Guests in America to be included in every drawing throughout the summer. Go to http://www.bestparksinamerica.com/, and register on the "Become a Best Guest" tab. That's all you have to do to qualify for these drawings.

Best Parks in America is a group of 63 highly-rated, independent RV parks and campgrounds in 23 states and Canada which offer premier quality services and warm hospitality. These complimentary BPA vacations will include 6-nights/7-days in an RV or a camp site and must be used by April 30, 2011. Don't wait to register; one sign-up makes you eligible throughout the whole summer.

Campground Improvements—Forty Percent Completed

2010-07-17T09:45:00.000-07:00

It's been a remarkable week for site construction on the campground this week and everything remains on schedule. "Many sites on the west side had early concrete pours Friday morning, and we especially want to thank our guests for being so understanding about that work." shares Fred Foxx, project manager.

Also, three additional lift stations have been installed. Though the new sewer system is not online yet, many of the new pad sites have cured and are opening now for guests complete with water and electricity.

"When you camp with us again in the Fall," says Foxx,"we know you will be very pleased with the results!"

Other improvements to the campground were noticeable this week... The sandy beach will be quite the spot for all kinds of summer fun! We've added safety bouys to remind boaters and Ski-doos on the lake that adults and children are swimming near the beach and to slow down.

And at Hummingbird Station, the Foxx family checks out the new picnic tables just placed there yesterday. "Under the cool shade of the trees, these tables will be a welcome addition for our little picnics, those fun campground events, and a nice place to sit outside, waiting for our laundry to wash and dry," says Fiona Foxx.

Rain or Shine—Campground Improvements Are Looking Good

2010-07-10T14:19:00.000-07:00

"This last week we've had a little rain...but that's got to be a good thing in the summertime in Texas," says Project Manager Fred Foxx, as he too adjusts to the weather here in Grapevine.

Construction is moving well and systematically around the campground, with about 40 percent of the project completed now. Improvements started on the west side of the park, including three additonal lift stations. This week six new sites were poured near the corner from the cabins on Grapevine Drive.

"Handsome brick support walls were established and several other sites were leveled, ready for cement pours next week," Foxx reports as he covers his usual Friday check-list with Cooper Construction on improvements. Cooper Construction is anticipating moving to the east side of the campground during the first week of August.

"We are constantly monitoring the aggregate hardness of cement pours on those sites we've leveled," shares Foxx. The construction team requires that the pad site set-up time not be rushed, so it can achieve the best strenght and hardness for many of our Fifth Wheel and RV guests. "This weekend, we opened a couple of those newly poured sites for guests, so you can see that improvements are moving along quite well!"

Thanks Chick-fil-A!

2010-07-06T16:06:00.001-07:00

"We are very thankful to have such wonderful business partners here in Grapevine," says Joe Moore, assistant director of Parks and Recreation fo the City of Grapevine.

Clint Cowden, operator of the Grapevine Mills Mall Chick-fil-A, fed our Lakes Park staff on the 4th of July! With a little rain, humidity and heat, large holiday crowds and busy schedules — lunch could not have been a more welcome treat! Thanks Chick-fil-A!

There's nothing like a great American company to put real meaning into the 4th of July! All of us at The Vineyards Campground, Rockledge Park and Meadowmere Park appreciated Chick-fil-A's generosity.

There's Nothing Like A 4th of July Parade!

2010-07-03T12:44:00.000-07:00

Last night the summer rains cooled off the campground, and today the clouds helped make our 4th of July Parade through the park very enjoyable for all! Families showed up early to don red, white, and blue hats, beads, sunglasses and get their American Flags beforehand.

Campground Project Manager Fred Foxx and his family were soon joined by darling Grapevine poodle—Dolly Parton—in their Segway-pulled wagon.

And many other campground doggie guests were well-dressed for the occassion, walking on leashes and entertaining the crowd.

The parade cruised the west side of the campground first, then made a figure-eight back to cheering crowds in lawn chairs on east side. The parade ended, returning to Hummingbird Station for more treats. A great time was had by all...

It's Beginning to Look Like the Fourth of July!

2010-06-28T13:24:00.000-07:00

The Foxx family was out and about the campground this weekend, checking out the festive atmosphere. Little Stomper, and his sister Blush, were counting all of the American flags... Can you guess how many are decorating the park for the Fourth of July? It's looking really good.

We have great Fourth of July weekend events planned, so we hope you will join us! Come early Friday and get settled in before our first summer evening concert begins at 7:30pm in the Pavilion. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets out and get a good spot. You will love these guys—The Zack King Band. When they are through at 9:30pm, there will be a short fireworks show west of the campground as well.

Saturday morning at 11am, we will have our first 4th of July Parade. Wear red, white and blue clothes, dress up the dog, and decorate your ride. We'll assemble everyone at Hummingbird Station before we take a spin around the campground and show off our patriotic spirit.

Then on Sunday night, the City of Grapevine has its huge Fireworks Extravagnza that you can see from every site in the campground. KLUV 98.7FM will simulcast the event with extraordinary music as well. So hurry up and get here for a great weekend ahead...

Site Development Moves Along

2010-06-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

It's been another good week on the campground for site development. One of the project managers—Fred Foxx—continues to survey construction on the west side of the park, and stay on top of busy schedules. He also meets often with Joe Moore and the construction team to update you on the progress being made on our plans.

Quickly, old asphalt is being removed from sites that are going to be upgraded and leveled this coming week. Cooper Construction brought trucks in Friday and poured three new drive thrus with concrete, and more will be completed weekly.

While construction is being managed, most all of our guests are able to enjoy the lake. There remains easy access to the shore lines and the boat ramp as well.

And the weather is perfect this time of year for riding on jet ski's too. For easy accessibility, the campground has several docks to tie jet ski's to around the shoreline. There are nearby sloughs to explore, and waterways to the larger part of the lake through neighboring Scotts Landing Marina. So come and enjoy the campground this summer.

More S'MORES!

2010-06-10T08:26:00.000-07:00

Friday night we enjoyed our last
S'mores until the weather cools down again in the Fall. It was hard to tell if the setting sun was melting the Hershey's chocolate faster than the campfire was.

But it didn't matter to the folks that turned up! All enjoyed one of the campgrounds' Friday night's special treats.

We even had a couple of Texas Ranger baseball fans show up for S'mores!... It was their great marshmallow-covered smiles that gave them away!

The Vineyards Campground has a variety of FREE events planned for Friday nights throughout the summer. The SummerBlast Fireworks Show will follow all events at 9:30pm, up until Labor Day in September.

Moving Dirt is What It's All About Now

2010-06-04T15:19:00.000-07:00

It's been a good week on the campground for Cooper Construction crews... a little warm, but after all—its summertime.

Fred Foxx continues to review construction plans as RV sites are being leveled and many new lift stations are being installed this week. Major electrical work is also being upgraded to accomodate the new sites, cabins and lift stations as well.

New cabins are now on order! And soon, we will get delivery on 4 two-bedroom cabins, 2 one-bedroom cabins with lofts, and 1 duplex for larger families or groups that want to stay together.

Soon, the fishing pier will be relocated and crews are busy this week staking out a new sidewalk to that location. In the mean time, campers still found time to enjoy the lake and drop a line in the water this week.

In Guest Review surveys, one of the biggest requests from our campers was for level sites. Cooper is addressing that aggressively, and you can see that Foxx is assisting crews as they improve sites, insuring that campers will have those level sites when they stay with us at The Vineyards in the future.

More updates coming, so visit our blog often for construction news...

Memorial Day in the Campground

2010-05-31T12:47:00.000-07:00

Campers were greeted this Memorial Day weekend to an array of American Flags at the entrance way to The Vineyards Campground.

Memorial Day campers were given American Flags as they checked in for the weekend. As many set aside this last Monday in May to honor family members who gave their lives for our great country, we did too.

The Foxx family—Fred and Fiona, along with Blush and Stomper, joins with all of us today as we take time to remember the sacrifice it has taken to establish and maintain this great Nation of ours. God Bless America!

Our Own Version of Ameican Idol --- Karoke Night

2010-05-31T10:51:00.000-07:00

What a great Saturday night on the campground with music hosted by our longtime RVers—Joni and Delton Jones. They brought all of their karoke equipment out to Hummingbird Station and set up a stage to entertain Vineyards campers. And that's exactly what they did...in grand Texas style.

More than 50 campers came out to watch the sing-a-long, and some were brave enough to share the stage with Joni and entertain the crowd as well. Joni sang many great songs, and others of all ages did as well. But no one did this year's favorite American Idol song —"Pants on the Ground" (?)

We've already had requests for a repeat performance, so we hope to schedule the Jones again in the Fall when they return to the campground. Thanks again Joni and Delton!

Campground Staff Rescues Great Blue Heron

2010-05-30T18:08:00.000-07:00

"Sometimes you are lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time!" share Vineyards workampers John and Kay Tork. "We were cleaning the shoreline when I walked up on a limp bird, all huddled up in a ball," says Tork. "I was afraid we'd lost the Heron in the hot sun."

Somehow, the Great Blue Heron had enough strength to make it back to shore yesterday, towing a large catfish he'd caught. "It looked like the catfish—stuck in the Heron's bill—had completely worn out the starving Heron by wriggling and trying to get loose."

Remarkably, after being rescued by Torks, the Heron safely returned to the shores of Grapevine Lake, roaming freely about this weekend.

The bird was identified as a breeding adult Great Blue Heron, and during the March to November breeding season, Grapevine Lake has large numbers of migrants fly in and join the local resident Herons. The Great Blue's are one of the favorites of many bird watchers on our campground.

Dr. Ray Chancellor, head of the Southlake Ornithological Society, was also on site to photograph the heron and advised on rescue efforts. He said that there was a great posibility that this bird was fishing to feed its young in a nest nearby the campground.

The heron mistook the 4-foot tow rope that had been thrown into the lake as food. And in the process of trying to get it out of the water, the rope tightly knotted around the heron's lower bill, putting the bird's life in great peril. The bird would have starved to death (as well as the nesting family it was feeding) if the Torks had not come to the rescue.

Dr. Chancellor reports that the last few years he has seen trash dumped around the lake grow exponentially. "If I may, I must encourage everyone to protect this wonderful wildlife area we have here in Grapevine and never leave trash behind; dispose of it properly. Always follow the sportsman's creed and leave the land better than you found it. That is the only way we can leave a wonderful legacy of our natural resources to future generations."

We're Moving Dirt Now!

2010-05-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

The time has come! Cooper General Contractors began moving dirt this week. "First, we started digging out three new RV spaces on the campground in what we are calling Area 1 on the west side," reports Fred Foxx, project manager.

"We've also installed temporary silt fencing, which is a required sediment control device we use to protect the water quality of Grapevine Lake during any rainy days we might have during construction."

Some of the electrical conduit has been installed as well. Cooper's construction crew will take Memorial Day off, returning Tuesday to begin pouring concrete pads for the planned three new RV sites. As the week goes on, Cooper will move into Area 2, and begin clearing the ground for seven new cabin sites, as well.

"This coming week—the first week in June—will be the first time the Front Office may need to relocate current campers to other sites due to construction," shares Foxx. "We have a good communications program in place to inform and work with present and future guests about possible site moves needed during this construction."

"And here's a shout out to my new friend in the Front Office—Dan Green—for photographing construction work each week for you to see the progress ... great job my friend! So, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask the Front Office or me. We are working hard to improve the campground for you."

Looking for Home Sweet Home

2010-05-27T19:58:00.001-07:00

Fiona Foxx spent the weekend at the campground, looking for the right place to settle the Foxx family. She visited with many Sisters on the Fly staying at the campground, and tried to peek in a few trailers to see if that's the kind of spot for the family.

But after taking a walk leisurely down Silver Lake Trail, she and Fred decided that living in the evironmentally protected area behind Hummingbird Station might be the best space. After all, living in a forest is more familiar to them, and the pups can run and play in the woods without worrying. So if you tiptoe softly down Silver Lake Trail behind the laundry room...keep your eyes open for signs of the Foxx Family.

Chillin' Grillin' and Thrillin' — Outdoor Adventure Days!

2010-05-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

For those that enjoy an active lifestyle...we have the perfect, sports-focused outdoor festival this weekend just 5-minutes away from the campground! This year's Main Street Outdoor Adventure Days starts on Friday, May 21 and goes all weekend long in downtown historical Grapevine.

It's the perfect family outing... and remember its FREE for the whole family on FRIDAY until 5pm! Tickets are available for the rest of the weekend at all entry gates.

Our guests and their families will have the opportunity to watch or particpate in many outdoor sports as well. All kinds of sports vendors will be set up on the street and at the Train Depot showcasing every outdoor sport you can imagine: BMX Stunt Show, Quad Bungee Jumps, Skriders Trampoline Show, Kayaking Races, Grilling Competition, and Scuba Diving. Bring towels, and try every event!

Plus you can eat your way up and down the Midway, while listening to really rockin' live music. Then come back to campground and relax!

The Campgrounds - Getting Better Every Day

2010-05-17T08:29:00.000-07:00

Joe Moore and newly hired Construction Project Manager Fred Foxx have been meeting regularly since his family's arrival on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad the first of May. Moore and Foxx have been working on final details for the campground's renovation and expansion plans.

The Grapevine City Council approved final plans for upgrading the park this month, and Cooper General Contractors are putting the finishing touches on the design, and orchestrating work schedules as well.

"We will do our very best to make everyone's stay at The Vineyards as comfortable and enjoyable as possible during the summer," assures Foxx. " Please know that you—our guests—are our Number One concern during renovations!"

Stay tuned... Mr. Foxx will report often on renovations at the park.

Pinata Time

2010-05-14T14:46:00.001-07:00

Many enjoyed the Cinco de Mayo celebration at the campground last Friday night. Many children got to see what a pinata was all about --- Blindfolded and holding a big stick---children of all ages had great fun trying break open the pinata. It didn't take long for the candy come tumbling out for all to enjoy. Chips and dips were followed a visit from our great friends at KONA ICE. Those tropical shaved icees are the best on a hot and sunny afternoon on the campground.

Staycations: A Great Value Again This Year!

2010-05-05T10:36:00.000-07:00

The Fort Worth Business Press, one of the leaders in news, events and business trends in North Texas, recently noted that The Vineyards Campground as a strong indicator of business activity in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

Aleshia Howe reported that the "staycation" trend will be just as popular, if not more so, this year as many families and vacation travelers look for places to visit near by in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

"There are seven million people in the area and 18 percent of those have a travel trailer or an RV," says Joe Moore, assistant director of Grapevine Parks and Rec. "With the cost of gas and the overall cost of living, folks don't want to drive to Colorado. They go for the "staycation." Plus, the Metroplex has a lot to offer in the way of major entertainment and recreation for famlies.

Read what Howe, Moore, and Texas Association of Campground Owners CEO Brian Schaeffer have to say about The Vineyards Campground. Then give us a call, and make a reservation. We'll be looking for you...

Stand Up and Paddle on Grapevine Lake

2010-05-04T19:35:00.000-07:00

Stand Up Paddle Boarding is becoming one of the fastest growing water sports in North Texas. On a recent demonstration at The Vineyards Campground, Penni and Kevan Burt of SUPATX gave our guests a chance to see what stand up paddling (SUP) was all about.

Though Grapevine Lake is well-known for all kinds of water sports, especially kayaking and skiing, the Burts are confident that stand up paddling will be added to the list of favorites very soon. "It's a sport that all ages can enjoy!" says Burt.

Commonly called "SUP" — a stand up paddle board is a larger, wider version of a surfboard; only made with more volumn so it floats better. It's covered in a special non-slip material to help with barefoot traction. Using a long paddle, one can easily propel themselves through the lake with great ease. SUPATX offers personal training with each lesson before letting paddlers go out on their own. In addition, the new sport offers an amazing work-out for building the core muscles, as well as arm strength and body alignment.

Watch our monthly newsletter—The VINELINE—for paddle boarding classes coming soon to the shores of The Vineyards Campground.

We All Scream for Ice Cream

2010-05-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

Mister Softee returned to the campground this weekend and made his rounds, serving soft, smooth twisty ice creams cones to all. The favorite seemed to be vanilla and chocolate swirled together in cones, bringing big smiles to young and young-at-heart.

We even had a new 'twist' on ice cream serving. Someone brought a big slice of warm apple pie, and had Mister Softee put their scoop of ice cream right on top of the pie instead of in a regular cone! Looks pretty good, huh?

Grapevine City Council Approves Campground Expansion

2010-04-25T15:39:00.000-07:00

"I'm happy to report,," says Joe Moore, "that City Council gave their approval last Tuesday night on a contract with Cooper General Contractors in Carrollton, Texas, to make improvements and expand The Vineyards Campground over the summer!"

"We've met with them to start the contract signing process, and this coming week we will have the first, important Pre-Construction meeting. We hope to begin real construction as early as the first week of May."

"It's been a long time coming, and soon we will turn dirt and make improvements, continuing with the awesome progress that we have made at the campground over the years. Thanks to all," shares Moore.

Brian Schaeffer, executive director and CEO of Texas Association of Campground Owners (TACO), also sent regards saying, "Kudos to all! We are excited to see the finished product, too." For more information, please visit the Fort Worth Star Telegram story on The Vineyards Campground & Cabins expansion news.

TRAILER LIFE Ups Campground Rating

2010-04-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

On another positive note...
The Vineyards Campground was visited by representatives from Trailer Life—the well-known national campground directory—for its yearly campground assessment yesterday. Joe Moore, assistant director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Grapevine, reports that the campground continues to see a strong 1.5 point increase in Trailer Life's national ratings for this year as well.

Last year, the campground obtained an excellent rating of 8/8.5/9.5 out of a 10/10/10 (for recreation/restrooms/overall appearance). "I'm proud to let you know that we have improved to a strong 9/8.5/10 rating for 2010!, said Moore. "And, I especially want to thank all of the workampers and staff in the Lake Parks system for helping us obtain this postive recommendation to campers traveling across the nation... Keep up the great work!"

Love That Bass Fishing!

2010-04-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

Great weekend with Mike, Nancy and Kyle McCutcheon, learning everything you ever wanted to know about Bass Fishing!

The Vineyards Campground is located on the southeastern shores of Grapevine Lake, has it's own boat ramp, and is a great location for a day of fishing. From March through October, Bass Fishing is at it's best here in Texas.

The two-day outdoor Pavilion classes were filled with about 20 campers who got personalized training about fishing from the shoreline or their boat. Both Mike and Kyle are two of the area's best-known and respected Fishing Guides. From rods and reels—to casting techniques—to hard and soft baits—to reading the landscape and water contours around the lake—the guys covered all of the master fisherman tricks and techniques. And, a good time was had by all.

The Friday night session kicked-off with a pizza party from our friends at Pizza Hut, and Chick-fil-A at Grapevine Mills Mall provided their yummy, new sweet rolls and coffee to wake-up the class Saturday morning and get us going.

Watch for more of the campground's Next2Nature education classes during the summer. We have the perfect spot for families to get outside, learn more and enjoy the outdoors right here in Grapevine.

Mmmmm—Good....Smores!

2010-04-10T13:07:00.000-07:00

It was a great Friday night for making smores at the campground's new fire pit. This fire circle fits perfectly between the playground and our upcoming summer beach; so it was easy for lots of campers to find us. And, nearly 100 campers—young and older—showed up as the sun set on this beautiful spring day.

We made 'fancy' smores with peanut butter, fudge sauce, cinammon sugar, coconut flakes, sprinkles, or chocolate mint patties. But, we still served lots of the plain ol' good ones as well - graham crackers, Hersheys and hot, toasty marshmallows. We'll do this again...ya'll come back!

Hoppin' Good Times! Our First Easter Egg Hunt

2010-04-04T19:31:00.000-07:00

We had a great turnout for our first Easter Egg Hunt on the campground!

The shorts and short sleeve T-shirt weather was perfect for the warm afternoon. Younger guests hunted for eggs with their parents, while older children took off running around to the back of the laundry room, gathering Easter Eggs as fast as they could.
More than 130 guests, and many family dogs joined the fun and enjoyed the afternoon together.

Four Easter Baskets were given as prizes for guests that found specially marked eggs. Adults also had 'grown-up' prizes—like firewood, T-shirts, and Vineyards coffee mugs—in large polka dot eggs hidden just for them.

We cooled the afternoon off with cold and creamy soft-serve ice cream cones for everyone, thanks to our friends at Mister Softee. You can say we had a hoppin' good time!

Ukulele Debuts at Campground Jam Session

2010-03-27T19:20:00.000-07:00

Cool, northwesterly winds did not hold back one young camper from getting a

private music lesson on his new ukulele Saturday night at the Jam session. The new vinyl sides kept the Pavilion warm enough to enjoy great conversation and a short music lession.

Entertainer and guitar player Pastor Rick Mang jumped right in and showed Brook how to play chords on his brand new ukulele. Then, the new friends played a couple of songs together, sharing a favorite Beatles song that brought a round of applause for both entertainers.

And special thanks to Mary and John for always serving as great hosts during our many campground events! Let's do this again...

Spring Jammin' - Saturday Night March 27 - Ya''ll Come

2010-03-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

Weather's warming up...snow is gone! It's the perfect time to celebrate Spring.

Join us Saturday night, March 27, at the Pavilion for a great rocking JAM SESSION... Music will lead by Rick Mang, a local angler, guitar player, pastor, storyteller, and entertainer. He's expecting several campers to bring instruments and play along with him... see you 7-8:30pm at the Pavilion!

Birding for Beginners

2010-03-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

Families that came to hear David Parson's birding class during Spring Break will be now be birders for life!

He captured everyone's attention with great handouts, tons of great bird picture books, and field guide resources. He encouraged all of us—young and old alike—to take up birdwatching as a lifetime hobby.

Luckily, the class was surrounded by geese, koots, and mallards noisily feeding in the mud and shallow waters by the Pavilion class. Dave took time to point each group out as they swam along the nearby shoreline. We also are home to several great egrets, nesting in quieter spots near the boat ramp.

Class ended with everyone making peanut butter Pine Cone Birdfeeders to take home and remember Spring Break on the campground.

RECIPE: Pine Cone Birdfeeders
1- large Pine Cone
2 spoonsful of any kind of Peanut Butter.
Spread peanut butter on all of the tips of
the pine cone. (Yes, this is messy, but
you are allowed to lick your fingers.)
1- Gallon ziplock bag
Place sticky pine cone in baggie, then
Add 1/2Cup or more of wild birdseed
Zip bag closed, and shake bag until all of the birdseed sticks to the peanut butter.
Next find a tree nearby a window, and wedge the pinecone tightly into branches. Watch birds feed from inside the house! Enjoy...

Discovering Park Rangers

2010-03-26T11:30:00.000-07:00

U.S. Army Corp of Engineer Park Ranger Steve Perrin from the Grapevine office captured the attention of everyone from the minute he arrived at the campground!

Ranger Steve told us about his job and responsibilities as a park ranger—helping visitors enjoy the lake, preserving land adjacent to the lake, enforcing laws that govern the lake, and managing and protecting the abundant wildlife around and in Grapevine Lake as well.

And he reminded us, many times deer and wildlife come out of the Cross Timbers forest around the lake, and take a peek at humans too.

Children and adults alike had hundreds of questions, and enjoyed the stories of how the Corp of Engineers was first founded, thanks to efforts of George Washington and the first Continental Congress. We look forward to Ranger Steve coming again!

Kayaking - A Family Affair

2010-03-25T19:25:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful way to spend Spring Break! Kayaking...

There's nothing more exciting than trying something new; especially when you snap on a life vest, look down at a Kayak bobbing in the lake, and decide you are ready to ride, baby. The Kayaks rented on the campground are the no 'tump-over' kind, so all ages can earn their oars without much trouble.

Reserve your kayak and any-size life jacket when you check-in at the Front Office. Kayak's are available for a few hours or a whole day to explore the shoreline around the camp.

There are several docks to launch from, or just push yourself off the shore anywhere and go for it. Let us know where to meet you, and staff will get you to the kayaks. We guarantee you'll love the experience, gliding on top of Grapevine Lake!

Camping on the Edge of an Historic Forest

2010-03-24T18:29:00.000-07:00

THE CROSS TIMBERS FOREST
Little did we know before this Next2Nature class, how rare The Cross Timbers Forest is here in Grapevine until we heard Dr. Ray Chancellor talk about it Wednesday during Spring Break. As a lifetime birder, Dr. Chancellor told campers about the forest that hugs the full southern boundary of the campground.

It is filled with hundreds of historical post oaks, black jacks and a few pine trees. Yet, it's almost impenetrable because of the undergrowth of briers and thorny bushes, offering remarkable habitats for birds, squirrels, small mammals, and a few coyotes.

Plan to take a hike through our campground Nature Trail to catch a glimpse of these native Texas birds, trees and wildlife. There's an entrance/exit behind both the laundry room and the Front Gate office.

The Cross Timbers Forest is unique to America, and has been able to survive in only a select area in the central U.S. and North Texas. In the spring, the wide variety trees in The Cross Timbers bud out, providing a feeding frenzy to hundreds of migrating birds. So, bird watchers get your binocullars out this time of year!

Dr. Chancellor also gave a short lesson on Evening Sky Maps, showing all of the stars located overhead here at the campground during March. We learned to read star maps upside down in order to pinpoint galaxies and planets as well.

"Rockin" at The Campground

2010-03-24T15:35:00.000-07:00

GEOLOGY AND ROCK COLLECTING

During Spring Break, national award-winning Grapevine 5th grade science teacher Krystyna Plut made our Next2Nature class "rock"! We never knew that rock-collecting and geological formations around Grapevine Lake were so interesting.

Krystyna passed around common sedimentary rocks filled with marine life shells that she had collected around the lake, and taught the class how to test rocks for calcium deposits. She continued to introduce all types of rocks -igneous rocks formed by hot lava, and metamorphic rocks whose minerals change during time and extreme environments.

Campers also had a hundred questions about all the samples she brought, as well as the hadrosaur, a duckbilled plant-eating dinosaur that lived about 96 million years ago in Grapevine. The tracks—imprints several inches deep in the sandstone bedrock were discovered on the north shore of Grapevine Lake in 1982. The Corp of Engineers office on Grapevine Lake still has a mold of that original footprint on display.

The class ended with a really fun nature craft! Guests made 'Rock Critters' with smooth river rocks, pipe cleaners and big eyes. Everything from snakes, bugs, spiders, butterflies, frogs and many unknown creatures creatively were glued together.

Rock collecting will never be the same...

Bass Pro Outdoor World Came to Campground

2010-03-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

WHAT'S NEW IN OUTDOOR COOKING

Bass Pro Outdoor World, nearby at Grapevine Mills Mall, came to The Vineyards Campground Monday to show off some of the latest and greatest ideas for camping this year. Jeremy Chapman, manager of Bass Pro's outdoor camping, brought out new portable propane grills and folding stainless steel barbecue tools, a niffty jalepeno grill tray, cooktop stoves, and everyones favorite— the latest "Pudgy Pie Iron."

Camper's shared their favorite recipes for the pie iron—and one was for a Black Bottom Cherry Pie! Here it is: On one slice of buttered bread, lay 1/2 a Hershey bar on it; then on the other piece of buttered bread, put 1/4 Cup of cherry pie filling and a shake of cinnamon sugar. Close pie iron, toast in the campfire. It's "happiness on a plate," we're told!

Kids tried a few of our own campground recipes—Ants on a Log and Dirt Dessert! It was great messy fun making them and especially, eating the desserts. Recipes follow for you to enjoy too.

Ants on a Log
Slices of celery, washed and dried; then fill with Peanut Butter
Top with Raisins (ants crawling across the peanut butter)
or use Craisins, if you want Fire Ants on a Log

Dirt Desset
Jello Chocolate Pudding Cups, cold
1-package of different colored Gummi worms
12-15 Oreos, or more

Take paper tops off pudding cups, and stick in several Gummi worms, burying them in the pudding, but letting a worm or two hang over cup. Put oreos in a ziplock baggie, crush them until they look like dirt. With a spoon, sprinkle the 'dirt' over the pudding cup, then dig in and eat it all up!

Spring Break "Next2Nature" Classes Were Great Fun!

2010-03-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

We had great times together at the Pavilion in our Spring Break Next2Nature classes, learning about Grapevine Lake, the wildlife here, and the Cross Timbers Forest surrounding the campground. With an array of very interesting speakers, all were encouraged to get outside more and enjoy our parks and lakes. We had a few days of light rain, but it didn't stop us from getting together to listen, learn, laugh and make a few fun crafts!

FISHING on Grapevine Lake
Workampers Mike and Nancy McCutcheon shared secrets Sunday morning about where and how to fish on Grapevine Lake; especially the best Bass fishing places near the campground and on the southside of the lake.

Mike—a fishing guide—brought Lake maps to identify the best places to fish, rods and reels for everyone to try out, and tips on bait and lures. He menitoned several tournaments and encouraged others to try them out. Both Mike and Nancy have received trophies for being
the best in several Bass Fishing tournaments..

At the end of the morning, all of the children got to choose their favorite slippery, crawdad fishing lure as a campground keepsake. The McCutcheon's will be back in April for a more in-depth class on fishing Grapevine Lake.

Spring Break Fun - Next2Nature Classes All Week Long

2010-03-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

We have a great week planned on the campground. We will be celebrating National Wildlife Week, so join us at the Pavilion and hear the experts talk about enjoying nature. Children welcome, come casual, no RSVP just show up. Classes during the week will be from 2-3pm every afternoon.

March 13, Saturday
The first class features world-traveler and nature photographer Bruce Rosenstiel. He specializes in macro-photography, and is well known in the Grapevine area for his beautiful portraits of butterflies. Bruce will also share his best kept secrets for photographing wildlife, and return often during the year to teach classes.
And, SECRET #1: You must always be at "eye-level" with the subject when photographing it. In order to take a picture of these campground visitors, Bruce laid down on the grass to get eye-level with the subjects before clicking the shutter.

Other classes this coming week will be:
March 14, Sunday - Secrets to Fishing on Grapevine Lake with Mike and Nancy McCutcheon. Both have won many tournament awards for Bass fishing.
March 15, Monday - BASS PRO OUTDOOR WORLD will show us all the latest and greatest gadgets for Outdoor Cooking. And we'll make 'Dirt Dessert' and 'Ants on a Log.'
March 16, Tuesday - Krystyne Plut, national award winning science teacher, will talk about geology and rock collecting for a great outdoor hobby---both for adults and children.
March 17, Wednesday - Dr. Ray Chancellor, who has served in the federal and state wildlife departments, will talk about all of the wildlife in the beautiful Cross Timbers Forest that surrounds the campground.
March 18, Thursday - The Corp of Engineers will talk about the history of the development of Grapevine Lake, even the dinasaur tracks that were uncovered years ago!
March 19, Friday - David Parsons, a long-time birder, will teach a 'Birding 101' class, encouraging all ages take up the outdoor hobby of watching birds.
March 20, Saturday - The First Day of Spring, we will serve fancy S'MORES. Come celebrate with us at 6:30-8pm near the playground.

We do hope you enjoy your Spring Break with us. If there's anything you need, just check in with the Front Gate folks. We're glad you chose to stay at The Vineyards!

Clean Sweep!

2010-03-07T10:20:00.000-08:00

Thanks a million! Our hats go off to Keep Grapevine Beautiful and their team of volunteers who worked all Saturday morning to beautify The Vineyards. Many great high school students, local citizens and campers volunteered to do a clean sweep of the miles of shoreline surrounding the campground.

Several took the four campground kayaks and picked up trash that had floated into nearby sloughs during last month's heavy rain. Job well done...and most appreciated! We're now ready for Spring Break...

There's A Moon Out Tonite

2010-02-28T18:49:00.001-08:00

Unbelieveable full moon rising over Grapevine Lake tonite. A little haze in the sky made it illuminate the campground for a few minutes—and it's moments like this that makes RVing the best thing in the world to do.

And this even makes you want to break out in song...but the question is which one? Blue Moon ... Moonlight Becomes You.. Moon River ... Moonlight in Vermont ... Dancing in the Moonlight? What's your favorite?

Rowing for Rubbish

2010-02-25T19:34:00.000-08:00

Come join our friends at Keep Grapevine Beautiful next Saturday morning, March 6, and let's get the shoreline around the campground cleaned-up. All ages are welcome to join in. Bring your life vests, wear your boots, and help us pick up some of the debris that washed up from the lake and high waters. Bags, gloves and grabbers will be provided. Also, there will be a few kayaks, canoes and some john-boats available for those who want to work out on the lake.

Sign-in at the Pavilion at 8:30 a.m., work awhile, then join the group at 11:30 a.m. for lunch over at Big Daddys in the sailboat marina across from the campground. Big Daddy's is locally famous for their great hamburgers, so join all of the KGB helpers on Marina's International's deck for lunch. Know that we really appreciate your help!

Love Your Pet!

2010-02-17T12:58:00.000-08:00

Of course you love spending time with your pet ... and Saturday, February 20, we want to make your pet feel extra special on National Love Your Pet Day!

Whether it's a good scratch or a tummy rub, a longer walk around the campground, or just a bit more attention—stop by the Front Office Saturday to pick up an extra treat for your pet.

And, if your pet loves to travel with you from campground to campground, let us know. Post comments or a great story about your favorite traveling companion right here on our blogspot. Or, email us a picture of your pet at thevineyards@grapevinetexas.gov, and we'll be happy to post them as well.

You Say Goodbye, and We Say Hello... Workampers Needed Now

2010-02-14T15:05:00.000-08:00

The Vineyards Campground, known for it's outstanding staff, are pictured here receiving recognition at a Grapevine City Council meeting for being an award winning campground—TACO's 2009 Best Medium-Size Campground! So, it's hard to say goodbye to fellow workampers and friends as the camping seasons come and go each year.

Yet, it's a natural cycle in our Workamper industry. The City of Grapevine's Lake Parks system, which includes The Vineyards Campground, has openings now for several 6/12-month contract positions. These 'experience-preferred' positions are for dependable, hard working couples that have great customer service skills.

Interested couples will need to be available to begin work within the next 6-10 weeks (March/April 2010), depending on the exact position. Applicants will be interviewed in person or by telephone, and then a review panel will consider the best-qualified applicants for each position. A full-service site, discounts on store products, laundry and a daily stipend are provided with each position.

Positions do have varied schedules and park locations, but will average 10-14-days per month/per couple. The Lake Parks currently need:

+ Three Park Attendants: collect daily fees, sell Annual Boat Ramp Passes, and monitor park activities.

+ One Park Host: clean cabins and restrooms, order campground supplies, assist with campstore and special events.

+ Two Campstore Attendants: monitor store, rentals, inventory, special events, Annual Boat Ramp Passes, and all duties associated with a camp store operation.

Please contact Joe Moore now at jmoore@grapevinetexas.gov if you are interested in joining the award-winning team.

Snowtime

2010-02-11T08:43:00.000-08:00

Much to everyone's surprise, we woke up this morning in a Winter Wonderland.

Campground looks magical this morning, with about 3" -4" of fluffy, wet snow. Most of pine tree and live oak branches are weighted down with a several of inches of soft snow. It doesn't happen often in Texas, so come enjoy the snow with us. Some of you will feel right at home.

Roads are passable now because temperature is just above freezing in the Dallas/Fort Worth area today. Snow is falling, and ice may be present on various bridges for those RVers driving in to the area, so use caution.

TXDOT is patrolling the highways, and sanding around the clock where needed. You can go on their state website, and click on 'Road Conditions' in Tarrant County. It will pop-up a screen that gives highway information near The Vineyards Campground. So, if you're on the way here for the weekend, bundle up and "come on down," as we say here in Texas.

"Drive carefully and the Front Gate's open!"

Celebrating 100 Years of Boy Scouting Today

2010-02-08T07:34:00.001-08:00

Today is the 100th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts in America! And we are celebrating it on the campground. Any camper who has been a Boy Scout in years past can go to the Front Office and sign our official register of being at the park on this historic day.

Our Convention and Visitors Bureau has provided City of Grapevine keepsake pins for former scouts as a token of appreciation for visiting the city and staying at The Vineyards Campground.

Scouting has always advocated preservation of our natural resources and developed youth programs that instill a love for the outdoors. If you have a favorite memory of scouting or a scout camping trip, let us hear from you!

Pizza Great at Pavilion Open House

2010-02-07T13:23:00.000-08:00

We had a good time at the pizza party Open House in our snazy, updated Pavilion on Saturday night. And, boy did that HOT pizza taste great in this cool February weather! Most everyone went with the all-time favorites of pepperoni, sausage and cheese pizzas, but a couple of us went 'out on the edge' and tried Mr. Jim's Pizza with grilled chicken with jalapeno pizza and the vegetarian one with fresh mushrooms, tomatoes, basil and black olives. Yumm!

More than 40 of our winter

campers joined us at the pavilion and brought salads and desserts, especially a great cherry pie. We all talked up a storm for a couple of hours, sharing stories about travels and favorites spots to see.

The new vinyl sides proved to be a great upgrade for the Pavilion, and kept the cold out while we enjoyed the music and lively conversation with each other. Special thanks to our great staff — Mary and John, and Nancy and Mike—for having such serving hearts, getting the indoor heater, and making the evening so enjoyable for everyone here! Hopefully, this will be the first of many night-outs in our covered Pavilion...

Vinyl Victory

2010-01-30T16:08:00.000-08:00

The forest green vinyl sides are up this week on the campground Pavilion and it's looking really great! Each section has a clear panel window that allows a great view of Grapevine Lake from all sides. A door was added for easy access, and when the heating fans are installed soon—it'll be ready to go.

There's extra electricity for Events use, so let's plan on a casual grand opening Party next Saturday night to try it out! We'll furnish the pizza and drinks - you bring whatever else you want - salad, dessert, smiles... See you at 6pm - okay?

Power Walking

2010-01-21T13:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, the statewide "Texas Round-Up" Challenge kicked off in Grapevine. Our staff at the campground is determined to help the city claim the Governor's Challenge for the "Fittest City in Texas" this year! The state-wide mission of the "Texas Round-Up" is to improve everyone's health through the education and promotion of physical activity and healthy living. Not a bad goal for all of us, huh?

This is the first time that the state-wide media event was hosted outside the capital of Austin, Texas. More than 200 folks and lots and lots of mayors from neighboring cities attended the event in downtown historical Grapevine, challenging each other to have the most exercise logged-in within in the next six-weeks.

The 'Get-Fit-Texas' program has really cool online tools that The Vineyard's staff is using to log-in exercise time. The city with the most mileage/exercise wins—yard work counts, and so does any other physical exercise. So, if you see us out walking our dogs seven times a day, know that the staff is in "competition-mode." Campers are welcome to join us at any time of day, in any weather...especially in the peaceful morning fog off of Grapevine Lake this time of year. We need the support—walking and jogging are great fun on this beautiful campground.

Golden Experience!

2010-01-06T14:24:00.000-08:00

Today and tomorrow, temperatures are expected to be between 28 and 18 degrees, which would be the coldest weather seen in North Texas in more than a decade. Yet, in a few days...it will be back to normal 'wintering-in-Texas' at The Vineyards Campground; so we'll "hunker-down"...as folks say in Texas.

After breakfast, we fed the birds, putting out birdseed for the Cardinals and House Sparrows that usually hover around the campsite like good neighbors. But today, there were absolutely NO birds about—usually nature's signal that a raptor is nearby. And sure enough, surveying the campground from above was one magestic Golden Eagle, perched atop one of the larger native Live Oaks. It stayed there long enough so we could get binoculars to indentify it. As the eagle moved its eyes along the shoreline of Grapevine Lake in search of food, you could see the light golden plumage on its head and neck. Truly magnificient! Did anyone else see this?

Today's strong artic cold front probably forced its migration further south this week. Though Goldens usually travel in mated pairs, we couldn't find another one in the tops of nearby pine trees. Stationary for about 5-minutes, memories we have of the Golden's in-flight take off was worth the stay at The Vineyards! It's powerful wingspan was almost 5-feet across, and it soon disappeared, hunting beyond the southwest end of the campground.

Our FIRST White Christmas

2009-12-28T12:10:00.000-08:00

We never dreamed of having a White Christmas at The Vineyards Campground! But we did... and the snow lasted almost two whole days... And Terri Ann and Henry show off their 5-tier snowman!

After all, its been almost 30-years in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since it last snowed on Christmas Eve. But what a perfect night for our Christmas Light contest! Hats off to Rosie and Walt for judging the contest in the freezing cold weather; you know our Camp Hosts are really awesome when they go the extra mile in a BLIZZARD to do that for us on the campground!

Winners of the 2009 Christmas Decorating Contest are: Ray and Carol Manning (sleigh and reindeer above right) from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, on Site #2, won two tickets to The Grapevine Opry at the Palace Theatre in downtown historical Grapevine; Dave and Susie Murray from El Paso, Texas, on Site #54 recieved a $50 Gift Certificate to spend at Wal-Mart; and Constance Logan from Naples, Florida, on Site #25 recieved complimentary tickets to the Gaylord Texan Resort's holiday show —"ICE." The Peoples Choice Award, voted as the favorite by campers onsite, went to Orland and Julie Butler from Heartsfield, Virginia, who received two FREE RV nights with us for their decorated RV (above left).

Congratulations and thanks to all for joining in the holiday fun. The sun out, and now that we've had our 'snowstorm'... we're ready for Spring!

It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas!

2009-12-22T06:04:00.001-08:00

With "candy canes and silver lanes all aglow," The Vineyards Campground is looking like Christmas is almost here. Many campers are competing in the campground's annual Christmas Decorating Contest for some great prizes to be awarded at our Open House on Christmas Day. The front office will be open most of the day, serving cookies and hot cider, so drop by. Awards for Decorating will be given for Best Use of Rig, Best Texas Theme, Best Christmas Theme, and there will be a Peoples Choice Award—so stop by the office and vote for your favorite site. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Christmas Fun at The Grapevine Opry

2009-12-06T18:56:00.000-08:00

It's time to tap your toes and clap your hands at the grandest ol' Opry in Texas! We're trying to get a crowd together from the campground to go dowtown to see The Grapevine Opry's Christmas Spectacular in the historic Palace Theatre on Saturday night, Dec. 19. You have to order your tickets by Dec. 15, so call the Front Office ( 817 329.8993) and let us know you're coming into to camp with us that weekend and want our Special Reservation Package. One of the most acclaimed, high-energy country-western bands in the Southwest will be on stage singing their hearts out in the Christmas Capital of Texas. Boots and hats are welcomed holiday attire! Join us for some great holiday fun...

Camping with the Best

2009-11-30T19:56:00.000-08:00

The Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) held its National Meeting and Outdoor Hospitality Expo in November 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee, honoring The Vineyards Campground & Cabins as one of the nations’ top Guest A-Rated facilities for the second year in row. Bob MacKinnon, president of Guest Reviews, presents the award to Joe Moore.

Selected from more than 1840 of the registered campgrounds, The Vineyards Campground & Cabins placed in the top 4-percent for meeting and exceeding national Guest A-Rated criteria. “We are very proud to receive this honor and to be one of only 31 campgrounds and RV resorts across America that received this recognition,” announced Joe Moore, assistant director of Parks & Recreation in Grapevine, Texas.

Thanks to everyone that filled out a survey—we have the best campers too!This was the second annual online consumer satisfaction survey of independent parks which evaluated guest experiences with all of the independent campgrounds and RV resorts affiliated with the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC).

“These confidential surveys pinpoint 34 standard measurements of satisfaction from guests that stay with us here at The Vineyards througout the year,” says Moore, “so we take their opinions very seriously. Our guests have great ideas too! We’ve been able to take their advice, and often make our campground a better place for all families to enjoy. "

Take A Soldier Fishing - November 14 2009

2009-11-15T19:13:00.000-08:00

We had a great weekend at The Vineyards Campground honoring Texas military families!

We welcomed soldiers from Fort Hood, Texas, and their families for a relaxing day of fishing, boating, and picnicing on the campground. The Vineyards Campground hosted the Saturday event sponsored by the Grpaevine chapter of 'Take a Soldier Fishing.'

Local volunteer boaters arrived at daybreak to launch from the campground boat ramp and shoreline. After a warm welcome to the soldiers and their families at the campground Pavilion, fishermen jumped on boats for a great day on the lake! Grapevine Lake is well-known for wide-mouth Bass, crappie, and catfish.

Returning at noon to show off their catches, the group also was joined by Veterans from WWII visiting from local Woodridge Nursing Home. There were very touching moments as servicemen expressed appreciation to each other for their service to America. Lunch was furnished AMBUCS, Weinbergs Deli, and Sonic. Following lunch, the group was treated to a tour of the lake and more fishing.

WHEN WE FIRST BEGAN - The Vineyards Campground Progress II

2005-12-09T08:16:00.000-08:00

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Here are some more pics of the works in progress.

Photos of The Vineyards Campground Progress

2005-12-09T08:12:00.000-08:00

Watch as the size, shape, and color of the campground changes over the coming months.

The Vineyards Campground on Lake Grapevine

2005-12-08T14:35:00.000-08:00

THE VINEYARDS CAMPGROUND ON LAKE GRAPEVINE – GRAND REOPENING!!! APRIL 29, 2006

The City of Grapevine’s, The Vineyards Campground on Lake Grapevine, is now closed until April 2006 for full renovations. Renovations include 10 new courtesy boat docks, 13 new RV sites, new water, sewer and electrical services to all sites, new and renovated restroom/laundry room, improved landscaping and signage. Another fabulous addition to the newly renovated campgrounds will be five beautiful, fully stocked 2 bedroom cabins, some with bunkbeds and one handicapped accessible. Go to http://www.vineyardscampground.com/ to watch the changes as they take place. You may also call the campground office at 817-329-8993 to make reservations for next springs’ reopening.
Meadowmere Park (Grapevine) will serve as an off-site "dry camping" area for $10.00 per night for RVers and tenters during the construction period. This park is also located on the shores of Lake Grapevine, approximately 4 miles from The Vineyards Campground. Call the campground office to make reservations.
Lake Grapevine Boat Ramp Passes are being sold at The Vineyards Campground office, 1501 N. Dooley Road, Grapevine, Texas 76051 (817-329-8993).