Lakeside’s magic: walkability to lake, trail, shops

Lakeside became “a place people love,” by design, with a little luck and magic mixed in. Employing traditional neighborhood principles, planner Dan Quinto set out to encourage walking and promote social interaction — the foundation for a vibrant community. Parking lots sit hidden out of sight while front porches, storefronts, and parks create interest for pedestrians along Lakeside’s treed streetscapes and trails. They invite residents and visitors to walk between lakefront areas, parks, shops, and restaurants (leaving their car behind). People meet on the sidewalks, in parks, and in Lakeside’s many shops and restaurants (especially the many with patios). Right from the outset, homebuyers bought into the plan. And the lifestyle has continued to attract residents of all ages who stay active, love the outdoors, and enjoy meeting people. Perhaps most fortunate of all, these people get along famously with one another. 

Lakeside’s reputation as “a place people love” starts with its location adjacent to Lake Grapevine. Sitting near the center of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the 7,280-acre lake measures over one mile wide and stretches over approximately 7.5 miles to the northwest. Three marinas serve the boating public: Twin Coves Marina, Scott’s Landing Marina, and Silver Lake Marina. And golfers can find 45 quality holes of golf within two miles of Lakeside: Grapevine Golf Course and Cowboys Golf Club.

Lakeside features nearly a mile of frontage along the property that is controlled by the US Corps of Engineers. The lake is more visible from the southern acres of Lakeside, but its impact pervades the entire community since both the Northshore Trailhead and Sunset Point are an easy walk from anywhere in the community. Views of the lake and its surroundings always inspire wonder and peace — a sense of vastness that reminds us that we (and our problems) are only a tiny sliver of a much larger picture. The lake, like an ocean or a mountain range in other parts of the country, inspires awe that can be a welcome relief from our sometimes self-indulgent thoughts.

Also within walking distance of every residence (apartment, single-family home, or condominium), you’ll find a wide variety of shopping and dining options, parks, trails, and lake views. Ladies can pick out a dress at Briesly’s Boutique or House of Mo plus have their hair and nails done for a night out a favorite restaurants before strolling over to view the sunset over the lake — all without leaving Lakeside (or using any gas). The array of restaurants and eateries offers something for everyone, from Asian to Argentinian, steakhouse to tavern, trattoria to a wine bar. Most offer options for dining outdoors. No wonder most people find Lakeside to be “a place people love.”

Or make your way to Lakeside Urban Grocery where you’ll find a wide selection of tasty items to heat and eat at home plus a great selection of wine and beer. Beware, your dog is likely to get hooked on the treats there.

The Lakeside Trail also stands out as a reason that Lakeside is “a place people love.” It winds several miles through the community as it passes by several large parks — from Lakewood Park to the Lakeside Dog Park — and a number of pocket parks. Dogs, by the way, stand out as some of the most revered Lakeside residents. Along the trail, you are likely to encounter a number of canines out for a walk with their human.

The trail also connects with the Lakeside Boardwalk near Lakeside Tower. The boardwalk stretches along a quarter-mile of heavily treed lakefront to Sunset Point, a 6,000-sf deck overlooking Lake Grapevine. Many trees were preserved and integrated into the various decks so you’ll find plenty of shade as you absorb the lake views. Don’t be surprised if you find a yoga class or even an engagement underway — it’s popular for such events. Sunset Point attracts lots of visitors and offers a glimpse of the kind of lake views that will be commonplace in Lakeside Village, when it is opens in 2025.

There is another option: take a walk (or ride) on the wild side. At a relatively small opening just a few yards south of the boardwalk’s entrance, you’ll find the Lakeside trailhead to the Northshore Trail. Like a magical doorway, the trailhead transports entrants into another world. Nature envelops you here and your troubles melt away. Northshore alone might establish Lakeside as “a place people love.”

The carefully maintained 20-mile-long trail winds through heavily wooded and rolling topography with picturesque views of Lake Grapevine. Texas Monthly paid tribute to Northshore in their October 2022 story, “The best mountain-biking trail in North Texas is in … the suburbs.”

Mountain bikers rank Northshore among the top trails in Texas, and the best (i.e., most fun, most scenic) in North Texas. But hikers love it as well. And when you’re in Lakeside, you’re only a short walk away from its magic. Alternatively, you can cross over the trail down to the lake and let its beauty and serenity wash over you.

But there are still more reasons Lakeside is “a place people love.”

Whether you’re on your way to a shop, park, trail, or the lake, you’re likely to run into other residents you know. If not, you’ll soon make their acquaintance. Lakeside was tailored to create social interactions.

Unlike conventional suburban “apartment complexes,” Lakeside’s apartment buildings face the streets, creating walkable streets and hiding the parking lots from view. This “new urbanism” configuration creates welcoming sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly streets that make walking in Lakeside a joy.

Much of the vitality of Lakeside — a key reason Lakeside is “a place people love” — comes from the multi-family units, many of which sit above most of Lakeside’s retail storefronts.

This story was updated in June 2018 and 2023.

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