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The Villages in Tyler Texas

June 15th, 2010

It was around eleven and I was sneaking back into my bedroom where my son happened to be sleeping. After an enjoyable night I knew I should take the opportunity to do some writing. Feeling guilty, I glanced at my computer, and watched as the pictures on my screen saver slid by. “I should write for awhile but… I’m so tired.” Ok so my fatigue won out and I went to bed. Now I’m struggling to remember all the things that were passing through my mind as I drifted off to sleep last night, and only half heartedly wishing I’d forced myself to start writing. While I realize how annoying their national ad campaign is, our local Villages resort is really incredible.

I remember some years ago it was just a few time share houses, a couple of pools and a boat ramp. But in the past few years in has grown into an exceptional place to stay or just visit and play. They now offer mini-golf, tennis, basketball, a great club house, several incredible swimming pools and even a series of indoor waterslides. (This short list doesn’t really scratch the surface of what’s available). Along Lake Palestine there are a series of beautiful condos. And the marina offers easy access for boaters and fisherman. One great feature of the resort is the easy availability they offer to the community. It’s not necessary to live within the park, or own a timeshare to take advantage of the opportunities they have. Memberships are certainly nice to have, but patrons can also pay a small admission fee to enjoy at least some of the amenities.

Last night my little boy and I joined members of my extended family on an outing to the Villages pool. He had a wonderful time, beyond what even I expected. He played in the children’s pool running in and out of the fountains and even swam around a bit with me in the deeper section. This is a terrific facility and a great way for East Texans, Tylerites, and out of towners to cool off. For those interested in the Tyler Villages, and the different activities available there, visit the web site at www.waterparkatthevillages.com, or for a clearer more user friendly list of what’s offered (at least that’s what I thought), as well as other attractions in our area, go to www.silverleafresorts.com/resorts/the-villages. For more information on summer events and points of interest in and around Tyler continue to consult the business news section of this site.

The Rose Garden – Tyler TX

January 19th, 2010

There is a rose garden in Tyler, TX that has been a part of the history of this cities making. Since 1952 this municipal rose garden as served as a tourist attraction that brings in most of the business Tyler has gotten over the years, excluding oil. 

Tyler Texas Rose Garden

Tyler Texas Rose Garden

 Each year there is a festival, a queen crowned, duchesses chosen and tourists from far and wide bringing with them the business this town prepares for every year. Hotels are sold out, the roads are clogged and the restaurants are full every evening. What a paradise for money making and beauty seeking.

But here is my concern. Why is the garden so special? Roses are pretty, I like them, but I’ve seen prettier ones. I’ve walked through the garden and I’m not impressed. It’s not even the roses that are the problem. Its the landscape. If my artistic eye serves me right I think the design could be more appealing than we’re letting it. The fountains are typical and 60’s. The lay out doesn’t say anything new and there are no surprises. Maybe if I looked from a bird’s eye view there would be something intended to be eye-catching… but I’m not a bird and neither is anyone else paying money to see it.

Where is the vibrant life of color and excitement a garden is supposed to engulf me with? My favorite gardens draw me in, invite me to look close, and adventure my way through. But this makes me feel like I’m still in the office and have not escaped. Does anyone know what I’m talking about? Tyler Rose Garden If this legend of the Rose Garden is to continue then can we re-focus? I’m not ungrateful to the people who designed and made the garden and tradition to begin with, but I think its time to either move on or make over.