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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.

Fat Dogs Liquor Store Near Tyler TX

April 18th, 2010

Open M-Sat 10 -9pm Sunday6731 Highway 31 W
Kilgore
(903) 984-7791
Fat Dog Liquor

www.fatdogbeverages.com
709 W Broadway St
Big Sandy
(903) 636-4360
Fat Dog Beverage

www.fatdogbeverages.com
7630 State Highway 155
Frankston
(903) 876-5400s

 

Fat Dogs is a fairly large liquor store on the Hendersen county border – a ‘wet patch’ sandwiched between two non-alcohol selling counties. From Tyler you will find it on the right just after the bridge crossing Lake Palestine, in a place called Coffee City. Fat Dogs is probably one of the closest stores to Tyler selling a range of alcoholic beverages. And as it is well lit and clean, it is distinctively less seedy than most!

Fat Dogs sells a large range of wine, beer and liquor – both domestic products and imports. They have cheap wine in boxes to high end international wines and champagnes. The beer selection varies but always includes Henieken, Harp, Guinness, Bass and Sparten plus the more familiar beers like Miller and Shiner. You can buy them individually, in 6 packs or in boxes and crates.

We’re not big spirit drinkers but it looks like they sell a good variety of liquor too. Certainly there is lots of Tequila, vodkas, rums and whiskeys plus Baileys, Ameretto, sherry and mixers.
Lookout for the specials and reductions at Fat Dogs and if you are regular customer, it is definitely worth getting a ‘dog tag’ which will give you discount on frequent purchases.

Fat Dogs has the appearance of a small supermarket so you don’t need to feel uneasy shopping here. I’m sure there are some shady characters who make their purchases at Fat Dogs but the majority of the customers seem to be just normal social drinkers! The staff are friendly and for the most part, knowledegable and they will try and fulfill any special orders and requests. They will bring your shopping cart out to you car and load it for you too.

Finally, if you are on the way to a party, Fat Dogs does have beverages already chilled just waiting for you to pick up. Don’t let your companions drink it on the way though – it’s illegal to have an open bottle of alcohol in your vehicle.

One final tip from an ignorant European who thought she was being hospitable– don’t offer your Baptist neighbours a glass of something from Fat Dogs!

Brookshire’s Pride

March 23rd, 2010

The Brookshire’s grocery company has been named one of the top companies to work in the state of Texas. I totally agree with this award. Although I know that most people do not want to go to work in the morning, honestly, who does? Brookshire’s offers great benefits to their employees. But something that has always impressed me is that it is honestly a family-centered business. Every year they have events to honor their employees and their employee’s families.

Brookshire’s has a camp ground on Lake Palestine available for their employees and family. Every year they put on picnics to honor the workers for every part of Brookshires. Not only do they have great food but they also give away great prizes, including the flat screen television that is now hanging up in my bedroom. Brookshires has a small house available for employees and their families to stay at if they are in need, or if they have undergone some sort of disaster.

Brookshire’s has always been a family friendly company. In 1928 Wood T. Brookshire opened a small store downtown square in Tyler. Wood along with his brothers owned several different stores in East Texas. In 1939 the partnership dissolved. Brookshire was founded with the motto of “people first, profits will follow”. In 1953 Brookshire opened its first warehouse. Now Brookshires has more than 150 supermarkets throughout Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Not only do they own the Brookshire Grocery Company, but also Super 1 Foods, and Ole Foods.

Tyler has the premiere Brookshire’s located on Rice Road. This store is the nicest store in Tyler. You are always treated with respect and the employees are always helpful. One thing that I love about the Brookshire’s Company is the fact that the employee carries out your groceries to your car for you. When you are trying to balance two children, and digging through your purse trying to find your keys, it is nice to have someone hired to put the groceries into your car.

Brookshire’s employees volunteer. The company looks at this as their way to give back to the community. All level jobs within the company find opportunities to give back, whether it is running for breast cancer or if it is cleaning the creek at Rose Rudman Park.

Brookshire Grocery Company is a great place to shop for you and your family. Their goal has been not only to make the store convenient to your needs but to also be a great experience for you and your family.

Things To Do In Tyler Texas

December 16th, 2009

This will be a reoccurring topic in the Tyler TX Directory as one of the most common things you hear in any non-metropolitan city is that there is nothing to do in this town. I usually hear this from those obviously too cool to be living in Tyler with their facial piercings and angry Mohawk syndrome. Let’s face it there are some cool people in Tyler and I see them hanging out all the time over at Starbucks. From what I hear they all want to go to New York to experience life because this town is just not that cool and never was.

Well I like Tyler Texas and have found some interesting things to do here quite frequently. About half of making this town fun and enjoyable is to get yourself connected with some local friends. These friends will make things more fun in general regardless of what you do and will be able to hook you up with some places you would not normally have access to. For instance, I get to fish at this private lake from time to time with my father n’ law that I never knew about before. I won’t say where exactly but there are about 7 different camps, Christian camps, and retreats in the Tyler area that have everything from ziplines, pools, private lakes, to mountain bike trails. These little areas represent some extras that most Tyler people do not have access to but with a few connections you could very easily be able to have a little fun at one of these places. You may already have access to one of these places but have taken it for granted.

A List of Some of These Remote Fun Areas Of Tyler and More

1.) Pinecove
2.) The Villages Resort on Lake Palestine
3.) East Texas Gator Farm
4.) YWAM Ranch or TeenMania campus
5.) Wits End Ranch
6.) The Zoo, Caldwell Zoo (Santa’s Workshop December 12, 13 and 19)
7.) The Tyler State Park
8.) The Lion and Tiger Refuge
9.) Canton Trade Days
10.) Edom Texas Restaurants and Arts and Crafts
11. ) South Tyler First Baptist Church Pond and Park
12. ) South Tyler Green Acres Baptist Church Pond and Park
13. ) Kiepersol Restaurant and Winery Horse Coach Ride
14. ) The Christmas Store (Around Christmas Time)
15. ) Mineola Train Ride to Dallas or Fort Worth
16. ) SFA, UT Tyler, or TJC Basketball Games (SFA made it to the tournament last year)
17. ) Faulkner Park Stocked Fishing Pond
18. ) Water Splash Park at Faulkner Park, South Tyler
19. ) Splash Kingdom Water Park
20. ) Be Normal, Stay Home and Play a Game With Your Family
21. ) Join a Rugby Club
22. ) Frisbee Golf at Lindsey Park
23. ) Sacred Spur Ranch in East Mountain. A true ranch style east texas restaurant experience.
24.) SkyRanch

These are 24 fun things I like to do in Tyler and this was just off the top of my head. I am sure you can think of 20 other things. In fact why don’t you comment on what you think is fun to do in Tyler Texas to add to this list. I think everyone could use some fresh ideas for what they can do in Tyler that is fun and entertaining. It’s nice getting to change things up a little and do something different.