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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.

Fire Mountain Amusements in Tyler Texas

February 5th, 2010

FIRE MOUNTAIN AMUSEMENTS

14722 Highway 155 S
Tyler 75703
903 561 2670

Open at weekends – opening times vary according to season – see www.firemountainamusements.com for details.

Located 3 1/2 miles south of Tyler on Highway 155 is Tyler’s amusement park – Fire Mountain – you can’t miss the volcano shape!

This is a children’s amusement park – not the best in the world, but still a lot of fun for small kids. They have mini golf, bumper boats, scrambler bikes, go-karts and minikarts and inside arcade-style amusement games. We have been there twice with our kids for parties and each time they have come home desperate to go back!

One advantage to Fire Mountain is that there is no charge for entry to the facility (or for parking). This means that parents can supervise their own kids if needed at no extra cost. I loved watching my kids playing golf and bumping on the boats and it was good to see them playing the video games so enthusiastically. My son loved winning tokens and exchanging them for tiny treats at the end of the day.

The party package at Fire Mountain includes the use of a room which you can decorate however you like and a drink and plate and napkin are provided plus room clean up. You are responsible for bringing in your food and cake though there are 3 -4 pizza places who make regular deliveries to Fire Mountain. They supply the invitations and each child is given a wristband which allows one ride on each attraction plus 20 tokens for use in the arcade. You have to have 10 or more party goers to use the party room.

Fire mountain is not a cheap day out for the kids. Tickets are $1 each and you need 5 tickets for the go-karts and bumper boats and 4 for the scrambler cars and mini-golf. If you buy $50 of tickets you save 10%. The best way to do it is to buy a wristband which lets you do everything once. The cost for wristbands is $18 for under 9s and $20 for over 9s.

There is little variety at Fire mountain. Unless you are a big fan of places like Chuck-E-Cheese, it is not somewhere you would want to go regularly. Also there is no food on site (as yet) which is definitely a negative point. But once or twice a year or with a party, Fire Mountain is great fun.

The owners are quick to admit that they are still developing this amusement park. Watch this space because Fire Mountain could get much bigger in years to come.