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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.

Sam’s Club in Tyler

January 19th, 2010

Sams Club
2025 SW Loop 323 Tyler
903 526 0958

Ok so there are only five of us in our house but I still LOVE my Sams club membership. So do countless others who don’t own businesses – I’ve even noticed a very large contingent of people my grandparent’s age who love a visit there each week. So when you have to pay an annual fee to shop there (about $40) what is the attraction?

Well, I’ll make my way around the store. Firstly – the automotive section. I recently had a great deal on 4 Michelin tires and got $70 off for buying a set.

Then there is the photoshop. Digital prints and gifts can be uploaded on line and picked up at your next visit, saving on shipping. There is also a range of cameras and accessories.

Sams is worth checking out for large purchase home items like TVs, appliances (washing machines etc) and electronics. Their prices are competitive. Office and catering equipment are equally good value. Sams stocks a few items of furniture (more is available online) which is always solid and made to last. We have found that mattresses and bedding are a good buy here too. They have seasonal items like patio furnishings, yard equipment and even swimming pools.

Sams also has office consumables, cleaning equipment and catering supplies. I buy printer paper, diapers for the baby and toilet paper to last a few months. Oh and cat food!

I love looking at the clothes at Sams. Big minus for me is that there is nowhere to try on clothes so you have to take a risk and return items if they are not right. However they do have great brands at very low prices. A hint – if you see something you like, buy it. There is quite a fast turnover of products and the same stock won’t be there next time you go. I have Calvin Klein pants, Levi jeans and Esprit tops that I bought at a fraction of the usual retail price. There is a good range of sportswear and equipment too.
You can buy books, CDs, DVDs and video games at Sams, plus magazines at reduced rates. They have a small range of great toys. They also have a florist. A friend of mine will only buy flowers from Sams for weddings as she says they have the best variety and are always super fresh.

Onto groceries. Sams stocks the better quality brands of products plus their own Members Mark which is good value. Obviously, they are in catering sized packages which may not suit everyone. The produce section is a draw for me – I love their fruit and veg. They also have the cheapest milk and dairy products in town. Their fresh pizzas, rotisserie chickens and cheesecakes are heavenly. They also stock gourmet items and a good variety of cheeses and meats. The catering packs of chicken breasts and burgers are great for familes.

Finally, I am told that some people go to Sams just for the pharmacy and health food supplements. There are also good deals on toiletries.

I have suggested many a reason to go to Sams. There is one other. You can have lunch at Sams. I don’t just mean in their cafe where you can buy pizza slices, hotdogs, sundaes and drinks – I mean you can snack as you go round the store. Yes, Sams is big on free samples! Especially handy if you need to keep kids quiet as you shop, there are lots of things to try with no pressure to purchase. It is the only supermarket that my kids love to go to with me!