Tyler and Lindale Agree on How Best to Grow

August 1st, 2011

Ok admittedly this is not a terribly new story, but I’m only just now getting to writing on it, so readers will have to please bear with me as it’s an important story for our area. Representatives from Tyler and Lindale met in June and hammered out an agreement between the two cities which defined their Extra Territorial Jurisdictions (ETJ). The ETJ is the surrounding area outside the city limits into which the city anticipates it will grow. Tyler’s ETJ is obviously larger (about five miles) than that of its sister city (about one mile) due to its size. The primary reason for the agreement is that both communities anticipate good growth along highway 69 and interstate 20. The continued expansion of loop 49 is also expected to help spur growth. The “treaty” will allow both towns to grow in such away, that they can reap the maximum benefit from their proximity to the important freeways. As they grow into their ETJs the border (Tyler’s northern and Lindale’s southern), will be defined more or less permanently.

For a more detailed report on the story visit the City of Tyler’s webpage at http://www.cityoftyler.org/Home/tabid/36/ctl/NewsArticle/mid/865/CategoryID/10/NewsID/1378/Default.aspx .

Tags: Area Representatives, Benefit From, Border, Categoryid, City Limits, City Of Tyler, Etj, Freeways, Highway 69, Maximum Benefit, Met, Newsarticle, Proximity, Sister City, Spur, Territorial Jurisdictions, Tyler Texas, Webpage
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New Hiking and Biking Path in the Middle of Tyler

July 21st, 2010

In past articles I have taken our city and local government to task over the overregulation and general nit- pickiness of which I believe they are sometimes guilty. So I thought it only fair to mention some local improvements a perhaps give a little due credit. I have been pleased to watch the development of the running and biking trails that run roughly parallel to Broadway over the last few years. The overall trails run from Rose Rudman Park, clear down to Grande, just behind highway 69. The paths are beautiful, and even in the summer time manage to stay relatively cool thanks to the shade and breezes provided by the tall pines. I often meet family and friends there to walk off our Andy’s desert and let the kids run a bit. Even without playground equipment it’s always a pleasant surprise how much amusement they get and how much energy they can burn off by simply running up and down the path. I for one have really enjoyed having a relatively quiet walk right in the middle of Tyler.

The sprawling park is an example of something that local government seems to be doing right, (at least as far as I can see). Here is something that can be used by the entire community in a really productive way. The new parks provide a place for people to meet, exercise, and generally improve their health, as well as enjoy the outdoors. On the Rudman end of the park there are even pavilions and picnic tables available. If you’re looking for a nice place to stretch your legs, and take a stroll through the woods; I highly recommend checking out these hiking / biking paths. By the way, looking for a place to park can be a bit confusing. For easy access to the trail, I suggest parking behind Woodcreek Athletic Club. For maps and other information see the city’s website: http://www.cityoftyler.org/DirectoryofCityParks/RoseRudmanTrail/tabid/226/Default.aspx.

Tags: Biking Trails, Breezes, Broadway, Cityoftyler, Desert, Easy Access, Entire Community, Family And Friends, Highway 69, Improvements, Legs, Local Government, Maps, Pavilions, Picnic Tables, Playground Equipment, Quiet Walk, Rudman, Summer Time, Tall Pines
Posted in Parks, Self-improvement, Weight Loss | No Comments »

Crackel Barrel in Lindale TX

January 27th, 2010

Highway 69
Lindale TX
Hours: 6am – 10pm (11pm on Fri and Sat)

I love the Cracker Barrel. It is always a good choice for a nice meal – if you are looking for traditional home cooked style ‘comfort food’ that is! If it is salads or gourmet you want then … maybe not!

The special thing about the Cracker barrel is the ‘Southern’ feel. The atmosphere also takes you a little back in time. With entrees like meatloaf, roast beef and good old Texan fried chicken or friend steak and side dishes of corn and hashbrown casserole you’ll know what I mean.

When you arrive at the Cracker Barrel you might need to put your name on the seating list if it is a busy time of day. Avoid Sunday lunchtimes and any time on a weekend during First Monday Trade days in Canton if you hate waiting for a meal.

Once you have your party on the seating list, you have a while to shop in the ‘Country store’ There is something for everyone – old fashioned candy and fun toys for the kids, clothing, candles and seasonal home decor items. I love the card selection and the Christmas ornaments whilst the novelty items like the talking parrot and laughing dog appeal to my kids. If my husband is around, he usually sits outside on their wonderful rocking chairs – he hates shopping!

The restaurant is spacious and decorated with lots of southern ‘antiques’ which makes a fun backdrop for your meal. There is sometimes a fire burning in one corner but don’t be deceived, it is always cold in the Cracker Barrel.

When you are seated your server – who is usually a lady with big hair or an over-polite waiter – brings you drinks. They continuously circulate with refills so beware if you are there with friends. I once had 5 cups of coffee without realising it! The menu is straightforward but you can make substitutions or even make up your own meal from the side order part. The possibilities are endless!

I am always impressed that they cater well for children. They have kids menus with crayons and activities and also have solitaire on each table which is a distraction from hunger. I like the high chairs, boosters and the special cradle the have for car seats.
The service is good at the Cracker Barrel. They are always happy to bring more buttermilk biscuits – which by the way, are heavenly, and apple butter too. It is customary to leave a tip for the server at the table and then pay for the meal in the shop area along with any purchases you wish to make.

I particularly like breakfast at the Cracker Barrel. It is a real treat. Don’t be tempted to try any unfamiliar Southern food though – I thought I’d be adventurous and try grits and another time I ordered dumplins. Don’t eat them unless you’ve been raised on them I recommend! The bacon and eggs are great though, cooked fresh and to your order.

One final thing to note is that the CB is famous for pies and you can even order a whole one to take home. Actually they will also cater your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast too.

The Cracker Barrel is a family favorite and can always be depended on for quality food and good service. Lots of calories too but who cares about that once in a while?!

Tags: Big Hair, Card Selection, Christmas Ornaments, Comfort Food, Cracker Barrel, First Monday trade days, Fri, Fried Chicken, Fun Toys, Hashbrown Casserole, Highway 69, kids clothing, Novelty Items, Old Fashioned Candy, Roast Beef, Rocking Chairs, Seasonal Home, Side Dishes, Southern Antiques, Time Of Day, Tyler TX
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Faulkner Park Tyler Texas

January 8th, 2010

If you are looking for some family fun in Tyler Texas check out Faulkner Park. There are two Faulkner Parks, both which are free and open to the public. Both parks are located off of Highway 69. One Faulkner Park is on the far North end of Highway 69.

It is actually past Lindale. If you live near interstate 20 in Lindale, Tyler, or Van this would be closer to you. If you live near Tyler Pipe, the north Faulkner Park is a straight shot. This park features a large beautiful pond with a trail going around it.

You can bring your kids out and fish from the small bridge on the far side of the peaceful pond. This park also features several baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball court, basketball court and concession stand that is open on some occasions.

The playground and large pavilion make this park an ideal place for a picnic. Past Lindale but not as far as Mineola, the north Faulkner Park is right in the middle of the quiet country.

The Faulkner Park on the south part of Tyler has amazing new playgrounds. Probably the most exciting activity for kids to do in Tyler Texas, that’s free, is the Spray ground at Faulkner Park.

As you drive into this park you will be blown away with how clean and big it is. There are several baseball fields at the entrance if you drive further and take a left at the sign “spray ground” you will see a large playground and a fun spray ground which is like a water park.

I love this playground because it is fun and safe. It is away from traffic. It has clean green grass and picnic tables surrounding it. It is in a safe part of town. The spray ground doesn’t have a pool, which for little ones can be great. Small children can learn to have fun with water without the fear of drowning. It also puts parents at rest mentally and physically.

The parents can play with their children or sit back on a bench or on the grass and watch the fun. The spray ground features two rotating water guns, buckets of water that fill up and spill out, rings and pipes with water shooting out and much more. You must check out the spray ground at the Faulkner Park in Tyler. If the water is turned off you can reactivate it by simply pressing a large black button on the fist pipe in the spray ground.

If you drive further into Faulkner Park in South Tyler you will see a large pond surrounded by wooded areas that has “secret” trails through them. There are many frogs down the trails, which may interest you if you have any boys in your family. The pond isn’t ever over populated with people. You can always find a quiet place to fish.

If you haven’t checked out Faulkner Park in Tyler I highly recommend it. Grab a fishing pole, put on your swimming trunks, lather up with sunscreen, and spend the afternoon at this wonderful park.

Tags: Baseball Fields, Basketball Court, Concession Stand, Court Basketball, Family Fun, Faulkner, Faulkner Park, Faulkner Park Tyler Texas, Green Grass, Highway 69, Mineola, Peaceful Pond, Picnic Tables, Quiet Country, Sand Volleyball Court, Soccer Fields, Splash Park in Tyler Texas, Straight Shot, Tennis Courts, Tyler Pipe, Tyler Texas, Tyler Texas Parks, Water Guns, Water Park, Water Park in Tyler Texas
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More Than a Tree

January 4th, 2010

When the time of the year for picking out the tree you and your family will spend Christmas sitting around, make the experience a time that your kids will be talking about all year. Plantation Pines Farms, a family owned and run business, will guarantee a great family friendly environment.

Christmas Tree Farm Tyler Texas

In the early 1980’s the Wiggins family opened a Christmas tree farm and later a blueberry farm. Twenty years later the second generation family runs the farm extending their business to consist of Purple Hull and Cream Peas in the summer. They also consist of a firework stand off of highway 69 N open for New years and the fourth of July. They also are opened for school field trips to tour their tree farms, and in fall touring the pumpkin patches.

The Wiggins have a huge heart for children. They want to teach children the love of the Lord through the attractions of their farm. Call to reserve a field trip for your school for only $4.00 per a student and if you want them to provide a snack they charge $5.00. There is no charge for teachers or parents. Christmas field trips include a hay ride, games, and a movie time. They talk about their Christmas trees and let the children enjoy the farm animals. Also enjoy cookies and hot cocoa! Fall Harvest field trips also include story time and hayrides for the children. Your students will ride to and from the pumpkin patch and even get to pick a pumpkin to take home!

When you come to the farm grab a hand saw and grab a seat on the tractor and ride through the fields and pick out the perfect tree for your family. Plantation Pines have a great selection of trees, Virginia pine trees are the most traditional Christmas trees and fill your house with the sweet smell of Christmas. Leyland Cypress is the best selection for people with allergies. They also carry Northern grown trees and Frazier Firs from North Carolina. Prices very depending on size, condition and type of tree. All trees are prices and tagged. Come cut down your tree and wait for the tractor to come pick you up and tie the tree to the top of your car.

Come enjoy “pumpkin days” here at the farm. Sit with your family around the fire and enjoy a night time hayride. Come Friday and Saturday nights October and November for family fun during the night. Bring hotdogs and roast marshmallows. The Wiggins ask for you to call ahead for more information and to make a reservation.

While you are here go visit the cozy country store. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. Walk through the store and enjoy the home made reefs and tree ornaments and snacks. Bring a bit of country to your Tyler Texas Christmas. Enjoy the great company of this sweet family as they welcome you into their lives.

So this year instead of just picking up a tree that has been sitting outside of Wal-Mart for the past week, enjoy a great time with your family that you will look forward to every year.

Tags: Blueberry Farm, Christmas Tree Farm, Christmas Tree Farms Texas, Christmas trees, Cream Peas, Family Plantation, Farm Twenty, Frazier Firs, Harvest Field, Hay Ride, Highway 69, Hot Cocoa, Leyland Cypress, Pine Trees, Plantation Pines, Pumpkin Patch, Pumpkin Patches, School Field Trips, Sweet Smell Of Christmas, Texas Christmas Trees, Traditional Christmas, Virginia Pine
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