The fact that I grew up traveling has gone a long way to creating in me a nostalgia for staying in hotels. I realize that for many people who travel solely for work- related purposes that may seem like a fairly absurd statement. But for me, staying over night in a hotel was part of an adventure. I’m sure that the level of one’s enjoyment of hotels is due solely to the purpose he or she has in traveling, but it’s almost always been a positive experience for me.
It’s always amusing to me to hear people discuss their requirements of a hotel. It must have this or that, it had better not be lacking in this amenity or that one… We all have different levels of expectations. I’m generally fairly easy to please. A cool, clean room, comfortable bed and working TV with Fox News and ESPN will generally keep me content. Throw in a good continental breakfast, and I may even stay another night.
On a recent trip to Dallas, (which was purely recreational mind you), I introduced my son the fun of staying in a hotel. We’ve stayed in them before, but he’s only four so his memories of previous trips are foggy at best. On this outing I chose to stay in a Comfort Inn. Admittedly a simple establishment, but it came complete with a pool and all the amenities I’ve listed above, along with quite a few I didn’t. Now I realize this was Dallas, but I should reinforce the fact that Tyler also has a Comfort Inn which is arguably more upscale than the one I visited. Enough so that it should surely be able to meet the requirements of patrons whose needs are more… sophisticated than mine are. The Comfort Inn and Suits in Tyler is located on South Broadway and has all the amenities one would expect, including an indoor pool, hot tube, fitness center and more. It’s generally on the more high- end side of the chain but prices are still reasonable. Tyler has what seems to me a surprising number of places to stay, but the Comfort is among the nicer choices. To read more or to make reservations read about them online or contact their office at (903) 534-0999.
It’s been about a year and a half since I wrote my original article on Southern Utilities Water Company in Tyler, and still their service has not improved. Their unhelpfulness, and extremely poor customer service has made this company a source of real frustration for Tylerites like myself. Unfortunately, their lack of concern for customers is not limited to the company’s owners. Evidently the employees who work there are tired of the complaints of unhappy patrons and now make a point of maintaining a sarcastic and superior attitude.
So why am I returning to this topic? Because; I’ve had yet another disagreeable encounter with the business just today. When I arrived at the drive through window, (which by the way I did before four in the afternoon because that is when they close), I realized that I’d forgotten my bill. I explained to the girl what had happened and she responded with a blank stare and a “you’ll have to go inside for that.”
Now I realize that this in itself would not be a huge issue but I had my three year old with me, which was why I selected the drive through in the first place. I let slip a rye chuckle and asked “don’t you have a computer there that you can just pull it up on?” She responded with slightly more emphasis and a great deal more sarcasm: “You’ll have to go inside for that.”
So what she successfully communicated to me is that the kids working at Sonic have greater technology, and probably knowledge of that technology than one of the oldest utility companies in the Tyler area. I won’t detail the story of my encounter inside the building, but while I was not disruptive I did make it clear that I didn’t appreciate the company’s complete disinterest in the satisfaction of its clients. “As far as I can see there’s not a single thing this company is willing to do to make its patron’s lives easier.”
There are two ways to pay your bill with Southern Utilities: a check through the mail, or cash or check on location. There is still no website (which seems unheard of in today’s business climate), there’s no phone payment method, and they don’t even accept check or debit cards. The lady behind the desk didn’t care. Big surprise. Is there anyone in the East Texas area who wants to start a new business? I suggest servicing water to those who don’t qualify for city water. I can give you the names of numerous folks in our area who quickly sign on to your service.
I have been amazed, and admittedly annoyed by the energy bracelet scam. It seems every few months some ugly new jewelry product is unveiled that promises to in some way harmonize the energy of the wearer, and promote greater balance, increased energy, a generally more tranquil mind, and so forth and so on. Actually, one reviewer I read made an excellent point. The advertisers don’t promise those results directly, but instead promise to inspire those results! I watched a lot of promo vids for these things on YouTube. Eventually I had to stop for a couple of reasons. First off, I actually do have a life. Secondly, I was starting to become annoyed by the research subjects and lastly, and most importantly, the demos are all the same! Evidently these energy jewelers are at least partially multi- level managed. The vids all featured some salesmen who had set up a both at some job fair or other, performing ridiculous and absurd balance tests on passersby.
Magnetic Bracelets
I found about five different companies producing energy jewelry, or at least five different names for the same company. In addition to a bracelet and necklace, one company offered holographic stickers (Cia Aura) it claimed possessed some kind of magnetic charge. These are supposedly a favorite of surfers who stick them to either end of their boards to help improve their balance. Allegedly the water passing over the stickers recharges their energy. I understand aspiring golfers are also partial to this product. As I watched these compelling infomercials my next question became: Do people really buy these things?! While researching for this article I did find comments by supposedly satisfied customers defending the products, but of course I have no way knowing that they didn’t work for one of the companies marketing the stuff. Patrons claimed results like increased energy and the disappearance of aches and pains. Certainly the degree to which they did experience a change can be chalked up to the placebo effect. Thanks but I think I’d rather take my chances with a television faith healer! As silly as I find the Snuggy, I’m pretty sure it probably does what the ads say it does; keep the wearer warm, and allow him or her to move their arms freely. I do not however come anywhere near believing any of the claims made by the energy jewelers. If you’re looking for an energy boost, greater balance or a sense of well being I suggest trying an energy drink, vitamin supplement and regular church attendance. I’m sure you’ll be amazed by the results!
Restaurants open and close in Tyler like the blooming and falling of leaves in the trees. It seems that no week goes by when I don’t hear about some new eatery opening in this town. One of Tyler’s newer restaurants (not brand new mind you), is Coyote Sam’s.
Located at 5424 Old Jacksonville Highway in Tyler, it seems destined to be another cult fav for many Tyler residents. I think the bar is one of the main reasons why. It’s fairly large, well stocked, and open fairly late.
Personally I really like the outdoor patio area but it’s really only useable in the cooler months. Come fall it’s a tremendous draw, but during the summer months it provides no real incentive for me to eat there.
The food is a bit pricey, but good. It’s not something to inspire letters home in my opinion, but it is a locally owned, original establishment, far preferable to Appleby’s or the like. The menu consists largely of burgers, barbeque, and a little fish.
I also should point out by the way that they do have a great brunch menu, and it’s actually pretty reasonably priced. My experience at Sam’s was not a bad one. The food was fine and the atmosphere was great. As I recall the service was a bit slow the night I went, but that could have been due to the fact that they had only newly opened.
Like I say, the coming cooler weather should make the place more appealing to patrons like myself, who enjoy the outdoor dining. Some readers will probably disagree with me here, but based on my admittedly limited experience with Coyote Sam’s, I would have to give it a three, out of five stars.
But don’t take my word for it, try it out for yourself and leave your thoughts on this site. For more information on Coyote Sam’s, visit their website at www.coyotesamsbarandgrille.com/home.
I’m about to do two things that could conceivably come back to haunt me. First off I’m going to discuss a favorite Tyler eatery / department store / catering service, in a way that implies I’m not a big fan. Secondly, in discussing this establishment it will become apparent that I’ve been there. Ok so am I being too cryptic? Fine. The restaurant… or whatever, is the Potpourri House, (as I guess the title of this article gives away). Now it takes either a big man, or a shameless one to admit that he’s been to the Potpourri House, I’m not sure which one applies to me.
The Potpourri House is a difficult business / eatery to describe. It is part gift shop, part café or tea house, part fine dining restaurant. As the name implies, they have a large supply of scented candles, incense, and of course potpourri. The store also carries inventory like higher end clothing and jewelry. I have this weird mental picture of patrons browsing through the store with a glass of wine in hand complaining about the men in their lives, or talking about Sex in the City. I don’t know why, that’s just the strange association I have with the restaurant.
The food at the PH is actually pretty good, the portions are not exactly man size, but it’s tasty and generally light. The menu consists of a lot chicken, roast beef and shrimp. I guess at this point I should either turn in my man card or explain why I was interloping in this very feminine universe. First off I’ve been there two or three times. It seems the party planning committee at work contains all ladies, and they love the Potpourri House. And by the way the establishment specializes in parties, businesses and church groups. I guess I shouldn’t complain too much because work has always paid for the meals, but I’m not going to lie, it would be nice to have those parties somewhere else. I’m not suggesting a cigar bar or anything, I’d settle for gender neutral at this point. Anyway the party is generally the place where the Christmas bonuses are handed out, so I try to attend. But I do feel pretty out of place, and I often grab a bit to eat when I get home.
The Potpourri House is not terrible it’s just very girly. I suggest that any male avoid it if at all possible. If that’s not possible try to avoid telling your buddies where you had lunch. For more information on the Potpourri House, visit their web page at www.potpourrihouse.com. For reservations call begin_of_the_skype_highlighting(903) 592-4171. They are located at 3320 Troup Highway in Tyler. end_of_the_skype_highlighting
