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.
Don’t look now but we’re about two thirds of the way through the summer of 2010! If you take into account that the start of school is only three weeks or so away, it seems like the end of the season is even more eminent. Despite the heat, busyness and stress that comes with it, I love the summer! But aside from the fact that it signals a return to the routine of school, fall is one of my favorite times of year. The cooling weather, a hot cup of Joe and a new book, the start of football, the height of the baseball season… I could go on describing the nostalgia of autumn, but I’ll wait until it rolls around and revel in it then. I only bring it up because one of the signs that summer is winding down, is the annual state and local fair. While they’re a little more than a month and a half away yet, I’ve started to notice the ad work beginning again.
The East Texas State Fair
The East Texas fair was always a big event when I was growing up. I remember getting passes from school every year. My buddies and I often spoke of attending like it was some kind obligation that we had, but preferred not to be bothered with it. The fact is though once there, I know we always had a good time. I don’t really remember what we did exactly except socialize over fair food and the like but we always managed to make it home tired out nonetheless.
This year the East Texas State Fair celebrates its ninety fifth season. It runs from September, twenty third to October, third. This year’s attractions include a series of concerts, all new rides, and of course a lot of vendors serving up that healthy and delicious fair food, (well it is delicious, that much is true). The event is always a big draw for our area and promises to bring in much needed dollars to Tyler. The event will be held at its usual location on West Front, in Tyler, while we in the community await the completion of the new facilities at The Park of East Texas. I looked around in a vain effort to establish the date of its completion but I couldn’t find one. If any readers know when the fair is expected to move into its new digs, please leave a comment.
General admission is eight dollars for adults, five for children six to twelve years old and free for children under that. Carnival ticket are separate however and cost a dollar twenty five per ticket or twenty five dollars for a book of twenty two tickets. Arm bands, are also available by the day, for twenty five dollars and allows the visitor unlimited rides for the day. For more information on the East Texas State Fair visit the web site at http://www.etstatefair.com/fair.php.
The State Fair of Texas
Located in Dallas Texas, The State Fair of Texas officially formed in 1887, and has a long and illustrious history. Since its formation it has played host to many notable guests, and participants. Over the generations it has grown into the premier state fair in the country and the fair’s mascot “Big Tex” is recognized all over the nation. This year the event will run from September the twenty seventh, through October seventeenth at Fair Park. Attractions include a double dose of the usual rides and concert entertainment, tons of fried fair food, auto shows and even a Few Texas Football games thrown in for good measure. Although I must admit that this description doesn’t really do justice to the proceedings! All of Texas is at this fair! There really is something for everyone there.
General admission is fifteen dollars, seniors and children eleven dollars and kids under two are free. Fair admission on game days is free, with a game day ticket. (All football games are held in the Cotton Bowl Stadium, obviously). Parking at events like this can be a problem, but for those who choose to use the fairgrounds space, its only fifteen dollars. Visitors can also park off site and ride the Dart monorail to the park entrance. To see more specific information on this great Texas Event and its attractions, visit the website at http://www.bigtex.com/sft/index.asp.
CHUCK E CHEESE
736 W SW loop 323
Tyler
75701
903 581 4550
ChuckECheese is a place dedicated for kid’s entertainment. It is located in central Tyler, not far from the mall (and nationally in over 500 locations!)
Even if you have never been there, you will probably recognize the mouse that is the trademark of ChuckECheese. Thanks to clever marketing and sponsorship of programs on PBS, my kids knew ChuckECheese way before we even went there and were begging me to take them.
I went somewhat unwillingly, but am glad I did as the kids had a whale of a time and I had a morning enjoying their enthusiasm and wonder. Luckily, it was a quiet day – I can’t imagine what it would be like on a Saturday morning or in the vacation time.
The main focus is arcade games. Some are modern ‘Sega’ style which encourage skill to play and are highly animated, others are more of a gamble and still others are like fairground games – ball toss etc. There are also ride on machines – for smaller children and a car where you can sit with a plastic ChuckECheese and have a photo taken.
As you enter you are stamped with a ‘magic’ UV number. This is for security so that they can monitor that the right children are leaving with the right adults etc. Then you need to buy tokens for the games and machines. There are deals which include food and drinks or you can just buy the tokens for the amusements. From there on, the fun starts and you are left in a whirlwind as your children take control and run around trying all the various games. Most of the games have a reward system which involves each machine spewing out paper tickets. The more points you score on the game, the more tickets you are given. Don’t lose these tickets – at the end of your playtime, you can trade them in for prizes.
Our kids had a blast at ChuckECheeses. It was quite an expensive morning but when the weather is not good for being outside it is a good option for a special treat. They serve pizza at ChuckECheese and we had a salad and drinks too which were fine – but the quality of the food is certainly not the main attraction.
Finally, a word of caution. Before you trade in your tickets, let your children know that the prizes are just little gimmicks and not to expect too much from just one day of gaming. The big prizes are for people that go there regularly and who are experts at the games. My friend’s toddler had a complete meltdown because the excitement had been so great all morning and she thought she had got so many tickets but when she came to redeem them for a prize she only had enough for a little plastic bracelet or some Tootsie Rolls, and that broke her heart!
Lastly, you can save a lot on the price of tickets by looking for coupons online (Google will find some). There is also a party package available for birthdays which is very popular. ChuckECheese is open every day from 9 am.
Sonic has several locations here in Tyler, Texas, but the one I am going to talk about is on the corner of Rt 64 W and Loop 323. It is directly across from the Super center Wal Mart. Sonic is a fast food type of place, where you can go and order outside. The have carhops who deliver the order directly to your car.
They have a sandy beach area for volleyball and soccer where you can go play anytime with your friends. Good entertainment and completely free. You don’t have to play on the playground equipment or the sandy beach area, you can just sit and enjoy the weather outside, or get the meal and leave if you prefer. The food is good and if you get the items from the dollar menu, they are very reasonable. Their drink selections are even better than the food menu.
There are other locations at 5611 S Broadway Ave., Tyler ; 2501 W Gentry Parkway; or 3210 Troup Highway, Tyler, Texas. If you would like to find out more about Sonic you can go to their website or any of these locations.
Sonic seems to be quite the hang out place during the summer when people like to go hang out or just play. So Sonic is not the best nutritious place to go, but exciting. If you are trying to work out or loose weight, this is not the place you are looking for. On the other hand, they do have some items that are good for you. Once in awhile it’s ok to go eat food that is fried or high in fat. Their burgers are really good and sometimes they have the brown bag special, where you get two for the price of one. Always nice to pay less and get more for your money.
Sonic has some great tater tots with or without chilli, mozzarella sticks, corn dogs, chilli and fries, and so much more. Their blizzards are good or their slushy’s plus their flavored teas. If you want quick and tasty, Sonic is it. If you have not tried Sonic yet, then maybe its time.
I may be a little partial toward Target as I am writing this, because I love the Target shopping experience. When you go to Target you may not be get as good of a price as if you were shopping at Wal-Mart. I can be guaranteed to get great brand names and great quality. I am pretty frustrated that Tyler does not have a Target shopping center, and only one Target store.
Target has some of the cutest little children’s clothes. Although the baby/toddle boy clothes are very few, the boy clothes have a great and stylish selection. As the season change find all you need for this up and coming winter. Find great brand name for assurance that you are getting the best quality for your money.
Target has great selections of men’s clothes for whatever your taste is. No matter the style, Target has clothes for all events or just every day prices. Also look at for Target for great work and sporting shoes.
At some stores it seems impossible to find the style of clothing that you like in the right size, but at Target you can always find beautiful selections in your size. Target also has great designs when you are expecting. You can find maternity jackets as the weather begins to become cold and you can find cute maternity bathing suits for those extremely hot Texan days.
Though the infant boy’s clothes selection is pretty limited, Target has a rather large selection for a little girl. They have great prices and wonderful sales. Target in Tyler Texas also has brand names and beautiful styles for every season of the year. Target is a bit more expensive that its neighboring competition, Wal-Mart. Target has beautiful bedding, cribs, car seats, high chairs and anything else you could need to be ready to welcome your new baby into the world. As your kid grows find great selection for your young toddler, such as gates and a training potty. Look for the developmental toys for your young child and bedding to match your child’s themed room.
If you are expecting and love the Target baby brand names, register. Target makes the register easy and simple to read. Also out of town friends can look at your registry online and at other stores.
If your big wedding day is approaching, you can find all the needs for your new house! Wedding registry is also available online or in the store. You can find beautiful kitchen appliances. Make your first home as a married couple your own with tasteful furniture, beautiful lamps, mirrors, wall clocks and so much more. Make your bathroom show your designer tastes with Target’s large selection of bathroom appliances.
Check out the great collection on televisions, video games, movies and music. In my opinion you can always find better prices on televisions at Wal-Mart and Target selection in very limited. Though the television selection is very limited, the video selection is very organized and plentiful. So instead of going to other stores and digging elbow deep into a giant box of movies, walk through aisles and pick through the organized displays of new releases, oldies, family, and even television show seasons.
If you are clothes shopping at Target and start to feel a little hungry, Target sells snacks and some frozen meals. The Target in Tyler has very little food, so I don’t recommend doing your grocery shopping here. But you will be able to pick up all your household needs, such as dish and laundry soap, toilet paper, and diapers. Also you will be able to get all your bath soap and shampoo, and all and all brand names makeup.
So find all your wants and needs here at Target and be sure to get great quality and brand names. Even though the prices may not be as good as many of their competitor’s prices, but their quality and the neatness of the store makes the shopping experiences easy and enjoyable.
