A story from TylerPaper.com this morning alerts us of new construction and restaurants coming to Tyler’s southeast loop.  Among the new tenants will be Colorado-based burger restaurant Smashburger. This is welcome news to me after the Fuddruckers project on South Broadway appears to have gone the way of the Dodo bird.

Smashburger, the self-proclaimed “torch-bearer for the modern burger lover” will bring dining options to an area that has declined since the passing of Bennigans and Oxford Street (though Fat Catz has done quite well). Along with Smashburger, the developers are hoping to land additional eateries including a burrito place (Chipotle anyone?).

Has anoyone eaten at a Smashburger? Will this be a welcome addition? Let us know in the comments.

Posted: June 28th, 2009 under New, Restaurants.
Comments: 3

Local blogger John Collier is starting a new web series called “This Show Bites”, which can be found at http://wjcollier3.blogspot.com.  The first episode, embedded below, highlights a quest to find Tyler’s best appetizer.

Great job John – can’t wait to see what’s next!

Posted: June 18th, 2009 under Just Plain Cool, Restaurants.
Comments: none

Are you looking for some excitement?  The weather is warming up in East Texas, and now is a great time to try something new – Zip-Lining!  Sure, you’ve seen them do it on The Amazing Race, but it’s not just for reality TV or summer camp. New York / Texas ZipLine Adventures is just the place – and only a short drive from Tyler.

Zip-lining is available to those 12 and older, and is a great experience to share with family or friends.  Sail through the air and enjoy the landscape of East Texas from a new vantage point!

Have you ever been zip-lining? Share your experience in the comments below.

Posted: April 7th, 2009 under Attractions.
Comments: 1

KETKNBC.com shares a story about Stephen Rogers, a 25-year-old from Tyler who is a finalist for Australia’s hyped “Best job in the world“.

In January, Tourism Queensland launched their search for the best job in the world – a travel blogger for the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef.  Since then, over 34,000 applicants have submitted pitches, videos and desperate pleas to win the $95,000 position. 50 finalist remain, including Rogers, and voting is open to the public until March 25.

To support your local neighbor and vote for Stephen, click here.  And spread the word by forwarding Stephen’s blog, http://worldsbestjob.blogspot.com.

Posted: March 10th, 2009 under Just Plain Cool.
Comments: 1

Hall of Fame NFL running back Earl Campbell will return to Tyler this weekend to sign autographs at One More Pair in Tyler. The signing will take place from 1-3pm on Saturday afternoon.

Campbell, nicknamed The Tyler Rose, is the most famous and recognizable athlete to come from Tyler. Before joining the University of Texas in Austin and eventually winning the Heisman Trophy in 1977, Campbell led the John Tyler Lions to a state championship in ‘73.

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Have any previous encounters with Earl Campbell? Share in the comments below…

Posted: February 27th, 2009 under Events.
Comments: none

BSCENE Magazine is out with their 2008 Best of Tyler list, which polls readers about their favorite Tyler restaurants, services, doctors and much more.  In all, over 100 categories are listed, and among this year’s winners were:

• Chez Bazan – Bakery
• The Diner – Breakfast
• Rick’s – Cocktail
• Newk’s – Sandwich
• Roseland Plantation – Bed & Breakfast
• Down Under Pub – Dancing
• Jumpin’ Jack’s Party Shack – Kid’s Birthday
• Bufe & Babin – Interior Decorator
• Premier Fitness – Gym
• Brickstreet Pharmacy – Pharmacy
• Dr. Richard Coker – Dentist

The full list of winners can be seen at http://www.bscenemag.com/winners.html.  

Which categories do you disagree with?  Which winners will be overtaken in 2009?  Share your thoughts below!

Posted: January 8th, 2009 under Attractions, Polls, Restaurants.
Comments: none

Andy Long is an award-winning photographer whose images have appeared in over 30 publications including National Geographic and Animal Planet. Long recently moved to Tyler, TX and will be displaying some of his wildlife photography at Caffe Tazza tonight from 6-9pm. Readers with an interest in wildlife or photography in general are encouraged to swing by for what promises to be an amazing display. 

Here are a few of Long’s photographs, as seen on his website http://firstlighttours.com/.

Be sure to report back and comment on your favorite photograph, or let us know your favorite drink at Caffe Tazza. Enjoy!

Posted: December 11th, 2008 under Events.
Comments: 1