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Kids rejoice! Children’s clothing store Crazy 8 is headed to Tyler’s Broadway Square Mall this fall. Appropriately described by one fan as “cute, cheap and not so ‘tennagery’ like other stores”, Crazy 8 will provide a great back-to-school shopping option for Tyler parents.

“The opening of Crazy 8 is perfect timing for finding new clothes for the fall season,” said Aaron Yust, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Broadway Square Mall. “Broadway Square Mall is excited to offer this specialty kids retailer to the Tyler community.”

Be on the lookout for Crazy 8 appearing next to Coach in the JCPenney wing at the mall. Are you excited yet? Let us know below…

Posted under New, Shopping.
Comments: none

As the fast casual trend continues to explode across the nation, restaurants continue to bubble up in the Tyler area.  Following on the heals of a successful launch of Smashburger, Mongolian Barbecue chain Genghis Grill is set to arrive this month. In a post on Facebook, Genghis Grill states:

“Tyler, TX opening is scheduled for May 17th, at 3709 Troup Hwy # 700!”

Genghis Grill will provide another fast casual option in the Tyler area, and an alternative to the traditional mexican or deli cafes. If you haven’t been to a Genghis Grill in the Dallas or Houston areas, you are in for a treat. Once inside, find a table, grab a bowl and it’s off to the buffet, where you will find an enourmous assortment of protein, vegetables, fruits and flavors with which to create a meal. Sweet, spicy, tangy…grab anything you want – it’s up to you. Then hand it to one of the chefs near the gigantic cooking stone, and watch your stir-fry come to life. Choose a bed of rice, noodles or tortillas and enjoy!

A Closer Look at the Buffett

Protein options: 14
Seasoning options: 12
Vegetable options: 30
Sauce options: 15
Total combinations: Too many to count, just go see for yourself!

As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments. And let us know what you want to see next!

Posted under New, Restaurants.
Comments: 1

Cooler weather is approaching, and that always means one thing for me – gather some firewood for the winter! For that task, I turn straight to Craigslist (http://easttexas.craigslist.org).

Of course it’s no surprise that Craigslist is a super place for great deals on firewood, automobiles, workout equipment and the like, but you may be surprised to learn about some of the more interesting items available. Here are 10 surprising items currently for sale on our local Craigslist:

1. Fresh Eggs $2
2. Wedding Bubbles $8
3. Shi Shi Dragons $30
4. Movie Posters Signed by John Travolta
5. Renaissance Guy Stuff $25
6. G.I. Joe Beach Towel $15
7. Tattoos for Trade
8. 1940’s Metal Phone Booth $1,800
9. 5 Boxes of Glucose Strips
10. Old Navy Monkey Costume $10

Leave a comment about some interesting finds or bizarre postings that you’ve seen on Craigslist!

Posted under Shopping.
Comments: none

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 under New, Restaurants.
Comments: 26

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 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 under Attractions.
Comments: 3

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 under Just Plain Cool.
Comments: 1