Barbara Dougher Realtor 2008 Rookie of the Year

After moving from the north Dallas area over two years ago, we greatly missed the restaurants that we were used to in that area. Don't get me wrong there are some great places to eat in the Tyler, NE Texas area but most are large chains and aren't very unique.

We have discovered a wonderful Italian Bistro that reminds us so much of our roots! From the moment you walk into Oliveto Italian Bistro you feel you have entered a whole different world. The style of the building is very upscale and classy! The staff is welcoming and very friendly! The interior of the restaurant reminded me of the Cheesecake Factory.

The menu is varied and has a lot to offer. We tried four different dishes and we all sampled each others. I opted for the Spaghetti with Meat Sauce and it did not disappoint! The sauce was some of the richest I've tasted. Everyone had nothing but excellent things to say about their food. The prices are very reasonable.

I can't say enough good things about Oliveto Italian Bistro. The address is 3709 Troup Hwy in Tyler. The web-site is http://olivetobistro.com/location_tyler.html

When I have clients that are relocating to the NE Texas area, their first question is always "What area should I live in?" I try not to be partial but I think the perfect place is Lindale, Texas! Lindale is a town of about 4000 people in the immediate town, however there are many more located in the outlying area. Lindale boast of a Super Wal-Mart, Lowe's Home Improvement, Fred's, Dollar Store, Family Dollar Store, numerous antique stores, Dentist, Doctors, churches, top-rated schools, and good places to eat and meet with your neighbor and friends.

There are three reasons why.....Tyler, DFW, and Shreveport!

Tyler is located due south of Lindale on Highway 69. Tyler has a population of over 100,000. There is a mall with all the "cool" stores. Tyler has a wonderful history and it is displayed in the beautiful Azalea District and Brickstreet areas. Tyler has a number of stores, theaters, churches, hospitals, boutiques, restaurants and many other things to keep you busy. Tyler is located on the edge of the piney woods in NE Texas.

The DFW metroplex is located a little over an hour from Lindale. All you have to do is jump on I-20 West and drive for about an hour and 10 minutes. The DFW metroplex has over 3 million people with all the amenities that come with the largest cities in the United States. Namely, one of the busiest airports in the world. You can travel from DFW to any area in the world with convenient schedules and quick departures. It's nice to know that the DFW area is so close that you can drive and spend the evening at the theater and dinner and still be home in time to watch The Tonight Show.

Last but not least is Shreveport Louisiana. Shreveport is located a quick 90 minutes from Lindale. There are great Cajun places to eat where you can get the true feel of Louisiana. If gambling is your game you have a choice of 6 casinos and a horse track. Shreveport has a lot of good shopping and dining. The Independence Bowl is held in Shreveport every year.

If you ask me Lindale is the perfect location. You get the feel of a small town but the advantages of the big cities. Real Estate prices are some of the best in the country.

We had the pleasure of going to the Terror Trails in Yantis, Texas last night. Yantis is located in Wood County on Lake Fork. It's about a 1 1/2 hour drive east of Dallas. We were looking for some scary fun without having to stand in line for 3 hours and pay $20.00.

The Trail of Terror is completely outside. It's on a 1/2 mile path in the Piney Woods of East Texas. It's good old fashion frightful stuff. Some of the things you will encounter on the Trail of Terror are barking vicious dogs....chainsaws...a strobe light blinking maze....sounds of wild pigs in the forest....trolls....and much more! They allow about 10 people to travel as a group and they run a group every 10 minutes. We stood in line for about 40 to 50 minutes. There isn't a lot of blood and guts which the younger children appreciate.

We traveled north on Highway 69 up through Mineola and the went off through Quitman. We enjoyed a nice dinner in Mineola with about 11 of our friends prior to the Trail.

You can go to their web-site to get more information. The best thing about it....the money collected (8.00 per person) goes to the Yantis Volunteer Fire Dept. and the Lions Club.

www.terrortrails.com

Have you ever wondered if you have been to a place so beautiful that you thought it was Heaven on Earth? I have found such a place! It is Allaso Ranch Camp and Retreat Center in Hawkins, Texas. We attended Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas prior to moving to the East Texas area. At about the time that we were in the middle of our move they announced that they were building a retreat and camp in East Texas. To our amazement it was only about 15 miles from our new home.

They have recently started Sunday Church services there at 10:45. We couldn't believe this beautiful place. Nestled out in the the Piney Woods of East Texas. The main building sits on a man-made lake that is surrounded by the autumn color. You park your car in what seems to be the middle of the forest and take a slate walk-way up to the building. You are overwhelmed by the birds singing and the squirrels hiding their nuts in preparation for winter. This is such a relaxing place. I would come out to just relax.

The camp is located at 2302 PR 7850 in Hawkins, Texas. It's just south of Holly Lake Ranch and Lake Hawkins.

I hope everyone can experience the joy that we have found there.

(Saturday nights in October and Halloween)

McClendon House

2008 Spirit Tours

806 W. Houston Street in Tyler, Texas

Step back into the history of the Bonner-Whitaker-McClendon House and Tyler. Hear a brief history portrayed by three generations who lived through the life of this majestic house.

Hear the family tales as they relate to Tyler and Texas.

Dates Continuous Tours

Oct. 4 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Oct. 11

Oct. 18 Cost

Oct. 25 $10.00 per person

Oct. 31

For further information or to book a group tour

Call (903) 592-3533