Images Tyler, TX: 2012

2012 | livaBility.
com/tyler/tx
tyler, texaS
Secondary cvrlne large live it up

Fancy food, entertainment liven up the square Cover Subhead Cover Subhead Cover Subhead
Secondary coverline Small

Cover Subhead Cover Subhead Cover Subhead Cover Subhead
BuSineSS iS Booming
Local economy flourishes
main coverline coming up roses goes Here
One-third of the nations roses are processed here Cover Subhead Cover Subhead Cover Subhead Cover Subhead
SponSored By tHe tyler area cHamBer of commerce
2012 edition | volume 7
tyler, texaS
co nte nt s F e atu r e s
12 live it up
Fancy food, entertainment liven up the square
12
16 20
man, oH man
Guys have many outdoor recreation options in Tyler
SHopping iS Sweet
Locally owned Tyler shops offer fun and trendy finds
24
coming up roSeS
One-third of the nations roses are processed here
28
cHildS play
Tyler brings families and fun together
32
fruitS of tHe vine

Kiepersol Enterprises entertains Tylers tourists, locals alike
36
tHe croSSroadS of medicine

Research and health care connect at UTs Health Science Center at Tyler
38
BuSineSS iS Booming
28
L i va b i L i t y. C O m / t y L e r / t x
2012 edition | volume 7
tyler, texaS
56
d e pa r tm e nt s
8 almanac 42 Biz Briefs 44 chamber report 45 economic profile 46 image gallery 51 Health & wellness 52 arts & culture 54 Sports & recreation 56 local flavor 60 education 63 community profile 66 through the lens
on tHe cover Chamblees Rose Nursery Photo by Antony Boshier
all or part of this magazine is printed on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.
please recycle this magazine
Whats online livability.com/tyler/tx

Photos
See more great photos of Tyler in our online photo galleries
2012 | livaBility.com/tyler/tx
tyler, texaS
Secondary cvrlne large live it up

Fancy food, entertainment liven up the square Cover Subhead Cover Subhead Cover Subhead
Secondary coverline Small

Cover Subhead Cover Subhead Cover Subhead Cover Subhead
BuSineSS iS Booming
main coverline coming up roses goes Here
One-third of the nations roses are processed here Cover Subhead Cover Subhead Cover Subhead Cover Subhead
SponSored By tHe tyler area cHamBer of commerce
Digital magazine
Flip through the pages of this magazine and easily share articles using Facebook, Twitter or email.
Facts
Get the most up-to-date info on cost of living, top employers, schools, population demographics and more
viDeo
Watch quick videos of local attractions
living here
Learn the basics about local neighborhoods, schools and health care providers
t yler , tex aS
editorial project manager miTCH KLiNE content director LiSA BATTLES proofreading manager RAvEN PETTy content coordinator JESSiCA WALKER Staff writer KEviN LiTWiN copy editor JiLL WyATT contriButing writerS CARy ESTES, mELANiE HiLL, mELONEE HURT, JOE mORRiS, JESSiCA mOzO, CHRiS RUSSELL Senior grapHic deSignerS LAURA GALLAGHER, JANiNE mARyLANd, KRiS SExTON, viKKi WiLLiAmS grapHic deSignerS RACHAEL GERRiNGER, TAyLOR NUNLEy Senior pHotograpHerS JEFF AdKiNS, BRiAN mcCORd Staff pHotograpHerS TOdd BENNETT, ANTONy BOSHiER color imaging tecHnician ALiSON HUNTER integrated media manager BRANdy mAddOx ad production manager KATiE middENdORF ad traffic aSSiStantS KRySTiN LEmmON, PATRiCiA mOiSAN cHairman GREG THURmAN preSident/puBliSHer BOB SCHWARTzmAN executive vice preSident RAy LANGEN Senior v.p./SaleS TOdd POTTER Senior v.p./operationS CASEy HESTER Senior v.p./client development JEFF HEEFNER Senior v.p./BuSineSS development SCOTT TEmPLETON Senior v.p./agriBuSineSS puBliSHing Kim HOLmBERG v.p./BuSineSS development CHARLES FiTzGiBBON v.p./external communicationS TEREE CARUTHERS v.p./viSual content mARK FORESTER v.p./content operationS NATASHA LORENS v.p./travel puBliSHing SUSAN CHAPPELL v.p./SaleS HERB HARPER, JAREK SWEKOSKy controller CHRiS dUdLEy Senior accountant LiSA OWENS accountS payaBle coordinator mARiA mcFARLANd accountS receivaBle coordinator diANA GUzmAN SaleS Support coordinator ALEx mARKS SaleS Support project manager SARA qUiNT SyStem adminiStrator dANiEL CANTRELL dataBaSe manager/it Support CHANdRA BRAdSHAW weB creative director ALLiSON dAviS weB content manager JOHN HOOd weB project manager NOy FONGNALy weB deSigner ii RiCHARd STEvENS weB development lead yAmEL HALL weB developer i NELS NOSEWORTHy weB account manager LAUREN EUBANK pHotograpHy director JEFFREy S. OTTO creative ServiceS director CHRiSTiNA CARdEN creative tecHnology analySt BECCA ARy audience development director dEANNA NELSON diStriBution director GARy SmiTH executive Secretary KRiSTy dUNCAN Human reSourceS manager PEGGy BLAKE receptioniSt LiNdA BiSHOP
Images Tyler is published annually by Journal Communications inc. and is distributed through the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com. for more information, contact: Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce 315 N. Broadway Tyler, Tx 75702 Phone: (903) 592-1661 Fax: (903) 593-2746 tylertexas.com viSit Images Tyler online at livaBility.com/tyler/tx Copyright 2012 Journal Communications inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. member The Association of magazine media member Custom Content Council
member Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce
Almanac
Welcome to Tyler
an intrOduCtiOn tO the areaS peOpLe, pLaCeS and eventS
Early Birds Star Gazing

new on the citys science scene is the Center for earth and Space Science education. the Center was constructed in 2011 to replace hudnall planetarium, which originally opened in 1963, and offers the public educational and entertainment programming in hands-on exhibits and a 40-foot domed theater. What used to be the planetariums dome is now the exhibit hall, where guests can interact and explore. the new center is twice as big as the old one, complete with a classroom and outdoor courtyard. the center is open tuesday-Sunday. Tyler wasnt named the first Certified Retirement City in Texas for nothing. Among the leading attractions: Tylers appealing climate, ambiance and convenient location. Also leading Tylers top 10 is the favorable cost of living, ranked 16th in the nation by Places Rated Special millennium Edition. Seniors also are looking for outstanding medical care, and Tyler meets their needs unusually well with three major hospitals. Housing options range from independent living to assisted living homes, and a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment choices are available.
Have a Taste
Stanleys Famous Bar-B-que Pit is a Tyler institution. One of the citys oldest restaurants, Stanleys serves its famous barbecue with a whole lot of local flavor. Family-owned and -operated for 50 years, the pit changed hands in 2000 when new owners Nick and Jen Pencis took over and revamped the place. The atmosphere now resembles a cross between a 50s diner and rustic lodge, complete with a new deck outside. But the quality of the food has remained the same, with Stanleys continuing to serve barbecue favorites like brisket, sausage and classic pulled pork.
tyLer
Fast Facts
n the Cotton belt railroad depot, built in 1905, now houses tyler transit and a railroad memorabilia museum. n the citys no. 1 tourist attraction is the tyler municipal rose Garden, with 38,000 rose bushes and more than 500 varieties. n in 1985, the international adopta-highway movement originated in tyler. the first road adopted for cleanup purposes was a 2-mile stretch of u.S. highway 69. n a historical marker designates the site of Camp Ford along u.S. highway 271. the camp was the largest Civil War prisoner of war compound west of the mississippi river. n the Singing Fisherman, Johnny horton, one of the most influential honky tonk and rockabilly singers of all time, was raised in tyler. n tyler has been named one of the countrys top 10 Golf Cities by Livability.com.
Outdoor delight
At the Rose Rudman Walking Trails, the 2.5-mile-long, 8-foot-wide paths are great for running, biking and rollerblading. Trails constructed especially for hikers and bikers run throughout the area, and picnic areas and pavilions along the trail provide sporadic places to rest. The recreation area is also home to the Tyler Cancer Bell, dedicated in 2002. Located in the northeast corner of the trail, the bell was built to honor those affected by cancer, including patients, their family members and health-care professionals. The City of Tyler donated the land for the bell and pavilion, with additional donations provided by individuals.
Hear Them Roar

Tyler is home to more than your usual cats and dogs. more than 40 big cats belong to the Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary started in 1995 for abused or neglected big cats. Lions, tigers, leopards, bobcats and pumas are among the residents of the refuge, which gained national recognition in 2002 from a television show called Growing up Tiger. The show played on Animal Planet and documented two Tiger Creek cubs first year. As its reputation grew, so too did the refuge, continuously adding more space to accommodate more cats. These spaces, referred to as living resorts, provide the best living environment attainable for captive felines.
tyler at a glance
population (2010 eStimate) Smith County: 209,714 Tyler: 96,900 location Tyler is in northeast Texas, about 90 miles east of dallas and 90 miles west of Shreveport, La. BeginningS Tyler, named after President John Tyler, was officially incorporated in 1848. it is the county seat of Smith County and has the distinction of being the only city in America named for the 10th U.S. president. for more information Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce 315 N. Broadway Tyler, Tx 75702 Phone: (903) 592-1661 Fax: (903) 593-2746 www.tylertexas.com
Touchdown
Tyler
The spotlight doesnt seem to want to leave Tylers famous football player Earl Campbell, winner of the 43rd Heisman memorial Trophy and 1991 inductee into the National Football League Hall of Fame. The famous running backs other honors include a No. 1 draft pick by the Houston Oilers and the titles of both Rookie of the year and most valuable Player in his first year. The accolades didnt end with his football career. years later Campbell found success in the barbecue business, with his meats and sauces distributed throughout Texas.
69
DALLAS
Lindale
20 155 271
SMITH
31
Room to Fly
The Tyler Pounds Regional Airport is really taking off. Served by two commercial passenger carriers, American Airlines and Continental Airlines, the airport continues to grow. it was announced last summer that the airport would receive an $8 million grant for improvements from the Federal Aviation Administration, the largest single grant Tyler has ever received from the FAA. The funding is projected to cover 95 percent of the cost of lengthening and improving one of the existing runways.
Tyler
New Chapel Hill
64
Noonday Whitehouse
155
Bullard
Whats online
Take a virtual tour of Tyler, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at livability.com/tyler/tx.
11
chinatown unplugged performs at ricks on the Square.
12
tyLer
Live it up
HiStoric BuildingS, fancy food and live entertainment line tHe tyler Square
STORy By melonee Hurt PHOTOGRAPHy By antony BoSHier
he City of Tyler, Texas, is so focused on enhancing its reputation as an entertaining and cultured place to live and work, it bought and restored an old theater and turned it into the towns hottest live music venue. Part of the Tyler 21 Master Plan, which calls for downtown Tyler to become an arts and culture district directed at bolstering private investment and revitalization, the city partnered with the East Texas Symphony Orchestra and major donor The Genecov Group to raise more than $1 million to fund the purchase and renovation of the space.
movies and theater and comedy oh my! The old Liberty Theater, a first-run movie theater dating back to the 1930s that had been shuttered for years, was purchased in 2008 and reopened in 2011. The space is booked with everything from comedy, to live music, movies and theater. Reopened as Liberty Hall, the venue is joined in Tylers downtown square by numerous restaurants that offer a complementary variety of food, drink and entertainment. Jakes Tyler, another renovated building, boasts exposed brick, a curved bar and rooftop patio. Jakes menu, which includes lobster tails,
13
Angus beef and fresh oysters, is topped off with an impressive wine list and an array of decadent desserts. The 125-year-old building that now houses Jakes has been a gentlemens clothing store, a barbershop, a hotel, a mission, a theater and a jewelry store. Ricks on the Square is yet another option for an upscale dinner that wont break the bank. Fresh seafood tops the menu at Ricks but the options dont stop there. The venue offers live music on the weekends and 20,000 square feet of rentable space for private parties. options off the Square Tylers nightlife options extend beyond the borders of the downtown square. Half Moon Grill and Saloon is an intimate, friendly bar with live music, a covered patio, above-average bar menu and a packed parking lot. If you are looking outside the confines of a bar for live music, how about a grocery store? Fresh by Brookshires massive patio stays booked on weekends with a wide variety of live music. We wanted Fresh to be a hub for the community, and having live music was a natural extension of that, says selling marketing manager Myste Snow. We offer great food and offer great entertainment that is familyfocused, casual and high quality. The Fresh live music lineup draws from the local pool of musicians in Tyler, but also from as far away as Austin and Dallas. Another alternative to the bar scene is KE Cellars, the upscale wine store in Tylers French Quarter. The boutique winery has a tasting room, nightly music showcase and gift shop that sells wines from dozens of Texas wineries.
clockwise from top right: half moon Grill and Saloons patio; Live music at half moon Grill and Saloon; the old Liberty theater reopened in 2011 as Liberty hall, an entertainment venue.
14
tyLer
15
16
tyLer
man, oh man
guyS Have many outdoor recreation optionS in tyler
STORy By Kevin litwin | PHOTOGRAPHy By antony BoSHier
17
ts hard to deny Tylers rugged appeal. This Texas town offers many outdoor recreation options that men, and women, find hard to pass up. Even President George W. Bush spent time in Tyler in 2011 specifically to enjoy outdoor activities. The 43rd U.S. President visited Tyler State Park to access the 13-mile mountain bike trail, considered among the best in the country. Tyler State Park is the No. 1 most utilized Texas Parks & Wildlife facility in the state, and President Bush had a great time there in 2011, says Stephanie Rollings, director of the Tyler Parks & Recreation Department. The park also has canoeing, kayaking and swimming opportunities that are amazing. The rustic park has campsites with screened
shelters, access to water, electricity and sewer services. A seasonal grocery store on-site is stocked with fishing supplies, and offers canoe and fishing boat rentals and a concrete launching ramp with courtesy dock. wishing for fishing Speaking of fishing, the city oversees a small lake next to Glass Recreation Center in north Tyler, and another in Faulkner Park in south Tyler. Both are heavily stocked each year with trout, Rollings says. Lake Tyler, Lake Fork and Lake Palestine are also popular fishing lakes, although not in the city limits. All the lakes have several fishing guide services that are easy to find via the Internet. Back to mountain biking trails: Tyler has a long
18
tyLer
trail at Faulkner Park and a hike-and-bike trail that starts at Rose Rudman Park and goes to Southside Park, then all the way to Grande Boulevard. The Tyler Bicycle Club has also come up with an idea called Four Pedals of the Rose, which is four strong mountain bike trails in the four corners of Tyler, Rollings says. One is at Tyler State Park, one is at UT Tyler, another at Faulkner Park and then one trail currently nearing construction completion at Lindsey Park. Those trails are open to anyone tough enough to tackle them. if golf is your Bag For guys who like to golf, Tyler has 23 public and private courses within a short drive of the city limits. Among the nicest private facilities are The Cascades
Country Club, Emerald Bay Club, Hollytree Country Club, The Challenge at Eagles Bluff and Willow Brook Country Club. The list of good public courses includes Hilltop Country Club, Peach Tree Golf Club and Arrowhead Golf Club. Arrowhead is an especially challenging layout from the back tees for big hitters, measuring more than 7,200 yards. tennis is a Hit Tyler is also home to the Faulkner Tennis Center, which has eight lighted courts and an affordable pay-to-play policy, Rollings says. Yearly memberships are available for avid players, with prices at $125 for individuals and $250 for families. Many outdoor opportunities are available in Tyler just get out there and enjoy them.
from left: mountain biking at tyler State park; hollytree Country Club
19
Shopping is
20
tyLer
Sweet
B
locally owned tyler SHopS offer fun and trendy findS
STORy By jeSSica mozo | PHOTOGRAPHy By antony BoSHier
eyond the mall and big box stores theres a vast collection of locally owned shops in Tyler that retail connoisseurs couldnt pass by. Among the sweetest shopping spots in Tyler is the Sweet Gourmet, a charming gourmet food shop that draws customers in with a free sample of chocolate and keeps them coming back with exceptional customer service. Were like an old-fashioned store from the 50s, a time when you had to have great customer service to stay in business, says Pam Gabriel, who quit her traveling sales job in 2005 and bought Sweet Gourmet. We offer cooking classes and complimentary gift wrapping, and people always say they love the smell of the store with all the chocolate and fresh-roasted coffee beans. You never know what youll find here, but you can bet it will be a tasty treat. Our store is half chocolate and candy, half gourmet foods and kitchen niceties, Gabriel says. The chocolate we sell is imported direct from Belgium and France, and we have about 20 feet of fabulous chocolates made in the U.S. by chocolatiers who are running their grandparents businesses everything from pecan turtles and truffles to orange creams. A fun retro candy section from the 60s features hard-to-find
sweets, including 60 different flavors of Jelly Bellies. We carry a lot of products you see on the Food Network sauces, marinades, olive oils, balsamic vinegars, cake and scone mixes, syrups, beautiful jams and jellies, and marmalades, Gabriel says. We have Sweet Gourmet signature products too, like our coffeecake, white queso and salsa. I love seeing peoples faces when they walk in and say the store reminds them of when they were kids. independent tyler Shops Other unusual shopping finds in Tyler include Karen Horton and Co., a combined gift shop and spa; Cole and Co., known for its fine jewelry, china and crystal; High Cotton, a trendy mens clothing store; and Mary Vs By Shelby, which carries womens apparel and accessories. When Tyler women and girls need a special-occasion dress, one of the first places they often look is Spinout, a family-run womens clothing store that has been serving Tyler since 1986. Owner Diane Bunker started Spinout as a paintyour-own T-shirt store 25 years ago, and it has evolved over the years into a sassy boutique carrying such designer names as Vera Bradley, Juicy Couture and Tory Burch. Bunker says the secret to her long-lasting success has been to
mary vs by Shelby owner helping a customer
21
change with the times. You cant stay stagnant fads are always changing, says Bunker, who runs the store with the help of her two adult daughters, Sara Seeker and Donna Alfred. I ask my customers what they drive to Dallas to find. We try to carry exclusive brands. Bunker always has an eye out for the latest fashion trends and does a lot of buying in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and New York. Many of Spinouts customers began shopping there as teenagers, and now they are mothers bringing in their own children. Middle schoolers shop with us all the way up to fun, hip grandmas, Bunker says. We do a substantial amount of sales online now, so Tyler girls who go off to college can still browse what we have in and still have a link to Tyler. Bridgettes and Harleys of tyler Bridgettes is another Tyler store that caters to fashionable women. It opened its doors in 1992 and is still going strong almost 20 years later. The shopping experience at Bridgettes starts with our customers, most of whom are already friends, says Bridgette Manziel Hooper, owner of Bridgettes. Our staff will hand-select merchandise especially for you that reflects your personality and style. Bridgettes husband, Harley Dean Hooper, is also in the retail business. He owns Harleys, the premier mens clothing store in Tyler that has been thriving more than 30 years. Being raised in East Texas, I have never wanted to do business anywhere else, Bridgette says. I love the people here. I wouldnt think of having a business anywhere but Tyler.
from top: Spinout is a family-run womens clothing store; Sweet Gourmets signature queso dip
23
roSeS
tyler proceSSeS one-tHird of tHe nationS roSeS
STORy By jeSSica mozo | PHOTOGRAPHy By antony BoSHier
COminG up
n Tyler, you might say business is blooming. Aptly named the Rose Capital of America, the city has enjoyed a highly successful rose industry since the 1920s, thanks to its sandy soil, year-round rainfall and moderate climate. At one time, Tyler was famous for growing peaches, but around the turn of the century, a pest called the San Jose scale destroyed most of the countys peach crop, says Craig Reiland, rose garden supervisor for the City of Tyler. Soon people realized they could grow roses really well here, and Tyler began growing more than 60 percent of commercially grown roses in the country. We had the lions share of the market for quite a while. tyler municipal rose garden Today, visitors from around the world come to explore Tylers fascinating rose history at the Tyler Rose Museum. More than 100,000 people also visit Tylers Municipal Rose Garden every year. The largest
municipally owned rose garden in the country, it spans 14 acres and has more than 32,000 rose bushes representing more than 600 varieties of roses. The garden peaks two times a year, at the end of April and again in mid-October, Reiland says. There are modern roses with beautiful blooms, miniatures, climbers and Earth-Kind roses. Many people use the citys rose garden as a tool for learning to grow roses in their own yards. texas rose festival Each October, the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden acts as the backdrop for the citys annual Texas Rose Festival, a glittering tradition since 1933 that features the coronation of the Rose Queen, the popular Queens Tea, the Texas Rose Festival Show and the highly anticipated Rose Festival Parade. The four-day festival, laced with Southern hospitality and elegance, attracts more than 80,000 visitors. In 2010, Tyler created the first annual Rose Season
24
tyLer
mark chamblee at chamblees rose nursery has been selling roses since 1982.
25
26
tyLer
By the numbers By the numbers
1920s
When Tylers successful rose industry began
600+
Varieties of roses represented at the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden
80,000+
Number of people a year who visit the Texas Rose Festival
$2 million
Amount of money generated from Rose Season
in response to requests from residents and visitors for more activities surrounding the Texas Rose Festival. The Rose Season lasts nearly the whole month of October and includes abundant activities, including wine tastings, concerts, cooking classes, museum tours, a marathon, rose garden tours and more. Rose Season pumps an estimated $2 million into the local economy. tyler rose growers At least 10 rose growers and nurseries continue to thrive in Tyler, shipping roses all over the country and beyond. Chamblees Rose Nursery offers group tours, and has been in business since 1953. Chamblees grows more than 300 varieties of roses, which it sells both retail and wholesale. Both of my grandfathers grew roses, but I had planned a career in the medical field, says Mark Chamblee, third-generation owner of Chamblees Rose Nursery. While working my way through college, I changed career plans and decided to work in the rose business. I bought it from my dad in 1982. Chamblees roses are container-grown, although several commercial field growers still exist in East Texas. There are several large rose processing and production companies in the Tyler area it is a very important part of our economy, Chamblee says. My favorite varieties are the disease-resistant ones such as Earth-Kind varieties. I love being around friends and
associates I have met over the years while growing beautiful roses. Keep tyler rosey campaign To ensure Tylers rosy reputation lasts for generations to come, the City of Tyler and the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce launched a new initiative called Keep Tyler Rosey in August 2011. The initiative encourages local businesses to creatively showcase the rose in any manner they prefer, whether its planting roses in landscaping, decorating with rose arrangements, using roses on printed materials or displaying photos of local rose gardens. Today, roses are not grown in the quantities they were at one time, but about one-third of the nations roses are still processed in Tyler, says Kim Morris, marketing and communications specialist for the Tyler Convention & Visitors Bureau. Roses are a key element to Tylers history and culture. They are what really put this East Texas town on the map. Keep Tyler Rosey is an effort to encourage the community to remember the flower that brings floods of tourists to Tyler every year and embrace that image within their business. Morris enjoys living and working in Tyler because of its supportive community and courteous, helpful people. We have great attractions and plenty of shopping, she adds. Not to mention the beauty surrounding Tyler. There are beautiful parks everywhere. Tyler is a community to be desired.
left: morgan elizabeth rippy, queen of the 2011 rose Festival
27
28
tyLer
Childs Play
tyler BringS familieS and fun togetHer
STORy By cHriS ruSSell | PHOTOGRAPHy By antony BoSHier
yler, Texas, is a place where the family can have some serious fun, with literally dozens of entertainment options. Heres a look at three of the best places for kids. caldwell zoo At Caldwell Zoo, families can check out 85 acres of wilderness where 2,000 animals from the Americas and Africa roam in multispecies environments carefully constructed to resemble their own natural habitats. Several educational opportunities, such as scavenger hunts and day camps, are designed to further teach youngsters about various animals and their environments. Not the least of those programs is the zoos Scouts FunShops program for Boy and Girl Scouts. Each of the FunShops allows the Cub Scout or Girl Scout to work on a specific badge or achievement that is related to the wildlife here at the zoo, says Linda
Kunze, education curator. We offer some Girl Scout badges related to plants, also. We thoroughly enjoy having the scouts come to the zoo, and they in turn have a great time learning more about animals or plants with the real thing close by. Caldwell Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 1 through Labor Day. From Labor Day until February, hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The zoo is closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. discovery Science place The Discovery Science Place gets kids minds going through entertaining, hands-on exercises and exhibits. We have so many great attractions at Discovery Science Place. Our Discovery Landing gallery features Discovery Mountain, where kids can journey inside a cave to find fossils, an earthquake, and much more, says Emily Keane, education
29
30
tyLer
manager for DSP. Thats just the beginning. The brand-new robotics exhibit lets kids practice manipulating a robotic arm, and learn how robotics are used in the field of medicine. If they are feeling adventurous, they can head over to Discovery Zone to design, build and test out their own structure, car or aircraft. Toddlers have their own play area, the Little Ones Lagoon. DSP also hosts traveling exhibits throughout the year. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The Discovery Science Place is closed on all major holidays and Mondays from September through February. the water park @ the villages At The Water Park @ The Villages, fun on the water has been taken to a new level. Located at Silverleafs The Villages Resort on Lake Palestine, this 25,000-square-foot indoor water park opened in 2008. It features a lazy river and whirlpool for tubes, four three-story water slides and a Forest Ranger childrens playscape that contains a 10,000-gallon bucket dump and three smaller body slides for kids. Fun is the biggest feature at The Water Park @ The Villages, but its not the only one. The park also offers lounge areas, casual dining options and changing areas for men and women with lockers, showers and restrooms. The Water Park @ The Villages is open for spring break and summer daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. From September to May, hours are Wednesday through Friday from noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
clockwise from top left: Children watch golf balls spin around a motion disk at the discovery Science place; elephants at Caldwell Zoo; a slide at the Water park @ the villages
31
32
tyLer
Fruits of the vine

KieperSol enterpriSeS entertainS tylerS touriStS, localS aliKe
STORy By joe morriS PHOTOGRAPHy By antony BoSHier
hen Pierre de Wet and his family relocated to Tyler in 1985, he did what his family in South Africa had been doing for generations: He farmed. That was successful, but when he added grape vines into the mix a few years later, he created some buzz. Most everybody thought his success would be limited, but flash forward a few years and take a look at what a few acres of grapes have become. The vineyard is now part of Kiepersol Enterprises, a multiacre complex that includes a winery, restaurant, bed-and-breakfast, events center, recording studio and more. And if de Wet has anything to say about it, that expansion is going to keep right on going. We are a farming family in todays environment, so we have to be totally integrated in what we do to make a living, de Wet says. We started with the vineyard, and when the fruit began to be ready we got the permit for the winery. Then we thought people might want to stay and eat, so we built the B&B and the restaurant. Now we have more, so we can bring more people here. Bushmans winery and celebration center Kiepersols growth has included such out-of-the-box thinking as building KE Bushmans Winery and Celebration Center, which is used for concerts,
above: a technician at Kiepersol enterprises inspects a glass of wine.
33
receptions, business retreats and more, and Studio 333, a state-of-the-art digital recording studio that de Wet says offers just as much expertise as anything to be found in Nashville or other major recording centers. On the food and beverage front, Kiepersol Estates Winery anchors a 60-acre estate producing red and white wines. The estates vintages have helped put Texas wines on the map, and can be sampled at Kiepersol Estates Restaurant, a choice steakhouse that gets rave reviews, and also purchased through KE Cellars, with two locations in Tyler where these Texas-made wines are available by the bottle. Ke Bed & Breakfast, Bushmans camp rv park Guests who wish to stay overnight can hunker down at the Kiepersol Estates Bed & Breakfast, or pitch their own tent at KE Bushmans Camp RV Park. And if they want to stay longer, the estate is branching out
into real estate development: The Vines are garden homes tucked into the vineyards, while Katima is a neighborhood being developed near Bullard. Its a lot of growth in a relatively short time, and de Wet credits Tyler itself for helping his family succeed in its many business ventures. In fact, he says, the two mirror each other. Tyler has grown, but also has kept its identity; we have done the same, he says. Its a wonderful environment to live in. Now we are just going to keep bringing in wonderful musicians and events, produce good wine and see how we can grow and change with all of that going on. Our wines can compete with the best of the world, and Tyler can compete the same way as a destination for people to visit, or a community where they want to come and live. We are all Texas proud.
red and white wines are produced on a 60-acre estate.
35
36
tyLer
The Crossroads
of
medicine
reSearcH and HealtH care connect at utS HealtH Science center at tyler
STORy By melanie Hill | PHOTOGRAPHy By antony BoSHier
rom community clinics to cutting-edge research, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler has it all. The only academic medical institution and health science center in East Texas, UTHSCT operates more than 20 outpatient clinics, a 109-bed hospital and an emergency care center. UTHSCT also provides research, residency and graduate programs, and nursing and medical education. With insights gained from our innovative biomedical research and comprehensive medical education programs, we have a unique perspective that enables us to provide excellent patient care, says UTHSCT president Kirk A. Calhoun, M.D. Health care with History Long before 614 acres in northeast Texas became UTs Health Science Center, the site was home to Camp Fannin, a World War II training base for more than 100,000 infantrymen. A prisoner-of-war camp and a 1,074-bed camp hospital also forged Camp Fannins legacy. The property later housed the East Texas Tuberculosis Sanatorium, and in 1971 it became the East Texas Chest Hospital. In 1977 the institution joined the University of Texas System and today welcomes some 164,000 patient visits and 2,400 inpatient admissions each year. the Science Behind utHSct The UT Health Science Center at Tyler offers education and treatment for multiple areas of specialty care. Its commitment to pulmonary and heart disease, however, has earned the center national recognition. HealthGrades recently ranked UTHSCT among the top 10 percent of hospitals in the nation for pulmonary care. And in 2010, UTHSCT received HealthGrades Pulmonary Care Excellence Award and a five-star rating for treatment of pneumonia and chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease. A number of important research findings have come from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, including new treatments for the flu and for scarred lungs, as well as new approaches to prevent wheezing and asthma, says UTHSCT vice president for research Steven Idell, M.D. In addition, new therapies for very severe diseases that attack the lungs were developed here. By the numbers In fiscal year 2010, UTHSCT scientists were awarded $14.2 million in research funds to investigate lung disease, cancer, tuberculosis, diabetes and aging. Nearly half the funds awarded were from the National Institutes of Health, the premier U.S. funding agency for biomedical research. The center employs 800 faculty and staff, maintains an annual operating budget of $125 million, and boasts a major economic impact of more than $287 million on the northeast Texas region. growth at utHSct In 2011, UTs Health Science Center opened Phase 1 of its state-of-the-art Cancer Treatment and Prevention Center, integrating cancer care with teaching and research. The Cancer Treatment and Prevention Center is a patient-centered, state-of-the-art facility that offers both chemotherapy and radiation treatment in one location, within a short walk of each other, Calhoun says. The cancer center is located within UTHSCTs new Academic Center, attached to the main complex. Once complete, the 85,000-square-foot, three-story Academic Center will include classrooms to support medical residencies, continuing education and future undergraduate and graduate degree programs; a spacious auditorium with theater seating; and a new Watson W. Wise Medical Library.
37
Business
Business is Booming
tyler BoaStS Surviving economy, puBlic and private partnerSHipS
STORy By melonee Hurt PHOTOGRAPHy By antony BoSHier
Whats online
Learn more about Tylers business climate at livability.com/tyler/tx.
yler, Texas, has concocted the perfect recipe for the ultimate business climate. This quiet, yet booming, community between Dallas and Shreveport has had equal parts low unemployment, interstate access, Internet services, low costs of living and a solid existing business base. Mix those with an active economic development council that works on behalf of businesses looking to establish roots or relocate to Tyler, a chamber of commerce that bolsters existing business and recruits new business from Mexico, and a regional airport with multiple daily flights to neighboring cities, and one would be hardpressed to find a reason not to set up shop in Tyler. Size matters Tom Mullins, president and CEO of the Tyler Economic Development Council, says the citys size is probably one of Tylers biggest selling points. With a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) of about 220,000, the area is big enough, but not too big. Its just a nice-sized city, Mullins says. We have a lot of variety. The cost of living
is lower than the national average, we have a four-seasons climate and we have some older, beautifully kept neighborhoods. Tyler has a Southern charm to it and people are attracted to that. Rea Boudreaux, an engineer with Brannon Corp., was born and raised in Tyler and says its a great place to do business because its such a great place to live. My company does business all over the U.S., so we could live anywhere, he says. But we want to be in Tyler because thats where we want to live. I dont want to deal with cold, hurricanes or earthquakes. Here, I like the school systems and the property tax is low. The city feels like a small city, but has advantages of living in Houston or Dallas without the daily commutes. follow the leaders A number of large companies including Target Corp. and Brookshire Grocery Company have brought regional distribution hubs to the area, employing thousands of locals. Price Arredondo, director of the Tyler
(right to left) bryan Ziegler, rea boudreaux and Kirk bynum inspect plans for a runway at brannon Corp., a civil engineering firm based out of tyler.
38
tyLer
39
Tylers Largest Convention Hotel

Our Hotel Offers: 183 finely appointed guest rooms and suites Two concierge levels for VIP guests Outdoor saltwater pool, sun deck Exercise room with nautilus equipment Over 9,000 sq. ft. of meeting space Full-service restaurant and lounge with nightly entertainment On-site guest laundry facilities Complimentary high-speed Internet Business center and ATM in lobby Our Rooms Offer: Clean, crisp comfortable bedding with choice of pillows Large work desk with ergonomic chair 32 flat-screen TVs with premium movie channels In-room iron/board and hair dryers, coffee makers Upgraded bathroom amenities Complimentary high-speed wireless Internet
5701 South Broadway Ave. Tyler, TX 75703 (903) 561-5800 Fax: (903) 561-9916
Please contact our Sales Department for more information or group rates. For reservation, please call (800) HOLIDAY or visit us online at www.holidayinn.com/tylertx
40
tyLer
Area Chamber of Commerces Hispanic Business Service Office, says his group also actively recruits new business from Mexico. We have seen a lot of influx of investment and individuals who want to expand their business to Texas or purchase a business here, he says. We established a Sister Cities program and work with the governors office in Mexico City. Mullins says the area is supported by a strong regional economy that includes a plentiful higher education sector and a medical sector. It is becoming known as a technology center, with companies like Suddenlink, an Internet service provider that employs more than 1,200 people. extra incentives cant Hurt Over the last 20 years, TEDC has worked on 67 projects that helped retain or expand primary jobs and/or investment in Tyler and Smith counties. These projects have created 4,232 new jobs, retained 9,770 jobs and created $388 million in new investment. By creating incentives such as tax abatements, low-interest loans and land
incentives, TEDC is able to sweeten Tyler as a top-tier place to do business for new businesses and keep it sweet for established ones. Swanns Furniture, for example, has been doing business in Tyler since 1895. The family business has outgrown spaces and relocated within Tyler multiple times, leaving the downtown area only because it lacked warehousing space. Another company deeply rooted in Tyler is John Soules Foods, a nationally recognized food processing and marketing company that opened here in 1975 in a 2,000-square-foot facility. Today, the company has expanded to 250,000 square feet. Mullins says many states offer either a high cost of doing business with some added incentives and others may have a lower cost of business with no incentives. In Texas we do both, and it has worked to our advantage, he says. We also have one of the lowest city tax rates in our population for the entire state. Tyler has been investing millions every year in upgrading infrastructure and it shows.
tyler has a Southern charm to it and people are attracted to that.
41
Business
Biz Briefs
buSineSSeS bOth LarGe and SmaLL that heLp deFine tyLerS eCOnOmiC CLimate
scorecard
BuSineSS at a glance
$2.7 billion
annual retail Sales
$27,778
retail Sales per capita
$274 million
annual Hotel and food Sales
11,048
total number of firms
source: U.s. Census QuickFacts
Sweet gourmet Biz: Candy and specialty food boutique Buzz: Sweet Gourmet features gourmet chocolates, roasted coffee beans and food items from all over the world, including jams, jellies, sauces, marinades and more. An experienced and well-trained staff is available to answer questions, and events such as cooking lessons are also offered at the shop. www.sweetgourmetonline.com 42
tyLer
SwannS furniture Biz: Furniture gallery and store Buzz: In 1895, T.E. Swann founded Swanns Furniture in Tyler. Since then, the business has remained in the Swann family, and has continued to grow. Furniture for each room in the home is available, as well as rugs, upholstery and other accessories. Swanns Furniture also provides a design staff to assist with dcor, floor plan layouts and budget preparation. www.swanns.com mentoring mindS Biz: Educational resource provider Buzz: Created by former Douglas Elementary School administrator Michael L. Lujan, M.Ed., and his wife Lisa, Mentoring Minds offers educational materials, such as classroom management tools and critical thinking strategy guides. The Lujans were named Texas Small Business Persons of the Year in 2011 by the Small Business Administration. www.mentoringminds.com Henry & peterS p.c. Biz: Public accounting firm Buzz: Henry & Peters P.C. has been providing tax, audit and advisory services since 1929. The firm specializes in industry-specific consulting, accounting services, estate planning and more. Henry & Peters P.C. also gives back to the community by supporting local organizations, and was named the Large Business of the Year by the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce. www.henrypeters.com downtown coffee lounge Biz: Coffee shop Buzz: Tylers Downtown Coffee Lounge offers a variety of warm and chilled beverages, including cappuccinos, espresso drinks, lattes and smoothies, as well as breakfast and lunch foods. Customers can enjoy menu items such as seafood gumbo, chicken casserole, fresh salads and other dishes. Cookies, cobblers, cakes and other desserts and pastries are also available. www.downtowncoffeelounge.com
First Presbyterian Church

Pastor: Rev. Dr. Stuart Baskin
Worship Sun. 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Church School Sun. 9:30 a.m.
Rooted in a compassionate faith
Contemplative Communion Wed. 5:30 p.m.
230 W. Rusk St. Tyler, Texas 75701 In the heart of Tylers Azalea, Brick Streets and Charnwood Historic Districts Voice: (903) 597-6317 www.fpctyler.com church@fpctyler.com
43
Business
chamber report
Chamber rebrandS City FOr marKetinG purpOSeS
lower nurseries in Tyler produce 33 percent of all commercial rose bushes sold in the nation, which is why the city has long been known as the Rose Capital of the United States. But to further market itself to attract a diversity of industries, the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce recently embarked on a rebranding
campaign and came up with a new slogan: A Natural Beauty. ive been here more than 20 years and its the third rebranding the chamber has been through, to update ourselves and adjust to the times, says Henry Bell, chamber chief operating officer. We changed our logo a bit this time but still kept the rose icon,
since commercial roses have been and still are a vital component of our local economy. Bell says branding Tyler as a natural beauty can have a broad meaning, and the slogan could be attractive to a variety of industries and businesses looking to locate in a city that has a good quality of life. its a different marketing world out there, and this is one of many efforts the chamber has in place to help our community grow, Bell says. People in Tyler didnt want to give up the rose as our identity, so the chamber modified and tweaked the rose for our style guides and other publications. We feel that the upgraded logo and A Natural Beauty make us look more up-to-date and professional.
fax macHine to faceBooK

Bell adds that the chamber has also made an effort to embrace social media, to the point of hiring a communications specialist to develop that program. The chamber is using Twitter and youTube and posts a weekly newsletter every Friday at 10 a.m. We also have a Facebook page that has more than 1,650 likes, he says. When i first started at the Tyler Area chamber, we were happy when we bought a fax machine and nobody on our staff had a computer. Now were a friend to Facebook. Times change fast, and were trying to keep up. Kevin Litwin
44
tyLer
6039-TR12260M_TGB_Livability.indd 1
3/22/10 11:40:09 AM
economic profile
economic overview
Tyler is considered the advanced manufacturing, health care, educational and retail center of East Texas. Tyler offers companies a quality, centrally located, middle-market location with many of the advantages of a major market. Tyler is part of the Tyler mSA, which includes all of Smith County, Texas. east texas medical Center 3,725 employees brookshire Grocery Company 2,524 employees tyler independent School district 2,464 employees Wal-mart 1,711 employees
education
9%
associate degree
19.4%
bachelors degree
taxeS
The city of Tyler has the lowest property tax rate of all mid-size cities in Texas. Residents pay $0.2089 per $100 of assessed value.
the trane Co. 1,575 employees Suddenlink 1,197 employees ut health Center at tyler 849 employees tyler Junior College 786 employees Smith County 775 employees City of tyler 761 employees
9.6%
Graduate degree
economic reSourceS
tyler economic development Council 315 N. Broadway Ave. Tyler, Tx 75701 (903) 593-2004 www.tedc.org tyler area Chamber of Commerce 315 N. Broadway Ave. Tyler, Tx 75702 (903) 592-1661 (800) 235-5712 www.tylertexas.com texas engineering extension Service 301 Tarrow College Station, Tx 77840 (979) 458-6800 (877) 833-9638 www.teex.org
8.25%
Sales tax
income
$25,233
per Capita income
tranSportation
tyler transit System www.cityoftyler.org/Admin/ Tabs/tabid/104/default.aspx Service hours are Monday through Friday 6:00 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Night service is available with advanced scheduling. Tylers fixed route buses are also equipped with racks for bicycle transport. tyler pounds regional airport 700 Skyway Blvd. Tyler, Tx 75704 (903) 531-2343 www.cityoftyler.org/?Tabid=78 union pacific railroad (281) 350-7302 www.up.com
$48,199
worKforce
average annual household income
92.2%
employment rate
49,871
total Workforce
major employerS
trinity mother Frances 3,884 employees
induStrial SiteS
tyler industrial/business park www.tedc.org
45
See The City
Lake Tyler State Park Photo by Antony Boshier
46
tyLer
The Cascades Photo by Antony Boshier
47
See The City
Tyler Rose Museum Photo by Todd Bennett
48
tyLer
50
tyLer
Health & Wellness
TOdd BENNETT
from left: east texas medical Center; trinity mother Frances hospital
a host of healthy options

tyLer COnvenientLy meetS eaSt texaS heaLth-Care needS
yler is home to two full-service facilities that are also the top employers in the area, East Texas medical Center and Trinity mother Frances Hospital, as well as smaller health-care providers. As a result, East Texas residents can enjoy quality care close to home.
ANTONy BOSHiER
east texas medical center

ETmC has 454 beds and a Level i trauma center. The hospital has institutes dedicated to cancer, cardiovascular, neurological, orthopedic and urology, as well as a kidney transplant program and a behavioral health center. in the 1980s, ETmC began developing formal referring relationships with hospitals in other East Texas communities. ETmC now has 11 affiliate hospitals outside of Tyler. All told, the ETmC Regional Health Care System sees more than 300,000 patients a year.
explosion, that killed nearly 300 people and injured hundreds more, pressed the hospital into immediate action. Trinity currently has 404 beds and is a Level ii trauma center. in addition to centers focusing on cancer, heart disease and neurological disorders, Trinity offers a variety of specialized services, from sports medicine and reconstructive surgery to long-term care for the acutely ill.
Hospital quality in America study, and was ranked No. 1 in the state of Texas. The physician-owned hospital provides services focused on disease and injury affecting the spine and joints. Cary Estes
404
Number of beds at Trinity Mother Frances Hospital
university oF texas health science center at tyler

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler is a smaller facility (109 beds) with specialties in such areas as cystic fibrosis, sleep disorders, infectious diseases and rheumatology. Since 1977, the facility has been a component of the University of Texas System.
300,000
Number of patients seen by ETMC Regional Health Care System a year
1977
Year the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler became a component of the University of Texas System
trinity mother Frances hospital

Trinitys origins in Tyler date to 1937, when the Sisters of The Holy Family of Nazareth worked with city leaders and area physicians to bring a hospital to the community. The facility opened one day ahead of schedule when an
a leader in spine surgery

Tyler has one of the best hospitals in the nation when it comes to spine surgery. The Texas Spine and Joint Hospital ranked in the top 5 percent nationally in spine surgery from 2006 to 2009, according to the HealthGrades
1
Ranking of Texas Spine and Joint Hospital for spine surgery in the state
51
Arts & Culture
Whats online
Read more about Tylers, arts and culture scene at livability.com/tyler/tx.
ballet tyler; right: bonner-Whitaker-mcClendon house
more than Flower power

FLOWerS, muSeumS and mOre maKe tyLer a CuLturaL deStinatiOn
lowers may be the crown jewel in Tylers culture scene, but cultural opportunities extend far beyond the garden gates. The premier event for a city that touts itself as Americas Rose Capital is the Texas Rose Festival. The rose industry has long been an important part of Tylers economy (more than half of all rose bushes currently sold in the United States are grown or packaged in the area). Even during the Great depression, the city was known for its robust rose production. So in 1933, the Tyler Garden Club helped organize a festival to showcase the East Texas town where they said, Everything is coming up roses. it was originally known as the Tyler Rose Festival, but as its popularity expanded
and attracted visitors from throughout the state and beyond, the name was changed to the Texas Rose Festival. Thousands of people attend the four-day event, which includes art shows, floral displays and a flamboyant rose parade featuring the Rose queen and her court. There is also a queens Tea, held in an elaborate rose garden.
two-week run. Rounding out the flower power is the citys year-round attraction, the Tyler municipal Rose Garden. The 14-acre garden is the largest of its kind in the United States and contains numerous varieties of roses, some dating back to the mid-1800s.
museums and more

But there is much more to do in Tyler than just stop and smell the flowers. discovery Science Place is a hands-on science museum geared toward children and teens. Ballet Tyler holds dance performances and helps provide scholarship assistance to aspiring dancers. The East Texas Symphony Orchestra has been performing regularly since the 1950s and plays a series of
FloWer trails and rose gardens

A more subdued but just as colorful floral festival is the Azalea and Spring Flowers Trail, which has been held in Tyler every year since 1960. The two trails traverse through 8 miles of residential gardens and historic homes, attracting more than 100,000 visitors during the annual
52
tyLer
TOdd BENNETT
popular park concerts each year. The city has eight different museums, including the Historic Aviation memorial museum, the Tyler museum of Art and the Goodman-LeGrand House and museum, which was built in 1859 and was the first property in Tyler to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, the Bonner-WhitakermcClendon House was designated a Tyler Historic Landmark in 1984, followed by a place on the National Register of Historic Places. And for something slightly different, there is Texas True, a furniture and memorabilia store that sells only products made in Texas. its the perfect place to find that cowboy-theme dog bed. Feeling artsy? Stop by the main Street Gallery, an art gallery downtown that features a batch of local talent. Cary Estes
Sports & Recreation
adventure awaits
tyLerS reCreatiOn OptiOnS COnneCt reSidentS tO the OutdOOrS
n Tyler its easy to have fun outside. The city offers 26 parks, special events, dozens of playing fields, water recreation options and summer camps to keep residents in touch with the areas natural beauty. The organization SPORTyler ensures there are plenty of activities taking place at those fields and parks. SPORTyler was developed in 1990 to attract amateur sporting events to Tyler and promote recreation within the city. Under the direction of SPORTyler, the city has played host to national junior college sports championships in baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, golf and tennis. Tyler has held events such as the Texas State Open golf tournament, Texas Elite Baseball Tournament, NJCAA mens Tennis Championship and many more. The organization also sponsors luncheons to celebrate the start of each sports season.
tyler state park

For those who like their outdoor activities a bit more secluded, there is Tyler State Park, spread across nearly 1,000 acres just north of the city. The park has a 64-acre lake with a concrete boatlaunch ramp, a 13-mile mountain bike trail, an amphitheater, a dining hall with full kitchen and premium campsites.
parks, lakes and more

But one does not have to find a major state park to have outdoor fun in Tyler. Thats because the city has 26 smaller parks that comprise more than 1,000 acres of land, and feature playgrounds,
54
tyLer
ANTONy BOSHiER
athletic fields, walking trails and tennis courts. Frisbee golf courses are available at Lindsey Park and The University of Texas at Tyler. There also is an amphitheater in Bergfeld Park, which is the site of the annual Tyler Azalea Trail and the Texas Rose Festival arts and craft shows. And the list goes on. Lake Tyler is a popular fishing spot, while the Faulkner Park Nature Trail offers a 1.25-mile walk through oak and pine forests. in the summer, Faulkner Park and Tyler Fun Forest Park Pool also offer splash parks for those who want to cool off and play with water guns and sprayers. Golf courses are available for adults and a skateboard park for children and teens. in fact, if there is something to do outdoors, there is a good chance you can do it in Tyler.
summer camps
Tyler has numerous summer camps to help keep children active during their mid-year break from school. All Saints Episcopal School, offers more than 35 camps with programs ranging from traditional sports activities to Princess for a Week for young girls who like to dress up. Other popular summer camps in Tyler include Pine Cove Christian Camp, Sky Ranch and the Rockin C Ranch, which is set on a real working Texas ranch. A different type of camp can be found at Elite Gymnastics. Created by a former competitive gymnast, Elite Gymnastics attempts to improve selfconfidence and self-esteem in children while they learn new skills. Cary Estes
rockin c ranch
Room to relax Room to breathe A place to call
Home
Away From Home!
3303 Troup Hwy. Tyler, TX 75701 (903) 595-5188 www.residenceinntyler.com
55
Local Flavor
step up to the plate

menu itemS inCLude traditiOnaL diSheS, eurOpean CuiSine
hen you think about typical Texas fare, the things that usually come to mind are steaks and barbecue and Texmex. Such traditional Lone Star State food is readily available in Tyler but the city also ventures well beyond the state line with restaurants that specialize in French, italian, mediterranean and Latin cuisine.
fine-dining experience, yet still casual enough for live music on the patio. Sports fans will enjoy watching the game on one of the patios three 46-inch flat-screen Tvs, while those with the latenight munchies can order off the full menu until closing.
kiepersol estates Winery and B&B

One of the citys true food destinations is Kiepersol Estates, which is a combination restaurant, winery, and bed and breakfast. The business-casual restaurant features high-quality steaks and seafood. Tours of the winery and vineyard are available, and include a visit to the tasting room.
ricks on the square

Since 1992, one of the most popular restaurants in town has been Ricks On The Square. As the name suggests, Ricks is located in the heart of downtown Tyler. And it has found a place in the hearts of city residents by offering something for everybody in terms of food and atmosphere. On the plate, Ricks specializes in steaks (the chipotle rib eye is a local fave), seafood, wine and house-made desserts. menu items range from the basic burger to the exotic barbecued smokedshark tacos. As for the atmosphere, Ricks is upscale enough to resemble a
a true texas BBq Joint

Of course, it wouldnt be Texas without a good local barbecue joint, and Tylers is Stanleys Famous Pit Bar-B-q. Texas Monthly magazine has proclaimed Stanleys to be one of the 50 best barbecue restaurants in the state. Stanleys has been family-
villa montez serves Latin menu items such as camarones a la cazuela (top left) and shrimp enchiladas (bottom left).
56
tyLer
PHOTOS By ANTONy BOSHiER
Whats online
Read more about Tylers food scene at livability.com/tyler/tx. Click Food under Things To Do.
57
owned and operated since the 1950s. in addition to the standard pulled pork sandwich, the restaurant offers some interesting combinations such as the Brotherin-Law (grilled hot link, chopped beef and cheese) and the Big Swimmer (tilapia on a jalapeocheese sourdough bun, topped with guacamole).
mediterranean and mexican

For those who want to think outside the Texas box, Bernard mediterranean Restaurant brings tastes of italy and France to Tyler. This cozy eatery has such traditional Europeans dishes as escargot and lasagna Bolognese, as well as a selection of steaks to appease the local palate. French pastries can be found at Chez Bazan, which specializes in cakes, pies, cookies and breads. The restaurant also creates some extravagant wedding cakes. don Juans mexican Restaurant and Cantina has long been a Tyler staple. The dishes have more of a traditional mexican flavor rather than the Americanized version of mexican food. The tacos are particularly popular, especially on Wednesdays when they are sold for a dollar a piece. villa montez is a casual family dining restaurant that brings the best of Cocina Latina Latin kitchen. The menu features the freshest ingredients and the sauces are made daily in house, and there are more than 100 entrees, appetizers, sandwiches and wraps to choose from. Other Tyler favorites include The Potpourri House and its chicken crepes, villa montez for Latin food and Breakers for seafood. Cary Estes
Chez bazan serves Chicken Florentine crepes (top) as well as an assortment of baked goods (bottom).
59
Education
todd Bennett
Jenkins hall at tyler Junior College; right: university of texas at tyler
knowledge is in
tyLer OFFerS SOLid eduCatiOnaL OptiOnS FOr SeriOuS LearnerS
yler has some sizable choices when it comes to education. Educational opportunities include several options from the largest junior or community college in the state to the largest public school district in northeast Texas.
puBlic and private schools

On the public school level, the Tyler independent School district is the largest district in northeast Texas, encompassing 193 square miles with a total of 28 schools and an enrollment of approximately 18,000 students. in 2008, TiSd began using the 5E model of teaching: engage, explore, explain, elaborate and evaluate. The goal is for students to have more interaction during
the learning process, rather than simply writing down information and repeating it at test time. There is also the Oak Hill montessori School, Stepping Stone Pre-School and Elementary, C. Brown middle School and several church-affiliated and private schools in Tyler. They include All Saints Episcopal, Bishop Thomas K. Gorman Regional Catholic, Brook Hill School, Cumberland Academy, East Texas Christian Academy, Grace Community School, Good Shepherd Christian, Kings Academy and St. Gregory Cathedral School.
ut tyler
The states most expansive educational component is the
University of Texas System, and the city of Tyler has been part of it since 1979 when Texas Eastern University became the University of Texas at Tyler. Known locally as UT Tyler, the college has approximately 6,200 students and a 210-acre wooded campus located on Harvey Lake just southeast of downtown. UT Tyler offers more than 90 graduate and undergraduate degrees, with a specialty in nursing that includes a Ph.d. program. Other majors that attract a high level of interest include education, management, psychology and accounting. UT Tyler is also the home of the Texas Allergy, indoor Environment and Energy institute research center. The university opened a
60
tyLer
38,000-square-foot, three-story University Center in 2009, complete with restaurants, meeting rooms, a ballroom, an entertainment area and a convenience store. The schools R. don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center attracts more than 26,000 visitors annually for a variety of shows and performances.
offerings in allied health. TJC also offers advanced training in information systems, with concentrations in networking, programming and Web mastering.
historic texas college

The citys oldest school is Texas College, which was established in 1894 by a group of Christian methodist Episcopal Church ministers who wanted to provide higher education to African-Americans. Texas College remains affiliated with the CmE Church. Among the offerings at Texas College are 16 baccalaureate degree programs and two associate of arts degrees. There is also a special program for working adults that provides a bachelor of science degree in business administration. Cary Estes
texas Junior college

Since its inception in 1926, Texas Junior College has grown from having fewer than 200 students to todays enrollment of approximately 10,000, with another 15,000 taking continuing education courses at the school. TJC has approximately 230 fulltime faculty members, keeping the average class size close to 20 students. The school has more than 50 degree options, with a focus on pre-professional
antony BoSHier
Livingthe ground up. green starts from

Living green is making sure the air in your home is healthy for your family to breathe. Test your home for radon and build radon-resistant. It's easy. That's living healthy and green.
Just call 866-730-green or visit www.epa.gov/radon
62
tyLer
community profile
community overview
Tylers charming brick streets lead visitors to an array of family attractions, quaint antique shops and unique specialty stores. Special events throughout the year include the Texas Rose Festival, Azalea & Spring Flower Trail, Festival on the Square and movies Under the Stars in Bergfeld Park.
coSt of living
ethniCity:
$48,199
median household income
51%
White
$88,547
median home price
25%
black
$694
median rent for a two-bedroom apartment
21%
hispanic
tranSportation climate
Tylers climate is hot during the summer and cold during the winter. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is October, with an average rainfall of 5.14 inches.
3%
Other
18 minutes
median travel time to Work
numBerS to Know
Drivers License:
HouSeHold information
aGe:
94 F
July average high
34
median resident age
texas department of public Safety 4700 University Blvd. Tyler, Tx 75713 (903) 939-6014 www.txdps.state.tx.us Vehicle Registration: County of Smith: auto registration 1517 W. Front St. Tyler, Tx 75702 (903) 590-2900 www.smith-county.com/ government/electedofficials/ taxassessor/vehicleReg.aspx Utilities: tyler Water utilities P.O. Box 2039 Tyler, Tx 75710 (903) 531-1234 www.cityoftyler.org/ default.aspx?tabid=331
38 F
January average Low
25%
age 19 and under
44%
age 20-54
45
annual rain Fall (vs. national average annual rain Fall of 37)
31%
age 55 and Over maritaL StatuS:
time zone
Central
51%
married
Size in Square mileS
49.4
49%
Single
63
Where Inspiration Grows
10 Gardens
CHEYENNE BOTANIC GARDENS Cheyenne, WY JAPANESE GARDENS AT LAKE SACAJAWEA Longview, WA WATER GARDEN Fort Worth, TX TYLER MUNICIPAL ROSE GARDEN Tyler, TX CINNAMON CREEK TROPICAL BUTTERFLY GARDEN Boerne, TX UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIASANTA CRUZ ARBORETUM Santa Cruz, CA SWAN LAKE IRIS GARDENS Sumter, SC WICHITA GARDENS-BOTANICA Wichita, KS DANIEL STOWE BOTANICAL GARDEN Gastonia, NC CAPE FEAR BOTANICAL GARDEN Fayetteville, NC
Tyler made the list.
10 Gardens to Inspire
See more Top 10 lists at Livability.com.
Introducing the Livability.com Top 10 Lists New lists every month | Not your average lists | Not your average website
Voter Registration: Smith County Courthouse annex 200 E. Ferguson Ste. 500 Tyler, Tx 75702 (903) 590-4777 www.smith-county.com/ Government/departments/ Elections/Registration.aspx Recycling: tyler recycling Collection Center 418 N. Bois d Arc (903) 531-1388 www.cityoftyler.org/Admin/ Tabs/tabid/100/default.aspx tyler Solid Waste department 414 N. Bois d Arc Ave. Tyler, Texas 75702 (903) 531-1388 test.cityoftyler.org/ ?Tabid=100 The City of Tyler Solid Waste department offers subscription-based curbside recycling to residential customers. Residents can sign up for this optional program and receive two curbside recycling pickups per month for $2.50 plus tax per month. Telephone & Internet: at&t (800) 464-7928 Suddenlink (903) 595-4321 Cable: Suddenlink (903) 595-4321 northland Cable television (Flint area) (903) 894-8200 Library: tyler public Library 201 S. College Ave. Tyler, Tx 75702 (903) 593-7323 www.cityoftyler.org/ Library/Library/tabid/542/ default.aspx
advertisers
All Saints Episcopal School www.all-saints.org Altra Federal Credit Union www.altra.org Austin Bank www.austinbank.com Brookshires Grocery Company www.brookshires.com East Texas Symphony Orchestra www.etso.org Express Employment Professionals www.expresspros.com First Federal Bank Texas www.ffbtx.com First Presbyterian Church Tyler www.fpctyler.com Grays Home Fashion Gallery www.grayshfg.com Holiday Inn www.ichotelsgroup.com/ h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/tyrsb Kiepersol Enterprises www.kiepersol.com Residence Inn Marriott www.residenceinntyler.com Scott & White Health Plan www.swhp.org Sherwin-Williams www.sherwin-williams.com Southside Bank www.southside.com Swanns Furniture Gallery www.swanns.com Texas Bank & Trust www.texasbankandtrust.com Texas Spine & Joint Hospital www.tsjh.com The Hospice of East Texas www.hospiceofeasttexas.org The University of Texas Health Science Center www.uthct.edu Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals & Clinics www.tmfhc.org Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce www.tylertexas.com Tyler Independent School District www.tylerisd.org Tyler Junior College www.tjc.edu
visit our
65
Through the Lens
get the story Behind the photo

Now that youve experienced Tyler through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. visit throughthelensjci.com to view our exclusive photographers blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.
From our photo Blog: tyler

While i was shooting for Images Tyler i stopped in at the chamber of commerce. The building that houses the Tyler, Texas, chamber of commerce is a great example of art deco architecture. in front of the elevators is a wonderfully crafted wrought-iron bench; it is decidedly not art deco but somehow seems right at home in its surroundings. This bench is typical of the rugged functional art that is found throughout Texas.
POSTEd By ANTONy BOSHiER
more online
See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at throughthelensjci.com.
66
tyLer
Ad Index
61 All SAintS EpiScopAl School c3 AltrA FEdErAl crEdit Union 43 AUStin BAnk 58 BrookShirES GrocEry compAny 62 EASt tExAS Symphony orchEStrA 65 ExprESS EmploymEnt proFESSionAlS 22 FirSt FEdErAl BAnk tExAS 43 FirSt prESBytEriAn chUrch tylEr 40 GrAyS homE FAShion GAllEry 40 holidAy inn c4 kiEpErSol EntErpriSES 55 rESidEncE inn mArriott 50 Scott & WhitE hEAlth plAn 34 ShErWin-WilliAmS 7 SoUthSidE BAnk 5 SWAnnS FUrnitUrE GAllEry 10 tExAS BAnk & trUSt 62 tExAS SpinE & Joint hoSpitAl
Ad Index (cont.)
50 thE hoSpicE oF EASt tExAS 2 thE UnivErSity oF tExAS hEAlth SciEncE cEntEr
c2, 1 trinity mothEr FrAncES hoSpitAlS & clinicS 49 tylEr ArEA chAmBEr oF commErcE 53 tylEr indEpEndEnt School diStrict 4 tylEr JUnior collEGE

Images Tyler, TX: 2012

Transféré par

Informations du document

Copyright

Formats disponibles

Partager ce document

Partager ou intégrer le document

Options de partage

Avez-vous trouvé ce document utile ?

Ce contenu est-il inapproprié ?

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Images Tyler, TX: 2012

Transféré par

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

2012 | livaBility.

Secondary cvrlne large live it up

Secondary coverline Small

main coverline coming up roses goes Here

SponSored By tHe tyler area cHamBer of commerce

2012 edition | volume 7

fruitS of tHe vine

tHe croSSroadS of medicine

2012 edition | volume 7

on tHe cover Chamblees Rose Nursery Photo by Antony Boshier

please recycle this magazine

Whats online livability.com/tyler/tx

Secondary cvrlne large live it up

Secondary coverline Small

main coverline coming up roses goes Here

SponSored By tHe tyler area cHamBer of commerce

member Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce

Early Birds Star Gazing

Hear Them Roar

chinatown unplugged performs at ricks on the Square.

locally owned tyler SHopS offer fun and trendy findS

STORy By jeSSica mozo | PHOTOGRAPHy By antony BoSHier

mary vs by Shelby owner helping a customer

By the numbers By the numbers

left: morgan elizabeth rippy, queen of the 2011 rose Festival

Fruits of the vine

red and white wines are produced on a 60-acre estate.

STORy By melanie Hill | PHOTOGRAPHy By antony BoSHier

Tylers Largest Convention Hotel

tyler has a Southern charm to it and people are attracted to that.

First Presbyterian Church

Rooted in a compassionate faith

Contemplative Communion Wed. 5:30 p.m.

fax macHine to faceBooK

average annual household income

See The City

Lake Tyler State Park Photo by Antony Boshier

The Cascades Photo by Antony Boshier

See The City

Tyler Rose Museum Photo by Todd Bennett

Health & Wellness

a host of healthy options

east texas medical center

university oF texas health science center at tyler

trinity mother Frances hospital

a leader in spine surgery

Arts & Culture

more than Flower power

museums and more

FloWer trails and rose gardens

Sports & Recreation

tyler state park

parks, lakes and more

Room to relax Room to breathe A place to call

step up to the plate

kiepersol estates Winery and B&B

ricks on the square

a true texas BBq Joint

PHOTOS By ANTONy BOSHiER

PHOTOS By ANTONy BOSHiER

mediterranean and mexican

PHOTOS By ANTONy BOSHiER

Jenkins hall at tyler Junior College; right: university of texas at tyler

puBlic and private schools