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VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 WINTER 2012

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Cross TimbersTrails

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A TRAVELER’S GUIDE TO THE EIGHT COUNTIES OF THE CROSS TIMBERS AREA

Become a part of something larger — but uniquely your own. At Tarleton, you are more than a face in the crowd.

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classes are smaller so it gives you more one-on-one time so the teachers actually learn your name and learn who you are.”

SEAN GUINYARD Freshman kinesiology major and

future athletic trainer, from Fort Worth Quoted in the Abilene Reporter-News

www.tarleton.edu 2

A close up view of scented oils at Uncommon Scents.

Cover Photo by Jenny ClineArtist Jerry Toney’s personal

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favorite, the Nation’s chandelier. y y py y p

A three tiered light with a Native ,,

American scene and iron feathers gg

for hanging.Story on Page 12.

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COVER STORIES

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12

11

07A Horny Toad Walks Into a Bar…

A Working Artist Studio & Gallery

Native American Artist Brings Cowboy Culture to Light

Kitchenware on the Square

BOSQUE COUNTY

06 Local Residents “Flip” Clifton07 A Horny Toad Walks Into a Bar...

COMANCHE COUNTY

08 A “Penny” For Your ThoughtsEASTLAND COUNTY

09 A Piece of Eastland’s History RestoredSOMERVELL COUNTY

11 A Working Artist’s Studio & GalleryPALO PINTO COUNTY

12 Native American Artist Brings Cowboy Culture to Light

ERATH COUNTY

16 A Step Back in Time at Oak Dale17 Blast Into the Past

HAMILTON COUNTY

18 Hamilton Central Perk19 Hico Pecan Street Inn & Drink Shoppe19 Small Town Pop

HOOD COUNTY

20 Inland Getaway22 Miyako’s: A Gem of the City23 Kitchenware on the Square

WINTER 2012

photo by Briley Garrett

4

Jenny CLIne

r

Kiley Widmann

LauRe n Wright

HOUSTON HALLAD SALES

MEET THE STAFF

LODGING & EVENTS

LAURA PROCTERADVERTISING MANAGER

JENNY CLINECOPY EDITOR

RHYLAND PITTENGER

DESIGNER

MEGAN KRAMERDESIGNER

LAUREN WRIGHTPROMOTIONS DIRECTOR

FROMTHEEDITOR

Jenny CLI ne ny CLI ne

Briley GarRe ttBriley GarRe tt

Mone t GeRa ldMone t GeRa ld

Megan KRa me rMegan KRa me r

Jessica Leeessica Lee

LauRe n LI ghtLauRe n LI ght

Caleb McCaigleb McCaig

MeLI nda NewtonMeLI nda Newton

Brittany OwensBrittany Owens

TRe vor PeeleRevor Peele

Rhyland PittengerRhyland Pittenger

Kandace WillettKandace Willett

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Ashley ARa pis

Azia BRa nson

Dallas BuRC h

OLI via Cislo

Angela Dittman

Jaquelyn Driscoll

Becca Escobar

Jordan GarRa rd

Anastasia GRa y

victoria gRe er

George Houston Hall

Ashton Hamilton

Josh Harville

Haley Kno x

Mark Mallory

Kate Murphy

Ra chel Peoples

Ke auno PeRe z

Hillari Ra emsch

Ke lley Rumsey

LI nsey SandeRS

Dawelo SeaRS

Jessica Sherman

Jordan Simo ns

Cassie StaFF ord

Alexis ViRa y-Edwards

Marissa Westbrook

Kayla Fritz

Cross Timbers Trails is published by Tarleton

State UniversityDepartment of Communication

StudiesBox T- 0230

Stephenville, Texas76402

254-968-9132crosstimberstrails@gmail.comwww.crosstimberstrails.com

Welcome to the second issue of the Cross Timbers Trails magazine! Inside this edition you will find hidden treasures including eateries, unique shopping places, and new places to visit while you are here in our part of Texas. The Cross Timbers region consists of eight counties: Bosque, Comanche, Eastland, Erath, Hamilton, Hood, Palo Pinto, and Somervell. Inside this publication you will find yourself taking a trip through all the counties and finding the well-kept secrets that are hidden in them. I challenge you to explore what the Cross Timbers has to offer and

let yourself be a part of what each county keeps close to its heart. A native of Montana, I keep learning new things about Texas and the Cross Timbers every day even after living here for the past four years. The Cross Timbers is a warm place that feels like home. All of the counties are full of local business and events for those of all ages and who are from areas near and far. You can find more stories, as well as our past issue, online at www.crosstimberstrails.com. Like Cross Timbers Trails on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @CTTMagazine12.

STAFF WRITERS

5

Fiddle CreekSteak House

Family atmosphere, great home cooked food, and wonderful service are just a few things which set Fiddle Creek Steakhouse apart from the rest.

I remember my first visit to Fiddle Creek like it was yesterday. Upon entering we were greeted in a rustic western style entry way by their hostess. Straight ahead through the saloon style doors sits the bar area. To the left is the dining room.

We were seated at a large table big enough for the whole family, whcih is difficult to find in a small town. Old pictures and brands from locals serve as decoration in the resturant. It was so cool to ask servers questions about the various brands and see all the old pictures.

Our food was DELICIOUS!! The rich fla-vors in the steak and crispness in the salad made for a very happy family. Fried pickles are a must with my family and Fiddle Creek’s are to die for! Full of flavor and made fresh when you order.

My family has been going to Fiddle Creek for years. From large celebrations and family get togethers to small date nights with my hus-band, Fiddle Creek is able to accomodate. Each time offering the same great service and deli-cious food. This is what keeps customers coming back day after day.

Sincerely,Sarah Smith

Fiddle Creek is open Tuesday-Thursday 11am- 9pm; Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm; and Sundays 11am-9pm. They can be reached at (254)968-7500.

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bosque county

LOCAL RESIDENTS “FLIP”

CLIFTON

areas of the original brick walls exposed, and the beaded ceiling, bead board walls, and pine floors of the Inn’s hallway are original. Gamble and Slaughter hope the preservation of the building’s history will have a positive effect on business. “We think historical buildings can be enjoyable and educational, especially in communities like Clifton. Most residents remember these buildings from their childhood. Now they are enjoying [them] with their children and grandchildren,” Gamble said. Back in the 1900s the second floor of the Brooks Building served various uses, including boarding house, hotel, and apartments, so naturally the Screen Door Inn’s seven rooms are all on this floor. Each room carries its own name and unique decor, which Gamble and Slaughter drew from the surrounding community. “We believe Bosque County is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and so are its people,” Gamble said. Consequently, they named one room Bosque, and another Jennie’s Garden, after Jennie Gilliam, Bosque County’s oldest living resident. Breakfast is served in the cafe, Somethin’s Brewing, on the bottom floor. This specific area of the building was formerly the Corner Pharmacy, and the cafe has preserved many of its historic features, such as the soda fountain, Italian marble bar, bar stools and stained glass bar back. Gamble and Slaughter’s renovation work benefits the Clifton community and also gives satisfaction to the “flip”-ers themselves. “Both projects have allowed us to meet and get to know almost every person in the county, from age 2 to 92,” Gamble said. “We learned to appreciate and admire the skill and expertise that it takes to make a building or, in some cases, put them back together.” As for future flips, the women do not have any specific ideas. Gamble said, “We do not have plans for other restoration projects; however, we didn’t plan to do the Screen Door Inn either … so never say never.”

The Screen Door Inn bed and breakfast is located at 110 N. Avenue D in Clifton. To make a reservation or learn more you can call them at 254-675-STAY or visit them online at http://screendoorinn.com/

photo by Megan Kramer

BY MEGAN KRAMER

A

sports, Gamble and Slaughter’s relationship evolved from friends to business partners when they realized they also shared a love for small, rural communities like Clifton. This love took on a physical shape when they began their first building restoration, the CLIFTEX Theatre. “We simply were trying to do something positive for Clifton … and wanted to make sure communities like Clifton were here for future generations,” Gamble said. The CLIFTEX is Texas’ oldest running movie theatre, boasting quite a colorful history of its own. It was there that Gamble and Slaughter found their next project— the Brooks Building, located right across the street. The Brooks Building was destroyed in a fire in 1906 and immediately rebuilt, the second floor serving various uses for roughly five decades. Then business died away and the building sat empty, quietly falling apart. “We were literally watching it deteriorate right before our eyes and often said, ‘I wish somebody would buy that building and do something with it.’ Turned out that ‘somebody’ was us,” Gamble said. With the help of local contractors and other service providers, Gamble and Slaughter began a nine-month restoration project that resulted in the grand opening of the Screen Door Inn in February of this year.

Both Gamble and Slaughter wanted to preserve the historic charm of the building while simultaneously creating a comfortable, modern atmosphere for guests of the Screen Door Inn. They achieved this by keeping select features of the original building and combining them with modern amenities. For example, the Inn gets its name from the screen doors that once provided air circulation throughout the building. The building now has air conditioning, but the screen doors were preserved and hang on all room doors. They also left some

A lot must be considered when it comes to making business decisions. Some people give most thought to money, while others think about their own fulfillment in the long run. Sometimes, though, business ventures are not decisions at all, but the product of a deep sense of community and social responsibility. Just ask Phyllis Gamble and Mechelle Slaughter, the “flip”-ers of Clifton.

In the most basic sense, to “flip” a property means to renovate it. Many people flip property to quickly resell it and make a profit, but Gamble and Slaughter were not looking for a profit. Instead, their renovation ideas stem from the simple desire to do good things for Clifton. Their most recent project, the Screen Door Inn, exemplifies their beliefs. Sharing a mutual enthusiasm for Baylor

“WE BELIEVE BOSQUE COUNTY IS ONE OF THE MOST

BEAUTIFUL PLACES ON EARTH, AND SO ARE

ITS PEOPLE.”

g PHYLLIS GAMBLE h

Norwegian Country Tour of HomesClifton Chamber of Commerce

CliftonDecember 1

The Arts of Christmas at Bosque

Arts CenterBosque Arts Center

December 1Open House at Meyer Observatory

Meyer ObservatoryDecember 8

A Very Bosque ChristmasCivic Music Association

December 14

Lutefi sk Supper Cranfi lls Gap Lions’ Booster Club

December 1Christmas Parade City of Valley Mills

December 8Clifton Chamber of Commerce

Annual BanquetChamber of Commerce

February 23Clifton Arts Association Fest

Clifton Arts AssociationMay 11-12

Bosque Tour de NorwayClifton Chamber of Commerce

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7bosque county

photo by Rhyland Pittenger

A HORNY TOAD WALKS INTO A BAR...

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out the door. Cranfills Gap is mostly unknown, even to surrounding towns, yet most of the Horny Toad’s business surprisingly comes from cities like Fort Worth, Denton, and Waco. “I’d say about 90 percent come from the metroplex,” owner Owen Carlson admitted. Carlson reports that bikers “come passing through” and stop for lunch on their way to wherever they are going. Besides these and locals, the Horny Toad can expect Norwegian travelers to drop in on occasion. That’s right; people come all the way from Norway to enjoy the tiny town and its thriving bar. According to Mayor Russell Algren, also a Toad regular, Norwegians first settled this area. Now there are three families who vacation in Cranfills Gap about twice a year and stay for two to three months at a time. The “Gap,” as the town is nicknamed, takes pride in this fact, and playfully argues that it is the “Norway capital of Texas,” despite Clifton’s official claim. So, what is it that lures about 40,000 travelers a year to the Horny Toad Bar and Grill? “You can’t beat the friendliness,”

Algren said. He should know, since he frequents the bar every Wednesday night with about 100 other locals, and also for any event or band it hosts. Sandi Carlson, who co-owns and works at the bar with her husband, could not agree more. During an interview, she remembered an elderly woman of about 82 who would come in after church on Sundays and talk with every biker who stopped in. “It doesn’t matter—everybody gets along with everybody.” Another reason the Horny Toad is so popular could be because of the fact that it is the only bar nearby. Mix that with the family-friendly atmosphere and a bar full of the favorites, and you have Party Central. But the bar offers more than just a great atmosphere and drinks. The Carlsons welcome bands every second Saturday of the month and karaoke enthusiasts every fourth Saturday. Alongside the monthly events, the bar invites everyone out for local celebrations like Septemberfest, Baconfest, and any other fest they can think to host. The Carlsons also provide famous burgers, which were listed in the magazine, Bite of Wisdom, not only for their odd names, but for their juicy beef and fresh sourdough jalapeño cheese bun. Other favorites include beer-battered onion rings, jalapeño cheddar poppers, and chicken quesadillas. Since the bar’s opening in 2006, the Carlsons and their family have opened it up to the community as more than just a bar. It is associated with Niki Covers the Cold, a fundraiser dedicated to collecting blankets, jackets and other basic necessities for the colder months and distributing them to children in need. For more information about the fundraiser and the story behind it, you can visit NikiCoverstheCold.com. The Horny Toad also has its own website at www.hornytoadbar.com, as well as a Facebook page. It’s just a bar—with billiards, drinks and food, a jukebox and dim lighting. But it’s the Horny Toad, a place for any group of people to gather for any occasion. It’s a small-town refuge for bikers and city slickers who grow weary of bright lights and tall buildings. It’s a story in itself, inviting characters from all walks of life to add to the plot.

Upon entering Cranfi lls Gap is the welcome sign “if no one’s home, we’re in Vegas.” In 2008 many residents won a free trip to Vegas bringing the small town to the big city. They also welcome the big city to their small town at the Horny Toad Bar and Grill.

BY RHYLAND PITTENGER

In 2008, nearly half the residents of Cranfills Gap received a free trip to Las Vegas as part of a marketing campaign. The publicity stunt emphasized bringing small towns to the big city for a luxurious getaway. However, Cranfills Gap has something that brings city slickers to its small town for a different kind of getaway—the Horny Toad Bar and Grill. If you’ve ever been to a bar and grill, you know what to expect: a bar, billiards, maybe a jukebox, dim lighting, etc. And if you’ve ever been to the Horny Toad in Cranfills Gap, that’s exactly what you would find. What you wouldn’t expect to find is 100-plus people hanging out at this one bar of a 281-resident town, with bikes lining the street and a line winding

Clifton Inn923 North Avenue G,

Clifton254-675-3333

Best Western VelkommenHotel

1215 N Avenue G, Clifton

254-675-8999Circle Motel

9307 Texas 6, Meridian

254-435-2851

Lakeside Village MarinaMotel

265 FM 927, Morgan254-775-4444

Cliffview Resort180 County Road 1802, Clifton

254-622-8897Lakehaven Bed & Breakfast

321 County Road 1630, Clifton254-622-3449

Dahl House ResidenceBed & Breakfast

410 Avenue M. Clifton214-368-1625

LODGING EVENTS

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A “PENNY” FOR YOUR THOUGHTS

Why are coins left on graves? In Greek mythology, it is so the deceased can pay Charon, the boatman of the Underworld, for passage to the other side of the river Styx. Some believe it will bring good luck, or just want to leave a piece of themselves as a marker for their passage and esteem for the departed. There does not seem to be one definitive answer. However, when it comes to the solitary grave just near Sipe Springs in Comanche County, one reason seems to fit: that the deceased is well loved and respected, and has not been abandoned or forgotten.

coins, namely pennies, which seems to be how the grave got its nickname as the “Penny Grave.” The objects and coins are gifts left by residents of Sipe Springs and people just passing through. Not much is known about the child buried there, but many stories surround her. According to Texas Places and Faces, the area legend is that “the little girl and her family were traveling west with a wagon train. The child supposedly fell off the back of the wagon and died from head injuries. Her grief stricken family – miles from home – felt they had no choice but to bury the child there.” Texas Parks and Wildlife says the community has always heard that “it is a 3-year-old girl who died of sickness in 1870 (or thereabouts) while her family was traveling west in a covered wagon. Before the family moved on, they buried their daughter by the side of the road.” Even Tom Alford, the Sipe Springs cemetery caretaker, could only offer that the girl died while traveling and later on the county road ended up a few feet from where she was buried. “There’s just not much information about that little grave,” Alford said. With most of the town gone, it seems there may always be mystery surrounding “Penny.” She is not listed in any of the volumes of Comanche County Gravestone Inscriptions, which the Comanche Public Library’s own Margaret Waring wrote and compiled with her son, Samuel J.C. Waring, nor does there seem to be information about her in any other piece of the library’s collection that mentions Sipe Springs. No one ever moved the grave to the cemetery, even though the land was donated in 1873. “The county maintains the grave because it’s on a county road, not in a designated area,” Alford said. “When they come to maintain the road, they care for the grave, picking out the dead flowers and such.” Residents of Sipe Springs may have tended the grave at one point, but Alford says there’s nothing left of the town anymore. Even still, the people of Comanche County haven’t given up on “One of the Prettiest Inland Towns in Texas.” Ask Waring about Sipe Springs, and she’s ready with a county map and advice on the route with the best view. Whether you just like to travel or you would like to visit “Penny” and leave her a gift, if you’ve never been to Sipe Springs Waring says simply, “Well then you must go.”photo by Megan Kramer

America’s Best Value Inn508 W Central Ave, Comanche

325-356-5267

De Leon Inn408 W Navarro Street, De Leon

254-893-2037

Country Comfort Inn900 W Central Ave, Comanche

325-256-3545

Whispering Oaks Lodge124 Arrowhead, Comanche

254-893-2064

Comanche County RV Park4574 Farm to Market Road

2318, Comanche254-893-7040

Country ChristmasDe Leon Chamber of

CommerceDecember 7

Cora’s ChristmasComanche Chamber of

CommerceDecember 7-9

Santa Shuffl e 5KComanche Chamber of

CommerceDecember 8

Wine DinnerBrennan Vineyards

December 14

LODGING EVENTS

The “Penny Grave” in Sipe Springs is located on County Road 185, just off of FM 1477. Many people have left gifts on the grave, including coins, dolls, stuffed animals, assorted toys, and ceramics.

BY MEGAN KRAMER

Sipe Springs (pronounced “seep”) is located at the intersection of Farm roads 1477 and 587 in northwestern Comanche County. The town was settled in 1873, and once held a booming oil economy and population. Unfortunately, the oil fields proved shallow and the town slowly declined to around 25 people, a cemetery, volunteer fire department, a masonic lodge and the small grave on County Road 185. The grave is hard to miss; its perimeter is lined with stones and is covered by flowers, toys, dolls, stuffed animals, an American flag and dozens of other random objects. The foot of the grave is marked by a granite stone, etched with the words “Little girl, Age 3, Name Unknown, Died 1870, Moving West,” and an older hand-carved stone asking, “Who is this Little Girl? Age 3, 1870s.” There are two other markers at the top, each just as vague and twice as worn. The markers are dotted with

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The Way Things Were: Texas Settlers and Their

Building 1860-1930sEastland County

MuseumHumanities Texas Exhibit

January 3Signers of the

Texas Declaration of Independence

114 S Seaman St, Eastland,

Museum and Art EventsMarch 1 – March 30

The Dust Bowl114 S Seaman St,

EastlandMuseum and Art Events

May 2 – May 25The Blessings Of Liberty:

The U.S. Constitution114 S Seaman St,

EastlandMuseum and Art Events

July 5 – July 27

The Ray Price ShowLeaon River Cowboy

Church on South Service Road in Olden

November 17 7:00pmOne Starry Night

309 W. Main Street, Eastland

December 1 5:00pmChamber Mixer

209 W. Main St. Eastland Connellee Hotel

December 3 5:00pm

eastland county

photo by Lauren Wright

A PIECE OF EASTLAND’S HISTORY IS RESTORED

T The original checkerboard flooring and reception desk are just two possessions that make the Connellee a beautiful place. From the grand piano on the left to, the old telephone booths, the Connellee has a lot of history to tell visitors. “If only walls could talk the stories we would hear,” said Debbie Wharton, the executive director of the Connellee Hotel and Civic Center.

closed in the ‘70s. The Connellee closed down due to the building of Interstate 20, which re-routed traffic, and the building needed to be updated. Mabel Grimes Bradley attended her senior prom at the Connellee in 1953 and wanted to have her 50th class reunion at the hotel. In 2004, Bradley and her husband, Bill, started the Eastland Community Foundation to begin the renovations of the ballroom on the eighth floor, the east and west rooms, and the lobby. They also added an outdoor garden, in memory of her grandparents, called the Grimes Memorial Garden. The renovations of the Connellee were completed just in time for Bradley’s 50th class reunion. “Eastland was blessed with the renovations of the Connellee,” Wharton said. The Eastland Community Foundation has a 50-year lease on the Connellee so it can oversee the day-to-day operations and renovations of the building. The Connellee, which stands eight floors tall, is the tallest building in Eastland according to the Eastland Foundation website. “The Connellee is a piece of

Eastland’s history,” Wharton said. “I love hearing stories from the visitors about how they used to come to the hotel and could hear music flowing from the ballrooms.” The Connellee now is used for many

different purposes. The first floor has a

historical lobby, caterer’s kitchen, and the East and West rooms are used for showers, luncheons, and small business meetings. The Eastland Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau are also located on the first floor. The seventh floor is occupied by the Connellee Dispute Resolution Center, which utilizes the space for mediations, depositions, and small business meetings. The eighth-floor ballroom hosts receptions, proms, banquets, private parties and business conferences. Floors 2-6 are a work in progress for future use.

The entrance to the Connellee Hotel with original checkerboard fl ooring and lobby desk. The hotel is located at 209 W. Main St., Eastland.

Eastland Bed & Breakfast Hotel

112 N Lamar St, Eastland 254-629-8397

Econo Lodge Eastland 2001 I-20 West, Eastland

254-629-3324Days Inn

2501 E I-20, Eastland254-629-2655

Holiday Inn Express 1460 E. Main St., Eastland

254-629-8071

La Quinta Inn & Suites 10150 I-20, Eastland

254-629-1414Eastland Hotel

112 N. Lamar, Eastland 254-629-8397

Budget Host Inn 2001 I-20, Eastland

254-629-3324Super 8 Motel

3900 I 20 E, Eastland254-629-3336

LODGING EVENTS

BY LAUREN WRIGHT

Charles Ulrich Connellee, one of the three founding fathers of Eastland, had a dream of starting his own hotel. He also saw the need for a hotel because the town of Eastland, was bustling during the oil boom. Highway 80 was the main road that went through downtown Eastland, which made the town a hot spot. Connellee’s dream came true in 1928 when he opened the Connellee Hotel. On a plaque in the hotel, Connellee was quoted saying, “This is the proudest moment of my life, it is my dream come true!” When the Connellee opened, it was a 100-room hotel, and each room had its own bathroom, which was unheard of at the time. On the first floor, there was a restaurant that served free coffee until the hotel was

“IF ONLY WALLS COULD TALK THE

STORIES WE WOULD HEAR.”

g DEBBIE WHARTON h

Stephenville, Texas (254) 918-0322

Suite #1

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FULL SERVICE SALON

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Located at:

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Phone:

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www.1stimpressions

fullservicesalon.com

•Facial waxing

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•Chemical straightening

•Deep conditioning hair repair

treatments

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occasion hairstyles

Walk-Ins Welcome!

Men, women & children

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11somervell county

all photos by Jessica Lee

S Stepping into A Working Artist Studio & Gallery in the historical part of Glen Rose, you cannot help but feel an immediate sense of comfort. The walls are decorated with various pieces of artwork that burst with color and stuffed contentedly in the corners of the studio are both finished and unfinished projects by people of the community. “I do everything I can think of to provide art programs for the community,”

being known as a “one-stop studio for everyone’s creative needs” in the

Stephenville Empire-Tribune, Fonseca says that because

she has a portrait artist and a graphic artist working under her, all of their different artistic backgrounds cover all forms of art, which results in this artistic dream team being able to complete any art project presented to

them. An example of this is the “Greetings from Glen

Rose, Texas” mural painted on the side of the Glen Rose Auto Parts building. “I’m real ambitious and creative,” says Fonseca as she gets up from the table to show me more finished projects inside the studio. As she shows me a picture of a saw blade that one customer brought in with hopes of the local artist being able to turn it into a masterpiece, in which she succeeded, Fonseca claims that over the years she has had experience painting on various surfaces. “The problem with being an artist is keeping yourself reeled in…focusing on one thing at a time that I could paint or make a masterpiece.” Besides the fact that she grew

up in Glen Rose, Fonseca says that she returned because she wanted to raise her youngest of three daughters in a town that strongly supports its children. “Happiness and having a peaceful heart is enough for me,” says Fonseca as she smiles at me from across the table. “I’m an artist, and I’ve always been an artist.”

Owner Tonya Fonseca stands in front of her art studio at 111 Elm St., Glen Rose.

Inside the studio are work stations and artwork displayed.

America’s Best Value Inn & Suites

1614 NE Big Bend Trail, Glen Rose

254-897-2111

Bussey’s Something Special 202 Hereford St.,

Glen Rose 254-897-4843

The Lodge at Fossil Rim1789 County Road 2009,

Glen Rose 254-897-2960

Riverside Cottages 1140 County Road 315,

Glen Rose 254-485-5300

Rough Creek Lodge 5165 County Road 2013,

Glen Rose254-897-3700

LODGING

BY JESSICA LEE

says the owner of the studio, Tonya Fonseca, as she sits comfortably in front of me removing her glasses. A native from Glen Rose, Fonseca left the all-too-familiar town at the age of 18 and spent many years traveling around the United States. With a dream of being an interior designer, and after obtaining an associates degree in art from Northeast Alabama Community College, she eventually became an interior designer and art teacher in Sealy, Texas. Fonseca says that in ASAP (After School Art Program), she taught an average of 80 students per week, and because of this the program was a huge success. “I watched those kids grow up.” Once back in Glen Rose, Fonseca opened the Green Pickle, which was an art studio that turned into a beer garden. After selling the Green Pickle, she opened A Working Artist Studio & Gallery. A building that was once a feed store, it has a loading dock and no running water, but Fonseca is looking to have that fixed by December. Even though the building only has the space to accommodate 12 people comfortably, the local artist says that she has no problem getting business or scheduling classes. “It’s art entertainment, is what it is,” says Fonseca, referring to the classes she offers at the studio. These classes include painting your own pottery, ceramics, $5 ornament painting during the Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays, two hour private painting classes with step-by-step instructions where you can bring your own alcoholic beverage, and a summer art program for kids that takes place every Thursday throughout the months of June and July. When asked about her studio

“HAPPINESS AND HAVING A

PEACEFUL HEART IS ENOUGH FOR ME.”

g TANYA FONESCA h

Dinosaur Valley Jackpot Show (20th annual)

Glen RoseDecember 8

Spartan RaceRough Creek Lodge and

ResortGlen Rose

December 9

Brother-In-Laws RopingKirby Hill and Jason

BottomsSomervell County Expo

Center, Glen Rose

December 28-30

Nolan River Kennel Club Dog Show

Somevell County Expo Center,

Glen RoseJanuary 4-6

Paluxy River Spring Bluegrass Festival

Oakdale ParkGlen RoseApril 4-6

Lone Star State Dulcimer Festival

Oakdale Park Glen RoseMay 10-12

EVENTS

A WORKING ARTIST

STUDIO & GALLERY

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UNATIVE AMERICAN

ARTIST BRINGS

COWBOY CULTURE TO LIGHT

Upon meeting Jerry Toney, one may be surprised to learn that this green-eyed, Native American, tattooed, self-confessed former biker is, at the heart of hearts, not only an artist, but a cowboy artist. The master tool and die maker and four-time patented inventor found his calling as owner and lighting designer for Cherokee Ironworks. Toney accidentally became a chandelier artist when he and wife, Verla Toney, were searching

for a rustic chandelier to beautify their home. They failed to find one they felt conveyed the warmth and distinction of the true western spirit.

Verla suggested Toney build one; after all, he had the skills. Toney grudgingly accepted the challenge. After 10 or so attempts, Toney established a geometric formula that he credits for the balance in his lighting. “Eye candy is geometrically correct. If the geometry is not there, then the light is not right,” he said. Unaware that the balance

and symmetry that are so well-incorporated into the design are

integral to its appeal, one may be summarily overwhelmed with the flawless flow and artistry of the piece and is likely to presume it just happened effortlessly. The Cherokee Ironworks showroom is a splendid presentation of Toney’s work, and bathes entering seekers of light in a soft, diffused, golden glow, reminiscent of the lamp lit days of the Old West. Toney said his intention was to “make the object the light and not the light the object.” He accomplished this by developing a special adhesive, which he patented, to join Lexan plastic with muslin in a canvas that softly illuminates and backlights the sculptural features of each fixture. The showroom exhibits everything from light plate covers and simple, singular sconces to monumental chandeliers that illustrate cowboy life and even movie scenes, such as the 3:10 to Yuma chandelier. Every fixture is gracefully irradiated with a silhouette-like figure or scene that is emblematic to western culture. While every piece he designs is demonstrative of his passion for cowboy culture, one in particular holds an exceptional connection for him. “The Nations chandelier… that’s Jerry’s favorite; that’s my piece. That to me is the balance of Indian art,” Verla said.

all photos by Jenny Cline

Days Inn & Suites Mineral Wells

107 Washington Road, Mineral Wells940-468-2727

The Lodge on Lake Palo Pinto

North Lakeview Drive, Palo Pinto

940-769-2600

Silk Stocking Row Bed & Breakfast

415 Northwest 4th St., Mineral Wells940-325-4101

Knights Inn4103 Hwy 180 E.,

Mineral Wells940-325-6956

Best Western Club House Inn & Suites4410 Hwy 180 E.,

Mineral Wells940-325-2270

Coffee Creek RV Resort and Cabins

13429 S. Hwy 281, Santo

940-769-2277

Hillbilly Haven Campground and RV

Park1081 West I-20, Millsap

817-341-4009

Texas Star RV Resort and Bluebonnet Hall4586 South Hwy 281,

Mineral Wells940-325-0123

The Cliffs Resort160 Cliffs Drive, Graford

940-779-4555

Boyce Ditto Public Library’s Preschool

Story TimeMineral Wells Chamber

of Commerce, Mineral Wells

Every Wednesday

Frontier Christmas Palo Pinto

December 13

Old Jail MuseumMineral Wells Chamber

of Commerce Mineral Wells

Every Thursday through Sunday

Possum Kingdom Children’s Christmas

with Santa ClausPossum Kingdom

Chamber of CommerceDecember 8

LODGING

Artist Jerry Toney poses at Cherokee Iron Works located at 201 W. Hubbard (Hwy 180 W). For more information contact by phone 940-325-4300, fax 940-325-4326 or e-mail at info@cherokeeironworks.com. Cherokee Iron Works is open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is closed on Sunday.

BY JENNY CLINE

EVENTS

13palo pinto county

This stunning fixture is aglow with Native American symbolism and suspended by iron feathers for hanging. Although he relates deeply to his Cherokee roots, Toney said,

“I am a better cowboy artist than I am an Indian artist.” This particular creation challenges that statement. Toney said he gets his inspiration from people’s hearts. “I think that it’s an honor to have someone buy even a small piece, a candleholder, anything that I’ve built with my hands; they’re going to take that and honor me by putting that in their house.” Toney also creates custom lighting, consulting extensively with clients in order to bring their vision to light. “The thing I enjoy the most is the communication with the customers. I like building the lights after they tell me what they want; but, to communicate and build something that somebody asked for and them go ‘that’s what I ordered.’ It’s more fulfilling to communicate with people than it is just to build something out of metal.” His art is meaningful in that it “makes your house happy,” as Toney describes, and also in a broader scope of preserving a part of an historic, rich, American culture. His passion and artistic contributions were recognized in 2003 when he was awarded the Western Way award by the Western Music Association, an award presented to people who keep the western way of life alive, which he proudly displays on the wall behind the counter. A man of many talents, Toney not only has four U.S. patents, but he also converts bicycles to motor bikes. He purchases the bicycles

Toney’s fi rst bike-to-motorbike conversion.

The guitar light captures the country music spirit inspired by cowboy culture.

from a company in New York and the motors come from Harley-Davidson. Toney designs and builds the sheet metal and casings for the adaptation and builds both single cylinders

and V-twins. His first endeavor at this conversion cost him close to $30,000 and is not for sale. However, he has perfected the modification process and has recently begun to build bikes to order starting at

around $2,500. These retro curiosities will drive up to 40 mph and are very much an artistic yet functional amusement, a nostalgic reflection of times-gone-by. Such imagery cannot be achieved without understanding the mathematical and technical processes required to actualize an artistic vision, and Toney’s years of experience as a master tool and die maker, inventor and businessman have given him such skills. His creative vision and artistic spirit, however, are deeply rooted in a passion for

beauty and a way of life that can only be gained by an open-hearted approach to experiencing life and truly living it.

14

Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites

121 Lockhart Street, Stephenville

1-800-315-2621

Hampton Inn & Suites 910 South Harbin Drive,

Stephenville 254-918-5400

Econo Lodge2925 West Washington,

Stephenville 254-965-7162

September Song Bed Breakfast

615 North Clinton Street,

Stephenville 254-965-6104

Hoof Prints Ranch1495 U.S. 281,

Stephenville254-968-4393

ChambermixGoin Nuts

December 6

Chicken House Flea Market

8080 US 377 DublinDecember 8-9

Holly Jolly Christmas Stephenville Chamber

of CommerceDecember 11

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”

The Cross Timbers Area Community Theatre

December 18

Kyle Park NYE BlowoutThe City Limits December 29

Artist Exhibit Featuring Rick Kime Opens

Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council

River North GalleryJanuary 5

Artist Reception and Exhibit, Rick Kime

Cross Timbers Fine Arts Council

River North GalleryJanuary 10

Annual Chamber Banquet & Auction

City Hall at City LimitsFebruary 22

Artist Exhibit Featuring Grant Reid ClosesCross Timbers Fine

Arts Council River North Gallery

February 23

Theatre at Tarleton Presents “Chicago the

Musical”Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center, Tarleton State

UniversityFebruary 27 – 28

Parent’s Night Out at In-Zone March 8

LODGING EVENTS

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all photos by Briley Garrett

UNCOMMONSCENTS MAKES

SENSE

R Rocking your signature scent is not so impossible after all. Uncommon Scents, a business located in Stephenville, has made it possible with more than 280 scents, and an endless amount of scent combinations. So, how to get started? The process begins at the scent bar. There are actually two scent bars, each containing the same scents labeled and categorized into individual tubes. The scents are categorized by flower, fresh, earthy, wine, candy, kitchen, tropical, fruit, zodiac signs, designer, and essential oils. Begin with selecting a scent you “love” and center the fragrance around it. If there is not a particular scent in mind, start sniffing until something strikes your fancy. Play around with the different scent combinations and mixtures. Put a drop of each scent on your wrist, at least an inch apart, so the scents can stay as pure as possible, then mix together using your finger, add more if desired. So how much is too much? Employee Erin Terpstra said “nothing is too little or too much.” It’s all about personal preferences -- some will make their fragrance using two or three and others could use up to five or six. There is no limit to the number of scents you can incorporate. Once the scent or scents have been selected, decide which products to infuse. They have anything and about everything ranging from their homemade sea salt

scrub ($8-20) to a fun and colorful ornamental car freshener ($4.95). After the basics, turn it over to the experts to help mix up that special blend. They begin their process by putting an unscented version of the product into the desired size container, and infusing the product using little drops of each scent. Terpstra said she does not stop mixing until it is exactly how the costumer envisioned it. The last step, which pulls everything into one, is the naming process. It is important to find a name that properly defines that particular scent. Once the name is set in stone, Uncommon Scents provides a recipe card, which is used to jot down ingredients that it will keep on file for future reference. All in a day’s work you can create your signature scent, bond with the ones you love, and relax while doing something “fun and…uncommon,” owner Sheryl Bailey said. Not only can you create some special memories, but it’s cost effective, and you don’t have to spend a scented arm and a leg doing so.

Owned by Sheryl Bailey, Uncommon Scents is located on 305 E. Washington St. in Stephenville. The most popular scent sold is Leather, and the best seller is the Spicy Lavender Vanilla sea salt scrub, which embodies two differently sized salts, ground lavender and seven different oils.

Owner Sheryl Bailey displays one of the two scent stations and oils.

BY BRILEY GARRETT

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A STEP BACK IN TIME AT OAK DALE

“I have always wanted a diner, but never thought I would do it,” Robin Fanning said. “We have always loved diners, and we always like to find places like this when we travel. We like the little out-of-the-way places, and the ornate and more original style stuff.” It is not just the décor that dates back to the ‘30s, the Soda Shoppe is an 1932 house from Thurber remodeled to dish up ice cream to all who visit. The house next door, nicknamed “The White House,” was the childhood home of owner, and has now become the banquet room, holding up to 100 guests for dinner. Oak Dale has a family-friendly atmosphere that welcomes anyone who is looking for something out of the ordinary. Children play in the backyard on the old cars and broken down wagon while adults trade stories from the past. People of all ages are attracted to Oak Dale because of the old time feelings. “The older people really do like it because a lot of people were actually raised in Oak Dale, and they get to look at the pictures on the walls and the menu,” Robin Fanning said. Oak Dale was voted “Best Steak

in Erath County” by the Stephenville Empire-Tribune’s Reader’s Choice Awards for two years in a row. They serve up Sterling Silver Premium steak in all cuts from sirloin, strip, rib eye, to prime rib. “We have a lot of people that are in the meat business, and they come here to eat meat,” Fanning said. “You don’t get this kind of steak in most places.”

Great steaks and drinks are not the only things that this hidden gem has to offer. The soda shoppe makes fresh homemade ice cream daily that can be a real sweet treat. The recipe, which was blended from both sides of the family, is made in traditional vanilla and banana. “A lot of young people have never had homemade ice cream until they come here,” Fanning said. Oak Dale’s cook, Laura Huerta, has been serving up mouth-watering meals since the opening in 2009. Not only does she prepare dishes that keep customers coming back for more, she also bakes all of the pies from her own family recipes. Most steakhouses will hand customers a beeper and ask them to wait in a crowed lobby until a table opens up – not Oak Dale. They have a Wild-West town, created from old school houses from Lipan, right off the back porch where patrons can mosey through as they wait to be seated. There is a working saloon, which serves beer and wine, but party goers beware, the sheriff’s office is located at the other end of the row. The general store houses newspapers, children’s books, and vintage toys dating back to the ‘30s. If customers are looking for an up-beat, family-friendly atmosphere, Oak Dale Steakhouse and Soda provides a nostalgic step back for those wanting to relive yesteryear.Heading north on SH 108 from Stephenville, a bright yellow truck greets customers at the entrance

to Oak Dale Steakhouse and Soda Shoppe.

photo by Brittany Owens

BY BRITTANY OWENS

T Through the pink wooden door and onto the original hardwood floors, you are thrown back into a much simpler day and time. The walls are covered in local memorabilia from the 1930s, and Asleep at the Wheel is on the stereo. You have now just entered Oak Dale Steakhouse and Soda Shoppe in Oak Dale, Texas. Located a few minutes off the Stephenville square, this steakhouse provides hungry families with great food, for a great price. Run by husband and wife team, Todd and Robin Fanning, this eatery truly is a family affair, with all three of the Fanning daughters working together. The land has been in the Fanning family since the ‘50s, but was never expected to become one of the leading steakhouses in Erath County.

“A LOT OF YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE NEVER HAD HOMEMADE ICE CREAM UNTIL THEY

COME HERE.”

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photo by Kandace Willett

BLAST INTO THE PASTBY KANDACE WILLETT

A

Jeschke, the museum office manager, says was Elizabeth Berry’s forte. “The first question out of kids’ mouths when they visit is ‘is it haunted?’” Jeschke said. “I don’t believe in ghosts or little green men until I see it. I’ve felt, but never seen anything here.” David Ross, the weekend docent, said “the son of one of our business managers in the past swore he saw a woman in floor-length black dress standing on the landing of the stairs.” A paranormal team later set up a recorder, but never found anything. Robin Ritchie, the board director of the museum, said “their story is that Washington Street is so busy that it is never quiet enough to get anything.” Toward the back of the museum property sits a wooden ranch house

with a little fence around the front. This was home to John Tarleton, the man who donated the land for the university that now bears his name. When Tarleton came to Texas from Tennessee, he found the cabin, which had been built by squatters, on part of the 10,000 acres of land he had acquired. According to Ritchie, Tarleton did not move onto his property right away, due to the fact that he found a tribe of Native Americans there. Instead, he went to Waco, where he married and divorced, and eventually returned to live in his ranch house and pursue cattle ranching. Inside the house visitors may find artifacts relating to John Tarleton as well as the university. “We have a copy of John’s pre-nuptial agreement, and we have a copy of his will that donated his land for the college,” Jeschke said. For those interested in Tarleton history, this house truly is a hidden gem. Grassburs, which are the official yearbook for the university, cover a wooden bookshelf in one of the rooms. The oldest one dates back to 1916. In addition to touring visitors, the museum also hosts weddings at its Chapel on the Bosque. The one-time Presbyterian church building was built in 1899 near where the current First Baptist Church of Stephenville sits. The museum acquired the building when expansion threatened to demolish the church. The chapel is Jeschke’s favorite part of the museum. “That’s my baby, so to speak, because I work with the weddings—booking them and stuff.” The 19-century-style white chapel offers a beautifully classic setting to tie the knot. Ritchie says her favorite part about the museum is the activities, especially one of the annual festivals, Bygone Days on the Bosque, “because it’s such a family activity. The enrichment of Stephenville—preserving that and our history is important.” A summer camp, Camp Pioneer, is also available for children to learn more about Erath County history. Speaking of a past camp, Jeschke remarked that the kids sat out in the heat of the sun “mesmerized”

by Ross’ tales. For those interested in history, the Stephenville Historical House Museum is the perfect destination. Self-guided tours are offered all day every day and guided tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. No matter if you are

wanting to explore the grounds in-depth or just take a quick look around, the Stephenville Historical House Museum allows the Indiana Jones in all of us to go on a little adventure and discover the hidden treasures of Erath County’s past.

The Stephenville Historical House Museum is located at 525 East Washington St. in Stephenville. Offi ce hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. For more information contact 254-965-5880 or visit www.stephenvillemuseum.org.

At the Stephenville Historical House Museum, visitors can find ghost stories, tales of adventure, artifacts from Tarleton State University’s history, and the perfect site for a country-style wedding. The museum property, which sits on Washington Street near the Bosque River in Stephenville, includes 11 buildings, with almost all of them housing historical artifacts from Erath County. The oldest home in Stephenville is one of the buildings belonging to the museum. It was built by James Berry, a sergeant in the Civil War, in 1869. When you enter through the doors of the limestone cottage, you are greeted with 19th century music playing softly in the background and the aroma of apple pie, which Vera

“THE FIRST QUESTION OUT OF KIDS’ MOUTHS WHEN THEY VISIT IS

‘IS IT HAUNTED?’”

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HAMILTON CENTRAL

PERK

the items are made with the freshest ingredients including coconut flour and oil for their fresh pies and whole grain bread made by Blanca’s sister. Mark said you “can’t find a place in Hamilton that has as healthy food and is clean with quick service as Central Perk.” With all three kids graduated and moved away, Blanca mainly runs the bistro with Mark helping in the mornings. A picture hangs on the wall of all three kids as well as a blue star flag on the window for one of the sons who is serving in the military. The family is originally from Houston, but moved after the influx of people from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. When they moved to Hamilton, it only took three months for the family to create and open Hamilton Central Perk. Blanca has been an avid fan of Friends, even owning the Friends trivia game and all 10 seasons of the show. Customers of Hamilton Central Perk vary from Hamilton locals to guests from as far as New Zealand.

Next to where you order, signatures from foreign religious leaders, a rodeo cowboy and a hand drawn picture of a horse by Race Hoss can be seen. The guest book shows more people from around the country and the world who have stopped and enjoyed the great service and food. Hamilton Central Perk has received the award for the Best Sandwich out of four surrounding counties for the past two years. Hamilton Central Perk is the perfect stop whether it is just for a morning coffee or a healthy afternoon lunch.

Hamilton Central Perk is located at 423 South Rice St. in Hamilton and is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Hamilton Central Perk also delivers in Hamilton. “I’ll Be There for You” is the title of a song recorded by the American pop rock duo The Rembrandts recorded in 1994. It is best known as the theme song to the hit sitcom Friends.

photo by Jenny Cline

LODGING EVENTS

BY LAUREN LIGHT

W Where do you go when “your job’s a joke, you’re broke, and your love life’s DOA?” Don’t get stuck in second gear, find fun and comfort in Hamilton’s cozy bistro, Central Perk. Located just off the path of where Highway 281 and 36 meet, sits Hamilton Central Perk, a family-owned bistro and sandwich shop. Open by Blanca Sepolio and her three children in June 2008, the bistro is inspired by the hit sitcom Friends.

Mark Sepolio, Blanca’s husband, is a general contractor who renovated the antique house that is Hamilton Central Perk. The house was originally built on farm land just outside of Hamilton, and had many owners until finally purchased by the Sepolio family who transformed the home into what it is today, complete with blackboard menu, black and white photographs, and various state license plates on the wall. Items on the menu include the Monica, the Joey, the Ross, the Rachel, even the Gunther and a Marcel salad. For non-Friends enthusiasts, these are names of the characters on the show including Marcel, one of the character’s pet monkey. Now do not panic if you hear that Ross and Rachel are on a break, it only means that Blanca is running low on bacon because both sandwiches share the ingredient. The most popular menu item, although not Friends-themed, is the stuffed avocado, which you can have stuffed with chicken, egg or tuna salad. All

Pecan Street InnCorner of N. Pecan St.

and Hwy. 6, Hico817-312-8907

Little Bear Creek Ranch4660 W. Hwy. 36,

Hamilton254-386-8658

Hamilton Guest Houses

Magnolia House, Patsy’s Place,

Hickory Q407 E. Standifer St.,

Hamilton254-386-8212

Budget Inn704 N. Rice,

Hamilton254-386-8959

Flying B RV Park8th & Chestnut,

Hico254-485-5793

Christmas Parade and Tour of Homes

Chamber of Commerce, 254-796-4620December 1

Texas Steak Cook-off 254-485-2020

May 18

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SMALL TOWN POP

HICO PECAN STREET INN AND DRINK

SHOPPE

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P-pop! That’s not a balloon popping; it’s the sound of Hico Popcorn Works, a small business located in downtown Hico, right off of Highway 6, and the always scenic Highway 281. Hico Popcorn Works was opened by Steve Douglas, a former Apple employee, and Donna McInnis. They moved from the Dallas-Fort Worth area in 2005, to find a small Texas town with a downtown shopping area, and an older house that they could restore. After a few years the house they purchased was a project and getaway, and they had made many friends in the Hico area and decided to make the move permanent. In 2009, they decided to start a business and pitched the popcorn idea. They traveled around the entire state of

Texas visiting other popcorn businesses picking up any tips that anyone would offer. Finally, owners of another popcorn store in Southlake, Texas, offered to teach them the ropes of the business, from how to pop, flavor, and cook the popcorn. Hico Popcorn Works has been conducting its business in Hico ever since then. They can color popcorn in almost any color that you can think of, for any event. Weddings, parties, and gifts are perfect occasions for some of the products they offer. And this isn’t just your every-day popcorn with butter on it either. The range of flavors is something that will have you scratching your head trying to decide which ones to purchase. They vary from typical, everyday flavors such as yellow cheddar, white cheddar, movie theatre, caramel, and kettle corn, to some that you may never have even considered on popcorn such as ranch, garlic parmesan, salt and vinegar, dill pickle, cinnamon toast, and spicy jalapeno. There’s even one called “backyard grill,” which is popcorn covered with Steve Douglas’ own steak rub, which taste like it was a match

BY CALEB MCCAIG

BY MELINDA NEWTON

made in heaven. Thomas Ferguson, a customer, and Tarleton State University student, says “Hico Popcorn Works is one of his family’s favorite places for gifts, and thank you’s.” He also says “The white cheddar flavor is absolutely addicting. And that if you can’t find a flavor you like in there, then you must be crazy.” Another great thing about Hico Popcorn Works is that they are always in stock. He says the amount of equipment they have in the store “is almost unheard of” in the popcorn business. He said, “I never want to be out of commission if I can prevent it,” and it doesn’t look like he will be anytime soon. Hico Popcorn Works is definitely a place worth stopping by if you are cruising through Hico. The town is friendly, scenic, and full of unique businesses to visit. Hico Popcorn Works is sure to amaze your taste buds, and make sure that you’ll come back sometime soon! They are open six days a week, 11-5 and closed on Tuesdays.

Dublin, homemade Bloody Mary mix from Drinkology out of Dallas, Texas Pecans and other goodies from Gilbert Pecan in Santo, sausages from Pederson’s in Hamilton, Wine-A-Rita mix from Texarkana, summer sausage, beef jerky and smoked cheeses from Butler’s Smokehouse in Stephenville, specialty sodas from Dublin Bottling Works in Dublin, Eventide bottled water from Parker County, Crazy Water from Mineral Wells, and specialty coffees from Austin, Fort Worth and Tyler. She also carries many wines from local wineries, Fort Worth and Waco whiskeys, Texas-made rum and several Texas-made vodkas. Her family has been in Hico for 13 years. They own a ranch between Hico and Stephenville, with a business in the

Western industry teaching team roping and producing saddles and crooked stirrups. Her mom also refurnishes antiques and makes custom design western furniture. Her younger brother is a professional team roper and is sponsored mainly by Jelly Belly Candy Company. The Shoppe also carries Jelly Belly candy, mostly their “Cocktail Classic,” soda flavored, and Jelly Belly sodas to keep with the theme of the store.

Jones said “Jelly Belly Candy Company touches every part of our family’s business so it was only natural that I would carve a spot for them in my store.” With liquor purchases you can also find a few small sample bags of the jelly beans in your sack. At the inn, each of the three rooms has a western rustic theme that looks great throughout. The first room has two queen-sized beds and a bathroom that holds a large shower. Unlike the other rooms this is the only room that doesn’t have a claw foot tub. It is priced at $110 per night. The second room has one king-sized bed and a claw foot tub with a showerhead attached; it is priced at $98 per night. Last but not least is the third room that has two queen-sized beds, a bathroom with a claw foot tub, and separate shower. It is also priced at $110 per night. Each room has a touch for each different occasion such as a family getaway, honeymoon, or anniversary celebration. Those rates are for a two night stay or more. A $25 cleaning fee is added for one night stays. The arrival of the Inn and Drink Shoppes has brought more life to the small town of Hico. If you find yourself needing to get away or just driving through, stop on in and meet the lovely staff and check out everything that they have to offer.

Every once in a while it is nice to get away, and when that feeling strikes Hico’s Pecan Street Inn and Drink Shoppe is ready for you. With three quaint little rooms, and a Shoppe located directly below with local goodies, the Pecan Street Inn and Drink Shoppe is the place for a drop in. The inn is located near downtown Hico conveniently on Pecan Street, which intersects Highway 6. Since the inn is walking distance to downtown Hico, guests who are staying at the Inn are in perfect location to some of the best things that the small town has to offer. Owner Jennifer Jones said, “I have always loved stores with local goods and restaurants that use all local ingredients, it’s just who I am.” With her love of localities, she offers local goods all over the store. When you walk in you are surrounded with local specialties such as Eagle Mountain Cheese out of Granbury, Veldhuizen Cheeses out of

all photos contributed by Jennifer JonesPecan Stree Inn and Shoppes is located at 202 North Pecan Street in Hico. You can contact them at 817-312-8907 and at pecanstreetinn@gmail.com.

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A long stretch of white sand on beautiful Lake Granbury. The park is located on East Pearl Street next to the Hilton Garden Inn.

all photos by Ashley Parker

INLANDGETAWAY

J Just outside the historic square of Granbury lies 200 yards laced with imported sand, tiki huts hovering over picnic tables, outdoor showers, restrooms, and a kiddie splash pad. Instead of driving nine hours to the closest beach, Granbury City Beach Park provides a place for the public to enjoy the water on a lake with a beach atmosphere. Constructed in the fall of 2008, the beach was originally an amenity for the Granbury Resort Conference Center. Authorization manager Pat Shepard of the conference center said, “The beach is wonderful and brings a lot to the community. It’s also free to the public and I encourage everyone to visit it just once.” Not only do people from the surrounding areas visit, but also

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Brierhouse B&B7711 Colony Rd.

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The Windmill Farm Bed and Breakfast

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254-835-4168

Granbury’s 29th Annual Candlelight Tour of

Homes-“The Tradition Lives On”

Historic District of Granbury

December 111-10

Art in the CartHEB MarketDecember 1

First Saturday of Every Month

Breakfast with Santa at Camp El Tesoro

December 88-11

Run For Your LivesBig Longhorn Ranch

December 15

D’Vine Wine Presents: Merlot, Music, &

MassageHistoric Granbury

SquareDecember 28

6-8

Last Saturday Gallery Night

Historical Granbury Square

December 296-9

Hood County Junior Livestock Show

Granbury Reunion Grounds

January 9-12

Monthly Low Costs Spray/Neuter Clinic

Cowboy Country Animal Clinic

February 288:30

Kiwanis ClubBuffalo Gap Restaurant

April 412-1

LODGING EVENTS

BY TREVOR PEELE

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a full refreshment bar serves a variety of snacks and beverages, excluding alcoholic beverages. Mickey Parson, mayor pro tem of Granbury, said, “I don’t think I have driven past the beach and not seen anyone there. It’s what we call the hot spot of Granbury.” It seems as if people are flocking to this inland beach which in return, helps the community. “We have students that come from the local college over in Stephenville and that just helps with attracting more people. And in return those students spread the word to get our name out there,” Parson said. “The citizens of Granbury come first, whether that’s building an inland beach to go along with the other three parks or hiring a full security service to monitor the beach daily to keep the citizens happy and the environment family friendly.” Granbury City Beach Park adds to the growing popularity of what Granbury offers its citizens and visitors and is just one place in Granbury to splash into.

One of the tiki pavillions at the park, perfect for picnics or to cool off in the shade.

“I DON’T THINK I HAVE DROVE PAST THE BEACH AND NOT SEEN ANYONE THERE, IT’S WHAT WE CALL THE HOT SPOT OF

GRANBURY.”

g MICKEY PARSON h

Located on the beach is a child’s play area for those who are too young for the lake, and also for the young at heart.

people from the bigger cities that are a little farther away. “It’s attracted more people 100 percent. I’ve had guests check in from all over the metroplex area and that also helps greatly with the local business,” Shepard said. She also added that she has seen everything from weddings to birthdays and even church events held on the beach. The beach offers the rental of a large pavilion and six smaller pavilions for up to four hours for a reasonable price. Julie Smith, a resident of Granbury, said, “I rented the large pavilion last week for $50 and that got me four hours of shade for my son’s ninth birthday party.” Events and activities attract a lot of people to this beach, “not to mention that the people out here are always friendly and even the teenagers that come out are very observant of kids and to watch what they say and do out here,” Smith added. Even if you do not bring your own refreshments, there is no need to worry:

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MIYAKO:A GEM OF THE

CITY

a chef where the table’s meals are cooked on the cooktop in view with creative knife tricks to create

entertainment. “My favorite part about it aside from the food is the way they cook. It’s always fun to have someone grilling right in front of you. Plus, the tricks are always a good time,” said Lance McFarlin.

McFarlin explained he was not a fan of sushi, but the hibachi and the grilling is what attracted him to Miyako’s. His group enjoyed vast and diverse types of Japanese food. Miyako also finds new ways to impress customers. “If you want certain types of sushi, you can go up to the bar and tell them how you like it. We even can make news rolls. We make new rolls all the time,” said Sam Kijnitchee, a waiter at Miyako. Kijnitchee explained that the menu for sushi and sashimi is extensive with cooked choices for customers not accustomed to raw fish. Looking at the menu for cooked items, some of the dinner menu was priced under or around $6. There are also salads like the seaweed salad and the calamari salad that should be recommended to anyone entering Miyako. The attire for Miyako is considered casual, but the atmosphere is what makes the restaurant seem elegant. Lights are dimmed, creating a glow around the room with piano music played overhead. Aside from the quality of the food, the service will also turn customers into patrons. During a meal, members of the wait staff is known to be personable and professional to everyone, not just the tables they wait on. Miyako Japanese Restaurant holds a diverse menu for customers who appreciate both cooked and uncooked fish. McFarlin also explained there were other types of meat that guests of Miyako could enjoy if fish was not a preference. “I still don’t like sushi, but I do love regular Japanese food. I mean, it’s really just chicken and steak. What’s not to love?”

Miyako is located at 715 Autumn Ridge Drive #104 in Granbury. Hours of operation are 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sunday-Saturday. You can call them at 817-579-8668.

photo by Jessica Lee

BY KILEY WIDMANN

“WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE?”

g LANCE MCFARLIN h

I In many counties, Texas enjoys its rustic charm and shies away from big city life. Although there are many benefits to a relaxed area, it is always pleasant to have a few big-city worthy gems for dining. Miyako Japanese Restaurant is privately owned and found in Granbury. They specialize in sushi, sashimi, and hibachi. For a group wanting hibachi, each table is assigned

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photo by Jessica Lee

KITCHENWARE ON THE SQUARE

T The small shop on the Granbury square is a far cry from the Chevrolet dealership it was once was many years ago. One step into The Pan Handle and the senses are greeted with the smell of fresh coffee and warm, bright colors. A look around and you’ll find tea cups and coffee mugs, serving platters and cutting boards, a rainbow of spoons, spatulas, and whisks, and an array of other gadgets and doodads you didn’t know you needed for your kitchen but now must have. Heather Cleveland took a chance opening her gourmet tool shop in the fall of 1993 in the midst of a recession, but a leap of faith with naysayers in her ear proved to be the right move. Sitting in a coffee shop across the street from her store, Cleveland recalled her childhood fondly with talk of making crepes and Greek streusel, and named her mother as the inspiration behind what has become a staple in the Granbury community. “I grew up in a gourmet household,” Cleveland said. “My mom was always an intrepid, adventurous cook. She would try anything.” While she was in college studying photography and art history, Cleveland thought of her memories in the kitchen and after consulting with her mother, who was working in a kitchenware store, they mutually generated the concept for The Pan Handle. Though the term “gourmet” may scare away those who are recently mastering the art of boiling water, Cleveland emphasizes that her shop specializes in everyday, as well as gourmet, cookware. She wants to make sure that her store appeals to a wide range of people and cooks. “I want to meet the needs of someone just starting out cooking or getting their kitchen together or a professional chef that needs something more advanced.” In accessing the range of people Cleveland wanted to reach, the Weatherford native was methodical in choosing Granbury. “Granbury was seen as a retirement community but now has a range of ages from young people to families.” She loves that the area is a convenient distance from the Fort Worth and Dallas areas but is still surrounded by similar small towns and close-knit communities. “There’s a quality when you come to Granbury that’s intangible. There’s a feeling about Granbury that’s very comfortable; you feel good when you’re here.”

Shortly after opening her store, Cleveland decided she wanted to expand what she could offer her clientele. She wanted to educate her customers and build a loyalty with them while giving them a fun experience. She decided to start holding cooking classes in 1998, which she described as “dinner and a show.” “By the end of the night you’ve had a great meal with a great beer or wine pairing and you’ve gotten to meet a really cool guest chef. It really is a social event,” Cleveland said. Ever progressing, naturally the next step for Cleveland was wine classes. She began the classes in 2003 after taking a wine appreciation course at Texas Christian University. Though Cleveland does not sell wine in her store, she sells many wine accessories and realized that more people were beginning to consume wine and wanted to take the chance to educate them. Ray Raney, instructor and certified

For reservations please call The Pan Handle at 817-579-1518 or vist them at 106 N. Crockett in Granbury. Address and directions of the residence will be given at the time of reservation.

sommelier, holds the classes once a month. Cleveland can attribute the success of The Pan Handle to persistence, endurance, and customer service. When renovations first began for The Pan Handle Cleveland recalls passersby saying they did not think a niche store would work in Granbury amongst the antique stores and gift shops. Cleveland knew she could not be the only one with a weakness for “kitchen things” and has today’s cooking industry to thank partially for her shop’s success. “With the popularity of the kitchen shows and the cooking networks and the personalities and the competitions all it’s done is help build my business.” And Cleveland has one woman in particular to thank: “Martha Stewart was hitting her peak right about the time I opened. Martha sold a lot of kitchen stuff for me.” Cleveland has kept her shop in business for 19 years on one simple fact: people still have to cook and eat. “When people do cook at home they want the good tools and the things

that make cooking fun and not feel like a chore.” In the years that The Pan Handle has been opened Cleveland has seen two recessions, 9/11 and other economic events that could have been detrimental to her business. “No matter what the national mood is – we don’t feel like going out, we would rather stay home with our families. That usually involves cooking.”

Even though people have to cook and eat, they

still have their choice of where they get their supplies. Cleveland says what sets The Pan Handle apart from larger chains that may have lower prices is customer service. Cleveland’s staff is intimate with approximately five employees. One point of pride is that she and her staff remember customers and what they’ve bought in the

past. She said she wants people to feel at home and comforted, so they offer a cup of coffee when customers enter the store. Cleveland had tears in her eyes when she recalled an encounter with a customer that told her she comes into the store when she’s having a bad day because it makes her feel better.

BY MONÉT GERALD

“THERE’S A FEELING ABOUT GRANBURY

THAT’S VERY COMFORTABLE; YOU

FEEL GOOD WHEN YOU’RE HERE.”

g HEATHER CLEVELAND h

24

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Events

Third Saturday of the Month

Third Saturday of the Month

First Saturday of the Month

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