Happy New Year's Sulphur Springs!

  

  I can hardly believe that the end of the year is just around the corner.  In a few short days we will be closing the door to 2021 and opening up the door to 2022.  We all know that time goes by at the same speed everyday but there are days that feel faster than others.  Well this entire year feels as though it flew by, except maybe that week in February when we were snowed in.

   

With the New Year on the horizon, what are you plans?  Do you have any big trips on the books?  Business or personal goals you want to accomplish in the next year? Do you make resolutions or goals every year?  What does the New Year mean for you and your life?

    As a child growing up, especially in our middle school and high school years, our family would have weekly meetings to go over goals.  We would set goals for the week, revisit our monthly goals and see if we were on track for larger goals that could be hit during the quarter or year.  I will say in the moment I did not appreciate these family meetings and truly have not kept up those habits.  Part of that is my husband, when we were first married, did not seem interested in doing this, so I just stopped.  I think internally I still set little goals for myself and mentally kept a record of them but never really put pen to paper and tracked my progress.  With that being said, I have not taught my children to set goals either. Sure we talk about those things but I don't make them write them down and keep them accountable for their goals.  

    I am going to step out of my comfort zone and put this out here for all the world to read if they want, or not.  My goal for The Oaks this year is to increase my occupancy by 15%.  Some of you might be thinking that's not a lot or woah how will she do that?  Each year we have grown a little, except for 2020 and we all know why.  I'm not sure if this is going to be a big ask for me or not, but its a goal that I feel like is attainable and with the help of all my past guests, and future guests something I can make happen.  

   

 Everyone has a different reason for traveling.  Some travel for business, some travel for pleasure.  There are lots of different activities and events that are going on in Sulphur Springs and the surrounding area to make a visit to The Oaks, amazing.  

    Our goal for you is to visit someplace new, and come and explore our little corner of East Texas.  The civic center, Cooper Lake, and Celebration Plaza are always open and welcome to travelers from all over.  Whether it's for business or pleasure we hope that while you are in Hopkins County and Sulphur Springs you stop by and visit The Oaks for your overnight accommodations.  

    Until then Happy New Year!  May all your goals and dreams for 2022 be realized!

Happy Holidays

     The holiday season is upon us and there is no shortage of fun and excited events for the whole family to participate in, here is Sulphur Springs.

    

    To start of in the spirit of giving, Blue Santa, Toys for Tots and food drives are happening all over the city.  The joy of giving to others does not stop at only this charities, there are Angle trees at local churches and stores.  If you desire to give back this season, be sure to check out those in need.

    The first weekend in December really  kicks of the Holiday Season with the Lion's Club Lighted Christmas parade.  This annual event, is fun for all ages.  Businesses, civic groups, the ISD and many others gather to march through the town to open up the holiday season. 

    The tree lighted ceremony will be held just before the parade on the Celebration Square, so bring your lawn chairs and Christmas spirit to line the streets and partake of this great holiday tradition.

    The Hopkins County Historical Society is at it again with Holiday in the Park located at Heritage Park.  This event is a great way to see what an old time Christmas holiday was like while exploring and learning about the past.  Heritage park goes all out for this event and it is cost effective for the whole family.

   

 The North East Texas Choral Society hits the stage this weekend with the holiday show, Deck the Halls.  They have two performances available, Saturday at 7 p. m. and Sunday at 2 p. m.  This is sure to be a great show as they have always done an amazing job in the past.

    The High School band and choir take the stage on December 9, 2021 to perform their holiday concert.  It is always a great time to see those students put on a great show.  You can see all the hard work that goes into this program and just how far our fine arts department has come.

  

  If you want to take a little break from all the holiday cheer.  Be sure to check out the Monster Truck Mania at the Civic center on December 11, 2021.  It is sure to be a great show for the whole family.

    On December 18 at 11 a. m. Wreaths Across America will be at each of the city cemeteries laying wreaths for our fallen veterans.  This is a great time to gather the family to celebrate the sacrifices others have made.  WAA is a great service opportunity for all ages.  

  We hope that you are able to find your favorite holiday event while you visit Sulphur Springs.  Be sure to check out our dates available for your stay to be able to enjoy the holiday fun.

Season of Giving Thanks

   

  For many of us, 2020 was a very difficult year.  Which led into 2021, which has gotten better but still has not made a full recovery for many businesses, individuals or families.  With that lack of improvement brings the challenge of being thankful for what one does have.  The  struggle to find the good from within the bad, can be problematic for many.  But I find that using our experience can help teach the future generations to look for the good and turn lemon into lemon aid will only benefit the next generation even more.  Lead by experience and they will learn to emulate that plan in life to choose to be grateful for what they have rather than resent what they don't have.  

    So how do you find ways to give thanks for that which you have?  We are grateful for those guests who have traveled this past year and gotten out to see friends and family or just taken the time to get away and chose to stay with us.  

    We are grateful that our family in Texas has stayed healthy and virus free through this hard time.  We may have been overly caution through the past months but it has allowed us to watch out for and keep safe our most vulnerable family members. 

    We are thankful for being able to see our friends and family over the past few months.  Some longer visits than others but thankful all the same.  

    Our hope is that you are able to be Thankful for the many blessings that you have experienced and share that with those around you.  Our lives are ours to celebrate and we can only make them better by seeing the good around us.

    We hope to see you this holiday season so that we can share our Thanks with you.

October Happenings

     We are closing in on the first day of Fall and that means things are starting to heat up here in Sulphur Springs, Texas.  Our city and county have a lot of great activities for visitors happening in the month of October and into November.  

    There is something for everyone this coming month.  Be sure to check out the list below to see what might peak your interest.  Then book, stay and play while you are in Sulphur Springs.

    September 25: Corvette Club Car Show - Corvette's from all years will be on hand to view and discuss for this annual event.  Stop by Celebration Plaza to see these amazing machines, up close and in person.  Want to show off your Corvette, the entry fee is $20. 

    October 2: NETBIO Ribeye Round up - cook teams will fill up Celebration Plaza in downtown Sulphur Springs to bring you their best version of the Ribeye.  Come eat, drink and have fun with these cooks as each one brings their "A-game" to the grill.  Tickets are $25 per person. Dinner starts at 6pm and the band takes the stage at 8pm. 

    October 9: Main Street Uncorked - Nine different Texas Vineyards will be present for tastings at this fantastic Wine crawl.  Tickets in advance will be $10, and $15 the day of the event.  Each winery will have bottles and full glasses for sale at their booths.  The fun starts at 1pm - 7 pm.  Don't forget that their will be live music throughout the day.  

    

    October 16: Fall festival parade - the annual Fall Festival will be kicked off with a parade through downtown on Saturday, October 16.  You don't want to miss out on all the floats and fun for this event.  

    October 23: Hopkins County Stew Festival - is probably one of the most anticipated events in Hopkins County.  Stew comes come in from all over the county to try their hand at the best stew of the event.  For just $6 you can have access to over 150 stew pots and find your favorite.  You can even purchase a quart size container for $10 to take some home from later.  How many bowls of stew do you think you can eat? 

    October 30: Halloween Fun! -  there will be trick or treat adventures at multiple locations.  As well as Dead Walking on the Square, sponsored by VR Social.  Come enjoy some festive fun in costume.

    November 4-7: The Wall That Heals - will be located on the Sulphur Springs High School track for visitors to come and experience.  This amazing opportunity to behold this replica only has a few more stops this year.  You do not want to miss out on the chance to experience this memorial.  

    November 6: Downtown Business Alliance Classic Car show - come and see all the classic cars from around Texas and surrounding states.  Celebration Plaza will be filled with classics from every manufacture.  This is a great family event, and fun for all ages. 

    

    As you can see there is a lot going on in Sulphur Springs, Texas in the coming weeks.  There is something for everyone.  Be sure to pick your favorites and come join the fun.  We can't wait to see you!

The Wall That Heals

 

    Sulphur Springs is going to be busy over the next eight weeks.  Summer is winding down and fall activities are kicking into high gear.  Along with Friday Night Lights, for those with High school family members, many great events are going to be taking place here in Hopkins County that you won't want to  miss.  

    First up is the Neal McCoy benefit concert for the Wall That Heals.  On Friday, September 10, 2021, he will be hosting a concert at the High School auditorium as a fundraiser for The Wall That Heals.    Be sure to click on the link to purchase your tickets for the concert.  The funds raised will help cover the cost of the location for the display of the wall.  

    The Wall That Heals is a mobile Vietnam Memorial that travels to select cities throughout the year, and Sulphur Springs was selected to host the wall in November.  The entire event is covered by volunteers for the duration of the stay in Sulphur Springs, and our city expects to have thousands of visitors that week as well.  The wall can be viewed each day, 24 hours per day while it is installed.  Sulphur Springs, Texas is the only stop for this event in the surrounding states. 

    In order to make this great event happen the Hopkins County Veterans Memorial group needs to help raise funds to have a successful event.  So come join us for a weekend of music and remembrance.  Then don't forget to check back and visit the Wall while it is here in Sulphur Springs.  

Back to School Travel

 

            If you still have kids of any age at home you are probably not even thinking about travel right now, but now might be the best time to hit the road for a quick trip before school starts.  With less people traveling and many getting ready for school it’s the perfect time to find and take advantage of those deals.  Weekday travel is hot right now, with less people dining out and fewer of those great places to stay being booked up by families. 

               So hit the road and find a new favorite place to visit, to get away just before school starts or even after school starts on the weekend to take a little breather before all the after-school activities start back up. 

               Now is an even better time to travel especially if you no longer have kids at home.  Take advantage of fewer people on the roads and in restaurants or at your favorite spot to get away.  Many towns are still hosting summer festivals or farmers markets, so you will not be left wanting. 

               Hit the road for your next great adventure and discover something new!

Our town of Sulphur Springs, has a few exciting events on the calendar for the remaining weekends in August.  The movie night on the Square has two more showings before the end of the season and the Celebration Market will finish out the month. 

               Never to be left out the Hopkins County civic center is hosting the Hunt County Horseman’s association show and the Beef Masters cattle show.  Check out their calendar here for more great events that you might not want to miss. 

               If you don’t want to mess with the crowds, be sure to check out one of the many lakes in the surrounding area.  Fish, boat, and many more great water activities await your arrival.  Northeast Texas has many adventures waiting for to stop by and explore. 

Basil Vodka Gimlet - herb infused drinks

 

               Our herb infused drink this month is a Basil Vodka Gimlet.  Now I know you might be wondering why we are using vodka in our gimlet, when they are usually made with gin, and why not.  It’s just a twist on the traditional drink and uses a liquor I know we already have in our stash. 

               This is a great summer drink, especially since basil is growing in all it’s glory during the hot summer months.  This cool and refreshing drink is best consumed in a chilled glass, that will help keep your drink cool while sipping it on the back deck. 

               I will say that I did make my simple syrup so that I could add in an additional basil flavor to this drink.  I diced up two kinds of basil, purple and green, and cooked them into my syrup.  I figured this would add to the flavor of the drink.  Boy was I right, I love basil so it’s a stronger flavor in the syrup than just muddling it in the bottom of the shaker. 

               I dropped in five green basil leaves to the bottom of my shaker and muddled them with a bit of fresh lime juice.  Once I felt satisfied with that, I added in the rest of my ingredients.  A bit more lime juice, the simple syrup and vodka. Don’t forget the ice! Cover the shaker and give it good shake to meld all the flavors together.  Strain the liquid into the chilled glass.  Garnish with a fresh basil leaf and enjoy!

               What a great and refreshing option to enjoy during cocktail hour.  So simple and delicious. Click the link on the drink title to watch the video.  Hopefully it's all on there correctly.  I'm not holding out hope I got it correct this week.  

 

 

Basil Vodka Gimlet

 

5 or 6 green basil leaves, one for garnish

 

1 ounce fresh lime juice

 

½ ounce simple syrup

 

3 ½ ounces vodka

 

1.      Place half the lime juice and basil leaves in the bottom of the shaker to muddle.  Mash it all together

2.      Add the simple syrup, vodka and remaining lime juice.  Fill with ice to the top of the liquid.  Shake rapidly until the shaker if freezing your hands.

3.      Strain into chilled martini glass, and garnish with a basil leaf.  You could also garnish with a lime as well. 

 

Enjoy this great summer drink, with friends and yummy snacks.  Don’t forget to be safe and designate a driver.

Norman Rockwell 4th of July Celebration

     When you think of the 4th of July, what comes to mind first?  Fireworks, cook outs and fantastic American fun, celebrating the day that America singed their independence.  The Annual Symphony and Fireworks celebration on the square in Sulphur Springs, is one of those fantastic American adventures that brings people together to celebrate one specific event.  A full orchestra takes the stage to play classical pieces before the fireworks show.

    Never has a more "Norman Rockwell" event taken place in small town America than the Symphony and fireworks.  Just imagine a full orchestra playing beautiful classical music, then a fireworks show right downtown, backdropped by the quintessential county court house.  

    Make your plans today to join us at The Oaks and then the square for a great All-American 4th of July celebration.  

    We hope to see you then.

Allison 

Mojitos - herb infused cocktail series

Some of you might know, who follow us on social media, that we are starting a veggie garden at The Oaks.  We have always grown our own herbs and had one or two veggie plants over the years, but this year we decided to make a change and really focus on trying to provide our own veggies for our guest meals.  We want to create a farm to table aspect of our bed and breakfast business. 

With that in mind, I wanted to start a monthly cocktail recipe made with items you can grow in your back yard.  This month’s recipe is Mojito.  A mojito is great drink to mix as a cocktail or a mocktail.  Make a pitcher for the whole family to enjoy while welcoming in the summer months around the fit pit. 

Our featured herb this month is mint.  There are multiple kinds of mint you can grow in your yard, but beware, mint likes to spread.  So unless you want to have it everywhere contain your mint in a pot.  If you want to have a fragrant ground cover, let it roam all over your garden bed.  It has the ability to keep coming back year after year. 

We planted the traditional mint, that you can pick up at your favorite home store or nursery and set it in a pot by the stairs, leading up to the deck.  I will eventually need to replace my pot, since it broke when switching out plants, but it should work for a while, as the mint establishes itself.  I would wait a few weeks for the roots to set in before using your mint, but as you do begin to use it, taking a few leaves here and there should help to promote growth. 

Mint can be used in a multitude of ways and we are going to start off with this simple, yet delicious method in a Mojito.  We like to use fresh ingredients when we can, so grab those limes and juicer and squeeze that nectar right out.  Since we set our establishment up with a bar we use Collins glasses for our mojitos.  They are tall and slender which gives the drink some extra pizzazz and views of the mint and lime. Of course if you want to make this into a drink for everyone or all ages, just eliminate the rum, and add a little more simple syrup.

 

Mojito

 4-5 mint leaves

2 oz. of White rum

1 oz. simple syrup

½ oz. lime juice, fresh

4 oz. club soda or sparkling water 

 

Squeeze in the fresh lime, about half a lime should do.  Add in the mint leave and muddle, break them up a bit to release their flavor.  Add rum and simple syrup.  Fill with ice cubes and top off with club soda.  Stir the flavors together.  You can garnish your drink with lime wedges or slices, and a sprig of mint at the top.  To make this a mocktail, add in another ounce to ounce and half more of simple syrup and leave out the rum. 

 You can make your own simple syrup if you plan to make pitchers full, of this delicious cocktail or if you plan to make other cocktails with simple syrup.  It is as simple as adding water to sugar and heating until the sugar has dissolved.  This is a one-to-one recipe.  Store in the fridge until ready to use.  

We hope you have enjoyed our first herb infused cocktail.  Until next time, travel safe and drink up.  

Travel to Sulphur Springs! The Celebration city.

     I don't know about you but I know I could use a quick getaway to recharge my batteries.  With States opening up and easing restrictions on travel, now is the perfect time to hit the road and explore those cities close to you.  

    Sulphur Springs, Texas is the perfect city to start with.  Just an hour and half North East of Dallas/Fort Worth, of off Interstate 30, it is a must see attraction that you should add to your travel itinerary.  We are ready to help you have a great visit, and explore the city and surrounding area.

    After checking in to The Oaks head downtown to explore and shop.  Downtown Sulphur Springs, has so many great places to shop and eat, there is something there for everyone.  Check out the boutiques on Main street to find your next outfit for a night on the town.  Make your own soap at Buff City Soap or explore, Landers Creek to discover your favorite attire for hunting or a day on the lake.  

    Don't forget to check out the glass bathrooms and the Veterans Memorial. Pull up a chair and watch the people who come to enjoy this little gem in the country.  Or participate in a game of chess on one of the large chess boards located next to the glass bathrooms.  Enjoy this green space with a picnic lunch or explore the many restaurant options available to you.  

   Wood fired pizza from Arturo's, Steaks from Red Neck Bar and Grill or drop in for a late lunch at Haystacks.  Our little town has a variety of flavors and restaurants to choose from right downtown.  

    Then you can head on over for a night cap at Phinesse Farms or the Backstory Brewery.  If that is not your style then have dessert at the Magic Scoop.  

    There are many options to choose from when visiting Sulphur Springs, ask us to help point you in the right direction or explore on your own.  Either way, this little weekend or weekday getaway will not disappoint.  

    Thanks again for choosing to stay with us at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast.