Cranberry Rose ~ herb infused cocktail

  

   We are back with our herb infused drinks for the New Year.  I have a plan of action to make one happen once per month, so check back here to see what new drink we are mixing up.  And be sure to follow us on social media, there might be a cocktail hour during the month featuring our latest drink.

    This month we are featuring the drink we made for our New Year's Eve party.  A Rosemary Cranberry Vodka, we called the Cranberry Rose, that is sure to be a crowd pleaser at any time of the year.  We wanted to feature an herb that is currently growing and a little bit of fizz to help ring in the New Year.  Have no fear's this drink can be enjoyed at any time of the year, as rosemary is typically growing all year round.  

    We found this drink to be full of flavor and the more rosemary you want to taste the longer you let it sit in the vodka.  For our purposes we let ours sit for about four days, in a window, to allow the flavor to meld with the alcohol. That brings us to how we made this drink.  We do have to prep a few days in advance to truly get the rosemary to seep into the vodka.  We cut a few stems off, and placed them in a jar and coved with some vodka.  I let mine sit in the window to speed up the process, since I started a little late.  

    The rest is pretty easy, if you are making for a larger group you could just pour directly into a pitcher but since I had a smaller group I made each drink directly into the champagne flute we would be drinking out of.

    The rosemary flavor really came through in the vodka and gave this drink and extra kick of tastiness.  The cranberry combined with your sparkling drink of choice made for a simple and pleasurable experience.  

    If you wanted to make this drink a mocktail, I would make a simple syrup infused with the rosemary in stead of letting it seep with the vodka.  I would then use club soda or a sparkling water of your choice to add the bubbles.  You could then have a great version of this drink for those designated drivers or friends who choose not to drink. 

Cranberry Rose

1 oz Rosemary infused vodka

2 oz Cranberry juice

squeeze of some lemon

Top off with Moscato/Champagne/Prosecco

Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and lemon.

    We always have a Moscato on hand for events, or special occasions for guests celebrating a Wedding or Anniversary, that I like which isn't too sweet or dry.  This Moscato is the perfect blend for those who like one that is a middle of the road.  Depending on your tastes you can make your drink sweeter or drier based on the alcohol you choose to use.  Don't forget you can always make a mocktail.  Be safe and use a designated driver!

Cheers! From the Oaks bed and breakfast.

January Happenings

  

  It's a New Year and time to hit the streets.  Sulphur Springs still has a lot to offer in the "off season." The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a First Responders banquet on Thursday, January 6th at the Civic center.  Our community feels that it is important to recognize and support our local first responders and celebrate all that they do to help our community.  The banquet is one way the community gives back to those who help protect and saves lives daily in our area.

    The Civic center is hopping with rodeo events every weekend.  If you want to see some roping action or riding skills they have you covered. 

   

Workforce Solutions in North East Texas is hosting their annual event for students, the LEAP Expo on Friday, January 14 at the Civic Center.  This event is for 8th grade students around the county to find out more information about jobs in our area and help them select the learning path they would desire to enter in High School.  Companies from around the area attend and teach the students more about what they do and how they can work in our community.

 

  As always our local shops and dining are in full swing, ready to serve your needs or help you locate that special item as a gift or just a treat for yourself.  

    We can't wait for you to stop by in the New Year and check out our little space in North East Texas. 

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.