From the Editor | October & November 2024
By BRANDY CRUZ
Happy fall, y’all! Well, despite it still feeling like summer, this is fall in Central Texas. At least it has cooled off enough to consider participating in some more outdoor activities, and this issue of Tex Appeal has you covered. This issue is full of things to do in the Central Texas — things that anyone, of any age, can do and have fun.
Featured on the cover are the owners of Temple’s newest hot spot, The Commonwealth. Josh Pearson and Jerrod Wittman opened it with relaxation and entertainment in mind. The venue features a restaurant, a bourbon and cocktail bar, a speakeasy, pickleball, live music and more. Read all about it here.
Rachel Strickland takes us on an adventure to Topsey Exotic Ranch, here. The safari expedition north of Copperas Cove is fun for all ages and something out of town guests will also enjoy. The safari includes camels, zebras, antelopes and more, that participants have the opportunity to feed. And being in Central Texas, a safari would not be complete without Texas longhorns.
Nothing compliments good food quite like live music. Johnny’s Steaks and Bar-Be-Que in Salado, here, has you covered with both. Johnny’s live music includes rising stars and well-known country music performers.
Sometimes it’s fun to let your hair down and let your inner child out to play. Area 254 in Killeen is the place to do that, with an arcade, bowling, laser tag, roller skating and bumper cars. Unwind with friends, loved ones or even use Area 254 as a team-building retreat for work. Read all about it here.
After several years in the making, Cameron Park Zoo’s Gloria and FM Young Penguin Shores exhibit is finally open to the public. The new exhibit features 22 South African black-footed penguins, making it the largest in Texas. Read all about the new exhibit, as well as the reactions of some of the first visitors here.
Lisa Carlisle took a day trip to Spa Castle Texas, a one-of-a-kind resort north of Dallas, where you can spend an entire day soaking your cares away in one of its hydrotherapy bade pools. Find out about Lisa’s experience in Daytrippin’, here.
The Bell County Medical Alliance recently celebrated 105 years of service to Central Texas. The organization has a mission to support the “family of medicine” by promoting health-related events. Being part of a community full of medical professionals, this issue’s Neighbors, here, is relevant for those who want to give back to the medical community.
It’s that time of year again for holiday parties. Every party staple has to include a charcuterie board, but only those with a unique talent can make extraordinary boards. If you’re not one of those talented few who can make a charcuterie board look like a work of art, you need to read the Wanda Black Board’oeuvres story here.
While you’re looking for holiday party inspiration, check out Mixology here. Janna Zepp shares ways you can give traditional cocktails an upgrade, with Halloween- and Thanksgiving-inspired drinks.
This is a special issue because it highlights all the wonderful businesses imagined, inspired and created by local entrepreneurs and organizations who are fulfilling their goals by making Central Texas a wonderful place to live, learn and raise a family.