Living next door to the largest city in East Texas has its advantages, but there is plenty to do within Hideaway itself. Our famous park parties, periodic dinner theatres, a terrific Fourth of July celebration, and dinner dances at the Clubhouse are just a few of the pleasurable leisure activities to be found within Hideaway's gates.

Within a half-hour's drive, you can also enjoy all of these special treats:

• One of the most beautiful strolls in Texas at the Tyler Rose Garden, where the Rose Capital puts its very best on display for all to see, both during the Rose Festival and throughout the year.

• The R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center at the University of Texas at Tyler, where top regional and national performing arts events are staged for local residents enjoyment in a wonderful, state-of-the-art venue.

• The abundant talents of local actors and performers bring delight to audiences through performances of the Tyler Civic Theatre, which offers year-round productions in the Braithwaite Theatre and the Rogers Children's Theatre, plus classes for would-be thespians.

• If you appreciate the visual arts, visits to the Tyler Museum of Art on the campus of Tyler Junior College will be your choice. The museum also hosts multiple arts festivals during the year.

• A great afternoon for the whole family is in store at the Caldwell Zoo, which boasts wildlife from around the world in a beautiful setting, plus dining and picnicking opportunities.

• Like your fun outdoors? A sure bet is Tyler State Park, a 985-acre slice of the East Texas woods which includes a 64 acre lake. The park offers picnicking, camping, boating, boat rentals, fishing, swimming, birding, hiking, mountain biking, and nature study less than a half-hour from Hideaway.

• If you just want to catch a flick, the multi-screen Carmike, Hollywood or Times Square theatre complexes can fill the bill - or you can catch a film on the single screen of the historic Select Theatre - the oldest continuously operating theatre in Texas - in nearby Mineola. The Select also provides the venue for productions of the Lake Country Playhouse and is just around the corner from the Piney Woods Pickin' Parlor , which offers performances by a variety of regional musical artists.

• If you like the smell of cotton candy and sawdust, the East Texas State Fair offers great rides, exhibits, and delicious food every fall only 25 minutes from Hideaway.

• The stars shine in East Texas at the Oil Palace Convention Center and Concert Hall, located on the east side of Tyler, which hosts national and regional performing artists throughout the year.

• If you just want to curl up with a good book, a small free library run by volunteers is available within Hideaway Lake, and the excellent Lindale Public Library is located just five miles away.