Tara Holley

Tara Holley's first on-air experience was at age 3 on a jingle in Temple, Texas. Radio has been a part of her life ever since. She received a BA in Theatre and Communication in 2004 from McMurry University. Her professional journey includes theatre, Neilsen media research, advertising and marketing, creative writing and scripting, and more. However, radio has always been her first professional love. Tara writes about all things East Texas -- including fantastic food, Texas legends and lore, and lifestyle topics. She loves conversation, comedy, coffee, animals, philosophy, and the arts. Her basic life philosophy can be summed up in the words of the great Bill and Ted: “Be Excellent to Each Other.” Tara received the Mayor's ROSE (Recognition of Service and Excellence) Award in 2021 and the President's Club Award for Townsquare Media Tyler in 2021 for Contributor of the Year. She served on the Heart of Tyler Board of Directors from 2017-2022, was a 2-year Chair for the Downtown Tyler Film Festival, and served on the Tyler Civic Theatre Board for several years, as well. She is currently on the Tyler Music Friendly Advisory Board.'

Buc-ee’s Rival Opens First Texas Location

Casey's General Store started in Iowa and, similarly to Buc-ee's, is a beloved stop for customers. There has been speculation that Casey's could possibly give Buc-ee's a run for its money, and now I guess we'll find out.

Now, You Can Send a Text to Your Pets in Texas–Here’s How

Stay connected with your pets using a brand-new unique AI service that sends personalized messages from pets to owners.

Why Every Texan Should Keep Paper Towels in Their Fridge All the Time

I mean, this sounds like something one would do on accident. Well, it more certainly sounds like something I would do. I can't tell you how many times I've absent-mindedly put something in the refrigerator that didn't necessarily belong there.

Texas is the Home of the The Oldest Operational Dairy Queen

By the way, the Dude and iconic Steak Finger Basket weren't even invented until the 1960s and they've been a huge hit ever since.

Here are 10 Fascinating Facts You May Not Know About Texas Gun Laws

Even the most avid and conscientious gun owners may find there are laws, policies, and considerations when it comes to gun ownership in Texas they didn't know.

13 Foods Texans Eat Regularly that May ‘Secretly’ Contain Insects

We say 'secretly,' simply because that's probably not what you'd ever expect when eating some of these rather 'common' foods.

Discover How This Popular Spice Can Keep Cockroaches OUT of Your Texas Home

Discover how a simple spice like can help repel cockroaches from your home in Longview and Tyler, Texas.

Warning! The Drunk Driving Limit in Texas May Be Changing Soon

Supporters of lowering the limit say it will save many lives, while detractors feel it could put too much of a burden on our law enforcement officers.

Texas Bluebonnets are Expected to Be Extra Gorgeous This Year–Best Time to Visit

According to KXAN based in Austin, Texas, "The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center released its official spring wildflower forecast for Central Texas Wednesday morning." A representative for the Wildflower Center told KXAN that the upcoming bluebonnet season is 'looking really good.'

9 of the Freakiest-Looking Scorpions You’ll See in Texas

We have scorpions in East Texas and all over the Lone Star State. There are around 18 different species of these denizens of Hell, I mean scorpions, in Texas. But some are much more common than others.

10 ‘Secret Spots’ Burglars Check First When Invading Texas Homes

Unfortunately, some burglars may check online to research the places people think may offer an added level of security for their valuables, so they know where to look. After all, the World Wide Web is available to a large portion of the population.

New Study Claims These are the 6 Friendliest Neighborhoods in Texas

How helpful would this info be to real estate agents in these areas? But also, in a state that tends to be known for its friendliness, it's fascinating to hear which neighborhoods rank the highest in that regard. It makes me wonder what it is about those neighborhoods that make them so, too.