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.'
Tara Holley
This Hidden Speakeasy Has the Best Martini in Texas, They Say
People say that if you want to find the very best martini you can find anywhere in Texas, you may want to plan a little trip over to this 'hidden speakeasy.'
Walmart Employees Deserve Way More Respect, Says Tyler, TX Woman
If we get THAT mad, we'd be better off trying to call one of the Waltons up in Arkansas and yell at them. However, yelling at 18-year-old Aaron isn't going to do anything except make a hard-working local employee's life harder.
10 ‘Nice’ Things You Do That Fast Food Workers Actually HATE
We're not talking about things that most of us would consider quite rude behaviors at our East Texas fast food establishments, such as throwing your garbage on the floor, not trying to clean up after yourself, or not keeping your eye on your kids if they are running wild around the restaurant.
After delving into the details, I have to say that as someone who worked in fast food as a young person, including the drive-thru, some of these are SPOT ON.
Why is This the #1 Most Banned Book in Texas?
In my opinion, books that are overtly sexual in nature don't have a place in elementary schools--or even perhaps in middle schools, for that matter. But here's part of the controversy: different people have different ideas about what 'overtly sexual' means.
Can Police in Texas Legally Search Your Car Without a Warrant?
I know some dear people who have, at some point, found themselves in this predicament. In a couple of the scenarios, the search yielded nothing that was of concern. In another situation, it caused them some legal troubles.
In all of these cases, I heard them talking about whether or not it was legal for law enforcement to have done so, given that they didn't have a warrant.
What? Did You Know Some People in Texas Do THIS to Their Ground Beef?
Some Texans do it because they see their parents or grandparents do it. Some people say they want to wash away some of the fat--but does this process even help with such a thing?
Other Texans say it is completely unnecessary, not to mention, possibly unwise to rinse ground beef after (or before) cooking it.
The Biggest Prison in Texas is Both Huge and Intimidating [VIDEO]
Sitting on 20,518 acres, Wikipedia states this prison can house close to 4,200 inmates.
Did You Know the Fastest-Growing Port in the Entire U.S. is Here in Texas?
Of course, now that I think about it, we've been inundated with headlines revealing how many people are moving to Texas. Businesses are moving to Texas, too. And it is only reasonable to assume that could mean more traffic at Texas ports.
Ultra-Rich: The 3 Texas Cities that are Among the Wealthiest in America
It's hard to pick just one 'boomtown' in Texas. Different sources seem to say different things. Honestly, with the influx of both businesses and people in the Lone Star State, it feels that all of Texas is a bit of a 'boomtown' right now.
These are the 10 Prettiest Small Towns in Texas for a Road Trip
In the mood for a road trip? Experience the beauty of Texas by visiting these pretty little Texas towns.
Texas Homeowners: Your Favorite ‘Secret’ Hiding Spots Aren’t Actually Safe
Are your valuables really safe in those common hiding spots? Learn how burglars may be one step ahead in Longview and Tyler, Texas.
Cutest Video of Bears Rock Climbing at Big Bend National Park in Texas
"Santa Elena Canyon has the tallest cliffs forming this Texas canyon, but it also has something else quite unique, rock-climbing bears."