Life in Castle Hills Magazine February 2022

FEBRUARY 2022

EXPERIENCE

KNOWLEDGE

FRIENDLINESS 10 HOT

R E S TAU R A N TS W I T H O U T D O O R PAT I O S

5 THINGS TO DO D O G PA R K S

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contents TA B L E O F

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EXPERIENCE

KNOWLEDGE

FRIENDLINESS

ARTICLES 08

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10 HOT RESTAURANTS WITH OUTDOOR PATIOS

INSIDE COMMUNITY AND EDUCATION

MATTERS OF THE HEART

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SHERIFF’S CORNER WITH SHERIFF TRACY MURPHREE

5 THINGS TO DO

ANIMAL MOVIES FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

BOUGEE ON A BUDGET

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FEATURED

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SANDY THE HAIR EXPERT

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THE OASIS

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Publisher of Murray Media Group, kelly@murray-media.com Publisher & Editor Scott & Kelly Murray

Administration

GET OUTDOORS with your

I

FAMILY and pets

have a long-time friend who, just like me, loves eating at local restaurants. But while I won’t pass on a chance to sit out on the patio at my favorite eatery with Scott and the kids, she insists

on sitting indoors. When we plan anything between our families, the same is true — she’d prefer to do everything indoors.

Needless to say, we don’t always see eye to eye.

I’m not sure what side of the fence you’re on in this argument, but now that we’re past the latest version of February winter storms in Texas, it’s high time we break from our crotchety routines and get outdoors.

In this month’s issue, you’ll find fun pet articles, including one that features 10 of the hottest local restaurants with outdoor patios. One of our writers even pieced together a list of the best dog parks. The point, ladies and gents, is that we spend way too much of our time indoors. Think about it — we’re inside for work, school, home life, restaurants, movie theaters, shopping malls, etc. Every once in a while, it’s nice to take the dogs for a walk at a nearby park or spend the day having a picnic with the family.

I may never convince my friend to change her ways. And that’s fine — I’ll love her like a sister forever. But she’s not going to change me, either. So I’m going to put my laptop up and head outside.

Who’s coming with me?

Thanks for reading, and enjoy this month’s issue!

Managing Editor Jana Melton Sub-Editor Bobbi Byrne

Writers

Caylie Howard, Steve Gamel,Diane Ciarloni Jade Kensington, Jean Eisenmann Leena Duwadi, Mark Miller

Advertising Inquiries

sales@murray-media.com

Production

Graphic Designers Mish Cunningham-Scott Cayla Thompson Arynn Tomson Hallie Preece

Photography

Miranda Longoria Photography Your Candid Memories Photography What’s That Guy’s Name? Photography by Guy T Live Beautifully Photography

Letters

Life in Castle Hills invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments.

Email artwork@murray-media.com.

All submissions become the sole property of Murray Media Group.

Editorial Inquiries Call Caylie Howard at 972.899.3637 or email editor@murray-media.com www.Murray-Media.com Address: 3513 Yucca Dr., Ste. 200 Flower Mound, TX 75028 Life in Castle Hills is published monthly by Murray Media Group. Some articles and/or content may be sponsored by advertisers. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Life in Castle Hills is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 2022 Murray Media Group

Sincerely, Kelly Murray 6 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | FEBRUARY 2022

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EXPERIENCE

KNOWLEDGE

FRIENDLINESS

by Mark Miller | photos courtesy of Live Beautifully Photography

T

hough there are many places in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to buy indoor and outdoor fireplaces, grills, and related items, it would be hard to find one with a more

experienced and friendly staff than Flames Fireplaces and Gas Grills.

“There’s just something about us that people are attracted to,” said owner Mike Hands. “First of all, I’ve got my main guy (Dave Gruble), me and my (fireplace) installer (David Baker) have 100 years in this business.

I’ve either owned or ran nearly every other place in town the last 40 years in Plano, Dallas, Allen, and here.”

Flames has been located just north of Stonebriar Mall in Frisco, since 2013.

One of the reasons Hand chose Frisco is the huge growth not only in that city but others to the north and west including Castle Hills.

Good reviews and word of mouth especially on Google and Yelp also have helped tremendously. Referrals and repeat customers have been key.

“I think it’s based on our knowledge and our laid-back approach,” Mike

3311 Preston Rd., Ste. 14 | Frisco, TX 75034 10 | LIFE IN CASTLE HILLS | FEBRUARY 2022

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added. “I’m the easiest guy to work for and I really like to cut up with the customers, have a good time and there’s no high pressure. I think all that combined is what makes people come from all over. Some drive 30 miles out of their way to see us passing 2-3 shops.”

Flames is only closed to the public three days a year – Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter though workaholic Mike can still be found there.

When not in the store, the Richardson native and long-time resident spends time with his wife Melinda.

Like most new businesses, Flames struggled its first few years but had record sales in 2020, beat that in 2021, and has started off strong again in 2022 even during a normally slow time of year. Mike believes the pandemic has played a role with more people working from home. But there are plenty of other reasons.

“Our bread and butter are (vented and vent-free) gas logs and gas grills. We probably sell more gas logs than anyone in North Texas,” he said. “We hold our own in outdoor kitchens and grills.

FlamesOfTexas.com | 214.618.2301 www.LiveLocalMagazines.com

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“WE PROBABLY SELL MORE GAS LOGS THAN ANYONE IN NORTH TEXAS.” Fireplaces are kind of a secondary thing but

John Whorton who has been working part-

growing like crazy too.”

time for a year. They pride themselves on

Besides R.H. Peterson and Real Fyre gas logs, Flames features a selection of outdoor kitchen accessories and contracts with an outside

educating customers about available products and services to be able to make informed purchasing decisions.

source to service gas grills.

“I’ve got the best guy in the city and my

While many businesses have been having

lifelong friend working for me and I’ve got

supply issues, Flames is not among them thanks to Mike’s connections and relationships with about 10 nationwide distributors. Hand said he’s been told if he can’t find something, nobody can. Plus, he’s able to secure preferred pricing that he can pass along to his customers.

the best installer in Dallas,” Mike said. “We’re all pretty personable and social people. I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to be surrounded by.”

To learn more about Flames Fireplaces and Gas Grills, stop by the showroom at 3311 Preston

Flames’ small yet knowledgeable staff includes

Rd., Ste.14, visit flamesoftexas.com or

86-year-old Duke Currie plus long-time friend

call 214.618.2301.

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