Readers pick ‘Best of Hopkins County’

When we bid farewell to the oppressive heat of July, we hoped for cooler temperatures in August, but it hasn’t happened yet. A string of daily triple digits is marking Summer 2023 as one of the hottest on record, globally. Hopkins County is in the Fort Worth forecasting and record-keeping district of the National Weather Service. An office was established in that city in 1898 and has been headquartered at various sites including downtown, Meacham Field, Carswell AFB, DFW Airport, and currently in the Federal Building in downtown Fort Worth.

July brought one thing that’s cool; the results in the News Telegram’s monthlong search for the ‘Best Of Hopkins County’. Local consumers voted on their picks in ‘Best Food and Drinks’, ‘Best People’, and ‘Best Places’, with votes compiled into an attractive color publication. The “Best Of” tabloid was an insert in each copy of the July 29 issue of the Sulphur Springs News-Telegram. This readers’ choice compilation was the result of exhaustive work by our publisher Dave Shabaz and other members of our staff. If you would like a copy of the ‘Best Of ’, it’s available free of charge in our office at 200 Main Street downtown through August.

My desk being only steps away from several winning establishments, I went forth to collect brief expressions from business owners and managers on the ‘Best Of ’ list. Some were recognized in multiple categories. For example, Marlene’s Sass and Class Boutique at 212 Main Street won three; Best in Fashion Accessories, Best Place to Buy Shoes, and Best Place to Buy Jewelry. Her neighbor, Flip’s Burgerland at 210 Main Street, took Best Burger. (Far from downtown, voted second place burger was The Saltillo Store). Magic Scoop General Store earned Best Frozen Treat, and when I asked owner Lara why, she said it’s because they offer lots of different varieties of homemade ice cream every day! Now, where else besides 111 Gilmer Street can you find a gem like that? Her neighbor, Corner Grub House at 113 Gilmer, cornered the voting on Best Chicken-Fried Steak, Best Fried Chicken, Best Salad Bar, and Best Bread/Rolls.

I did get in my car and drive over to Deep Routes Coffee, located right next to the new McAllisters Deli construction at 205 East Shannon Road in Sulphur Springs. Owners Shawn and Kendra Wallace had appreciative responses as winners. For our Podcast, Kendra replied, “We are thrilled to gain Best Cup of Coffee but also delightedly surprised to win Best Taco/Burrito since it hit our menu just weeks before the voting.”

Deep Routes also houses a gift shop called “Shop the Springs” which placed second in Best Gift Shop. The Wallaces are brand new to Sulphur Springs as well as new business owners since January 2023. These expressions from the local scene are simply the tip of the iceberg this sizzling summer offers on the fine establishments here! Pick up your ‘Best of Hopkins County’ tabloid, and listen to our ‘Down Home Today with Enola Gay’ podcast on ssnewstelegram.com … both free to you!