TEXARKANA, Texas -- A new way to have fun is opening soon in Texarkana and it all starts with some meeples.
Meeples are game pieces for players, accidentally coined by tabletop gamer Alison Hansel when she was playing "Carcassone" in 2000, at least that's what Alicia Nield told the Gazette.
"She accidentally combined the words 'my' and 'people' creating meeple," said Nield, owner of MeepleCity. "It's in the dictionary and everything."
MeepleCity was created after Nield's family moved to Texarkana from Las Vegas and wanted nightlife activity that wasn't solely in bars or restaurants.
Nield began her love affair with tabletop games in 2016, when "Settlers of Catan" became her main object of affection aside from husband Eric, who has helped with her business every step of the way.
"We just want everyone to come in and have fun," Nield said. "We have something for people of all ages."
Nield said MeepleCity is her first business endeavor and that her family has been instrumental in the start of her store.
"We're also going to have Tipsy Gaming every Friday night at 7 p.m.," Nield said. "Just bring your favorite adult beverage and have some fun."
When asked about her favorite game, Nield picked the one that is her favorite at the moment, as she has several favorites.
"'Carcassone' is my favorite right now," Nield said. "It's based in France and deals with tile placement."
MeepleCity will have its grand opening at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at 1801 Robison Road with demonstrations of "Carcassone," "Munchkin," "Flux" and "The Table is Lava." There also will be a prize wheel, giveaway drawings and discounts.
To learn more about MeepleCity, call 430-200-4518.