Touring Texas 2020 by Fox Press

The Time is NOW!!! for Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

979-265-8392 979-265-2508 1-800-371-2971 1-888-462-5883 www.clutetexas.gov www.goclute.com

979-265-2508 979-265-8392

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

TABLE OF CONTENTS Alvin Area................................................................. 6 Brazosport Area....................................................... 10 Clute Freeport Lake Jackson Quintana Surfside Beach Texas City/LaMarque...............................................13 Baytown.....................................................................16 Angleton.................................................................... 18

PUBLISHED BY The Alvin Sun & Advertiser 570 Dula Street • Alvin, TX 77511 (281) 331-4421 • www.alvinsun.net For advertising information contact Brenda Groves or Darlene Hall (281) 331-4421

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

Alvin celebrates its history on July 4th at Frontier Days.

Alvin — rich in history

h a t started out as a s m a l l Texas cow town has grown into a community which honors the past and continues to seek new horizons. Three hundred years before settlers moved to Alvin, the Karankawa Indians roamed the Gulf Coast area, and the Spaniards explored it. Alvin’s first documented family, the Elisha Thomas’ arrived in 1845 and settled near Mustang Slough south

of the present Hillcrest subdivision. During the 1860’s the Santa Fe Railroad shipped cattle from the Gulf Coast to markets in the east. Cattle holding and loading pens and a large water storage tank situated next to the railroad required an overseer. The railroad hired Alvin Morgan in 1872 to supervise activities at the stock pens. As the area developed, more settlers moved in, and Morgan opened a general store and saloon. He later

moved a box car from the railroad and converted it into a post office. The citizenry proclaimed the area a town, and when the population reached 49, they named it Morgan. However they learned that a town with that name already existed in Texas and changed its name to Alvin, still honoring their founding father. Another noteworthy early settler was Major George W. Durant, a holder of extensive land in the area, who recognized the

100+ year-old historic train depot importance of the railroad to the growth of Alvin. He succeeded in the railroad’s designation of Alvin as a regular stop on the line. In the 1880s, many cattlemen came to Alvin to purchase the prairie land. The area continued to prosper, and the city of Alvin was incorporated in 1893. In addition to the cattle industry, agriculture began to develop in the early 1900s. Alvin became one of the leading producers of strawberries. With the short life span of the fruit, ice was needed, and blocks, cut from frozen rivers and

lakes in northern states was shipped in to Alvin. Boxes were also needed to ship the strawberries and thus two businesses developed: T.J. Hicks Magnolia Warehouse and Alvin Box and Material Company. In subsequent years, oranges, pears, figs and the cape Jasmine flower were grown in Alvin. Rice became a major agricultural commodity in the early 1930s. R.T. “Bob” Briscoe began farming and shipping rice, and two rice dryers and two rice mills still exist today. Oil was also discovered at that time, adding to Alvin’s growing economy

and still plays a big part in the economy today. The city of Alvin continues to prosper throughout the years, but has not forgotten its past. The city streets themselves remind residents of the Civil War. Some northsouth streets are named after Confederate generals and certain east-west streets were given the names of land developers and Galveston businessmen, especially railroad investors. Alvin continues to thrive because of the Texas spirit and the community pride of its citizens.

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

Plenty to see and do in Alvin

lvin is located 25 miles south of Houston and just a short drive from the sandy shores of the Texas Gulf Coast. Alvin has a small-town atmosphere and is a relaxing location for a weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city! Alvin is the home of baseball legend Nolan Ryan, Gordon Street Tavern Brewpub, Froberg’s Farm, the iconic 57-yearold Dairyland, Bayou Wildlife Zoo, two historical museums and wonderful antiquing. Come “Stay and Play” in Alvin, Texas! We’ve got something for everyone! Visit alvintexas. org for information or call 281-585-3359.

Alvin Historial Museum well as exhibits from NASA and others. Phone: 281-331-4469

Alvin Historical Museum Step back in time at the old post office, which is now the Alvin Historical Museum and Gift Shop. You can view exhibits that showcase the past history and culture of Alvin, as

Confederate Cemetery See American history preserved at Confederate Cemetery. A historical marker was placed at Confederate Cemetery in Alvin in 1969 to honor the many war veterans buried there. Marguerite Rogers House Museum A restored Victorian cottage featuring original furniture pieces, the Marguerite Rogers House Museum is revered as a “must see.” It is a place of remembrance for the old, as well as a place of discovery for the young. Phone: 281-585-2803

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Alvin Historic Train Depot Explore the 100+-year old Alvin Historic Train Depot Centre, which was once the hub for business and agriculture and served the Santa Fe Rail Line.

Froberg’s Farm Stop by Froberg’s Farm and experience a 60+ year family tradition of raising, picking and selling the best vegetables, nuts and fruits in the area. They have a variety of family-friendly activities throughout the year. Tours are available as well as public picking when in season. Phone: 281-585-3531 Stanton’s General Store A real blast from the past, Stanton’s General Store opened in 1922. This trip back in time has a grocery store, feed store, farm supplies, livestock, restaurant and gift shop all in one. There is something for everyone! Phone: 281-331-4491

Lighted Disc Golf Course Alvin is very excited and proud to offer the country’s only course designed with lights for night time play. The new disc golf course, named “Disc Golf Course at Briscoe Park” was designed and constructed on previously undeveloped 42 acres of city-owned property. It features course signage, lights for night time play, and a one mile nature trail. The trail serves as an extension of the already existing trails located at Briscoe Park and Alvin Community College. It is worth noting that this newest addition to Briscoe Park received the “2019 Parks and Natural Areas Award : Special Recognition – On the Ground Project over $500K” by Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC).

Aerial view of Disc Golf Course at Briscoe Park

Bayou Wildlife Zoo Take a walk on the wild side at Bayou Wildlife Zoo. Go on your very own African Safari and see animals from Africa, India, Asia, Australia and North and South America, all nestling in their own natural habitats. Phone: 281-337-6376

Bayou Wildlife Zoo Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

Surf, sand and fun all year Brazosport Area Miles of soft sandy beaches, fresh sea breezes and some of the best birding and fishing in Texas await you in the Brazosport Area. An all-in-one getaway for travelers of all ages and interests, Brazosport includes the thriving communities of Clute, Freeport, Lake Jackson, Quintana, and Surfside Beach. Soak up the sun, surf or swim in the calm waves, or try your luck at catching a trophy fish. Then get your binoculars and camera as you seek out rare native and migratory birds and a jaw-dropping diversity of wildlife. If you’re searching for that all-in-one beachside destination, look no further than the Brazosport Area, with its miles of sce-

nic coastline, abundance of places to fish and plenty of opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Clute Clute is home to the Great Texas Mosquito Festival, held the last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in July at the Clute Municipal Park. The festival’s legendary mascot, “Willie Manchew,” presides over a 5K, a mosquito legs contest, barbecue and fajita cook-offs, a carnival, live entertainment, and more. The Stratton Ridge Road Boat Ramp, located on Stratton Ridge Road (County Road 226), allows access to Oyster Creek. There is a shell ramp with limited parking.

Freeport With the only protected harbor in the Brazosport Area and miles of sandy beaches, Freeport is a great place to get outdoors. Fresh and saltwater fishing are popular pastimes here. If you want to launch your boat, the San Luis Pass Boat Ramp is an intracoastal waterway boat ramp with a concrete ramp, boat slip and is lighted located at San Luis Pass County Park, County Road 257. Along with the angling, go jet skiing on the Old Brazos River or kayak the Christmas Bay Paddling Trail, a 19.1-mile route that provides some of the best birding in the area. The

Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge is an extensive 43,000-acre refuge with a varied habitat of salt grass prairies, mud flats, fresh and saltwater marshes and lakes, and salt cedars. One of the features of the Refuge is an auto tour. Lake Jackson Places to launch your boat and enjoy a great day of fishing. Brazos River boat ramp, located on the north side of the Brazos River bridge on FM 2004, has a concrete ramp, lighted, large parking lot. The Buffalo Camp Bayou Boat Ramp is located at the Wilderness Park in Lake Jackson. This is a limestone

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

ramp for shallow boats only. Wilderness Park is located at 301 W. Hwy. 332 in Lake Jackson and is a 477-acre riparian oak forest lying along the Brazos River and Buffalo Camp Bayou.. These evergreen bottomlands remain lush throughout the winter and a number of neotropical migrants stay each winter. The hiking trail is fourmiles round-trip and there is also a kayak launch. Sea Center, 302 Medical Dr., offers a boardwalk over a saltwater marsh and a freshwater marsh that are ideal for birding. Quintana For a relaxing day on

the beach, pack your towel and sunscreen and find a soft sandy spot in Quintana Beach County Park. Occupying 51 acres of beachside terrain, this park has plenty of space to play, fish, and have some fun under the sun. Along with the beach, the park features a lighted fishing pier and access to a jetty for anglers and a paved trail. Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary is home to salt cedars, beach dunes, gulf frontage, and brackish marshes. With an observation tower and trails open daily sunrise to sunset, this quaint

beach community offers one of the hottest birding spots on the Texas Gulf Coast, and on certain fallout days, every bush fills with migrants.

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

Surfside Beach Imagine everything you’d expect from a beachside getaway and you’ll probably find it in Surfside Beach.Miles of soft sand teeming with fascinating seashells welcoming the warm incoming tides of the Gulf of Mexico. Surfside Beach’s moderate waves makes it something of a Gulf Coast hotspot

for novice surfers, while the Surfside jetties provide anglers an opportunity to catch redfish, trout, and many other types of game fish. The Surfside Bird & Butterfly Trail is 2.5 miles surrounded by native plants and woodland and bordered by the Freeport Harbor. Opened in 2019, this is a great place to spot butterflies, herons, pelicans, egrets, terns and more. Entrance is located at the corner of Parkview and Monument Drive near Surfside Beach City Hall.

Something fun all year round

exas City prides itself on providing quality services and amenities for its citizens. Texas City has much to offer anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. With more than 890 acres of city parks, youâ€™re sure to find something to enjoy at these natural havens of lush greenery, amazing sculptures and resting areas. With over 40 park locations throughout the city, plus five miles of recreational opportunities along the Texas City Dike, the city of Texas City has one of the best parks, recreational and tourism departments in the state.

Shrimp Boil

CRAWFISH BASH, MAY 23, 2020 LA MARQUE BAYOU FEST, OCTOBER 17, 2020 MAGICAL WINTER LIGHTS, NOVEMBER 25 TO JAN 2021

Numerous softball and baseball fields at parks such as Godard Park and Tarpey Park for various tournament and league play. The Recreation and Tourism department provides Texas City with excellent outdoor facilities and activities for the extreme water sport individual to the passive walker or casual outdoor person to the avid fisherman to the bird watcher enthusiast, as well as many indoor activities. The city recently developed the 40+ acre Carlos Garza Sports Complex that houses a five-field softball star

complex with ball fields for soccer, baseball and football. It hosts tournaments year-round and is the home of two youth football leagues. Texas City has two community centers that have constant use: Sanders/ Vincent and Carver Park Community Centers which are multi-purpose facilities with a gym, class rooms, splash parks and playgrounds. These two facilities complement the Matthew T. Doyle Natatorium – a state-of-theart facility that sets itself apart from similar facilities in the Gulf Coast area. The natatorium features an eight-lane, stretch 25-

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meter pool with a depth ranging from 3 feet 6 inches to 14 feet. A moveable bulkhead enables the pool to be configured into a 25-meter or 25-yard competition-ready pool with warm/cool down lanes. The diving well is equipped with 1-meter and 3-meter diving boards. The Natatorium not only serves as the Texas City High School and the Dickinson High School swimming and diving venue, it is also designed as a site that benefits the citizens’ use for recreation, fitness and instruction. Bolstering the City’s great water venues is a modern Family Aquatic

Center. This facility has water slides, a lazy river, a zero-depth entry and play area, a childrenâ€™s spray and splash zone, lots of shade structures and locker room. La Marque Times are changing in La Marque and so is the landscape. Citywide revitalization efforts driven by La Marque Economic Development Corporation and the La Marque City Council will change more than just community perception. La Marque is the Gateway to the Gulf, the geographic center of Galveston County, the hub of the Mainland and the hometown of former United States Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. The city is off Interstate 45, minutes from Houston and Galveston. La Marque offers a family- and business-friendly atmosphere. More than 49,000 people call La Marque home. From starter bungalows to waterfront retreats, housing needs are covered. Beautiful houses, quiet neighborhoods, parks, community programs, churches and awardwinning school districts of Texas City, Dickinson, Hitchcock and Santa Fe position La Marque as a highly desirable Galveston

County community. The cityâ€™s residential growth will continue as the Borondo Pines, Saltgrass Crossing, Delany Cove and Painted Meadows subdivisions complete

construction of 2,400 new home sites. The Omega Bay subdivision offers an eclectic waterfront, golfcart community.

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

Explore Baytown

ver dream of kayaking in the reflection of the San Jacinto Monument or running across one of the largest stay-cable bridges in the world? Excursions to Baytown offer many exciting options from geocaching, to a night at the theater, or relaxing on the water! Baytown is situated in the gulf coast region of Texas among the scenic waterways that once witnessed the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution! Just east of Houston and north of Galveston, Baytown is a convenient location to recharge while on busi-

The Fred Hartman Bridge ness or exploring the area. Perched on the banks of several bays just east of Houston and north of Galveston, Baytown has much to offer. To discover just a few of the many things to do in Baytown or plan your next vacation to this Texas coastal town, visit us at www.VisitBaytown.com or download our mobile app by searching ‘Visit Baytown’ in the Apple and GooglePlay stores. Baytown Nature Center Baytown Nature Center, located at 6213 Bayway Drive, is a 500-acre peninsula surrounded by Burnet, Crystal and Scott Bays. It consists of hardwood uplands, high quality tidal marsh, and freshwater wetlands. This unique site is listed on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, providing habitat for

317 species of resident and neo-tropical migrant birds. The American Bird Conservancy designated BNC as a nationally important bird area. The nature center hosts a monthly Audubon Bird Survey in partnership with Houston Audubon. But this recreated wetland isn’t just for the birds. Numerous other animals also call the nature center home. In addition, it’s an important nursery area for a variety of aquatic species, including shrimp, crab and fish. This former residential subdivision (Brownwood) now features picnic shelters, four fishing piers, two pavilions and two overlooks. There’s also the Crystal Bay Butterfly Garden, the Children’s Nature Discovery Area, the Myra C. Brown Bird Sanctuary and approximately seven

miles of hiking trails. Baytown Nature Center is open to the public and is open daily all year round except Christmas, Thanksgiving and during extreme inclement weather. Gates open 30 minutes before sunrise and close 30 minutes after sunset. There is an entrance fee of $4 for adults 13 and older. Children 5-12 and Seniors are $1. Yearly passes may also be purchased for a fee of $30 per person or $65 per family.

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

Angleton — heart of fun

ngleton, the county seat of Brazoria County, prides itself on community spirit and a small-town atmosphere. Strategically located on SH 288, only 44 miles from Houston, and 18 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, Angleton truly is in “the heart of the fun.” Great parks, schools and housing help make Angleton a great place to call home, and great attractions and events keep visitors coming back for more. It was founded in 1890 by Lewis R. Bryan, Sr., and Faustino Kiber and was originally a trade center for agriculture, devoted primarily to cotton, corn, truck farming, and cattle, and later to rice and soybeans. It still derives considerable income from agriculture but has followed the general industrial trend of Brazoria County, which began in 1940 with the location of Dow Chemical Company at Freeport and continued with the introduction of a number of other petrochemical manufacturing companies. In 1989 Angleton was a banking and distribution center for a large oil, chemical, and agricultural area. The city provides easy access to many of the historical sites and nearby museums that showcase the rich history of the area and is home to the 60-foot statue that honors the “Father of Texas,” Stephen F. Austin. Being near the Gulf of Mexico offers visitors the opportunity of numerous outdoor activities or simply a great day at the beach.

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

Popular local events include Market Days, held two times per year; Freedom Festival; the Brazoria County Fair; Austin Town Festival and Heart of Christmas Celebration. Brazoria County Fair & Rodeo 901 S. Downing Rd. 979.849.6416 • www.bcfa.org Largest County Fair in Texas. The fair is a nine -day annual event that takes place in October of every year. It is known for its old-fashioned fair atmosphere and traditional fair entertainment such as carnival rides, rodeo, concerts, concessions and livestock/agriculture displays. Austin Town Festival 22821 FM 521 979.864.1208 • www.bchm.org Step back in time with the Brazoria County Historical Museum as it presents the Annual Austin Town Festival. A living history re-enactment, Austin Town recalls and celebrates the lives of those pioneers who settled Colonial Texas from 1821 to 1832. It is the first weekend in November. Crocodile Encounter Crocodile Encounter is one of the Houston area’s best kept secrets and offers fun for the whole family. Get up close and personal to nature by feeding the giant tortoises, touching snakes and coming face to face with Africa’s top predator - the Nile Crocodile. The Brazoria County Ring of Honor 111 E. Locust St. (west lawn of the courthouse) 979.864.1289 The black granite memorial features the names of more than 180 Brazoria County service members who were killed in action dating back to World War I. It also showcases laser-etched military pictorials and bronze statues of a Gold Star Mother and Medal of Honor recipient, Clarence Sasser. So whether you’re a history buff, love to

shop till you drop, or desire the thrill of a good rodeo and fair or a swim at at rec center, Angleton has something for everyone. If you’re planning a trip to Angleton, let us help make your visit special. See visit.angleton.tx.us or contact the Tourism and Special Events Coordinator for attractions, accommodations, restaurant options and more. 979.849.4364 x2111

Cowboy Up! Celebrate the Cowboy way of life at the Brazoria County Fairgrounds on Saturday, August 29th from 10am to 2pm. Cowboy storytelling by Jack Taylor and a musical guest will hit the stage at 1pm. So come out and enjoy music, hands-on demonstrations, crafts, and much more! Kids will discover the skill of cattle roping, learn the importance and how-to of branding, and visit some of the livestock on hand. While you’re at it, you can sample some dutch-oven cooking, like the cowboys would have enjoyed along the trail. You won’t want to miss this glimpse into cowboy culture and the chance to become a cowboy for a day! The event will be held at the Brazoria County Fairgrounds at 901 S Downing St in Angleton. Parking will be at the back entrance of the fairgrounds. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information about this program or others follow the Brazoria County Historical Museum on Facebook or call 979-864-1208. This event is proudly sponsored by BASF.

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GET THE INSIDE STORY OF NOLAN RYANâ€™S HISTORY MAKING CAREER IN BASEBALL, ALONG WITH A GLIMPSE INTO HIS PERSONAL LIFE.

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style