Issuu

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

TABLE OF CONTENTS Alvin Area................................................................. 5 Angleton....................................................................11 Brazosport Area.......................................................13 Clute Freeport Lake Jackson Quintana Surfside Beach Texas City/LaMarque...............................................18

TouringTEXAS Gulf Coast Style

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

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

A lighted, night time Christmas Parade is part of the Annual Home for the Holidays Celebration.

Alvin - In the middle of it all Tucked between the hustle and bustle of Houston, and the sandy beaches of the Texas Gulf Coast, lies Alvin; a charming southern town with humble beginnings dating back to 1845. Here, visitors will find historical sites, antique style shopping and family-friendly adventures. Step back in time and learn about the city’s history by visiting the museums and historical sites. The rustic charm of Alvin comes from its humble roots as a farming and ranching town. When the Santa Fe Railroad expanded into the area, Alvin began developing as settlers moved in to open stores and build homes. Originally named

Morgan by the town’s residents in honor of the settlement’s founding father, Alvin Morgan. The town changed its name to Alvin after discovering a Morgan, Texas already existed. Alvin was officially incorporated in 1893, making it the oldest incorporated settlement in Brazoria County. The historic Alvin Train Depot was built in 1907 and has remained a staple in the community’s long history involving the railroad. Alvin is still experiencing new growth and development within the city limits, but the small-town charm remains at its core. Treasured buildings from the past are now being renovated to house new

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

businesses. Visitors can still find many unique pieces of the past from the antique shops in the area. Located on land originally granted to the Houston Tap and Brazoria Railroad, Alvin boasts many great recreational opportunities including 13 parks and the country’s only dedicated night lit disc golf course. When visitors get hungry there are many options to choose from and it can be hard to use one word when describing the restaurants in Alvin. Visitors can grab some lip-smacking ribs from Joe’s BBQ or slurp up some Pho Noodles from Let’s Pho. The restaurants in the area range from down-home cooking to international cuisine. There are many options for Asian, Italian, and Mexicanstyle food. Being this close to the gulf, visitors can’t pass up on places like La Costa Seafood and Grill. They offer savory dishes that bring you a blast of flavor from

the Texas Gulf Coast. With so many options it really boils down to what visitors are craving. Alvin offers visitors big city attractions with small-town hospitality and is the perfect place to stay for those looking to experience the Texas Gulf Coast. Conveniently located within 25 miles from Galveston and Houston, Alvin is right in the middle of it all. Visitors can experience the calming shores of the coast and the fun nights of downtown within the same day when they stay in Alvin. It is the place to relax in-between adventures while also enjoying attractions like Bayou Wildlife Zoo and the exhibit of Baseball Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan at the Alvin Historical Museum. Alvin is also less than an hour’s drive from the Kemah Boardwalk, and Space Center Houston which makes Alvin the perfect place for your next stay. Enjoy your adventures and remember to Eat, Stay & Play in Alvin.

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

Plenty to see and do in Alvin Alvin Historical Train Depot Explore the 100 plus year old Alvin Historical Train Depot Centre, which once was the hub for business and agriculture, and served the Santa Fe Rail Line. Now available for rental, book your next event at the Alvin Train Depot. 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 history and culture of Alvin, as well as visit exhibits from NASA and others. You can also take a tour of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail hometown hero and hall of famer, Nolan The hugely successful Great Texas Ryan’s Exhibit. This exhibit showcases his Coastal Birding Trail winds through 43 life in Alvin and as well as his impact in Texas counties, encompassing the entire the sport of baseball. Texas Coastal region. Alvin makes an excellent base to explore the entire trail with several options for food and lodging

Slover – Rogers Cottage A restored Victorian cottage featuring original furniture pieces, the Slover Rogers Cottage is revered as a “must see.” The cottage was crafted over an eight-year period by a Civil War veteran to show his skills in Victorian construction, with gingerbread, two turrets, massive pocket doors, and a bow knot fence. Guides conduct tours of the house and give history on the antique furnishings in the house. It is a place of remembrance for old, as well as a place of discovery for the young. Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

available. Completed in April 2000, the Trail features 308 distinct wildlife viewing sites. The trail maps have information about the birds and habitats likely to be found at each site, Migrations and Winter are the best seasons to visit. Karpeles Museum The Karpeles Library is the world’s largest private holding of important original manuscript documents. The archives include Literature, Science, Religion, Political History, and Art. Among the treasures are: the original draft of the Bill of Rights of the United States, the original manuscript of the sheet music for the, “The Wedding March,” Einstein’s famous formula E=Mc2, the Thanksgiving Proclamation signed by George Hanson, Roget’s Thesaurus, Webster’s Dictionary, and over one million more. There are 16 Karpeles Museums around the Country, but Alvin is home to the only one in Texas.

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 and livestock supplies, restaurant and gift shop all in one. There is something for everyone!

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

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. 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).

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.

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

Calendar of Events NovemberFest with Car & Bike Show Saturday, November 13, 2021 7:00 am - 4:00 pm National Oak Park • Alvin 77511 Arts and crafts, Antique Tractor and Farm Equipment display, pancake breakfast with all the trimmings, 50/50 cash raffle, band entertainment, Tribute to Veterans, food court, kid’s games, local entertainers. Home for the Holidays Saturday, December 4, 2021 10:00 am - 6:00 pm National Oak Park • Alvin 77511 Spreading some holiday cheer with vendors, Snow Slide, entertainment, activities, lighted parade, and more. The forecast is predicting snow with a chance of Santa! Bring out the family. It will be SNOW much fun! Admission is FREE.

Alvin Music Festival and Cookoff April 1 - 3, 2022 Live music fills up the big stage during this three-day, family-friendly event along with a BBQ cook-off. Grab a funnel cake, a cream soda or choose from a variety of delicious food from the many trucks parked on site. The kids area is filled with inflatables, mini golf, and much more!

Home for the Holidays

Snow Slide

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

Angleton - heart of fun & history Angleton, the county seat of Brazoria County, is 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”. Being in such close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico offers visitors the opportunity of n u m e r o u s o u t d o o r activities or simply a great day at the beach. The city provides easy access to many of the historical sites and nearby museums. Those located in Angleton are: Stephen F. Austin Statue The Stephen F. Austin Statue is a tribute to the father of Texas. Located just off Highway 35 on Highway 288 in Angleton, the 70 foot statue is a reminder of the importance of Brazoria county’s rich history. Brazoria County Museum The Brazoria County Historical Museum is located in Brazoria County’s historic 1897 courthouse, the museum collects, preserves and exhibits artifacts that relate to the history of and which reflect the county’s cultural and demographic diversity. Nearby museums and historical interests are: •East Columbia Historical Homes •Columbia Historical Museums •Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historical Park

The Brazoria County Ring of Honor 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 Medal of Honor and Gold Star Mothers award recipient, Clarence Sasser. Located at 111 E. Locust St. on the west lawn of the courthouse.

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge 24907 FM 2004, Angleton 77515 979-922-1037 The wildlife refuge offers salt and freshwater marshes, sloughs, ponds, woody thickets and coastal prairies which provide a place for wildlife to rest, nest and feed. For people, it offers respite from the concrete jungle. Features an auto tour route.

In addition, the City of Angleton is home to MSR Houston, a premier racing facility and the Crocodile Encounter. 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 a rec center, Angleton has something for everyone. The Director of Communications and Tourism, can assist with sample itineraries, accommodations, restaurant options and more to help make sure your group visit is a pleasure. 979-849-4364, ext 2111 or email: meighme@angleton.tx.us

Calendar of Events MARKET DAYS November 2021 & March 2022 facebook.com/angletonmarketdays Over 150 vendors set up booths at the Fairgrounds for two days of shopping in November and March. HEART OF CHRISTMAS December 4, 2021 This annual holiday event located around the Courthouse includes pictures with Santa and Elsa from Frozen, kid’s rides, BBQ cookout, community booths and giveaways.

COWBOY UP! February 5, 2022 10am - 1pm bchm.org Celebrate the history and culture of cowboys. Learn to rope cattle, sample Dutch-oven cooking, play games and more! AUSTIN TOWN FESTIVAL Austin Town - bchm.org February 22, 2022 10 am - 4 pm Step back in time to 1832 Colonial Texas! Meet character interpreters, craft demonstrators, play period games, and more.

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

Fishing, Birding, Sun & Stars More than just a single city, the Brazosport area encompasses the cities of Clute, Freeport, Lake Jackson, Quintana and Surfside Beach. Located 50 miles south of Downtown Houston, visitors will find a region known for its natural beauty and rich history. ~ Clute ~ Where Fun comes to Play! Within minutes of Clute, you can enjoy many outdoor activities such as fishing, birding and kayaking. The Center for Arts & Sciences can entertain you for hours, scuba dive in Mammoth Lake, golfing and historical tours are just a few of the opportunities waiting for you in Clute, Texas! For more information visit goclute.com or call 1-888-462-5883.

Brazosport BASF Planetarium brazosportcenter.com/ The BASF Planetarium offers a star show every Tuesday and on the fourth Friday of each month. Visitors can also view images from the Hubble telescope in the lobby through View-Space.

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

Center for the Arts & Sciences brazosportcenter.org • Free Admission The Center for the Arts & Sciences is a cultural and educational complex in Clute comprised of an art gallery, science museum, planetarium and two performance theaters. Featuring work by local, regional, and international artists. The Center for the Arts & Sciences is located in front of Brazosport College. The Center’s Museum of Natural Science contains one of the South’s largest seashell collections as well as fossils of dinosaur and mammoth bone and Texas coastal wildlife and a unique jade and ivory collection. ~ Freeport ~ As a coastal city, Freeport has some of the best fishing in Texas. A number of offshore charter boat services are available for large and small groups, taking both day and overnight trips. There are two marinas, numerous boat ramps, and bait and tackle

shops making fishing a breeze in Freeport. Bryan Beach offers over three miles of sandy beach ideal for saltwater surf fishing. Beach goers drive and park on Bryan Beach, which is still in its natural state. It’s perfect for sunbathing, camping, birding, fishing and relaxing. Launch your boat at the San Luis Pass Boat Ramp which has a concrete ramp, boat slip and is lighted, located at San Luis Pass County Park, County Road 257. Go jet skiing on the Old Brazos River or kayak the Christmas Bay Paddling Trail. Wetlands Trail & Bird Observatory visitbrazosport.com/attractions The perfect place for bird watching year-round. During the winter months visitors can see hundreds of ducks and geese at this fresh water marsh. Flower Gardens National Marine Sanctuary flowergarden.noaa.gov A premier diving destination about 100 miles off the coast of Freeport where the northernmost coral reefs in the continental United States are located. See Star and Brain coral, Manta Rays, Hammerhead sharks, and Loggerhead sea turtles then book a trip with the local dive charter. Spot a whale shark if you visit this national treasure in July, August or September. Best suited for intermediate or advanced divers.

Manta Ray

~ Lake Jackson~ Lake Jackson was incorporated in 1944 and serves as the major retail center for the Brazosport area. Downtown has a variety of shops, restaurants and pubs within walking distance of each other. Places to launch your boat and enjoy a great day of fishing. Brazos River boat ramp, locat14

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

ed 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. Sea Center Texas tpwd.texas.gov/seacenter Free Admission - Closed Mondays A marine development, aquarium, and education center that can produce 20 million fingerlings annually, primarily red drum and spotted sea trout, for release into Texas coastal waters. Visit the 20-foot touch pool and handle marine animals such as blue crabs, hermit crabs, urchins and anemones or come face to face with the large fish in the Gulf of Mexico aquarium. Tour one of the largest red drum hatcheries in the world and marvel at the replicas of Texas state record saltwater fish.

banding program the third Saturday of each month. Native birds and migrants can be found on the many trails and around the Avian Conservation Science Center. Wilderness Golf Course thewildernessgc.com/ The Wilderness Golf Course in Lake Jackson could very well be Texas’ best kept secret. Exceptional bunkering and putting surfaces will challenge players of every skill level. Surrounded by natural landscapes that native wildlife and birds thrive on, it’s fitting that the Wilderness is a certified Audubon Sanctuary golf course. ~ Surfside Beach ~ Birding in Surfside Take a ride along Surfside Beach’s Bluewater Hwy and Intracoastal shoreline and spot one of these stunning roseate spoonbills. The ecological

Lake Jackson Historical Museum lakejacksonmuseum.org Free Admission - Closed Mondays Learn about the history of the area through interactive exhibits from the plantation era to modern industry. A lifelike animatron will help you find out why streets in Lake Jackson are named This Way and That Way or try your luck flying the Windecker Eagle, the first all-composite aircraft to receive FAA certification. Gulf Coast Bird Observatory A birding research and education facility on 34 acres of Columbia Bottomland forest in Lake Jackson and has a great birdTouring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

diversity of Surfside, combined with relatively mild climate, make for an ideal home and sanctuary to over 300 resident and migratory bird species. Located on Central Flyway, Surfside is particularly important as a stopover for both Trans-Gulf and Circum-Gulf migrants. On a “wave” day it’s possible to see over a hundred migrant species with over 30 warblers alone! Out of migration season, northern gannets, fulmars and wintering raptors may be seen from the jetties and mergansers drift into the calm waters to feed. Coastal and marine viewing opportunities include Christmas Bay, Surfside Jetty Park, Surfside Crabbing Pier, Stahlman Park amongst many others. Surfside Bird & Butterfly Trail 2.5 miles surrounded by native plants and trees and is bordered by the Freeport Harbor. Opened in March 2019, this is a great place to spot butterflies, Orioles, Buntings, Tanagers, Warblers and more.

The entrance is located at the corner of Parkview and Monument Drive near Surfside Beach City Hall. ~ Quintana ~ Quintana is recognized among bird enthusiasts from across the country as an ideal place to bird watch. This island is the perfect stopover for migrating birds. Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary Full of salt cedars, dunes, gulf frontage and brackish marshes. A large observation tower, trails and benches are perfect for spotting wildlife. During the month of April volunteers provide local birding information, checklists, lead tours and help identify

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

birds for visitors to the sanctuary. The Quintana Beach County Park A beachfront park with day-use and overnight facilities. Full service paved RV sites or self-contained cabins are available. The park offers a pedestrian beach, lighted fishing pier, access to the west jetty, restrooms and showers, a meeting/party house complete with kitchen, education center, covered pavilions, picnic tables, grills, playground, volleyball court, horseshoe

pits and paved trail. The site of Fort Bates (1862), the remains of the Freeport Harbor Defense during WWII (1942), and two historically significant houses are located inside the park.

Calendar of Events BREW ON THE BAYOU November 6, 2021 5pm - 9pm Lake Jackson • Gulf Coast Bird Observatory Sample specialty brews from local breweries as well as wines. Live music, food trucks and silent auction. Lake Jackson Turkey Trot 5K/10K November 25, 2021 7:30am - 11am A 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run held on Thanksgiving Day. CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING November 27, 2021 6pm - 7pm www.surfsidetx.org Meet at the main entrance for an amazing tree lighting of the Surfside Beach Christmas tree and Christmas carols. SANTA PAWS December 2, 2021 5pm - 9pm lakejackson-tx.gov • Free Admission Pet owners and pets are invited to come in festive costumes and enter the MuttStrut Costume Contest. HOLIDAY ON THE BRAZOS December 5, 2021 12pm - 6pm www.freeport.tx.us • Free Admission Enjoy holiday festivities on the banks of the Old Brazos River in Freeport. A lighted boat parade and special appearance from Santa Claus. ISLAND OF NIGHTTIME KITES December 11, 2021 6pm - 10pm surfsidetx.org Enjoy the lit up kites of the Surfside Fly-

ers Kite Club at the main entrance of Surfside Beach, near Surf Drive and Hwy. 332. SURFING SANTAS December 18, 2021 12pm - 3pm Santa and his helpers come to Surfside to relax before the big day. Pedestrian Beach at Whelk Drive. NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE Dec. 31, 2021 8pm - 12:30 am lakejackson-tx.gov Ring in the New Year dancing to the live music of Southern County Line. Desserts, Black-Eyed Peas, Party Favors! BYOB DUNES DAY January 15, 2022 9am - 12pm brazoriacountyparks.org • Surfside Recycle Christmas trees into beneficial sand dunes at Stahlman Park. Contact Mike at 979-864-1541. SURFSIDE BEACH MARATHON February 5, 2022 8am - 12pm surfsidemarathon.com A half marathon, a 5K, and a kid’s k run are also available. The entire course is on the firm, smooth sand that is great for running. ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE March 12, 2022 1pm - 4pm Surfside Plenty of free beads and candy thrown from the floats plus costume contests, a social, fund raisers, and a reenactment of the Battle of Fort Velasco.

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

Something fun all year round ~ Texas City ~ Texas City has much to offer anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. With more than 890 acres of city parks 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. Texas City has 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. 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 children’s spray and splash zone, lots of shade structures and locker room. Galveston County Model Railroad Club Train Exhibit Open every Saturday 11 am - 4 pm The Galveston County Model Railroad Club is a non-profit club bringing together modelers of all scales interested in expanding their knowledge and modeling abilities. Historical Homes in Heritage Square Park The 1867 Settlement Historic District is the only Reconstruction-era African American community in Galveston County. The homes located at Heritage Square Park are The Engineer’s Cottage, The Lee

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

Dick Home, The Moore Home, The Bell Home and The Davison Home Bayou Golf Club Golfers enjoy the tropical like climate for year-round play. Winds from Galveston Bay, water on 12 holes and 22 sand traps present a challenging course. Texas City Museum Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 4pm (Train exhibit open on Saturdays only) The Texas City Museum is the center of history, culture, and heritage for the people of Texas City. A few of the exhibits featured in the museum are: •1947 Texas City Disaster films, photographs and artifacts •Children’s Discovery Room •Dahlgren Cannon from the U.S.S. Westfield •First Aero Squadron Texas City Dike Open 24 hours • Fees Vary The Texas City Dike is the longest manmade fishing pier in the world with boat launch and fishing areas, Dike Beach, restrooms, fish cleaning stations, picnic shel-

ters and more. The base of the dike has a huge playground, hike and bike trails, bike rentals, 18-hole disc golf course and more; there is something for everyone! ~ La Marque ~ La Marque is the Gateway to the Gulf and is located off Interstate 45.

Carbide Park The park features a sheltered pavilion, a tot-lot, an exercise area for the elderly and restrooms. There is also a small trail here which can be used for hiking as well as riding a bike. Sit under the shade of large trees. The tot-lot has a variety of play equipment that keep the kids engaged for long hours and wide open grassy areas, are ideal to play many outdoor sports.

Calendar of Events FARMERS MARKET Each Friday Oct. 1 - Dec. 17 3pm-8pm La Marque Hyper-local Farmers Market at Tanger Outlet in the parking lot in front of Nike. Delightful and delicious assortment of fruits, veggies, herbs, breads, sweets plus handcrafted jewelry, home accents, and more from the best local farmers & artisans. Magical Winter Lights 2021 Nov. & Dec. 2021 Dates Unconfirmed La Marque facebook.com/magicalwinterlights magicalwinterlights.com/houston The festival features Texas-sized lanterns, carnival rides & games, acrobatic performances and more.

CHRISTMAS PARADE December 1 Watch the beautiful lighting of the giant Christmas Tree, visit with Santa Claus, and sing Christmas carols! The children can visit with Santa after the parade in the gazebo at Walter Feigle Park. Enjoy free popcorn and hot chocolate. ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE March 2022 • Texas City

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style