Touring Texas 2022

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Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Alvin Area .................................................................... 5 Angleton Area ............................................................ 14 Brazosport Area ........................................................ 16 Clute Freeport Lake Jackson Quintana Surfside Beach La Porte Area ............................................................ 24 Texas City/LaMarque Area ...................................... 28

TouringTEXAS Gulf Coast Style

PUBLISHED BY The Alvin Sun & Advertiser 570 Dula Street • Alvin, TX 77511 (281) 331-4421 • www.alvinsun.net

Would You Like To Have Your City Represented In This Publication?

Contact: Hazel Perez, Karen David or Brenda Groves (281) 331-4421

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Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

The Color Guard lead the way in the annual Rotary Frontier Day Parade.

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

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businesses. Visitors can still find many unique pieces of the past from the antique shops in the area (see page 11).

Located on land originally granted to the Houston Tap and Brazoria Railway, 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 have lots of choices to grab some good food. Mmm-Mmm - try the seafood at LaCosta Seafood and Grill (ad page 9), Mexican food, Tex-Mex style, from Las Flores Mexican Restaurant (ad page 11) or enjoy the home-style cooking of Kelley’s Country Cookin’ (ad page 9).

Other cuisines in the area include Asian, Italian, barbecue, pizza and various fast food styles. With so many options it really

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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 one of the many parks with playgrounds, grills, picnic tables, bike riding, hiking and fishing.

The exhibit of Baseball Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan is 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 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 hometown hero and hall of famer, Nolan Ryan’s Exhibit. This exhibit showcases his life in Alvin and as well as his impact in the sport of baseball.

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.

Karpeles Museum 800 West Sidnor St. 10:00am–5:00pm Tuesday - Saturday 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.

Alvin is home to the only Karpeles Museum in Texas.

The Alvin Opry House 206 S Durant, American Legion Bldg. facebook - alvinlivemusic Opry style live music in a hometown atmosphere with entertainers of all ages.

Doors open 6:00 p.m., show starts 7:00 p.m. Presales available for reserved seating. Tickets at the Door, Cash Only.

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Slover – Rogers Cottage 113 East Dumble 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.

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.

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Stanton’s General Store 219 N. Taylor Stanton’s General Store, opened in 1922, will be holding a celebration for their 100 years in business. 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

Lighted Disc Golf Course 3625 Briscoe Dr. (Behind the YMCA) 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.

Alvin Skate Park 7:00 am - 10:30 pm Located at National Oak Park, the skate park space serves as an area for hosting movies, art shows and barbeque functions with ‘skateable’ seating and a central open area that’s accessible to all. The skate park’s “X” design connects the skate plaza to the park’s sidewalk system, inviting spectators to safely walk around or through the skate plaza, while serving as world-class skateable streetscape terrain for skaters.

The skate park has 6,000 square feet of skate park plaza and transitional terrain which has a long, multi-use mini ramp with jersey barrier, hips and banks making up approximately a quarter of the skate terrain. Cantilevered quarter pipes and banks,

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU

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along with plaza terrain including stairs, manual pads, ledges and rails comprise the majority of the park.

Camp Mohawk County Park SH 35 - 8 miles South of Alvin Day-use Hours: 8:00 am - Dusk Ofc Hrs: 8:00a - 4:00p Closed Monday 281-756-2319 or 877-226-7664 mohawkpark@brazoria-county.com Camp Mohawk is a 55-acre day-use park with overnight facilities in a wooded setting along Chocolate Bayou between Angleton and Alvin. The camp features self-contained cabins, climate-controlled dormitories with kitchens, covered pavilions, and two primitive tent camping areas. Park amenities includes a chapel, picnic areas with grills, a three-acre lake with a canoe launching area, playground, basketball court, volleyball and baseball/ softball fields, horseshoe pits, extended trail systems, paved parking areas, and restrooms.

Natural attractions at Camp Mohawk include the only stand of native pine trees in Brazoria County, a guide for identifying tree species along the trails, bird watching and nature viewing, and fishing.

Resoft Park 349 CR 281 8:00 am - Dusk Resoft is an 80-acre day-use park near Alvin. Resoft features covered pavilions (3-large and 2-small), barbeque pits, a large multi-stage playground, a series of regulation soccer fields with tournament lighting, horseshoes, basketball courts, 10

volleyball, a renovated lake with piers, extended walking and jogging trails (.46 of a mile around the lake, .87 of a mile around the park), ample paved parking, and restroom facilities. The park is also home to a nine basket disc golf course.

State Freshwater Fishing Regulations apply to fishing in the catch and keep lake.

Brazos Bend State Park 21901 FM 762 • 20 minutes from Alvin Nature has top billing at this park. Be sure to bring your walking shoes, binoculars and camera.

Besides marveling at nature, you can also hike and bike, fish, picnic, ride your horse, and stay over­night. Reserve one of our picnic pavilions or our group hall for your next group gathering.

Pay due respect to alligators, which are common in some areas of the park. Read our alligator safety tips before you come.

Explore on foot, bike, or horseback. We have 37 miles of trails, some of which are wheelchair-friendly. Take virtual tour on our Interactive Trails Map. The park is about a one-hour drive from downtown Houston. Take Highway 59 South to the Crabb River Road exit. You may also take State Highway 288 south to FM 1462 West. Follow FM 1462 to FM 762 North. If traveling from south of the park, follow State Highway 288 North to the FM 1462 exit or take State Highway 36 to FM 1462 East.

All routes are marked with brown signs to guide you.

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

THE BEST ANTIQUE SHOPS A N D

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Calendar of Events Alvin Music Festival and Cookoff

April 1 - 3 Check website for 2023 dates alvinmusicfestival.com/ 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.

The Alvin Opry House

2nd Friday/Month April thru Dec. 206 S. Durant, American Legion Bldg.

Facebook: alvinlivemusic Well-known talent performing in an opry-style atmosphere. The doors open 6:00 p.m. Show starts 7:00 p.m.

Presales available for reserved seating.

Tickets at the Door, Cash Only.

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NERF Nights (Free) April 22 | May 27 6:00 - 8:00 pm Newman Park - 1200 Newman St. Bring your own Nerf guns. 281-388-4299 2022 Birding Hike Brazos Bend State Park Apr 2, 8, 10 | May 7 & 8 8:00 am The park is home to over 300 species of birds; perfect bird watching all year round.

Kid’s Programs & Crafts Brazos Bend State Park April 9 & 23 | May 7 & 28 11:00 am “Never Kiss An Alligator” Learn about alligators through storytime.

Camp Mohawk County Park Spring Paddling Event April 16 | May 28 9:00 a -12:00 p Contact the park: 979-864-1152 The Brazoria Paddlers Club holds an annual paddling event on one of the waterways in Brazoria County. Bring your own

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

boat or borrow one of ours.

Frontier Day Festivities Carnival April 28-29 / 5:00 - 10:00 pm Barn Dance April 29 / 6:00 - 10:00 pm Parade April 30 / 9:00 am Festivities April 30 / 7:00 am - 6:00 pm Arts, Crafts and Collectibles, Car and Bike Show, carnival, gunfighters, kiddy train rides, live bands, mini golf, moonwalk & bouncers, youth performances NovemberFest & Car/Bike Show November 12 7:00am - 5:00pm National Oak Park The Antique, Classic & Collectible Car and Bike Show will be running concurrent

with other Novemberfest activities in National Oak Park.

If you have an interesting car, truck, motorcycle, hot rod or street rod bring it out.

Food and drink booths will be set up in the Car Show area.

Home for the Holidays December 2022 Dates Unconfirmed visitalvin.com • National Oak Park Vendors, snow slide, entertainment, activities, lighted parade, and more.

Admission is FREE.

Home for the Holidays

Snow Slide

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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 14

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 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 2022 | March 2023 Dates T B A Sat 9:00a - 5:00p | Sun 11:00a - 4:00p See facebook: angletonmarketdays Two days of shopping in November and March. Parking, as well as indoor and outdoor vendor space is abundant, making it a perfect location for ease and accessibility.

Concert In The Park Every Fri. in May & September Join us for two great months of music.

Held at Veterans Park in Downtown Angleton on Chenango Street, all you need is your lawn chair or blanket for a great night out.

Freedom Fireworks July 2 901 S. Downing Brazoria County Fairgrounds Held the Saturday before the 4th of July each year, this pyrotechnic display set to music is a spectacle not to miss. Viewing is optimum from anywhere in the Brazoria County Fairgrounds parking lot.

Heart Of Christmas December 3 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.

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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 ~

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.

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.

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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.

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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

Freeport Historical Museum & Visitor Center 311 E. Park Ave. Mon-Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm Sat. 10:00 - 4:00pm The Freeport Historical Museum & Visitor Center showcases over 300 years of local Freeport history. A fantastic collection of original artifacts and models detail what life was like in the Freeport area from the occupation of Spanish Texas, to the establishment of the town in 1912, to the oncebooming Shrimping capitol of the world.

Wilderness Park in Lake Jackson.

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.

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.

~ 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, 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 18

Gulf Coast Bird Observatory gcbo.org A birding research and education facility on 34 acres of Columbia Bottomland forest in Lake Jackson and has a great birdbanding program the third Saturday of

Touring TEXAS Gulf Coast Style

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 spoon-

bills.

The ecological 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 in-

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clude 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.

~ 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 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 History Talks (Free) at Stephen F. Austin Statue April thru Sept. 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm 41885 SH 288, Angleton Join the Brazoria County Parks Department in a discussion of historical events affecting Brazoria County. The series is a discussion based on primary research crowd participation is encouraged. History Talks are open to the public.

Market Day at Varner-Hogg Plantation April thru October 3rd Saturday/Month 10:00 a - 2:00 p 1702 N. 13th, West Columbia Load up the kids, grab your canvas bags and head to Varner-Hogg State Historic Site for a day of shopping and supporting local small business owners.

FREE admission to site during Market Days.

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Abner Jackson Plantation Site Tour 1st Saturday/Month 10:00 a - 5:00 p FM 2004 near Hwy. 332, Lake Jackson Visit the historic archeological site of Major Abner Jackson, the namesake of the city of Lake Jackson. Once a prosperous sugar plantation, the site was destroyed by the same hurricane that devastated Galveston.

Discover the sugar making process of the 1840s, how convict labor replaced slave labor during the 1870s, and how destructive the hurricane of 1900 truly was to the Texas Coast.

Farmers Market April thru December 2nd Saturday/Month 9:00 a - 2:00 p 110 S. Parking Place, Lake Jackson Locally roasted coffee, homemade food,

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handmade products, locally grown fruits and vegetables and more. Shop your favorite vendors at the Farmers Market.

Bird Banding Days at (Free) Gulf Coast Bird Observatory April thru December 3rd Saturday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm 299 W. Hwy. 332, Lake Jackson The banding station is an excellent opportunity to see birds up close and to learn about birds that live or migrate through the Brazosport Area. Watch volunteers collect baseline data on bird populations at the sanctuary.

Spring Fling at Quintana Neotropic Bird Sanctuary April 2 - May 8 9:00 am - 4:00 pm 814 N. Lamar, Quintana During the spring season, thousands of migratory songbirds arrive at stopover habitat along the coast in Quintana.

At Spring Fling, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory volunteers and staff provide local

birding information, bird checklists, sell snacks, post the daily bird list on the white board, and help identify birds for novice birders.

Planetarium Show at Center for the Arts & Sciences Every Tuesday April 5 - Dec. 20 7:00 - 8:00 pm 400 College Blvd., Clute Features a 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector to produce the night sky as it appears to the naked eye, together with a large variety of high tech equipment to give a close-up feel for things like comets, exploding stars, and black holes.

Migration Celebration San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge April 23 - 24 8:00 am - 4:00 pm 6801 County Road 306, Brazoria This year’s event includes several free activities for children, including: archery, fishing for catfish, BB gun range, bug

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sweeping, microscopes, touch tanks and reptiles. Adults and children can both enjoy the very popular “Birds of Prey” show

by EarthQuest as well as the butterfly encounter tents. Refuge tours given by qualified naturalists can be enjoyed by marsh buggy or wagon.

Guided walking tours to Bobcat Woods and to the largest Texas Live Oak are also available. All the photo contest entries can be seen in the exhibition building as well as many other nature related exhibits.

Riverfest at Freeport Municipal Park April 28, 29 & 30 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm 421 N Brazosport Blvd., Freeport Barbecue cook-off, crawfish cook-off, vendor market and nightly live entertainment.

Old Guy Surf Reunion April 30 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Stahlman Park / Surfside Beach 2211 Bluewater Hwy.

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Join Texas surfers as they remember and honor those who have gone before them.

There will be vendors, food trucks, a paddle out and a nighttime bonfire.

Market in the Park at Surfside Beach Bird & Butterfly Trail May 1st 10:00 am - 2:00 pm 418 Parkview, Surfside Beach Explore a variety fresh foods and goods market from various vendors in Surfside Beach.

Youth Fishing Day at Sea Center Texas June 4 9:00 am - 11:00 am 302 Medical Drive, Lake Jackson Pack your sunscreen, hat, lawn chair and fishing gear for a couple of hours of catch and release fishing at our marine fish hatchery and visitor education center.

This event is available to guests 16 years old and younger accompanied by an adult.

Anglers must bring their own gear and bait with barb-less hooks.

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No artificial bait or treble hooks. Volunteers and staff will be on hand to assist first-time anglers.

75th Annual Fishin’ Fiesta Freeport Municipal Park 421 N Brazosport Blvd., Freeport June 30 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm July 1 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm July 2 10:00 am - 11:00 pm Since 1947, fisherman have been drawn to this fishing tournament each year in the hopes of catching the biggest redfish, barracuda, or any other offshore or inshore fish. The Fishin’ Fiesta is sponsored by the Freeport Lions Club. The fun includes the fishing tournament, cook-offs, craft and food vendors and fireworks. The fishing tournament is one of the largest on the Gulf and includes prizes for both offshore and inshore categories. Fireworks display will be on Saturday night.

Great Texas Mosquito Festival at Clute Municipal Park July 28 - 29 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm July 30 9:00 am - 11:30 pm 100 Parkview Drive, Clute The 41st Annual Great Texas Mosquito Festival is a three day fun-filled, family event. There are many booths with a variety of foods, a 5K, a cook-off, along with arts and crafts and more. The carnival provides three days of fun for children and adults. Live entertainment caps off each evening.

Hoggtober Fest at Varner-Hogg Plantation October 1 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm 1702 N. 13th, West Columbia Celebrate the season and learn about harvest time on a 1800’s plantation. Hayrides, crafts, sugar cane, storytelling, and more.

Christmas in the Park & Tree Lighting December 9 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm December 10 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Clute Municipal Park 100 Parkview Dr.

Come out and celebrate the holiday season with two days of Christmas activities and fun. Don’t miss out on our lighted Christmas trail and seasonal photo opportunities.

Candlelight Christmas at Varner-Hogg Plantation December 17 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm 1702 N. 13th, West Columbia Tour the plantation house to discover the many contributions of different cultures to Christmas in Texas. Relax outside and enjoy the beverage of the season, wassail, and Christmas cookies. There will also be food, entertainment, children’s activities, and a special visit from Santa. Santa’s Market will be open for all the shoppers who attend.

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La Porte, Texas is a small Texas town located just south of where the Houston Ship Channel meets Galveston Bay which is rich in history, and built on community.

Established in 1892, many of the families who settled here still call La Porte home and there’s a reason for that. A roaring tourist stop in the 40’s, La Porte is now a sleepy escape from the reality of the big City. Just 35 minutes from downtown Houston, La Porte offers a quiet escape from reality, friendly faces that will know your name before you leave, and a unique visitor experience that leaves you feeling like a local.

From bay views to boutique shopping to history lessons that helped shape our nation, the city has much to offer and at a slower pace than this fast paced world can offer. The surrounding industry is a huge

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part of that. The people that live in our community and the work that they do is invaluable to our nation. La Porte is proud to be an industry town but proud to be so much more.

La Porte Heritage Society La Porte was once a regular stop on the Moonlight Express train that ran from Houston to the Train Depot, which is now the Old Sylvan Beach Depot Museum.

The Heritage Society manages the Museum, and they are a fantastic resource for all things historical in the City of La Porte.

Sylvan Beach Depot Museum & Library 604 Park Drive Weekends 11am - 4pm Open during the week via appointments only. Admission FREE. A vast array of La Porte’s other historical stories can be uncovered at the La Porte Bay Area Heritage Society’s Sylvan Beach Depot Museum

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and Library. Inquiries, call 281-471-0493 or 832-494-8094.

La Porte Historical Colored Schoolhouse Saturdays / Sundays 10:00am - 4:00pm 401 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive At the start of the twentieth century, African-American children in La Porte had no school to call their own. Education space was borrowed from a neighborhood Baptist Church, but that all changed in 1909, when the La Porte school trustees established a new school on the north-side of the city. A short time after the school was officially created, the first ten students along with their teacher, Viola DeWalt, found a new home in a small one-room building purchased by the school district.

For the next thirty-four years, the building held daily classes until a two-room structure was moved onsite and became the primary facility.

For many years after it ceased to be used for daily education, the historic one-room school house was still a centerpiece in the community. The small building hosted school performances, and acted as the meeting place for all north-side community celebrations. Overtime, the structure fell into disrepair suffering the crippling effects of time and neglect. Through the combined efforts of the La Porte Community Civic Club and the City of La Porte, the building has been completely rebuilt and once again took center stage in the community as it was dedicated on Saturday, July 21, 2018 as a museum and historical site. The building, which is lo-

cated at 401 North 5th St (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.) La Porte, TX 77571, is opened to the public as a museum and historical building every Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm.

Sylvan Beach 7:00am - 10:00pm East of S. Hwy. 146 FREE Admission and parking. Along with conventional park amenities you will find a skate park, boat ramp and bait shop.

Bait Shop 281-471-5705.

Sylvan Beach Park also has an 1,100 foot pay-to-fish fishing pier that is known for great catches. From speckled trout to drum you can always be sure you’ll have to put up a good fight.

Sylvan Beach Park has two sandy shores to call home for the day and both are off the beaten path.

Little Cedar Bayou Wave Pool 600 Little Cedar Bayou Dr. Mon-Thur 11a - 7p Fri-Sun 11a - 6p Open May 28 - Aug 7 (Daily) Aug 13 - Sept 5 (Sat & Sun Only) $5 for non-residents and a perfect fit for families. Concessions are available as well and the hours are convenient.

Bird Watching The City of La Porte is part of the Greater 288 Birding Trail with two especially unique areas for discovering a variety of coastal birds. The Little Cedar Bayou Nature Trails are a hidden gem for quiet watching and photography with sweeping views of Galveston Bay. The short hike down the beautiful wooded nature trails beside Little Cedar Bayou’s path down to

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Galveston Bay leads to two birdwatching platforms with views of wading birds and waterbirds of the area.

The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site is another idealic spot. While visiting the San Jacinto Monument and climbing aboard the Battleship USS Texas, local birders recommend hiking down to the south end of the park. Wood Storks are often present in late summer and fall, and Hooded Mergansers and Greater Scaup have been seen during winter.

Bay Forest Golf Course www.bayforestgolf.com For great golf on the Texas Coast there’s really only one option - Bay Forest Golf Course.

Winding through a natural bayside setting of stately trees and bayou-fed waterways, La Porte Bay Forest Golf Course has earned the prestigious distinction of being named one of the top 20 municipal golf courses in Texas by the Dallas Morning News. Bay Forest offers amenities for both the casual and championship player, making it a true golf test at an affordable price.

San Jacinto Museum of History Just twenty minutes from downtown Houston, locals and out-of-towners alike can turn an afternoon daytrip into a trip back in time — at the San Jacinto Museum of History.

Uncover the origins of the Lone Star State at the San Jacinto Museum of History. Discover how a decisive 18-minute battle for independence empowered a young nation and forever altered the course of 26

world history. The story of America is infused with the legacy of Texian valor.

The San Jacinto Museum of History is housed in the base of the San Jacinto Monument. The Museum is operated by the San Jacinto Museum of History Association — a non-profit organization — in association with the Texas Historical Commission.

More than just a gateway to a great view, the Museum is your gateway to Texas culture! It was established not only to honor those who fought here in 1836, but also to re-visualize the history of Texas and the Spanish Southwest. It was created as a steward of history, and to promote friendship between Texas, Mexico, Spain, France and Latin America.

Special treasures can be found from Mexican Texas, the Texas revolution, and the Republic of Texas. But the museum also holds art and artifacts from the Spanish conquest, French Texas (a small collection), Spanish colonial life, the Mexican Revolution and the Anglo colonization of Mexican Texas. Texas’s early statehood and the Civil War are also featured.

San Jacinto Monument Experience the live view from the top of the San Jacinto Monument overlooking the Houston Ship Channel and Battleship Texas. Access an archive of footage from the past 24 hours and a “Hall of Fame” collection of the most spectacular user-submitted views.

The total height of the Monument is 567.31 ft. — 12.31 ft. taller than the Washington Monument.

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Calendar of Events Main Street Trade Days 200 Block Main St. 1st Saturday/Month 10:00am - 2:00pm Enjoy a day out with friends while browsing antiques, collectibles, re-purposed furniture, and artisan vendors! Also, enjoy the many eclectic shops and eateries along Main Street!

Bird Watching at San Jacinto Battleground 1st Saturday/Month 7:00am - 9:00am 3523 Independence Pkwy The site opens two hours early so birders and photographers can enjoy the early morning at the site. The site is open to vehicles, but we ask that visitors be respectful of those enjoying the wildlife and keep noise to a minimum. FREE. Spring Fest April 9 10:00am - 1:00pm Five Points Town Plaza This free event will feature a tree giveaway, seed-ball making, geocaching, face painting, a rock wall, and a “tree-sure” hunt!

Summer Party On Main TBA visitlaportetx.com/summerparty The Main Stage at Summer Party features live music. Food Trucks offer every food and drink selection you could want on a hot summer day in Texas. The Hottest Car Show of Summer happens throughout the festivites down at Broadway/Main. The event offers the best of local shopping with a variety of artisan vendors. Kids can enjoy summer crafts and slides.

Annual Christmas On Main December 1 Santa will be out at Five Points for pictures and to collect those Christmas wishlists. A photographer will be there to snap the perfect photo.

LPISD annually provides the musical performances all night.

A FREE kid’s zone provides plenty of fun for the younger ones. Including an ice slide, pony rides, trackless train rides and Snowglobe for Pictures.

There will be over 100 vendors out on Main Street for you to do some local Christmas shopping!

Food Trucks will have nothing but the best and yummiest food to choose from.

La Porte By The Bay Half Marathon Dates TBA laportebythebayhalfmarathon.org/ The La Porte By the Bay Half Marathon starts from Sylvan Beach Park by the water, proceeding through La Porte streets and on to the Fred Hartman Bridge, one of the most beautiful and unique structures in Texas. Supported by two sets of diamondshaped reinforced steel towers that reach 440 feet into the sky with distinctive yellow cables that seem to glow in the sun, the effect is almost like running through a magnificent open air cathedral.

After looping back to take on the bridge for a second crossing, the race finishes at Five Points Plaza where the post-race party awaits with amazing food and drinks, awards and good times with family, fellow runners and friends. All finishers will receive a medal.

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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.

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.

A modern Family Aquatic Center 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.

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Texas City Museum • 409 6th Street Tuesday to Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm The Texas City Museum is the center of history, culture, and heritage for the people of Texas City. A few of the exhibits are: •1947 Texas City Disaster films, photographs and artifacts •Children’s Discovery Room •Dahlgren Cannon from the U.S.S. Westfield •First Aero Squadron GCModel Railroad Club Train Exhibit Open Saturdays 10:00am - 4:00pm 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. The exhibit has three main lines

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operating independently in a continuous non-stop loop.

Historical Homes • texascitytx.gov (Parks & Rec / Historical Homes) The 1867 Settlement Historic District is the only Reconstruction-era African American community in Galveston County.

The Bell Home • 117 S. Bell Dr. Open sporadically throughout the year, can be viewed as part of the Museum’s City tours. Call 409-229-1660.

Heritage Square Park • 109 3rd Ave. N. Four homes are located at Heritage Square Park.

The Davison Home - Open 1st Sunday each Month 2:00pm–4:00pm The other three are: The Engineer’s Cottage • The Lee Dick Home • The Moore Home.

Bayou Golf Club 2800 Ted Dudley Dr., Texas City 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 Dike • Dike Road 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 shelters 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.

Texas City Skate Park Girl Scout Lane The skate park design consists of Four-stair with Out Rail and Hubba Ledge, Bank to

Ledge, Curved Transition, Grass Gap with Mellow Rail and Bank to Up Ledge, Long Curved Manual Pad with Ledge and Flat Rail, Long Straight Ledge, Rudder Hip, Steep Bank Turnaround, Wedge to Wedge with Flat Gap, Rooftop Rail and Ledge, and Wing Transition.

~ La Marque ~

La Marque is the Gateway to the Gulf located 15 miles south of Houston and four miles north of Galveston.

Citizens enjoy breezy coastal living that is a sportsman’s paradise. Citizens and visitors enjoy the annual Crawfish Bash and in early fall the Bayou Fest.

Carbide Park 4102 Main St. / FM 519 The park features a sheltered pavilion, a tot-lot, picnic areas, basketball & tennis courts, water fountain and restrooms.

There is also a small hike and bike trail.

Sit under the shade of large trees.

Motion Wellness System Playground Located in Carbide Park This exercise system is used for focused training on balance & coordination and has activities to support ordinary daily life. The system offers a safe approach for older adults to improve and maintain their mobility, flexibility and balance skills.

Mac McGaffey Highland Bayou Park Open Dusk to Dawn 1991 Getty Road, Exit 10 off I-45 So. The park is 230 acres and features baseball fields, playgrounds, canoeing, hiking, nature trail, bird watching, observation deck, tennis and basketball court, horseshoe pit, shade shelters, bar-bque facilities and large parking area.

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Calendar of Events ~ Texas City ~

Art Festival April 10-13 Sun. 1:00 - 4:00 pm Mon-Wed 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Doyle Convention Center 2010 5th Ave. N.

Cinco De Mayo Parade & Festival April 30 10:00 am Location TBA Lone Star Deluxe Car Show May 7 9:00 am Showboat Pavillion 416 6th St. N. Juneteenth Gospel Fest June 10 7:00pm Doyle Convention Center 2010 5th Ave. N.

75th Anniversary of TC Disaster Memorial Service April 16 9:00 am Memorial Park 25th Ave. N and 29th St. N

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Juneteenth Parade June 18 3:00 pm Kid Fish Event (Parks Dept) June 11 Carver Park 6415 Park Ave

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July 4th Festivities Parade 10:00am Concert 7:00 - 9:00pm Fireworks at Dusk Bay Street Park 800 Bay Street

Community Wide Shrimp Boil & Dance August 19 6:00 - 10:00pm Nessler Park/Rotary Pavilion 2010 5th Ave N. Firefighter Games & 9/11 Tribute September 10 6th Street

Breast Cancer Awareness 5K & Kids K Walk/Run October 1st Nessler Park/Rotary Pavilion 2010 5th Ave N. Model Train Festival October 1st 10:00am - 5:00pm Texas City Museum 409 6th St.

Touch-A-Truck & Train Festival October 22 10:00am - 4:00pm Downtown - 6th Street

Veterans Day Salute November 6 Doyle Convention Center Christmas Parade December 1st 5:30pm Doyle Convention Center Snow Spectacular Event December 10 10:00am - 2:00pm Nessler Center Complex

~ La Marque ~

Bayou Fest (Free) October 15 9:00am - 10:00pm Mac McGaffey Highland Bayou Park 1919 Getty Rd lamarquebayoufest.com Free concerts, kid’s fishing tournament, Free pumpkin patch, mutton bustin’, fireworks show. Admission and parking are free.

Lighted Christmas Parade December 6 6:00pm - 7:30pm Email: parade@tclmchamber.com for more details Enjoy watching festive lighted floats, marching bands, and children from the community all come together to celebrate the Christmas season. Hot chocolate and popcorn will be available to parade watchers, thanks to Snow King.

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