Official Visitors Guide
WELCOME to the Sweetest City in Texas!
Fall/Winter 2018
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WEET OMETHINGS
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hether you’re dreaming about a trip to the “Sweetest City in Texas” or are already here, this guide is bursting with inspiration to make the best of your time in our city. Just 20 minutes southwest from downtown Houston, Sugar Land serves up big city amenities with small town hospitality. Come visit us to discover a piece of history, treat yourself to some on-trend shopping and enjoy hours of family fun!
Cullinan Park
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If this leaves you craving for more sweetness, check out VisitSugarLandTX.com for itineraries and trip-planning tips!
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TTRACTIONS
CONSTELLATION FIELD
Visit the home of Skeeters baseball, concerts and other entertaining events. sugarlandskeeters.com
FORT BEND CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY CENTER Located at the historical Imperial Sugar refinery site, children up to 12 years old can ignite their imaginations with six interactive hands-on, minds-on exhibits! childrensdiscoveryfb.org
HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE AT SUGAR LAND
Come face-to-face with Devil Rex, and explore the natural world through exhibits and educational programs. hmns.org/hmns-at-sugar-land
INSPIRATION STAGE & THE SUGAR LAND AUDITORIUM
Built in 1918, this beautifully restored auditorium is the oldest public building in Sugar Land. Today it hosts meetings, performing arts events, and musicals produced by Inspiration Stage. Inspiration Stage serves as a performing arts studio and theatre dedicated to supporting young talent through showcase performances. inspirationstage.com slcaf.org 4
SMART FINANCIAL CENTRE AT SUGAR LAND Catch an A-list headliner at the state-of-the-art live entertainment venue nationally ranked as a “2017 Top New and Renovated Venues” by Billboard magazine. Smart Financial Centre sets a new standard for live performance venues, hosting a diverse line up of national music, comedy artists, family shows, and theatrically-staged Broadway productions as well as cultural, and performing arts attractions. smartfinancialcentre.net
SUGAR LAND ART CENTER & GALLERY
This local artists’ collective features working artist studios, gallery space, and a wide variety of art classes. sugarlandartcenter.org
SUGAR LAND HERITAGE MUSEUM & VISITOR CENTER
The heritage museum takes you back in time with exhibits of artifacts that trace the evolution of Sugar Land’s early days as a sugarcane plantation into one of Texas’ fastest-growing cities. The visitor center offers Sugar Land souvenirs and can assist you in planning your personalized trip to the “Sweetest City in Texas.” slheritage.org VisitSugarLandTX.com
SUGAR LAND ICE & SPORTS CENTER
The only dual ice rink and event facility in the Gulf Coast offering public skating and lessons. sugarlandice.com
SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE
Town Square offers a multitude of international dining options, lively events, and specialty shopping that includes Sur la Table, Z Gallerie, Altar’d State, and Loft. sugarlandtownsquare.com 5
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THE CROWN FESTIVAL PARK AT SUGAR LAND This 52-acre festival site accommodates large-scale events. The beautiful open land caters to a variety of events and provides event producers the flexibility to host music festivals, marathons, sporting events, and much more. VisitSugarlandTX.com/crownfestivalpark
URBAN AIR TRAMPOLINE & ADVENTURE PARK
Kids of all ages can enjoy jumping around this large-scale trampoline center with amenities such as a foam pit, warrior obstacle, ropes course and sky rider coaster. urbanairtrampolinepark.com
CLASSY FUN DEEP ROOTS TX FLORAL STUDIO
Unleash your artistic power by creating your own floral arrangement at the Flower Bar. Bring your friends and BYOB for a fun night out. deeprootstxfloral.com
ESCAPE AGAIN
Choose from four themed rooms for a fully immersive, adventurous and problem-solving game. Uncover the clues in under 60 minutes to escape. escapeagainrooms.com 6
FIRE IT UP POTTERY & ART STUDIO
This contemporary fired arts studio sparks your creativity with classes focusing on glass jewelry, ready-to-paint pottery, and potter’s wheels. fireitup-pottery.com
PAINTING WITH A TWIST
Create your own work of art with family and friends during one of their interactive classes. paintingwithatwist.com/studio/Sugarland
PINOT’S PALETTE
Paint and sip your way into a unique and fun-filled night out. Learn step-by-step how to create your own colorful masterpiece. pinotspalette.com/Sugarland
SERENITEA TEA ROOM
Unwind and relax the day away with a tasty tea in an elegant and tranquil setting that is one of Southern Living magazine’s Top Ten Tea rooms in Texas. sereniteatearoom.com
THE RUSTIC BRUSH
This social crafting workshop allows attendees to create personalized wooden pallets, signs and home décor. therusticbrush.com
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HREE DAY ITINERARY
FRIDAY
Get ready to immerse yourself in an out-ofthis world adventure by visiting the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land. Uncover prehistoric fossils in the Dig Pit, marvel at the 2,000-gallon salt-water aquarium, enjoy educational shows in the Digital Dome Theater and get a glimpse of Devil Rex. After a fun-filled morning, head to Sugar Land Town Square to satisfy your dino-sized appetite with juicy burgers or tasty crepes from Guru Burgers & Crepes. Then work off your lunch at the Sugar Land Ice & Sports Center where you can test, your ice skating skills, or unleash your inner adventurer at Urban Air Adventure Park Sugar Land.
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SATURDAY
Get a dose of freshness when you stop by the Farmers Market at Imperial for organic produce, artisan goods and live music. Afterward, re-energize with a tasty picnic lunch on the lush grounds of Sugar Land Memorial Park. Cap your evening off with national acts and live entertainment at the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land.
SUNDAY
Shop until you drop at First Colony Mall, the Market at Town Center and Lake Pointe Town Center. Established retailers such as Macy’s, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th and Nordstrom Rack make it a breeze to find exactly what you need — and even better, what you want! Top off your weekend with a Sugar Land Skeeters baseball game at Constellation Field.
You can also host a picnic at the Sugar Land Regional Airport’s green space park and the patio area as you watch airplanes take off from the runway! 9
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UGAR LAND HISTORY
Sugar Land’s vibrant history is peppered with influences from Native Americans, the Spaniards, Mexicans, and American pioneers. In 1821, Stephen F. Austin received a charter to settle 300 American families in Texas. The fertile land of Fort Bend County was included in Austin’s charter and eventually set the stage for Sugar Land’s rich agricultural heritage.
1821
1828
Stephen F. Austin receives charter to settle 300 American families in Texas.
Samuel May Williams received the land where Sugar Land is now located from Stephen F. Austin and began growing sugarcane.
1959
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Construction began on the Imperial Sugar Char House. Sugar Land is incorporated. 20 02
2009
Imperial Sugar refinery closes.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land opens in the old main unit of the Central State Prison Farm. Before its construction, American folk and blues musician, Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter, was incarcerated in the wooden structure at the Imperial Prison Farm where he wrote the words to “Midnight Special” before his pardon in 1925.
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Visit slheritage.org for more Sugar Land history. You can also take a tour of the Sugar Land Heritage Museum & Visitor Center or a historic walking tour led by a docent from the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation.
1838 1843
Nathaniel F. Williams purchased the land from his brother and a third brother, Matthew R. Williams, operated Oakland Plantation which grew cotton, corn and sugarcane.
The Williams brothers built a commercial sugar mill on the west bank of Oyster Creek.
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Isaac H. Kempner and William T. Eldridge partnered to form the Imperial Sugar Company.
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Benjamin F. Terry and William J. Kyle partnered to buy Oakland Plantation and renamed it Sugar Land.
O P R ES E
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Sugar Land opens a series of destination attraction venues, including, Constellation Field, the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center, the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land and the Crown Festival Park at Sugar Land.
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HOPPING
FIRST COLONY MALL
Sugar Land’s mall has more than one million square feet of shopping and dining, with established retailers like, Macy’s, Dillard’s and JCPenney as well as upscale brands like Coach, Fossil and Michael Kors.
LAKE POINTE TOWN CENTER
Shop and stroll in this urban-style village anchored by Whole Foods Market. This shopping center provides an assortment of salons and spas and waterfront dining, including Churrascos, Pacific Coast Tacos, Veritas Steak & Seafood, and others. 12
HYATT PLACE SUGAR LAND
16730 Creekbend Dr., 77478 houstonsugarland.place.hyatt.com 281.491.0300 • 713.234.7546 n Room Services n Internet Access n Breakfast Included n Fitness Facility n Pool n Shuttle Service n Business Center n Pet-Friendly
SPRINGHILL SUITES SUGAR LAND 13434 Southwest Fwy., 77478 marriott.com/houss 713.234.7992 • 713.234.7546 n Internet Access n Breakfast Included n Fitness Facility n Pool n Business Center
SUGAR LAND MARRIOTT TOWN SQUARE & CONFERENCE CENTER
16090 City Walk, 77479 slmarriott.com 281.275.8400 • 281.275.8401 n Room Service n Internet Access n Fitness Facility n Pool n Restaurant Onsite n Shuttle Service n Business Center
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AP OF SUGAR LAND
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Brazos River Park
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Eldridge Park
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First Colony Park
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Imperial Park & Disc Golf Course
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Oyster Creek Park
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Sugar Land Memorial Park featuring Justin B. Brindley Mountain Bike Trail
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Sugar Land Ice & Sports Center
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Sugar Land Heritage Museum & Visitor Center
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First Colony Mall
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The Crown Festival Park at Sugar Land
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Sugar Land Art Center & Gallery
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SHOPPING
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Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land
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Inspiration Stage & The Sugar Land Auditorium
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Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land
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First Colony
Lost Creek Park
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Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center
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Constellation Field
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Dulles Ave.
Cullinan Park
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City Park & Municipal Pool
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AT T R A C T I O N S
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Market at Town Center
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Sugar Land Town Square
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Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park ATTRACTIONS
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MARKET AT TOWN CENTER
This outlet-style shopping center includes Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th, Nordstrom Rack, DSW, Home Goods, and more.
OTELS
SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE
A mixed-use downtown development where you can find international dining choices from over six different countries within one block! It also features lively events in the plaza and specialty shopping that includes Altar’d State, Z Gallerie and Loft.
HILTON GARDEN INN SUGAR LAND DRURY INN & SUITES SUGAR LAND
BEST WESTERN SUGAR LAND
6330 E Riverpark Dr., 77479 bestwesternsugarland.com 281.232.0680 • 281.232.0688 n Kitchenette n Internet Access n Breakfast Included n Fitness Facility n Pool n Business Center
COURTYARD SUGAR LAND LAKE POINTE 16740 Creek Bend Dr., 77478 marriott.com/houcf 281.494.0555 • 281.494.0556 n Kitchenette n Internet Access n Fitness Facility n Pool n Business Center
13770 Southwest Fwy., 77478 druryhotels.com 281.277.9700 • 877.997.9824 n Internet Access n Breakfast Included n Fitness Facility n Pool n Business Center n Pet Friendly
722 Bonaventure Way, 77479 houstonsugarland.hgi.com 281.491.7777 • 281.491.7771 n Room Service n Internet Access n Fitness Facility n Pool n Restaurant Onsite n Shuttle Service n Business Center
EXTENDED STAY SUGAR LAND 13420 Southwest Fwy., 77478 extendedstay.com 281.494.6699 • 281.494.3192 n Kitchenette n Internet Access n Breakfast Included n Fitness Facility n Pool n Pet Friendly
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS SUGAR LAND
14444 Southwest Fwy., 77478 hiexpress.com 281.565.6655 281.565.6670 n Internet Access n Breakfast Included n Fitness Facility n Pool n Business Center
Sugar Land has over 30 shopping areas for the discerning shopper, ranging from established retailers to local boutiques.
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INING Nestled in the heart of one of the most ethnically diverse counties in the United States. Sugar Land boasts a global food scene that rivals cities three times its size. For a complete list of dining options to satisfy your taste buds, go to VisitSugarLandTX.com
ASIAN
You don’t have to travel far for a taste of Asia. Savor great tasting tonkotsu ramen at Agu Ramen Bistro and fresh, unique sushi combinations at Japaneiro’s Sushi Bistro & Latin Grill. For delicious south east Asian cuisine try Naseeb Indian Restaurant and Nirmanz Food Boutique. An array of pho and vermicelli bowl options can be found at Pho Ben. Don’t pass up authentic, family-style Szechuan cuisine at Cooking Girl.
CAJUN
Our Louisiana neighbors have placed their own stamp on the Sugar Land food scene with a nod to Bourbon Street at The Rouxpour. The New Orleans - themed restaurant boasts French Quarter décor where you can enjoy Cajun favorites like gumbo, étouffée, and chargrilled oysters. For a taste of both Louisiana and Texas, visit Floyds Cajun Seafood and Texas Steakhouse, or try the wildly popular lobster pasta at Sweetwater Seafood.
MEDITERRANEAN
The flavors of the Mediterranean come alive at Turquoise Grill & Bar with fresh, tabbouleh, and mouth-watering gyros and shish kebabs. You can also stop by Fadis Mediterranean Grill for exceptional recipes bursting with a multitude of flavors. Indulge in savory lamb shank and rice or Mediterranean sweet favorite baklava at Dumar’s Mediterranean Grill. At all three restaurants, everyone else can enjoy hummus, falafel, and dolmas. 14
NIGHTLIFE Sugar Land comes alive at night with gastropubs, sports bars and cocktail lounges. No matter what groove you’re in, surely you’ll find something captivating. Wine aficionados can enjoy small bites, wine, and music at Vino & Vinyl, while craft beer enthusiasts can enjoy specialty beers from around the world at the Flying Saucer Draught Emporium.
NEW AMERICAN
Pizza enthusiasts can enjoy classics like a Margherita Pizza and out-of-this-world concoctions like the Angry Rooster at Jupiter Pizza & Waffle Co. If you’re in the mood for gourmet-style burgers, try Guru Burgers & Crepes with their fun menu offerings like The Pineapple Express, True Grits and Al Capone. You also wouldn’t want to miss the Prohibition-era bar at The Sugar Refinery where their classic menu pairs well with classic cocktails like Whiskey Sours and Hemingways.
SWEET SPOTS
You can’t visit the "Sweetest City in Texas" without checking out some great desserts. Try a strawberry, banana, Nutella crepe at Coco Crepes or a waffle cone green tea ice cream at Mango Hut. Macarons and cake pops are the specialties at The Sweet Boutique, while unique dessert flavors like chocolate-covered bacon can be found at Mystic Dessert Bar. Those that are 21 years and older can enjoy both cocktails and dessert at The Middle Spoon with mouth-watering molten chocolate lava cake and an Aphrodite’s Weakness martini. 15
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PECIAL EVENTS With hundreds of events every year and a truly multi-cultured dynamic, Sugar Land always serves up something new. Foodies, culture enthusiasts, sports fanatics, and families are sure to find the perfect event to spend the day. For a complete listing of events, go to VisitSugarLandTX.com
FARMERS MARKET AT IMPERIAL AT IMPERIAL RECREATIONAL CENTER Every Saturday
Enjoy a wonderful selection of fresh produce, artistic treasures, family fun—including live music, and cooking demonstrations.
SMART FINANCIAL CENTRE AT SUGAR LAND EVENTS Year Round
The Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land is fast becoming one of the most popular performing arts venues in the Greater Houston Area, attracting national and international acts alike from superstars like Santana, Christina Aguilera, and Willie Nelson to out-of-this-world performances from artists like magician David Blaine.
SUGAR LAND HERITAGE FOUNDATION’S HERITAGE HIKES Second Saturday of Each Month
Sign up and learn how the sugar industry shaped Sugar Land’s history on this informative walking tour.
SUGAR LAND SKEETERS BASEBALL April to September
The Sugar Land Skeeters bring independent professional minor league baseball to the Houston area at Constellation Field.
SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE EVENTS March to December
Enjoy a variety of free local community events on the plaza from concerts and festivals to movies and car shows. 16
SPRING/ SUMMER EVENTS
SUGAR LAND WINE & FOOD AFFAIR Every Year
Join thousands of foodies for dinners, tastings, demonstrations and seminars in this highly anticipated and acclaimed multi-day event.
SPRING CORVETTE SHOW April
Here’s your chance to check out more than 100 Corvettes and vote for the winner of the "People’s Choice Award" at Sugar Land Town Square. All proceeds benefit local charity organizations.
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RED, WHITE, BLUES & BREWS Early July
Pack up chairs and head to the Plaza to indulge in snacks, brews, and live country music.
BACK TO SCHOOL SPLASH BASH August 4
Beat the heat at Sugar Land Town Square! Bring your family to enjoy a fun-filled day before heading back to school.
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FALL/ WINTER
EVENTS GULF COAST INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT REGATTA October 13-14
Dragon boat teams and stand-up paddle boarders race across Brooks Lake throughout the day while cultural performances and exhibits show off their talents onshore.
FLYER SAUCER BEER FEAST October 27
Come out to Sugar Land Town Square for the Flying Saucer Beer Feast featuring over 50 breweries and 80 craft beers, all carefully selected by Flying Saucer’s resident beer gurus.
SUGAR LAND HOLIDAY LIGHTS Late November to Early January
The holiday season kicks off at Constellation Field with family-friendly activities, walk-through displays and more than two-and-a-half million lights!
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OCIAL MENTIONS Step out of your comfort zone and explore what Sugar Land has to offer located in the Sweetest City in Texas.
Let yourself get whisked away by experiencing culture, preserved history, picturesque views filled with verdant beauty, and indulge in international dining choices.
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Check out some of these sweet shots to inspire your next getaway. Plus, don’t forget to tag your pictures #SweeterinSL to get featured.
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PORTS & RECREATION
BRAZOS RIVER PARK
18427 Southwest Fwy., 77479 Every Day, Sunrise to Sunset ■ Trail Mileage: 3.3 mi
CITY PARK & MUNICIPAL POOL 225 Seventh St., 77478 Every Day, Sunrise to 10 PM
CULLINAN PARK
12414 Highway 6 S, 77478 Every Day, Sunrise to Sunset ■ Trail Mileage: 3.5 mi
ELDRIDGE PARK
2511 Eldridge Road, 77478 Every Day, Sunrise to 10 PM ■ Trail Mileage: 1 mi
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FIRST COLONY PARK
3232 Austin Parkway, 77479 Every Day, Sunrise to 10 PM
IMPERIAL PARK & DISC GOLF COURSE 230 Matlage Way, 77478 Every Day, Sunrise to 10 PM
LOST CREEK PARK
3703 Lost Creek Blvd., 77479 Every Day, Sunrise to 10 PM
OYSTER CREEK PARK 4033 Highway 6 S, 77479 Every Day, Sunrise to 10 PM ■ Trail Mileage: 2.75 mi
SUGAR LAND MEMORIAL PARK FEAT. JUSTIN B. BRINDLEY MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL 15300 University Blvd., 77479 Every Day, Sunrise to Sunset ■ Trail Mileage: 3.55 mi
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EGIONAL ATTRACTIONS
REGIONAL ATTRACTIONS BAPS SHRI SWAMINARAYAN MANDIR
This masterpiece of intricate design and architecture is the first traditional Hindu temple of its kind in North America. baps.org/Houston
BRAZOS BEND STATE PARK
Escape to nature year-round to camp, picnic, hike, bike, ride horseback, and fish. tpwd.texas.gov/state-park/brazos-bend
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FORT BEND COUNTY MUSEUM
Journey through time and experience life on the Brazos River and the Fort Bend story through exhibit galleries, historic home museums, and walking tours of historic Richmond. fortbendmuseum.org
GEORGE RANCH HISTORICAL PARK
Come on out to the George Ranch, where the legends and legacies of those who shaped history come to life every day. georgeranch.org
GEORGE OBSERVATORY
Gain first-hand knowledge of the awe-inspiring sights of the night sky through three domed telescopes. hmns.org/george-observatory
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ISITOR INFORMATION Printed publications may be picked up at the Sugar Land Heritage Museum and Visitor Center on Monday from noon to 5 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also pick up printed publications at any of our self-serve Visitor Kiosks located throughout the city. Please call (281)275-2045 or email tourism@ sugarlandtx.gov to request Sugar Land visitor information.
SUGAR LAND HERITAGE MUSEUM & VISITOR CENTER 198 Kempner St., Bldg. B – 2nd Floor, 77498 281.275.2045
CITY OF SUGAR LAND CITY HALL 2700 Town Center N. Blvd. Sugar Land, Texas 77479 26
FORT BEND COUNTY
Fort Bend County visitor and relocation information is available at the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 445 Commerce Green Blvd. Sugar Land, Tx 77478 281.491.0800
GREATER HOUSTON AREA
Sugar Land is located just 20 minutes southwest from downtown Houston and from some of the best attractions in the Greater Houston Area. Visit Houston is a great resource for surrounding attractions and more. Visit: visithoustontexas.com
VISIT HOUSTON
1300 Avenida de las Americas Houston, Texas 77010 713.437.5557 visithoustontexas.com
TEXAS
To request a Texas State Travel Guide with material regarding travel options, trip-planning assistance and highway condition information, please contact the following:
TRAVEL TEXAS 1.800.452.9292
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