Southeast Texas Regional Visitor's Guide

Visit Southeast Texas for Non-stop fun! Nature’s Way p.28 Shopping p.58 Recreation Destination p.33 Must See p.66 And More!

The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Beaumont Plaza

Experience the resort feeling without the price!

Let us share in planning your next event! Contact our professional sales department. 3950 I 10 South @ Walden Road Beaumont, TX 77705 Phone: (409) 842-5995 Fax: (409) 842-7810 www.holidayinnbeaumontplaza.com

For Visitor and Hotel Information: BEAUMONT CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU • 800-392-4401 DEAN CONWELL FREDDIE WILLARD ELIZABETH EDDINS STEPHANIE MOLINA ASHLEY WHITE REBECCA WOODLAND SUSAN LUQUETTE KAREN LEWIS SAMANTHA BOUTEE ROSS RUSSELL

Executive Director Director of Sales Director of Tourism Director of Marketing Communications Specialist Convention Sales Manager Convention Servicing Manager Administrative Assistant Tourism Specialist Distribution Coordinator

CONTENT&FEATURES 2010-2011

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PORT ARTHUR CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU • 800-235-7822 TAMMY KOTZUR TJ HENDERSON CRAIG NOBLE LINDA HILTON

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Executive Director Destination Mgmt. Specialist Sales Director Office Manager

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DEBBIE PLAIA Executive Director

RONNIE BONEAU Executive Manager DEBBIE SNELL Administrative Assistant NEDERLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND TOURIST BUREAU • 409-722-0279 CINDY CLIFTON Executive Vice President STEPHANIE SHIMEK Administrative Assistant Publication Information: A specialty publication by THE BEAUMONT ENTERPRISE Project Editor and Coordinator CHERYL ROSE Copy Editor CATHLEEN COLE Contributing Writers CATHLEEN COLE, JULIE GARCIA, HOLLI PETERSEN, KRISTI POWELL, CHERYL ROSE, HALEY STRAHAN Photography THE BEAUMONT ENTERPRISE PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF AND JOSEPH BOTTLE, DWAIN COX, FELICIA JETER, SILVIA C. MCCLAIN, STEPHANIE MOLINA, KYLE PETERSEN, JOY PRUITT, LEE E. STINSON, TXDOT, TOM WILLIAMS Publisher JOHN E. NEWHOUSE II Advertising Director DWIGHT BROWN Project Manager PILAR LINARES Graphic Designer/Production ROSA VAZQUEZ-CLARK Cover Models TAYLYNN COOPER AND BRENIN COOPER Photography by JOY PRUITT Special thanks to Jefferson County Commissioners Court for their continued support. The CVB staff is not responsible for any discrepancies or changes made effective after April 2010. Every effort has been made to provide accurate information at the time of production, yet this is not guaranteed. All advertising is the sole property of The Beaumont Enterprise.

Beaumont: High Energy Hotspot

Strike it rich with entertainment, history, culture and nature Port Arthur: Cultural & Natural Crossroads

Marsh, sea and festivals part of the city’s diverse inheritance

PORT NECHES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 409-722-9154

GROVES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND TOURIST CENTER • 409-962-3631

Big Fun on the Bayou

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Port Neches, Groves and Nederland

Three communities with unique heritage and celebrations

Nature’s Way: Gators, Gardens, Bayous and Birds

A peek at the amazing biodiversity of the region

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Year-Round Recreation Destination

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Here for the Party!

Sources for great fishing, hunting, boating and outdoor fun Where to find the nightlife and live performances in town

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On the Trail Explore history, art, architecture and cultural heritage of the region Brazenly Blazin’: Cuisine for Every Palate

Reviews of some of the best restaurants in the area

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Shop This Way: Don’t Go Home Empty-Handed!

Highlights of unique local shops and products

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Must-See Attractions and Family Fun

Comprehensive listing of the best bets of the region Events Calendar Accommodations, Maps & Essential Information Listings Average Seasonal Temperatures: January 52.5 F - 11 C April 68 F - 20 C July 82 F - 28 C October 70 F - 21 C

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THIS WEEKEND IS BIG.

THIS RATE IS SMALL.

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Make Yourself at Home

• Spacious studio, one- and two-bedroom suites. • Fully equipped kitchens in all suites complete with microwave, full size refrigerator, dishwasher, twin-burner stove, toaster, coffee maker, utensils and place settings for four. • Ample work space, two telephones with voicemail, and separate dining table. • Online check-in and room selection through Suite Selection – the hotel industry’s first interactive, web-based room selection tool. • Complimentary high-speed internet in all guest suites, Lodge and meeting rooms. • Complimentary Suite Start® daily hot breakfast and evening Welcome Home® reception featuring a healthy and delicious dinner and beverages every Monday-Thursday. • On-site 24-hour Suite Shop® convenience store and guest laundry. • Complimentary grocery shopping service. • Swimming pool, exercise center, 24-hour business center at most locations. •Guest satisfaction is guaranteed by an unconditional Suite Assurance Guarantee®. 3745 IH-10 South & Walden Rd., Beaumont, TX I-10 Exit 848 • 409-842-9990

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Homewoodsuites.com • 1-800-CALL HOME

Expect Expect More More From From an an Economy Economy Hotel Hotel

La Quinta Inn & Suites Port Arthur is NOW OPEN!

7140 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, TX 77708 Phone: (409)892-3600 / Fax: (409) 892-3603

wake up on the bright side®

Free High-Speed Internet Access Discover the NextGen™ Design and Style

Free Breakfast | Pool | Fitness Center Surprisingly affordable rates. With the perfect modern updates. Onsite Laundry

The newest addition to Beaumont, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Beaumont-Parkdale is conveniently located off US-287 just North of I-10. Relax in your own elegant room featuring stylish décor and amenities, including a microwave, refrigerator, free wired and wireless high-speed Internet access, executive desk, 32 inch flat panel TVs, and the best night’s sleep you’ve had in weeks. If you’re hungry, we are within walking distance to many restaurants. Enjoy a swim in our crystal-clear outdoor pool or energize in our Fitness Center. Polish that presentation in the business center and we even have the right space for your professional meeting. We’re here, ready with all you need to make your trip to Beaumont a success. © 2010 IHG. All rights reserved. Most hotels are independently owned and

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Hiexpress.com 1-800-Holiday (1-800-465-4329)

• Free high-speed Wi-Fi in all rooms All rooms are equipped with refrigerator, • Interior corridors • Standard and Extended-Stay Rooms with full kitchens microwave, upscale bedding & 42” HDTV flatand screens. • Modern room design with 32” flat-screen TV, audio jack, ergonomic chair rollout desk with task lighting • Tech Lounge with FREE WI-FI and gourmet coffee bar 7540 Memorial Blvdcomputer • Conference/Meeting room with TX 77640 • OutdoorPort poolArthur, with waterfall accents 409.722.8383 • State-of-the-art fitness center Minutes to the Motiva Expansion Project, Huntsman • Spa-inspired bathrooms with granite countertops, vessel sinks and rain-flow showerheads Corporation, ExxonMobil, Cheniere, Entergy, BASF• Iron/ironing board located off US Conveniently Fina, Atofina Petrochem, Chevron Phillips, DuPont, • Free69/287 guest laundry services, USA Today®, local calls, expanded cable with at Memorial Boulevard Total Petrochemicals, and Valero. HBO®/ESPN®/CNN® and more & Jimmy Johnson. Please contact us for a tour today! • Pet friendly • Children 17 and under stay free For reservations visit www.redroof-beaumont.com

or call 800.RED.ROOF (800.733.7663) IH-10 and Washington Boulevard - 2310 IH-10 South www.lq.com Beaumont, Texas 77707 - 409.842.8200

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bayou!

Come on down the

By Kirsten Matthew

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repare to be dazzled by Texas-Cajun hospitality which is smothered on thick and piled high with top-quality entertainment, cuisine and sight-seeing. Here on the Texas Gulf Coast plains and bayous, the pure, raw vitality of life is accentuated by everything from a fantastic Mardi Gras to world-class museums, the incredible botanical biodiversity of a national preserve to deep-sea fishing. This is serious living, so saddle up for a pleasurable ride through this friendly territory.

Long a place of fascination for visitors, the cities that took root here hail to the cultural influence of the French explorers and Spanish conquistadors. Significant milestones in American history came to pass on this shoreline: Civil War battles were fought at Sabine Pass; Texas’s first oil well blew in Beaumont, back in 1901; and rock ‘n’ roll legend Janis Joplin was raised in the cultural melting pot of Port Arthur. As the state’s rich forests unwind en route to the Gulf of Mexico, a land that has seen massive bursts of industry still thrives in coastal and woodsy habitat. The key cities of this county – Beaumont, Port Arthur, Port Neches, Groves and Nederland – are truly a magnificent mix of heritage, culture and personality Seeking hunger-busting, Texas-style barbecue, pictureperfect sightseeing or off-the-beaten-path adventure? Honey, this region’s such a hotspot it’ll get you two-stepping and whistling “Texas, Our Texas” right quick! Hot to trot with top-notch theaters, performing arts centers and firstclass entertainment venues, year-round highlights include some of the best blockbuster concerts, signature rodeos and outstanding performers in Southeast Texas. Chock full of regional festivals and celebrations, the customs and traditions of its impassioned citizenry are as compelling as dusk’s ribbons of pink sweeping over the great Texas skyline.

So come on, y’all! Hang up your hat, kick off those boots and giddy on up into the good life here in Southeast Texas!

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T N O M U A BE rgy Hotspot e n E h g i H

By Cathleen Cole

fun. e n ta c -o h ig h rs town offe m o o b ld o -g k c This bla erary. eck your itin nt! Let’s ch o m u a e B to tertainment Welcome d then hit the en an s m eu us m e of Visit the multitud

wntown. Day 1: Do do t for great food and fun.

wntown oose another do ch d an s m distric eu mus ’s campus and local university able cuisine. e th opulent. Dine at to ur To : 2 Day ic to oil-boom e delect st or ru r m r ee nky tonk fo on nt pi ra restau range from en head to a ho at th th d es an m t, ho gh ni ic stor un to r through the hi Tex-Mex or Caj Day 3: Wander choice eatery, perhaps spicy anothe boat tour. night away. sing boot-scoot the and take a river en rd ga afternoon peru l ca ni end a relaxed at the bota sp y er en en th sc d e an th ng Day 4: Take in tat in the morni the highlights! l alligator habi venue. And that’s just hitting ca lo e th at ild Day 5: Get w ues and antiques on Calder A boutiq

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BEAUMONT

Theodore Johns

A Beaumont Civil Rights Legend

S The McFaddin-Ward House Museum is an example of Beaux Arts colonial style mansion

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Building on Black Gold

efore striking black gold, Beaumont was a frontier town. Founded in 1835, it was a region known for rice farming, cattle ranching and trapping. In 1845, John Jay French, a local merchant, built a simple Greek revival-style house to use as his home and as a trading post and tannery. The house, the oldest surviving one in the city, was the first in Beaumont built from milled lumber and painted. Now a museum, the house and grounds depict 19th-century life in Southeast Texas with period antique furnishings and pioneer household items. In 1901, Beaumont exploded to fame with the Lucas Gusher at Spindletop. Today the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum at Lamar University recreates the oil-rush town of the early 1900s. Stroll along the wooden walkway, stepping inside the storefronts that replicate a photography studio, general store, livery stable and more.

The drugstore’s antique apothecary case is stocked with remedies for what ailed the old timers. On special occasions, a replica of the famous oil derrick gushes with faux black gold. (It’s just water.) Many people struck it rich in those days, including W.P.H. McFaddin, who had already made his money from the cattle business, rice farming and milling, commercial real estate and trapping. After the Lucas Gusher, he made even more since he owned part interest in the land where oil was discovered. In 1907, he moved his family into a grand, Beaux-Arts colonial style residence on Calder Avenue. Today, the McFaddin-Ward House Museum and its furnishings reflect the lifestyle of the prominent family who lived in the home for 75 years. Enter the beveled-glass front doors into the chandelier-lighted foyer that leads to antique treasures in every room. Especially grand is the formal dining room with its huge candelabras made by Robert Garrard of London, silversmith to Queen Victoria. Just down the street, the Chambers House Museum offers a fascinating glimpse of a middle-class family living in the early 20th century. The house was built in 1906 and in 1914 C. Homer and Edith Fuller Chambers purchased it and moved in with their two young daughters, Ruth and Florence. The girls never married and lived in the house after their parents passed away. Florence, the younger sister, died in May 2004, leaving behind furniture, personal items and artifacts that had survived nearly 100 years.

In 1901, Beaumont exploded to fame with the Lucas Gusher at Spindletop

eparate but equal. Growing up during the Jim Crow days in Southeast Texas, these three words made Theodore Johns, and many others, bristle. Even though the Supreme Court then held these words to be lawful when it came to the lives of white and black people, the young black man knew it was unjust. He didn’t know at the time that he would be instrumental in erasing those hateful words years later. Born in Silsbee, Johns graduated from Prairie View A&M and went on to law school at Howard University, where his mentors challenged the separatebut-equal laws. The students, including Thurgood Marshall, learned their lessons well. Marshall led the fight and won in the 1954 landmark case Brown v. the Board of Education, a victory that led to the integration of public schools. Johns had the same idea for Southeast Texas. After serving in the Marine Corps during the Korean War, Johns opened his law office in Beaumont in 1953. A few years later, he and his law partner, Elmo Willard, fought for the integration of Lamar State College of Technology, now Lamar University. During the legal battle, the two lawyers received death threats and burning crosses on their lawns. They persevered and won their case on July 30, 1956. Confident with their victory, the duo continued to fight for equality by filing lawsuits against other institutions that had “whites-only” policies. One of these institutions was Beaumont’s Tyrrell Park, which only allowed white people to play on its golf course. Johns and Willard won their cases and Beaumont began opening up to all the races. For the decades that followed, Johns practiced law in the Beaumont area and was appointed as a municipal court judge in 1994. A bronze bust of Johns and Willard titled “Crusading Lawyers” stands in front of the Jefferson County Courthouse. On March 7, 2010, the Beaumont civil rights legend died at the age of 82, but his legacy lives on.

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A Multitude of Museums

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iscover the beginnings of the Texas oil industry at the Texas Energy Museum where interactive exhibits share the history of oil exploration, production and refining. Push a button and the robots representing historical characters seemingly come to life to tell their stories of the oil boom in Beaumont.

Enjoy interactive exhibits at the Texas Energy Museum

While you’re still in a scientific mood, visit the Edison Museum dedicated to the brilliant American inventor Thomas Alva Edison. The museum is located in the historical Travis Street electrical substation of Beaumont-based Gulf States Utilities Co., now a subsidiary of Entergy Corp., next to Edison Plaza. Interactive exhibits are packed into this little museum. While touring downtown, you may notice a very large fire hydrant decorated with white and black spots. The giant hydrant, a movie prop for 101 Dalmatians donated by the Walt Disney Co., marks the spot of the Fire Museum of Texas. Dedicated to preserving

Memorabilia preserved at the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum

Steppin’ Out

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fter a day of touring, follow the road signs to the Crockett Street Entertainment District in downtown Beaumont. Hungry for a thick, juicy steak? Maybe Cajun cuisine? Or how about spicy Tex-Mex? Whatever you’re craving, it’s all available right here. After dinner, you can shoot a game of pool, dance to live music or just sit back and relax.

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Or head out to other hotspot establishments around the city. We have fine dining, casual fare, clubs and pubs. Peruse our entertainment and dining guides to see what suits your fancy! Be sure to check our calendar to see what’s happening and who’s playing at Ford Park, the Beaumont Civic Center, Julie Rogers Theatre and the historic Jefferson Theatre.

the history of the firefighting service and educating new generations about fire prevention and safety, the museum is housed in a working fire station built in 1927. View vintage fire engines, equipment and memorabilia. Tour highlights include the 1909 Aerial ladder truck, the 1856 Howe Hand Drawn Pumper, the 1931 Light Truck and the Gamewell Call Box Alarm System used prior to telephones. At the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, explore the collection of paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs and folk and decorative arts of the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. The museum has an emphasis on American art, with a growing collection of regional folk art. And for you sports fans, the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum is a must-see. With photos and memorabilia, it pays tribute to the hometown legend who won Olympic gold and co-founded the Ladies Professional Golf Association.

Built in 1927 and restored in 2007, the Jefferson Theatre was selected as the “Best Restoration Project” in Texas

Operation ER: You’ll feel the difference.

In times of emergency, our mission at CHRISTUS Hospital – St. Elizabeth is clear: Provide you and your family the very best care possible. With that in mind, we’re undergoing an extensive renovation to our Emergency Room which is already the only certified Level III Trauma Center in Southeast Texas. • Separate entrances for ambulances and walk-ins to expedite patient care. • Modern treatment areas and rapid assessment. • Kid-friendly waiting and treatment rooms. • Convenient parking specifically for ER patients. In short, we at CHRISTUS Hospital – St. Elizabeth accept our mission of quality care because you deserve our very best.

www.christushospital.org

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The Neches is considered the last wild river in Texas

Naturally Inviting

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t the downtown district’s Riverfront Park on the Neches, stroll along the bank or just sit and watch the boats go by. If you’re in the mood for a cruise and you happen to be here on a Saturday, head to the dock where Neches River Adventures offers a leisurely two-hour tour in an open-air pontoon boat. (Call ahead for the current departure time.) Have your binoculars and camera ready since you’ll be seeing plenty of wildlife just minutes from downtown .

Wander through the Beaumont Botanical Gardens located within the 500 acres of Tyrrell Park. The Warren Loose Conservatory is the second largest in a public garden in Texas. For something a little more on the wild side, venture into Gator Country. Big Al and his reptilian friends will be waiting for you!

Local Farmer’s Market

n Saturdays from May 22 to October O 30, sample a real taste of the region with fresh produce and products sold by farmers from within a 150 mile radius. The market runs 8a.m. to 11a.m. in the parking lot of the downtown library off Main St. Fruits, vegetables, even grass-fed beef! Children’s activities, cooking demos and more!

beaumonttxfarmersmarket.org Riverfront Park

Booming Beaumont has gators, gardens, great food and entertainment galore so get your motor runnin’ and head on over! Find Yourself in Beaumont

he Tyrrell Historical Library in downtown Beaumont offers genealogical Tresources and free classes for beginner genealogists. Specific resources include census microfilm, tax rolls, probate records, marriage directories and city directories. Patrons can access ancestry.com and heritagequestonline.com

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at no charge. It is the main genealogical library in Southeast Texas and the archives focus on this region. And as an added bonus, all this history is housed within a historical building – a former church built in 1903 in a modified Gothic style of architecture with a rough, gray stone façade and ornate stained-glass windows.

• Built in 1845 • Beaumont’s oldest surviving house Tour includes tannery, Open for Tours blacksmith shop Tue - Fri 10am-3pm & family Sat 10am-2pm cemetery John Jay French Historic House Museum

www.jjfrench.com

409-898-0348

3025 French Rd. • Beaumont, TX 77706

• Built in 1906 • Collection includes all original family items • Depicts life Open for Tours Tue - Fri of a family in 10am-3pm Sat 10am-2pm the 1920’s

www.chambershouse.org

409-832-4010

Chambers House Museum

2240 Calder Ave • Beaumont, TX 77701

Voted one of “Texas’ Best Free Family Destinations.”

Sales • Service • Rentals

www.suntravelrv.com

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A CULTURAL AND NATURAL CROSSROADS

PORT ARTHUR Explorethe GreatOutdoors

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scenic coastal jaunt, Port Arthur is as near a nature lover’s bounty or an outdoorsman’s paradise as anywhere under the Texas flag. Here, recreation is a treasured pastime that spans stretches of beaches, miles of lakefronts and vast expanses of wilderness. Wildlife flourishes – exotic birds, troves of fresh and saltwater fish and the state’s densest alligator population. Protecting one of the largest remaining saltwater marshes on the Texas coastline, McFaddin

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and Texas Point National Wildlife Refuges, on the upper Texas Coast, provides more than 100 square miles of important fish and wildlife habitat. Avid birdwatchers visit from afar to observe this feeding and resting point for migrating and wintering waterfowl. About 280 species that fly the Central Flyway - flocks of snow geese, mottled ducks and neo-tropical fowl – seek refuge on these marshlands. Hunting is permitted for certain fowl. Trail walking, fishing and boating are also available.

By Kristen Matthew

A waterside city rich in culture and buff with history, Port Arthur is the gateway out of Cajun country to all points Southeast Texas. This is where the deep heart of Texas begins to beat – under the rhythm of blues,the salt tidal marshlands and the moxie of its social fabric. By Kirsten Matthew

PORT ARTHUR

Sea Rim State Park offers vast marshland with 5.2 miles of Gulf of Mexico beach shoreline, excellent for birding and fishing

Extending from the mouth of the Neches River to the Sabine Causeway, Pleasure Island is an ideal outdoor play land for sailing, fishing, boating, crabbing, hiking, biking, birding, camping and picnicking. For the kids, Fun Island Depot is a mammoth playground replete with swings, slides, climbing towers, bars and a walking track. Giving way to spectacular panoramas of its beautiful lakeshore neighbor, the island truly captures the essence of its name. Some 14 miles long and seven miles wide, neighboring Sabine Lake and its surrounding coastal fishing area maintain one of the most productive marine ecosystems in Texas. Speckled trout, redfish, flounder, red snapper, kings and other species inhabit these waters, offering incredible inshore and offshore adventure. Guide services invite anglers to experience some of the best fishing on the Gulf Coast. Windsurfers and boaters will revel here. Texas Parks and Wildlife recently reopened the marsh unit of Sea Rim State Park, allowing bay fishing opportunities in the canals leading through the marshlands. Both McFaddin Beach and Sea Rim have access to beaches for gulf swimming, shelling, and other day-use activities. Time spent outdoors in this city – whether swinging a club at one of its pristine golf courses or wildlife watching for the river otter, muskrat or gray fox that call these marshes home – is a distinctively superior Southeast Texas experience. >

Basking in the sun, waiting for a bite at McFaddin Beach: The region is a fisherman’s paradise

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Let the Good Times Roll

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ort Arthur prides itself in its ability to throw a good-old Texas-style shindig. Festivals, fairs and Mardi Gras are king daddy here, drawing big crowds each year. Depending on the season, the city’s events will satiate almost any palate for top-quality entertainment. Downtown Port Arthur turns party central like clockwork each year to herald Mardi Gras in a splendid fanfare of glitzy parades, decked out revelers and classic New Orleans jazzblues. Billed as a family affair, this is jubilant pageantry, a carnival-like menagerie of spectacular floats, masked balls, street performers, gators and Clydesdales. City blocks brim with food vendors, carnival rides and other attractions.

In April, the Mercado Days Latino Fest pumps out a lively Mexican fiesta with scrumptious Tex-Mex fare, festive music and dancing. In a show of good fare, fun and homage, a Juneteenth Celebration commemorates the day slavery ended. The Zachary Breaux Jazz Festival and Lotus Garden & Bamboo Festival lend some unique hometown heritage to the June agenda. Then, for a sensational Independence Day Celebration, Lamar State College, Port Arthur campus puts on a star-spangled show. Later in the year, Cayman Night fills the air with Jamaican reggae. Many other cultural events pepper the calendar year, attracting would-be merrymakers from near and far. >

The Mercado Days Festival highlights the rich Hispanic culture of the region

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Musical roots run deep in Port Arthur, which celebrates jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, reggae, hip-hop and more.

The best family-friendly Mardi Gras to be found!

La Quinta Inn & Suites Port Arthur is NOW OPEN! wake up on the bright side®

Free High-Speed Internet Access Free Breakfast | Pool | Fitness Center Onsite Laundry All rooms are equipped with refrigerator, microwave, upscale bedding & 42” HDTV flat screens.

The Best Just Got Better! • Newly renovated rooms with 42" HD flat screen TVs and free high-speed internet. • Enjoy a Certified Angus Beef® Steak or Burger while overlooking our fantastic tropical outdoor pool at “The Metro Grille.” • Join us at the “Manhattan Bar” for daily drink specials with complimentary appetizers every weekday from 5pm-7pm.

7540 Memorial Blvd Port Arthur, TX 77640 409.722.8383 Conveniently located off US 69/287 at Memorial Boulevard & Jimmy Johnson.

Minutes to the Motiva Expansion Project, Huntsman Corporation, ExxonMobil, Cheniere, Entergy, BASFFina, Atofina Petrochem, Chevron Phillips, DuPont, Total Petrochemicals, and Valero. Please contact us for a tour today!

2929 Jimmy Johnson Boulevard, Port Arthur • (409) 724-5000 www.holiday-inn.com/poplarthurtx

www.lq.com

CAJUN TrANslATioN ANslAT sl slAT bon temps (BON tom) — good times. “Let the bon temps roll! I’ll have another Shiner Bock!”

cher (share) — short for chere or dear.

“Cher, will you pass the Tabasco please?” 2010 - 2011

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Port Arthur

Fest&Fun

Jun. 5-6, 2010

12th Annual Lotus Gardens & Bamboo Festival 409.982.9319 • buumon.org

Jun. 11-13, 2010

3rd Annual Zachary Breaux Jazz Fest 409.982.8394 or 409.985.9977 zacharybreauxjazzfestival.com

Jun. 19, 2010

Juneteenth Celebration 409.982.8040 or 409.985.7768 juneteenth.com

Jul. 4, 2010

Independence Day Celebration in Port Arthur 409.984.6101 • portarthur.net

Sept. 11-12, 2010

Dick Dowling Days 409.866.1655

Nov. 27, 2010

Cultural Lighted Holiday Parade 409.963.1107 • portarthur.net

Dec. 4, 2010

Bethlehem on the Boardwalk 409.548.0178 • 409.985.7822 visitportarthurtx.com

January 2011

Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame Show 409.548.4444 • 800-235-7822 Call for date

Mar. 3 - 6, 2011

Southeast Texas Mardi Gras 409.721.8717 • mardigras.portarthur.com

Apr. 15, 2011

Mercado Days Latino Fest 409.983.4006

Change is Happening!

• Brand New Hotel!

• Complimentary USA Today newspaper M-F

• Complimentary hot breakfast

• Meeting Facilities to accommodate up to 55 people

• Complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms and public spaces

• In room Coffeemaker, Iron & Board, Hairdryer, Ergonomic Executive Chair

• Outdoor Swimming Pool • Onsite Fitness Center

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• Guest Laundry Facility

• Suites include Microwave, Refrigerator, Wet Bar, 32" LCD HDTV, Sofa Bed, Chaise w/ottoman

• Complimentary Local Calls and Guest Voice Mail

• Priority Club Rewards points

• 32" LCD HD TV with free HBO and premium channels

• 24 hour Coffee and Tea Service in lobby

• Express Check In/Out • 24 hour “Suite Shop” Convenience Store

• 100% Non Smoking Rooms/Interior Corridor Hotel/2 Elevators/ Electronic Key Card entry

• 24 hour Business Executive Center

• Hearing Impaired and Handicap Accessible Rooms

3115 Central Mall Dr. Port Arthur, TX 77642 (409) 853-4114 * Fax (409) 853- 1746 www.hiexpress.com/portarthurtx • 1-800-HOLIDAY

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PORT ARTHUR

Museum of the Gulf Coast

Riveting bronze statue at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and Shrine

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Get Lost in the Mystique

s its mystical elements unfold, the cultural diversity of this seaside community becomes evident. Theravada Buddhism, the Vietnamese Catholic Church and Eastern Zen all thrive as neighboring subcultures at an already uncanny cultural crossroadss. The spiritual odyssey begins as the four-tier Buu Mon Temple rises above Procter Street like a testament of power for a school of Buddhism drawing its scriptural inspirations from the earliest teachings Buddha. Known nationally and internationally for the

quality of its tropical and hardy lotuses, water lilies and bamboo, four gardens around the temple, including the exquisite Buu Mon Water Garden, are the focus of the annual Lotus Garden and Bamboo Festival. Over on 9th Avenue, the sight is unexpectedly but unmistakably Vietnamese – authentic markets, shops and other businesses dot the urban landscape. At the nexus of this cultural hub stands an area of peace, or Hoa-Binh, known as the Queen of Peace Shrine and Gardens. The venue features gardens and a statue of Mary built

by parishioners of Queen of Vietnam Martyrs Catholic Church to show gratitude for Port Arthur’s welcoming reception. Outside of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and Shrine, set upon rocks from Mexico City’s Mount Tepayac, stands a 17-foot high Virgin Mary, sculpted by a local artist, caught in time in a sacred depiction of the moment she first appeared to Juan Diego. The back wall of the shrine features stained glass windows bearing symbols related to Our Lady of Guadalupe. q

For a truly big taste of unbridled nature, Texas-style revelry and hometown bravado, Port Arthur has a smorgasbord of offerings to satisfy almost any hankering. So get your motor runnin’ and head on over!

Take a peaceful stroll through the Queen of Peace Shrine and Gardens and the Buu Mon Buddhist Temple

It was a time of chaos, revolution and excitement. She, the girl from Port Arthur, was at the pinnacle of her influential rock stardom, expressing her opinions about social change not only through her powerfully soulful music, but also via her famed psychedelic ’65 Porsche 356c Cabriolet. A four-wheeled icon – with its bright orange and yellow paint job, day-glo flowers, cartoon butterflies, rainbows and other signature Janice Joplin statements – sits parked like a groovy time traveler inside the Museum of the Gulf Coast, greeting day trippers to its Music Hall of Fame. In an ode to the life and times of the Texas Gulf Coast, the museum offers an impressive permanent collection depicting the history and culture of the region. The exhibits tell an exciting tale, weaving in notable people, sports legends and musical talents. From its Jurassic days and the trauma of the Civil War to its economic growth and popular culture, the diverse displays, including five to six temporary exhibitions a year, dynamically interpret centuries of Gulf Coast life. Here, amidst the finely tailored trail of its heritage, is the largest indoor mural in the Southwest, spooling together the history of the region from prehistory to the discovery of oil. Accomplished athletes run career-setting touchdowns on one wall. Intense abstract collages painted by native son Robert Rauschenberg capture moments in pop culture on others. His signature mode of emphasizing the use of color, texture and symbolism –as evidenced in the abstract “Signs” – freezes for all time famous faces of tumult in modern history. q

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Groves

Small Town Living with an Extra Pinch of Spice A little slice of heaven hidden away in a secret garden of shady pecan trees, Groves is as warm and quaint as Mayberry, yet with a unique culture as flavorful and rich as a big pot of Cajun gumbo. By Holli Petersen

Get nutty at the Texas Pecan Festival held annually in September

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he Johnny Appleseed of Groves, Wiley Choate, certainly knew what he was doing when he planted 2,500 pecan trees in 1919. Today, those beautiful, statuesque wonders give the entire region cause to celebrate. And, celebrate they do during the Texas Pecan Festival, an event held under the warm September sun to commemorate the pecan harvest. Jam-packed with delectable, one-ofa-kind dishes, spirited live music and plenty of squeal-inducing rides, these four days of merriment attract fans from across the Golden Triangle. Of course, the true star of the festival is the pecan itself. This might be your only opportunity to participate in a pecan

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pie eating contest and a pecan toss, while indulging in more pecan-inspired desserts than ever thought possible! Of course, you don’t have to wait until September to pursue excitement in Groves. One evening a month, downtown Groves parties the evening away on historic Lincoln Avenue for First Fridays. This free family event offers live music, dozens of unbelievable sales, rare vendors, moonwalks and plenty of entertainment. While you’re in the shopping mood, don’t forget to venture off Lincoln Avenue to East Parkway. Though most small towns consider snooping an Olympic event, in Groves you’ll discover the true meaning of the word. > Come taste the pie!

GROVES

Larry’s French Market & Cajun Restaurant

Stroll through antiquing heaven: Snooper’s Paradise

Snooper’s Paradise, a specialty antique and home-accent store, is a must-see. This eclectic boutique has a little something for everyone. However, they’re known for their dedication to offering the finest of European antiques, primarily from France, Italy and Belgium thanks to owner Jon Hampton who travels to Europe twice a year for some snooping excursions of his own. Colorful and diverse, the store carries superior furniture

designers such as Maitland Smith, Theodore Alexander, Marge Carson and Althorp. The Althorp Co., fine replicators of items from Princess Diana’s family’s ancestral home in England, is genuinely exclusive. In fact, Snooper’s is the only Althorp retailer between Houston and Baton Rouge! q

From shopping and eating to dancing and relaxing, there’s so much more than meets the eye in this small community of homegrown fun.

Colichia’s Italian Village With a long and flavorful history, Colichia’s Italian Village has been filling up the hearts and bellies of Mid-County residents for more than 70 years. Family-owned and operated, Colichia’s is a local gem, luring in more and more regulars with each bite of their hearty Italian dishes. At Colichia’s,the secret is truly in the sauce.In fact, it is a top-secret family recipe hailing straight from

the owner’s Sicilian family’s ancestral recipes. Made from the freshest ingredients, their sweet and tangy sauce is unparalleled and clearly authentic. Another home-style, authentic favorite is the restaurant’s made-from-scratch house dressing, perfect for topping off a salad or using as a dipping sauce for the flaky Italian bread. The menu is full of familiar favorites, just made better with fresher ingredients and an extra measure of love.

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hen you’re visiting Groves, you simply can’t leave without sampling the best of the bayou. Larry’s French Market & Cajun Restaurant is one of the area’s most happening hot spots. Dine on piles of succulent seafood, steaming mounds of spicy crawfish etouffee, heaping helpings of boudain balls and even some unique selections like fried alligator and frog legs. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, the restaurant serves up more than just good food. You can dance between dinner courses with live bands ranging from traditional country to toe-tapping Cajun zydeco.

With a history as rich as their deep, hearty roux, the restaurant’s roots can be traced to 1925 when Albin and Lariza Judice opened a small Groves grocery store. Over time, as the popularity of their specialty meats grew, the couple expanded incrementally. Born out of their hometown dreams, today this restaurant and dance hall seats 440 and is operated under the careful eye of fourth-generation owner, Larry Judice. q

Festivals in Groves

SEPTEMBER Texas Pecan Festival

FIRST FRIDAYS First Friday of every month on Lincoln Avenue

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Port Neches The good life on the river

By Julie Garcia

When arriving in Port Neches, you can’t help but notice the pride that radiates from the small town of 13,601 residents by the Neches River. Port Neches takes life a little more slowly than its neighboring cities, and the residents like it that way.

Leisurely afternoon at Port Neches City River Front Park

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very May, Port Neches celebrates RiverFest at Port Neches RiverFront Park. The FREE, four-day festival includes a carnival, boat races on Saturday and Sunday, a talent competition, a classic car and motorcycles show, a pet show, Battle of the Bands, two-day fishing tournament, washers tournament and spectacular fireworks display. On Friday and Saturday nights, big name entertainers perform in the park. RiverFest is known for its scrumptious selection of Southern-inspired food. Some local favorites are fried Oreos, fresh-squeezed lemonade and

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cheesecake-on-a-stick. On a sunny day in May, there’s nothing more fun than to grab a pork-ka-bob and funnel cake and watch the boat races. Kids have the time of their lives at Port Neches’ huge playground Tugboat Island, and attached Splash Park. This place of wonder has jungle gyms, slides and an area for toddlers and physically-impaired children, too! The playground is full of great hiding places for the biggest game of hide-and-seek ever. The splash-and-spray water park is free to the public and one of the largest splash parks in the area. >

Amazing playground Tugboat Island

Also inside the park is La Maison Beausoleil – French for “House of Beautiful Sunshine.” The historical home, built in 1802 in St. Martin Parish, La., is an authentic example of Cajun architectural style. The structure was donated to a nonprofit group called Les Acadiens du Texas, which restored the residence after it was transported via barge to the RiverFront Park property. Tours are available of the house and grounds.

GHOST TALE

Cooling down at the Splash Park

On the third weekend of each month, Port Neches Avenue comes alive with Super Saturdays on the Avenue. Take a leisurely stroll and peruse the many antiques and collectibles the numerous shops have to offer. Whether you need a place to bring the kids for some romp-and-play time or you’re searching for some rare antiques, Port Neches is filled with small-town pleasures mixed with a love of history, legends and loads of antiques! q

Port Neches... filled with fun and small town history.

Festivals in Port Neches

RiverFest Boat Races, Carnival and Classic Car & Motorcycle Show (First weekend in May)

The Legend of Sara Jane Road

PORT NECHES

Port Neches City River Front Park also has public boat ramps and is a perfect place to bring your speed boat and jet skis for an afternoon of fun and sun on the water. You can enjoy fishing and crabbing along the river and then have a barbecue or fish fry in the park’s picnic areas. From the Riverview Pavilion, the center for the activity in the park, watch the ships from all over the world pass by at all hours of the day and night. Just across the street from the park, there are outdoor lighted basketball and tennis courts that are open to the public.

Port Neches is also home to one of the spookiest tales this side of the Neches River. The legend of Sara Jane is one that local people pass on to their children and grandchildren, adding a little spook to an otherwise quiet town. The legend tells of Sara Jane, a woman living alone with her newborn in the deep woods along the Neches River while her husband was away fighting in the Civil War. One day she received word that Union soldiers were on their way, so she placed her baby in a wicker basket and hid the child under the wooden bridge near her house for safety. She returned home, and after the soldiers departed, she went to retrieve the baby. In the time she was away, the river had risen and the child was gone. Her heart shattered with regret, Sara Jane hung herself from a tree. Sara Jane Road, officially East Port Neches Road, runs from Port Neches to Groves. It is a hot spot on Halloween and Friday the 13th. There have been tales of flickering lights and spirit apparitions. Even now, on some nights when the air is still, people say they can hear the cries of Sara Jane’s baby.

Super Saturdays on the Avenue (Every third Saturday of the month)

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Nederland Dutch Wonderland

A crossroads of southern hospitality and European heritage By Haley Strahan

Cutline here

A windmill in Heritage Museum Park honors the region’s Dutch settlers

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ederland blends the flair of several cultures into one Texas-sized adventure. Lured by the promise of rich farmland, Dutch immigrants first settled the area in 1897, naming it after the homeland they had left behind. Many of the original settlers moved north when the local temperatures proved too warm, but the town grew under the influence of the Rienstra and Doornbos families. The 1901 eruption of the Lucas gusher in Beaumont brought a flood of Southwest Louisiana dwellers, who hailed from the rich Acadian tradition, into the area. These Acadians, or Cajuns, brought a zesty French flair to the town. Residents of Nederland still honor the

bountiful heritage of their French and Dutch founders through mediums such as architecture and museums. A windmill was erected in 1967 to commemorate the traditions of the Dutch, and La Maison Des Acadiens was built later to illustrate Cajun family life in the 1860s. Tex Ritter Park, or “Heritage Museum Park,” as it’s also known, honors the local entertainment legend and houses The Windmill Museum. Ritter memo-rabilia is displayed, as well as historical artifacts brought to America by the original Dutch settlers of Nederland. Tex Ritter Park is the perfect place to soak up sunshine. >

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NEDERLAND

An Amble on the Avenue

The Shops of Boston Avenue

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ocated in the heart of Nederland, Boston Avenue is a quiet street that boasts some of the best shopping in the area. Brick sidewalks add to the relaxed, old-world ambiance, and cozy restaurants are tucked into unique buildings along the way. An array of eclectic, small stores lining the avenue lends a funky, downtown vibe, and offers antiques, homemade candles, vintage clothing and home decor. Spanning six blocks, Boston Avenue provides a perfect place to enjoy a lazy lunch and wander around. For the latest fashions in town, try Gaudie Couture. Featuring hip clothing like Miss Me Jeans and Ivy Jane, accessories and handmade jewelry, you’re sure to find something great.. Across the avenue, sister store Gaudie and Co. specializes in gift items like Tyler Candles, as well as home decor. After you’ve decorated yourself, it’s time to decorate your home. Boston Avenue houses Antique Emporium and the Holland House mall, where you can find antique pieces as well as new home decor and gifts. Scented candles add more than fragrance to a home – they add ambiance. The experts in the Candle Cottage create custom gift baskets that fill the nose with heavenly aromas. Famous around the region for their divine blueberry cobbler candles, the store is also the only place to procure“Latte Lights.” There’s a“scents” of home in each candle because the waxy wares are made right in the shop! Once you’ve perused the racks and sniffed the candle scents, treat yourself to the Butcher’s Korner barbecue restaurant, where the food smells as amazing as the candles you’ve just left behind. Boston Avenue has a wealth of shopping opportunities in a small stretch of road that won’t exhaust you before you’ve had time to see them all. Whether you’re looking for vintage or new clothes, interesting gifts or a tasty meal, stroll Boston Avenue and find a new favorite. q

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Eclectic Boston Avenue offers a variety of unique and chic shopping

• Antique Emporium • Butcher’s Korner • Candle Cottage • Eclectic Elegance • Elliots • Gaudie & Co. • Gaudie Couture • Holland House • IZ Funky Resale • Juxtapose Computers • Never Enough Chocolate

In March, it is transformed into the site of the annual Heritage Festival. The festival lasts an entire week and offers events including parades, carnival rides, a Battle of the Bands, pageants, a chili cook-off, a petting zoo, craft market and a washers tournament. The food at the festival can be found on the mouth-watering Cuisine Walk and features local delicacies such as Cowboy Pistoletes. Live entertainment, ranging from country to zydeco to progressive rock, draws huge crowds during the festival. La Maison, or the French House,

hosts tours sprinkled with the French and Dutch words that would have colored the local patois at the time. The gift shop offers an array of traditional clothing, including wooden shoes known in Dutch as klompen. After all the excitement and delicious food, Doornbos Park provides the perfect relaxation station. A 20-acre stretch of pristine nature, the park has a duck pond and a lighted basketball court. The ducks are as friendly as everyone else in Nederland, but they appreciate bread offerings. q

Never far from its eclectic roots, Nederland is thriving with commercial prosperity and a booming social scene.

NEDERLAND

Monthly Networking Coffees October - Annual Golf Tournament October - Trunk-R-Treat December – Annual Lighted Christmas Parade

Nederland Heritage Festival Spindle Top Hot Rod March 08 – 13, 2011 Car Show For More Details, Call 409-724-2269 March 25, 26, & 27, 2011 For More Information on these events, please call the Nederland Chamber of Commerce at 409-722-0279

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4031 Nelson Rd. • Lake Charles, LA 337.478.0901

3308 Hwy. 365 • Nederland 724.2045

OFFICIAL ROLEX JEWELER Oyster Perpetual Datejust and Turn-o-graph are trademarks.

409.880.8907 or visit our website www.nechesriveradventures.org

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ECOTOURISM

Nature’s Glide through the waters of creeks, rivers and lakes aboard a canoe or kayak. Hike the trails of forests and wetland areas. Wander through blooming botanical gardens. Wildlife abounds. If getting choice. closer to nature is what you’re looking for, Southeast Texas is a natural choice

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Swamps&Gators

ou want swamps and gators? We’ve got plenty. Head to McFaddin and Texas Point National Wildlife Refuges and explore bayous and trails along one of the largest remaining freshwater marshes on the Texas coast. Five boat ramps provide access to inland lakes and waterways, but in most places the water is very shallow – so think canoe. J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area has more than 24,000 acres of fresh, intermediate and brackish water in the prairie-marsh region along the coast. Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011

The wetlands are part of the Texas Chenier Plain, the westernmost geologic delta of the Mississippi River. Here you can see brown pelicans, piping plovers, ducks, geese, sea turtles, and, of course, alligators. For a leisurely and educational cruise, Neches River Adventures, a venture of Lamar University’s Environmental Learning and Research Center, offers a two-hour trip in an open-air pontoon boat. The Cardinal leaves from the dock at Beaumont’s Riverfront Park on Saturday mornings, weather permitting. (Call ahead for current

By Cathleen Cole

departure times.) The Neches is considered the last wild river in Texas and you’ll be seeing flora and fauna just minutes from downtown. For a more exhilarating trip, catch a ride with Louisiana Airboat to explore the swamps and bayous of Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana. (Call ahead for reservations.) And don’t miss Gator Country with its entertaining and educational shows and exhibits. Big Al, Texas’ largest captive alligator, is the park’s star attraction. >

Reptile Reality Adventures

Way s Big Thicket National Preserve

ECOTOURISM

Gator Country

Gary Saurage loves alligators, whether or not they love him back. The conservationist and co-owner of Gator Country Adventure Park in Beaumont used to hunt gators for a living, guiding clients deep into the swamps, but he eventually realized that people were fascinated by the huge reptiles. Now he’s trying to save them, including wayward gators that wander from their wetland homes. His dangerous job landed him in a new reality television series for the CMT network called“Gator 911”. Gator Country is home to more than 130 American alligators, including Big Al, the biggest alligator in captivity in Texas – a fact certified by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. He’s about 70 years old, more than 13 feet long and close to 1,000 pounds. The park also includes crocodiles, turtles and snakes, including a yellow python named Banana. Built from an abandoned alligator breeding farm just off Interstate 10, seven ponds interlinked by piers, elevated walkways and paths offer up-close-and-spine-tingling views of the residents. When Saurage found the conveniently located but overgrown, abandoned farm with its nearly dry ponds and remaining survivors, he knew that if he created an entertaining and educational reptile attraction, people would come. He was right. Visitors arrive from around the country to see Big Al, one of the few survivors of the original breeding farm, and the other reptilian residents in exhibits and shows that excite and educate at the same time. The brave guests can hold baby gators and feed adolescent gators hot dogs from fishing lines. And now, if people can’t make it to the park, they can tune in to“Gator 911” to get the 411 on Saurage and his team of reptile rescuers.

The fearless “Gator 911” crew shows off one of the reptilian inhabitants at Gator Country

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&DO

SEE

Swamps & Gators

Gator Country 21159 FM 365 Beaumont, TX 77705 • 409.794.9453 gatorrescue.com Louisiana Airboat 108 E. Lutcher Dr. Orange, TX 77632 • 409.883.0318 americanairboats.com McFaddin and Texas Point National Wildlife Refuges 10 Parks & Wildlife Dr. Port Arthur, TX 77640 • 409.736.2371 fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texas/ mcfaddin The Beaumont Botanical Gardens at Tyrrell Park

BotanicalGARDENS

See the tamer side of nature at the area’s beautiful botanical gardens. The Beaumont Botanical Gardens is a public garden located within Tyrrell Park, which includes the Warren Loose Conservatory – the second largest in a public garden in Texas. Explore the theme gardens showcasing camellias, modern and antique roses, bromeliads and native plants connected by a paved walkway offering plenty of benches to sit and relax. Find your inner peace among the lotuses and water lilies at the Buu Mon Buddhist Temple in Port

Arthur. The Buddhists also grow several varieties of bamboo, banana and citrus trees. The gardens are the focus of the free annual Lotus Garden and Bamboo Festival held in June. Private tours are available through the rest of the growing season, so be sure to call for an appointment. For a certified “Green” experience, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Orange is a perfect place to enjoy gardens bursting with fragrance and color. Its unique wetland ecosystem offers sanctuary to plants and animals. > The Warren Loose Conservatory

J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area 10 Parks & Wildlife Dr. Port Arthur, TX 77640 • 409.736.2551 tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/ wma/find_a_wma Neches River Adventures 701R Main St., Beaumont, TX 409.880.8907 nechesriveradventures.org

Botanical Gardens

Beaumont Botanical Gardens and Warren Loose Conservatory 6088 Babe Zaharias Dr. Beaumont, TX 77705 • 409.842.3135 beaumontbotanicalgardens.com Buu Mon Buddhist Temple 2701 Procter St. Port Arthur, TX 77640 • 409.982.9319 buumon.org Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center 2111 West Park Ave. Orange, TX 77630 • 409.670.9113 shangrilagardens.org

Bird Watching

Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge 509 Washington Ave. Anahuac, TX 77514 • 409.267.3337 www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/ texas/anahuac Big Thicket National Preserve 6102 FM 420 Kountze, TX 77625 • 409.951.6700 nps.gov/bith Sea Rim State Park Temporary Mailing Address: 105 San Jacinto St. LaPorte, TX 77571 • 281.471.3200 tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/ parks/sea_rim/

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ECOTOURISM

BirdWATCHING

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uietly, carefully, the bird watchers reach for binoculars hanging from their necks to get a closer look at the flock of roseate spoonbills wading in brackish water. The wind rustles the marsh grass of the coastal prairie at Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. See up to 27 species of ducks between October and March along with huge flocks of snow geese that feed within the refuge. Warblers and other songbirds rest here during spring and fall migrations. Throughout the year roseate spoonbills, great and snowy egrets, white-faced ibis and mottled ducks make the refuge their home. Port Arthur’s Pleasure Island separates the Intracoastal Waterway from Sabine Lake and its long levees are a perfect place to watch the waterfowl that flock here. South of Port Arthur, Sea Rim State Park offers vast marshland with 5.2 miles of Gulf of Mexico beach shoreline.The park serves as a rest stop for several species of migratory birds traveling the Central Flyway. Pick a spot along Taylor Bayou for a quiet birding adventure. The waterway starts 16 miles west of Port Arthur and flows east for 18 miles to its mouth on the Port Arthur Canal at Port Arthur. To the north at Big Thicket National Preserve, start your trek into the piney woods at the Big Thicket Visitor Center and enjoy handson activities,exhibits and the interactive discovery center. The preserve is on the Central and Mississippi migratory flyways and bird watching

Roseate spoonbills are part of the astonishing biodiversity of the region

is excellent from mid-April to Mid-May. Nearly 186 kinds of birds live here or migrate through. Or you can set up camp at Village Creek State Park and canoe or kayak along the meandering waterway. (Canoe

rental equipment and shuttle service are provided by local outfitters.) You’re bound to see some of the more than 200 species of birds native to this area including wood ducks, egrets and herons.

VILLAGE CREEK STATE PARK

Canoeing & Kayaking Village Creek State Park 8854 Park Road 74 (off Alma Drive) Lumberton, TX 77657 409.755.7322 www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/ Eastex Canoe Trails 1698 US 96 South Silsbee, TX • 409.385.4700 eastexcanoes.com Piney Woods Outfitters 921 S. Main Lumberton, TX • 409.751.0911 canoetexas.com Coastal Paddler 2855 Eastex Frwy. Ste. A Beaumont, TX • 409.899.4397

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Park&GLIDE

he morning air is still crisp in the forest and along the banks of the meandering creek. Out of the mist that hovers above the water, two long forms glide into sight, at first looking like giant water bugs with straight legs rising and falling, propelling them forward.The insect-like apparitions transform and it’s clear now what they really are: canoes with oars silently dipping, carrying campers to a more remote site downstream. Sunlight dances on the water and warms the mist away. Good morning, Village Creek State Park. It doesn’t take long for the other campers to emerge from their tents for a day of activity ranging from vigorous to relaxing. Located just a few miles from Beaumont, the park is named for the creek that runs through it. It’s the perfect place for flatwatercanoeingandkayakingasthestreammeanders southeast for 69 miles to the Neches River. There is plenty to do out of the water too. Hike or bike the trails in this pine and deciduous forest of

the Big Thicket. Stake out your spot along the creek’s sandy bank and cast your line for catfish, bass, perch and panfish. At the picnic pavilion and playground, youngsters swing, climb and slide while the adults grill the catch of the day. Whether it’s for a day or a week, make sure to visit Village Creek State Park when you’re in this neck of the woods. > 2010 Visitors Guide Guide 31 31 2010 -- 2011 2011 II Visitors

ECOTOURISM

SHANGRI LA BOTANICAL GARDENS AND NATURE CENTER

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Shangri La Botanical Garden and Nature Centers building complex is a certified Platinum LEED building by the United States Green Building Council

NaturalBEAUTYBeyond YOURImagination

nowy egrets and great blue herons wade in the shallows of the cypress swamp. Cormorants fly to the leafy canopy above. Down the bayou, a gator lumbers onto the bank and into tall grass. The land is lush and wet and green – a garden oasis in the middle of nowhere. It’s Shangri La – a perfect, imaginary land born in the mind of a long-ago noveliSt But this one is real – the dream-come-true of timber magnate and philanthropist H.J. Lutcher Stark. Stark is gone but his memory lives on through the foundation he created. Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Orange is 252 acres of idyllic hide-away – a unique wetland ecosystem offering sanctuary to plants and animals and a tranquil retreat for humans. Start your tour in the Orientation Center that includes an exhibit hall, a theater and

exhibition greenhouses. The interactive children’s garden draws the little ones in where they can touch, see and smell – and learn to care about nature. Now that you have a deeper understanding of the preserve, it’s time to start your journey into the oasis. Wander the pathways encircling the nine formal gardens with more than 300 plant species. Beyond, the herons are calling. Follow the trail to the large bird blind for a glimpse through telescopes of fluttering waterfowl. The water lures you closer. Float down Adams Bayou on a pontoon boat or travel the boardwalk to arrive at one of three Nature Center outposts.Thousands of birds nest in Ruby Lake and the 1,200-year-old pond cypress tree called The Survivor watches over all. If naturalbeautyiswhatyouseek,Shangri La offers a tranquil refuge beyond the imagination. ❑

The Big Thicket Association

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Founded in 1964 and dedicated to the conservation of the unique natural

www.aquilagolf.com

resources of Southeast Texas

8537 LaBelle Road Beaumont, Texas 77705 409-796-1327

Captain Randy’s Guide Service Telephone: (409) 985-7619 Cell Phone: (409) 719-6067

www.fishsabine.com

Touring: Sabine Lake & Gulf Coast Trophy Trout, Red Fish, and Flounder Randy Foreman, US Coast Guard Certified Captain Licensed in both Texas and Louisiana Families with children are always welcome

Corporate trips available

Come fishing on beautiful Sabine Lake located south of IH-10 in Port Arthur, Texas. Offering personalized bay charters and customized trips to meet your expectations. Offshore fishing trips available. Fishing for snapper, long, king, triple tail, and dolphin. Dive or fish around rigs, boat wrecks, weed lines, and shrimp boats.

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Make a difference in the Big Thicket’s Future! www.thicketofdiversity.org Box 198, Saratoga, TX 936-274-1181 Photos Courtesy of Michael Black

www.bigthicket.org Be informed! Participate in Field Trips and Workshops Become a Citizen Scientist in the Thicket of Diversity!

SPORTING

Year-Round Recreation Destination

By Kirsten Matthew

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t dawn’s first light, a fisherman hauls a stringer full of flounder from a brackish bayou. Somewhere offshore, the high blare of an outboard engine rousts a flock of nesting ducks. A brilliant red-orange sunrise breaks as the birds fan out across the horizon, just passersby to this land of wild beauty. Here, where coastal waters meet coastal plains and the climate is mild year-round, a cornucopia of recreation outlets exists for sports enthusiasts of nearly any caliber. Fishing, boating and hunting are decided mainstays, but a

plethora of other alternatives vie for contention. Bicycle tours, running events and exceptional golf courses abound. The opportunities for swimming, camping and hiking are many and varied. For the more physically active, learning to wakeboard or even competing in one of the tournaments out on the SETx Wakeboard Lake is a unique adventure. Those who prefer passive participation might enjoy a professional sporting event at Beaumont’s Ford Park or a Lamar University football or basketball game. >

Lamar University teams compete on a national level. Whether you’re looking to light up Saturday nights in the fall with Texas football or while away a spring afternoon watching future MLB players in a collegiate baseball game, you can check the latest team schedules at:

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A Fisherman’s Friend

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efferson County is home to 32 lakes, miles of coastal beaches and a myriad of rivers and creeks, making it a fisherman’s paradise. Out on Sabine Lake, fishing guide and charter services open the door to fine offshore fishing trips. Red snapper, dorado, amberjack, king mackerel, tripe tail and shark swim these waters. For bait casters, huge speckle trout, line-testing redfish and doormatsize flounder all prey inshore. To the east, the county line is formed by the Neches River.

eep within the unspoiled wilds of the Big Thicket National Preserve, nature’s critters – white-tailed deer, rabbit and feral hog - roam the forests and black-water swamps. An amazing patchwork of biodiversity, including an impressive variety of waterfowl, presents hunters with some tasty choices.

D

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A Hunter’s Heaven

On the Texas-Louisiana border, McFaddin and Texas Point Wildlife Refuges supply important resting and feeding places for migrating blue and green winged teal, mottled ducks, gadwall and other species. (Large portions of the game lands are open to hunters free of charge and can be accessed on foot or by boat.) Other rich feeding grounds

A growing international tourist attraction, Port Neches offers fishing and many other outdoor experiences, including a fishing tournament during the city’s annual RiverFest Many of the numerous local wildlife refuges and wildlife management areas attract fishermen who relish the large expanses of coastline, meandering bayous and coastal marshes. Various parks, piers and boat ramps throughout the county also offer access to some of the finest fishing in the state.

on these bountiful marshlands afford a wealth of waterfowl hunting, including Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge and J.D. Murphree Wild-life Management Area. Come alligator, deer or duck season, Southeast Texas doles out a hefty portion of prime hunting opportunities for sportsmen of all stripes and ambitions. >

uch a vast network of rivers, lakes, bayous and coastal waters crisscross this region that boating has become as much a part of the local lifestyle as ribsticking Texas barbecue. Several local outfits offer guided canoe trips and nature tours along Village

S

SPORTING

A Boater’s Bounty Creek, known for its sugar-white sandbars and the unspoiled natural wilderness. Boating is a popular diversion out on Sabine Lake and a public boat launch is available. Enjoy a leisurely sail or take a high-seas adventure down Sabine Pass to the Gulf of Mexico.

Whether it’s catching some air on a wakeboard, reeling in the big one or paddling down a canoe trail, this recreation hot spot is uniquely laid out for serious sports enthusiasts, fans included.

SPORTING LIFE ACTIVITIES Fishing and Hunting Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge Main Complex 509 Washington Ave, Anahuac 409.267.3337 fws.gov/southwest/refuges McFaddin and Texas Point National Wildlife Refuges Main Complex 10 Parks & Wildlife Dr, Port Arthur 409.736.2371 fws.gov/southwest/refuges J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area 10 Parks & Wildlife Dr, Port Arthur 409.736.2551 tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Hunting Licenses, Permits, Dates 800.895.4248 tpwd.state.tx.us.huntwild Village Creek State Park 8854 Park Road 74, Lumberton 409.755.7322 tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest

Boating Cardinal Neches River Adventures 701R Main St, Beaumont 409.880.8907 nechesriveradventures.org Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Where to Boat tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/where Wakeboarding Wakeboard Lessons setxwakeboarding.com Golf Babe Zaharias Golf Course 3500 Jimmy Johnson Blvd, Port Arthur 409.722.8286 aquilagolf.com Bayou Din Golf Club 8537 Labelle Rd, Beaumont 409.796.1327 aquilagolf.com Beaumont Country Club 5355 Pine St, Beaumont 409.898.7011 beaumontcountryclub.com Belle Oaks Golf Club 15075 Country Club Dr, Beaumont 409.796.1311 golflink.com

Brentwood Country Club 4201 S. Major Dr, Beaumont 409.840.9010 brentwoodccbeaumont.com Henry Homberg Municipal Golf Course 5940 Babe Zaharias Dr, Beaumont 409.842.3220 cityofbeaumont.com Idylwild Golf Club 1100 Pine Shadows Dr, Sour Lake 409.753.2521 bigthicketdirectory.com/pages/ idylwild Iron Oaks Golf Club Iron Oaks Dr, Beaumont 409.866.9191 golflink.com/golf-courses Patch Golf Course 5721 Monroe St, Groves 409.963.3763 golflink.com/golf-courses Sports Teams Lamar University Cardinals 4400 MLK Blvd, Beaumont 409.880.7011 lamarcardinals.com

MARINAS

FISHING GUIDES Captain Randy’s Sabine Lake Guide Service 409.719.6067 fishsabine.com Chuck’s Guide Service 409.697.6111 chucksguideservice.net Coastal Outfitters Guide Service 409.460.1220 coastaloutfittersguideservice.com Colburn’s Sabine Connection 409.883.0723 sabineconnection.com Golden Hook Guide Service 409.673.3100 goldenhookguide.com Have Boat Will Travel Guide Service 409.786.2018 or 409.673.9211 fishsabinelake.com Sabine Lake Guide Service 409.718.8782 sabinelakefishing.com Sabine Outdoors Fishing Charters 409.719.7166 sabineoutdoors.com

Colliers Ferry Park 5390 Pine St, Beaumont Pleasure Island (reopening early 2011) 520 Pleasure Pier Blvd, Port Arthur 409.982.4675 pleasureislandtx.com Port Neches River Front Park 600 Grigsby, Port Neches 409.727.2182 Riverfront Park 800 Main, Beaumont 409.838.3435 Sabine Pass Battleground State Park & Historic Site Hwy. 87 S., Sabine Pass 409.332.8820 or 512.463.6323 Sabine Pass Port Authority Marina 5960 S. First Ave, Sabine Pass 409.971.2411 Walter Umphrey State Park Pleasure Island, Port Arthur 409.736.2851

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HERE FOR THE

Party

ast Texas e th u o S to e m a If you c e, you’re on m ti d o o g a r fo looking elting pot of m a s A . k c a tr t the righ County

s, Jefferson cultural influence of entertainment, it pes offers so many ty h to do first. ic h w e d ci e d to e Zydeco can be hard the music of a liv

to Downing crawfish g at a nightclub, watching cin band, hip-hop dan ding the concert of a atten is is a local stage play, y superstar — th tr n u co ed rn tu hometown boy . a typical Saturday By Haley Strahen

LIVEMUSIC

I

n a region that has yielded some of America’s greatest music legends including George Jones, Janis Joplin, Mark Chesnutt and Tracy Byrd, Southeast Texas stands out as a destination for great live music. To see your favorite (and soonto-be favorite) performers up close and personal, try small venues like the Barking Dog Coffee Lounge in Beaumont, a hip and funky hotspot where you can rock along

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with local bands on weekend nights to everything from indie to jazz and rock. The Logon Cafe, also in Beaumont, is a favorite live music venue for local music-lovers, as it blends respected local artists with regional and national acts. To get in-the-know about the latest musical talent in the area, try Dylan’s Restaurant and Grill in Port Arthur. Featuring music every weekend and acoustic nights every Tuesday, Dylan’s has its finger on the pulse of the local music scene. If you’re in the mood for a bigger attraction, Southeast Texas boasts several live music venues >

ENTERTAINMENT

Music continued from pg. 36

that routinely host popular national acts. Whiskey River in Beaumont features local and nationally touring performers on a weekly basis. Other venues that handle large acts include the live music venues in the Crockett Street Entertainment District, the Beaumont Civic Center and Ford Park Event Center, a huge complex that welcomes the hottest national performers to its 14,000-seat pavilion.

For a truly cultural experience, the Symphony of Southeast Texas performs several concerts per year, including a pops concert, four Master Series concerts, a holiday concert, and a free Fourth of July concert at Beaumont’s Riverfront Park. The Symphony of Southeast Texas has been a fixture of the area since 1953, promoting a local appreciation for symphonic music. >

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TIMEFORDANCING

W

ith so many cultural influences at play in Southeast Texas, it’s no wonder that there are many clubs dedicated to different styles of music and dance.

historic downtown, features live jazz music Friday and Saturday nights. A favorite destination for romantic dates and special occasions, dinner and dancing at Suga’s is an elegant way to spend an evening. Club Salsa is a spicy trend sweeping Southeast Texas. Meeting once a month in the ballroom of the Holiday Inn & Suites in Beaumont, Whether you brought your Club Salsa offers salsa dancing pointed-toe boots, your cha-cha lessons early in the evening, followed stilettos or your snowy white kicks, by open dancing to a live salsa band. there’s a place for you to dance the night away. If you want to experience some of the local Cajun flavor, head to Many of the area dance clubs Groves to enjoy live zydeco music at feature country music and a dance Larry’s French Market and Cajun floor made for boot-scooting. If Restaurant. A Southeast Texas you’re eager to show off your best tradition, Larry’ s French Market Texas two-step (or perhaps to blends delectable Cajun eats with learn how), try Beaumont’s Alibi’s good-time zydeco, but the true Cocktails and Dancing, where many of the areas professional and amateur pleasure lies in people-watching. The dance floor reflects a little slice country-western dancers gather to of Southeast Texas. From an older perfect their twirls. Other clubs for couple with accomplished dance cowboys and their cowgirls include skills to a father dancing with his Whiskey River, which offers free laughing toddler, from down-home country-western dance lessons on good ole boys to well-dressed Wednesday sorority sisters, the dance floor is nights, and never empty. Dixie Dance Hall. The Pine Tree Lodge, out on the bayou in Beaumont, is another Would you home for Cajun music as spicy as rather jazz the food. Live Zydeco bands play it up? Suga’s here every Sunday and on weekends Deep South during the spring and summer Cuisine and months. Watch out for the gators Jazz Bar, that swim right up to the dock! > located in

No need to just watch from the sideline when you can follow the basic pattern of the traditional Texas Two-Step. Think of it as walking to a beat – quick-quick-slow-slow. Face your partner. Gents, your right arm on your lady’s waist, the left arm out, slightly bent for her to hold your hand.

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Beat 1 2 3 4 5 6

Guys

Step forward quickly with left foot. Step forward quickly with right foot. Step forward slowly with left foot. Pause Step forward slowly with right foot. Pause, pull left leg even and repeat.

Gals

Step back quickly right. Step back quickly left. Step back slowly right. Pause Step back slowly left. Pause

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ONTHESTAGE

S

outheast Texas boasts a number of theatrical groups worthy of any Broadway production.

In addition, Beaumont’s Jefferson Theatre and Julie Rogers Theatre represent some of the most breathtaking architecture in the region, as well as evidence of the dedication to historical restoration recently undertaken in the area. Beaumont Community Players puts on several plays each year featuring all local talent. Past productions include Grease, Guys and Dolls, and, most recently, Chicago, which had consistently sold-out performances over its month-long run. Beaumont Community Players also sponsors the Kidmunity Players, which presents plays featuring and for children over their

summer workshop season. The Port Arthur Little Theater presents plays like Once Upon a Mattress and Frankenstein at The Playhouse in Port Arthur. If you long for a night at the ballet, look no further than Beaumont’s two dance companies. The Beaumont Civic Ballet, made up of local students, presents a holiday performance of The Nutcracker every year and a spring performance of Snow White. The Beaumont Ballet Theater, similarly consisting of local talent, performs an annual production of Cinderella, also in the spring. Many venues, across Jefferson County, whether the Jefferson Theatre, the Julie Rogers Theatre, the Robert Bowers Civic Center, or the Ford Park Arena offer stage acts throughout the year such as comedy acts, plays, expos, circuses and dance performances.

The Lutcher Theater in nearby Orange hosts musicians, dance troupes and stage shows of national acclaim

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 

 





 

 



  Who Says Oil + Water Don’t Mix?

Port Arthur Convention & Visitors Bureau www.visitportarthurtx.com 1-800-235-7822

Great Ideas For, The Great Outdoors Wild & Crazy

Live!

Wednesday’s

Thursday’s

$2 BEER & BAR ALL NIGHT NO COVER LADIES 18 & UP

LIVE NASHVILLE & TEXAS COUNTRY ARTIST

Funtastic

Stampede

LADIES NIGHT

Friday’s

SPECIALS ALL NIGHT

CONCERT NIGHT

Let Us Help, Create a Nature Habitat In Your Own Backyard.

Saturday’s

HOLY COW!

$2 BEER & BAR

ALL NIGHT 3871 Stagg Drive @ I-10 NO COVER TILL 10 In the Gateway Shopping Center

409-832-2999 Doors Open @ 7PM

whiskeyrivertexas.com

BIRDFOOD • FEEDERS • GARDEN ACCENTS • UNIQUE GIFTS

3939 Dowlen Rd #7 Beaumont, Tx 77706 (409) 347-3500 • www.wbu.com/beaumont

Come on in the Whiskey’s fine !

We’re passionate about birds and nature. That’s why we opened a Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop in our community.

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NIGHTSPOTS Alibi’s Cocktails and Dancing 315 I-10 North • Beaumont 409-835-5164

Good Times (Inside the Ramada Inn) 3801 Hwy. 73 • Port Arthur 409-962-9858

Rocks 5675 Fannett Rd • Beaumont 409-842-9932

The Art Studio, Inc. 720 Franklin • Beaumont 409-838-5393

Hooters 850 I-10 West S • Beaumont 409-892-WING

Speak Easy Lounge 711 Proctor St • Port Arthur 409-982-1700

Barking Dog Café 493 Pearl St • Beaumont 409-835-BARK

King’s Bar & Grill 1295 N 11th Street Beaumont 409-898-1967

Starvin Marvin’s Bar & Grill 2310 N. 11th Street • Beaumont 409-347-0058

Cash’s Bar and Grill 8484 Central Mall Dr • Port Arthur 409-729-6639

Logon Café 3805 Calder Ave • Beaumont 409-832-1529

Crockett Street 200 Block of Crockett St • Beaumont

Larry’s French Market & Cajun Restaurant 3701 Hwy 366 • Groves 409-962-3381

Suga’s Deep South Cuisine & Jazz Bar 461 Bowie St • Beaumont 409-813-1808

Hole in the Wall 240 Crockett St • Beaumont 409-833-3090 Dixie Dance Hall 240 Crockett St • Beaumont 409-833-3090 The Hub Bar & Patio 260 Crockett St • Beaumont 409-838-1500 Star Bar 296 Crockett St • Beaumont 409-813-2299 D’Vine Wine Winery 6755 Phelan Blvd • Beaumont 409-861-0400 Easy’s Tapas & Martinis 2325 Calder • Beaumont 409-832-2600 Fast Eddie’s Pool Hall & Bar 6410 Phelan Blvd • Beaumont 409-866-2212 Dylan’s Restaurant and Grill 8601 9th Ave • Port Arthur 409-722-1600

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Thirsty’s 229 Dowlen Rd • Beaumont 409-866-6066

Madison’s 4020 Dowlen Rd • Beaumont 409-924-9777

Tradewinds Pub (Located inside the MCM Elegante) Beaumont • 409-842-3600

MacKenzie’s Pub 229 Dowlen Rd #9B • Beaumont 409-866-2288

The West Bar and Grill 6445 Calder Ave • Beaumont 409-866-4733

Major League Grill 4430 Dowlen Rd • 409-898-7500

Whiskey River 3871 Stagg Dr • Beaumont 409-832-2999

The Pacesetter Lounge 6358 Phelan Blvd • Beaumont 409-866-2100 The Pine Tree Lodge 3396 Pine Tree Rd • Beaumont 409-796-1600

WineStyles 4008 Dowlen Rd • Beaumont 409-347-1340

OF TEXAS

Cocktails & Dancing

YOUR PERSONAL WINERY Visit our Wine Tasting Bar Host a Private Party in our Vineyard Room

Never a Cover 21 and up! Great Music Every Night

Open Monday (Day) • Tues - Thur Noon until 9 PM Fri - Sat Noon until 10 PM Sun by Appointment • Seats 60 People

Country Western and Good Time Oldies To Dance The Night Away To.

Customize Your Own Private Label for You, your Business, or Special Gift for the Holidays

315 IH 10 N. Beaumont

Enjoy a Glass or Bottle of Wine Parfait with our Italian Cold Plate

409-835-5164

6755 Phelan Blvd, Bmt,TX

Wine Sales ~ Wine by the Glass Wine Club Specialty Beers Gift Baskets & Accessories Gift Cards Corporate & Private Events Wine Education Classes WEEKLY WINE TASTINGS every Tuesday 5pm - 8pm Join the WIneStyles Club - the best value around 4008 Dowlen Rd. Bmt, TX

409.347.1340

www.winestyles.net/beaumont

409.861.0400

www.divinewinebmt.com

Great Food, Dance, Music, Friends & Fun D.J. Entertainment; Friday Live Bands; Tues, Wed, Thurs. & Sat.

PIZZA • BURGERS • STEAKS • PRIME RIB • SHRIMP • FISH

229 Dowlen #9 • Bmt., TX 77706 • 409-866-2288 www.mackenziespub.com

Some FOOD, FUN & Southeast Texas

FOR THE BEST IN ENTERTAINMENT VISIT THE WEST END OF BEAUMONT!

SPIRITS! Monday – All Day 1/2 price appetizers

Pool • Ping Pong Big Screens

Happy Hour 2-5pm M-F $1.75 Draft and $5 Pitchers $2.50 Domestic Longnecks

Weekly Dart Tournament

Seasonal weekly crawfish boils

Outdoor smoking veranda with TVs

SATELLITE NFL GAME TICKET

TASTY Terms

Boudain (boo dan): Hot, spicy pork mixed with onion,

cooked rice and chicken, stuffed into a sausage casing.

Etouffee (ay’ too fay): A creamy roux (tomato based

sauce) great with crawfish and usually served over rice.

Grillades (gree’ yads): Thin slices of beef served with a tomato roux.

Gumbo (Gum bow): A roux-based soup that might include okra, shrimp, chicken and sausage. In seafood gumbo, you might find uncracked crab legs, oysters, shrimp, crawfish and other seafood. Usually poured over rice.

WHERE EVERYNITE IS PARTY NIGHT

6445 Calder Ave. Beaumont 409-866-4733

Jambalaya (Jum ba lie ya): Rice-based dish; includes

what many Cajuns call “the Holy Trinity” of bell peppers, tomatoes and onions. Also can contain poultry, ham, shrimp, celery and just about every seasoning.

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On theTrail... Meander through our historic homes and holy places. Ponder the people who shaped our history. Travel the roads that always lead us back home. Soon you’ll have a better sense of who we are and why Southeast Texas is such a special place.

If These Walls Could Talk Chambers House John Jay French Museum McFaddin-Ward House La Maison Beausoleil Pompeiian Villa Rose Hill Manor Vuylsteke Home • White Haven

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Historic Homes Trail

Wander through our historic homes that range from pioneer rustic to oil-boom opulent. The original owners were trappers, merchants, oil barons and cattlemen. Their residences, meticulously restored, tell the tale of the area’s earlier days through family histories and the treasures they left behind. From simple hand tools to sparkling crystal chandeliers, antiques fill every room. Look out the windows of the grand mansions and imagine the debutantes strolling in the gardens. In the parlor, a table is set for tea. You’ll be tempted to look up the staircase to see if the ladies of the house are making their grand entrance. Is the Victrola playing? You can almost hear the sounds of children’s voices sweetly singing along.

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TRAILS

More than Mardi Gras Cajun Heritage

So close to the Louisiana border, the Cajun influence is large here. Port Arthur is known for its grand Mardi Gras celebration each year. Restaurants offer Cajun cuisine. Nightclubs feature Cajun bands. The words slip into our everyday language – lagniappe (a little something extra), bon temps (good times), envie (craving), cher (dear). Even Beaumont means beautiful mount in French (although the city was named for a person, not a mountain). The French Acadians, who came to be known as Cajuns, came to this land as trappers, hunters and fishermen. Generations later, they’re still here – the Broussards, the Thibadeaux, the Boudreauxs and on and on. So if you’ve got an envie for some bon temps, you’ve come to the right place, cher.

Museum of the Gulf Coast

Art Trail

Rooms with a View

The scenes are vivid. Herds of cattle grazing the vast acreage of local ranches. Riders guiding their horses down forest trails. Birdwatchers gliding kayaks through the marshes. Massive ships heading into port. Waterfowl and gators in the wetlands. A regatta of sailboats on the lake. Fishermen hauling in their catch. Throughout Southeast Texas, the images of these people and places have inspired the imaginations of artists. We value our art and artists in this region and have several stellar museums to prove it. Pick a gallery and enjoy the view. > Art Museum of Southeast Texas, Beaumont Art League, Dishman Art Museum, Museum of the Gulf Coast, Stark Museum of Art, Texas Artists Museum

Examples of visiting exhibits at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas

Left, Pleasure Island by Hans Molzberger, Above, Dancing by Elizabeth Catlett

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Civil Rights &Beyond Tributes & Testimonies Trail

Theodore Johns and his law partner, Elmo Willard, were local civil rights pioneers and heroes. A bronze bust stands at the Jefferson County Courthouse to honor their many achievements. Civil Rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. is memorialized locally by a dramatic bridge and a local park which both bear his name. A life-sized bronze statue of King, sculpted by Beaumont native Ron Petitt, graces the Beaumont park. African-American artists have also made lasting testimonies in the region. The totem poles featured at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas were made by the folk artist known as the Voodoo Man, Felix “Fox” Harris, who said God told him to make somethin’ out of nothin’. Suga’s Deep South Cuisine & Jazz Bar in the historic Coale Building displays a broad variety of artwork by African-American artists from a private collection.

The folk art totem-like sculptures of Beaumont’s self-taught artist Felix “Fox” Harris

Art Museum of Southeast Texas, Jefferson County Courthouse, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Martin Luther King Bridge, Suga’s Deep South Cuisine & Jazz Bar

Serene Scenery

Buu Mon Temple gardens

Faith Trail

You might expect to find Catholic and Protestant churches in any Texas town. But would you presume to find a breathtaking Catholic cathedral, a shrine to the Virgin Mary and a grand Presbyterian church that doubles as a memorial building? Not so likely.And what about coming across a Jewish temple and a Buddhist temple? That’s downright unexpected. But Southeast Texas has them all. From the awe-inspiring to the serene, these places of worship and reflection offer magnificent views that any visitor can appreciate. Still skeptical? Have faith! You’ll be amazed at the diverse architecture, artwork and landscape you’ll encounter at these holy places in our hometowns. > Buu Mon Buddhist Temple, First Presbyterian Church, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and Shrine, Queen of Peace Shrine and Gardens, St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica altar, Basilica, Temple Emanuel St. Anthony

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Cathedral Basilica altar

Scenic Drives

Road trips don’t have to be a rush from point A to point B on an interstate highway. Back in the day, people used to get their kicks on Route 66. Here in Southeast Texas, we like to exit Interstate-10 and take the Old Spanish Trail. In Texas, the trail begins at the banks of the Sabine River on the Louisiana border and ends in the desert west of El Paso. Along the way, hundreds of historic spots are preserved. The best place to pick up the trail is in Beaumont, where it mainly follows U.S. Highway 90 west toward Houston. When the traffic starts getting a little heavy, turn around and head back! For bird lovers, there’s the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. On the Upper Texas Coast Wildlife Trail, choose the Big Thicket Loop that takes you up through the piney woods of East Texas or the Sabine Loop that keeps you in the Beaumont-Port Arthur area. Travel these trails for a road trip worth remembering! ❑ americanroads.us/autotrails/oldspanishtrail tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/wildlife_trails/coastal/upper

TRAILS

Traveling the Trails

Stop and make some memories

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southeast texas eatin’ –

Brazenly Blazin’ By Holli Petersen

H

Cajun?

Cravin’

FLoyD’s CaJun seaFooD & teXas steakhouse

409.842.0686 2290 interstate 10 south • Beaumont floydsseafood.com Fresh from the Gulf seafood, delivered in a hospitably southern atmosphere, Floyd’s does seafood right! And, don’t forget that their “turf” is just as scrumptious as their “surf.”

Larry’s FrenCh Market & CaJun restaurant

409.962.3381 3701 atlantic hwy (FM 366) • groves larrysfrenchmarket.com Where Texas and Louisiana meet to dance and dine, you will instantly fall in love with Larry’s

relaxing environment and to-die-for Cajun dishes Don’t miss your opportunity to experiment with bayou-favorites such as fried alligator or frog legs.

sartin’s seaFooD & sartin’s West

409.721.9420 • Nederland 3520 nederland avenue 409.861.3474 • Beaumont 1990 interstate 10 south sartin.com A Southeast Texas tradition since 1970, Sartin’s is famous for their seafood platters, piled high with the freshest fare from under the sea. Locals recommend barbecued crabs and the spicy boudain ball dinner.

Crazy for CraWFish Don’t let the little crustacean cause you frustration! Here’s a step-by-step guide to enjoying a favorite local delicacy.

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ere in Southeast Texas, our taste in food is the same as our style of living – bold and fun! With a regional infusion of Latin and Cajun influences merging with our traditional, rib-sticking cowboy fare and southern cuisine, the Golden Triangle serves up some of the South’s most mouthwatering, slap-yo-mama good food in the nation. So, don’t be afraid to pull up a chair and linger a little longer over our Texassized portions of robust flavors, jolting those dormant taste buds into a bout of excitement and intrigue.

1. Remove the head

Hold the head with one hand, and place your other hand above the tail.

2. Twist and wiggle

Pull and twist the tail to separate from the head. If you want to savor every drop of spice, you can suck the head before you discard it.

sChooner restaurant

409.722.2323 1507 south hwy 69 at 365 • nederland theschoonerrestaurant.com Since 1947, Schooner owners, the Megas family, have created a home where Southeast Texans could celebrate all their significant events in life. The locals don’t mind sharing. All seafood is caught fresh daily and their famous, hearty gumbo is a top-secret family recipe. >

3. Peel and pinch

Peel a couple of rings from the top of the tail and pinch the very bottom of the tail to free the meat.

4. Tug

Using either your teeth or fingers, pull the meat out and enjoy!

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Heat

hungering for

CaFÉ DeL rio

eLena’s

CarMeLa’s

La haCienDa

409.347.0250 2830 Interstate 10 East • Beaumont cafedelrio.net Known for its scrumptiously authentic TexMex, Café Del Rio’s bacon-wrapped Shrimp Brochette is as sinful as Diablo himself! And, don’t worry. You can always temper that heat with a signature margarita or complimentary ice cream. 409.898.4745 3925 Calder Avenue • Beaumont 409.729.0760 1203 South Highway 69 • Nederland With their spicy salsa and flavorful fajitas, there is something for everyone at this traditional Tex-Mex hot spot. And, let that sweet tooth journey south of the border with a sampling of their traditional Mexican candy.

CarLito’s MeXiCan restaurant

409.839.8011 890 Amarillo Street • Beaumont From the unassuming location and friendly staff, customers get a true taste of an authentic Mexican kitchen at Carlito’s. Don’t forget to indulge in the to-die-for guacamole and the larger-than-life burritos. It’s so good that Bill Clinton stopped by while visiting the area!

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?

409.861.2800 6290 Phelan Boulevard • Beaumont 409.832.1203 1865 College street ∙ Beaumont Family-owned and locally revered, Elena’s serves up the finest of Tex-Mex and authentic Mexican disheS What better way to beat the summery Southeast Texas heat than lounging on their patios with a frosty, cool beverage? 409.724.1477 7700 9th Avenue • Port Arthur Lively and delicious, weekenders will appreciate these robust, zesty dishes served up with the toe-tapping tunes of live bands.

La suPreMa

409.722.2880 3106 Highway 365 • Nederland lasuprema1970.com A beloved hot spot, the Martinez family has been dishing out homemade Mexican favorites since 1970. Forget about your “bad case of the lunes” with their Monday-only all-day $2 deal on Mexican beers!

troPiCaL griLL

409.982.3357 4751 Gulfway Drive • Port Arthur

Putting an exotic twist on conventional Mexican fare, Tropical Grill is known for their pineapple stuffed with shrimp, crab, fish, scallops and bell pepper. >

READERS’ CHOICE

Fine Cajun Cuisine Since 1984 Breakfast Hours: Mon-Sat 6am-10:30am Sun 7am-10:30am Lunch and Dinner Restaurant Hours: Sun-Wed 6am-9pm Thurs-Sat 6am-10pm Daily Lunch Buffet: 10:30am-2:00pm

Hwy 124, Spur 5 • Winnie, TX • 409-296-9818 [email protected]

For the Seasoned Diner

D.J.’s is your hometown supplier of boudain and rice dressing. Look for it at any one of your local grocery stores.

4840 Lafin Dr. • Beaumont, TX 409.842.0558

CELEBRATING 62 YEARS

3520 W. Cardinal Drive Phone: 409.842.0010 Fax: 409.840.6272

Banquet Room for 50 to 300

• • • • •

Video and Audio available Full stage with sound system Full Bar is available upon request Serving a wide verity of food Servers on request

Catering Available for 10 to 1000

Restaurant

OPEN

weekdays 11 till 2

WINE WEDNESDAYS (A NICE BREAK ON YOUR MID-WEEK BREAK)

Join us at Carrabbas’s tonight and let our food and hospitality remind you that the most important things in life don’t always happen between 9 and 5.

You made it to mid-week, celebrate with a bottle of vino. We’ll get things started with

$10 off

any bottle of wine like our Estancia Pino Grigio or Coppola Claret. It’s just that good.TM

1550 IH 10 South • Beaumont • 409.842.5561 [email protected] 2010 - 2011

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Barbecue?

hankering for BiLLy Joe’s Bar-B-Q

409.727.1482 2029 Magnolia Avenue • Port Neches One bite of this love-infused, homecooked food and your taste buds will lure you into driving to Port Neches again and again, just to beg for one more heaping helping.

ButCher’s korner

409.722.4831 1155 Boston Avenue • Nederland Dining in a full-service butcher shop guarantees a fresh meal. This eatery has a knack for combining barbecued favorites with a healthy dose of Cajun concoction.

CoWBoy reDs

409.729.8100 1920 Nederland Avenue • Nederland Sweet ’n’ spicy barbecue in this casual atmos-phere is an age-old recipe for a fine time. Locals recommend the hearty breakfasts or the thick and juicy pork chops smothered with Cajun rice.

Fat MaC’s sMokehouse

409.892.8600 5555 Calder avenue Beaumont • dangbbq.com The finest, prime cuts of tender, slow-cooked pit barbecue, plated with a side of corn pudding and served to you in a friendly environment, complete with weekend-night live entertainment? Dang, that’s good barbecue!

PatiLLo’s Bar-B-Q

409.832.2572 610 North 11th Street • Beaumont 409.833.3155 2775 Washington Blvd. • Beaumont Classic barbeque served up with love in this homestyle, family-owned restaurant. Patillo’s offers heaping helpings of all your barbecued favorites. With a loyal local fan-base, new customers love knowing they’ve unearthed a regional hidden gem.

WiLLy ray’s BBQ

409.832.7770 145 interstate 10 north Beaumont • willyraysbbq.com From Al Roker to Texas Monthly, Willy Ray’s BBQ has garnered national attention for their finger-licking, juicy barbecued meats And don’t forget to sample a healthy Southern-sized scoop of their legendary carrot soufflé. >

So So Whatcha Whatcha in in the the Mood Mood for? for? Mouthwatering Seafood or Steak sound tempting? Floyd’s is all about food any seafood or steak lover would enjoy.

Offering additional entrees to satisfy the most disceming palette.

Happy Hour 2PM-7PM

2290 10 South at Washington Blvd. • (409) 842-0886 • Sun - Thur • Fri - Sat 11-11

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REA CHODERS’ ICE

DINE IN OR CATERING BEAUMONT, TX CALL IN: 409-861-3354 3050 DOWLEN RD, SUITE A FAX: 409-861-3355

PORT ARTHUR, TX CALL IN: 409-729-3354 8393 MEMORIAL BLVD FAX: 409-729-3355

WWW.MCALISTERSDELI.COM

Live and Boiled Crawfish(seasonal) Boiled Shrimp and Crab All You Can Eat Seafood Buffet, Thurs 5-9PM, Fri & Sat 5-10PM Largest Variety of Fresh Gulf Seafood • Cajun Steaks & Grilled Chicken Live Bands: Dance to the Music of Cajun, Zydeco, & Swamp Pop (Thursday, Friday and Saturday)

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Desiring Fine Bistro LeMonDe

409.860.5800 3199 Dowlen road • Beaumont Chic and contemporary, this restaurant serves classic, sultry dishes in a romantic environment. With an array of choices, there is truly something for everyone. It’s perfect for a romantic date or just a night out with the girls.

Bryan’s 797

409.832.3900 797 north 5th st. • Beaumont bryans797.org Nestled in a charming estate in Beaumont’s Old Town, Bryan’s 797 is fine dining at its best, with exotic dishes executed with a disciplined perfection. For a plentiful, memorable dining experience, be sure to try their melt-inyour-mouth Osso Bucco.

Dining? CoLiChia’s itaLian ViLLage

409.962.7711 5601 east Parkway st. • groves Serving up authentic Italian food for more than 70 years, the Colichias keeps alive a local tradition of mouthwatering fare that lures in diners from across the region. We guarantee you’ll be begging for more of their topsecret, homemade Sicilian sauce.

easy’s taPas & Martinis

409.832.2600 2325 Calder avenue • Beaumont easysonline.com An enchanting restaurant located in historic Old Town, Easy’s exudes a warm, cozy aura, while offering up an array of tasty, colorful martinis paired with delectable dishes for every appetite and budget. To make the atmosphere even more comfortable, Easy’s hosts anytime “yappy hours,” welcoming guests’ leashed dogs for patio or porch dining. Pooches are provided with complimentary water, treats and toy. > Fine Dining continues on page 55

Discriminating Tastes... ...humble budget! • Soups The • Sandwiches • Plate Lunches Since 1930

Cafe’

• Salads • Wraps • Breakfast

730 Liberty Street in Historic Downtown Beaumont (409) 835-9652 Monday thru Friday 7:00 am to 2:00 pm

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Fine

Dining continued

suga’s DeeP south Cuisine & Jazz Bar

409.813.1808 ∙ 461 Bowie St. • Beaumont sugasdeepsouth.com Thisissouthern-fusionatitsbest!Locatedinhistoric downtown, Suga’s serves dishes as innovative and hip as their atmosphere. For a truly unique experience, try the chef-recommended Grilled Comanche Buffalo Tenderloin, stuffed with baby spinach, shitake mushrooms and goat cheese.

sPinDLetoP steakhouse & ContinentaL Cuisine

gooDFeLLa’s

409.861.2500 3350 Dowlen Road Suite H • Beaumont What’s better than fine wine, yummy Italian classics, and the sleek, comfortable atmosphere of Goodfella’s? Grab a great deal immediately after church with their delicious Sunday Brunch and bottomless mimosas!

the griLL By arFeen, sMith & Payne

409.866.0039 6680 Calder Avenue • Beaumont thegrillbysmithandpayne.com Decadent and luxurious, The Grill will unfailingly impress, offering an elegant, refined twist to traditional, regional flavors. For example, instead of greasy chicken tenders, The Grill offers Almond Dusted Duck Tenders, served with Honey Mustard Barbecue Sauce.

409.833.2433 290 Crockett Street • Beaumont spindletopsteakhouse.com With a menu boasting select dishes of Italian, French and Southwest cuisine, Spindletop Steakhouse is known for serving up the most tender, delectable hand-cut steaks in our region. Try the rare Texas Kobe New York strip or the lunch menu’s three-course “Big Plate” for a true Texas-sized treat!

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DINING

BeauMont

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AMERICAN Applebee’s 4375 Dowlen Rd 409-347-0199 Bando’s 215 N 11th St 409-212-8445 Bistro LeMonde 3199 Dowlen Rd 409-860-5800 Big John’s Grill 1465 Gladys St 409-838-1585

Jason’s Deli 112 Gateway Shopping Center | 409-833-5914 535 Dowlen Rd 409-866-9015 www.jasondeli.com Katharine & Company 1495 Calder Ave 409-833-9919 King’s Bar & Grill 1295 N 11th St 409-898-1967

Kolache Factory 6475 Phelan Black-Eyed Pea Restaurant 409-860-5000 6455 Phelan Blvd Logon Cafe 409-866-2617 3805 Calder Ave Buffalo Wild Wings B&G 409-832-1529 3939 Dowlen Rd Madison’s on Dowlen 409-924-8646 4020 Dowlen Rd 409-924-9777 The Café 730 Liberty St MacKenzie’s Pub 409-835-9652 299 Dowlen Rd #9B 409-866-2288 Cheddar’s Casual Cafe 3815 I-10 S McAlister’s Deli 409-840-5333 3050 Dowlen Rd 409-861-3354 Chili’s 110 I-10 S Major League Grill 409-832-1253 4430 Dowlen Rd 409-898-7500 Chuck E Cheese 4180 Dowlen Rd Novrozsky’s Hamburgers, 409-347-0693 Etc. 3925 Dowlen Rd Cracker Barrel 409-899-4076 5390 Walden Rd 409-842-5420 Quiznos’s Subs 3939 Dowlen Rd Early Bird Cafe 5955 Phelan | 409-860-9111 409-899-2235 3775 College Fuddruckers 409-212-1457 4545 Dowlen Rd Rao’s Bakery and Cafe 409-898-8973 4440 Dowlen Rd Hemingway’s Cafe 409-347-3400 2355 I-10 S in the MCM 2596 Calder Ave Elegante 409-832-4342 409-842-3600 Richard’s Cafe Honey Bee Ham Company 1087 Magnolia 6385 Calder Ave 409-835-7063 409-860-3151 Rockin A Cafe Hooters 3520 W. Cardinal Dr. 850 I-10 S 409-842-0010 409-892-9464 Starvin’ Marvin’s Bar & Grill IHOP 2310 N 11th St 3838 College St 409-347-0058 409-833-5510 St. Elizabeth’s Pavilion 5875 Eastex Frwy 745 N 11th St. 409-899-3117 409-899-8374 Iron Skillet Schlotzsky’s 5405 Walden Rd 4080 N Dowlen Rd 409-842-9606 409-924-9991

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Sertino’s Cafe 5657 Eastex Frwy 409-892-0600

Carmela’s 3925 Calder Ave 409-898-4745

The West Bar and Grill 6445 Calder Ave 409-866-4733

Casa Ole 5898 Eastex Frwy 409-899-2646 335 I-10 N Two Magnolias at the Art 409-832-5004 Museum of Southeast Texas Chula Vista 500 Main St. 1135 N 11th St. 409-833-5913 409-898-8855 Waffle House 2760 I-10 East 409-892-6562 3865 I-10 South 409-842-0860 3989 College St. 409-842-5212 5875 Hwy 105 409-347-0590 Wings to Go 4275 Dowlen Rd 409-898-1600 ITALIAN Carrabba’s Italian Grill 1550 I-10 N 409-842-5561 Frankie’s Italian Grill 105 I-10 N 409-835-9200 Goodfellas 3350 Dowlen Rd 409-861-2500 Joe’s Pizza & Pasta 4318 Dowlen Rd 409-899-1640 Johnny Carino’s 3805 I-10 S 409-842-1919 New York Pizza & Pasta 4405 Calder Ave 409-892-6535 790 Neches St 409-832-7032

Great China 3135 Calder Ave 409-833-0537 K-Asian Kitchen 5540 College St 409-842-9531

Guadalajara 4414 Dowlen Rd 409-924-7718

King Palace 4328 Dowlen Rd 409-898-3338

Geo Burritos 4230 Calder Ave 409-898-8688 4438 Dowlen Rd 409-898-2900

Pei Wei Asian Diner 3050 Dowlen Rd 409-866-0620

La Cantina 4555 Dowlen Rd 409-899-9393 2050 I-10 S 409-840-9840 Monterey House 1090 S 11th St 409-832-0310 3015 N Dowlen Rd 409-861-4905 Pancho Villa’s Mexican Kitchen 230 Crocket St 409-833-3700 Tacos La Bamba 2005 Calder Ave 409-838-6222

Uncle Henry’s Tamales 3901 Calder Ave 409-892-4999 4358 E. Lucas 409-924-0302

Carlito’s 890 Amarillo St 409-839-8011

General Wok 260 Dowlen Rd | 409-866-6588

Elena’s Mexican Restaurant 6290 Phelan Blvd 409-861-2800 865 College St 409-832-1203

MEDITERRANEAN

Café Del Rio 2830 I-10 E 409-347-0250

East Dragon Asia Buffet 6434 Phelan | 409-866-3388

Golden Dragon 6420 Eastex Frwy 409-924-733

Taqueria El Paraiso 1880 College St 409-832-9209

MEXICAN - TEX MEX

Chinese Gourmet Express 6155 Eastex Frwy 409-892-8823

Crazy Jose’s 6420 Phelan Blvd 409-866-7760

The Olive Garden 585 I-10 N 409-832-9058 Abbie’s Imports 5335 Fannett Rd 409-842-2895

China Hut 3675 College St 409-832-3663

ASIAN

Taste of China 955 I-10 S | 409-838-1688 Tokyo Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar 4438 Dowlen Rd 409-896-2400 1970 I-10 S | 409-840-4255 SEAFOOD Baytown Seafood 3825 College St 409-832-4999 Floyd’s Cajun Seafood & Texas Steakhouse 2290 I-10 S | 409-842-0686 Joe’s Crab Shack 3825 I-10 S | 409-842-4433 Gator Country Cafe’ 21159 FM 365 | 409-794-9453 Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen 4040 I-10 S | 409-842-1339 Red Lobster 2820 I-10 E. | 409-892-7821 Sartin’s West 1990 I-10 S | 409-861-3474

Vautrot’s Cajun Cuisine 13350 Hwy 105 Chaba Thai Cuisine 4340 E. Lucas | 409-899-4500 409-753-2015 China Border 3871 Stagg Dr 409-838-6686

Zydeco Louisiana Diner 270 Crockett St 409-835-4457 >

STEAKS & BARBECUE Brazos Cattle Company 5055 Eastex Frwy 409-895-0099 Logan’s Roadhouse 4185 N Dowlen Rd 409-347-2977 Lone Star Steakhouse Seafood & Grill 6685 Eastex Frwy 409-898-0801 Outback Steak House 2060 I-10 S | 409-842-6699 Spindletop Steakhouse & Continental Cuisine 290 Crockett St | 409-833-2433 Barbecue Broussard’s Links Plus Ribs 2930 S 11th St | 409-842-1221 Fat Mac’s Smokehouse 5555 Calder Ave | 409-892-8600 Gerard’s Barbecue Diner 3730 Fannett Rd | 409-842-5069 Patillo’s Bar-B-Q 610 N 11th St | 409-832-2572 Tony’s Barbecue and Steakhouse 3375 Calder Ave | 409-838-2162 5860 Eastex Frwy 409-892-3100 Willy Ray’s Bar-B-Que 145 I-10 N | 409-832-7770 CAFETERIAS Golden Corral 2190 I-10 S | 409-842-2441 Luby’s Cafeteria 2695 I-10 | 409-838-5566 Ryan’s 4260 N Dowlen Rd 409-924-0331

Port arthur Ancelet’s Cajun Market 7901 Twin City Hwy 409-729-9190 Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill 3300 Hwy 365 | 409-729-1021 Arthur’s (Inside Ramada Inn) 3801 Hwy 73 | 409-963-1170 Buffalo Wild Wings 8845 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 409-724-0046 Bruce’s Seafood Deli 6801 Ninth Ave | 409-727-3184 Calientes Grill and Cantina 7960 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 409-727-0404 Cash’s Bar & Grill 8484 Central Mall Drive 409-729-6639

Casa Ole Restaurant & Cantina Central Mall, Hwy 365 409-727-5377 4801 Twin City Hwy 409-963-0185 Cheddar’s Restaurant 8005 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 409-729-5800 Chili’s 8665 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 409-727-3675 Chic-Fil-A 8701 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 409-722-4536 Dylan’s Restaurant and Grill 8601 9th Ave | 409-722-1600 Guidry’s Galley 3914 Hwy 347 | 409-729-5395 Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant 3966 Gulfway 409-983-5675 Ichiban Hibachi & Sushi Grill 3437 Twin City Hwy 409-962-7300 IHOP 8685 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 409-721-6310 Jason’s Deli Central Mall, Hwy 365 409-727-6420 Jep’s Deli 1900 MLK Blvd 409-983-3822 Judice’s French Market 3005 Seventh St 409-982-3522 King Buffet 7675 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 409-721-6868 La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant 7700 9th Ave 409-724-1477 Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant & Bar 2446 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 409-985-4181 Lighthouse Deli & Grocery 5140 S Gulfway Dr / Hwy 87 409-971-3663 Luby’s Cafeteria 4840 Hwy 73 | 409-962-0261 8680 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 409-724-0043 McAlister’s Deli 8393 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69. 409-729-3354 Napolito’s Mexican Restaurant 2749 Memorial Blvd / Hwy 69 409-985-7225

Park Central Café 2929 Jimmy Johnson Blvd 409-724-5000 Rancho Grande Bar & Grill 7670 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 409-729-9105 Sake Sushi Bar 8691 Ninth Ave | 409-722-7253 Savannah Grill & BBQ 2021 Savannah Ave 409-984-9005 Schlotzsky’s Deli 8445 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 409-721-9997 Sertino’s 7675 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 409-724-7012 Sinh’s 3708 Gulfway | 409-982-6200 Taqueria Cotija 4040 Gulfway Dr 409-982-5777 Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant 4231 Gulfway Dr 409-983-7545 Texas Roadhouse 8575 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 409-722-2246 Tropical Grill 4751 Gulfway Dr 409-982-3357 Tony’s BBQ 2749 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 409-984-5444 Tuscany Italian Restaurant 3600 Hwy 365 | 409-724-1881 Waffle House 2940 Jimmy Johnson Blvd 409-724-2141 4505 Twin City Hwy 409-962-7522

groVes Baytown Seafood Restaurant 4830 Twin City Hwy 409-960-6052 China Inn 4848 Twin City Hwy 409-962-2431 Colichia’s Italian Village 5601 E. Parkway/39th St 409-962-7711 The Courtyard Café & Gift Mall 4321 Lincoln Ave 409-962-2850 Famous Buffet 5080 Twin City Hwy 409-962-1888 Fast Freddy’s 3249 Pure Atlantic Rd 409-963-2121

Larry’s French Market & Cajun Restaurant 3701 Pure Atlantic Rd 409-962-3381 Main Street Diner 3848 Main St | 409-962-0340 Tony’s BBQ & Steaks 4700 Twin City Hwy 409-962-7427

neDerLanD Barbara Bon Bon 912 S Twin City Hwy 409-722-1268 Bobby’s Homestyle Cooking 2750 Nederland Ave 409-722-0561 Butcher’s Korner 1155 Boston Ave 409-722-4831 Carmela’s Mexican Restaurant 1203 S Hwy 69 409-729-0760 Champagne’s Specialty Cakes 812 S Twin City Hwy 409-729-2288 Cowboy Red’s BBQ 1920 Nederland Ave 409-729-8100 Eaton Meats 2505 Nederland Ave 409-722-3200 Geo Burrito Mexican Restaurant 1629 Hwy 69 | 409-729-9002 Golden Croissant 2904 Hwy 365 | 409-727-5399 Grand Buffet 2250 Hwy 365 | 409-722-6668 Grubby’s 3113 Nederland Ave 409-722-3212 J. Martin Fresh Seafood and Deli 3324 Nederland Ave 409-729-8899 John’s Grill 112 N 11th St 409-727-1393 La Suprema Mexican Restaurant 3106 Hwy 365 | 409-722-2880 Mazzio’s Pizza 3028 Hwy 365 | 409-724-0500 Novrozsky’s Hamburgers, Etc. 3016 Hwy 365 | 409-724-7553

Rao’s Bakery & Deli 3504 Hwy 365 | 409-729-7267 Sanderson’s Bar & Grill 2095 Hwy 69 | 409-722-8900 Sartin’s Seafood 3520 Nederland Ave 409-721-9420 The Schooner Restaurant 1507 Hwy 69 | 409-722-2323 Starbucks 3610 Hwy 365 | 409-722-1504 The Tamale King 2495 N Twin City Hwy 409-724-6666 Taco Rey Mexican Restaurant 1505 Nederland Ave 409-721-5100

Port neChes Billy Joe’s Bar-B-Q 2029 Magnolia Ave 409-727-1482 Carla’s Cupboard 2117 Magnolia Ave 409-729-1150 The Diner 301 Grigsby Ave | 409-729-7444 Joe’s Pizza and Pasta 2839 Nall | 409-727-3961 La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant 2337 Nederland Ave 409.729.2500 The Neches Cafe 2002 First Street. 409-729-3849 Sea Ranch Cafe 1305 Magnolia | 409-722-6057 Area Specialties Al-T’s Seafood & Steak House 244 Spur 5/Hwy 124, Winnie 409-296-9818 Old Orange Cafe 914 W. Division, Orange 409-883-2233 Pickett House Hwy 190 W. next to Heritage Village 409-283-3371 Pine Tree Lodge 3296 Pine Tree Rd Off LaBelle Rd between Hwy 73 & 365 LaBelle 409-796-1600 Tuffy’s Eatery 11261 Hwy 12, Orange 409-745-3170

Never Enough Chocolate 1147 Boston Ave 409-724-0111

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Shop THIS WAY Whether you’re picking up a few Texas-style souvenirs or doing serious power shopping, the boutiques, shops and malls of Southeast Texas will not disappoint you. In fact, you might want to invest in a new suitcase while you’re here – you’ll need it for the trip home! By Haley Strahan

Browsing in Gaudie & Co. in Beaumont

Southeast TEXAS Flavor The Branding Iron Western Store

7280 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont 409.892.5761 Purveyors of all things Western, The Branding Iron is a locally-owned shop boasting well-known brands like Lucchese and Tony Lama boots and Stetson and Resistol hats. You’ll also find saddles, tack and western jewelry.

Market Basket This locally-owned chain of grocery stores stocks plenty of Texas flavor like TexJoy spices, Seaport Coffee, Zummo’s sausages, Doguet rice and Don Elias chips and hot sauces. Sam’s Western Store

5090 College Street, Beaumont 409.842.2625 Featuring Ariat and Justin boots, Cruel Girl and Wrangler denim, cowboy hats and shiny buckles, Sam’s Western Apparel has everything a cowboy (or girl) needs to look his best in the saddle and out.

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Larry’s French Market & Cajun Restaurant Gift Shop

3701 Atlantic Hwy., Groves 409.962.3381 larrysfrenchmarket.com Bring home a little piece of the bayou from Southeast Texas’s home for authentic Cajun food and foot-stomping zydeco music. Alligator toys, spices, hats, T-shirts and cookbooks – you’ll find the right souvenir for all the people back home. Museum of the Gulf Coast Gift Shop

700 Proctor Street, Port Arthur 409.982.7000 Pick up souvenirs and memorabilia at this museum dedicated to the unique history and culture of the Gulf Coast. Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Gift Shop

Highway 69 at University Dr., Beaumont 409.835.0823 spindletop.org No visit to Southeast Texas is complete without a tour of the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum. Browse exhibits of gushers and wildcatters, and pick up a souvenir of one of the defining events in Texas history.

Bella Bella

5925 Phelan Blvd., Beaumont 409.860.1924 From flirty cocktail dresses to elegant evening wear, this boutique brings red-carpet style to Southeast Texas. The customer service is always impeccable and the dresses are Oscar-worthy.

Dana’s Custom Jewelry

4700 Hwy. 365, Suite R, Port Arthur 409.722.0661 Dana’s Custom Jewelry not only deals in branded fine jewelry, but the shop’s sole-proprietor, Dana Hancock is a custom jeweler herself and can create one-of-akind jewelry designs. This shop carries a wide variety of fine jewelry, including Fleur de Lis, Fossil watches, Elle jewelry, a full line of children’s sterling silver jewelry with diamond accents, Murano glass, and religious items including gifts for Confirmations and cross pendants, colored gemstones and gold-dipped roses

SHOPPING

women’s FASHIONS La-Tee-Da Boutique

4004 Dowlen Rd., Beaumont 409.835.0202 A haven for all that is fun, fashionable and fits! Carrying brands including Mosaic, Comfy USA, Yellowbox, Fender and Robert Graham, the La-Tee-Da staff will help you find your style.

Two and Company

8720 Central Mall Dr., Port Arthur 409.721.5040 For 25 years, the staff at Two and Company has been helping Southeast Texas trendsetters stay fashionable. With upscale clothing lines and one-of-a-kind jewelry lines, Two and Company makes their customers look fabulous and their specialized service helps them feel like queens.

YaYa Club Clothing

Dowlen Rd., Beaumont 409.861.3341 yayaclubclothing.com Hannah Bay’s

4343 Lincoln Ave., Groves 409.962.3400

Specializing in women’s wear from juniors to plus sizes, Hannah’s Bay has the latest styles and fashions to keep the Southeast Texas women looking just right. From casual to dressy clothing to jewelry, shoes, handbags, and lots of bling, it’s sophistication with an attitude! (Inside Maison d’Amis.)

Store owner and passionate fashion aficionado Angie McClelland keeps Ya Ya Club Clothing on the cutting edge. McClelland captures what’s happening in fashion around the world and combines it with Southeast Texas culture. Ya Ya Club is the place to find high-quality items with a youthful, eclectic feel. From designer denim to cool shoes to hip jewelry, you can spice up your wardrobe at a wide range of price points. Décor and clothes with unique personality at Gaudie & Co. with two locations, 6025 Phelan, Beaumont, 409-860-4433 & 1143 Boston Ave, Nederland 409-729-2700

IZ Funky Resale

2405 Calder Ave. in Beaumont 409.833.1536 1123 Boston Ave. in Nederland 409.729.4493 Want to ensure you’re dressed like a Texan? Buy something previously owned and gently used by a Southeast Texas cowgirl or sophisticated Southern city man at IZ Funky Resale. Specializing in well-known designers including Betsey Johnson, Seven jeans, BCBG, and other labels guaranteed to make a fashionista swoon, the shop also carries a wide range of menswear and accessories.

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SHOPPING

CHILDREN’S Apparel&décor Bab’s Gift Express

Fred Miller Company

Although this shop offers an extensive selection of gift items, it is well-known for its great stock of name brand children’s clothing designers including Baby Nay, My Vintage Baby and Tralala. In addition, the shop sells baby décor brands such as Natural Life Baby and Mud Pie.

Founded in 1919, Fred Miller Company is a Southeast Texas tradition. Although they carry a huge array of gift items, like Vietri dishes, Lampe Berger and other specialty-store items, this shop is known for having the largest selection of baby furniture, décor, and clothing from Louisiana to Houston. With cribs by Million Dollar baby, wooden rocking chairs and highchairs, handpainted pieces, high-end diaper bags and traditional outfits by Feltman Brothers and other name brands, Fred Miller Company is a mustsee for any stylish mom.

2119 Nederland Ave., Nederland 409.727.0090

Mumsy’s

4036 Dowlen Rd., Beaumont 409.896.5656 The area’s hottest source for hip maternity-wear, Mumsy’s outfits stylish moms-to-be in lines like Maternal America, Olian and Bella Band. Mumsy’s also carries children’s clothing through 24 months, as well as a selection of baby gifts.

2808 Nederland Ave., Nederland 409.724.1208

Posh Baby Co.

5955 Phelan Blvd., Beaumont 409.860.3331 This hip shop features trendy and unusual items such as organic clothing, shabby-chic furniture and designer wall art. Moms-to-be can meet with the designers at Posh Baby, who will help clients create a stylish and one-of-a-kind look for their new nursery.

HELPING YOU DESIGN YOUR DREAM SINCE 1975

TEXAS ROCKER COMPANY

18383 Highway 326 • Sour Lake, Texas 77659 Phone: 409-384-3600 • Fax: 409-287-3467 E-mail: [email protected] TexasRocker.com

Hand Picked European Antiques Tues-Thurs 10 to 5 Fri & Sat 10 to 3 2195 Calder @ 6th Beaumont, TX 409.835.3080

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For European style, Burns Antik Haus can’t be beat. Owner Julie Burns makes regular trips across the Atlantic, scooping up beautiful items for customers right here in Southeast Texas. From French dining tables, side chests and tables, to religious art and authentic antiques salvaged from European estates and castles, dressing your home in grand style is easy at this local treasure.

Snooper’s Paradise

5509 E. Pkwy., Groves 409.962.8427 snoopersparadise.com Snooper’s Paradise is an icon in the area. It was established in 1952 and still has one of the largest stocks of quality European furniture, clocks, statutes, paintings, lights (new and old) and objects d’art in the South. Find premium furniture lines including Maitland Smith, Theodore, Alexander and Schonbek chandeliers. Snooper’s also carries reproduction pieces including Althorp, a company that reproduces pieces such as those found on Princess Diana’s family estate.

Located in the Maison d' Amis Building (formerly Drydens) 4343 Lincoln Ave., Groves 409.962.3400 • 409.962.3402(fax)

1905 Calder Ave., Beaumont 409.832.3622 calderhouseantiques.com

Located in a historic home built in 1902, this antique mall boasts one-of-a-kind furnishings, vintage glass and silver tableware, and other pieces from coins to jewelry. The owners also hand pour and sell homemade candles.

The Painted Porch

4300 Lincoln Ave., Suite 4, Groves 409.960.7998 If you’re in search of that “shabby chic” style, The Painted Porch offers refurbished furniture as well as traditional antiques. Check out the extensive lines of gift items while you’re there.

Holland House Antiques and Gifts

1205 Boston Ave., Nederland 409.721.9900

This shopping mall boasts 20 shops that carry everything from antique furniture to custommade “spirit signs” for the front yard. If you are looking to spruce up your home or find a gift for a friend, Holland House includes vendors of Christian décor and jewelry, and even Dutch memorabilia.

Mens Shirts

3125 Calder Ave., Beaumont 409.835.3080 burnsantikhaus.com

Calder House Antiques and Crafts

ROBERT GRAHAM

Burns Antik Haus

SHOPPING

For the HOME

Mens & Womens Boutique

Next To Madisons On Dowlen • 4004 Dowlen Rd. • 409-835-0202

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Maternity – Baby – Accessories

409-896-5656

4036 Dowlen Road • Beaumont, TX 77706 (next to Hobby Lobby) www.mumsys.net M–F 10a - 6p, Sat. 10a - 5p

Different Sizes Different Shapes Hand Painted High Quality Many Colors Anne - Artist Designer

Design your own to match your Office or Home. ONLY ONE VASES 1455 Calder Ave “The Mildred Building” Beaumont, TX 77701

409.454.2216

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onlyonevases.com

The Candle Cottage

1234 Boston Ave., Nederland 409.721.5018

The Candle Cottage provides a unique selection of homemade, hand-poured candles with tantalizing scents such as “Gingerbread Man” and “Red Hot Cinnamon,” as well as bath and body products and men’s scents. Each hand-crafted candle is handled with special care and the creative staff strives hard to achieve quality burning candles, designing new and unique products yearly.

For Heaven’s Sake

4190 Calder Ave., Beaumont 409.898.3340

For Heaven’s Sake is the place to find stunning wedding and baby gifts. In addition to a large selection of china, crystal, sterling silverware and everyday tableware, this shop offers charming stationery and hip jewelry. A large selection of children’s clothing by designers including Anavini, Luli and Me and Kissy Kissy make For Heaven’s Sake the first stop for many looking for the perfect present for a baby shower.

SHOPPING

GIFT Shops&Specialty STORES

Here’s 2 Holidays!

3123B Nederland Ave., Nederland 409.853.1980

The Collection

4300 Lincoln Ave., Groves 409.963.0626 This specialty store stocks beautiful gift items unique to Southeast Texas including jewelry by Emily Ray, sterling silver pieces with interchangeable Austrian crystal charms, as well as the popular Pandora jewelry line. If you aren’t in the mood to decorate yourself, decorate your home with stylish wall art, dishes and lamps. There are quality gifts for the bath and body, gourmet foods and fragrant candles. Don’t forget to pick up the latest Webkinz!

Puppy Love

3939 Dowlen Rd., Beaumont 409.892-9663 Everyone knows that tiny pups are the hottest accessory going, and no pooch is fully-dressed without a sweater, a dress or a bling-y collar. Puppy Love is a pooch boutique, with a huge selection of clothes and accessories to fit your stylish fur baby, whether you have a tiny tea cup or a Great Dane. Pets are welcome, and there are sample bakery gourmet treats to try.

From Christmas décor to 4th of July flair, Here’s 2 Holidays specializes in gifts and decorations for any holiday season. In addition, this shop offers unique gifts including items for baby, Christian pieces, jewelry and Marie Osmond dolls. Don’t wait for December to check out this one-of-a-kind boutique.

Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas Store

3830 Hwy. 365, Port Arthur 409.721.8717

This ultimate Mardi Gras store is open from a few weeks before Mardi Gras through the end of Mardi Gras season. Whatever your purple, green and gold Mardi Gras needs are, this store can meet them. You’ll find masks, cups, balloons, feathers, T-shirts, posters, sunglasses and fringed parasols. The Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas Store is also an advance ticket location for all Port Arthur Mardi Gras events.

The SHOPPING Malls Central Mall

Parkdale Mall

Central Mall offers everything from major national department stores to jewelry, boutiques and a beauty salon, as well as restaurants to tempt your tummy after some serious shopping. With an excellent location in the heart of the city, a 10-screen movie theater and ample parking, visit Central Mall in the heart of the area’s retail hub.

Parkdale Mall is home to all your favorite stores including Dillard’s, Macy’s, J.C. Penney’s, Bealls, Books-A-Million, Sears and Old Navy, not to mention other great shops such as American Eagle Outfitters, Forever 21, Abercrombie & Fitch, Buckle, Gap and Gymboree. Parkdale Mall has more than 150 fabulous stores and eateries making it truly a total shopping experience.

Maison d’Amis

4321 Lincoln Ave., Groves 409.962.2850

3100 Hwy. 365 at Hwy. 69, Port Arthur 409.727.2109 www.centralmallportarthur.com

6155 Eastex Frwy. at Dowlen Road, Beaumont 409.898.2222 www.parkdalemalltx.com

4343 Lincoln Ave., Groves If you’re looking for a gift for that person who has everything, head over to the shops at the Maison d’Amis. Check out the one-of-a-kind artwork and unique Australian jewelry at Kismet Studio, the specialty gifts at The Magic Needle, the trendy clothing at many of the boutiques, or any of the other great wares that this mall has to offer.

Left something at home? Major retailers have locations throughout Jefferson County. Find what you need at one of these stand-bys.

Wal-Mart Supercenters

The Courtyard Café & Gift Mall

Come early and stay all day at this 60-vendor mall that includes a plethora of possibilities including crosses and chimes, soaps and candles, bows for little girls and antiques for big girls. You can even take a load off at the onsite café, making this a real shopper’s hangout. The café serves selections from a menu and has a buffet Tuesday through Friday. Enjoy fresh and homemade sandwiches, gumbo and soups.

Target

• 4145 N. Dowlen Rd., Beaumont, 409.899.9203 • 5850 Eastex Fwy., Beaumont, 409.898.8270 • 8585 Memorial Blvd., Port Arthur, 409.727.4667 • 3100 Highway 365 Ste. 90, Port Arthur, 409.729.3201 • 4999 Twin City Hwy., Port Arthur/Groves, 409.962.7858 Academy Sports and Outdoors • 6250 Eastex Frwy., 409.895-4500 • Port Arthur, 409.723.6800 You’ll also find other major retailers such as Best Buy, Gander Mountain, Kohl’s, Hobby Lobby and Marshall’s along Dowlen Road in Beaumont and Hwy. 69 in Port Arthur.

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SHOPPING

therapy BEAUMONT Dowlen Road Shopping District Parkdale Mall 6155 Eastex Frwy | 409-898-2222 www.parkdalemalltx.com BBS Collection 4347 Crow Rd | 409-924-0202 Kitchen Koncepts 4338 Dowlen Rd | 409-899-8668 Norman’s Shoes 4132 Dowlen Rd | 409-898-1340

BOUTIQUES &UNIQUES

Act II Consignment Boutique 6342 Phelan | 409-866-3144

Ashton House 6250 Phelan Blvd | 409-860-7233

Art, Antiques & Stuff Gallery 3145 Calder Ave inside

Bando’s Restaurant and Gift Shop 215 N 11th St | 409-212-8445

Suburban TV 409-838-2271 Antique Mall of Beaumont 7880 College St | 409-866-1985

Flagship Mail Room 148 S. Dowlen Rd. 409-866-4643 | 409-866-6800 McManus Company 820 N 11th St | 409-833-4393 Nickolina’s 1257 West Lucas | 409-896-2543

Bella Bella 5925 Phelan | 409-860-1924

Perfumery & Gift Shop 6350 Phelan | 409-866-1090

Cantu Fine Jewelry 6626 Phelan | 409-866-5859

Posh Baby Co. 5955 Phelan | 409-860-3331

Ellis Pottery 3737 Calder Ave | 409-839-8473

Purse Strings 6385 Calder Ave | 409-866-9742

Antique Mall of Lumberton 1181 South Main Hwy. 96 409-755-3388

Mumsy’s 4036 Dowlen Rd. | 409-896-5656

Burns Antik Haus 2195 Calder Ave | 409-835-3080

For Heaven’s Sake 4190 Calder Ave | 409-898-3340

Silver Etc. 426 Dowlen Rd | 409-866-1042

Texas Kid Company 4026 Dowlen Rd | 409-924-0505

Calder House Antiques 1905 Calder Ave | 409-832-3622

Gaudie & Co. 6025 Phelan | 409-860-4433

La Tee Da Boutique 4004 Dowlen Rd | 409-835-0202

Finder’s Fayre Quality Antiques Mildred Bldg, 1485 Calder | 409-833-7000

Genie’s Bridal & Formal Boutique 2350 Calder Ave | 409-833-2091

Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum Hwy 69 @ University Dr 409-835-0823

IZ Funky Resale 2405 Calder Ave | 409-833-1536

Gigi’s - A Children’s Boutique 6474 Phelan Blvd | 409-860-5810

Jan’s Antiques 103 S. 11th St | 409-813-3320

Guitar and Banjo Studio 4381 Calder Ave | 409-892-8628

Nell’s Antiques 2481 Calder Ave | 409-832-9331

Jackie’s 6755 Phelan Blvd | 409-861-5762

Past Times 2262 North St | 409-835-4207

The Kitchen Shop at The Green Beanery 2121 McFaddin | 409-832-9738

Pappagallo 3350 Dowlen Rd | 409-866-1917 Chico’s 3195 Dowlen Rd | 409-860-9763 Bath Junkie 3050 Dowlen Rd | 409-898-8499 James Avery 3050 Dowlen Rd | 409-860-4827

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ANTIQUES &VINTAGE

George Wilson’s 4132 Dowlen Rd | 409-898-0919

Puppy Love 3939 Dowlen Rd | 409.892-9663

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The Tattered Suitcase 2590 Calder Ave | 409-832-4500

Trendy’s Boutique 5905 Phelan | 409-861-4618 Tuesday Morning 6410 Phelan | 409-866-4885 The Joy Shop 4391 Calder Ave | 409-899-2293 YaYa Club Clothing Co. 414 Dowlen Rd | 409-861-3341 >

WESTERN WEAR Branding Iron 180 Eastex Frwy 409-892-5761 Cavendars Boot City 6185 Eastex Frwy 409-347-1770 Sam’s Western Stores 5090 College St | 409-842-2625

PORT NECHES Port Neches Super Saturdays held every third weekend of the month.

Dressin’ Up 1115 Port Neches Ave 409-729-7806 Joy’s Lagniappe Shop 1301 Port Neches Ave*located in the Land of Oz 409-722-4023 Land of Oz 1303 Port Neches Ave 409-722-4023 Old Towne Flea Market 1216 Port Neches Ave 409-721-9690 You Wear It Well Boutique 1104 Magnolia 409-722-2707

GROVES First Friday of the month Held 6 - 9 p.m.

Jan’s Resale Boutique 4233 Lincoln Ave 409-962-1030

The Kid’s Kloset 1144 Boston Ave 409-729-2889

Kismet Studio 4343 Lincoln Ave 409-962-9300

Let’s Party 1220 Boston Ave 409-727-6047

LT Design and Print Services 4343 Lincoln Ave 409-962-9525

Maraist Tropical Fish 1215 Boston Ave 409-722-2290

Floral Creations & Gifts 1036 Nederland Ave 409-729-4777

Dana’s Custom Jewelry 4700 Hwy 365 409-722-0661

Nederland Frame Shop 1054 Boston Ave 409-727-3698

Fred Miller Company 2808 Nederland Ave 409-724-1208

Never Enough Chocolate 1128 Boston Ave 409-724-0111

Here’s 2 Holidays 3123 Nederland Ave 409-853-1980

Flagship Mailroom & Emporium 4700 Hwy 365 409-724-0474

Occasions 1229 Boston Ave 409-729-8555

Nederland Jewelers 3308 Hwy 365 409-724-2045

Shoog’s on the Avenue 4316 Lincoln Ave 409-963-2800

Old Mercantile Antique & Co-Op 1166 Boston Ave 409-724-1886

Rustic Door 3105 Nederland Ave

Snoopers Paradise 5509 E. Parkway 409-962-8427

The Patio 1223 Boston Ave 409-729-3407

NEDERLAND

Setzer’s Hardware 1101 Boston Ave 409-722-4633

The Magic Needle 4343 Lincoln Ave 409-960-7397 Merle Norman 4300 Lincoln Ave 409-962-2990 The Painted Porch 4343 Lincoln Ave 409-960-7998

Boston Avenue Shops Antique Emporium 1135 Boston Ave 409-722-1772

Lincoln Avenue Shops

The Candle Cottage 1234 Boston Ave 409-721-5018

All Exclusive Boutique 4343 Lincoln Ave 409-962-7272

Gaudie & Co. 1143 Boston Ave 409-729-2700

The Collection 4300 Lincoln Ave 409-963-0626

Gaudie Couture 1140 Boston Ave 409-729-2790

The Courtyard Cafe & Gift Mall *After 4:30 p.m. 4321 Lincoln Ave 409-962-2850

Holland House Antique & Gift Mall 1205 Boston Ave 409-721-9900

Hannah Bay’s 4343 Lincoln Ave 409-962-3400

IZ Funky Resale 1123 Boston Ave 409-727-4493

Thompson’s Florist 1237 Boston Ave 409-722-8038 Zandy Zoo 1118 Boston Ave 409-727-0800 Other Areas Bab’s Gift Express 2119 Nederland Ave 409-727-0090 Bath Junkie 2828 Hwy 365 409-729-5900 Belly Button - A Kids World 2115 Nederland Ave 409-727-6918 Burkett’s Emporium 1517 S. Hwy 69 409-722-5111

Simply Chic 2907 Nederland Ave 409-722-2442 Texas Tees 3105 Nederland Ave The Living Word 3316 Hwy. 365 409-721-9505

Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas Store 3830 Hwy 365 409-721-8717 Naomi’s Fashions 3433 Twin City Hwy 409-963-3839 Read All Over Bookstore 7675 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 409-727-8776 Yellow Rose Antiques 2125 Jefferson Drive 409-962-3373

Vacuum City 3320 Hwy. 365 409-721-6760

PORT ARTHUR Central Mall Hwy 69 at Hwy 365 409-727-2109 www.centralmallportarthur.com Gulfbreeze Shopping Center 4700 Hwy 365 The Shops at Port Arthur 8725 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 Two & Co. Boutique 8720 Central Mall Dr 409-721-5040

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✓Must-See

BeAuMONT

ATTRACTIONS In Southeast Texas, you never have to worry that there’s not enough to do or see. Outdoors or indoors, on the water or on land, day or night – there’s something fun for all ages, whether you’ve got days to explore or just an hour or two.

ArT MuSeuM OF SOuTHeAST TexAS 500 Main St., Beaumont, TX 77701 409.832.3432 • amset.org

This museum offers the area’s most esteemed artwork, interactive features and family-friendly experiences. Stop for lunch at Two Magnolias or participate in Family Arts Day events offered four times a year. Hours: M-F, 9a.m.-5p.m.; Sat. 10a.m.-5p.m.; Sun. Noon-5p.m.

BABe dIdrIkSON ZAHArIAS MeMOrIAl MuSeuM 1750 IH-10 E, Beaumont, TX 77704 409.833.4622 • babedidriksonzaharias.org

The museum documents the multitude of awards, records and achievements throughout the life of the region’s hometown legend, world’s greatest female athlete and Olympic gold-medalist, Mildred Babe Didrikson Zaharias. Hours: Daily 9a.m.-5p.m. Admission: free.

BeAuMONT BOTANICAl GArdeNS 6088 Babe Zaharias Dr., Beaumont, TX 77705 409.842.3135 • beaumontbotanicalgardens.com

A sanctuary of flora in the eastern end of the city, the Beaumont Botanical Gardens offers visitors a Horticulture Center, a Native Plant Center, a Japanese garden, a modern rose garden and a 9/11 Memorial Garden. Hours: Botanical gardens open 7 days a week from 6a.m.-7p.m.

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The Warren Loose Conservatory is open Wed-Fri. 10a.m.-2p.m.; Sat. 10a.m.-5p.m.; Sun. 1-5p.m. Admission: Botanical gardens - free. Conservatory - admission by donation; children under 6 admitted free.

THe CHAMBerS HOuSe MuSeuM 2240 Calder Ave., Beaumont, TX 77701 409.832.4010 • chambershouse.org

Built in 1906, the house was recently restored to interpret the years between 1920 and 1945. The Chambers House has all of the original family furniture and artifacts and tells an intriguing and delightful story of this middle-class Beaumont family. Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10a.m.-4p.m. Admission: $1 to $3.

dISHMAN ArT MuSeuM Lamar University Beaumont, TX 77705 409.880.8959 dept.lamar.edu/cofac/deptart/dishman.asp

Opened on the campus of Lamar University in 1983, the Dishman Art Museum serves as a teaching facility, offering students an opportunity to experience diverse styles that reflect international trends as well as exhibit their own work. Hours: M-F, 8a.m.-5p.m. Admission: free, donations are welcome.

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edISON MuSeuM 350 Pine St. at Edison Plaza, Beaumont, TX 77701 409.981.3089 • edisonmuseum.org

Through exhibits and displays of artifacts, the museum communicates the contributions of the electrical industry that resulted from the genius of Thomas Alva Edison. Hours: M-F, 9a.m.-5p.m. Closed on holidays. Admission: free.

FIre MuSeuM OF TexAS 400 Walnut St., Beaumont, TX 77701 409.880.3927 • firemuseumoftexas.org

Open since 1984, this tribute to firefighters houses a collection of antique engines and firefighting equipment dating back to the 1800s. Take your picture in front of the original World’s Largest Fire Hydrant! Activities for children include the chance to dress up in a firefighter uniforms and drive the fire engine simulator. Hours: M-F, 8a.m.-4:30p.m. Open Saturdays by special

appointment. Admission: free. Donations accepted.

GATOr COuNTry AdVeNTure PArk Located west of Beaumont on IH-10 at exit 838 (FM 365) Beaumont, TX 77705 409.794.9453 • gatorrescue.com

Gator Country provides a chance for all visitors to feed and have a handson interaction with live alligators. The adventure park is home to more than 130 American Alligators, 6 species of crocodiles and caiman, and many other reptiles. Don’t miss an opportunity to see Big Al, a 13-foot-plus gator, or an enormous alligator snapping turtle. Hours: Memorial Day Weekend-Labor Day Weekend open daily 10a.m.8p.m.; Off-season hours Sat.-Sun. 10a.m.-6p.m. Open all holidays accept Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Café open during park hours. Admission: $9-$12. >

MuST See

JOHN JAy FreNCH HOuSe MuSeuM 3025 French Rd., Beaumont, TX 77706 409.898.0348 • jjfrench.com

The John Jay French house, built in 1845, is one of the oldest surviving houses in Beaumont. It is also one of the first houses in Beaumont built with two stories, using milled lumber. The John Jay French Museum demonstrates the life of a prosperous Texas pioneer family from 1845-1865. The historic pioneer settlement, built by John Jay French, tanner and merchant, is filled with antique furnishings, clothing and pioneer household utensils. Outbuildings on the grounds include a blacksmith shop, tannery, privy and smokehouse. Hours: Tues.-Fri. 10a.m.-3p.m.; Sat. 10a.m.-2p.m. Admission: $1 to $3.

MCFAddIN-wArd HOuSe MuSeuM 1906 Calder Ave., Beaumont, TX 77701 409.832.2134 • mcfaddin-ward.org

The stately McFaddin-Ward House was built in 1906 in the Beaux-Arts Colonial style. The building and its furnishings reflect the lifestyle of the prominent family who lived in the house for 75 years. Hours: Guided tours of the house, Tue.-Sat. 10a.m., 11a.m., 1:30p.m., 2:30p.m.; Sunday, tour of first floor only, 1-3p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended. Children must be 8 years or older to tour the house. The Carriage House is open on Sat. 10a.m.-4p.m. and Sun. 1-4p.m. for all ages, by self-guided tour. Admission: $3 per person. Sunday tour of 1st floor is free.

SPINdleTOP-GlAdyS CITy BOOMTOwN MuSeuM Hwy. 69 at University Dr. (On the campus of Lamar University), Beaumont, TX 77710 409.835.0823 • spindletop.org

Beaumont’s early claim to fame - the Spindletop Gusher - is authenticated in this period museum and replica of the early oil-rush town. See the world’s only working replica gusher, a general store, a dry goods store, a log cabin saloon and a barbershop, among other old buildings. Capture the magic of this boomtown on a self-guided tour. Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10a.m.-5p.m; Sun. 1-5p.m. Admission: $3 adults, $2 seniors, $1 children.

ST. ANTHONy CATHedrAl BASIlICA 700 Jefferson St., Beaumont, TX 77701 409.833.6433 • stanthonycatherdral.org

Built over 100 years ago, St. Anthony’s is one of the most resplendent houses of worship in the southwestern United States. In 2006, Pope Benedict XVI elevated the church to a honored title of Cathedral Basilica, recognizing the historic, artistic and religious significance of the site. Docent-guided tour by appointment only: M-F, 10a.m., 11a.m., 1p.m., 2p.m., 3p.m.

TexAS eNerGy MuSeuM 600 Main St., Beaumont, TX 77701 409.833.5100 • texasenergymuseum.org

This is the definitive exhibit on the Texas oil industry: Unlocking the energy of oil! See cinematic robots depict three generations of an oil-field family. Historical characters share the captivating story of the Spindletop gusher that blew and started the petrochemical age in 1901. Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9a.m.-5p.m.; Sun. 1-5p.m. Admission: $1 to $2, children under 6 free.

Tyrrell HISTOrICAl lIBrAry 695 Pearl St., Beaumont 409.833.2759 beaumontlibrary.org/tyrrell_library

Capt. W. C. Tyrrell purchased the First Baptist Church in 1923 and donated the building for library purposes to the City of Beaumont. The church was built in 1903 in a modified Gothic style of architecture with rough gray stone and beautiful stained-glass windows. It is the main genealogical library in Southeast Texas and the archives focus on this region. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9a.m.-6p.m. >

The soaring beauty of the St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica

Chambers House Museum

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POrT ArTHur A.J.M. VuylSTeke HOMe 1831 Lakeshore Dr., Port Arthur, TX 77640 • 409.984.6101

This Dutch Colonial home was built in 1905 for the first Dutch Counsel Vuylsteke in Port Arthur. The architecture reflected the Dutch heritage of the owner. The home, owned by Lamar State CollegePort Arthur, features three fireplaces sharing one central chimney, period furnishings and priceless antiques. Tours by appointment. Admission: free.

Buu MON BuddHIST TeMPle & lOTuS GArdeNS 2701 Procter St., Port Arthur, TX 77640 409.982.9319 • buumon.org

The temple is a beautiful building with a four-tier pagoda tower that symbolizes tenets in the Buddhist faith. The public is welcome for services at 2p.m. Sundays. Various festivals and ceremonies held throughout the year include the Lotus Garden and Bamboo Festival in June. Garden tours available by appointment. Admission: free. Donations accepted.

ITAlIAN HerITAGe MONuMeNT 4615 9th Ave., Port Arthur, TX 77642 409.985.7822

This is an immigrants’ monument built by the Port Arthur American-Italian Club inscribed with the words, “We who follow, dedicate this immigrants’ wall of honor to those who led us to a new country, a new life, and a new beginning.” It is located directly behind the Port Arthur Public Library and is open to the public. Admission: free.

MuSeuM OF THe GulF COAST 700 Procter St., Port Arthur, TX 77640 409.982.7000 • museumofthegulfcoast.org

The Museum of the Gulf Coast takes an eclectic look at Southeast Texas history through the ages. The museum boasts the largest mural in the area – a 125-foot painting highlighting significant events in the evolution of the region; a replica of Janis Joplin’s Porsche; the original light from the Sabine Pass lighthouse; and rare decorative artifacts from around the world. Hours: Mon.-Sat.9a.m.-5p.m.; Sun.1-5p.m. Admission: $2-$4.

The Museum of the Gulf Coast boasts the largest mural in the area – a 125-foot painting highlighting significant events in the evolution of the region

PleASure ISlANd 520 Pleasure Pier Blvd., Port Arthur, TX 77640 409.982.4675 • pleasureislandtx.com Pleasure Island lives up to its name in

the 18.5-mile-long man-made body of land extending from the mouth of the Neches River on the northwest to the Sabine Causeway on the southeast and is surrounded by Sabine Lake and the Intracoastal Waterway. Cajun cabins, condominiums, a disc-golf course, residential areas, playgrounds, RV park and picnic facilities make the island attractive to guests. Visitors can also enjoy the boat launches, biking and hiking trails. The Port Arthur Yacht Club and Marina will debut a new look including all floating docks in early 2011.

POMPeIIAN VIllA 1953 Lakeshore Dr., Port Arthur, TX 77640 409.983.5977 The Pompeiian Villa, sometimes called the “Billion Dollar House,” was built in 1900 for Isaac Ellwood, the “Barbed Wire King.” However, the home was soon sold to James Hopkins, president of the Diamond Match Company. The grandiose home is an authentic replica of a Pompeiian home of 79 A.D. and has features including rooms built around a traditional Roman peristyle and a three-sided courtyard to which each room has access. Hours: M-F, 10a.m.-2p.m. Group tours by reservation. Admission: $2. QueeN OF PeACe SHrINe ANd GArdeNS 801 Ninth Ave., Port Arthur, TX 77642 409.983.7676

This Hoa-Binh (Area of Peace), featuring beautiful gardens and statue of the

Virgin Mary three times life size, was built by parishioners of the Queen of Vietnam Catholic Church in gratitude for their welcome to Port Arthur. Hours: 9a.m.-4p.m. daily. Admission: free.

THe rAINBOw BrIdGe ANd VeTerANS MeMOrIAl BrIdGe Over the Neches River on Highway 87, north of Port Arthur, Port Arthur, TX 77642

The Rainbow Bridge, completed in 1938, is the tallest bridge on the Gulf Coast. It rises to a height of a 20-story building and clears the river by 177 feet. The height makes for a spectacular view, and the rainbow-style arch and its original orange-red color led to its name. The new companion bridge, the Veterans Memorial Bridge, to the east has 143 feet navigational clearance, and its claim to fame is that it is the only cable-stayed bridge built on a Texas highway.

rOSe HIll MANOr 100 Woodworth Blvd., Port Arthur, TX 77640 409.985.7292

This beautiful home, dating back to 1906, is one of the oldest landmarks in the city and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Built by one of the early mayors of Port Arthur, it has spacious rooms, an elegant stairway, antiques and a grand piano. Guests love the 13-foot wide wrap-around porch with a view of maritime traffic on the Gulf. Hours: Tue.-Fri. 11a.m.-5p.m. Tours by appointment only. Admission: $1.

SABINe PASS BATTleGrOuNd STATe HISTOrICAl PArk Hwy. 87 South, Sabine Pass, TX 77655 409.332.8820 www.visitsabinepassbattleground.com

On Sept. 8, 1863, the United States Navy attempted to invade Confederate Texas via the Sabine Pass. Lt. Dick Dowling and 46 of his men used six cannons to defeat four gunboats and halt the invasion. A statue of Dowling now stands in the park. Hours: Open daily 8a.m.-5p.m. (except for overnight campers). Admission: free. >

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MuST See

Veterans Memorial Bridge

SHrINe OF Our lAdy OF GuAdAluPe 3648 Staff Sgt. Lucian Adams Dr., at the intersection of 9th Ave., Port Arthur, TX 77642 409.962.6777 • patx.us/olgchurch

Dedicated in 2000, the 17-foot-high bronze statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe was sculpted by artists Miguel Angel Macias of Mexico City and Douglas Clark of Port Arthur. The statue is set upon rocks brought to the site from Mount Tepeyac, Mexico City, where the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego. The back wall of the shrine showcases stained glass windows depicting various symbols relating to Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Rose Chapel is known for the blooms in the stained glass windows. Hours: Rose Chapel, 8a.m.-8p.m. daily. Shrine open all hours. Admission: free.

Museum of the Gulf Coast

Pompeiian Villa

TexAS ArTISTS MuSeuM 3501 Cultural Center Dr., Port Arthur, TX 77642 409.983.4881 • texasartistsmuseum.org

The Texas Artists Museum began as a band of rogue artists looking for a home. After trying out many places to meet, they broke ground for their very own museum in 1987. A large variety of artists representing almost every city within a 30 mile-radius of Jefferson and Orange counties are featured in the museum. A featured display and reception in the main gallery is held every month and a monthly Sunday event includes live entertainment. Hours: Tue.-Sat., Noon-4p.m. Admission: free.

VeTerANS MeMOrIAl PArk On Highway 87, near the Veterans Memorial Bridge, Port Arthur, TX 77642

The park has walls bearing the names from Orange and Jefferson counties of

living and deceased veterans from the Spanish American War to Desert Storm. The tower of Honor contains names of soldiers Killed in Action/Missing in Action. Open dawn to dusk, year-round.

wHITe HAVeN 2545 Lakeshore Dr., Port Arthur, TX 77640 • 409.984.6101

White Haven was originally built as a New England Colonial-style mansion. However, subsequent owners changed the structure of this splendid house to a Southern Greek Revival-style including large verandahs, wide porches and majestic columns. Its collections include candelabras from the Shah of Persia, original pieces of Wedgwood china and a French screen from the collection of Empress Carlotta of Mexico. The home is owned by Lamar State College-Port Arthur. Tours by appointment. Admission: free.

Nearby: SHANGrI-lA BOTANICAl GArdeNS ANd NATure CeNTer 2111 West Park Ave. Orange, TX 77630 409.670.9113 • shangrilagardens.org

This breathtaking, expansive nature center is full of earth-friendly fun and eye-friendly beauty. Spring and Summer Hours: Tue.-Fri. 9a.m.-5p.m.; Sat. 9a.m.-7p.m.; Sun. Noon.-5p.m. Winter hours: Tue.-Sat. 10a.m.-5p.m.; Sun. Noon-5p.m. Admission: $4-$10.

MId-COuNTy AreA duTCH wINdMIll MuSeuM / Tex rITTer SHOwCASe ANd lA MAISON deS ACAdIeNS 1500 Boston Ave., Nederland, TX 77627 409.722.0279

The Dutch Windmill Museum in Nederland is a tribute to Dutch settlers featuring artifacts dating back 100 years. Costumed guides are available for tours by request. The first floor of the museum has a western theme, featuring a suit, boots and other mementos of the late Tex Ritter, country-and-western music star, who called Nederland home. La Maison Des Acadiens Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 1-5p.m. until September 1, after September 1, Thursday through Sunday, 1-5p.m. Admission: free.

lA MAISON BeAuSOleIl ANd rIVerFrONT AreA 701 Rue Beausoleil in Port Neches Park, off Grigsby Dr., Port Neches, TX 409.722.3014 • 409.722.9154

This cypress house was built around 1810 and was barged in from Vermilion Parish, La., and restored by “Les Acadiens du Texas,” an organization dedicated to preserving the culture and language of the Acadian people. The name “Beausoleil,” which means beautiful sunshine, honors the Acadian freedom fighter Joseph Broussard dit Beausoleil. Hours: Sat. and Sun. 1-5p.m. Closed for off-season Jan.1- March 31. Recommend calling for current hours. Bus tours and special occasion events by appointment. Admission: free.

May we recommend...

Calling ahead or checking the Web for the most accurate and up-to-date information for your visit. Many of the listed attractions have seasonal hours and all fees are subject to change. The Dutch Windmill Museum

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CampJunction

Clean Fun moments from Downtown Beaumont

Exotic Zoo & Pony Parties

July 29th - 31st

April 22nd - 25th

The Royal White Bengal Tiger Show

South West Dairy Farmers Association & Elsie the Cow

May 13th - 15th. and July 29th - 31st

Elsie The Cow & The Mobil Milking Show

August 19th - 22nd

Candy Land Amusements

Clint The Snakeman ~ Texas Snakes Reptile Educational Show

May 28th - 31st

October 28th - 31st

May 13th - 17th

The Great Bear Show June 10th - 13th

Crocodile Encounters

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! The Royal White Bengal Tiger Show AND CampJunction Halloween Fun!

• White Sandy Beaches meets large Oak and Pine Trees - Clear Spring Fed Water with Trolley, Float Rentals, Slides, Paddle Boats and Scuba Diving • Showers – Picnic Tables – Fishing Stands – Snack Bar – Camping – RV’s – Horse Shoes and Volley Ball • Red Cross Certified Life Guards – No Alcohol – No Pets – No Glass

SMITH LAKE

790 Tram Rd., Vidor, TX 77662

409-769-8200

Just a few of the many exciting adventures you will find at

CampJunction Exotic Zoo & Pony Parties Be sure to keep up with us on Face Book by becoming a FaceBook Fan @ http://www.facebook.com/CampJunction-Exotic-Zoo-Pony-Parties.

New events added all the time! Park Open for General Public from April - November Call us for more information: 409-898-AZoo (2966) 8690 Hwy. 105 - Beaumont, TX 77713 www.campjunction.com

COME ONE, COME ALL!

BUMPER CARS

Swan Swan Paddle Paddle Boats Boats • 18-Hole Renaissance-Themed Mini Golf Course • Zero-Turning Radius Bumper Cars • Swan Paddle Boats On a Serene Pond • New for 2010 - Water Wars! • Free Volleyball, Horseshoes and Outdoor Toys • Huge Oak Trees. Picnics Welcome!

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Splash into summer at Paradise Waterpark! • Water Slides • Relaxing Lazy River • Childrens Area • Great Food and Drinks!

2952 Highway 69 S., Lumberton, TX 77657; (409) 751-KING (5464) (3 minutes north of Beaumont, Exit Mitchell Rd.)

www.adventurekingdom.com

Family Fun for Everyone!

Mini Golf

409-385-7946 (SWIM)

A Perfect Place For

Birthday Parties Group Outings Special Events

www.pwoftexas.com .p

4675 Hwy 96 S., S., Silsbee, Silsbee, TX Located between Lumberton and Silsbee

Family Family-Friendly activities! Friendly activities Carnival fun in Port Neches

ActivitieS

FUN FOR ALL

WAteRpARKS

BOOmtOWN USA 409.769.6105 • 1495 Freeway Blv., vidor boomtownusarvresort.com For wet and wild fun, check out Boomtown USA, just outside of Beaumont on Interstate-10. Kids and adults will enjoy the lake that’s perfect for fishing, swimming, skiing and boating. Everyone will love the water slides and miniature golf course. RV spaces and cabin rentals are available lakeside. The RV park, lake and fishing areas and miniature golf are open all year long. Hours: Waterpark - open May 1 through Labor Day Weekend. Call or check website for various hours of operation and ticket prices.

pORt NecHeS SpLASH pARK 600 Grisby, Port Neches The kids will have a blast at Splash Park. It’s one of the largest spray parks in this area! Plus, it’s free!

ActivitieS AdveNtURe KiNgdOm 409.751.KiNg 2952 Hwy. 69, South Lumberton adventurekingdom.com Come have a royally good time at Adventure Kingdom. This Renaissancethemed family fun center features an 18-hole miniature golf course, zero-turning radius bumper cars, swan paddle boats and a party cottage for special events. Your adventure awaits ye! Hours: Tues.-Thurs. 10a.m.-9p.m; Fri.-Sat. 10a.m.-10p.m; Sun. 2p.m.-8p.m.

pARAdiSe WAteR pARK 409.385.SWIM • 4675 Hwy. 96 S., Silsbee pwoftexas.com Beat the sizzling Texas heat at Paradise Water Park. This modern facility features waterslides, an interactive kids’ park and a “lazy river.” Open 11a.m.-7p.m. on weekends starting May 1. Open daily starting Memorial Day Weekend thru Labor Day Weekend. However, call or log-on to website for changes in seasonal hours or extended dates.

& eNteRtAiNmeNt

BOUNce ZONe 409.924.9663 • 4075 Old Dowlen Rd., Beaumont bouncezonebeaumont.com Jump on the Disney Princess castle or slide down the BIG slide! Bounce Zone is hours of entertainment under one roof. Hours: “Toddler Jump” (5 and under) Tues. – Fri. 10am - 12pm. “Open Jump”(all ges) Mon. 10am - 5pm; Tues.-Thurs. 10am-7pm; Fri. Noon - 9pm; Sat. 10am-9pm; Sun. Noon-6p,m.. cAmp JUNctiON 409.898-AZOO • 8595 Broussard Rd., Beaumont campjunction.com Spend a day at the zoo, right here in Southeast Texas. Camp Junction has been a local kids’ favorite for years, with a petting zoo, pony rides, and even a carousel. See and touch zebras, camels, wallabees, pot-bellied pigs and many exotic animals. You can even book a

“baby zoo,” where you will be delighted by tiny creatures of all kinds. Spring/Summer hours starting April 16: Thur.-Sat: 10:30a.m.-5p.m.; Sun. Noon-5:00p.m. cOLORAdO cANyON 409.347.4386 • 6110 Folsom Dr., Beaumont coloradocanyonfun.com Remember the gold rush of 1849? If not, you can get a glimpse of it while enjoying a round of miniature golf at Colorado Canyon. Just watch out for the mining shaft and drilling tower! Or, if you’re feeling lucky, go gemstone mining for rocks, arrowheads and fossils. When you’re done, try out the canyon jumper, a huge trampoline with bungee harnesses. It’ll knock you off your feet! The facility also includes a game room and snack bar. Hours: Mon.-Thurs. noon-9p.m.; Fri. noon11p.m.; Sat. 10a.m.-11p.m., Sun. 1-8p.m. >

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Enjoy a leisurely sail

Picnics and exercise at the Tugboat Island playground in Port Neches

cOWBOy BAdLANdS 409.794-1985 • 18179 I-10 West, Beaumont cowboybadlands.com Do you like your sports extreme? This dirt bike park offers two professional motocross tracks as well as tracks for smaller bikes and even one for radiocontrolled cars. Whether you want to ride or just watch the bikes zoom by, this extreme sports park will get your blood pumping. Hours: Thurs. 4-9p.m.; Sat.- Sun. 9a.m.– 5p.m. cROSSROAdS BOWLiNg ceNteR 409.899.2695 • 4370 Dowlen Rd., Beaumont crossroadsbowlingcenter.com This Beaumont bowling center has everything the recreational and professional bowler could want – from leisure bowling, competition bowling and tips from professionals. PBA professional Mark Williams owns and operates this full-service bowling center. Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 8:30a.m.-11p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 8:30a.m.-1a.m.; Sunday 8:30a.m. -10:30p.m. diSc gOLF ON pLeASURe iSLANd 409.982.4675 Berry’s Treasure Disc Golf is a well-manicured, 18-hole disc golf course. At only a putter’s throw away from the ship channel, this disc golf course is both fun and scenic. Hours: Open daily during daylight hours. Admission: free. dOORNBOS pARK 409.724-0773 • 2301 Avenue H, Nederland Agreatparkforfamilyfun!ComeenjoyallthatDoornbos has to offer including playgrounds, duck pond, pavilion and family picnic areas, jogging trail, tennis courts, outdoor basketball courts, softball and soccer fields, recreation center and outdoor swimming pool. Hours: 6a.m.-10:00p.m. daily. Admission: free “FiRSt FRidAy” OF eveRy mONtH ceLeBRAtiON 409.962.3631 Downtown on Lincoln Avenue, Groves Moonwalks, clowns, jugglers, music and street vendors line the lane with excitement.

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FUN city FAmiLy eNteRtAiNmeNt ceNteR 400.892.6792 • 4430 Dowlen, Suite B, Beaumont, Texas 77706 funcitybmt.com Located in the Crossroads Bowling Shopping Center, Fun City offers a state-of-the-art laser tag arena, a contemporary art studio with pottery and glass fusing, movie theater, arcade, console gaming and restaurant. When you’ve worked up an appetite, try the authentic 1950s soda fountain, where you can enjoy tasty root beer floats, and shakes. Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 10a.m.-10p.m.; Fri -Sat. 10a.m.-12a.m. LiON’S pARK 409.962.3631 Corner of Jackson and Lincoln Avenue, Groves It’s a playground and spray park for the kids! mANNiNg’S texAS ON WHeeLS 409.866.9014 • 5735 College St., Beaumont A longtime attraction, this roller rink has been visited by generations of residents. If you’re hungry, roll over to the snack bar for a bite to eat or hit the arcade when you’re looking for a rest. Just don’t lose your balance! Hours: Public sessions - Tues. 6-9p.m.; Fri. 7-11p.m.; Sat. 12-4p.m. and 7-11p.m.; Sun. 2-5p.m. Private events may be scheduled during other business hours by reservation. megApLAy USA 409.722-8300 • 2500 Regional Dr., port Arthur megaplayusa.net The newly remodeled family entertainment center offers 40 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, billiards, arcade, pro shop, Strike Zone Sports Lounge and Spare Time Cafe. Hours: Mon. 9a.m.-11p.m.; Tues. 9a.m.-1a.m.; Wed.-Thurs.; 9a.m. -12:00 a.m.; Fri.-Sat. 9a.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 12p.m.-11p.m. NecHeS RiveR AdveNtUReS 409.880-8907 Tours leave from Riverfront Park, downtown Beaumont nechesriveradventures.org Take a ride on this comfortable, open boat and enjoy a leisurely trip on the ecologically diverse Neches River. The Neches has been called “The

Last Wild River” in east Texas, with its unique ecosystem and dense bottomland forests of hardwoods and pine trees. Hours: Public tours from Mar. 6- Jun. 29, 2010, Sat. 10a.m. - noon; Sun. 2-4p.m.; Tues. evening 6- 8p.m. Reservations are recommended. Check Web page for 2011 schedule. pORt ARtHUR BOARdWALK 409.985.7822 • 448 Lakeshore Dr., port Arthur This nautically-themed boardwalk is the perfect spot to see big ships traveling up and down the ship channel. pORt NecHeS city pARK & tUgBOAt iSLANd 409.722.9154 • 600 Grisby Dr., Port Neches ci.portneches.tx.us/parks/pnpark.php Tugboat Island is a unique children’s playland. Picnic facilities, lighted tennis courts, basketball areas, Splash Park, and Riverfront Park make this park a family’s fantasy. Hours: Tugboat Island closes at dusk. SpORtS cONNectiON 409.729.4000 • 6755 Patillo Rd., Beaumont sportsconnection4fun.com Fun for the whole family! Sports Connection has mini golf, batting cages, go carts, bumper boats, remote control boats, an arcade and a paint-less paintball course called the Phazer Zone. Hours: Tues.-Thurs. 3:30-9 p.m; Fri. 3:30-11p.m.; Sat. 11a.m.-11p.m; Sun. 2-8p.m. StARLigHt miNiAtURe gOLF 409.722.8983 • 3100 Hwy. 365 in Central Mall, port Arthur Have fun with glow-in-the-dark miniature golf and games. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10a.m.-9p.m; Sun. Noon-6 p.m.

events

calendarxh

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Whatever time of year you happen into Jefferson County, there is sure to be a variety of options for festivals, gallery openings, musical performances, car shows, ballets and stage productions. Check the sampling of events listed below and look up new entries at www.beaumontcvb.com/calendar or www.visitportarthurtx.com

may 2010 21 Boomtown Film & Music Festival A celebration of the region’s most cutting-edge musicians and independent filmmakers. Downtown Beaumont May 21-22 409.223.8732 • boomtownfestival.com 28 The Great Bear Show Camp Junction 8690 Highway 105 Beaumont • May 29-30 409.898.2966 • campjunction.com 29 SALT Fishing Rodeo Pleasure Island Port Arthur • May 29-30 409.963.0433 pleasureislandtx.com

Local Farmer’s Market

May 22-Oct. 30, 8a.m.-11a.m. Downtown Beaumont at Main St. Library

www.beaumonttxfarmersmarket.com

June 2010 4

First Fridays on Lincoln Avenue Shopping, food, and entertainment Lincoln Avenue Groves • 6pm–9pm 409.962.3631 • grovescofc.com

Spindletop Spin Bicycle Ride Spend the day cycling through scenic and historic regional favorites, with routes varying from 16 – 100 mile rides. Crockett Street • Beaumont 6am registration. 409.839.2332 • spindletopspin.com 12th Annual Lotus Gardens & Bamboo Festival Buu Mon Buddhist Temple Port Arthur • June 5-6, 9:30am-5pm. 409.982.9319 • buumon.org 10 Crocodile Encounters Camp Junction • Beaumont 409.898.2966 • campjunction.com

Being Andy Warhol Traveling exhibition from the Hilliard University Art Museum featuring 49 photographs taken by Andy Warhol. Thru August 15. Museum of the Gulf Coast M-Sat, 9am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm ∙ 409.982.7000 • museumofthegulfcoast.org 19 Super Saturdays on the Avenue Downtown Port Neches Avenue • 409.722.4023 portnecheschamber.com Juneteenth Celebration Freedom celebration with pageantry, parades and exhibits. Downtown Port Arthur 409.982.8040 or 409.985.7768 juneteenth.com

11 3rd Annual Zachary Breaux Jazz Fest Downtown Procter Street Pavilion Port Arthur • 2 day event Gates open at 5pm on Fri. and 11 pm on Sat. 409.982.8394 or 409.985.9977 zacharybreauxjazzfestival.com

25 8th Annual SETx Texas Mid-Summer Classic Come enjoy two days of watching the high flying, hard hitting action of wakeboarding. Rose City • Tournament starts at 9am. Free [email protected] setxwakeboarding.com

13 Jeff Dunham: Identity Crisis LIVE at Ford Park Ford Park Event Center Beaumont • Doors open at 4pm 409.951.5400 • fordparktx.com

26 Peel-Out Car Club Car Show Stark Park and Carriage House Orange • 9am-3pm 409.883.0871 • whstarkhouse.org

29 Menopause the Musical Julie Rogers Theatre Beaumont • June 29-July 2 • 8pm 409.838.3435 ext. 1 beaumont-tx-complex.com/julierogerstheatre.html

July 2010 July – August

Fiddler on the Roof Port Arthur Little Theater Playhouse Port Arthur • 2:30pm matinees and 7:30pm evening shows 409.727.7258 • palt.squarespace.com

2

First Fridays on Lincoln Avenue Lincoln Avenue Groves • 6pm-9pm 409.962.3631 • grovescofc.com

4

Independence Day Celebration at Riverfront Park Riverfront Park • Beaumont Gates open at 5pm. Orchestra performs at 8pm Fireworks start at 9pm. Free • 409.838.3435 beaumont-tx-complex.com/riverfrontpark.html

4

Independence Day Celebration in Port Arthur Lamar State College Port Arthur • Free 409.984.6101 • portarthur.net >

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July 2010 10 Wild West Family Day Come dressed as a cowboy or cowgirl to celebrate cowboy artist, Charlie Russell, with western games, art projects, and rodeo demonstrations. Stark Museum of Art Orange • 10am-2pm • Free 409.886.2787 • starkmuseum.org 15 Charlie Russell’s Yarns, Performed by Raphael Cristy Award-winning historian Raphael Cristy, provides special insights about the American West through storytelling and the writings of famous cowboy artist Charlie Russell Orange • Lutcher Theater 6:30pm • Free • 409.886.2787 lutcher.org • starkmuseum.org 17 Super Saturdays on the Avenue Downtown Port Neches Avenue 409.722.4023 • portnecheschamber.com 24 George Wentz: A Retrospective Enjoy the colorful paintings and collages by native artist George Wentz. Art Museum of Southeast Texas Beaumont • Jul. 24-Sept. 26, M-F 9am-5pm; Sat. 10am–5pm; Sun. 12pm-5pm 409.832.3432 • amset.org

14 “Flower Power” Summer Family Arts Day Art Museum of Southeast Texas Beaumont • 10am-2pm. Free 409.832.3432 • amset.org 18 Lamar University Faculty Art Exhibition Dishman Art Museum at Lamar University Beaumont • Aug. 18-Oct. 1∙ M-F, 8am-5pm • Free 409.880.8959. • lamar.edu/dishman 19 Clint the Snakeman Beaumont • Camp Junction 409.898.2966 • campjunction.com 21 Super Saturdays on the Avenue Downtown Port Neches Avenue 409.722.4023 • portnecheschamber.com

6

First Fridays on Lincoln Avenue Lincoln Avenue Groves • 6pm-9pm 409.962.3631 • grovescofc.com

13 YMBL Chute-Out Bull Ride Two days at Ford Park Arena Beaumont • August 13-14 409.832.9991 • ymbl.org

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Dick Dowling Days Sept. 11-12 • Port Arthur Sabine Pass • 409.866.1655

Gulf Coast Jam Robert A. Bowers Civic Center Port Arthur • 409.548.4444

September 2010 September - October

The Beverly Hillbillies Port Arthur Little Theater Playhouse Port Arthur • 2:30pm matinees and 7:30pm evening 409.727.7258 • palt.squarespace.com

3

2010 - 2011

First Fridays on Lincoln Avenue Lincoln Avenue Groves • 6pm-9pm 409.962.3631 • grovescofc.com

October 2010 TBA Cayman Night in Port Arthur Enjoy Caymanian food, limbo, and dancing to reggae music. Robert A. Bowers Civic Center • Port Arthur 409.963.1107 ∙ portarthur.net

16 Texas Pecan Festival - Sept 16-19 Carnival, concession booths, parade and continuous entertainment. Groves • Lion’s Park • 409.962.3631

1

First Fridays on Lincoln Avenue Lincoln Avenue Groves • 6pm-9pm 409.962.3631 • grovescofc.com

18 Super Saturdays on the Avenue Downtown Port Neches Avenue 409.722.4023 • portnecheschamber.com

2

CavOILcade Coronation Memorial High School Port Arthur 409.983.1009 • 409.498.1739

4

Frances Ann Lutcher: The Orchid Lady Lecture A lecture with images of historic, Orange pioneer Frances Ann Lutcher Orange • Lutcher Theater 6:30pm • Free 409.883.0871 • whstarkhouse.org

28 Earth From Space Traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian featuring fascinating satellite images of Earth. Thru October 24. Museum of the Gulf Coast M–Sat, 9am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm ∙ 409.982.7000 • www.museumofthegulfcoast.org

Women Artists: Selections from the Permanent Collection Art Museum of Southeast Texas Beaumont • Jul. 24-Sept. 26; M-F 9am-5pm; Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. 12pm-5pm 409.832.3432 • amset.org

August 2010

11 Mexican Fiesta Robert A. Bowers Civic Center Port Arthur 409.724.6134 • 409.504.3791

5 25 Symphony of Southeast Texas Master Series 1 Concert Beaumont • Julie Rogers Theatre 409.892.2257 • sost.org

Lamarissimo! Jazz Concert Beaumont • Julie Rogers Theatre 409.880.8144 • lamar.edu/music

7

29 Texas Rice Festival Livestock show, live entertainment, carnival rides, farm equipment display, food and more! Thru Oct. 3. • Winnie • Free 409.296.4404 • texasricefestival.org

Lamar Alumni Art Exhibition: Students of Jerry Newman Dishman Art Museum at Lamar University Beaumont • Thru Nov. 19 M-F, 8am-5pm • Free 409.880.8959 • lamar.edu/dishman

9

CavOILcade Parade & Youth Fishing Tournament Downtown Port Arthur 409.983.1009 • 409.498.1793

29 A Doll’s House Lamar University Studio Theatre Beaumont • Sept. 30-October 1, 3, 5 ∙ Sun. 2pm, all other performances, 7:30pm 409.880.2250 • lamar.edu/theatre 30 Art of Beer A foam-filled, adventurous event sampling new and exotic brews. Art Museum of Southeast Texas Beaumont • 6pm–10pm 409.832.3432 • amset.org

16 Super Saturdays on the Avenue Downtown Port Neches Avenue 409.722.4023 • portnecheschamber.com Stark Museum Family Day Stark Museum of Art Orange • 10am–5pm ∙ Free 409.886.2787 • starkmuseum.org >

cALeNdAR

Artwork by Sedrick Huckaby A celebration of African-American heritage using unique “quilt paintings” as backdrops for portraits. Beaumont • Art Museum of Southeast Texas Thru Jan. 9; M-F, 9am-5pm; Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. 12pm-5pm 409.832.3432 • amset.org

Messiah Rocks Blending classical music with classic rock, Handel’s most performed oratorio examines powerful themes of faith, love and peace. Orange • Lutcher Theater • 7pm 409.886.5535 • lutcher.org

Dinosaur Day Texas Energy Museum • 409.833.5100 31 Burn the Floor Electrifying Latin and Ballroom dance spectacular. Orange • Lutcher Theater • 7pm 409.886.5535 • lutcher.org

In the Bag! Traveling exhibition featuring shopping bags from the permanent collection at the Benz Gallery at Texas A&M University. Thru January 2, 2011 Museum of the Gulf Coast M-Sat, 9am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm • 409.982.7000 www.museumofthegulfcoast.org

November 2010

22 Texas-Style Cool Autumn Nites Car Show Oct 22-24 Downtown Beaumont 409.769.7599 • txhotsummernites.com 23 Harvest Hoedown at McFaddin-Ward House Come in costume to a hoedown full of foot-tapping music, games, food samples, barnyard animals, tours, and much more. Beaumont • McFaddin-Ward House 5pm-8pm • Free 409.832.1906 • mcfaddin-ward.org

November - December White Christmas Port Arthur Little Theater Playhouse Port Arthur • 2:30pm matinees and 7:30pm evening shows 409.727.7258 • palt.squarespace.com 3

A Lesson Before Dying Performances Nov. 3-7 Lamar University Theatre • Beaumont Sun. 2pm, evenings 7:30pm 409.880.2250 • lamar.edu/theatre

4

Lamarissimo! Faculty Artists Julie Rogers Theatre Beaumont • 7:30pm 409.880.8144 • lamar.edu/music

5

First Fridays on Lincoln Avenue Lincoln Avenue Groves • 6pm–9pm 409.962.3631 • grovescofc.com

23 The Book Hours: A Highlight Exhibit Orange • Stark Museum of Art Thru Jan. 8; Tues.- Sat.; 10am-5pm • Free 409.886.2787 • starkmuseum.org

Maime McFaddin Ward’s Birthday Tea at the McFaddin-Ward House Honoring Maime McFaddin Ward’s birthday, free tours and refreshments based on authentic McFaddin family recipes will be offered. Beaumont • McFaddin-Ward House • Free 409.832.2134 • mcfaddin-ward.org

25 Momix-Botanica An eclectic score ranging from birdsongs to Vivaldi, Bontanica follows the rhythms of the seasons and the evolution of the world and the passing of a day. Orange • Lutcher Theater • 7:30pm 409.886.5535 • lutcher.org 28 Halloween Fun at Camp Junction with Royal White Bengal Tiger Show - Oct 28-31 Camp Junction, 8690 Highway 105 Beaumont 409.898.2966 • campjunction.com 30 “Eat a Bug!” Family Arts Day Art Museum of Southeast Texas Beaumont • 10am-2pm. • Free 409.832.3432 • amset.org

6

“On Stage with the Beaumont Ballet Theatre” Julie Rogers Theatre • 409.892.0169

7

Beaumont Interfaith Choral Society Annual Concert Performing the “Corornation Mass” by Mozart • First United Methodist Church Beaumont • 3pm • Free 409.898.1634

13 St. Catherine of Sienna “Taste of Culture” Port Arthur • 409.962.3011

3 First Fridays on Lincoln Avenue Groves • Lincoln Avenue • 6pm–9pm 409.962.3631 • grovescofc.com “Babes in Toyland” Presented by the Southeast Texas Ballet Company, Dec. 3 & 4 • Julie Rogers Theatre 409.838.3435 4

Groves Lighted Christmas Parade Annual nighttime parade with bands, floats and Santa. 409.962.8631

4

Beauty & the Beast - Dec 4-5 Orange • Lutcher Theater Matinee at 1:30pm, evening show 7pm 409.886.5535 • lutcher.org

18 Lamar’s Fall Dance Concert - Nov 18-19 Lamar University Theatre Beaumont • 7:30pm Admission: $10 general, $7 seniors 409.880.2250 • lamar.edu/theatre 20 Super Saturdays on the Avenue Downtown Port Neches Avenue 409.722.4023 • portnecheschamber.com Symphony of Southeast Texas Master Series 2 Concert Beaumont • Julie Rogers Theatre 409.892.2257 • sost.org 21 Christmas Tree Trail to Groves A Sunday afternoon tour with specialty shops and boutiques offering unique Christmas gifts 409.962.3631 27 Cultural Lighted Holiday Parade Downtown Port Arthur 409.963.1107 • portarthur.net

Chambers House Museum Christmas Tour Historic home decorated in authentic 1920’s style. Chambers House Museum Beaumont • 1pm-4pm • Free 409.832.4010 • chambershouse.org 5

december 2010 1

2

A Very Merry Main Street Market Must-see holiday market, hosted by the Junior League of Beaumont • Events Dec. 1-4 Beaumont Civic Center • Beaumont 409.832.0873 • beaumont-tx-complex.com Beaumont Christmas Holiday Festival and Parade Events Dec. 2-5. 409.880.3716

John Jay French Christmas Candlelight Tour Enjoy delightful holiday music and refreshments, while celebrating the Christmas season in a mid-19th century style. John Jay French Museum 1pm-4pm • Free 409.898.0348 • jjfrench.com Lamarissimo! A Cappella Choir and Grand Chorus Holiday Concert Beaumont • Jefferson Theatre • 3pm 409.880.8144 • lamar.edu/music >

Extra entries are ADDED throughout the year! Don’t miss out – go to

www.beaumontcvb.com/calendar or www.visitportarthurtx.com for up-to-date information! 2010 - 2011

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11 “The Nutcracker Ballet” Beaumont Ballet Company Performances Dec. 11 &12 Julie Rogers Theatre • 409.832.2722 12 Etch and Sketch The reception and exhibition of Lamar University Art Department’s Advanced Drawing and Printmaking classes. Beaumont Art League Beaumont • 7pm-9pm • Free 409.833.4179 • beaumontartleague.com 14 W.H. Stark House Annual Holiday-Dec, 14-16 Open House Open house includes holiday tours, music and refreshments. W.H. Stark House • 5pm-8pm • Free 409.883.0871 • whstarkhouse.org 16 Cherryholmes Christmas A popular bluegrass band denoted by instrumental virtuosity and explosive vocal harmonies, featuring a mixture of original band songs and favorite classics. Orange • Lutcher Theater • 7:30pm 409.886.5535 • lutcher.org 18 Super Saturdays on the Avenue Downtown Port Neches Avenue 409.722.4023 • portnecheschamber.com

Tango Buenos Aires: Fire and Passion As one of Argentina’s greatest cultural exports, Tango Buenos Aires is an authentic, uncompromising representation of the fiery dance of passion. Orange • Lutcher Theater • 7:30pm 409.886.5535 • lutcher.org 15 Super Saturdays on the Avenue Downtown Port Neches Avenue 409.722.4023 • portnecheschamber.com Port Arthur Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame Concert Robert A. Bowers Civic Center Port Arthur 409.548.4444 • 409.985.7822 16 Birds in Art Traveling exhibition from the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum featuring 60 works in various mediums. Thru March 13. Museum of the Gulf Coast M-Sat, 9am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm 409.982.7000 www.museumofthegulfcoast.org 17 Port Arthur MLK Brunch Robert A. Bowers Civic Center Port Arthur • 409.722.5314 22 Symphony of Southeast Texas Pops Concert Beaumont • Julie Rogers Theatre 409.892.2257 • sost.org

February 2011 February – March Grease Port Arthur Little Theater Playhouse Port Arthur • 2:30pm matinees and 7:30pm evening shows 409.727.7258 • palt.squarespace.com 1

The Color Purple- Feb. 1-2 Orange • Lutcher Theater • 7:30pm 409.886.5535 • lutcher.org

4

First Fridays on Lincoln Avenue Lincoln Avenue • Groves • 6pm-9pm 409.962.3631 • grovescofc.com

10 Bard on the Bayou Series: The Tempest - Feb.10-13 By William Shakespeare, adapted by Don Fleming. Beaumont • Lamar University Theatre 409.880.2250 • lamar.edu/theatre

march 2011 3

Southeast Texas Mardi Gras March 3-6 • Downtown Port Arthur 409.721.8717 • mardigras.portarthur.com

12 AMSET Family Arts Day Hands-on activities geared toward celebrating Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day, Chinese New Year, Black History Month. Art Museum of Southeast Texas Beaumont • 10am-2pm • Free 409.832.3432 • amset.org

3

Lamarissimo! Wind Ensemble and Concert Bands Beaumont • Julie Rogers Theatre • 7:30pm 409.880.8144 • lamar.edu/music

23 Spamalot A loving rip-off from the famous comedy “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” Orange • Lutcher Theater • 7pm 409.886.5535 • lutcher.org

January 2011 7

First Fridays on Lincoln Avenue Lincoln Avenue Groves • 6pm- 9pm 409.962.3631 • grovescofc.com

8

Krewe of Neptune “12th Night” Robert A. Bowers Civic Center 3401 Cultural Center Drive, Port Arthur • 409.962.9860

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29 Southeast Texas Art: Cross-Currents and Influences Examine relationships and influences that existed between Southeast Texas artists andearly Texas Modernists from 1925-1975 Thru Apr. 3. Beaumont • Art Museum of Southeast Texas 409.832.3432 • amset.org

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19 Super Saturdays on the Avenue Downtown Port Neches Avenue 409.722.4023 ∙• portnecheschamber.com 25 Mamma Mia - Feb. 25-26 Orange • Lutcher Theater Matinee: 2pm, evening show 7:30pm 409.886.5535 • lutcher.org 26 Symphony of Southeast Texas Master Series 3 Concert Julie Rogers Theater • Beaumont 409.892.2257 • sost.org

4 First Fridays on Lincoln Avenue Julie Rogers Theatre Lincoln Avenue Groves • 6pm-9pm 409.962.3631 • grovescofc.com 8

Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Party Robert A. Bowers Civic Center. Port Arthur • 409.962.9860

8

Nederland Heritage Festival March 8-13 • A fantastic family event Nederland • Free 409.724.2269 • nederlandhf.org

11 The Spencers: Theater of Illusion Enjoy the spectacle and danger of this seemingly impossible magic show. Orange • Lutcher Theater • 7:30pm 409.886.5535 • lutcher.org >

cALeNdAR

19 Bus Stop Montana Repertory Theater Follow the stories of bus passengers forced to take shelter in a Kansas diner during a snowstorm. Lutcher Theater • Orange • 7:30pm 409.886.5535 * lutcher.org

Museum of the Gulf Coast • M-Sat, 9am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm • 409.982.7000 www.museumofthegulfcoast.org

April 2011

Super Saturdays on the Avenue Downtown Port Neches Avenue 409.722.4023 portnecheschamber.com

23 Legally Blonde Lutcher Theater • Orange Matinee 2:00 pm. Evening Show 7:30 pm 409.886.5535 • lutcher.org

April – May A Midsummer’s Night Dream Port Arthur Little Theater Playhouse Port Arthur • 2:30pm matinees and 7:30pm evening shows 409.727.7258 • palt.squarespace.com

Rotary Taste of Gumbo Robert A. Bowers Civic Center Port Arthur • 409.985.7822

1

The Texas Ghost Show Beaumont Civic Center Mar. 19 & 20 • 8am-9pm www.texasghostshow.eventbrite.com 24 YMBL South Texas State Fair & Rodeo Mar. 24-Apr. 3. Beaumont • Ford Park 409.832.9991 • ymbl.org 27 Linnis Blanton Exhibit Temporary exhibition of ceramic works created by artist Linnis Blanton. Thru May 30.

28 Lamarissimo! Cardinal Singers and Lamar Dance Company Beaumont • Julie Rogers Theatre • 7:30pm 409.880.8144 • lamar.edu/music

First Fridays on Lincoln Avenue Lincoln Avenue • Groves • 6pm-9pm 409.962.3631 • grovescofc.com

Working Based on Studs Terkel’s bestselling book, this musical paints a vivid portrait of the everyday lives of common men and women. University Theatre • Beaumont. Thru May • 3, Sun. 2pm All other performances 7:30pm 409.880.2250 • lamar.edu/theatre

2

Symphony of Southeast Texas Master Series 4 Concert Beaumont • Julie Rogers Theatre 409.892.2257 • sost.org

7

Spring Dance Concert - April 7-8 A variety of dance works performed primarily by Lamar University students. Beaumont • University Theatre 409.880.2250 • lamar.edu/theatre

Several regional sports teams provide entertaining live action throughout the year. Check out Web pages for schedules!

15 Mercado Days Latino Fest • April 15-17 Downtown Port Arthur • 409.983.4006 16 Super Saturdays on the Avenue Downtown Port Neches Avenue 409.722.4023 • portnecheschamber.com

}

29 RiverFest & Classic Car Show Apr. 29-May 2, a festival of fun, including tunnel boat races on the Neches River and a classic car show Port Neches • 409.722.9154 portnecheschamber.com

Senior/Master Thesis Art Exhibition Dishman Art Museum at Lamar University ∙ Beaumont • Thru May 11 M-F, 8am–5pm • Free 409.880.8959 • lamar.edu/dishman

Lamar University Football, Basketball & Baseball www.lamarcardinals.com Spindletop Rollergirls Roller Derby www.spindletoprollergirls.com

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AccOmmOdAtiONS BEAUMONT

21. La Quinta Inn 220 I-10 North 77702 409-838-9991

1. America’s Best Value Inn 2525 N. 11th St 77703 409-924-7300

22. MCM Elegante G. Econo Lodge 2355 I-10 S. 77705 | 409-842-3600 4500 Hwy 73 77642 409-962-4500 23. Motel 6 1155 I-10 South 77705 H. Hampton Inn & Suites 409-835-5913 7660 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 77642 409-722-6999 24. Premier Inn & Suites 3715 College St. 77705 I. Holiday Inn Park Central 409-832-2828 2929 Jimmy Johnson Blvd 77642 409-724-5000 25. Quality Inn & Suites 1590 I-10 South 77707 J. Holiday Inn Express & Suites 409-840-2099 3115 Central Mall Drive/Hwy 69 77642 800-448-2296 26. Ramada Inn 3985 College St 77707 K. La Quinta Inn & Suites 409-842-4420 7540 Memorial Blvd / Hwy 69 77640 409-722-8383 27. Red Carpet Inn & Suites 2640 I-10 East 77703 | 409-899-3152 L. Mainstay Inn & Suites 7648 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 77642 28. Red Roof Inn 409-729-8880 2375 I 10 S. 77707 | 409-842-8200 N. Microtel Inn & Suites 29. Residence Inn by Marriott 2015 HO Mills Blvd. (Hwy 73) 77640 5380 Clearwater Ct. 77705 409-983-8000 409-434-0600 O. Port Arthur Inn 29. Rodeway Inn 3889 Gulfway Drive 77642 1295 N. 11th St 77703 409-985-2538 409-892-7722 P. Ramada Inn 30. Sleep Inn & Suites 3801 Hwy 73 77642 2030 N. 11th Street 77703 409-962-9858 409-892-6700 Q. Relax Inn 31. Studio 6 Extended Stay 2811 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 77640 2660 I-10 East 77702 409-985-9316 409-924-0571 R. Royal Inn 32. Super 8 Motel 3015 Hwy 73 West 77640 2850 I-10 East 77703 409-736-1554 409-899-3040 S. Sabine Pass Motel 33. Super 8 Motel 5623 Greenwich | 409-971-2200 3995 I-10 South 77705 409-842-9300 T. Sea Gull Motel 6828 Gulfway Drive 77642 34. Travel Inn 409-962-4437 2690 I-10 East 77703 409-892-8111 U. Sea Shell Motel 2811 Hwy 73 77640 35. Value Place 409-736-1789 2375 I-10 South 77705 409-434-0400 V. Scottish Inns and Suites 3838 Hwy. 73 77642 PORT ARTHUR 409-983-7255 A. Aurora Bed & Breakfast W. Studio 6 Extended Stay Suites 141 Woodworth Blvd. 77640 3000 Jimmy Johnson Blvd 77642 409-983-4205 or 409-365-5242 409-729-6611 B. Best Western X. Super 8 Motel & Suites 7440 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 7700 Memorial Blvd / Hwy 69 77642 409-722-8600 409-722-1012 | super8.com C. Cajun Cottages NEDERLAND 1900 MLK Dr 77640 409-982-6050 Y. Candlewood Suites 2125 Hwy 69 77627 | 409-729-9543 D. Comfort Inn & Suites 7800 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 77642 Z. Green Town Motel 409-729-0500 915 Hwy 69 77627 | 409-722-8397

For online reservations, visit www.beaumontcvb.com

2. Baymont Inn & Suites 2865 W Cardinal - Opening Spring ‘10 3. Best Western Jefferson Inn 1610 I-10 South 77705 409-842-0037 4. Budget Inn 5375 College St. 77707 409-842-8001 5. Candlewood Suites 5355 Clear Water Ct. 77705 409-842-9000 6. Comfort Suites 5955 Walden Rd 77707 409-840-6001 7. Courtyard by Marriott 2275 I-10 South 77705 409-840-5750 8. Days Inn Beaumont 2155 N. 11th St. 77703 409-898-8150 9. Econo Lodge 50 I-10 North 77702 409-835-8800 10. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott 2265 I-10 South 77705 409-840-5751 11. Hampton Inn 3795 I-10 South 77705 409-840-9922 12. Hilton Garden Inn 3755 I-10 South 77705 409-842-5646 13. Holiday Inn Express Northwest 7140 Eastex Freeway 77708 409-892-3600 14. Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Beaumont Plaza 3950 I-10 South 77705 409-842-5995 15. Midtown Plaza 2095 N. 11th St 77703 409-892-2222 16. Homewood Suites 3745 I-10 S. 77705 | 409-842-9990 17. Howard Johnson Express Inn & Suites 2615 I-10 E. 77702 | 409-832-0666 18. J & J Motel 6675 Eastex Freeway 77706 409-892-4241 19. Knight’s Inn 4085 I-10 S. 77705 | 409-842-1111 20. La Quinta Inn & Suites Beaumont West 5820 Walden Rd. 77707 409-842-0002

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E. Days Inn 8040 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 77642 409-729-3434

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F. Driftwood Inn 3700 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 77642 | 409-985-8411

A1. Villa Motel 1132 Nederland Ave 77627 409-722-5003

GROVES Jeps RV Park on Pleasure Island A2. America’s Best Value Inn & 1900 MLK Blvd., Port Arthur Suites 409-983-3822 5201 East Pkwy 77619 | 409-962-6611 Pleasure Island RV Park A3. Executive Inn 540 South Spoil Levee Rd, 5131 East Parkway 77619 Port Arthur 409-962-5000 409-651-4171 or 409-982-4675 pleasureislandtx.com A4. Southwinds Inn 5101 East Parkway 77619 Walter Umphrey State Park 409-962-3000 3897 TB Ellison Pkwy (Pleasure Island) Port Arthur | 337-802-4320 A5. Super 8 Motel 5001 East Parkway 77619 Waterview RV Resort 409-962-2200 | super8.com on Pleasure Island 150 Pleasure Pier Blvd., Port Arthur RV PARKS AND SERVICES 409-543-7161 Boomtown USA Waterpark Central Mobile Village 1-10 Exit 858-B 3707 Ave H, Nederland (Asher turnaround), Vidor 409-724-2783 409-769-6105 REPAIRS AND SERVICES boomtownusarvresort.com East Lucas RV Park 2590 East Lucas, Beaumont 409-899-9209 or 800-280-2579 eastlucasrvpark.com Gulf Coast RV Resort 5175 Brooks Rd, Beaumont 77705 409-842-2285 or 866-410-7801 gulfcoastrvresort.com Hidden Lake RV Resort 6860 S. Major Dr., Beaumont 77705 409-840-9691 www.hiddenlakervresort.com LaBelle RV 8351 FM 365, LaBelle 409-796-2910 or 409-626-1586 Mobile Manor RV Park 5345 Fannett Rd., Beaumont 77705 409-842-1551 Mobilemanorrv.com Robbins RV Park 7809 Hwy 124, Beaumont 77705 409-840-6411 Access RV Park 2565 95th St. Port Arthur 409-729-8000 Driftwood RV Park 3700 Memorial Blvd, Port Arthur 409-985-8411 Drop-On-In RV Park 5241 Greenwich off 87 South, Port Arthur 409-728-0227 or 409-971-0191

Ayers, Inc. 1255 IH-10 S., Beaumont 77701 409-833-3381 Petro Lube #4 5405 Walden Rd @ IH-10 Beaumont 77705 | 409-842-3896 Yates Automotive & Truck Repair 1190 MLK Pkwy, Beaumont 77701 409-832-9999 RV Repair Center 507 Hwy 87 South, Orange, TX 409-670-9017 Butane & Propane A-1 Mini Stor 3249 25th St., Port Arthur 409-983-4571 Academy 7130 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont 77708 | 409-895-4500 8453 Memorial Blvd., Port Arthur 77642 | 409-723-6800 Lowe’s 4120 Dowlen Rd., Beaumont 77706 409-898-2200 8383 Memorial Blvd., Port Arthur | 409-729-8851 Lloyd’s R.V. Park 350 Twin City Hwy., Port Neches 77651 | 409-727-1666

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Welcome!

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Coldwell Banker Southern Homes Real Estate

✔ Homes

Sales ✔ Buyer Services

New Construction ✔ Relocation Specialist

✔

www.cbsouthernhomes.com

Beaumont (409) 866-2392

Crosby (800) 779-3910

Lumberton (409) 755-1376

Mid County (409) 727-0420

Each office is independently owned and operated. 82

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OPEN FOR

BUSINESS

e’s e n e R

I know there are a thousand reasons to buy a home – and that’s where I step in. I will ask the right questions to define and find your perfect home. My experience will make your new home purchase what it should be – a personal expression of you! Specializing in Hampshire Fannett ISD.

All County Realty

Office located in Fannett

Renee Hileman Pelt

Broker/Owner www.reneesallcountyrealty.com

[email protected]

Office - 794.9595 • Cell - 277.9887 18587 FM 365 • Beaumont, TX 77705

Kathy ClevBroker ela/ Owner nd 4 09. 284. 2 843 www.kathycleveland.com [email protected] “Your Real Estate Expert for All of Southeast Texas” 7999 Gladys, #102 • Beaumont, TX 77706

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We Never Stop Moving! Phyllis Hoffpauir 728-0447

Brenda Burkehalter 454-3607

Shelly Traxler 351-0128

Patti Harrington 460-1445

Marla Miller 728-8333

Linda Park 626-1324

Holly Hinds 728-6206

Lorie Lewis 719-6250

Edna Beard 527-1444

Donniece Mann 728-0546

Sandra Kidd 460-0052

Carrie Hughes 679-9628

(409) 727-0420 • 3160 Merriman • Pt. Neches, TX 77651 cbsouthernhomes.com

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eSSeNtiALS TAXI CABS

National/Alamo Rent-A-Car 6000 Airline Dr./Airport | 409-722-6111

American Quality Taxi 409-839-8294

BUS LINES

Airport Limousine Airport Rd. | 409-722-8313

Beaumont Municipal Transit 550 Milam | Beaumont | 409-835-7895

Daranda Taxi Port Arthur/Beaumont 409-504-1118 | 409-527-0134

City of Port Arthur Transit 320 Dallas Ave | Port Arthur 409-983-8767

Flanagan Taxi 409-838-1283

Greyhound Bus Lines 650 Magnolia | Beaumont (409) 832-2550

Golden Triangle Courier Groves | 409-962-7514

Sun Travel Trailways 409-899-5500

La Uno Port Arthur | 409-460-0835 Beaumont | 409-433-1177

Sun Travel Motorcoach & R.V. 409-899-5500

VISITOR INFORMATION

Sun Travel Limousine 409-899-5500

AIRPORT Southeast Texas Regional Airport 6000 Airline Dr | Beaumont 409-722-0251 Continental Express 6000 Airline Dr | Beaumont 409-722-7289

SHUTTLE Airport Shuttle from Bush & Hobby to Beaumont 979-739-2836 or 979-739-2824 www.groundshuttle.com

Babe Zaharias Museum & Visitor Center 1750 I-10 E | 409-833-4622 Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau 505 Willow St | 800-392-4401 or 409-880-3749 Ben J. Rogers Southeast Texas Visitors Center I- 10, Eastbound near Ford Park From West, exit #846 Major Dr/Brooks Rd From East, exit #845 Major Dr 409-842-0500

Groves Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Center 4399 Main Ave | Groves 409-962-3631 or 1-800-876-3631 Nederland Chamber of Commerce and Tourists Bureau 1515 Boston Ave | Nederland | 409-722-0279 Port Arthur Convention & Visitors Bureau 3401 Cultural Center Dr | Port Arthur 409-985-7822 or 1-800-235-7822 Port Neches Chamber of Commerce 1110 Port Neches Ave | Port Neches 409-722-9154 Texas Travel Information Center Orange | 409-883-9416 | 800-452-9292

EMERGENCY NUMBERS Ambulance, Fire, Police, Sheriff: 911 Beaumont City Hotline: 311 Baptist Memorial Hospital 3080 College St. | Beaumont 409-212-5000 608 Strickland Dr | Orange 409-883-9361 Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital 2830 Calder Ave | Beaumont 409-892-7171 Christus St. Mary Hospital 3600 Gates Blvd | Port Arthur 409-985-7431

CAR RENTAL

Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce 1110 Park | 409-838-6581 | bmtcoc.org

Avis Rent-A-Car 6000 Airline Dr/Airport | 409-722-0209

Medical Center of Southeast Texas 2555 Jimmy Johnson Blvd | Port Arthur 409-724-7389

Beaumont Civic Center Complex 701 Main Street | 409-838-3435

Hertz Rent-A-Car 6000 Airline Dr/Airport| 409-727-2137

Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce 4749 Twin City Hwy., Suite 300 Port Arthur | 409-963-1107

Southeast Texas Animal Emergency Clinic 3420 West Cardinal Dr | Beaumont 409-842-3239

Enterprise Rent-A-Car 6000 Airline Dr/Airport | 409-722-1384 1225 I-10 S | 409-899-2878 3980 Lucas | 409-898-8300 710 MLK Parkway | 409-835-0623

Spurlock Rd Veterinary Clinic 2400 Memorial Blvd | Port Arthur 409-727-0287

Lost/Stolen Credit Cards: American Express | 800-554-AMEX Discover Card | 800-347-2683 Master Card | 800-890-0669 Visa Card | 800-847-2911

FREQUENTLY REQUESTED INFORMATION Post Office 5815 Walden Rd | Beaumont 409-842-7200 Humane Society of Southeast Texas 2050 Spindletop Rd | Beaumont 409-722-0605 Beaumont City Hall Administration Offices 801 Main St | 409-880-3716 City of Port Arthur 444 Fourth St | Port Arthur | 409-983-8115 Court House 1149 Pearl | Beaumont | 409-835-8400 Jefferson County Sub-Courthouse 525 Lakeshore Dr | Port Arthur 409-983-8300 Veteran’s Services 1149 Pearl | Beaumont |409-835-8604 Better Business Bureau 550 Fannin | Beaumont | 409-835-5348 Lamar University 4400 MLK Pkwy | Beaumont |409-880-8888 Montagne Center at Lamar University 4400 MLK Pkwy | 409-880-1813 Lamar Institute of Technology 855 E. Lavaca | Beaumont 800-950-6989 | 409-880-8321 Lamar State College - Port Arthur 1500 Proctor St | Port Arthur 800-477-5872 | 409-983-4921

SHUTTLES

FROM FROM BEAUMONT BEAUMONTTO TO HOUSTON HOUSTON

BOOK ONLINE TODAY

888-898-2638 409-840-4600 w w w . s u n t r a v e l l i m o . c o m

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LOSE YOUR WORRIES WITHOUT LOSING YOUR MONEY. The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Beaumont specializes in giving you

everything you need and deserve when traveling.

And all at a great price. Start your day off right with our complimentary continental breakfast and end your day with a relaxing visit to our indoor heated pool and whirlpool. Also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access, a 24-hour fitness center, on-site guest laundry facility, business center with Internet access, and our 24-hour Market pantry. Conveniently located just off Interstate 10, the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Beaumont is just minutes away from Ford Park, Quinn Memorial Soccer Complex, the Beaumont Athletic Complex, downtown Beaumont and numerous options for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Unexpected Comforts on the Road.SM Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Beaumont 2265 I-10 South Beaumont, TX T 409.840.5751 F 409.840.5839 FairfieldInn.com/bptfi

Rates are per room, per night, based on availability, not available for groups of 10 or more rooms.

To reserve your room, call 1-800-228-2800 or visit FairfieldInn.com.

REFRESH THE WAY YOU TRAVEL. When it comes to vacation travel, Courtyard by Marriott offers a refreshing way to unwind. From the dynamic amenities to the superior service, we provide you with all the right options to help you stay in tune while on the road. The Courtyard is conveniently located on Interstate 10, minutes away from Ford Park, Quinn Memorial Soccer Complex, Beaumont Athletic Complex, as well as shopping, dining, and entertainment. Take advantage of our heated indoor pool and whirlpool, complimentary Wi-Fi Internet, The Market - a 24-hour pantry, fitness center, on-site guest laundry, meeting room for 2-50. Plus, the Courtyard Cafe is open daily for breakfast with an extensive buffet including eggs to order and more! To reserve your room, call 800-321-2211, or visit courtyard.com. Courtyard by Marriott® Beaumont 2275 I-10 South Beaumont, TX T 409.840.5750 F 409.842.6364 Courtyard.com/bptcy

Rates are per room, per night, based on availability, not available for groups of 10 or more rooms.

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