Southeast Texas Regional Visitor's Guide

8/14/2019 Southeast Texas Regional Visitor's Guide

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The Holiday Inn Hotel & SuitesBeaumont Plaza

Experience the resort feeling without the price!

3950 I 10 South @ Walden RoadBeaumont, TX 77705

Phone: (409) 842-5995 Fax: (409) 842-7810

www.holidayinnbeaumontplaza.com

Let us share in planning your next event!Contact our professional sales department.


3/882010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide

CONTENT&FEATURES

7 Big Fun on the Bayou

10 Beaumont: High Energy HotspotStrike it rich with entertainment, history,culture and nature

16 Port Arthur: Cultural & NaturalCrossroadsMarsh, sea and festivals part of the citysdiverse inheritance

20 Port Neches, Groves and NederlandTree communities with unique heritageand celebrations

44 On the TrailExplore history, art,architecture and culturalheritage of the region

49 Brazenly Blazin: Cuisine forEvery PalateReviews of some of the best restaurants in the are

58 Shop This Way: Dont Go HomeEmpty-Handed!Highlights of unique local shops and products

66 Must-See Attractions and Family FunComprehensive listing of the best bets of the regio

74 Events Calendar79 Accommodations, Maps & EssentialInformation Listings

he CVB staff is not responsible for any discrepancies or changesade effective after April 2010. Every effort has been made to provide

curate information at the time of production, yet this is not guaranteed.All advertising is the sole property ofThe Beaumont Enterprise.

28 Natures Way: Gators, Gardens,Bayous and BirdsA peek at the amazing biodiversity of the region

33 Year-Round Recreation DestinationSources for great fishing, hunting, boatingand outdoor fun

36 Here for the Party!Where to find the nightlife and liveperformances in town

2010-201

ForVisitor andHotel Information:

BEAUMONTCONVENTIONAND

VISITORS BUREAU 800-392-4401

DEANCONWELL Executive Director

FREDDIEWILLARD Director of Sales

ELIZABETHEDDINS Director of Tourism

STEPHANIE MOLINA Director of Marketing

ASHLEY WHITE Communications Specialist

REBECCAWOODLAND Convention Sales Manager

SUSANLUQUETTE Convention Servicing Manager

KAREN LEWIS Administrative Assistant

SAMANTHA BOUTEE Tourism SpecialistROSS RUSSELL Distribution Coordinator

PORTARTHURCONVENTIONAND

VISITORS BUREAU 800-235-7822

TAMMYKOTZUR Executive Director

TJHENDERSON Destination Mgmt. Specialist

CRAIGNOBLE Sales Director

LINDAHILTON Ofce Manager

PORTNECHESCHAMBEROFCOMMERCE

409-722-9154

DEBBIEPLAIA Executive Director

GROVESCHAMBEROFCOMMERCEANDTOURIST CENTER 409-962-3631

RONNIEBONEAU Executive Manager

DEBBIE SNELL Administrative Assistant

NEDERLANDCHAMBEROFCOMMERCEAND

TOURIST BUREAU 409-722-0279

CINDYCLIFTON Executive Vice President

STEPHANIE SHIMEK Administrative Assistant

roject Editor and Coordinator CHERYLROSECopy Editor CATHLEENCOLE

Contributing Writers CATHLEENCOLE,

JULIE GARCIA,HOLLI

PETERSEN,KRISTI

POWELL,CHERYLROSE,

HALEYSTRAHAN

Photography THE BEAUMONT

ENTERPRISE

PHOTOGRAPHY

STAFF AND JOSEPH

BOTTLE, DWAIN COX,

FELICIA JETER, SILVIA C.

MCCLAIN, STEPHANIE

MOLINA, KYLE PETERSEN,

JOYPRUITT, LEEE.STINSON, TXDOT,

TOM WILLIAMS

Publisher JOHN E.NEWHOUSEII

Advertising Director DWIGHTBROWN

Project Manager PILARLINARES

raphic Designer/Production ROSAVAZQUEZ-CLARK

Cover Models TAYLYNNCOOPERAND

BRENINCOOPER

Photography by JOY PRUITT

Special thanks to JeffersonCounty

CommissionersCourt for their

continuedsupport.

PublicationInformation:

A specialtypublicationby

THEBEAUMONTENTERPRISE

AverageSeasonal Temperatures:

January 52.5 F - 11 C April 68 F - 20 C July 82 F - 28 COctober 70 F - 21 C


4/88

4 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011

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Beaumont, Texas 77707 - 409.842.8200

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Surprisingly affordable rates. With the perfect modern updates.

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Tech Lounge with FREE WI-FI and gourmet coffee bar

Conference/Meeting room with computer

Outdoor pool with waterfall accents

State-of-the-art tness center

Spa-inspired bathrooms with granite countertops, vessel sinks and rain-ow showerheads

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Free guest laundry services, USA Today, local calls, expanded cable with

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Children 17 and under stay free


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Come on down the

Prepare to be dazzled by Texas-Cajun hospitalitywhichis smothered on thick and piled high with top-qualityentertainment, cuisine and sight-seeing. Here on the

Texas Gulf Coast plains and bayous, the pure, rawvitality of life is accentuated by everything from a fantasticMardi Gras to world-class museums, the incredible botanicalbiodiversity of a national preserve to deep-sea shing. This isserious living, so saddle up for a pleasurable ride through this

friendly territory.

Long a place of fascination for visitors, the cities thattook root here hail to the cultural inuence of the Frenchexplorers and Spanish conquistadors. Signicant milestonesin American history came to pass on this shoreline: Civil Warbattles were fought at Sabine Pass; Texass rst oil well blew inBeaumont, back in 1901; and rock n roll legend Janis Joplinwas raised in the cultural melting pot of Port Arthur.

As the states rich forests unwind en route to the Gulfof Mexico, a land that has seen massive bursts of industrystill thrives in coastal and woodsy habitat. The key cities ofthis county Beaumont, Port Arthur, Port Neches, Groves andNederland are truly a magnicent mix of heritage, cultureand personality

Seeking hunger-busting, Texas-style barbecue, picture-perfect sightseeing or off-the-beaten-path adventure? Honey,this regions such a hotspot itll get you two-stepping andwhistling Texas, Our Texas right quick! Hot to trotwith top-notch theaters, performing arts centers and rst-class entertainment venues, year-round highlights includesome of the best blockbuster concerts, signature rodeos andoutstanding performers in Southeast Texas. Chock full ofregional festivals and celebrations, the customs and traditionsof its impassioned citizenry are as compelling as dusks

ribbons of pink sweeping over the great Texas skyline.

So come on, yall!Hang up your hat, kick off those boots and giddy on up into

the good life here in Southeast Texas!

bayou!By Kirsten Matthew


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BEAUMONT

This black-gold boomtown offers h

igh-octane fun.

Welcome to Beaumont! Let

s check youritinerary.

Day 1:Do downtown. Visit the m

ultitude of museums and then hit the

entertainment

district for great food and fun.

Day 2: Tour thelocal universitys c

ampus and museums and choose a

nother downtown

restaurant for more delectable cuisine.

Day 3:Wander through the histo

ric homes that range from pioneer rusticto oil-boom opule

nt. Dine at

another choice eatery, perhaps spic

y Tex-Mexor Cajun tonight, and then head to a honky tonkt

o

boot-scoot the night away.

Day 4:Take inthe scenery at the

botanical gardenand take a riverb

oat tour.

Day 5:Get wildat the local alligat

or habitat in the morning and then s

pend a relaxed afternoon perusing

boutiques and antiques on Calder

Avenue. And thats just hitting the h

ighlights!

High-Energy HotspotBy Cathleen Cole



Before striking black gold, Beaumontwas a frontier town. Founded in 1835,it was a region known for rice farming,

cattle ranching and trapping. In 1845,JohnJay French, a local merchant, built a simpleGreek revival-style house to use as his homeand as a trading post and tannery. The house,the oldest surviving one in the city, was therst in Beaumont built from milled lumberand painted. Now a museum, the house andgrounds depict 19th-century life in SoutheastTexas with period antique furnishings andpioneer household items.

In 1901, Beaumont exploded to famewith the Lucas Gusher at Spindletop. Today

the Spindletop-Gladys City BoomtownMuseum at Lamar University recreates theoil-rush town of the early 1900s. Stroll alongthe wooden walkway, stepping inside thestorefronts that replicate a photographystudio, general store, livery stable and more.

The drugstores antique apothecary case isstocked with remedies for what ailed the oldtimers. On special occasions, a replica of thefamous oil derrick gushes with faux blackgold. (Its just water.)

Many people struck it rich in those days,including W.P.H. McFaddin, who had alreadymade his money from the cattle business,rice farming and milling, commercial realestate and trapping. After the Lucas Gusher,he made even more since he owned partinterest in the land where oil was discovered.In 1907, he moved his family into a grand,Beaux-Arts colonial style residence on CalderAvenue. Today, the McFaddin-Ward House

Museum and its furnishings reect thelifestyle of the prominent family who lived inthe home for 75 years. Enter the beveled-glassfront doors into the chandelier-lighted foyerthat leads to antique treasures in every room.Especially grand is the formal dining roomwith its huge candelabras made by RobertGarrard of London, silversmith to QueenVictoria.

Just down the street, the ChambersHouse Museum offers a fascinating glimpseof a middle-class family living in the early20th century. The house was built in 1906and in 1914 C. Homer and Edith FullerChambers purchased it and moved in withtheir two young daughters, Ruth and Florence.The girls never married and lived in the houseafter their parents passed away. Florence, theyounger sister, died in May 2004, leavingbehind furniture, personal items and artifactsthat had survived nearly 100 years.

Building on Black Gold

Separate but equal. Growingup during the Jim Crow days inSoutheast Texas, these three word

made Theodore Johns, and many othebristle. Even though the Supreme Courthen held these words to be lawful wheit came to the lives of white and blackpeople, the young black man knew it wunjust. He didnt know at the time that would be instrumental in erasing thosehateful words years later.

Born in Silsbee, Johns graduated fro

Prairie View A&M and went on to lawschool at Howard University, wherehis mentors challenged the separate-but-equal laws. The students, includingThurgood Marshall, learned their lessowell. Marshall led the ght and won inthe 1954 landmark case Brown v. theBoard of Education, a victory that led the integration of public schools. Johnshad the same idea for Southeast Texas

After serving in the Marine Corpsduring the Korean War, Johns openedhis law ofce in Beaumont in 1953. Afew years later, he and his law partneElmo Willard, fought for the integratio

Lamar State College of Technology, noLamar University. During the legal battthe two lawyers received death threatsand burning crosses on their lawns. Thpersevered and won their case on July30, 1956.

Condent with their victory, the duocontinued to ght for equality by linglawsuits against other institutions thathad whites-only policies. One of theinstitutions was Beaumonts Tyrrell Parkwhich only allowed white people to plon its golf course. Johns and Willard wtheir cases and Beaumont began openup to all the races.

For the decades that followed, Johnpracticed law in the Beaumont area awas appointed as a municipal courtjudge in 1994. A bronze bust of Johnand Willard titled Crusading Lawyersstands in front of the Jefferson CountyCourthouse.

On March 7, 201the Beaumont civil riglegend died at the agof 82, but his legacylives on.

Theodore Johns

A Beaumont

Civil Rights Legend

In 1901, Beaumontexploded to fame with the

Lucas Gusher atSpindletop

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


10/88


Discover the beginningsof the Texas oil industryat the Texas Energy

Museum where interactiveexhibits share the history of oilexploration, production andrening. Push a button and therobots representing historical

characters seemingly come to lifeto tell their stories of the oil boomin Beaumont.

While youre still in a scienticmood, visit the Edison Museumdedicated to the brilliant Americaninventor Thomas Alva Edison. Themuseum is located in the historicalTravis Street electrical substationof Beaumont-based Gulf StatesUtilities Co., now a subsidiaryof Entergy Corp., next to EdisonPlaza. Interactive exhibits arepacked into this little museum.

While touring downtown, youmay notice a very large re hydrantdecorated with white and blackspots. The giant hydrant, a movieprop for 101 Dalmatians donatedby the Walt Disney Co., marksthe spot of the Fire Museum ofTexas. Dedicated to preserving

the history of the reghtingservice and educating newgenerations about re preventionand safety, the museum is housedin a working re station built in1927. View vintage re engines,equipment and memorabilia. Touhighlights include the 1909 Aeria

ladder truck, the 1856 Howe HanDrawn Pumper, the 1931 LightTruck and the Gamewell CallBox Alarm System used prior totelephones.

At the Art Museum ofSoutheast Texas, explore thecollection of paintings, sculptureprints, photographs and folk anddecorative arts of the 19th, 20thand 21st centuries. The museumhas an emphasis on Americanart, with a growing collection ofregional folk art.

And for you sports fans, theBabe Didrikson ZahariasMuseum is a must-see. Withphotos and memorabilia, it paystribute to the hometown legendwho won Olympic gold andco-founded the Ladies ProfessionGolf Association.

After a day of touring, followthe road signs to the CrockettStreet Entertainment

District in downtown Beaumont.Hungry for a thick, juicy steak?Maybe Cajun cuisine? Or how aboutspicy Tex-Mex? Whatever yourecraving, its all available right here.After dinner, you can shoot a gameof pool, dance to live music or just sitback and relax.

Or head out to other hotspotestablishments around the city.We have ne dining, casualfare, clubs and pubs. Peruse ourentertainment and dining guidesto see what suits your fancy!

Be sure to check our calendar tosee whats happening and whosplaying at Ford Park, the BeaumontCivic Center, Julie Rogers Theatreand the historic Jefferson Theatre.

SteppinOut

A Multitude of Museums

Enjoy interactive exhibits at the Texas Energy Museum

Memorabilia preserved at the Babe Didrikson Zaharias MuseumBuilt in 1927 and restored

2007, the Jefferson Theatre

was selected as the Best

Restoration Project in Texa



Operation ER:Youll 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, were undergoing an extensive renovation to our Emergency

Room which is already the only certified Level III Trauma Center in

Southeast Texas.

Separate entrances or ambulances and walk-ins to expedite patient care.

Modern treatment areas and rapid assessment.

Kid-riendly waiting and treatment rooms.

Convenient parking specifcally or 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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Riverfront Park

Booming Beaumont has gators, gardens, great food and entertainment galoreso get your motor runnin and head on over!

At the downtown districts RiverfrontParkonthe Neches, stroll along the bank or just sit andwatch the boats go by. If youre in the mood for

a cruise and you happen to be here on a Saturday, headto the dock where Neches River Adventures offers aleisurely two-hour tour in an open-air pontoon boat.(Call ahead for the current departure time.) Have yourbinoculars and camera ready since youll be seeingplenty of wildlife just minutes from downtown .

Wander through the Beaumont BotanicalGardens located within the 500 acres ofTyrrellPark. The WarrenLoose Conservatory is the secondlargest in a public garden in Texas.

For something a little more on the wild side, ventureinto Gator Country. Big Al and his reptilian friends

will be waiting for you!

Naturally Inviting

The Neches is considered thelast wild river in Texas

Find Yourself in Beaumont

The Tyrrell Historical Library indowntown Beaumont offers genealogical

resources and free classes for beginnergenealogists. Specic resources include censusmicrolm, tax rolls, probate records, marriagedirectories and city directories. Patrons canaccess ancestry.com and heritagequestonline.com

at no charge. It is the main genealogical librain Southeast Texas and the archives focus on thregion. And as an added bonus, all this histois housed within a historical building a formchurch built in 1903 in a modied Gothic style architecture with a rough, gray stone faade anornate stained-glass windows.

Local Farmers Market

On Saturdays from May 22 to October30, sample a real taste of the region

with fresh produce and products sold byfarmers from within a 150 mile radius. Themarket runs 8a.m. to 11a.m. in the parkinglot of the downtown library off Main St. Fruits,vegetables, even grass-fed beef! Childrensactivities, cooking demos and more!

beaumonttxfarmersmarket.org



Built in 1845

Beaumonts oldest surviving

house Tour includetannery,

blacksmith sh& familycemetery

www.jjfrench.com

www.chambershouse.org

Open for ToursTue - Fri

10am-3pmSat 10am-2pm

John Jay French HistoricHouse Museum

3025 French Rd. Beaumont, TX 777

2240 Calder Ave Beaumont, TX 7770

409-898-034

409-832-4010

Built in 1906

Collection includes all

original family items

Depicts life

of a family inthe 1920s

Chambers House Museum

Open for Tours

Tue - Fri10am-3pmSat 10am-2pm

Voted

one ofTexas BestFree Family

Destinations.

Voted

one ofTexas BestFree Family

Destinations.

www.suntravelrv.cSales Service Rentals


14/88



Extending from the mouth of theNeches River tothe Sabine Causeway, Pleasure Island is an idealoutdoor play land for sailing, shing, boating, crabbing,hiking, biking, birding, camping and picnicking. Forthe kids, Fun IslandDepot is a mammoth playgroundreplete with swings, slides, climbing towers, bars and awalking track. Giving way to spectacular panoramas ofits beautiful lakeshore neighbor, the island truly

captures the essence of its name.Some 14 miles long and seven miles wide, neighboringSabine Lake and its surrounding coastal shing areamaintain one of the most productive marine ecosystemsin Texas. Speckled trout, redsh, ounder, red snapper,kings and other species inhabit these waters, offeringincredible inshore and offshore adventure. Guideservices invite anglers to experience some of the bestshing on the Gulf Coast. Windsurfers and boaterswill revel here.

Texas Parks and Wildlife recently reopened themarsh unit ofSea Rim State Park, allowing bayshing opportunities in the canals leading through

the marshlands. BothMcFaddin Beach and SeaRim have access to beachesfor gulf swimming, shelling,and other day-use activities.

Time spent outdoors inthis city whether swinginga club at one of its pristinegolf courses or wildlifewatching for the river otter,muskrat or gray fox that callthese marshes home is adistinctively superior South-

east Texas experience. >

Basking in the sun, waiting for a bite at McFaddin Beach: The region

is a shermans paradise

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


16/8816 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011

Let the Good Times Roll

Port Arthur prides itselfin its ability to throwa good-old Texas-styleshindig. Festivals,

fairs and Mardi Gras areking daddy here, drawing bigcrowds each year. Dependingon the season, the citysevents will satiate almostany palate for top-qualityentertainment.

Downtown Port Arthur turnsparty central like clockworkeach year to herald Mardi Grasin a splendid fanfare of glitzyparades, decked out revelersand classic New Orleans jazz-blues. Billed as a family affair,this is jubilant pageantry, acarnival-like menagerie ofspectacular oats, masked balls,street performers, gators andClydesdales. City blocks brimwith food vendors, carnivalrides and other attractions.

In April, the MercadoDays Latino Fest pumps outa lively Mexican esta withscrumptious Tex-Mex fare,festive music and dancing.In a show of good fare, fun

and homage, a JuneteenthCelebration commemoratesthe day slavery ended. TheZachary Breaux Jazz Festivaland Lotus Garden &Bamboo Festival lend someunique hometown heritageto the June agenda. Then, fora sensational IndependenceDay Celebration, Lamar StateCollege, Port Arthur campusputs on a star-spangled show.Later in the year, CaymanNight lls the air with

Jamaican reggae. Many othercultural events pepper thecalendar year, attractingwould-be merrymakers fromnear and far. > Musical roots run deep in Port Arthur, which celebrates

jazz, rock n roll, reggae, hip-hop and more.

The Mercado Days Festivalhighlights the rich Hispanic culture of the region The best family-friendly Mardi Gras to be found!



Newly renovated rooms with 42" HD at screen TVs and ree

high-speed internet.

Enjoy a Certifed Angus Bee Steak or Burger while overlooking

our antastic tropical outdoor pool at The Metro Grille.

Join us at the Manhattan Bar or daily drink specials with

complimentary appetizers every weekday rom 5pm-7pm.

2929 Jimmy Johnson Boulevard,

Port Arthur (409) 724-5000

www.holiday-inn.com/poplarthurtx

The Best Just Got Better!

bn temp (BON tom) good times.Let the bon temps roll! Ill have anotherShiner Bock!

che (share) short for chere or dear.Cher, will you pass the Tabasco please?

CAJUN TrANslATioN

7540 Memorial Blvd

Port Arthur, TX 77640

409.722.8383

Conveniently located off US

69/287 at Memorial Boulevard& Jimmy Johnson.

La Quinta Inn & Suites

Port Arthur is

NOW OPEN!

Minutes to the Motiva Expansion Project, Hunts

Corporation, ExxonMobil, Cheniere, Entergy, BA

Fina, Atofina Petrochem, Chevron Phillips, DuP

Total Petrochemicals, and Valero.

Please contact us for a tour today!

Free High-Speed Internet Access

Free Breakfast | Pool | Fitness CentOnsite Laundry

All rooms are equipped with refrigerato

microwave, upscale bedding & 42 HD

flat screens.

wake up on the bright side

www.lq.com


18/8818 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011

3115 Central Mall Dr. Port Arthur, TX 77642

(409) 853-4114 * Fax (409) 853- 1746www.hiexpress.com/portarthurtx 1-800-HOLID

Change is Happening!

Brand New Hotel!

Complimentary hot breakfast

Complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms and public spaces

Outdoor Swimming Pool

Onsite Fitness Center

Guest Laundry Facility

Complimentary Local Calls and Guest Voice Mail

32" LCD HD TV with free HBO and premium channels

Express Check In/Out

24 hour Suite Shop Convenience Store

24 hour Business Executive Center

Complimentary USA Today newspaper M-F

Meeting Facilities to accommodate up to 55 people

In room Coffeemaker, Iron & Board, Hairdryer, Ergonomic

Executive Chair

Suites include Microwave, Refrigerator, Wet Bar,

32" LCD HDTV, Sofa Bed, Chaise w/ottoman

Priority Club Rewards points

24 hour Coffee and Tea Service in lobby

100% Non Smoking Rooms/Interior Corridor Hotel/2 Elev

Electronic Key Card entry

Hearing Impaired and Handicap Accessible Rooms

Change is Happening!

Port ArthurFest&Fun

Jun. 5-6, 2010 12th Annual Lotus Gardens & Bamboo Festival409.982.9319 buumon.org

Jun. 11-13, 2010 3rd Annual Zachary Breaux Jazz Fest409.982.8394 or 409.985.9977zacharybreauxjazzfestival.com

Jun. 19, 2010 Juneteenth Celebration409.982.8040 or 409.985.7768juneteenth.com

Jul. 4, 2010 Independence Day Celebration in Port Arthur409.984.6101 portarthur.net

Sept. 11-12, 2010 Dick Dowling Days409.866.1655

Nov. 27, 2010 Cultural Lighted Holiday Parade409.963.1107 portarthur.net

Dec. 4, 2010 Bethlehem on the Boardwalk409.548.0178 409.985.7822visitportarthurtx.com

January 2011 Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame Show409.548.4444 800-235-7822 Call for date

Mar. 3 - 6, 2011 Southeast Texas Mardi Gras409.721.8717 mardigras.portarthur.com

Apr. 15, 2011 Mercado Days Latino Fest409.983.4006



Get Lost in the Mystique

As its mystical elementsunfold, the cultural

diversity of thisseaside communitybecomes evident. TheravadaBuddhism, the VietnameseCatholic Church and EasternZen all thrive as neighboringsubcultures at an alreadyuncanny cultural crossroadss.

The spiritual odysseybegins as the four-tierBuu Mon Temple risesabove Procter Street like atestament of power for a

school of Buddhism drawingits scriptural inspirationsfrom the earliest teachingsBuddha. Known nationallyand internationally for the

quality of its tropical andhardy lotuses, water lilies

and bamboo, four gardensaround the temple, includingthe exquisite Buu Mon WaterGarden, are the focus of theannual Lotus Garden andBamboo Festival.

Over on 9th Avenue, thesight is unexpectedly butunmistakably Vietnamese authentic markets, shopsand other businesses dot theurban landscape. At the nexusof this cultural hub stands an

area of peace, or Hoa-Binh,known as the Queen ofPeace Shrine and Gardens.

The venue features gardensand a statue of Mary built

by parishioners of Queen ofVietnam Martyrs Catholic

Church to show gratitudefor Port Arthurs welcomingreception.

Outside ofOur Lady ofGuadalupe Church andShrine, set upon rocks fromMexico Citys Mount Tepayac,stands a 17-foot high VirginMary, sculptedby a local artist, caught intime in a sacred depictionof the moment she rstappeared to Juan Diego.

The back wall of the shrinefeatures stained glass windowsbearing symbols related to

Our Lady of Guadalupe.q

It was a time of chaos,revolution and excitement. Shethe girl from Port Arthur, was athe pinnacle of her inuentialrock stardom, expressing heropinions about social changenot only through her powerfulsoulful music, but also via herfamed psychedelic 65 Porsch356c Cabriolet. A four-wheeleicon with its bright orange ayellow paint job, day-glo owcartoon butteries, rainbowsand other signature Janice Jopstatements sits parked likea groovy time traveler insidethe Museum of the Gulf Coastgreeting day trippers to its MuHall of Fame.

In an ode to the life and timethe Texas Gulf Coast, the museoffers an impressive permanencollection depicting the historyand culture of the region. Theexhibits tell an exciting tale,

weaving in notable people, splegends and musical talents. Fits Jurassic days and the traumof the Civil War to its economgrowth and popular culture, thdiverse displays, including vsix temporary exhibitions a yedynamically interpret centurieGulf Coast life.

Here, amidst the nely tailortrail of its heritage, is the largeindoor mural in the Southwestspooling together the history othe region from prehistory to tdiscovery of oil. Accomplishedathletes run career-settingtouchdowns on one wall. Intenabstract collages painted bynative son Robert Rauschenbecapture moments in pop culturon others. His signature modeof emphasizing the use of colotexture and symbolism asevidenced in the abstract Sig freezes for all time famous faof tumult in modern history. q

Museum of the

Gulf Coast

iveting bronze statue at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and Shrine

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

For a truly big taste of unbridled nature, Texas-style revelry and hometownbravado, Port Arthur has a smorgasbord of offerings to satisfy almost

any hankering. So get your motor runnin and head on over!


20/8820 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011

The Johnny Appleseed of Groves,Wiley Choate, certainly knewwhat he was doing when heplanted 2,500 pecan trees in

1919. Today, those beautiful, statuesquewonders give the entire region cause to

celebrate. And, celebrate they do duringthe Texas Pecan Festival, an eventheld under the warm September sun tocommemorate the pecan harvest.

Jam-packed with delectable, one-of-a-kind dishes, spirited live music andplenty of squeal-inducing rides, thesefour days of merriment attract fansfrom across the Golden Triangle. Ofcourse, the true star of the festival is thepecan itself. This might be your onlyopportunity to participate in a pecan

pie eating contest and a pecan toss,while indulging in more pecan-inspireddesserts than ever thought possible!

Of course, you dont have to waituntil September to pursue excitementin Groves. One evening a month,downtown Groves parties the eveningaway on historic Lincoln Avenue forFirst Fridays. This free family eventoffers live music, dozens of unbelievablesales, rare vendors, moonwalks andplenty of entertainment.

While youre in the shopping mood,dont forget to venture off LincolnAvenue to East Parkway. Though mostsmall towns consider snooping anOlympic event, in Groves youll discoverthe true meaning of the word. >

Get nutty at the Texas Pecan Festival held annually in September

Come taste the pie!

ByHolli Petersen

GrovesSmall 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 cultureas avorful and rich as a big pot of Cajun gumbo.



Snoopers Paradise, a specialtyantique and home-accent store, isa must-see. This eclectic boutiquehas a little something for everyone.

However, theyre known for theirdedication to offering the nestof European antiques, primarilyfrom France, Italy and Belgiumthanks to owner Jon Hamptonwho travels to Europe twice a yearfor some snooping excursions ofhis own. Colorful and diverse, thestore carries superior furniture

designers such as Maitland Smith,Theodore Alexander, Marge Carsonand Althorp. The Althorp Co., nereplicators of items from Princess

Dianas familys ancestralhome in England, isgenuinely exclusive. In fact,Snoopers isthe only Althorpretailer betweenHouston and BatonRouge!q

Festivals in Groves

SEPTEMBERTexas Pecan Festival

FIRST FRIDAYSFirst Friday of every month on Lincoln Avenue

When youre visiting Grovesyou simply cant leavewithout sampling the bestof the bayou. Larrys French Market &Cajun Restaurant is one of the areasmost happening hot spots. Dine on pof succulent seafood, steaming moundofspicy crawfish etouffee, heaping helpiofboudain balls and even some unique

selections likefried alligatorandfrog legs.

On Tursday, Friday and Saturdaynights, the restaurant serves up morethan just good food.

You can dance between dinnercourses with live bands ranging frtraditional country to toe-tappingCajun zydeco.

With a history as rich as their deephearty roux,the restaurants roots can

traced to 1925 when Albin and LarizJudice opened a small Groves grocerystore.Over time, as the popularity oftheir specialty meats grew, the coupleexpanded incrementally. Born out oftheir hometown dreams, today thisrestaurant and dance hall seats 440and is operated under the careful eye ofourth-generation owner, Larry Judice

Larrys French

Market & CajunRestaurant

From shopping and eating to dancing and relaxing,theres so much more than meets the eye

in this small community of homegrown fun.

Stroll through antiquing heaven: Snoopers Paradise

With a longandflavorful history, Colichias ItalianVillage has been filling up the hearts and bellies ofMid-County residentsformore than 70 years.

Family-owned and operated, Colichias is a localgem, luring in more andmoreregulars with each biteof their heartyItaliandishes.

AtColichias,thesecretistrulyinthesauce.Infact,it is a top-secret family recipe hailing straight from

the owners Sicilian familys ancestral recipes. Madefrom the freshest ingredients, their sweet and tangysauce is unparalleled and clearly authentic. Anotherhome-style, authentic favorite is the restaurantsmade-from-scratch house dressing, perfect fortopping off a salad or using as a dipping sauce forthe flaky Italian bread. Te menu is full of familiarfavorites, just made better with fresher ingredientsand an extra measureof love.

Colichias Italian Village


22/8822 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011

Every May, Port Nechescelebrates RiverFest atPort Neches RiverFront

Park. The FREE, four-dayfestival includes a carnival,boat races on Saturday andSunday, a talent competition,

a classic car and motorcyclesshow, a pet show, Battle ofthe Bands, two-day shingtournament, washerstournament and spectacularreworks display. On Fridayand Saturday nights, big nameentertainers perform in thepark.

RiverFest is known for itsscrumptious selection ofSouthern-inspired food. Somelocal favorites are fried Oreos,fresh-squeezed lemonade and

cheesecake-on-a-stick. Ona sunny day in May, theresnothing more fun thanto grab a pork-ka-bob andfunnel cake and watch theboat races.

Kids have the time of

their lives at Port Necheshuge playground TugboatIsland, and attached SplashPark. This place of wonderhas jungle gyms, slides andan area for toddlers andphysically-impaired children,too! The playground is fullof great hiding places for thebiggest game of hide-and-seekever. The splash-and-spraywater park is free to thepublic and one of the largestsplash parks in the area. >

Amazing playground Tugboat Island

Leisurely afternoon at Port Neches City River Front Park

PortNechesBy Julie Garcia

When arriving in Port Neches, you cant 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.

The good life on the river



Port Neches City River Front Parkalso has public boat ramps and is a perfectplace to bring your speed boat and jet skisfor an afternoon of fun and sun on thewater. You can enjoy shing and crabbingalong the river and then have a barbecueor sh fry in the parks picnic areas. Fromthe Riverview Pavilion, the center for theactivity in the park, watch the ships fromall over the world pass by at all hours of

the day and night. Just across the streetfrom the park, there are outdoor lightedbasketball and tennis courts that areopen to the public.

Also inside the park is La MaisonBeausoleil French for House ofBeautiful Sunshine. The historical home,built in 1802 in St. Martin Parish, La., isan authentic example of Cajun archite-ctural style. The structure was donated toa nonprot group called Les Acadiens du

Texas, which restored the residence after itwas transported via barge to the RiverFront

Park property. Tours are available of thehouse and grounds.

On the third weekend of each month,Port Neches Avenue comes alive withSuper Saturdays on the Avenue. Takea leisurely stroll and peruse the manyantiques and collectibles the numerousshops have to offer.

Whether you need a place to bring thekids for some romp-and-play time or youresearching for some rare antiques, PortNeches is lled with small-town pleasuresmixed with a love of history, legends andloads of antiques!q

Port Neches is also homto one of the spookiest tathis side of the NechesRiver. The legend of Sara

Jane is one that localpeople pass on to theirchildren and grandchildradding a little spook to aotherwise quiet town.

The legend tells of SaraJane, a woman living

alone with her newbornin the deep woods alongthe Neches River while hhusband was away ghtin the Civil War. One dshe received word thatUnion soldiers were ontheir way, so she placedher baby in a wicker basand hid the child underthe wooden bridge nearher house for safety. She

returned home, and afterthe soldiers departed, shwent to retrieve the babyIn the time she was awaythe river had risen and thchild was gone. Her heashattered with regret, Sa

Jane hung herself froma tree.

Sara Jane Road, ofciaEast Port Neches Road,runs from Port Neches toGroves. It is a hot spot oHalloween and Friday th13th. There have been taof ickering lights and spapparitions. Even now, osome nights when the airis still, people say they cahear the cries of Sara

Janes baby.

GHOST TALE

The Legendof Sara Jane

Road

Festivals in Port Neches

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

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

Cooling down at the Splash Park

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


24/8824 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


25/88


26/8826 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011

In March, it is transformed into thesite of the annual Heritage Festival.

The festival lasts an entire week andoffers events including parades,carnival rides, a Battle of the Bands,pageants, a chili cook-off, a pettingzoo, craft market and a washerstournament. The food at the festivalcan be found on themouth-watering Cuisine Walkand features local delicaciessuch as Cowboy Pistoletes. Liveentertainment, ranging from countryto zydeco to progressive rock, drawshuge crowds during the festival.

La Maison, or the French House,

hosts tours sprinkled with theFrench and Dutch words that wouldhave colored the local patois at thetime. The gift shop offers an arrayof traditional clothing, includingwooden shoes known in Dutchas klompen.

After all the excitement anddelicious food, Doornbos Parkprovides the perfect relaxation

station. A 20-acre stretch of pristinenature, the park has a duck pondand a lighted basketball court. Theducks are as friendly as everyone elsein Nederland, but they appreciatebread offerings. q

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

Antique EmporiumButchers KornerCandleCottageEclecticEleganceElliotsGaudie&Co.GaudieCoutureHollandHouse IZFunkyResaleJuxtaposeComputersNeverEnoughChocolate

TheShopsof Boston Avenue

Eclectic Boston Avenue offers a

variety of unique and chic shopping

Located in the heart ofNederland,BostonAvenue is a quietstreetthatboasts some of the bestshopping in thearea.Bricksidewalksaddto therelaxed,old-world ambiance,andcozy restaurants aretuckedintouniquebuildings along theway.Anarrayof eclectic,small storeslining theavenuelends a funky, downtownvibe, andoffers

antiques,homemadecandles, vintageclothing andhome decor.Spanning sixblocks,BostonAvenueprovides a perfectplace toenjoya lazy lunch andwanderaround.

For the latest fashions in town,tryGaudieCouture. Featuring hipclothing likeMissMeJeans and Ivy Jane,accessoriesandhandmade jewelry, youresure tofindsomethinggreat..Acrosstheavenue, sister storeGaudie andCo.specializesin gift items likeTylerCandles,aswell ashomedecor.

After youvedecoratedyourself, its timetodecorateyour home.BostonAvenuehousesAntiqueEmporiumandtheHollandHousemall,where you canfindantiquepieces aswell asnewhomedecorandgifts.

Scentedcandlesaddmore thanfragrancetoa home theyadd ambiance.eexperts in theCandleCottage createcustomgift basketsthatfill the nosewithheavenly aromas.Famous aroundtheregionfortheir divineblueberrycobblercandles,the store is also the only place toprocureLatteLights.eresascentsof homeineachcandlebecausethewaxywares aremade right in the shop!

Once youve perused the racks andsniffed thecandlescents,treatyourselftotheButchersKornerbarbecuerestaurant,wherethefoodsmells asamazingas the candles youve just leftbehind.

BostonAvenue has awealthofshopping opportunities in a small stretchof roadthatwontexhaust you beforeyouvehad time toseethemall.Whetheryoure lookingforvintageornewclothes,interestinggiftsora tastymeal, strollBostonAvenue andfind a newfavorite.q

An Amble on

the Avenue



For More Information on these events, please call the

Nederland Chamber of Commerce at 409-722-0279

NEDERLANDMonthly Networking Coffees

October - Annual Golf Tournament

October - Trunk-R-Treat

December Annual Lighted Christmas Parade

Nederland Heritage Festival

March 08 13, 2011

For More Details, Call 409-724-2269

Spindle Top Hot Rod

Car Show

March 25, 26, & 27, 2011

4010 N. Dowlen Beaumont347.4010

3308 Hwy. 365 Nederland724.2045

4031 Nelson Rd. Lake Charles, LA337.478.0901

OFFICIAL ROLEX JEWELER

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

OYSTER PERPETUAL

36MM DATEJUST TURN-O-GRAPH

409.880.8907 or visit our website www.nechesriveradventures


28/8828 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011

Swamps&Gators ByCathleen Coleatures

ECOTOURISM

Glide through the waters of creeks, rivers and lakes aboard a canoe or kayak. Hike the trails offorests and wetland areas. Wander through blooming botanical gardens.Wildlife abounds. If getting

closer to nature is what youre looking for, Southeast Texas is a natural choice.

You want swamps and gators?Weve gotplenty. Head toMcFaddin and TexasPointNationalWildlifeRefuges

and explore bayous and trails along oneof the largest remaining freshwatermarshes on the Texas coast. Five boatramps provide access to inland lakes andwaterways, but in most places the wateris very shallow so think canoe.

J.D.MurphreeWildlifeManagementArea has more than 24,000 acres offresh, intermediate and brackish water inthe prairie-marsh region along the coast.

The wetlands are part of theTexasChenier Plain, the westernmost geologicdelta of the Mississippi River. Here youcansee brown pelicans, piping plovers,ducks,geese,sea turtles, and,of course,alligators. For a leisurely and educationalcruise, NechesRiverAdventures, aventure of Lamar Universitys Environ-mental Learning and Research Center,offers a two-hour trip in an open-airpontoon boat.The Cardinal leaves fromthe dock at Beaumonts RiverfrontParkon Saturday mornings,weatherpermitting. (Call ahead for current

departure times.)The Neches isconsidered the last wild river inTexasand youll be seeing flora and fauna justminutes from downtown.

For a more exhilarating trip, catch aride with LouisianaAirboat to explorethe swamps and bayous of SoutheastTexas and Southwest Louisiana.(Call ahead for reservations.)

And dont miss GatorCountry withits entertaining and educational showsand exhibits. BigAl,Texas largest captivealligator, is the parks star attraction. >



Gator Country

Reptile RealityAdventures

Gary Saurage loves alligators,whether or not they love him back.The conservationist and co-ownerofGator Country Adventure Parkin Beaumont used to hunt gators forliving, guiding clients deep into theswamps, but he eventually realized thpeople were fascinated by the hugereptiles. Now hes trying to save themincluding wayward gators that wandfrom their wetland homes. Hisdangerous job landed him in a newreality television series for the CMTnetwork calledGator 911.

Gator Country is home to morethan 130 American alligators,

includingBig Al, the biggest alligator icaptivity in Texas a fact certified bytheTexas Parks and WildlifeDepartment. Hes about 70 years oldmore than 13 feet long and close to1,000 pounds. The park also includecrocodiles, turtles and snakes, includa yellow python named Banana.

Built from an abandoned alligatorbreeding farm just off Interstate 10,seven ponds interlinked by piers,elevated walkways and paths offerup-close-and-spine-tingling views of

the residents.When Saurage found tconveniently located but overgrown,abandoned farm with its nearly dryponds and remaining survivors, heknew that if he created an entertainiand educational reptile attraction,people would come.

He was right. Visitors arrive fromaround the country to see Big Al,onof the few survivors of the originalbreeding farm, and the other reptiliaresidents in exhibits and shows thatexcite and educate at the same time.The brave guests can hold baby gato

and feed adolescent gators hot dogsfrom fishing lines.And now, if peoplcant make it to the park, they cantune in toGator 911 to get the411 on Saurage and his team ofreptile rescuers.

ig Thicket National Preserve

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


30/8830 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011

See the tamer side of nature at theareas beautiful botanical gardens.The Beaumont Botanical Gardensis a public garden located withinTyrrell Park, which includes theWarren Loose Conservatory thesecond largest in a public garden inTexas. Explore the theme gardensshowcasing camellias, modern andantique roses, bromeliads and nativeplantsconnected by a paved walkwayoffering plenty of benches to sit and

relax.Find your inner peace among the

lotuses and water lilies at the BuuMon Buddhist Temple in Port

Arthur. The Buddhists also growseveral varieties of bamboo, bananaand citrus trees. The gardens are thefocus of the free annual LotusGardenandBambooFestivalheld in June. Private tours are availablethrough the rest of the growing sea-son,so be sureto call for an appoint-ment.

For a certified Green experience,Shangri La Botanical Gardens andNature Center in Orange is a per-

fect place to enjoy gardens burstingwith fragrance and color. Its uniquewetland ecosystem offers sanctuaryto plants and animals. >

BotanicalGARDENS

SEE&DOSwamps & GatorsGatorCountry21159 FM365

Beaumont, TX 77705 409.794.945gatorrescue.com

LouisianaAirboat108 E. Lutcher Dr.Orange, TX 77632 409.883.0318americanairboats.com

McFaddin andTexasPointNationalWildlifeRefuges10 Parks & Wildlife Dr.Port Arthur, TX 77640 409.736.237fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texasmcfaddin

J.D.MurphreeWildlifeManagement Area10 Parks & Wildlife Dr.Port Arthur, TX 77640 409.736.255tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/wma/nd_a_wma

NechesRiver Adventures701R Main St., Beaumont, TX409.880.8907nechesriveradventures.org

Botanical GardensBeaumontBotanical GardensanWarren LooseConservatory6088 Babe Zaharias Dr.Beaumont, TX 77705 409.842.313beaumontbotanicalgardens.com

BuuMonBuddhistTemple2701 Procter St.Port Arthur, TX 77640 409.982.93buumon.org

ShangriLaBotanicalGardens&NatureCenter2111 West Park Ave.Orange, TX 77630 409.670.9113shangrilagardens.org

Bird WatchingAnahuacNationalWildlife Refu

509 Washington Ave.Anahuac, TX 77514 409.267.3337www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texas/anahuac

BigThicketNationalPreserve6102 FM 420Kountze, TX 77625 409.951.6700nps.gov/bith

Sea RimStateParkTemporary Mailing Address:105 San Jacinto St.LaPorte, TX 77571 281.471.3200tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/ndadest/parks/sea_rim/

The Beaumont Botanical Gardens at Tyrrell Park

The WarrenLooseConservatory



Roseate spoonbills are partof the astonishing biodiversityof the region

BirdWATCHING

Quietly, carefully, the bird watchers reachfor binoculars hanging from their neckstoget a closer lookatthe flock of roseatespoonbills wading in brackish water. The windrustles the marsh grass of the coastal prairie atAnahuac National Wildlife Refuge. See up to

27species of ducksbetween OctoberandMarchalong with huge flocks of snow geese that feedwithin the refuge. Warblers and other songbirdsrest here during spring and fall migrations.Throughout the year roseate spoonbills, greatand snowy egrets, white-faced ibis and mottledducks make the refuge their home.

Port Arthurs Pleasure Island separates theIntracoastalWaterway from Sabine Lake and itslong levees are a perfect place to watch thewaterfowl that flock here.

South of Port Arthur, Sea Rim State Parkoffers vast marshland with 5.2 miles of Gulf of

Mexico beach shoreline.The parkserves as a reststop for several species of migratory birdstraveling the Central Flyway.

Pick a spot along Taylor Bayou for a quietbirding adventure. The waterway starts 16 mileswest of Port Arthur and flows east for 18 milesto its mouth on the Port Arthur Canal at PortArthur.

To the north at Big Thicket NationalPreserve, start your trek into the pineywoodsatthe Big Thicket Visitor Center andenjoy hands-onactivities,exhibitsandthe interactive discoverycenter. The preserve is on the Central and

Mississippi migratory flyways and bird watching

is excellent from mid-April to Mid-May.Nearly 186 kinds of birds live here ormigrate through.

Or you can set up camp at VillageCreek State Park and canoe or kayak

along the meandering waterway. (Canoe

rental equipment and shuttle service arprovided by local outfitters.) Youbound to see some of the more than 20species of birds native to this areincluding wood ducks, egrets an

herons.

The morning air is still crisp in the forest andalong the banks of the meandering creek.Out of the mist that hovers above the water,two long forms glide into sight, at first looking likegiant water bugs with straight legs rising and falling,propellingthemforward.Theinsect-like apparitions

transform and its clear now what they really are:canoes with oars silently dipping, carrying campersto a more remote site downstream. Sunlight danceson the water and warms the mist away. Goodmorning, Village Creek State Park.

It doesnt take long for the other campers toemerge from their tents for a day of activity rangingfrom vigorous to relaxing. Located just a few milesfrom Beaumont, the park is named for the creekthat runs through it. Its the perfect place for flat-watercanoeingandkayakingasthestreammeanderssoutheast for 69 miles to the Neches River.

Thereis plentyto dooutof the water too.Hikeor

bike the trails in this pine and deciduous forest of

the Big Thicket. Stake out your spot along thcreeks sandy bank and cast your line for catfisbass, perch and panfish. At the picnic pavilion anplayground, youngsters swing,climb andslide whithe adults grill the catch of the day.

Whether its for a day or a week, makesuretovisVillage Creek State Park when youre in this nec

of the woods.>

Park&GLIDE

VILLAGE CREEK STATE PARK

2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide

Canoeing & Kayaking

VillageCreek State Park8854 Park Road 74(off Alma Drive)Lumberton, TX 77657409.755.7322

www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/

EastexCanoe Trails1698 US 96 SouthSilsbee, TX 409.385.4700eastexcanoes.com

PineyWoodsOutftters921 S. MainLumberton, TX 409.751.0911canoetexas.com

CoastalPaddler2855 Eastex Frwy. Ste. ABeaumont, TX 409.899.4397


32/8832 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011

www.aquilagolf.com8537 LaBelle Road

Beaumont, Texas 77705409-796-1327

27 HOLE

S

27 HOLE

S

Captain Randys Guide Service

Telephone: (409) 985-7619Cell Phone: (409) 719-6067

Come shing 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 shing trips available. Fishing for snapper, long, king,

triple tail, and dolphin. Dive or sh around rigs, boat wrecks, weed lines, and

shrimp boats.

Randy Foreman, US Coast Guard Certifed Captain

Licensed in both Texas and Louisiana

www.fshsabine.comTouring: Sabine Lake & Gulf Coast

Trophy Trout, Red Fish, and Flounder

Corporate tripsavailable

Families with childrenare always welcome

NaturalBEAUTYBeyondYOURImagination

SHANGRI LA BOTANICAL GARDENS AND NATURE CENTER

CO

OU

S

Snowy egrets and great blue heronswade in the shallows of the cypressswamp. Cormorants fly to the leafycanopy above. Down the bayou, a gator lum-

bers onto the bank and into tall grass. Theland is lush and wet and green a gardenoasis in themiddle of nowhere.

Its Shangri La a perfect,imaginary land born in themind of a long-ago noveliStBut this one is real thedream-come-true of timbermagnate and philanthropistH.J. Lutcher Stark. Stark isgone but his memory lives on

through the foundation he created. ShangriLa Botanical Gardens and Nature Centerin Orange is 252 acres of idyllic hide-away a unique wetland ecosystem offeringsanctuary to plants and animals and atranquil retreat for humans.

Start your tour in the Orientation Centerthat includes an exhibit hall, a theater and

exhibition greenhouses. The interactichildrens garden draws the little ones where they can touch, see and smell anlearn to care about nature. Now that yo

have a deeper understanding of the preserits time to start your journey into the oasi

Wander the pathways encircling the niformal gardens with more than 300 plaspecies. Beyond, the herons are callinFollow the trail to the large bird blind forglimpse through telescopes of flutteriwaterfowl.

The water lures you closer. Float dowAdams Bayou on a pontoon boat or travthe boardwalk to arrive at one of thrNatureCenteroutposts.Thousands of birnest in Ruby Lake and the 1,200-year-opond cypress tree called The Survivwatches over all.

Ifnaturalbeautyiswhatyouseek, ShangLa offers a tranquil refuge beyond thimagination.

The Big Thicket

Association

The Big Thicket

Association

www.bigthicket.orgwww.bigthicket.org

Founded in 1964 and dedicated to the

conservation of the unique natural

resources of Southeast Texas

Make a difference in the

Big Thickets Future!www.thicketofdiversity.orgBox 198, Saratoga, TX936-274-1181Photos Courtesy of Michael Black

Be informed! Participate in Field Trips

and Workshops

Become a Citizen Scientist in the

Thicket of Diversity!

hangri La Botanical Garden and Nature Centersuilding complex is a certifed Platinum LEED buildingy the United States Green Building Council



Recreation DestinationBy Kirsten Matthew

At dawns rst light, a sher-man hauls a stringer full ofounder from a brackishbayou. Somewhere offshore,the high blare of an outboard

engine rousts a ock of nesting ducks.A brilliant red-orange sunrise breaks asthebirds fanout acrossthe horizon, justpassersby to this land of wild beauty.

Here, where coastal waters meetcoastal plains and the climate is mildyear-round, a cornucopia of recreationoutlets exists for sports enthusiasts of

nearly any caliber. Fishing, boating andhunting are decided mainstays, but a

plethora of other alternatives vie forcontention.

Bicycle tours, running events andexceptional golf courses abound. Theopportunities for swimming, campingand hiking are many and varied. Forthe more physically active, learningto wakeboard or even competing inone of the tournaments out on theSETx Wakeboard Lake is a uniqueadventure. Those who prefer passiveparticipationmight enjoy a professionalsporting event at Beaumonts Ford

Park or a Lamar University footballor basketball game. >

Lamar University teams compete on anational level. Whether youre looking tolight up Saturday nights in the fall with Texasfootball or while away a spring afternoon

watching future MLB players in a collegiatebaseball game, you can check the latestteam schedules at:http://www.lamarcardinals.com


34/8834 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011

A Fishermans Friend

efferson County ishometo 32 lakes,milesof coastal beaches anda myriad of rivers andcreeks, making it a sh-

ermans paradise. Out on SabineLake, shing guide and charter ser-vices open the door to ne offshore

shing trips. Red snapper, dorado,amberjack, king mackerel, tripetail and shark swim these waters.For bait casters, huge speckle trout,line-testing redsh and doormat-size ounder all prey inshore.

To the east, the county lineis formed by the Neches River.

A growing international touristattraction, Port Neches offersshing and many other outdoorexperiences, including a shingtournament during the citysannual RiverFest

Many of the numerous localwildlife refuges and wildlife man-

agement areas attract shermenwho relish the large expanses ofcoastline, meandering bayous andcoastal marshes. Various parks,piers and boat ramps throughoutthecounty also offer accessto someof the nest shing in the state.

J

eep within the un-spoiled wilds of theBig Thicket Nation-al Preserve, natures

critters white-taileddeer, rabbitand feral hog - roamtheforests and black-water swamps.An amazing patchwork of biodiver-sity, including an impressive varietyof waterfowl, presents hunters withsome tasty choices.

On the Texas-Louisiana border,McFaddin and Texas PointWildlife Refuges supply im-portant resting and feeding

places for migrating blue andgreen winged teal, mottled ducks,gadwall and other species. (Largeportions of the game lands areopen to hunters free of chargeand can be accessed on foot or byboat.) Other rich feeding grounds

on these bountiful marshlandsafford a wealth of waterfowlhunting, including AnahuacNational Wildlife Refuge

and J.D. Murphree Wild-lifeManagement Area.

Come alligator, deer or duckseason, Southeast Texas doles outa hefty portion of prime huntingopportunities for sportsmen of allstripes and ambitions. >

A Hunters Heaven

D



A Boaters Bountyuch a vast network ofrivers, lakes, bayous andcoastal waters crisscrossthis region that boatinghas become as much

a part of the local lifestyle as rib-sticking Texas barbecue. Severallocal outts offer guided canoe

trips and nature tours along Village

Creek, known for its sugar-whitesandbars and the unspoiled naturalwilderness.

Boating is a popular diversion outon Sabine Lake and a public boatlaunch is available. Enjoy a leisurelysail or take a high-seas adventuredown Sabine Pass to the Gulf of

Mexico.

S

Whether its catching some air on a wakeboard

reeling in the big one or paddling down a canoe tr

this recreation hot spot is uniquely laid out for seri

sports enthusiasts, fans included.

SPORTING LIFE

ACTIVITIES

Fishing andHuntingAnahuacNationalWildlifeRefugeMainComplex509WashingtonAve,Anahuac409.267.3337fws.gov/southwest/refuges

McFaddin andTexasPointNationalWildlifeRefugesMainComplex10Parks&WildlifeDr,Port Arthur409.736.2371fws.gov/southwest/refuges

J.D.MurphreeWildlife

ManagementArea10Parks&WildlifeDr,Port Arthur409.736.2551tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild

TexasParksandWildlifeDepartmentHunting Licenses, Permits, Dates800.895.4248tpwd.state.tx.us.huntwild

VillageCreekStatePark8854 Park Road 74,Lumberton409.755.7322 tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest

BoatingCardinalNechesRiverAdventures701RMain St,Beaumont409.880.8907nechesriveradventures.org

TexasParksandWildlifeDepartmentWhere toBoattpwd.state.tx.us/shboat/boat/where

WakeboardingWakeboardLessonssetxwakeboarding.com

GolfBabe ZahariasGolf Course

3500Jimmy JohnsonBlvd,Port Arthur409.722.8286aquilagolf.com

BayouDinGolf Club8537 LabelleRd, Beaumont409.796.1327aquilagolf.com

Beaumont Country Club5355 Pine St,Beaumont409.898.7011beaumontcountryclub.com

BelleOaksGolf Club15075Country Club Dr, Beaumont409.796.1311golink.com

BrentwoodCountry Club4201 S.MajorDr, Beaumont409.840.9010brentwoodccbeaumont.com

HenryHombergMunicipalGolfCourse5940 Babe ZahariasDr, Beaumont409.842.3220cityofbeaumont.com

IdylwildGolfClub1100 Pine Shadows Dr, Sour Lake409.753.2521bigthicketdirectory.com/pages/idylwild

IronOaksGolf ClubIronOaksDr, Beaumont409.866.9191golink.com/golf-courses

PatchGolf Course5721MonroeSt, Groves409.963.3763golink.com/golf-courses

SportsTeamsLamarUniversityCardinals4400MLKBlvd, Beaumont409.880.7011lamarcardinals.com

FISHINGGUIDES

Captain RandysSabine LakeGuideService409.719.6067shsabine.com

Chucks GuideService409.697.6111chucksguideservice.net

Coastal OutttersGuideService409.460.1220coastaloutttersguideservice.com

Colburns Sabine Connection409.883.0723sabineconnection.com

GoldenHookGuideService409.673.3100goldenhookguide.com

HaveBoatWill TravelGuideService409.786.2018 or 409.673.9211shsabinelake.com

SabineLakeGuideService409.718.8782sabinelakeshing.com

SabineOutdoors FishingCharters409.719.7166sabineoutdoors.com

MARINAS

Colliers FerryPark5390 Pine St,Beaumont

Pleasure Island(reopeningearly2011)520PleasurePier Blvd, Port Art409.982.4675pleasureislandtx.com

PortNechesRiverFrontPark600Grigsby,PortNeches409.727.2182

RiverfrontPark800Main,Beaumont409.838.3435

SabinePassBattlegroundStatePark&HistoricSiteHwy. 87S.,SabinePass409.332.8820 or 512.463.6323

SabinePass Port AuthorityMarina5960 S. First Ave, SabinePass409.971.2411

WalterUmphrey StateParkPleasure Island, PortArthur409.736.2851


36/8836 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011

In a region that hasyielded some ofAmericas greatestmusic legends including

George Jones, Janis Joplin,

Mark Chesnutt and TracyByrd, Southeast Texasstands out as a destinationfor great live music.

To see your favorite (and soon-to-be favorite) performers up closeand personal, try small venues liketheBarkingDogCoffeeLoungein Beaumont, a hip and funkyhotspot where you can rock along

with local bands on weekendnights to everything from indie tojazz and rock.TheLogonCafe,also in Beaumont, is a favorite livemusic venue for local music-lovers,as it blends respected local artistswith regional and national acts. Toget in-the-know about the latestmusical talent in the area, tryDylansRestaurant andGrill in Port Arthur.Featuring music every weekend andacoustic nights every Tuesday, Dylanshas its finger on the pulse of the localmusic scene.

If youre in the mood for abigger attraction, Southeast Texasboasts several live music venues >

Ifyou cameto SoutheastTexas

lookingfor a goodtime,youre

on

therighttrack.As ameltingpot

of

cultural influences,Jefferson Count

y

offers so manytypes ofentertainm

ent, it

canbehardto decidewhichto do fi

rst.

Downingcrawfishtothe music of

alive Zydeco

band,hip-hop dancingat a nightclub,watching

alocal stageplay,attendingthe con

cert ofa

hometownboyturned country sup

erstarthis is

atypical Saturday.

HERE FOR

THE

Party

By Haley Strahen

LIVEMUSIC


37/88


38/8838 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011

No need to just watch from thesideline when you can follow thebasic pattern of the traditional TexasTwo-Step. Think of it as walkingto a beat quick-quick-slow-slow.Face your partner. Gents, your rightarm on your ladys waist, the leftarm out, slightly bent for her to holdyour hand.

Beat Guys Gals1 Step forward quickly with left foot. Step back quickly righ

2 Step forward quickly with right foot. Step back quickly left

3 Step forward slowly with left foot. Step back slowly right

4 Pause Pause

5 Step forward slowly with right foot. Step back slowly left.

6 Pause, pull left leg even and repeat. Pause

TIMEFORDANCING

W

ith so manyculturalinfluences

at play inSoutheast Texas, its nowonder that there are manyclubs dedicated to differentstyles of music and dance.

Whether you brought yourpointed-toe boots, your cha-chastilettos or your snowy white kicks,theres a place for you to dance thenight away.

Many of the area dance clubsfeature country music and a dancefloor made for boot-scooting. Ifyoure eager to show off your bestTexas two-step (or perhaps tolearn how), try BeaumontsAlibisCocktailsandDancing, where manyof the areas professional and amateurcountry-western dancers gather toperfect their twirls. Other clubs forcowboys and their cowgirls includeWhiskeyRiver, which offers freecountry-western dance lessons on

Wednesdaynights, andDixieDance

Hall.Would youratherjazzit up? SugasDeep SouthCuisineand

Jazz Bar,located in

historic downtown,features live jazzmusic Friday andSaturday nights.A favorite destinationforromanticdates andspecial occasions,dinner

and dancing at Sugas is an elegantway to spend an evening.

Club Salsa is a spicy trendsweeping Southeast Texas.Meetingonce a month in the ballroom of theHoliday Inn & Suites in Beaumont,Club Salsa offers salsa dancinglessons early in the evening, followedby open dancing to a live salsa band.

If you want to experience someof the local Cajun flavor, head toGroves to enjoy live zydeco music atLarrys French Market and Cajun

Restaurant. A SoutheastTexastradition,Larrys French Marketblends delectable Cajun eats withgood-time zydeco, but the truepleasure lies in people-watching.e dance floor reflects a little sliceof SoutheastTexas. From an oldercouple with accomplished danceskills to a father dancing with hislaughing toddler, from down-homegood ole boys to well-dressedsorority sisters, the dance floor isnever empty.

e PineTree Lodge,outonthe bayou in Beaumont, is anotherhome for Cajun music as spicy asthe food.Live Zydeco bands playhere every Sunday and on weekendsduring the spring and summermonths. Watch out for the gatorsthat swim right up to the dock! >


40/8840 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011

S

outheast Texasboasts a number oftheatrical groupsworthy of any

Broadway production.In addition, Beaumonts Jeffersoneatre and Julie Rogerseatre represent some of themost breathtaking architecturein the region, as well as evidenceof the dedication to historicalrestoration recently undertakenin the area.

Beaumont CommunityPlayers puts on several plays eachyear featuring all local talent. Pastproductions include Grease, Guys

and Dolls, and, most recently,Chicago, which had consistentlysold-out performances over itsmonth-long run.BeaumontCommunity Players alsosponsors the Kidmunity Players,which presents plays featuringand for children over their

summer workshop season.Te Port Arthur Little Teaterpresents plays like Once Upon aMattress and Frankenstein ate Playhouse in Port Arthur.

If you long for a night atthe ballet, look no furtherthan Beaumonts two dancecompanies. e Beaumont CivicBallet, made up of local students,presents a holiday performanceofTe Nutcrackerevery year anda spring performance ofSnowWhite. e Beaumont BalletTeater, similarly consisting oflocal talent, performs an annualproduction ofCinderella, also inthe spring.

Many venues,across JeffersonCounty,whetherthe JeffersonTeatre, the JulieRogersTeatre,theRobert BowersCivicCenter,or the FordParkArena offer stageacts throughout the year suchascomedyacts,plays,expos, circusesanddance performances.

ONTHESTAGE

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



B I R D F O O D F E E D E R S G A R D E N A C C E N T S U N I Q U E G I F T S

Great Ideas For,

The Great Outdoors

Let Us Help,Create a NatureHabitat In YourOwn Backyard.

3939 Dowlen Rd #7 Beaumont, Tx 77706

(409) 347-3500 www.wbu.com/beaumont

Were passionate about birds and nature. Thats why we opened aWild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop in our community.

Wild & CrazyWednesdays

LADIES NIGHT$2 BEER & BAR ALL NIGHTNO COVER LADIES 18 & UP

Live!Thursdays

CONCERT NIGHTLIVE NASHVILLE & TEXAS

COUNTRY ARTIST

FuntasticFridays

SPECIALS

ALL NIGHT

StampedeSaturdays

HOLY COW!

$2 BEER & BARALL NIGHTNO COVER TILL 10

Come on in theWhiskeys fne !whiskeyrivertexas.com

3871 Stagg Drive @ I-10

In the Gateway Shopping Center

409-832-2999Doors Open @ 7PM


42/8842 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011

Alibis Cocktails and Dancing315 I-10 North Beaumont409-835-5164

The Art Studio, Inc.720 Franklin Beaumont409-838-5393

Barking Dog Caf493 Pearl St Beaumont409-835-BARK

Cashs Bar and Grill8484 Central Mall Dr Port Arthur409-729-6639

Crockett Street200 Block of Crockett St Beaumont

Hole in the Wall240 Crockett St Beaumont409-833-3090

Dixie Dance Hall240 Crockett St Beaumont409-833-3090

The Hub Bar & Patio260 Crockett St Beaumont409-838-1500

Star Bar296 Crockett St Beaumont409-813-2299

DVine Wine Winery6755 Phelan Blvd Beaumont409-861-0400

Easys Tapas & Martinis

2325 Calder Beaumont409-832-2600

Fast Eddies Pool Hall & Bar6410 Phelan Blvd Beaumont409-866-2212

Dylans Restaurant and Grill8601 9th Ave Port Ar thur409-722-1600

Good Times (Inside the Ramada Inn)3801 Hwy. 73 Port Arthur409-962-9858

Hooters850 I-10 West S Beaumont409-892-WING

Kings Bar & Grill1295 N 11th Street Beaumont409-898-1967

Logon Caf3805 Calder Ave Beaumont409-832-1529

Larrys French Market &Cajun Restaurant3701 Hwy 366 Groves409-962-3381

Madisons4020 Dowlen Rd Beaumont409-924-9777

MacKenzies Pub

229 Dowlen Rd #9B Beaumont409-866-2288

Major League Grill4430 Dowlen Rd 409-898-7500

The Pacesetter Lounge6358 Phelan Blvd Beaumont409-866-2100

The Pine Tree Lodge3396 Pine Tree Rd Beaumont409-796-1600

Rocks5675 Fannett Rd Beaumont409-842-9932

Speak Easy Lounge711 Proctor St Port Arthur409-982-1700

Starvin Marvins Bar & Grill2310 N. 11th Street Beaumont409-347-0058

Sugas Deep South Cuisine& Jazz Bar461 Bowie St Beaumont409-813-1808

Thirstys229 Dowlen Rd Beaumont409-866-6066

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

The West Bar and Grill

6445 Calder Ave Beaumont409-866-4733

Whiskey River3871 Stagg Dr Beaumont409-832-2999

WineStyles4008 Dowlen Rd Beaumont409-347-1340

NIGHTSPOTS



FOR THE BEST IN ENTERTAINMENT VISIT

THE WEST END OF BEAUMONT!

FOOD, FUN &SPIRITS!

WHERE EVERYNITE IS PARTY NIGHT

6445 Calder Ave.

Beaumont

409-866-4733

Monday All Day1/2 price appetizers

Seasonal weeklycrawfsh boils

Pool Ping Pong

Big Screens

Weekly Dart

Tournament

Outdoor smoking

veranda with TVs

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

SATELLITE NFL GAME TICKET

Great Food, Dance, Music, Friends & Fun D.J. Entertainment; Friday

Live Bands; Tues, Wed, Thurs. & Sat.

PIZZA BURGERS STEAKS PRIME RIB SHRIMP FIS

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

Wine Sales ~ Wine by the Glass

Wine Club Specialty Beers

Gift Baskets & Accessories Gift Cards

Corporate & Private EventsWine Education Classes

WEEKLY WINE TASTINGS every Tuesday 5pm - 8pm

Join the WIneStyles Club - the best value around

4008 Dowlen Rd. Bmt,TX 409.347.1340www.winestyles.net/beaumont

Cocktails & Dancing

315 IH 10 N. Beaumont

409-835-5164

Country Western and Good Time Oldies

To Dance The Night Away To.

Never a Cover 21 and up!

Great Music Every Night

Enjoy a Glass or Bottle of Wine Parfaitwith our Italian Cold Plate

6755 Phelan Blvd, Bmt,TX 409.861.0400 www.divinewinebmt.com

YOUR PERSONALWINERY

Customize Your Own Private Labelfor You, your Business, or Special Gift

for the Holidays

Visit our Wine Tasting BarHost a Private Party in our Vineyard Room

Open Monday (Day) Tues - Thur Noon until 9 PMFri - Sat Noon until 10 PM

Sun by Appointment Seats 60 People

OFTEXAS

Southeast TexasTASTYTerms

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 basedsauce) great with crawsh 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 includeokra, shrimp, chicken and sausage. In seafood gumbo,

you might nd uncracked crab legs, oysters, shrimp,crawsh and other seafood. Usually poured over rice.

Jambalaya (Jum ba lie ya):Rice-based dish; includeswhat many Cajuns call the Holy Trinity of bell peppers,tomatoes and onions. Also can contain poultry, ham,shrimp, celery and just about every seasoning.

Some


44/8844 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011

OntheTrail...

Historic Homes TrailWander 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, meticu-louslyrestored, tell the tale of the areas earlier days through familyhistories and the treasures theyleftbehind.From simplehand toolsto sparkling crystal chandeliers,antiquesfillevery room.Lookout the windows of the grand mansions and imagine the debutantes strolling in the gardens. Inthe parlor, a table is set for tea. Youll be tempted to look up the staircase to see if the ladies of thehouse are making their grand entrance. Is the Victrola playing? You can almost hear the soundsof childrens voices sweetly singing along.


If TheseWallsCould

TalkChambers House

John Jay French Museum

McFaddin-Ward House

La Maison Beausoleil

Pompeiian Villa

Rose Hill Manor

Vuylsteke Home White Haven

Meander through our historic homes and holyplaces. Ponder the people who shaped

our history. Travel the roads thatalways lead us back home.

Soon youll have a better sense of who we are andwhy Southeast Texas is such a special place.



Cajun HeritageSo close to the Louisiana border, the Cajun

influence is large here. Port Arthur is known for its

grand Mardi Gras celebration each year. Restaurantsoffer 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 beautifulmount in French (although the city was named for aperson, not a mountain). The French Acadians, whocame to be known as Cajuns, came to this land astrappers, hunters and fishermen. Generations later,theyre still here the Broussards, the Thibadeaux, theBoudreauxs and on and on. So if youve got an enviefor some bon temps, youve come to the right place,cher.

More thanMardi Gras

Art TrailThe scenes are vivid. Herds of cattle grazing the vast

acreage of local ranches. Riders guiding their horses downforest trails. Birdwatchers gliding kayaks through themarshes. Massive ships heading into port. Waterfowl andgators in the wetlands. A regatta of sailboats on the lake.Fishermen hauling in their catch. Throughout SoutheastTexas, the images of these people and places have inspired

the imaginations of artists. We value our art and artists inthis region and have several stellar museums to prove it.Pick a gallery and enjoy the view. >

Rooms with a View

Examples of visiting exhibits at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas

2010 - 2011 I Visitors GuideLeft, Pleasure Islandby Hans Molzberger, Above, Dancing by Elizabeth Catlett

Museum of the Gulf Coast

Art Museum of Southeast Texas, Beaumont Art League, Dishman Art Museum,Museum of the Gulf Coast, Stark Museum of Art, Texas Artists Museum


46/8846 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011

Civil Rights &BeyondTributes & Testimonies TrailTheodore Johns and his law partner, Elmo Willard, were local civirights pioneers and heroes. A bronze bust stands at the Jefferson CountyCourthouse to honor their many achievements. Civil Rights icon Martin

Luther King Jr. is memorialized locally by a dramatic bridge and a local parkwhich both bear his name. A life-sized bronze statue of King, sculpted byBeaumont native Ron Petitt, graces the Beaumont park.

African-American artists have also made lasting testimonies in the regionThe totem poles featured at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas were madeby the folk artist known as the Voodoo Man, Felix Fox Harris, who saidGod told him to make somethin out of nothin. Sugas Deep South Cuisine& Jazz Bar in the historic Coale Building displays a broad variety of artworkby African-American artists from a private collection.

The folk art totem-like sculptures of Beaumonts self-taught artist

Felix Fox Harris

Buu Mon Temple gardens

Faith TrailYou might expect to find Catholic and Protestant churches in

any Texas town. But would you presume to find a breathtakingCatholic cathedral, a shrine to the Virgin Mary and a grand

Presbyterian church that doubles as a memorial building? Not solikely.Andwhat about coming across a Jewishtemple and a Buddhisttemple? Thats downright unexpected. But Southeast Texas hasthem all. From the awe-inspiring to the serene, these places ofworship and reflection offer magnificent views that any visitor canappreciate. Still skeptical? Have faith!Youll be amazed at the diversearchitecture, artwork and landscape youll encounter at these holyplaces in our hometowns. >

Buu Mon Buddhist Temple, First Presbyterian Church, Our Lady of GuadalupeChurch and Shrine, Queen of Peace Shrine and Gardens, St. Anthony CathedralBasilica altar, Basilica, Temple Emanuel

Serene Scenery


St. AnthonyCathedral

Basilica altar

Art Museum of Southeast Texas, Jefferson County Courthouse, Martin Luther King JrPark, Martin Luther King Bridge, Sugas Deep South Cuisine & Jazz Bar



Scenic DrivesRoad trips dont 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 onRoute 66. Here in Southeast Texas, we like to exit Interstate-10 andtake 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 westof El Paso. Along the way, hundreds of historic spots are preserved.The best place to pick up the trail is in Beaumont, where it mainlyfollows U.S. Highway 90 west toward Houston. When the trafficstarts getting a little heavy, turn around and head back!

For bird lovers, theres the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. Onthe Upper Texas Coast Wildlife Trail, choose the Big Thicket Loopthat takes you up through the piney woods of East Texas or theSabine Loop that keeps you in the Beaumont-Port Arthur area.Travel these trails for a road trip worth remembering!

americanroads.us/autotrails/oldspanishtrailtpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/wildlife_trails/coastal/upper

Traveling the Trails

2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide

Stop and makesome memories


48/8848 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011

stx e

BrazenlyBlazinH

ere in Southeast Texas, our tastein food is the same as our styleof living bold and fun! With

a regional infusion of Latin and Cajuninuences merging with our traditional,

rib-sticking cowboy fare and southerncuisine, the Golden Triangle serves upsome of the Souths most mouthwateringslap-yo-mama good food in the nation.So, dont be afraid to pull up a chairand linger a little longer over our Texas-sized portions of robust avors, joltingthose dormant taste buds into a bout ofexcitement and intrigue.

ByHolli Petersen

Cv

Cajun?

Crazy for CraWFish

Dont let the little crustaceancause you frustration! Heres astep-by-step guide to enjoying afavorite local delicacy.

1. Remove the headHold the head with one hand, and place

your other hand above the tail.2. Twist and wiggle

Pull and twist the tail to separate fromthe head. If you want to savor everydrop of spice, you can suck the headbefore you discard it.

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

4. TugUsing either your teeth orngers, pull the meat out and enjoy!

FLoyDs CaJunseaFooD& teXas steakhouse409.842.06862290 itertte 10 sout Beumotdfd.cmFresh from the Gulf seafood, delivered in ahospitably southern atmosphere, Floyds doesseafood right! And, dont forget that their turfis just as scrumptious as their surf.

Larrys FrenCh Market &CaJun restaurant409.962.33813701 atltc hwy (FM 366) grove

lfcm.cmWhere Texas and Louisiana meet to dance anddine, you will instantly fall in love with Larrys

relaxing environment and to-die-forCajun dishesDont miss your opportunity to experiment withbayou-favorites such as fried alligator or froglegs.

sartins seaFooD &sartins West409.721.9420 Nederland

3520 ndld av409.861.3474 Beaumont

1990 i 10 s.cmA Southeast Texas tradition since 1970, Sartinsis famous for their seafood platters, piled high

with the freshest fare from under the sea. Localsrecommend barbecued crabs and the spicyboudain ball dinner.

sChooner restaurant409.722.23231507 sout hwy 69 t 365 nederldc.cmSince 1947, Schooner owners, the Megafamily, have created a home where SoutheaTexans could celebrate all their signicaevents in life. The locals dont mind sharing. Aseafood is caught fresh daily and their famouhearty gumbo is a top-secret family recipe. >


49/882010 - 20

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Southeast Texas Regional Visitor's Guide

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