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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
Experience the
the resort
resort feeling
feeling without
without the
the price!
price!

Let
Let us
us share
share in
in planning
planning your
your next
next event!
event!
Contact
Contact our
our professional
professional sales
sales department.
department.
3950
3950 II 10
10 South
South @
@ Walden
Walden Road
Road
Beaumont,
Beaumont, TXTX 77705
77705
Phone:
Phone: (409)
(409) 842-5995
842-5995 Fax:
Fax: (409)
(409) 842-7810
842-7810
www.holidayinnbeaumontplaza.com
www.holidayinnbeaumontplaza.com
For Visitor and Hotel Information:
BEAUMONT CONVENTION AND

CONTENT&FEATURES
VISITORS BUREAU • 800-392-4401
DEAN CONWELL Executive Director
FREDDIE WILLARD Director of Sales
ELIZABETH EDDINS Director of Tourism
STEPHANIE MOLINA Director of Marketing
ASHLEY WHITE Communications Specialist 2010-2011
REBECCA WOODLAND Convention Sales Manager
SUSAN LUQUETTE
KAREN LEWIS
Convention Servicing Manager
Administrative Assistant
7 Big Fun on the Bayou
SAMANTHA BOUTEE
ROSS RUSSELL
Tourism Specialist
Distribution Coordinator 10 Beaumont: High Energy Hotspot
Strike it rich with entertainment, history,
PORT ARTHUR CONVENTION AND culture and nature

16
VISITORS BUREAU • 800-235-7822
Port Arthur: Cultural & Natural
TAMMY KOTZUR Executive Director Crossroads
TJ HENDERSON Destination Mgmt. Specialist
CRAIG NOBLE Sales Director
Marsh, sea and festivals part of the city’s
LINDA HILTON Office Manager diverse inheritance
PORT NECHES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
409-722-9154
20 Port Neches, Groves and Nederland
Three communities with unique heritage
DEBBIE PLAIA Executive Director and celebrations
GROVES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND
TOURIST CENTER • 409-962-3631 28 Nature’s Way: Gators, Gardens,
Bayous and Birds
RONNIE BONEAU Executive Manager A peek at the amazing biodiversity of the region
DEBBIE SNELL Administrative Assistant

NEDERLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND 33 Year-Round Recreation Destination


Sources for great fishing, hunting, boating
TOURIST BUREAU • 409-722-0279
and outdoor fun
CINDY CLIFTON Executive Vice President
STEPHANIE SHIMEK Administrative Assistant
36 Here for the Party!
Where to find the nightlife and live
Publication Information:
performances in town
A specialty publication by
THE BEAUMONT ENTERPRISE

Project Editor and Coordinator CHERYL ROSE


Copy Editor CATHLEEN COLE
44 On the Trail
Explore history, art, architecture and cultural
Contributing Writers CATHLEEN COLE,
JULIE GARCIA, HOLLI
heritage of the region
PETERSEN, KRISTI
POWELL, CHERYL ROSE, 49 Brazenly Blazin’: Cuisine for
Every Palate
HALEY STRAHAN
Photography THE BEAUMONT Reviews of some of the best restaurants in the area

58
ENTERPRISE
PHOTOGRAPHY Shop This Way: Don’t Go Home
STAFF AND JOSEPH Empty-Handed!
BOTTLE, DWAIN COX, Highlights of unique local shops and products
FELICIA JETER, SILVIA C.
MCCLAIN, STEPHANIE
MOLINA, KYLE PETERSEN, 66 Must-See Attractions and Family Fun
Comprehensive listing of the best bets of the region
JOY PRUITT, LEE E.
STINSON, TXDOT,
TOM WILLIAMS 74 Events Calendar
Publisher JOHN E. NEWHOUSE II
Advertising Director DWIGHT BROWN
Project Manager PILAR LINARES
79 Accommodations, Maps & Essential
Information Listings
Graphic Designer/Production ROSA VAZQUEZ-CLARK
Cover Models TAYLYNN COOPER AND
BRENIN COOPER Average
Photography by JOY PRUITT Seasonal Temperatures:
Special thanks to Jefferson County January 52.5 F - 11 C
Commissioners Court for their April 68 F - 20 C
continued support. July 82 F - 28 C
The CVB staff is not responsible for any discrepancies or changes October 70 F - 21 C
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. 2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 3
THIS WEEKEND IS BIG.
THIS RATE IS SMALL.
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• 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. When tomorrow’s a big day, stay HGI tonight.
• 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®.
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3745 IH-10 South & Walden Rd., Beaumont, TX
I-10 Exit 848 • 409-842-9990 Reservations: ���������������� � ��������������
Homewoodsuites.com • 1-800-CALL HOME

Expect
Expect More
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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®

Discover the NextGen™ Design and


Free High-Speed Style
Internet Access
Free Breakfast | Pool | Fitness Center
Surprisingly affordable rates. With the perfect modern updates.
Onsite Laundry
• Free high-speed Wi-Fi in all rooms
The newest addition to Beaumont, the Holiday Inn • Interior corridors All rooms are equipped with refrigerator,
Express & Suites Beaumont-Parkdale is conveniently • Standard and Extended-Stay Rooms with full kitchens microwave, upscale bedding & 42” HDTV
located off US-287 just North of I-10. Relax in your own • Modern room design with 32” flat-screen TV, audio jack, ergonomic chair flatand
screens.
rollout desk with task lighting
elegant room featuring stylish décor and amenities,
• Tech Lounge with FREE WI-FI and gourmet coffee bar
including a microwave, refrigerator, free wired and 7540 Memorial
• Conference/Meeting Blvdcomputer
room with
wireless high-speed Internet access, executive desk, 32 • OutdoorPort
poolArthur, TX 77640
with waterfall accents
inch flat panel TVs, and the best night’s sleep you’ve 409.722.8383
• State-of-the-art fitness center Minutes to the Motiva Expansion Project, Huntsman
• Spa-inspired bathrooms with granite countertops, vessel sinks
Corporation, and rain-flow
ExxonMobil, showerheads
Cheniere, Entergy, BASF-
had in weeks. If you’re hungry, we are within walking • Iron/ironing board located off US
Conveniently Fina, Atofina Petrochem, Chevron Phillips, DuPont,
distance to many restaurants. Enjoy a swim in our • Free69/287
guest laundry services,
at Memorial USA Today®, local calls, expanded cable with
Boulevard Total Petrochemicals, and Valero.
crystal-clear outdoor pool or energize in our Fitness HBO®/ESPN®/CNN® and more
& Jimmy Johnson.
Please contact us for a tour today!
• Pet friendly
Center. Polish that presentation in the business center • Children 17 and under stay free
and we even have the right space for your professional
For reservations visit www.redroof-beaumont.com
meeting. We’re here, ready with all you need to make
your trip to Beaumont a success. or call 800.RED.ROOF (800.733.7663)
IH-10 and Washington Boulevard - 2310 IH-10 South
Hiexpress.com www.lq.com
Beaumont, Texas 77707 - 409.842.8200
© 2010 IHG. All rights reserved. Most hotels are independently owned and 1-800-Holiday (1-800-465-4329)

4 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 5
6 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011
bayou!
Come on down the

By Kirsten Matthew

P
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, picture-
perfect 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 first-
class 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!

2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 7


BEAUM O N T
rgy H
ne otspot
High-E ctane fun.
By Cathleen Cole

offers hig h-o


black-gold boomtown
This erary.
eck your itin
ch
ome to Beaumont! Let’s inment
Welc e of museums and then hit the enterta
wntown. Visit the multitud
Day 1: Do do r great food and fun. other downtow
n
district fo d m us eu ms and choose an
ty’s campus an
e local universi opulent. Dine at to
Day 2: Tour thrant for more delectable cuisine. stic to oil-boom
restau om pion ee r ru to a honky tonk
e hist oric homes that range fr ajun tonight, and then head
r through th Tex-Mex or C
Day 3: Wander choice eatery, perhaps spicy
anot he
night away. take a riverboat
tour.
boot-scoot the rd en an d oon perusing
sc ener y at the botanical ga
d th en sp en d a relaxed aftern
the an
Day 4: Take in l
t in the morning
alligator habita nue. And that’s just hitting th
e highlights!
ild at the loca
Day 5: Get w ues and antiques on Calder Ave
boutiq

8 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


BEAUMONT
Theodore Johns
A Beaumont
Civil Rights Legend

S
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
The McFaddin-Ward House Museum is an example of Beaux Arts colonial style mansion people, the young black man knew it was
unjust. He didn’t know at the time that he

Building on Black Gold would be instrumental in erasing those


hateful words years later.
Born in Silsbee, Johns graduated from

B
efore striking black gold, Beaumont The drugstore’s antique apothecary case is Prairie View A&M and went on to law
was a frontier town. Founded in 1835, stocked with remedies for what ailed the old school at Howard University, where
it was a region known for rice farming, timers. On special occasions, a replica of the his mentors challenged the separate-
cattle ranching and trapping. In 1845, John famous oil derrick gushes with faux black but-equal laws. The students, including
Jay French, a local merchant, built a simple gold. (It’s just water.) Thurgood Marshall, learned their lessons
Greek revival-style house to use as his home Many people struck it rich in those days, well. Marshall led the fight and won in
and as a trading post and tannery. The house, including W.P.H. McFaddin, who had already the 1954 landmark case Brown v. the
the oldest surviving one in the city, was the made his money from the cattle business, Board of Education, a victory that led to
first in Beaumont built from milled lumber rice farming and milling, commercial real the integration of public schools. Johns
and painted. Now a museum, the house and estate and trapping. After the Lucas Gusher, had the same idea for Southeast Texas.
grounds depict 19th-century life in Southeast he made even more since he owned part After serving in the Marine Corps
Texas with period antique furnishings and interest in the land where oil was discovered. during the Korean War, Johns opened
pioneer household items. In 1907, he moved his family into a grand, his law office in Beaumont in 1953. A
In 1901, Beaumont exploded to fame Beaux-Arts colonial style residence on Calder few years later, he and his law partner,
with the Lucas Gusher at Spindletop. Today Avenue. Today, the McFaddin-Ward House Elmo Willard, fought for the integration of
the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum and its furnishings reflect the Lamar State College of Technology, now
Museum at Lamar University recreates the lifestyle of the prominent family who lived in Lamar University. During the legal battle,
oil-rush town of the early 1900s. Stroll along the home for 75 years. Enter the beveled-glass the two lawyers received death threats
the wooden walkway, stepping inside the front doors into the chandelier-lighted foyer and burning crosses on their lawns. They
storefronts that replicate a photography that leads to antique treasures in every room. persevered and won their case on July
studio, general store, livery stable and more. Especially grand is the formal dining room 30, 1956.
with its huge candelabras made by Robert Confident with their victory, the duo
Garrard of London, silversmith to Queen continued to fight for equality by filing
Victoria. lawsuits against other institutions that
Just down the street, the Chambers had “whites-only” policies. One of these
House Museum offers a fascinating glimpse institutions was Beaumont’s Tyrrell Park,
of a middle-class family living in the early which only allowed white people to play
20th century. The house was built in 1906 on its golf course. Johns and Willard won
and in 1914 C. Homer and Edith Fuller their cases and Beaumont began opening
Chambers purchased it and moved in with up to all the races.
their two young daughters, Ruth and Florence. For the decades that followed, Johns
The girls never married and lived in the house practiced law in the Beaumont area and
after their parents passed away. Florence, the was appointed as a municipal court
younger sister, died in May 2004, leaving judge in 1994. A bronze bust of Johns
behind furniture, personal items and artifacts and Willard titled “Crusading Lawyers”
that had survived nearly 100 years. stands in front of the Jefferson County
Courthouse.
On March 7, 2010,
In 1901, Beaumont the Beaumont civil rights
legend died at the age
exploded to fame with the of 82, but his legacy
Lucas Gusher at lives on.

Spindletop
2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 9
A Multitude of Museums
D
iscover the beginnings the history of the firefighting
of the Texas oil industry service and educating new
at the Texas Energy generations about fire prevention
Museum where interactive and safety, the museum is housed
exhibits share the history of oil in a working fire station built in
exploration, production and 1927. View vintage fire engines,
refining. Push a button and the equipment and memorabilia. Tour
robots representing historical highlights include the 1909 Aerial
characters seemingly come to life ladder truck, the 1856 Howe Hand
to tell their stories of the oil boom Drawn Pumper, the 1931 Light
in Beaumont. Truck and the Gamewell Call
Box Alarm System used prior to
While you’re still in a scientific
telephones.
mood, visit the Edison Museum
dedicated to the brilliant American At the Art Museum of
inventor Thomas Alva Edison. The Southeast Texas, explore the
museum is located in the historical collection of paintings, sculptures,
Travis Street electrical substation prints, photographs and folk and
of Beaumont-based Gulf States decorative arts of the 19th, 20th
Utilities Co., now a subsidiary and 21st centuries. The museum
of Entergy Corp., next to Edison has an emphasis on American
Plaza. Interactive exhibits are art, with a growing collection of
Enjoy interactive exhibits at the Texas Energy Museum packed into this little museum. regional folk art.
While touring downtown, you And for you sports fans, the
may notice a very large fire hydrant Babe Didrikson Zaharias
decorated with white and black Museum is a must-see. With
spots. The giant hydrant, a movie photos and memorabilia, it pays
prop for 101 Dalmatians donated tribute to the hometown legend
by the Walt Disney Co., marks who won Olympic gold and
the spot of the Fire Museum of co-founded the Ladies Professional
Texas. Dedicated to preserving Golf Association.

Memorabilia preserved at the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum


Built in 1927 and restored in

Steppin’ Out
2007, the Jefferson Theatre
was selected as the “Best
Restoration Project” in Texas

A
fter a day of touring, follow Or head out to other hotspot
the road signs to the Crockett establishments around the city.
Street Entertainment We have fine dining, casual
District in downtown Beaumont. fare, clubs and pubs. Peruse our
Hungry for a thick, juicy steak? entertainment and dining guides
Maybe Cajun cuisine? Or how about to see what suits your fancy!
spicy Tex-Mex? Whatever you’re Be sure to check our calendar to
craving, it’s all available right here. see what’s happening and who’s
After dinner, you can shoot a game playing at Ford Park, the Beaumont
of pool, dance to live music or just sit Civic Center, Julie Rogers Theatre
back and relax. and the historic Jefferson Theatre.

10 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


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

2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 11


The Neches is considered the
last wild river in Texas

Naturally Inviting

A
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


O n Saturdays from May 22 to October
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


T he Tyrrell Historical Library in
downtown Beaumont offers genealogical
resources and free classes for beginner
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
genealogists. Specific resources include census is housed within a historical building – a former
microfilm, tax rolls, probate records, marriage church built in 1903 in a modified Gothic style of
directories and city directories. Patrons can architecture with a rough, gray stone façade and
access ancestry.com and heritagequestonline.com ornate stained-glass windows.

12 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


• Built in 1845
• Beaumont’s oldest surviving
house Tour includes
Open for Tours tannery,
Tue - Fri blacksmith shop
10am-3pm & family
Sat 10am-2pm cemetery
www.jjfrench.com
John Jay French Historic
House Museum 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
the 1920’s Sat 10am-2pm
www.chambershouse.org
Chambers House Museum
409-832-4010
2240 Calder Ave • Beaumont, TX 77701

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

Sales • Service • Rentals www.suntravelrv.com

2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 13


A CULTURAL AND NATURAL CROSSROADS

PORT
ARTHUR
Explorethe GreatOutdoors

A
scenic coastal jaunt, Port and Texas Point National
Arthur is as near a nature Wildlife Refuges, on the upper
lover’s bounty or an Texas Coast, provides more than
outdoorsman’s paradise 100 square miles of important By Kristen Matthew
as anywhere under the Texas flag. fish and wildlife habitat. Avid
Here, recreation is a treasured
A waterside city rich
birdwatchers visit from afar to
pastime that spans stretches observe this feeding and resting in culture and buff with
of beaches, miles of lakefronts point for migrating and wintering history, Port Arthur is the
and vast expanses of wilderness. waterfowl. About 280 species that
Wildlife flourishes – exotic birds,
gateway out of Cajun country
fly the Central Flyway - flocks of
troves of fresh and saltwater fish snow geese, mottled ducks and to all points Southeast Texas. This
and the state’s densest alligator neo-tropical fowl – seek refuge is where the deep heart of Texas
population. on these marshlands. Hunting is begins to beat – under the rhythm of
Protecting one of the largest permitted for certain fowl. Trail
remaining saltwater marshes on walking, fishing and boating are
blues,the salt tidal marshlands and
the Texas coastline, McFaddin also available. the moxie of its social fabric.
14 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011
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 South-
east Texas experience. >

Basking in the sun, waiting for a bite at McFaddin Beach: The region
is a fisherman’s paradise
2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 15
Let the Good Times Roll

P
ort Arthur prides itself In April, the Mercado
in its ability to throw Days Latino Fest pumps out
a good-old Texas-style a lively Mexican fiesta with
shindig. Festivals, scrumptious Tex-Mex fare,
fairs and Mardi Gras are festive music and dancing.
king daddy here, drawing big In a show of good fare, fun
crowds each year. Depending and homage, a Juneteenth
on the season, the city’s Celebration commemorates
events will satiate almost the day slavery ended. The
any palate for top-quality Zachary Breaux Jazz Festival
entertainment. and Lotus Garden &
Downtown Port Arthur turns Bamboo Festival lend some
party central like clockwork unique hometown heritage
each year to herald Mardi Gras to the June agenda. Then, for
in a splendid fanfare of glitzy a sensational Independence
parades, decked out revelers Day Celebration, Lamar State
and classic New Orleans jazz- College, Port Arthur campus
blues. Billed as a family affair, puts on a star-spangled show.
this is jubilant pageantry, a Later in the year, Cayman
carnival-like menagerie of Night fills the air with
spectacular floats, masked balls, Jamaican reggae. Many other
street performers, gators and cultural events pepper the
Clydesdales. City blocks brim calendar year, attracting
with food vendors, carnival would-be merrymakers from
rides and other attractions. near and far. > Musical roots run deep in Port Arthur, which celebrates
jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, reggae, hip-hop and more.
The Mercado Days Festival
highlights the rich Hispanic culture of the region The best family-friendly Mardi Gras to be found!

16 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


3745 IH-10 South & Walden Rd., Beaumont, TX
I-10 Exit 848 • 409-842-9990 Reservations: ���������������� � ��������������
Homewoodsuites.com • 1-800-CALL HOME

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


Free Breakfast | Pool | Fitness Center
Onsite Laundry
The newest addition to Beaumont, the Holiday Inn
The Best Just Got Better!
All rooms are equipped with refrigerator,
Express & Suites Beaumont-Parkdale is conveniently microwave, upscale bedding & 42” HDTV
located off US-287 just North of I-10. Relax in your own flat screens.
•elegant
Newlyroomrenovated rooms
featuring withdécor
stylish 42" HD andflat screen TVs and free
amenities,
high-speed
including internet. refrigerator, free wired and
a microwave, 7540 Memorial Blvd
Port Arthur, TX 77640
•wireless
Enjoy ahigh-speed Internet
Certified Angus access,
Beef ®
Steakexecutive desk,
or Burger 32 overlooking
while
inch flat panel TVs, and the best night’s sleep you’ve 409.722.8383 Minutes to the Motiva Expansion Project, Huntsman
our fantastic tropical outdoor pool at “The Metro Grille.”
had in weeks. If you’re hungry, we are within walking Corporation, ExxonMobil, Cheniere, Entergy, BASF-
•distance
Join us to
at the “Manhattan Bar” foradaily Conveniently located off US
swimdrink
in ourspecials with
Fina, Atofina Petrochem, Chevron Phillips, DuPont,
many restaurants. Enjoy 69/287 at Memorial Boulevard
complimentary appetizers every weekday from 5pm-7pm. Total Petrochemicals, and Valero.
crystal-clear outdoor pool or energize in our Fitness & Jimmy Johnson.
Please contact us for a tour today!
Center. Polish that presentation in the business center
and we even have the 2929right space for yourJohnson
Jimmy professionalBoulevard,
meeting. We’re here, ready with all you
Port Arthur • (409) need to make724-5000
your trip to Beaumont a success.
www.holiday-inn.com/poplarthurtx
Hiexpress.com www.lq.com
© 2010 IHG. All rights reserved. Most hotels are independently owned and 1-800-Holiday (1-800-465-4329)

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 I Visitors Guide 17


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
• Outdoor Swimming Pool Executive Chair
• Onsite Fitness Center • Suites include Microwave, Refrigerator, Wet Bar,
• Guest Laundry Facility 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 • 100% Non Smoking Rooms/Interior Corridor Hotel/2 Elevators/
• 24 hour “Suite Shop” Convenience Store 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

18 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


PORT ARTHUR
Museum of the
Gulf Coast
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
Riveting bronze statue at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and Shrine
opinions about social change
not only through her powerfully
Get Lost in the Mystique soulful music, but also via her
famed psychedelic ’65 Porsche

A
356c Cabriolet. A four-wheeled
s its mystical elements quality of its tropical and by parishioners of Queen of
icon – with its bright orange and
unfold, the cultural hardy lotuses, water lilies Vietnam Martyrs Catholic yellow paint job, day-glo flowers,
diversity of this and bamboo, four gardens Church to show gratitude cartoon butterflies, rainbows
seaside community around the temple, including for Port Arthur’s welcoming and other signature Janice Joplin
becomes evident. Theravada the exquisite Buu Mon Water reception. statements – sits parked like
Buddhism, the Vietnamese Garden, are the focus of the a groovy time traveler inside
Catholic Church and Eastern annual Lotus Garden and Outside of Our Lady of
Guadalupe Church and the Museum of the Gulf Coast,
Zen all thrive as neighboring Bamboo Festival. greeting day trippers to its Music
subcultures at an already Shrine, set upon rocks from
Over on 9th Avenue, the Mexico City’s Mount Tepayac, Hall of Fame.
uncanny cultural crossroadss. sight is unexpectedly but
stands a 17-foot high Virgin In an ode to the life and times of
The spiritual odyssey unmistakably Vietnamese the Texas Gulf Coast, the museum
Mary, sculpted
begins as the four-tier – authentic markets, shops offers an impressive permanent
Buu Mon Temple rises and other businesses dot the by a local artist, caught in
time in a sacred depiction collection depicting the history
above Procter Street like a urban landscape. At the nexus and culture of the region. The
testament of power for a of this cultural hub stands an of the moment she first
exhibits tell an exciting tale,
school of Buddhism drawing area of peace, or Hoa-Binh, appeared to Juan Diego.
weaving in notable people, sports
its scriptural inspirations known as the Queen of The back wall of the shrine legends and musical talents. From
from the earliest teachings Peace Shrine and Gardens. features stained glass windows its Jurassic days and the trauma
Buddha. Known nationally The venue features gardens bearing symbols related to of the Civil War to its economic
and internationally for the and a statue of Mary built Our Lady of Guadalupe. q growth and popular culture, the
diverse displays, including five to
For a truly big taste of unbridled nature, Texas-style revelry and hometown six temporary exhibitions a year,
bravado, Port Arthur has a smorgasbord of offerings to satisfy almost dynamically interpret centuries of
Gulf Coast life.
any hankering. So get your motor runnin’ and head on over!
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

Take a peaceful stroll through the Queen of Peace Shrine and Gardens and the Buu Mon Buddhist Temple
2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 19
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

T
he Johnny Appleseed of Groves, pie eating contest and a pecan toss,
Wiley Choate, certainly knew while indulging in more pecan-inspired
what he was doing when he desserts than ever thought possible!
planted 2,500 pecan trees in Of course, you don’t have to wait
1919. Today, those beautiful, statuesque until September to pursue excitement
wonders give the entire region cause to in Groves. One evening a month,
celebrate. And, celebrate they do during downtown Groves parties the evening
the Texas Pecan Festival, an event away on historic Lincoln Avenue for
held under the warm September sun to First Fridays. This free family event
commemorate the pecan harvest. offers live music, dozens of unbelievable
Jam-packed with delectable, one-of- sales, rare vendors, moonwalks and
a-kind dishes, spirited live music and plenty of entertainment.
plenty of squeal-inducing rides, these While you’re in the shopping mood,
four days of merriment attract fans don’t forget to venture off Lincoln
from across the Golden Triangle. Of Avenue to East Parkway. Though most
course, the true star of the festival is the small towns consider snooping an
pecan itself. This might be your only Olympic event, in Groves you’ll discover
opportunity to participate in a pecan the true meaning of the word. >
Come taste the pie!
20 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011
GROVES
Larry’s French
Market & Cajun
Restaurant

Stroll through antiquing heaven: Snooper’s Paradise


W 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
Snooper’s Paradise, a specialty designers such as Maitland Smith, most happening hot spots. Dine on piles
antique and home-accent store, is Theodore Alexander, Marge Carson of succulent seafood, steaming mounds
a must-see. This eclectic boutique and Althorp. The Althorp Co., fine of spicy crawfish etouffee, heaping helpings
has a little something for everyone. replicators of items from Princess of boudain balls and even some unique
However, they’re known for their Diana’s family’s ancestral selections like fried alligator
dedication to offering the finest home in England, is and frog legs.
of European antiques, primarily genuinely exclusive. In fact,
from France, Italy and Belgium Snooper’s is On Thursday, Friday and Saturday
thanks to owner Jon Hampton the only Althorp nights, the restaurant serves up more
who travels to Europe twice a year retailer between than just good food.
for some snooping excursions of Houston and Baton
his own. Colorful and diverse, the Rouge! q You can dance between dinner
store carries superior furniture courses with live bands ranging from
traditional country to toe-tapping
From shopping and eating to dancing and relaxing, Cajun zydeco.
there’s so much more than meets the eye With a history as rich as their deep,
in this small community of homegrown fun. hearty roux, the restaurant’s roots can be
traced to 1925 when Albin and Lariza
Judice opened a small Groves grocery
Colichia’s Italian Village store. Over time, as the popularity of
their specialty meats grew, the couple
With a long and flavorful history, Colichia’s Italian the owner’s Sicilian family’s ancestral recipes. Made
Village has been filling up the hearts and bellies of from the freshest ingredients, their sweet and tangy expanded incrementally. Born out of
Mid-County residents for more than 70 years. sauce is unparalleled and clearly authentic. Another their hometown dreams, today this
Family-owned and operated, Colichia’s is a local home-style, authentic favorite is the restaurant’s restaurant and dance hall seats 440
gem, luring in more and more regulars with each bite made-from-scratch house dressing, perfect for and is operated under the careful eye of
of their hearty Italian dishes. topping off a salad or using as a dipping sauce for fourth-generation owner, Larry Judice. q
At Colichia’s, the secret is truly in the sauce. In fact, the flaky Italian bread. The menu is full of familiar
it is a top-secret family recipe hailing straight from favorites, just made better with fresher ingredients
and an extra measure of love.

Festivals in Groves

SEPTEMBER FIRST FRIDAYS


Texas Pecan Festival First Friday of every month on Lincoln Avenue

2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 21


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

E
very May, Port Neches cheesecake-on-a-stick. On
celebrates RiverFest at a sunny day in May, there’s
Port Neches RiverFront nothing more fun than
Park. The FREE, four-day to grab a pork-ka-bob and
festival includes a carnival, funnel cake and watch the
boat races on Saturday and boat races.
Sunday, a talent competition, Kids have the time of
a classic car and motorcycles their lives at Port Neches’
show, a pet show, Battle of huge playground Tugboat
the Bands, two-day fishing Island, and attached Splash
tournament, washers Park. This place of wonder
tournament and spectacular has jungle gyms, slides and
fireworks display. On Friday an area for toddlers and
and Saturday nights, big name physically-impaired children,
entertainers perform in the too! The playground is full
park. of great hiding places for the
RiverFest is known for its biggest game of hide-and-seek
scrumptious selection of ever. The splash-and-spray Amazing playground Tugboat Island
Southern-inspired food. Some water park is free to the
local favorites are fried Oreos, public and one of the largest
fresh-squeezed lemonade and splash parks in the area. >
22 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011
PORT NECHES
Port Neches City River Front Park
also has public boat ramps and is a perfect
GHOST TALE
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 The Legend
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
of Sara Jane
activity in the park, watch the ships from
all over the world pass by at all hours of
Road
Cooling down at the Splash Park
the day and night. Just across the street
from the park, there are outdoor lighted
On the third weekend of each month, Port Neches is also home
basketball and tennis courts that are
Port Neches Avenue comes alive with to one of the spookiest tales
open to the public.
Super Saturdays on the Avenue. Take this side of the Neches
Also inside the park is La Maison a leisurely stroll and peruse the many River. The legend of Sara
Beausoleil – French for “House of antiques and collectibles the numerous Jane is one that local
Beautiful Sunshine.” The historical home, shops have to offer.
built in 1802 in St. Martin Parish, La., is
people pass on to their
Whether you need a place to bring the children and grandchildren,
an authentic example of Cajun archite-
kids for some romp-and-play time or you’re adding a little spook to an
ctural style. The structure was donated to
searching for some rare antiques, Port otherwise quiet town.
a nonprofit group called Les Acadiens du
Neches is filled with small-town pleasures
Texas, which restored the residence after it The legend tells of Sara
mixed with a love of history, legends and
was transported via barge to the RiverFront Jane, a woman living
Park property. Tours are available of the loads of antiques! q
alone with her newborn
house and grounds.
in the deep woods along
the Neches River while her
Port Neches... filled with fun and small town history. 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
Festivals in Port Neches 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.

RiverFest Boat Races, Carnival and Classic Car & Super Saturdays on the Avenue
Motorcycle Show (First weekend in May) (Every third Saturday of the month)

2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 23


24 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011
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

N
ederland blends the flair of several bountiful heritage of their French and Dutch
cultures into one Texas-sized adventure. founders through mediums such as architecture
Lured by the promise of rich farmland, and museums. A windmill was erected in 1967
Dutch immigrants first settled the area in 1897, to commemorate the traditions of the Dutch,
naming it after the homeland they had left and La Maison Des Acadiens was built later to
behind. Many of the original settlers moved illustrate Cajun family life in the 1860s.
north when the local temperatures proved too
warm, but the town grew under the influence of Tex Ritter Park, or “Heritage Museum
the Rienstra and Doornbos families. Park,” as it’s also known, honors the local
The 1901 eruption of the Lucas gusher entertainment legend and houses The Windmill
in Beaumont brought a flood of Southwest Museum. Ritter memo-rabilia is displayed, as
Louisiana dwellers, who hailed from the rich well as historical artifacts brought to America
Acadian tradition, into the area. These Acadians, by the original Dutch settlers of Nederland.
or Cajuns, brought a zesty French flair to the Tex Ritter Park is the perfect place to soak
town. Residents of Nederland still honor the up sunshine. >
2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 25
NEDERLAND

An Amble on
the Avenue
The Shops of Boston Avenue

L 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,
• Antique Emporium
• Butcher’s Korner
• Candle Cottage
• Eclectic Elegance
• Elliots
and cozy restaurants are tucked into • Gaudie & Co.
unique buildings along the way. An array • Gaudie Couture
of eclectic, small stores lining the avenue • Holland House
lends a funky, downtown vibe, and offers Eclectic Boston Avenue offers a
• IZ Funky Resale
antiques, homemade candles, vintage • Juxtapose Computers
clothing and home decor. Spanning six
variety of unique and chic shopping • Never Enough Chocolate
blocks, Boston Avenue provides a perfect
place to enjoy a lazy lunch and wander In March, it is transformed into the hosts tours sprinkled with the
around. site of the annual Heritage Festival. French and Dutch words that would
For the latest fashions in town, The festival lasts an entire week and have colored the local patois at the
try Gaudie Couture. Featuring hip offers events including parades, time. The gift shop offers an array
clothing like Miss Me Jeans and Ivy Jane, carnival rides, a Battle of the Bands, of traditional clothing, including
accessories and handmade jewelry, you’re
sure to find something great.. Across pageants, a chili cook-off, a petting wooden shoes known in Dutch
the avenue, sister store Gaudie and Co. zoo, craft market and a washers as klompen.
specializes in gift items like Tyler Candles, tournament. The food at the festival After all the excitement and
as well as home decor. can be found on the delicious food, Doornbos Park
After you’ve decorated yourself, it’s time mouth-watering Cuisine Walk provides the perfect relaxation
to decorate your home. Boston Avenue and features local delicacies station. A 20-acre stretch of pristine
houses Antique Emporium and the such as Cowboy Pistoletes. Live nature, the park has a duck pond
Holland House mall, where you can find entertainment, ranging from country and a lighted basketball court. The
antique pieces as well as new home decor to zydeco to progressive rock, draws
and gifts. ducks are as friendly as everyone else
huge crowds during the festival. in Nederland, but they appreciate
Scented candles add more than
fragrance to a home – they add ambiance. La Maison, or the French House, bread offerings. q
The experts in the Candle Cottage create
custom gift baskets that fill the nose with Never far from its eclectic roots, Nederland is thriving with
heavenly aromas. Famous around the commercial prosperity and a booming social scene.
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

26 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


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

OYSTER PERPETUAL
36MM DATEJUST TURN-O-GRAPH

4010 N. Dowlen • Beaumont 4031 Nelson Rd. • Lake Charles, LA 3308 Hwy. 365 • Nederland
347.4010 337.478.0901 724.2045
OFFICIAL ROLEX JEWELER 409.880.8907 or visit our website www.nechesriveradventures.org
ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Datejust and Turn-o-graph are trademarks.

2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 27


ECOTOURISM

Nature’sGlide 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

Swamps&Gators
choice.
closer to nature is what you’re looking for, Southeast Texas is a natural choice

By Cathleen Cole

Y
ou want swamps and gators? The wetlands are part of the Texas departure times.) The Neches is
We’ve got plenty. Head to Chenier Plain, the westernmost geologic considered the last wild river in Texas
McFaddin and Texas Point delta of the Mississippi River. Here you and you’ll be seeing flora and fauna just
National Wildlife Refuges can see brown pelicans, piping plovers, minutes from downtown.
and explore bayous and trails along one ducks, geese, sea turtles, and, of course,
of the largest remaining freshwater For a more exhilarating trip, catch a
alligators. For a leisurely and educational ride with Louisiana Airboat to explore
marshes on the Texas coast. Five boat cruise, Neches River Adventures, a
ramps provide access to inland lakes and the swamps and bayous of Southeast
venture of Lamar University’s Environ-
waterways, but in most places the water mental Learning and Research Center, Texas and Southwest Louisiana.
is very shallow – so think canoe. offers a two-hour trip in an open-air (Call ahead for reservations.)
J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management pontoon boat. The Cardinal leaves from And don’t miss Gator Country with
Area has more than 24,000 acres of the dock at Beaumont’s Riverfront Park its entertaining and educational shows
fresh, intermediate and brackish water in on Saturday mornings, weather and exhibits. Big Al, Texas’ largest captive
the prairie-marsh region along the coast. permitting. (Call ahead for current alligator, is the park’s star attraction. >
28 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011
Gator Country

ECOTOURISM
Reptile Reality
Adventures
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

Way
captivity in Texas – a fact certified by
the Texas Parks and Wildlife

s
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
Big Thicket National Preserve 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
2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 29
SEE &DO
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
J.D. Murphree Wildlife
The Beaumont Botanical Gardens at Tyrrell Park Management Area

BotanicalGARDENS
10 Parks & Wildlife Dr.
Port Arthur, TX 77640 • 409.736.2551
tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/
See the tamer side of nature at the Arthur. The Buddhists also grow wma/find_a_wma
area’s beautiful botanical gardens. several varieties of bamboo, banana Neches River Adventures
The Beaumont Botanical Gardens and citrus trees. The gardens are the 701R Main St., Beaumont, TX
is a public garden located within focus of the free annual Lotus 409.880.8907
Tyrrell Park, which includes the Garden and Bamboo Festival held in nechesriveradventures.org
Warren Loose Conservatory – the June. Private tours are available
second largest in a public garden in through the rest of the growing sea-
Texas. Explore the theme gardens son, so be sure to call for an appoint- Botanical Gardens
showcasing camellias, modern and ment. Beaumont Botanical Gardens and
antique roses, bromeliads and native For a certified “Green” experience, Warren Loose Conservatory
plants connected by a paved walkway Shangri La Botanical Gardens and 6088 Babe Zaharias Dr.
offering plenty of benches to sit and Beaumont, TX 77705 • 409.842.3135
Nature Center in Orange is a per- beaumontbotanicalgardens.com
relax. fect place to enjoy gardens bursting
Find your inner peace among the with fragrance and color. Its unique Buu Mon Buddhist Temple
lotuses and water lilies at the Buu wetland ecosystem offers sanctuary 2701 Procter St.
Mon Buddhist Temple in Port to plants and animals. > Port Arthur, TX 77640 • 409.982.9319
buumon.org
Shangri La Botanical
The Warren Gardens & Nature Center
Loose 2111 West Park Ave.
Conservatory 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/

30 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


ECOTOURISM
BirdWATCHING
Q 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.
Roseate spoonbills are part
Port Arthur’s Pleasure Island separates the of the astonishing biodiversity
Intracoastal Waterway from Sabine Lake and its of the region
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 is excellent from mid-April to Mid-May. rental equipment and shuttle service are
Preserve, start your trek into the piney woods at Nearly 186 kinds of birds live here or provided by local outfitters.) You’re
the Big Thicket Visitor Center and enjoy hands- migrate through. bound to see some of the more than 200
on activities, exhibits and the interactive discovery Or you can set up camp at Village species of birds native to this area
center. The preserve is on the Central and Creek State Park and canoe or kayak including wood ducks, egrets and
Mississippi migratory flyways and bird watching along the meandering waterway. (Canoe herons.

VILLAGE CREEK STATE PARK

Park&GLIDE
Canoeing & Kayaking
Village Creek State Park
8854 Park Road 74
(off Alma Drive)
T 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,
Lumberton, TX 77657
409.755.7322 propelling them forward. The insect-like apparitions
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/ transform and it’s clear now what they really are:
canoes with oars silently dipping, carrying campers
Eastex Canoe Trails to a more remote site downstream. Sunlight dances
1698 US 96 South on the water and warms the mist away. Good
Silsbee, TX • 409.385.4700 morning, Village Creek State Park.
eastexcanoes.com
It doesn’t take long for the other campers to
Piney Woods Outfitters emerge from their tents for a day of activity ranging the Big Thicket. Stake out your spot along the
921 S. Main from vigorous to relaxing. Located just a few miles creek’s sandy bank and cast your line for catfish,
Lumberton, TX • 409.751.0911 from Beaumont, the park is named for the creek bass, perch and panfish. At the picnic pavilion and
canoetexas.com playground, youngsters swing, climb and slide while
that runs through it. It’s the perfect place for flat-
Coastal Paddler water canoeing and kayaking as the stream meanders the adults grill the catch of the day.
2855 Eastex Frwy. Ste. A southeast for 69 miles to the Neches River. Whether it’s for a day or a week, make sure to visit
Beaumont, TX • 409.899.4397 There is plenty to do out of the water too. Hike or Village Creek State Park when you’re in this neck
bike the trails in this pine and deciduous forest of of the woods. >
2010 2011 II Visitors
2010 -- 2011 Guide 31
Visitors Guide 31
ECOTOURISM SHANGRI LA BOTANICAL GARDENS AND NATURE CENTER

NaturalBEAUTYBeyond
YOURImagination

S 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 lum-
bers onto the bank and into tall grass. The
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,
land is lush and wet and green – a garden it’s time to start your journey into the oasis.
oasis in the middle of nowhere.
Wander the pathways encircling the nine
It’s Shangri La – a perfect, formal gardens with more than 300 plant
imaginary land born in the species. Beyond, the herons are calling.
mind of a long-ago noveliSt Follow the trail to the large bird blind for a
But this one is real – the glimpse through telescopes of fluttering
dream-come-true of timber waterfowl.
magnate and philanthropist
H.J. Lutcher Stark. Stark is The water lures you closer. Float down
gone but his memory lives on Adams Bayou on a pontoon boat or travel
through the foundation he created. Shangri the boardwalk to arrive at one of three
La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center Nature Center outposts. Thousands of birds
in Orange is 252 acres of idyllic hide-away nest in Ruby Lake and the 1,200-year-old
– a unique wetland ecosystem offering pond cypress tree called The Survivor
sanctuary to plants and animals and a watches over all.
Shangri La Botanical Garden and Nature Centers tranquil retreat for humans. If natural beauty is what you seek, Shangri
building complex is a certified Platinum LEED building
by the United States Green Building Council
Start your tour in the Orientation Center La offers a tranquil refuge beyond the
that includes an exhibit hall, a theater and imagination. ❑

S The Big Thicket


H OLE
2 7
Association
Founded in 1964 and dedicated to the
conservation of the unique natural
www.aquilagolf.com
8537 LaBelle Road resources of Southeast Texas
Beaumont, Texas 77705
409-796-1327

Captain Randy’s Guide Service Make a difference in the


Telephone: (409) 985-7619 Big Thicket’s Future!
Cell Phone: (409) 719-6067
www.thicketofdiversity.org
www.fishsabine.com Box 198, Saratoga, TX
Touring: Sabine Lake & Gulf Coast
936-274-1181
Trophy Trout, Red Fish, and Flounder Photos Courtesy of Michael Black
Randy Foreman, US Coast Guard Certified Captain
Licensed in both Texas and Louisiana
www.bigthicket.org
Families with children Corporate trips
are always welcome available
Be informed! Participate in Field Trips
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
and Workshops
expectations. Offshore fishing trips available. Fishing for snapper, long, king, Become a Citizen Scientist in the
triple tail, and dolphin. Dive or fish around rigs, boat wrecks, weed lines, and
shrimp boats. Thicket of Diversity!
32 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011
SPORTING
Year-Round Recreation Destination By Kirsten Matthew

A
t dawn’s first light, a fisher- plethora of other alternatives vie for
man hauls a stringer full of contention.
flounder from a brackish Bicycle tours, running events and
bayou. Somewhere offshore, exceptional golf courses abound. The
the high blare of an outboard opportunities for swimming, camping
engine rousts a flock of nesting ducks. and hiking are many and varied. For
A brilliant red-orange sunrise breaks as the more physically active, learning
the birds fan out across the horizon, just to wakeboard or even competing in
passersby to this land of wild beauty. one of the tournaments out on the
Here, where coastal waters meet SETx Wakeboard Lake is a unique
coastal plains and the climate is mild adventure. Those who prefer passive
year-round, a cornucopia of recreation participation might enjoy a professional
outlets exists for sports enthusiasts of sporting event at Beaumont’s Ford
nearly any caliber. Fishing, boating and Park or a Lamar University football
hunting are decided mainstays, but a 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:
http://www.lamarcardinals.com
2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 33
A Fisherman’s Friend

J
efferson County is A growing international tourist
home to 32 lakes, miles attraction, Port Neches offers
of coastal beaches and fishing and many other outdoor
a myriad of rivers and experiences, including a fishing
creeks, making it a fish- tournament during the city’s
erman’s paradise. Out on Sabine annual RiverFest
Lake, fishing guide and charter ser- Many of the numerous local
vices open the door to fine offshore wildlife refuges and wildlife man-
fishing trips. Red snapper, dorado, agement areas attract fishermen
amberjack, king mackerel, tripe who relish the large expanses of
tail and shark swim these waters. coastline, meandering bayous and
For bait casters, huge speckle trout, coastal marshes. Various parks,
line-testing redfish and doormat- piers and boat ramps throughout
size flounder all prey inshore. the county also offer access to some
To the east, the county line of the finest fishing in the state.
is formed by the Neches River.

A Hunter’s Heaven
eep within the un- On the Texas-Louisiana border, on these bountiful marshlands

D
spoiled wilds of the McFaddin and Texas Point afford a wealth of waterfowl
Big Thicket Nation- Wildlife Refuges supply im- hunting, including Anahuac
al Preserve, nature’s portant resting and feeding National Wildlife Refuge
critters – white-tailed places for migrating blue and and J.D. Murphree Wild-life
deer, rabbit and feral hog - roam the green winged teal, mottled ducks, Management Area.
forests and black-water swamps. gadwall and other species. (Large Come alligator, deer or duck
An amazing patchwork of biodiver- portions of the game lands are season, Southeast Texas doles out
sity, including an impressive variety open to hunters free of charge a hefty portion of prime hunting
of waterfowl, presents hunters with and can be accessed on foot or by opportunities for sportsmen of all
some tasty choices. boat.) Other rich feeding grounds stripes and ambitions. >

34 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


A Boater’s Bounty

SPORTING
uch a vast network of Creek, known for its sugar-white

S
rivers, lakes, bayous and sandbars and the unspoiled natural
coastal waters crisscross wilderness.
this region that boating Boating is a popular diversion out
has become as much on Sabine Lake and a public boat
a part of the local lifestyle as rib- launch is available. Enjoy a leisurely
sticking Texas barbecue. Several sail or take a high-seas adventure
local outfits offer guided canoe down Sabine Pass to the Gulf of
trips and nature tours along Village 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 Boating Brentwood Country Club FISHING GUIDES   MARINAS 
Cardinal Neches River 4201 S. Major Dr, Beaumont     
Fishing and Hunting Adventures 409.840.9010 Captain Randy’s Sabine Lake Colliers Ferry Park 
Anahuac National Wildlife 701R Main St, Beaumont brentwoodccbeaumont.com Guide Service 5390 Pine St, Beaumont 
Refuge Main Complex 409.880.8907   409.719.6067  
509 Washington Ave, Anahuac nechesriveradventures.org Henry Homberg Municipal fishsabine.com Pleasure Island
409.267.3337   Golf Course (reopening early 2011)
fws.gov/southwest/refuges Texas Parks and Wildlife 5940 Babe Zaharias Dr, Beaumont  Chuck’s Guide Service 520 Pleasure Pier Blvd, Port Arthur 
  Department Where to Boat 409.842.3220 409.697.6111 409.982.4675
McFaddin and Texas tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/boat/where cityofbeaumont.com chucksguideservice.net pleasureislandtx.com
Point National Wildlife      
Refuges Main Complex Wakeboarding  Idylwild Golf Club Coastal Outfitters Guide Service Port Neches River
10 Parks & Wildlife Dr, Port Arthur Wakeboard Lessons 1100 Pine Shadows Dr, Sour Lake 409.460.1220 Front Park  
409.736.2371 setxwakeboarding.com  409.753.2521 coastaloutfittersguideservice.com 600 Grigsby, Port Neches
fws.gov/southwest/refuges bigthicketdirectory.com/pages/ 409.727.2182
  Golf idylwild Colburn’s Sabine Connection  
J.D. Murphree Wildlife Babe Zaharias Golf Course   409.883.0723 Riverfront Park 
Management Area 3500 Jimmy Johnson Blvd, Port Arthur Iron Oaks Golf Club sabineconnection.com 800 Main, Beaumont
10 Parks & Wildlife Dr, Port Arthur 409.722.8286 Iron Oaks Dr, Beaumont 409.838.3435
409.736.2551 aquilagolf.com 409.866.9191 Golden Hook Guide Service   
tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild golflink.com/golf-courses 409.673.3100 Sabine Pass Battleground
  Bayou Din Golf Club   goldenhookguide.com State Park & Historic Site
Texas Parks and Wildlife 8537 Labelle Rd, Beaumont  Patch Golf Course   Hwy. 87 S., Sabine Pass
Department 409.796.1327 5721 Monroe St, Groves  Have Boat Will Travel Guide 409.332.8820 or 512.463.6323
Hunting Licenses, Permits, Dates aquilagolf.com 409.963.3763 Service  
800.895.4248   golflink.com/golf-courses 409.786.2018 or 409.673.9211 Sabine Pass Port Authority
tpwd.state.tx.us.huntwild Beaumont Country Club   fishsabinelake.com Marina
  5355 Pine St, Beaumont  Sports Teams   5960 S. First Ave, Sabine Pass
Village Creek State Park  409.898.7011 Lamar University Cardinals Sabine Lake Guide Service 409.971.2411
8854 Park Road 74, Lumberton beaumontcountryclub.com 4400 MLK Blvd, Beaumont  409.718.8782  
409.755.7322 tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest 409.880.7011 sabinelakefishing.com Walter Umphrey State Park
Belle Oaks Golf Club lamarcardinals.com   Pleasure Island, Port Arthur
15075 Country Club Dr, Beaumont   Sabine Outdoors Fishing Charters 409.736.2851
409.796.1311 409.719.7166  
golflink.com sabineoutdoors.com
2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 35
HERE FOR
THE Party
you cam e to S outheast Texas
If e, you’re on
r a go od tim
looking fo elting pot of
tr ack . A s a m
the right fferson County
s, Je
cultural influence of entertainment, it
pes
offers so many ty which to do first.
h ard to deci d e
can be music of a live Zyd
to the
eco
Downing crawfish g at a nightclub, watching
cin
band, hip-hop dan ding the concert of a
atten
a local stage play, country superstar — this is
rned
hometown boy tu
.
a typical Saturday

By Haley Strahen

LIVEMUSIC

I
n a region that has with local bands on weekend
yielded some of nights to everything from indie to
jazz and rock. The Logon Cafe,
America’s greatest also in Beaumont, is a favorite live
music legends including music venue for local music-lovers,
George Jones, Janis Joplin, as it blends respected local artists
Mark Chesnutt and Tracy with regional and national acts. To
get in-the-know about the latest
Byrd, Southeast Texas musical talent in the area, try Dylan’s
stands out as a destination Restaurant and Grill in Port Arthur.
for great live music. Featuring music every weekend and
To see your favorite (and soon- acoustic nights every Tuesday, Dylan’s
to-be favorite) performers up close has its finger on the pulse of the local
and personal, try small venues like music scene.
the Barking Dog Coffee Lounge If you’re in the mood for a
in Beaumont, a hip and funky bigger attraction, Southeast Texas
hotspot where you can rock along boasts several live music venues >

36 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


ENTERTAINMENT
Music continued from pg. 36

that routinely host popular For a truly cultural experience,


national acts. Whiskey River the Symphony of Southeast
in Beaumont features local and Texas performs several concerts
nationally touring performers on per year, including a pops
a weekly basis. Other venues that concert, four Master Series
handle large acts include the live concerts, a holiday concert, and
music venues in the Crockett a free Fourth of July concert at
Street Entertainment District, Beaumont’s Riverfront Park.
the Beaumont Civic Center The Symphony of Southeast
and Ford Park Event Center, a Texas has been a fixture of the
huge complex that welcomes the area since 1953, promoting a
hottest national performers to its local appreciation for symphonic
14,000-seat pavilion. music. >

2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 37


TIMEFORDANCING

W
ith so many historic downtown, features live jazz
cultural music Friday and Saturday nights.
A favorite destination for romantic
influences dates and special occasions, dinner
at play in and dancing at Suga’s is an elegant
Southeast Texas, it’s no way to spend an evening.
wonder that there are many Club Salsa is a spicy trend
clubs dedicated to different sweeping Southeast Texas. Meeting
styles of music and dance. once a month in the ballroom of the
Whether you brought your Holiday Inn & Suites in Beaumont,
pointed-toe boots, your cha-cha Club Salsa offers salsa dancing
stilettos or your snowy white kicks, lessons early in the evening, followed
there’s a place for you to dance the by open dancing to a live salsa band.
night away. If you want to experience some
Many of the area dance clubs of the local Cajun flavor, head to
feature country music and a dance Groves to enjoy live zydeco music at
floor made for boot-scooting. If Larry’s French Market and Cajun
you’re eager to show off your best Restaurant. A Southeast Texas
Texas two-step (or perhaps to tradition, Larry’s French Market
learn how), try Beaumont’s Alibi’s blends delectable Cajun eats with
Cocktails and Dancing, where many good-time zydeco, but the true
of the areas professional and amateur pleasure lies in people-watching.
country-western dancers gather to The dance floor reflects a little slice
perfect their twirls. Other clubs for of Southeast Texas. From an older
cowboys and their cowgirls include couple with accomplished dance
Whiskey River, which offers free skills to a father dancing with his
country-western dance lessons on laughing toddler, from down-home
Wednesday good ole boys to well-dressed
nights, and sorority sisters, the dance floor is
Dixie Dance never empty.
Hall. The Pine Tree Lodge, out on
Would you the bayou in Beaumont, is another
rather jazz home for Cajun music as spicy as
it up? Suga’s the food. Live Zydeco bands play
Deep South here every Sunday and on weekends
Cuisine and during the spring and summer
Jazz Bar, months. Watch out for the gators
located in that swim right up to the dock! >

No need to just watch from the


sideline when you can follow the
basic pattern of the traditional Texas Beat Guys Gals
Two-Step. Think of it as walking 1 Step forward quickly with left foot. Step back quickly right.
to a beat – quick-quick-slow-slow. 2 Step forward quickly with right foot. Step back quickly left.
Face your partner. Gents, your right 3 Step forward slowly with left foot. Step back slowly right.
arm on your lady’s waist, the left 4 Pause Pause
arm out, slightly bent for her to hold 5 Step forward slowly with right foot. Step back slowly left.
your hand. 6 Pause, pull left leg even and repeat. Pause

38 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


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2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 39
ONTHESTAGE

S
outheast Texas summer workshop season.
boasts a number of The Port Arthur Little Theater
presents plays like Once Upon a
theatrical groups Mattress and Frankenstein at
worthy of any The Playhouse in Port Arthur.
Broadway production. If you long for a night at
In addition, Beaumont’s Jefferson the ballet, look no further
Theatre and Julie Rogers than Beaumont’s two dance
Theatre represent some of the companies. The Beaumont Civic
most breathtaking architecture Ballet, made up of local students,
in the region, as well as evidence presents a holiday performance
of the dedication to historical of The Nutcracker every year and
restoration recently undertaken a spring performance of Snow
in the area. White. The Beaumont Ballet
Beaumont Community Theater, similarly consisting of
Players puts on several plays each local talent, performs an annual
year featuring all local talent. Past production of Cinderella, also in
productions include Grease, Guys the spring.
and Dolls, and, most recently, Many venues, across Jefferson
Chicago, which had consistently County, whether the Jefferson
sold-out performances over its Theatre, the Julie Rogers Theatre,
month-long run. Beaumont the Robert Bowers Civic Center,
Community Players also or the Ford Park Arena offer stage
sponsors the Kidmunity Players, acts throughout the year such as
which presents plays featuring comedy acts, plays, expos, circuses
and for children over their and dance performances.
The Lutcher Theater in nearby Orange hosts musicians, dance troupes and stage shows of national acclaim

40 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


  
         
            
                     
           


Port Arthur Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.visitportarthurtx.com
Who Says Oil + Water Don’t Mix?
1-800-235-7822

Great Ideas For,


The Great Outdoors

Let Us Help,
Wild & Crazy
Wednesday’s
Live!
Thursday’s Create a Nature
LADIES NIGHT CONCERT NIGHT Habitat In Your
$2 BEER & BAR ALL NIGHT LIVE NASHVILLE & TEXAS
NO COVER LADIES 18 & UP COUNTRY ARTIST Own Backyard.
Funtastic Stampede
Friday’s Saturday’s
SPECIALS HOLY COW!
ALL NIGHT $2 BEER & BAR
ALL NIGHT
3871 Stagg Drive @ I-10 NO COVER TILL 10
In the Gateway Shopping Center
409-832-2999 BIRDFOOD • FEEDERS • GARDEN ACCENTS • UNIQUE GIFTS

Doors Open @ 7PM 3939 Dowlen Rd #7 Beaumont, Tx 77706


(409) 347-3500 • www.wbu.com/beaumont

Come on in the We’re passionate about birds and nature. That’s why we opened a
Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop in our community.
whiskeyrivertexas.com Whiskey’s fine !
2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 41
NIGHTSPOTS

Alibi’s Cocktails and Dancing Good Times (Inside the Ramada Inn) Rocks
315 I-10 North • Beaumont 3801 Hwy. 73 • Port Arthur 5675 Fannett Rd • Beaumont
409-835-5164 409-962-9858 409-842-9932
The Art Studio, Inc. Hooters Speak Easy Lounge
720 Franklin • Beaumont 850 I-10 West S • Beaumont 711 Proctor St • Port Arthur
409-838-5393 409-892-WING 409-982-1700
Barking Dog Café King’s Bar & Grill Starvin Marvin’s Bar & Grill
493 Pearl St • Beaumont 1295 N 11th Street Beaumont 2310 N. 11th Street • Beaumont
409-835-BARK 409-898-1967 409-347-0058
Cash’s Bar and Grill Logon Café Suga’s Deep South Cuisine
8484 Central Mall Dr • Port Arthur 3805 Calder Ave • Beaumont & Jazz Bar
409-729-6639 409-832-1529 461 Bowie St • Beaumont
409-813-1808
Crockett Street Larry’s French Market &
200 Block of Crockett St • Beaumont Cajun Restaurant Thirsty’s
3701 Hwy 366 • Groves 229 Dowlen Rd • Beaumont
Hole in the Wall 409-962-3381 409-866-6066
240 Crockett St • Beaumont
409-833-3090 Madison’s Tradewinds Pub
4020 Dowlen Rd • Beaumont (Located inside the MCM Elegante)
Dixie Dance Hall 409-924-9777 Beaumont • 409-842-3600
240 Crockett St • Beaumont
409-833-3090 MacKenzie’s Pub The West Bar and Grill
229 Dowlen Rd #9B • Beaumont 6445 Calder Ave • Beaumont
The Hub Bar & Patio 409-866-2288 409-866-4733
260 Crockett St • Beaumont
409-838-1500 Major League Grill Whiskey River
4430 Dowlen Rd • 409-898-7500 3871 Stagg Dr • Beaumont
Star Bar 409-832-2999
296 Crockett St • Beaumont The Pacesetter Lounge
409-813-2299 6358 Phelan Blvd • Beaumont WineStyles
409-866-2100 4008 Dowlen Rd • Beaumont
D’Vine Wine Winery 409-347-1340
6755 Phelan Blvd • Beaumont The Pine Tree Lodge
409-861-0400 3396 Pine Tree Rd • Beaumont
409-796-1600
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

42 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


OF TEXAS

Cocktails & Dancing YOUR PERSONAL WINERY


Visit our Wine Tasting Bar
Never a Cover 21 and up! Host a Private Party in our Vineyard Room
Open Monday (Day) • Tues - Thur Noon until 9 PM
Fri - Sat Noon until 10 PM
Great Music Every Night Sun by Appointment • Seats 60 People

Country Western and Good Time Oldies Customize Your Own Private Label
for You, your Business, or Special Gift
To Dance The Night Away To. 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 409.861.0400 www.divinewinebmt.com

Wine Sales ~ Wine by the Glass


Wine Club Specialty Beers
Gift Baskets & Accessories Gift Cards
Corporate & Private Events
Wine Education Classes Great Food, Dance, Music, Friends & Fun
D.J. Entertainment; Friday
WEEKLY WINE TASTINGS every Tuesday 5pm - 8pm
Live Bands; Tues, Wed, Thurs. & Sat.
Join the WIneStyles Club - the best value around
PIZZA • BURGERS • STEAKS • PRIME RIB • SHRIMP • FISH
4008 Dowlen Rd. Bmt, TX 409.347.1340 229 Dowlen #9 • Bmt., TX 77706 • 409-866-2288
www.winestyles.net/beaumont www.mackenziespub.com

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

FOOD, FUN & Southeast Texas


SPIRITS!
Monday – All Day Pool • Ping Pong
TASTY Terms
1/2 price appetizers Big Screens
Happy Hour 2-5pm M-F Weekly Dart Boudain (boo dan): Hot, spicy pork mixed with onion,
$1.75 Draft and $5 Pitchers cooked rice and chicken, stuffed into a sausage casing.
$2.50 Domestic Longnecks Tournament
Seasonal weekly Outdoor smoking Etouffee (ay’ too fay): A creamy roux (tomato based
crawfish boils veranda with TVs sauce) great with crawfish and usually served over rice.

SATELLITE NFL GAME TICKET 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.

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


WHERE EVERYNITE IS PARTY NIGHT what many Cajuns call “the Holy Trinity” of bell peppers,
tomatoes and onions. Also can contain poultry, ham,
6445 Calder Ave. shrimp, celery and just about every seasoning.
Beaumont
409-866-4733
2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 43
On the Trail...
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 Historic Homes Trail
John Jay French Museum 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, meticu-
McFaddin-Ward House lously restored, tell the tale of the area’s earlier days through family histories and the treasures they
La Maison Beausoleil left behind. From simple hand tools to sparkling crystal chandeliers, antiques fill every room. Look
Pompeiian Villa 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
Rose Hill Manor house are making their grand entrance. Is the Victrola playing? You can almost hear the sounds
Vuylsteke Home • White Haven of children’s voices sweetly singing along.
44 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011
More than

TRAILS
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.

Rooms with a View


Museum of the Gulf Coast

Art Trail
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
2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 45
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.

Art Museum of Southeast Texas, Jefferson County Courthouse, Martin Luther King Jr.
The folk art totem-like sculptures of Beaumont’s self-taught artist Park, Martin Luther King Bridge, Suga’s Deep South Cuisine & Jazz Bar
Felix “Fox” Harris

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
Cathedral
Basilica altar
46 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011
Traveling the Trails

TRAILS
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

Stop and make


some memories

2010
2010- -2011
2011 II Visitors
VisitorsGuide
Guide 47
47
southeast
texas eatin’ –
Brazenly Blazin’ By Holli Petersen

H
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.

Cajun?
So, don’t be afraid to pull up a chair
and linger a little longer over our Texas-
sized portions of robust flavors, jolting
Cravin’ those dormant taste buds into a bout of
excitement and intrigue.

FLoyD’s CaJun relaxing environment and to-die-for Cajun dishes sChooner restaurant
seaFooD & teXas steakhouse Don’t miss your opportunity to experiment with 409.722.2323
409.842.0686 bayou-favorites such as fried alligator or frog 1507 south hwy 69 at 365 • nederland
2290 interstate 10 south • Beaumont legs. theschoonerrestaurant.com
floydsseafood.com Since 1947, Schooner owners, the Megas
Fresh from the Gulf seafood, delivered in a sartin’s seaFooD & family, have created a home where Southeast
hospitably southern atmosphere, Floyd’s does sartin’s West Texans could celebrate all their significant
seafood right! And, don’t forget that their “turf” 409.721.9420 • Nederland events in life. The locals don’t mind sharing. All
is just as scrumptious as their “surf.” 3520 nederland avenue seafood is caught fresh daily and their famous,
409.861.3474 • Beaumont hearty gumbo is a top-secret family recipe. >
Larry’s FrenCh Market & 1990 interstate 10 south
CaJun restaurant sartin.com
409.962.3381 A Southeast Texas tradition since 1970, Sartin’s
3701 atlantic hwy (FM 366) • groves is famous for their seafood platters, piled high
larrysfrenchmarket.com with the freshest fare from under the sea. Locals
Where Texas and Louisiana meet to dance and recommend barbecued crabs and the spicy
dine, you will instantly fall in love with Larry’s boudain ball dinner.

1. Remove the head 3. Peel and pinch


Crazy for CraWFish Hold the head with one hand, and place
your other hand above the tail.
Peel a couple of rings from the top of
the tail and pinch the very bottom of
2. Twist and wiggle the tail to free the meat.
Don’t let the little crustacean Pull and twist the tail to separate from 4. Tug
cause you frustration! Here’s a the head. If you want to savor every Using either your teeth or
step-by-step guide to enjoying a drop of spice, you can suck the head fingers, pull the meat out and enjoy!
before you discard it.
favorite local delicacy.

48 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 49

CVB BMONT
BMONT_48-57.indd
48-57.indd 49 4/26/10 4:55:42 PM
hungering for Heat ?

CaFÉ DeL rio eLena’s


409.347.0250 409.861.2800
2830 Interstate 10 East • Beaumont 6290 Phelan Boulevard • Beaumont
cafedelrio.net 409.832.1203
Known for its scrumptiously authentic Tex- 1865 College street ∙ Beaumont
Mex, Café Del Rio’s bacon-wrapped Shrimp Family-owned and locally revered, Elena’s
Brochette is as sinful as Diablo himself! serves up the finest of Tex-Mex and authentic
And, don’t worry. You can always temper Mexican disheS What better way to beat the
that heat with a signature margarita or summery Southeast Texas heat than lounging
complimentary ice cream. on their patios with a frosty, cool beverage?

CarMeLa’s La haCienDa
409.898.4745 409.724.1477
3925 Calder Avenue • Beaumont 7700 9th Avenue • Port Arthur
409.729.0760 Lively and delicious, weekenders will
1203 South Highway 69 • Nederland appreciate these robust, zesty dishes served
With their spicy salsa and flavorful fajitas, there up with the toe-tapping tunes of live bands.
is something for everyone at this traditional
Tex-Mex hot spot. And, let that sweet tooth La suPreMa
journey south of the border with a sampling of 409.722.2880
their traditional Mexican candy. 3106 Highway 365 • Nederland
lasuprema1970.com
CarLito’s MeXiCan A beloved hot spot, the Martinez family has
restaurant been dishing out homemade Mexican favorites
409.839.8011 since 1970. Forget about your “bad case of
890 Amarillo Street • Beaumont the lunes” with their Monday-only all-day $2
From the unassuming location and friendly deal on Mexican beers!
staff, customers get a true taste of an authentic
Mexican kitchen at Carlito’s. Don’t forget to troPiCaL griLL
indulge in the to-die-for guacamole and the 409.982.3357
larger-than-life burritos. It’s so good that Bill 4751 Gulfway Drive • Port Arthur
Clinton stopped by while visiting the area! Putting an exotic twist on conventional
Mexican fare, Tropical Grill is known for
their pineapple stuffed with shrimp, crab,
fish, scallops and bell pepper. >

50 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


READERS’
CHOICE

Fine Cajun Cuisine Since 1984 For the Seasoned Diner


Breakfast Hours: Mon-Sat 6am-10:30am Sun 7am-10:30am D.J.’s is your
Lunch and Dinner Restaurant Hours:
Sun-Wed 6am-9pm Thurs-Sat 6am-10pm hometown supplier of
Daily Lunch Buffet: 10:30am-2:00pm
boudain and rice dressing.
4840 Lafin Dr. • Beaumont, TX
Look for it at any one 409.842.0558
of your local grocery stores.
Hwy 124, Spur 5 • Winnie, TX • 409-296-9818 www.al-tsrestaurant@msn.com

CELEBRATING
62 YEARS

3520 W. Cardinal Drive


Phone: 409.842.0010
Fax: 409.840.6272
Banquet Room for 50 to 300 Catering Available
• Video and Audio available for 10 to 1000


Full stage with sound system
Full Bar is available upon request
Restaurant
• Serving a wide verity of food OPEN
• Servers on request 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


beaumont@carrabbas.com
2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 51
hankering for

BiLLy Joe’s Bar-B-Q


Barbecue? Fat MaC’s sMokehouse
409.727.1482 409.892.8600
2029 Magnolia Avenue • Port Neches 5555 Calder avenue
One bite of this love-infused, home- Beaumont • dangbbq.com
cooked food and your taste buds will lure The finest, prime cuts of tender, slow-cooked
you into driving to Port Neches again and pit barbecue, plated with a side of corn
again, just to beg for one more heaping pudding and served to you in a friendly
helping. environment, complete with weekend-night live
entertainment? Dang, that’s good barbecue!
ButCher’s korner
409.722.4831 PatiLLo’s Bar-B-Q
1155 Boston Avenue • Nederland 409.832.2572
Dining in a full-service butcher shop 610 North 11th Street • Beaumont
guarantees a fresh meal. This eatery has a 409.833.3155
knack for combining barbecued favorites 2775 Washington Blvd. • Beaumont
with a healthy dose of Cajun concoction. Classic barbeque served up with love in this
homestyle, family-owned restaurant. Patillo’s
offers heaping helpings of all your barbecued
CoWBoy reDs favorites. With a loyal local fan-base, new
409.729.8100 customers love knowing they’ve unearthed a
1920 Nederland Avenue • Nederland regional hidden gem.
Sweet ’n’ spicy barbecue in this casual
atmos-phere is an age-old recipe for a WiLLy ray’s BBQ
fine time. Locals recommend the hearty 409.832.7770
breakfasts or the thick and juicy pork 145 interstate 10 north
chops smothered with Cajun rice. 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

52 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


REA
CHODERS’
ICE

DINE IN OR CATERING
BEAUMONT, TX PORT ARTHUR, TX
CALL IN: 409-861-3354 CALL IN: 409-729-3354
3050 DOWLEN RD, SUITE A 8393 MEMORIAL BLVD
FAX: 409-861-3355 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)

2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 53


Desiring Fine
Bistro LeMonde
Dining?
Colichia’s Italian Village
409.860.5800 409.962.7711
3199 Dowlen Road • Beaumont 5601 East Parkway St. • Groves
Chic and contemporary, this Serving up authentic Italian
restaurant serves classic, sultry food for more than 70 years,
dishes in a romantic environment. the Colichias keeps alive a local
With an array of choices, there is tradition of mouthwatering fare
truly something for everyone. It’s that lures in diners from across
perfect for a romantic date or just the region. We guarantee you’ll
a night out with the girls. be begging for more of their top-
secret, homemade Sicilian sauce.
Bryan’s 797
409.832.3900 Easy’s Tapas & Martinis
797 North 5th St. • Beaumont 409.832.2600
bryans797.org 2325 Calder Avenue • Beaumont
Nestled in a charming estate in easysonline.com
Beaumont’s Old Town, Bryan’s An enchanting restaurant located in
797 is fine dining at its best, historic Old Town, Easy’s exudes a
with exotic dishes executed with warm, cozy aura, while offering up an
a disciplined perfection. For a array of tasty, colorful martinis paired
plentiful, memorable dining expe- with delectable dishes for every
rience, be sure to try their melt-in- appetite and budget. To make the
your-mouth Osso Bucco. 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!
• Salads • Soups The
• Wraps
• Breakfast
• Sandwiches
• Plate Lunches Since
1930
Cafe’
730 Liberty Street in Historic Downtown Beaumont
(409) 835-9652
Monday thru Friday 7:00 am to 2:00 pm

54 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


Fine Dining continued
Suga’s Deep South Cuisine &
Jazz Bar
409.813.1808 ∙ 461
Bowie St. • Beaumont
sugasdeepsouth.com
This is southern-fusion at its best! Located in historic
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
409.833.2433
290 Crockett Street • Beaumont
spindletopsteakhouse.com
With a menu boasting select dishes of Italian,
French and Southwest cuisine, Spindletop
Goodfella’s The Grill by Arfeen, Smith & Payne Steakhouse is known for serving up the most
409.861.2500 409.866.0039 tender, delectable hand-cut steaks in our
3350 Dowlen Road Suite H • Beaumont 6680 Calder Avenue • Beaumont region. Try the rare Texas Kobe New York strip
What’s better than fine wine, yummy Italian thegrillbysmithandpayne.com or the lunch menu’s three-course “Big Plate” for
classics, and the sleek, comfortable atmosphere Decadent and luxurious, The Grill will unfailingly
of Goodfella’s? Grab a great deal immediately impress, offering an elegant, refined twist to a true Texas-sized treat!
after church with their delicious Sunday Brunch traditional, regional flavors. For example,
and bottomless mimosas! instead of greasy chicken tenders, The Grill
offers Almond Dusted Duck Tenders, served
with Honey Mustard Barbecue Sauce.

2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 55


BEAUMONT
AMERICAN   Jason’s Deli Sertino’s Cafe Carmela’s China Hut
DINING
112 Gateway Shopping 5657 Eastex Frwy 3925 Calder Ave 3675 College St
Applebee’s Center | 409-833-5914 409-892-0600 409-898-4745 409-832-3663
4375 Dowlen Rd 535 Dowlen Rd
409-347-0199 409-866-9015 The West Bar and Grill Casa Ole Chinese Gourmet Express
www.jasondeli.com 6445 Calder Ave 5898 Eastex Frwy 6155 Eastex Frwy
Bando’s 409-866-4733 409-899-2646 409-892-8823
215 N 11th St Katharine & Company 335 I-10 N
409-212-8445 1495 Calder Ave Two Magnolias at the Art 409-832-5004 East Dragon Asia Buffet
409-833-9919 Museum of Southeast 6434 Phelan | 409-866-3388 
Bistro LeMonde Texas Chula Vista
3199 Dowlen Rd King’s Bar & Grill 500 Main St. 1135 N 11th St. General Wok
409-860-5800 1295 N 11th St 409-833-5913 409-898-8855 260 Dowlen Rd | 409-866-6588 
Big John’s Grill 409-898-1967 Golden Dragon
Waffle House Crazy Jose’s
1465 Gladys St Kolache Factory 2760 I-10 East 6420 Phelan Blvd 6420 Eastex Frwy
409-838-1585 6475 Phelan 409-892-6562 409-866-7760 409-924-733
Black-Eyed Pea Restaurant 409-860-5000 3865 I-10 South Great China
409-842-0860 Elena’s Mexican
6455 Phelan Blvd Logon Cafe Restaurant 3135 Calder Ave
409-866-2617 3989 College St. 409-833-0537
3805 Calder Ave 409-842-5212 6290 Phelan Blvd
Buffalo Wild Wings B&G 409-832-1529 5875 Hwy 105 409-861-2800 K-Asian Kitchen
3939 Dowlen Rd 409-347-0590 865 College St 5540 College St
Madison’s on Dowlen 409-832-1203
409-924-8646 4020 Dowlen Rd 409-842-9531 
Wings to Go
The Café 409-924-9777 4275 Dowlen Rd Guadalajara King Palace
730 Liberty St 409-898-1600 4414 Dowlen Rd 4328 Dowlen Rd
MacKenzie’s Pub 409-924-7718
409-835-9652 299 Dowlen Rd #9B 409-898-3338
409-866-2288 ITALIAN Geo Burritos
Cheddar’s Casual Cafe Pei Wei Asian Diner
3815 I-10 S Carrabba’s Italian Grill 4230 Calder Ave 3050 Dowlen Rd
McAlister’s Deli 409-898-8688
409-840-5333 3050 Dowlen Rd 1550 I-10 N 409-866-0620
409-842-5561 4438 Dowlen Rd
Chili’s 409-861-3354 409-898-2900 Taste of China
110 I-10 S Major League Grill Frankie’s Italian Grill 955 I-10 S | 409-838-1688
409-832-1253 105 I-10 N La Cantina
4430 Dowlen Rd 4555 Dowlen Rd Tokyo Japanese Steak
409-898-7500 409-835-9200
Chuck E Cheese 409-899-9393 House & Sushi Bar
4180 Dowlen Rd Novrozsky’s Hamburgers, Goodfellas 2050 I-10 S 4438 Dowlen Rd
409-347-0693 Etc. 3350 Dowlen Rd 409-840-9840 409-896-2400
3925 Dowlen Rd 409-861-2500 1970 I-10 S  | 409-840-4255
Cracker Barrel Monterey House
5390 Walden Rd 409-899-4076 Joe’s Pizza & Pasta 1090 S 11th St SEAFOOD
409-842-5420 Quiznos’s Subs 4318 Dowlen Rd 409-832-0310
409-899-1640 Baytown Seafood
Early Bird Cafe 3939 Dowlen Rd 3015 N Dowlen Rd 3825 College St
5955 Phelan | 409-860-9111 409-899-2235 Johnny Carino’s 409-861-4905 409-832-4999
3775 College 3805 I-10 S Pancho Villa’s
Fuddruckers 409-212-1457 409-842-1919 Floyd’s Cajun Seafood &
4545 Dowlen Rd Mexican Kitchen Texas Steakhouse
409-898-8973 Rao’s Bakery and Cafe New York Pizza & Pasta 230 Crocket St 2290 I-10 S | 409-842-0686
4440 Dowlen Rd 4405 Calder Ave 409-833-3700
Hemingway’s Cafe 409-347-3400 409-892-6535 Joe’s Crab Shack
2355 I-10 S in the MCM Tacos La Bamba 3825 I-10 S | 409-842-4433
2596 Calder Ave 790 Neches St 2005 Calder Ave
Elegante 409-832-4342 409-832-7032
409-842-3600 409-838-6222 Gator Country Cafe’ 
Richard’s Cafe The Olive Garden 21159 FM 365 | 409-794-9453
Honey Bee Ham Company 1087 Magnolia Taqueria El Paraiso
585 I-10 N 1880 College St Pappadeaux Seafood
6385 Calder Ave 409-835-7063 409-832-9058
409-860-3151 409-832-9209 Kitchen
Rockin A Cafe MEDITERRANEAN 4040 I-10 S | 409-842-1339
Hooters Uncle Henry’s Tamales
3520 W. Cardinal Dr. 3901 Calder Ave Red Lobster
850 I-10 S 409-842-0010 Abbie’s Imports
409-892-9464 5335 Fannett Rd 409-892-4999 2820 I-10 E. | 409-892-7821
Starvin’ Marvin’s Bar & Grill  409-842-2895 4358 E. Lucas
IHOP 409-924-0302 Sartin’s West
2310 N 11th St 1990 I-10 S | 409-861-3474
3838 College St 409-347-0058 MEXICAN - TEX MEX
409-833-5510 ASIAN
Café Del Rio Vautrot’s Cajun Cuisine
5875 Eastex Frwy St. Elizabeth’s Pavilion Chaba Thai Cuisine 13350 Hwy 105
409-899-3117 745 N 11th St. 2830 I-10 E
409-347-0250 4340 E. Lucas | 409-899-4500 409-753-2015
409-899-8374
Iron Skillet China Border Zydeco Louisiana Diner
5405 Walden Rd Schlotzsky’s Carlito’s
890 Amarillo St 3871 Stagg Dr 270 Crockett St
409-842-9606 4080 N Dowlen Rd 409-838-6686 409-835-4457 >
409-924-9991 409-839-8011

56 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


STEAKS & BARBECUE Casa Ole Restaurant & Park Central Café Larry’s French Market & Rao’s Bakery & Deli
Cantina 2929 Jimmy Johnson Blvd Cajun Restaurant 3504 Hwy 365 | 409-729-7267
Brazos Cattle Company Central Mall, Hwy 365 409-724-5000 3701 Pure Atlantic Rd
5055 Eastex Frwy 409-727-5377 409-962-3381 Sanderson’s Bar & Grill
409-895-0099 4801 Twin City Hwy Rancho Grande Bar & Grill 2095 Hwy 69 | 409-722-8900
409-963-0185 7670 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 Main Street Diner
Logan’s Roadhouse 409-729-9105 3848 Main St | 409-962-0340 Sartin’s Seafood
4185 N Dowlen Rd Cheddar’s Restaurant 3520 Nederland Ave
409-347-2977 8005 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 Sake Sushi Bar Tony’s BBQ & Steaks 409-721-9420
409-729-5800 8691 Ninth Ave | 409-722-7253 4700 Twin City Hwy
Lone Star Steakhouse 409-962-7427 The Schooner Restaurant
Seafood & Grill Chili’s Savannah Grill & BBQ 1507 Hwy 69 | 409-722-2323
6685 Eastex Frwy 8665 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 2021 Savannah Ave NEDERLAND
409-898-0801 409-984-9005 Starbucks
409-727-3675 3610 Hwy 365 | 409-722-1504
Barbara Bon Bon
Outback Steak House Chic-Fil-A Schlotzsky’s Deli 912 S Twin City Hwy
2060 I-10 S | 409-842-6699 8445 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 The Tamale King
8701 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 409-722-1268 2495 N Twin City Hwy
409-722-4536 409-721-9997
Spindletop Steakhouse & Bobby’s Homestyle Cooking 409-724-6666
Continental Cuisine Dylan’s Restaurant and Grill Sertino’s 2750 Nederland Ave
290 Crockett St | 409-833-2433 7675 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 Taco Rey Mexican
8601 9th Ave | 409-722-1600 409-722-0561 Restaurant
409-724-7012
Barbecue Guidry’s Galley Butcher’s Korner 1505 Nederland Ave
Broussard’s Links Plus Ribs 3914 Hwy 347 | 409-729-5395 Sinh’s 1155 Boston Ave 409-721-5100
2930 S 11th St | 409-842-1221 3708 Gulfway | 409-982-6200 409-722-4831
Hong Kong Chinese PORT NECHES
Fat Mac’s Smokehouse Restaurant Taqueria Cotija Carmela’s Mexican
5555 Calder Ave | 409-892-8600 3966 Gulfway 4040 Gulfway Dr Restaurant Billy Joe’s Bar-B-Q
409-983-5675 409-982-5777 1203 S Hwy 69 2029 Magnolia Ave
Gerard’s Barbecue Diner 409-727-1482
3730 Fannett Rd | 409-842-5069 Tequila’s Mexican 409-729-0760
Ichiban Hibachi & Sushi Grill
3437 Twin City Hwy Restaurant Champagne’s Specialty Carla’s Cupboard
Patillo’s Bar-B-Q 4231 Gulfway Dr 2117 Magnolia Ave
610 N 11th St | 409-832-2572 409-962-7300 Cakes
409-983-7545 812 S Twin City Hwy 409-729-1150
Tony’s Barbecue and IHOP 409-729-2288
8685 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 Texas Roadhouse The Diner
Steakhouse 8575 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 301 Grigsby Ave | 409-729-7444
3375 Calder Ave | 409-838-2162 409-721-6310 Cowboy Red’s BBQ
409-722-2246 1920 Nederland Ave
5860 Eastex Frwy Jason’s Deli Joe’s Pizza and Pasta
409-892-3100 Tropical Grill 409-729-8100 2839 Nall | 409-727-3961
Central Mall, Hwy 365
409-727-6420 4751 Gulfway Dr Eaton Meats
Willy Ray’s Bar-B-Que 409-982-3357 La Fiesta Mexican
145 I-10 N | 409-832-7770 2505 Nederland Ave Restaurant
Jep’s Deli 409-722-3200
1900 MLK Blvd Tony’s BBQ 2337 Nederland Ave
CAFETERIAS 2749 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 409.729.2500
409-983-3822 Geo Burrito Mexican
Golden Corral 409-984-5444 Restaurant
Judice’s French Market The Neches Cafe
2190 I-10 S | 409-842-2441 Tuscany Italian Restaurant 1629 Hwy 69 | 409-729-9002 2002 First Street.
3005 Seventh St
Luby’s Cafeteria 409-982-3522 3600 Hwy 365 | 409-724-1881 Golden Croissant 409-729-3849
2695 I-10 | 409-838-5566 Waffle House 2904 Hwy 365 | 409-727-5399 Sea Ranch Cafe
King Buffet
Ryan’s 7675 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 2940 Jimmy Johnson Blvd Grand Buffet 1305 Magnolia | 409-722-6057
4260 N Dowlen Rd 409-721-6868 409-724-2141 2250 Hwy 365 | 409-722-6668
4505 Twin City Hwy Area Specialties
409-924-0331 Al-T’s Seafood & Steak House
La Hacienda Mexican 409-962-7522 Grubby’s
PORT ARTHUR Restaurant 3113 Nederland Ave 244 Spur 5/Hwy 124, Winnie
7700 9th Ave GROVES 409-722-3212 409-296-9818
Ancelet’s Cajun Market 409-724-1477
7901 Twin City Hwy Baytown Seafood Restaurant J. Martin Fresh Seafood Old Orange Cafe
409-729-9190 Las Palmas Mexican 4830 Twin City Hwy and Deli 914 W. Division, Orange
Restaurant & Bar 409-960-6052 3324 Nederland Ave 409-883-2233
Applebee’s Neighborhood 2446 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 409-729-8899
Bar & Grill China Inn Pickett House
409-985-4181 Hwy 190 W. next to Heritage
3300 Hwy 365 | 409-729-1021 4848 Twin City Hwy John’s Grill
Lighthouse Deli & Grocery 409-962-2431 112 N 11th St Village 409-283-3371
Arthur’s (Inside Ramada Inn) 5140 S Gulfway Dr / Hwy 87 409-727-1393
3801 Hwy 73 | 409-963-1170 Colichia’s Italian Village Pine Tree Lodge
409-971-3663 3296 Pine Tree Rd Off LaBelle
5601 E. Parkway/39th St La Suprema Mexican
Buffalo Wild Wings Luby’s Cafeteria 409-962-7711 Restaurant Rd between Hwy 73 & 365
8845 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 4840 Hwy 73 | 409-962-0261 3106 Hwy 365 | 409-722-2880 LaBelle
409-724-0046 8680 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 The Courtyard Café & Gift Mall 409-796-1600
409-724-0043 4321 Lincoln Ave Mazzio’s Pizza
Bruce’s Seafood Deli 409-962-2850 3028 Hwy 365 | 409-724-0500 Tuffy’s Eatery
6801 Ninth Ave | 409-727-3184 McAlister’s Deli 11261 Hwy 12, Orange
8393 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69. Famous Buffet Novrozsky’s Hamburgers, Etc. 409-745-3170
Calientes Grill and Cantina 5080 Twin City Hwy 3016 Hwy 365 | 409-724-7553
7960 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 409-729-3354
409-962-1888
409-727-0404 Napolito’s Mexican Never Enough Chocolate
Restaurant Fast Freddy’s 1147 Boston Ave
Cash’s Bar & Grill 3249 Pure Atlantic Rd 409-724-0111
8484 Central Mall Drive 2749 Memorial Blvd / Hwy 69
409-985-7225 409-963-2121
409-729-6639

2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 57


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!
Browsing in Gaudie & Co. in Beaumont
By Haley Strahan

Southeast TEXAS Flavor


The Branding Iron Western Store Larry’s French Market & Cajun
7280 Eastex Freeway, Restaurant Gift Shop
Beaumont 3701 Atlantic Hwy.,
409.892.5761 Groves
Purveyors of all things Western, The Branding Iron is 409.962.3381
a locally-owned shop boasting well-known brands larrysfrenchmarket.com
like Lucchese and Tony Lama boots and Stetson Bring home a little piece of the bayou
and Resistol hats. You’ll also find saddles, tack and from Southeast Texas’s home for authentic
western jewelry. 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


Market Basket 700 Proctor Street,
This locally-owned chain Port Arthur
of grocery stores stocks 409.982.7000
plenty of Texas flavor like Pick up souvenirs and memorabilia at
TexJoy spices, Seaport this museum dedicated to the unique
Coffee, Zummo’s history and culture of the Gulf Coast.
sausages, Doguet rice
and Don Elias chips
and hot sauces.
Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown
Gift Shop
Sam’s Western Store
Highway 69 at University Dr.,
5090 College Street, Beaumont
Beaumont 409.835.0823
409.842.2625 spindletop.org
Featuring Ariat and Justin boots, Cruel Girl No visit to Southeast Texas is complete
and Wrangler denim, cowboy hats and without a tour of the Spindletop-Gladys
shiny buckles, Sam’s Western Apparel has City Boomtown Museum. Browse
everything a cowboy (or girl) needs to exhibits of gushers and wildcatters, and
look his best in the saddle and out. pick up a souvenir of one of the defining
events in Texas history.

58 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


women’s FASHIONS

SHOPPING
Bella Bella La-Tee-Da Boutique
5925 Phelan Blvd., 4004 Dowlen Rd.,
Beaumont Beaumont
409.860.1924 409.835.0202
From flirty cocktail dresses to elegant eve- A haven for all that is fun, fashionable
ning wear, this boutique brings red-carpet and fits! Carrying brands including
style to Southeast Texas. The customer ser- Mosaic, Comfy USA, Yellowbox,
vice is always impeccable and the dresses Fender and Robert Graham, the
are Oscar-worthy. La-Tee-Da staff will help you
find your style.

Two and Company


Dana’s Custom Jewelry 8720 Central Mall Dr.,
4700 Hwy. 365, Suite R, Port Arthur
Port Arthur 409.721.5040
409.722.0661 For 25 years, the staff at Two
Dana’s Custom Jewelry not only deals and Company has been
in branded fine jewelry, but the shop’s helping Southeast Texas
sole-proprietor, Dana Hancock is a custom trendsetters stay fashionable.
jeweler herself and can create one-of-a- With upscale clothing lines and
kind jewelry designs. This shop carries a one-of-a-kind jewelry lines, Two
wide variety of fine jewelry, including Fleur and Company makes their
de Lis, Fossil watches, Elle jewelry, a full customers look fabulous and
line of children’s sterling silver jewelry with their specialized service helps
diamond accents, Murano glass, and religious items including them feel like queens.
gifts for Confirmations and cross pendants, colored gemstones
and gold-dipped roses

YaYa Club Clothing


Dowlen Rd.,
Beaumont
409.861.3341
yayaclubclothing.com
Hannah Bay’s Store owner and passionate fashion aficionado Angie
McClelland keeps Ya Ya Club Clothing on the cutting
4343 Lincoln Ave., edge. McClelland captures what’s happening in fashion
Groves around the world and combines it with Southeast Texas
409.962.3400 culture. Ya Ya Club is the place to find high-quality items
Specializing in women’s wear from juniors to with a youthful, eclectic feel. From designer denim to cool
plus sizes, Hannah’s Bay has the latest styles shoes to hip jewelry, you can spice up your wardrobe at
and fashions to keep the Southeast Texas a wide range of price points.
women looking just right. From casual to dressy
clothing to jewelry, shoes, handbags, and lots
of bling, it’s sophistication with an attitude! Décor and clothes with unique personality at Gaudie & Co. with two locations,
(Inside Maison d’Amis.) 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.
2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 59
CHILDREN’S Apparel&décor
SHOPPING

Bab’s Gift Express Fred Miller Company


2119 Nederland Ave., 2808 Nederland Ave.,
Nederland Nederland
409.727.0090 409.724.1208
Although this shop offers an extensive selection of gift items, Founded in 1919, Fred Miller Company is a
it is well-known for its great stock of name brand children’s Southeast Texas tradition. Although they carry a huge
clothing designers including Baby Nay, My Vintage Baby array of gift items, like Vietri dishes, Lampe Berger
and Tralala. In addition, the shop sells baby décor brands and other specialty-store items, this shop is known for
such as Natural Life Baby and Mud Pie. having the largest selection of baby furniture, décor,
and clothing from Louisiana to Houston. With cribs
Mumsy’s by Million Dollar baby, wooden rocking chairs and
4036 Dowlen Rd., highchairs, handpainted pieces, high-end diaper
Beaumont bags and traditional outfits by Feltman Brothers and
409.896.5656 other name brands, Fred Miller Company is a must-
see for any stylish mom.
The area’s hottest source for hip
maternity-wear, Mumsy’s outfits stylish
moms-to-be in lines like Maternal Posh Baby Co.
America, Olian and Bella Band. 5955 Phelan Blvd.,
Mumsy’s also carries children’s clothing Beaumont
through 24 months, as well as a 409.860.3331
selection of baby gifts. 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: texasrockercompany@gmail.com
TexasRocker.com

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

60 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


For the HOME

SHOPPING
Calder House Antiques and Crafts
Burns Antik Haus 1905 Calder Ave.,
3125 Calder Ave., Beaumont
Beaumont 409.832.3622
409.835.3080 calderhouseantiques.com
burnsantikhaus.com Located in a historic home built in 1902, this
For European style, Burns Antik Haus can’t be beat. antique mall boasts one-of-a-kind furnishings,
Owner Julie Burns makes regular trips across the vintage glass and silver tableware, and other
Atlantic, scooping up beautiful items for customers pieces from coins to jewelry. The owners also
right here in Southeast Texas. From French dining hand pour and sell homemade candles.
tables, side chests and tables, to religious art and
authentic antiques salvaged from European estates
and castles, dressing your home in grand style is The Painted Porch
easy at this local treasure. 4300 Lincoln Ave., Suite 4,
Groves
Snooper’s Paradise 409.960.7998
5509 E. Pkwy., If you’re in search of that “shabby chic” style, The Painted Porch offers
Groves refurbished furniture as well as traditional antiques. Check out the
409.962.8427 extensive lines of gift items while you’re there.
snoopersparadise.com
Snooper’s Paradise is an icon in the area. It Holland House Antiques and Gifts
was established in 1952 and 1205 Boston Ave.,
still has one of the largest stocks of quality
European furniture, clocks, statutes,
Nederland
paintings, lights (new and old) and objects 409.721.9900
d’art in the South. Find premium furniture This shopping mall boasts 20 shops that carry
lines including Maitland Smith, Theodore, everything from antique furniture to custom-
Alexander and Schonbek chandeliers. made “spirit signs” for the front yard. If you are
Snooper’s also carries reproduction looking to spruce up your home or find a gift
pieces including Althorp, a company that for a friend, Holland House includes vendors of
reproduces pieces such as those found on Christian décor and jewelry, and even Dutch
Princess Diana’s family estate. memorabilia.
Mens Shirts

Located in the Maison d' Amis Building


(formerly Drydens)
ROBERT GRAHAM

4343 Lincoln Ave., Groves


409.962.3400 • 409.962.3402(fax)

Mens & Womens Boutique


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

2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 61


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
onlyonevases.com
62 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011
GIFT Shops&Specialty STORES

SHOPPING
The Candle Cottage For Heaven’s Sake
1234 Boston Ave., 4190 Calder Ave.,
Nederland Beaumont
409.721.5018 409.898.3340
The Candle Cottage provides a unique For Heaven’s Sake is the place to find stunning wedding and baby
selection of homemade, hand-poured candles gifts. In addition to a large selection of china, crystal, sterling
with tantalizing scents such as “Gingerbread Man” silverware and everyday tableware, this shop offers charming
and “Red Hot Cinnamon,” as well as bath and body stationery and hip jewelry. A large selection of children’s clothing by
products and men’s scents. Each hand-crafted candle designers including Anavini, Luli and Me and Kissy Kissy
is handled with special care and the creative staff make For Heaven’s Sake the first stop for many
strives hard to achieve quality burning candles, looking for the perfect present for a baby shower.
designing new and unique products yearly.
Here’s 2 Holidays!
The Collection 3123B Nederland Ave.,
4300 Lincoln Ave., Nederland
Groves 409.853.1980
409.963.0626 From Christmas décor to 4th of July flair, Here’s 2 Holidays specializes in
This specialty store stocks beautiful gift items unique to Southeast Texas gifts and decorations for any holiday season. In addition, this shop offers
including jewelry by Emily Ray, sterling silver pieces with interchangeable unique gifts including items for baby, Christian pieces, jewelry and Marie
Austrian crystal charms, as well as the popular Pandora jewelry line. If you Osmond dolls. Don’t wait for December to check out this one-of-a-kind
aren’t in the mood to decorate yourself, decorate your home with stylish wall boutique.
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! Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas Store
3830 Hwy. 365,
Puppy Love Port Arthur
3939 Dowlen Rd., 409.721.8717
Beaumont This ultimate Mardi Gras store is open from a few weeks
409.892-9663 before Mardi Gras through the end of Mardi Gras season.
Everyone knows that tiny pups are the hottest accessory going, and no Whatever your purple, green and gold Mardi Gras needs
pooch is fully-dressed without a sweater, a dress or a bling-y collar. Puppy are, this store can meet them. You’ll find masks, cups, balloons,
Love is a pooch boutique, with a huge selection of clothes and accessories feathers, T-shirts, posters, sunglasses and fringed parasols.
to fit your stylish fur baby, whether you have a tiny tea cup or a Great Dane. The Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas Store is also an advance
Pets are welcome, and there are sample bakery gourmet treats to try. ticket location for all Port Arthur Mardi Gras events.

The SHOPPING Malls


Central Mall Parkdale Mall
3100 Hwy. 365 at Hwy. 69, 6155 Eastex Frwy. at Dowlen Road,
Port Arthur Beaumont
409.727.2109 409.898.2222
www.centralmallportarthur.com www.parkdalemalltx.com
Central Mall offers everything from major Parkdale Mall is home to all your favorite stores including Dillard’s,
national department stores to jewelry, Macy’s, J.C. Penney’s, Bealls, Books-A-Million, Sears and Old Navy, not
boutiques and a beauty salon, as well to mention other great shops such as American Eagle Outfitters, Forever
as restaurants to tempt your tummy after 21, Abercrombie & Fitch, Buckle, Gap and Gymboree. Parkdale Mall
some serious shopping. With an excellent location in the heart of the city, a has more than 150 fabulous stores and eateries making it truly a total
10-screen movie theater and ample parking, visit Central Mall in the heart shopping experience.
of the area’s retail hub.
The Courtyard Café & Gift Mall
Maison d’Amis 4321 Lincoln Ave.,
4343 Lincoln Ave., Groves
Groves 409.962.2850
Come early and stay all day at this 60-vendor mall that includes a
If you’re looking for a gift for that person who has everything, head over
plethora of possibilities including crosses and chimes, soaps and
to the shops at the Maison d’Amis. Check out the one-of-a-kind artwork and
candles, bows for little girls and antiques for big girls. You can even take
unique Australian jewelry at Kismet Studio, the specialty gifts at The Magic
a load off at the onsite café, making this a real shopper’s hangout. The
Needle, the trendy clothing at many of the boutiques, or any of the other
café serves selections from a menu and has a buffet Tuesday through
great wares that this mall has to offer.
Friday. Enjoy fresh and homemade sandwiches, gumbo and soups.

Wal-Mart Supercenters Target


Left something at home? • 4145 N. Dowlen Rd., Beaumont, 409.899.9203 • 5850 Eastex Fwy., Beaumont, 409.898.8270
Major retailers have • 8585 Memorial Blvd., Port Arthur, 409.727.4667 • 3100 Highway 365 Ste. 90, Port Arthur, 409.729.3201
locations throughout • 4999 Twin City Hwy., Port Arthur/Groves, 409.962.7858
Jefferson County. Academy Sports and Outdoors • 6250 Eastex Frwy., 409.895-4500
Find what you need at • Port Arthur, 409.723.6800
one of these stand-bys. 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.

2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 63


SHOPPING

therapy
Oh yes, there’s such a thing.
BEAUMONT
Dowlen Road ANTIQUES BOUTIQUES Flagship Mail Room
Shopping District &VINTAGE &UNIQUES 148 S. Dowlen Rd.
Parkdale Mall 409-866-4643 | 409-866-6800
Act II Consignment Boutique Ashton House
6155 Eastex Frwy | 409-898-2222 6342 Phelan | 409-866-3144 6250 Phelan Blvd | 409-860-7233 McManus Company
www.parkdalemalltx.com 820 N 11th St | 409-833-4393
Art, Antiques & Stuff Gallery Bando’s Restaurant and Gift
BBS Collection 3145 Calder Ave inside Shop Nickolina’s
4347 Crow Rd | 409-924-0202 215 N 11th St | 409-212-8445 1257 West Lucas | 409-896-2543
Suburban TV
Kitchen Koncepts 409-838-2271 Bella Bella Perfumery & Gift Shop
4338 Dowlen Rd | 409-899-8668 5925 Phelan | 409-860-1924 6350 Phelan | 409-866-1090
Antique Mall of Beaumont
Norman’s Shoes 7880 College St | 409-866-1985 Cantu Fine Jewelry Posh Baby Co.
4132 Dowlen Rd | 409-898-1340 6626 Phelan | 409-866-5859 5955 Phelan | 409-860-3331
Antique Mall of Lumberton
George Wilson’s 1181 South Main Hwy. 96 Ellis Pottery Purse Strings
4132 Dowlen Rd | 409-898-0919 409-755-3388 3737 Calder Ave | 409-839-8473 6385 Calder Ave | 409-866-9742
Mumsy’s Burns Antik Haus For Heaven’s Sake Silver Etc.
4036 Dowlen Rd. | 409-896-5656 2195 Calder Ave | 409-835-3080 4190 Calder Ave | 409-898-3340 426 Dowlen Rd | 409-866-1042
Texas Kid Company Calder House Antiques Gaudie & Co. Spindletop-Gladys City
4026 Dowlen Rd | 409-924-0505 1905 Calder Ave | 409-832-3622 6025 Phelan | 409-860-4433 Boomtown Museum
La Tee Da Boutique Hwy 69 @ University Dr
Finder’s Fayre Quality Genie’s Bridal & Formal 409-835-0823
4004 Dowlen Rd | 409-835-0202 Antiques Mildred Bldg, Boutique
Puppy Love 1485 Calder | 409-833-7000 2350 Calder Ave | 409-833-2091 Trendy’s Boutique
3939 Dowlen Rd | 409.892-9663 5905 Phelan | 409-861-4618
IZ Funky Resale Gigi’s - A Children’s Boutique
Pappagallo 2405 Calder Ave | 409-833-1536 6474 Phelan Blvd | 409-860-5810 Tuesday Morning
3350 Dowlen Rd | 409-866-1917 6410 Phelan | 409-866-4885
Jan’s Antiques Guitar and Banjo Studio
Chico’s 103 S. 11th St | 409-813-3320 4381 Calder Ave | 409-892-8628 The Joy Shop
3195 Dowlen Rd | 409-860-9763 4391 Calder Ave | 409-899-2293
Nell’s Antiques Jackie’s
Bath Junkie 2481 Calder Ave | 409-832-9331 6755 Phelan Blvd | 409-861-5762 YaYa Club Clothing Co.
3050 Dowlen Rd | 409-898-8499 414 Dowlen Rd | 409-861-3341 >
Past Times The Kitchen Shop at The
James Avery 2262 North St | 409-835-4207 Green Beanery
3050 Dowlen Rd | 409-860-4827 2121 McFaddin | 409-832-9738
The Tattered Suitcase
2590 Calder Ave | 409-832-4500

64 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


WESTERN WEAR Jan’s Resale Boutique The Kid’s Kloset
4233 Lincoln Ave 1144 Boston Ave
Branding Iron 409-962-1030 409-729-2889
180 Eastex Frwy
409-892-5761 Kismet Studio Let’s Party
4343 Lincoln Ave 1220 Boston Ave
Cavendars Boot City 409-962-9300 409-727-6047
6185 Eastex Frwy
409-347-1770 LT Design and Print Maraist Tropical Fish Floral Creations & Gifts Dana’s Custom Jewelry
Services 1215 Boston Ave 1036 Nederland Ave 4700 Hwy 365
Sam’s Western Stores 4343 Lincoln Ave 409-722-2290 409-729-4777 409-722-0661
5090 College St | 409-842-2625 409-962-9525
Nederland Frame Shop Fred Miller Company Flagship Mailroom &
PORT NECHES The Magic Needle
4343 Lincoln Ave
1054 Boston Ave
409-727-3698
2808 Nederland Ave Emporium
409-724-1208 4700 Hwy 365
Port Neches Super Saturdays 409-960-7397 409-724-0474
held every third weekend Never Enough Chocolate Here’s 2 Holidays
of the month. Merle Norman 1128 Boston Ave 3123 Nederland Ave Mardi Gras of
4300 Lincoln Ave 409-724-0111 409-853-1980 Southeast Texas Store
Dressin’ Up 409-962-2990 3830 Hwy 365
1115 Port Neches Ave Occasions Nederland Jewelers
The Painted Porch 1229 Boston Ave 409-721-8717
409-729-7806 3308 Hwy 365
4343 Lincoln Ave 409-729-8555 409-724-2045 Naomi’s Fashions
Joy’s Lagniappe Shop 409-960-7998 3433 Twin City Hwy
1301 Port Neches Ave*located Old Mercantile Antique & Rustic Door
Shoog’s on the Avenue Co-Op 409-963-3839
in the Land of Oz 409-722-4023 3105 Nederland Ave
4316 Lincoln Ave 1166 Boston Ave Read All Over Bookstore
Land of Oz 409-963-2800 409-724-1886 Simply Chic
7675 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69
1303 Port Neches Ave 2907 Nederland Ave
Snoopers Paradise The Patio 409-727-8776
409-722-4023 409-722-2442
5509 E. Parkway 1223 Boston Ave Yellow Rose Antiques
Old Towne Flea Market 409-962-8427 409-729-3407 Texas Tees
2125 Jefferson Drive
1216 Port Neches Ave 3105 Nederland Ave
Setzer’s Hardware 409-962-3373
409-721-9690
You Wear It Well Boutique
NEDERLAND 1101 Boston Ave The Living Word
3316 Hwy. 365
409-722-4633
1104 Magnolia Boston Avenue Shops 409-721-9505
409-722-2707 Thompson’s Florist
Antique Emporium 1237 Boston Ave Vacuum City
1135 Boston Ave 3320 Hwy. 365
GROVES 409-722-1772
409-722-8038
409-721-6760
First Friday of the month Zandy Zoo
Held 6 - 9 p.m. The Candle Cottage 1118 Boston Ave
Lincoln Avenue Shops
1234 Boston Ave 409-727-0800 PORT ARTHUR
409-721-5018
Other Areas Central Mall
All Exclusive Boutique Gaudie & Co. Hwy 69 at Hwy 365
4343 Lincoln Ave 1143 Boston Ave Bab’s Gift Express 409-727-2109
409-962-7272 409-729-2700 2119 Nederland Ave www.centralmallportarthur.com
409-727-0090
The Collection Gaudie Couture Gulfbreeze Shopping
4300 Lincoln Ave 1140 Boston Ave Bath Junkie Center
409-963-0626 409-729-2790 2828 Hwy 365 4700 Hwy 365
409-729-5900
The Courtyard Cafe & Gift Holland House The Shops at Port Arthur
Mall *After 4:30 p.m. Antique & Gift Mall Belly Button - A Kids 8725 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69
4321 Lincoln Ave 1205 Boston Ave World
409-962-2850 409-721-9900 2115 Nederland Ave Two & Co. Boutique
409-727-6918 8720 Central Mall Dr
Hannah Bay’s IZ Funky Resale 409-721-5040
4343 Lincoln Ave 1123 Boston Ave Burkett’s Emporium
409-962-3400 409-727-4493 1517 S. Hwy 69
409-722-5111
2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 65
✓Must-See BeAuMONT

ATTRACTIONSIn 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 The Warren Loose Conservatory is open edISON MuSeuM appointment. Admission: free.
SOuTHeAST TexAS Wed-Fri. 10a.m.-2p.m.; 350 Pine St. at Edison Plaza, Donations accepted.
500 Main St., Beaumont, TX 77701 Sat. 10a.m.-5p.m.; Sun. 1-5p.m. Beaumont, TX 77701
409.832.3432 • amset.org Admission: Botanical gardens - free. 409.981.3089 • edisonmuseum.org GATOr COuNTry
This museum offers the area’s most Conservatory - admission by donation; Through exhibits and displays of AdVeNTure PArk
esteemed artwork, interactive features and children under 6 admitted free. artifacts, the museum communicates the Located west of Beaumont on IH-10 at
family-friendly experiences. Stop for lunch contributions of the electrical industry exit 838 (FM 365)
at Two Magnolias or participate in Family THe CHAMBerS HOuSe that resulted from the genius of Thomas Beaumont, TX 77705
Arts Day events offered four times a year. MuSeuM Alva Edison. 409.794.9453 • gatorrescue.com
Hours: M-F, 9a.m.-5p.m.; 2240 Calder Ave., Hours: M-F, 9a.m.-5p.m. Gator Country provides a chance for
Sat. 10a.m.-5p.m.; Sun. Noon-5p.m. Beaumont, TX 77701 Closed on holidays. Admission: free. all visitors to feed and have a hands-
409.832.4010 • chambershouse.org on interaction with live alligators. The
BABe dIdrIkSON ZAHArIAS Built in 1906, the house was recently FIre MuSeuM OF TexAS adventure park is home to more than
MeMOrIAl MuSeuM restored to interpret the years between 400 Walnut St., Beaumont, TX 77701 130 American Alligators, 6 species of
1750 IH-10 E, Beaumont, TX 77704 1920 and 1945. The Chambers House 409.880.3927 • firemuseumoftexas.org crocodiles and caiman, and many other
409.833.4622 • babedidriksonzaharias.org has all of the original family furniture Open since 1984, this tribute to reptiles. Don’t miss an opportunity to
The museum documents the multitude and artifacts and tells an intriguing firefighters houses a collection of antique see Big Al, a 13-foot-plus gator, or an
of awards, records and achievements and delightful story of this middle-class engines and firefighting equipment enormous alligator snapping turtle.
throughout the life of the region’s Beaumont family. dating back to the 1800s. Take your Hours: Memorial Day Weekend-Labor
hometown legend, world’s greatest Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10a.m.-4p.m. picture in front of the original World’s Day Weekend open daily 10a.m.-
female athlete and Olympic gold-medalist, Admission: $1 to $3. Largest Fire Hydrant! Activities for 8p.m.; Off-season hours Sat.-Sun.
Mildred Babe Didrikson Zaharias. children include the chance to dress up 10a.m.-6p.m. Open all holidays accept
Hours: Daily 9a.m.-5p.m. dISHMAN ArT MuSeuM in a firefighter uniforms and drive the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New
Admission: free. Lamar University fire engine simulator. Years Day.
Beaumont, TX 77705 Hours: M-F, 8a.m.-4:30p.m. Café open during park hours.
BeAuMONT BOTANICAl GArdeNS 409.880.8959 Open Saturdays by special Admission: $9-$12. >
6088 Babe Zaharias Dr., dept.lamar.edu/cofac/deptart/dishman.asp
Beaumont, TX 77705 Opened on the campus of Lamar
409.842.3135 • beaumontbotanicalgardens.com University in 1983, the Dishman Art
A sanctuary of flora in the eastern end of Museum serves as a teaching facility,
the city, the Beaumont Botanical Gardens offering students an opportunity to
offers visitors a Horticulture Center, a experience diverse styles that reflect
Native Plant Center, a Japanese garden, international trends as well as exhibit
a modern rose garden and a 9/11 their own work.
Memorial Garden. Hours: M-F, 8a.m.-5p.m.
Hours: Botanical gardens open 7 days a Admission: free, donations are
week from 6a.m.-7p.m. welcome.

66 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


MuST See
JOHN JAy FreNCH SPINdleTOP-GlAdyS CITy TexAS eNerGy MuSeuM
HOuSe MuSeuM BOOMTOwN MuSeuM 600 Main St.,
3025 French Rd., Beaumont, TX 77706 Hwy. 69 at University Dr. Beaumont, TX 77701
409.898.0348 • jjfrench.com (On the campus of Lamar University), 409.833.5100 • texasenergymuseum.org
The John Jay French house, built in Beaumont, TX 77710 This is the definitive exhibit on the Texas oil
1845, is one of the oldest surviving 409.835.0823 • spindletop.org industry: Unlocking the energy of oil! See
houses in Beaumont. It is also one of Beaumont’s early claim to fame - the cinematic robots depict three generations
the first houses in Beaumont built with Spindletop Gusher - is authenticated in of an oil-field family. Historical characters
two stories, using milled lumber. The this period museum and replica of the share the captivating story of the
John Jay French Museum demonstrates early oil-rush town. See the world’s only Spindletop gusher that blew and started
the life of a prosperous Texas pioneer working replica gusher, a general store, a the petrochemical age in 1901.
family from 1845-1865. The historic dry goods store, a log cabin saloon and Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9a.m.-5p.m.; Sun. 1-5p.m.
pioneer settlement, built by John Jay a barbershop, among other old buildings. Admission: $1 to $2, children under 6
French, tanner and merchant, is filled Capture the magic of this boomtown on a free.
with antique furnishings, clothing and self-guided tour.
pioneer household utensils. Outbuildings Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10a.m.-5p.m; Tyrrell HISTOrICAl lIBrAry
on the grounds include a blacksmith shop, Sun. 1-5p.m. Admission: $3 adults, 695 Pearl St., Beaumont
tannery, privy and smokehouse. $2 seniors, $1 children. 409.833.2759
Hours: Tues.-Fri. 10a.m.-3p.m.; Sat. beaumontlibrary.org/tyrrell_library
10a.m.-2p.m. ST. ANTHONy CATHedrAl Capt. W. C. Tyrrell purchased the First
Admission: $1 to $3. BASIlICA Baptist Church in 1923 and donated the
700 Jefferson St., building for library purposes to the City of
MCFAddIN-wArd Beaumont, TX 77701 Beaumont. The church was built in 1903
HOuSe MuSeuM 409.833.6433 • stanthonycatherdral.org in a modified Gothic style of architecture
1906 Calder Ave., Built over 100 years ago, St. Anthony’s with rough gray stone and beautiful
Beaumont, TX 77701 is one of the most resplendent houses of stained-glass windows. It is the main
409.832.2134 • mcfaddin-ward.org worship in the southwestern United States. genealogical library in Southeast Texas
The stately McFaddin-Ward House was In 2006, Pope Benedict XVI elevated the and the archives focus on this region.
built in 1906 in the Beaux-Arts Colonial church to a honored title of Cathedral Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9a.m.-6p.m. >
style. The building and its furnishings Basilica, recognizing the historic, artistic The soaring beauty of the
reflect the lifestyle of the prominent family and religious significance of the site. St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica
who lived in the house for 75 years. Docent-guided tour by appointment only:
Hours: Guided tours of the house, M-F, 10a.m., 11a.m., 1p.m., 2p.m., 3p.m.
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.

Chambers House
Museum

2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 67


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 College-
Port Arthur, features three fireplaces
sharing one central chimney, period
furnishings and priceless antiques.
Tours by appointment.
Admission: free. 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
Buu Mon Buddhist Temple
& Lotus Gardens Pleasure Island Virgin Mary three times life size, was
2701 Procter St., Port Arthur, TX 77640 520 Pleasure Pier Blvd., Port Arthur, TX 77640 built by parishioners of the Queen of
409.982.9319 • buumon.org 409.982.4675 • pleasureislandtx.com Vietnam Catholic Church in gratitude for
The temple is a beautiful building with Pleasure Island lives up to its name in their welcome to Port Arthur.
a four-tier pagoda tower that symbolizes the 18.5-mile-long man-made body of Hours: 9a.m.-4p.m. daily.
tenets in the Buddhist faith. The public is land extending from the mouth of the Admission: free.
welcome for services at 2p.m. Sundays. Neches River on the northwest to the
Various festivals and ceremonies held Sabine Causeway on the southeast and The Rainbow Bridge
throughout the year include the Lotus is surrounded by Sabine Lake and the and Veterans Memorial
Garden and Bamboo Festival in June. Intracoastal Waterway. Cajun cabins, Bridge
Garden tours available by appointment. condominiums, a disc-golf course, Over the Neches River
Admission: free. Donations accepted. residential areas, playgrounds, RV park on Highway 87, north of Port Arthur,
and picnic facilities make the island Port Arthur, TX 77642
Italian Heritage attractive to guests. Visitors can also enjoy The Rainbow Bridge, completed in
Monument the boat launches, biking and hiking 1938, is the tallest bridge on the Gulf
4615 9th Ave., Port Arthur, TX 77642 trails. The Port Arthur Yacht Club and Coast. It rises to a height of a 20-story
409.985.7822 Marina will debut a new look including building and clears the river by 177
This is an immigrants’ monument built all floating docks in early 2011. feet. The height makes for a spectacular
by the Port Arthur American-Italian view, and the rainbow-style arch and
Club inscribed with the words, “We Pompeiian Villa its original orange-red color led to its
who follow, dedicate this immigrants’ 1953 Lakeshore Dr., Port Arthur, TX 77640 name. The new companion bridge, the
wall of honor to those who led us to 409.983.5977 Veterans Memorial Bridge, to the east
a new country, a new life, and a new The Pompeiian Villa, sometimes called has 143 feet navigational clearance,
beginning.” It is located directly behind the “Billion Dollar House,” was built in and its claim to fame is that it is the only
the Port Arthur Public Library and is open 1900 for Isaac Ellwood, the “Barbed cable-stayed bridge built on a Texas
to the public. Admission: free. Wire King.” However, the home was highway.
soon sold to James Hopkins, president
Museum of the Gulf of the Diamond Match Company. The Rose Hill Manor
Coast grandiose home is an authentic replica 100 Woodworth Blvd., Port Arthur, TX 77640
700 Procter St., Port Arthur, TX 77640 of a Pompeiian home of 79 A.D. and 409.985.7292
409.982.7000 • museumofthegulfcoast.org has features including rooms built This beautiful home, dating back to
The Museum of the Gulf Coast takes an around a traditional Roman peristyle 1906, is one of the oldest landmarks in
eclectic look at Southeast Texas history and a three-sided courtyard to which the city and is on the National Register of
through the ages. The museum boasts each room has access. Historic Places. Built by one of the early
the largest mural in the area – a 125-foot Hours: M-F, 10a.m.-2p.m. Group tours mayors of Port Arthur, it has spacious
painting highlighting significant events in by reservation. Admission: $2. rooms, an elegant stairway, antiques
the evolution of the region; a replica of and a grand piano. Guests love the
Janis Joplin’s Porsche; the original light Queen of Peace Shrine 13-foot wide wrap-around porch with a
from the Sabine Pass lighthouse; and and Gardens view of maritime traffic on the Gulf.
rare decorative artifacts from around the 801 Ninth Ave., Port Arthur, TX 77642 Hours: Tue.-Fri. 11a.m.-5p.m. Tours by
world. 409.983.7676 appointment only. Admission: $1.
Hours: Mon.-Sat.9a.m.-5p.m.; This Hoa-Binh (Area of Peace), featuring
Sun.1-5p.m. Admission: $2-$4. beautiful gardens and statue of the 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. >

68 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


MUST SEE
Veterans Memorial Bridge Museum of the Gulf Coast Pompeiian Villa

Shrine of Our Lady of Texas Artists Museum living and deceased veterans from the Nearby:
Guadalupe 3501 Cultural Center Dr., Port Arthur, TX 77642 Spanish American War to Desert Storm.
3648 Staff Sgt. Lucian Adams Dr., at the intersec- 409.983.4881 • texasartistsmuseum.org The tower of Honor contains names Shangri-La Botanical
tion of 9th Ave., The Texas Artists Museum began as a of soldiers Killed in Action/Missing in Gardens and
Port Arthur, TX 77642 band of rogue artists looking for a home. Action. Open dawn to dusk, year-round. Nature Center
409.962.6777 • patx.us/olgchurch After trying out many places to meet, 2111 West Park Ave.
Dedicated in 2000, the 17-foot-high they broke ground for their very own White Haven Orange, TX 77630
bronze statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe museum in 1987. A large variety of artists 2545 Lakeshore Dr., 409.670.9113 • shangrilagardens.org
was sculpted by artists Miguel Angel representing almost every city within a Port Arthur, TX 77640 • 409.984.6101 This breathtaking, expansive nature center
Macias of Mexico City and Douglas 30 mile-radius of Jefferson and Orange White Haven was originally built as a is full of earth-friendly fun and eye-friendly
Clark of Port Arthur. The statue is set counties are featured in the museum. A New England Colonial-style mansion. beauty. Spring and Summer
featured display and reception in the main However, subsequent owners changed Hours: Tue.-Fri. 9a.m.-5p.m.;
upon rocks brought to the site from Mount
gallery is held every month and a monthly the structure of this splendid house to a Sat. 9a.m.-7p.m.;
Tepeyac, Mexico City, where the Virgin
Sunday event includes live entertainment. Southern Greek Revival-style including Sun. Noon.-5p.m.
Mary appeared to Juan Diego. The back
Hours: Tue.-Sat., Noon-4p.m. large verandahs, wide porches and Winter hours: Tue.-Sat. 10a.m.-5p.m.;
wall of the shrine showcases stained
Admission: free. majestic columns. Its collections include Sun. Noon-5p.m.
glass windows depicting various symbols
candelabras from the Shah of Persia, Admission: $4-$10.
relating to Our Lady of Guadalupe. The
Rose Chapel is known for the blooms in Veterans Memorial Park original pieces of Wedgwood china and
the stained glass windows. On Highway 87, near the Veterans Memorial a French screen from the collection of
Hours: Rose Chapel, 8a.m.-8p.m. daily. Bridge, Empress Carlotta of Mexico. The home
Shrine open all hours. Port Arthur, TX 77642 is owned by Lamar State College-Port
Admission: free. The park has walls bearing the names Arthur. Tours by appointment.
from Orange and Jefferson counties of Admission: free.

MID-COUNTY AREA

Dutch Windmill Museum / La Maison Beausoleil and


Tex Ritter Showcase and Riverfront Area
La Maison Des Acadiens 701 Rue Beausoleil in
1500 Boston Ave., Nederland, TX 77627 Port Neches Park, off Grigsby Dr.,
409.722.0279 Port Neches, TX
The Dutch Windmill Museum in 409.722.3014 • 409.722.9154
Nederland is a tribute to Dutch settlers This cypress house was built around
featuring artifacts dating back 100 1810 and was barged in from Vermilion
years. Costumed guides are available Parish, La., and restored by “Les
for tours by request. The first floor of the Acadiens du Texas,” an organization
museum has a western theme, featuring dedicated to preserving the culture
a suit, boots and other mementos of the and language of the Acadian people.
late Tex Ritter, country-and-western music The name “Beausoleil,” which means
star, who called Nederland home. beautiful sunshine, honors the Acadian
La Maison Des Acadiens Hours: freedom fighter Joseph Broussard dit
Tuesday through Sunday, Beausoleil.
1-5p.m. until September 1, after Hours: Sat. and Sun. 1-5p.m. Closed
September 1, Thursday through for off-season Jan.1- March 31.
Sunday, 1-5p.m. Recommend calling for current hours.
Admission: free. 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


2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 69
CampJunction Clean Fun moments from Downtown Beaumont
Exotic Zoo & Pony Parties • White Sandy Beaches meets large
April 22nd - 25th July 29th - 31st Oak and Pine Trees - Clear Spring
Fed Water with Trolley, Float Rentals,
The Royal South West Dairy Farmers Slides, Paddle Boats and Scuba Diving
White Bengal Tiger Show Association & Elsie the Cow • Showers – Picnic Tables – Fishing
May 13th - 15th. and July 29th - 31st Stands – Snack Bar – Camping –
August 19th - 22nd
Elsie The Cow & RV’s – Horse Shoes and Volley Ball
Clint The Snakeman ~ • Red Cross Certified Life Guards –
The Mobil Milking Show
Texas Snakes No Alcohol – No Pets – No Glass
May 13th - 17th
Candy Land Amusements Reptile Educational Show SMITH LAKE
May 28th - 31st October 28th - 31st 790 Tram Rd., Vidor, TX 77662
The Great Bear Show HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
June 10th - 13th The Royal White Bengal Tiger Show
409-769-8200
Crocodile Encounters AND CampJunction Halloween Fun!
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

Family Fun for Everyone!


BUMPER CARS COME ONE,
COME ALL!

rs
Say “Visito
Swan
Swan Paddle
Paddle Boats
Boats Get Splash into summer at Paradise Waterpark!
Guide” and
• 18-Hole Renaissance-Themed Mini Golf Course
• Zero-Turning Radius Bumper Cars $1 OFF
(not valid with
any other offer)
• Water Slides A Perfect Place For
Birthday Parties
• Swan Paddle Boats On a Serene Pond • Relaxing Lazy River
• New for 2010 - Water Wars! Group Outings
• Free Volleyball, Horseshoes and Outdoor Toys • Childrens Area Special Events
• Huge Oak Trees. Picnics Welcome!
• Great Food and Drinks!
2952 Highway 69 S., Lumberton, TX 77657; (409) 751-KING (5464)
(3 minutes north of Beaumont, Exit Mitchell Rd.) 409-385-7946 (SWIM) www.pwoftexas.com
.p
www.adventurekingdom.com Mini Golf 4675 Hwy 96 S., Silsbee, TX Located between Lumberton and Silsbee
S., Silsbee,

70 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


FUN FOR ALL

ACTIVITIES
FAMILY
Family-Friendly Activities!
Friendly
ActivitieS
Carnival fun in Port Neches

WATERPARKS
Boomtown USA PORT NECHES SPLASH PARK Paradise Water Park
409.769.6105 • 1495 Freeway Blv., 600 Grisby, 409.385.SWIM • 4675 Hwy. 96 S.,
Vidor Port Neches Silsbee
boomtownusarvresort.com The kids will have a blast at Splash Park. It’s one pwoftexas.com
For wet and wild fun, check out Boomtown of the largest spray parks in this area! Plus, it’s Beat the sizzling Texas heat at Paradise Water
USA, just outside of Beaumont on Interstate-10. free! Park. This modern facility features waterslides,
Kids and adults will enjoy the lake that’s perfect an interactive kids’ park and a “lazy river.”
for fishing, swimming, skiing and boating. Open 11a.m.-7p.m. on weekends starting
Everyone will love the water slides and May 1. Open daily starting Memorial Day
miniature golf course. RV spaces and cabin Weekend thru Labor Day Weekend.
rentals are available lakeside. The RV park, However, call or log-on to website for changes
lake and fishing areas and miniature golf are in seasonal hours or extended dates.
open all year long.
Hours: Waterpark - open May 1 through La-
bor Day Weekend. Call or check website for
various hours of operation and ticket prices.

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT


Adventure Kingdom Bounce Zone “baby zoo,” where you will be delighted by tiny
409.751.KING 409.924.9663 • 4075 Old Dowlen Rd., creatures of all kinds.
2952 Hwy. 69, Beaumont Spring/Summer hours starting April 16:
South Lumberton bouncezonebeaumont.com Thur.-Sat: 10:30a.m.-5p.m.;
adventurekingdom.com Jump on the Disney Princess castle or slide down Sun. Noon-5:00p.m.
Come have a royally good the BIG slide! Bounce Zone is hours of entertain-
time at Adventure King- ment under one roof. Colorado Canyon
dom. This Renaissance- Hours: “Toddler Jump” (5 and under) 409.347.4386 • 6110 Folsom Dr.,
themed family fun cen- Tues. – Fri. 10am - 12pm. “Open Jump”(all ges) Beaumont
ter features an 18-hole Mon. 10am - 5pm; Tues.-Thurs. 10am-7pm; coloradocanyonfun.com
miniature golf course, Fri. Noon - 9pm; Sat. 10am-9pm; Remember the gold rush of 1849? If not, you
zero-turning radius bumper cars, swan Sun. Noon-6p,m.. can get a glimpse of it while enjoying a round
paddle boats and a party cottage for of miniature golf at Colorado Canyon. Just
special events. Your adventure awaits Camp Junction watch out for the mining shaft and drilling
ye! 409.898-AZOO • 8595 Broussard Rd., tower! Or, if you’re feeling lucky, go gemstone
Hours: Tues.-Thurs. 10a.m.-9p.m; Beaumont mining for rocks, arrowheads and fossils. When
Fri.-Sat. 10a.m.-10p.m; you’re done, try out the canyon jumper, a huge
campjunction.com
Sun. 2p.m.-8p.m. Spend a day at the zoo, right here in Southeast trampoline with bungee harnesses. It’ll knock you
Texas. Camp Junction has been a local kids’ off your feet! The facility also includes a game
favorite for years, with a petting zoo, pony room and snack bar.
rides, and even a carousel. See and touch Hours: Mon.-Thurs. noon-9p.m.; Fri. noon-
zebras, camels, wallabees, pot-bellied pigs 11p.m.; Sat. 10a.m.-11p.m., Sun. 1-8p.m. >
and many exotic animals. You can even book a
2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 71
Enjoy a leisurely sail Picnics and exercise at the Tugboat Island playground in Port Neches

Cowboy Badlands Fun City Family Last Wild River” in east Texas, with its unique
409.794-1985 • 18179 I-10 West, Entertainment Center ecosystem and dense bottomland forests of
Beaumont 400.892.6792 • 4430 Dowlen, Suite B, hardwoods and pine trees.
cowboybadlands.com Beaumont, Texas 77706 Hours: Public tours from Mar. 6- Jun. 29, 2010,
Do you like your sports extreme? This dirt bike park funcitybmt.com Sat. 10a.m. - noon; Sun. 2-4p.m.; Tues. evening
offers two professional motocross tracks as well Located in the Crossroads Bowling Shopping 6- 8p.m. Reservations are recommended.
as tracks for smaller bikes and even one for radio- Center, Fun City offers a state-of-the-art laser tag Check Web page for 2011 schedule.
controlled cars. Whether you want to ride or just arena, a contemporary art studio with pottery
watch the bikes zoom by, this extreme sports park and glass fusing, movie theater, arcade, console Port Arthur Boardwalk
will get your blood pumping. gaming and restaurant. When you’ve worked 409.985.7822 • 448 Lakeshore Dr.,
Hours: Thurs. 4-9p.m.; Sat.- Sun. 9a.m.– 5p.m. up an appetite, try the authentic 1950s soda Port Arthur
fountain, where you can enjoy tasty root beer This nautically-themed boardwalk is the perfect
Crossroads Bowling Center floats, and shakes. spot to see big ships traveling up and down
409.899.2695 • 4370 Dowlen Rd., Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 10a.m.-10p.m.; the ship channel.
Beaumont Fri -Sat. 10a.m.-12a.m.
crossroadsbowlingcenter.com Port Neches City Park &
This Beaumont bowling center has everything the Lion’s Park Tugboat Island
recreational and professional bowler could want – 409.962.3631 409.722.9154 • 600 Grisby Dr., Port Neches
from leisure bowling, competition bowling and tips Corner of Jackson and ci.portneches.tx.us/parks/pnpark.php
from professionals. PBA professional Mark Williams Lincoln Avenue, Tugboat Island is a unique children’s playland.
owns and operates this full-service bowling center. Groves Picnic facilities, lighted tennis courts, basketball
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 8:30a.m.-11p.m.; Fri.-Sat. It’s a playground and spray park for the kids! areas, Splash Park, and Riverfront Park make
8:30a.m.-1a.m.; Sunday 8:30a.m. -10:30p.m. this park a family’s fantasy.
Manning’s Texas on Wheels Hours: Tugboat Island closes at dusk.
Disc Golf on Pleasure Island 409.866.9014 • 5735 College St.,
409.982.4675 Beaumont Sports Connection
Berry’s Treasure Disc Golf is a well-manicured, 18-hole A longtime attraction, this roller rink has been 409.729.4000 • 6755 Patillo Rd.,
disc golf course. At only a putter’s throw away from visited by generations of residents. If you’re Beaumont
the ship channel, this disc golf course is both fun and hungry, roll over to the snack bar for a bite to eat sportsconnection4fun.com
scenic. or hit the arcade when you’re looking for a rest. Fun for the whole family! Sports Connection has
Hours: Open daily during daylight hours. Just don’t lose your balance! mini golf, batting cages, go carts, bumper boats,
Admission: free. Hours: Public sessions - Tues. 6-9p.m.; Fri. remote control boats, an arcade and a paint-less
7-11p.m.; Sat. 12-4p.m. and 7-11p.m.; Sun. paintball course called the Phazer Zone.
2-5p.m. Hours: Tues.-Thurs. 3:30-9 p.m;
Doornbos Park Private events may be scheduled during other
409.724-0773 • 2301 Avenue H, Fri. 3:30-11p.m.; Sat. 11a.m.-11p.m; Sun.
business hours by reservation. 2-8p.m.
Nederland
Agreatparkforfamilyfun!ComeenjoyallthatDoornbos MegaPlay USA
has to offer including playgrounds, duck pond, Starlight Miniature Golf
pavilion and family picnic areas, jogging trail, tennis 409.722-8300 • 2500 Regional Dr., 409.722.8983 • 3100 Hwy. 365
courts, outdoor basketball courts, softball and soccer Port Arthur in Central Mall,
fields, recreation center and outdoor swimming pool. megaplayusa.net Port Arthur
Hours: 6a.m.-10:00p.m. daily. Admission: free The newly remodeled family entertainment center Have fun with glow-in-the-dark miniature golf
offers 40 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, billiards, and games.
“First Friday” arcade, pro shop, Strike Zone Sports Lounge and Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10a.m.-9p.m;
Spare Time Cafe.
of Every Month Celebration Hours: Mon. 9a.m.-11p.m.; Tues. 9a.m.-1a.m.; Sun. Noon-6 p.m.
409.962.3631 Wed.-Thurs.; 9a.m. -12:00 a.m.;
Downtown on Lincoln Avenue, Fri.-Sat. 9a.m.-2 a.m.; Sun. 12p.m.-11p.m.
Groves
Moonwalks, clowns, jugglers, music and street Neches River Adventures
vendors line the lane with excitement. 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
72 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011
events
gx CALENDARxh
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
Spindletop Spin Bicycle Ride
Spend the day cycling through scenic and


Being Andy Warhol
Traveling exhibition from the Hilliard University
29 Menopause the Musical
Julie Rogers Theatre
21 Boomtown Film & Music Festival historic regional favorites, with routes varying Art Museum featuring 49 photographs Beaumont • June 29-July 2 • 8pm
A celebration of the region’s most cutting-edge from 16 – 100 mile rides. taken by Andy Warhol. Thru August 15. 409.838.3435 ext. 1
musicians and independent filmmakers. Crockett Street • Beaumont Museum of the Gulf Coast beaumont-tx-complex.com/julierogerstheatre.html
Downtown Beaumont 6am registration. M-Sat, 9am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm ∙ 409.982.7000
409.839.2332 • spindletopspin.com • museumofthegulfcoast.org
May 21-22
409.223.8732 • boomtownfestival.com
July 2010
12th Annual Lotus Gardens & 19 Super Saturdays on the Avenue
Bamboo Festival Downtown Port Neches Avenue • 409.722.4023
July – August
28 The Great Bear Show Fiddler on the Roof
Camp Junction Buu Mon Buddhist Temple portnecheschamber.com
Port Arthur Little Theater
8690 Highway 105 Port Arthur • June 5-6, 9:30am-5pm.
Playhouse
Beaumont • May 29-30 409.982.9319 • buumon.org Juneteenth Celebration
Port Arthur • 2:30pm matinees and
409.898.2966 • campjunction.com Freedom celebration with pageantry, parades
7:30pm evening shows
10 Crocodile Encounters and exhibits. Downtown Port Arthur
409.727.7258 • palt.squarespace.com
29 SALT Fishing Rodeo Camp Junction • Beaumont 409.982.8040 or 409.985.7768
Pleasure Island 409.898.2966 • campjunction.com juneteenth.com
2 First Fridays on Lincoln Avenue
Port Arthur • May 29-30 Lincoln Avenue
409.963.0433 11 3rd Annual Zachary 25 8th Annual SETx Texas
Groves • 6pm-9pm
pleasureislandtx.com Breaux Jazz Fest Mid-Summer Classic
409.962.3631 • grovescofc.com
Downtown Procter Street Pavilion Come enjoy two days of watching the high
Port Arthur • 2 day event flying, hard hitting action of wakeboarding.
Local Farmer’s Market Gates open at 5pm on Fri. and 11 pm on Sat. Rose City • Tournament starts at 9am. Free
4 Independence Day Celebration at
Riverfront Park
May 22-Oct. 30, 8a.m.-11a.m. 409.982.8394 or 409.985.9977 GoRide@SETxWakeboarding.com
Riverfront Park • Beaumont
Downtown Beaumont at zacharybreauxjazzfestival.com setxwakeboarding.com
Gates open at 5pm.
Main St. Library Orchestra performs at 8pm
www.beaumonttxfarmersmarket.com 13 Jeff Dunham: Identity Crisis LIVE at Ford Park 26 Peel-Out Car Club Car Show
Fireworks start at 9pm.
Ford Park Event Center Stark Park and Carriage House
Free • 409.838.3435
Beaumont • Doors open at 4pm Orange • 9am-3pm
June 2010 409.951.5400 • fordparktx.com 409.883.0871 • whstarkhouse.org
beaumont-tx-complex.com/riverfrontpark.html

4 First Fridays on Lincoln Avenue 4 Independence Day Celebration



Shopping, food, and entertainment in Port Arthur
Lincoln Avenue Lamar State College
Groves • 6pm–9pm Port Arthur • Free
409.962.3631 • grovescofc.com 409.984.6101 • portarthur.net >

2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 73


July 2010 14 “Flower Power” Summer Family Arts Day
Art Museum of Southeast Texas
11 Mexican Fiesta
Robert A. Bowers Civic Center October 2010
Beaumont • 10am-2pm. Free Port Arthur
10 Wild West Family Day 409.832.3432 • amset.org 409.724.6134 • 409.504.3791 TBA Cayman Night in Port Arthur
Come dressed as a cowboy or cowgirl to Enjoy Caymanian food, limbo, and dancing to
celebrate cowboy artist, Charlie Russell, 18 Lamar University Faculty Art Exhibition Dick Dowling Days reggae music.
with western games, art projects, and rodeo Dishman Art Museum at Lamar University Sept. 11-12 • Port Arthur Robert A. Bowers Civic Center • Port Arthur
demonstrations. Stark Museum of Art Beaumont • Aug. 18-Oct. 1∙ M-F, Sabine Pass • 409.866.1655 409.963.1107 ∙ portarthur.net
Orange • 10am-2pm • Free 8am-5pm • Free
409.886.2787 • starkmuseum.org 409.880.8959. • lamar.edu/dishman 16 Texas Pecan Festival - Sept 16-19 1 First Fridays on Lincoln Avenue
Carnival, concession booths, parade Lincoln Avenue
15 Charlie Russell’s Yarns, 19 Clint the Snakeman and continuous entertainment. Groves • 6pm-9pm
Performed by Raphael Cristy Beaumont • Camp Junction Groves • Lion’s Park • 409.962.3631 409.962.3631 • grovescofc.com
Award-winning historian Raphael Cristy, 409.898.2966 • campjunction.com
provides special insights about the American 18 Super Saturdays on the Avenue 2 CavOILcade Coronation
West through storytelling and 21 Super Saturdays on the Avenue Downtown Port Neches Avenue Memorial High School
the writings of famous cowboy artist Downtown Port Neches Avenue 409.722.4023 • 409.722.4023 • portnecheschamber.com Port Arthur
Charlie Russell portnecheschamber.com 409.983.1009 • 409.498.1739
Orange • Lutcher Theater
6:30pm • Free • 409.886.2787 4 Frances Ann Lutcher:
28 Earth From Space
lutcher.org • starkmuseum.org The Orchid Lady Lecture
Traveling exhibition from the
A lecture with images of historic, Orange
Smithsonian featuring fascinating
17 Super Saturdays on the Avenue pioneer Frances Ann Lutcher
satellite images of Earth.
Downtown Port Neches Avenue Orange • Lutcher Theater
Thru October 24.
409.722.4023 • portnecheschamber.com 6:30pm • Free
Museum of the Gulf Coast
409.883.0871 • whstarkhouse.org
M–Sat, 9am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm ∙
24 George Wentz: A Retrospective
409.982.7000 • www.museumofthegulfcoast.org
Enjoy the colorful paintings and collages by 5 Lamarissimo! Jazz Concert
native artist George Wentz. Beaumont • Julie Rogers Theatre
Art Museum of Southeast Texas
Gulf Coast Jam 25 Symphony of Southeast Texas Master
409.880.8144 • lamar.edu/music
Robert A. Bowers Civic Center Series 1 Concert
Beaumont • Jul. 24-Sept. 26, M-F 9am-5pm; Beaumont • Julie Rogers Theatre
Sat. 10am–5pm; Sun. 12pm-5pm Port Arthur • 409.548.4444 7 Lamar Alumni Art Exhibition:
409.892.2257 • sost.org
409.832.3432 • amset.org Students of Jerry Newman
29 Texas Rice Festival Dishman Art Museum at Lamar University
Women Artists: Selections from the Livestock show, live entertainment, Beaumont • Thru Nov. 19
Permanent Collection carnival rides, farm equipment display, M-F, 8am-5pm • Free
Art Museum of Southeast Texas food and more! 409.880.8959 • lamar.edu/dishman
Beaumont • Jul. 24-Sept. 26; M-F 9am-5pm; Thru Oct. 3. • Winnie • Free
Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. 12pm-5pm 409.296.4404 • texasricefestival.org 9 CavOILcade Parade & Youth Fishing
409.832.3432 • amset.org Tournament
29 A Doll’s House Downtown Port Arthur
Lamar University Studio Theatre 409.983.1009 • 409.498.1793

August 2010 Beaumont • Sept. 30-October 1, 3, 5 ∙ Sun.


September 2010 2pm, all other performances, 7:30pm 16 Super Saturdays on the Avenue
Downtown Port Neches Avenue
6 First Fridays on Lincoln Avenue 409.880.2250 • lamar.edu/theatre
409.722.4023 • portnecheschamber.com
Lincoln Avenue September - October
Groves • 6pm-9pm The Beverly Hillbillies 30 Art of Beer
A foam-filled, adventurous event sampling Stark Museum Family Day
409.962.3631 • grovescofc.com Port Arthur Little Theater Playhouse Stark Museum of Art
Port Arthur • 2:30pm matinees and new and exotic brews.
Art Museum of Southeast Texas Orange • 10am–5pm ∙ Free
13 YMBL Chute-Out Bull Ride 7:30pm evening 409.886.2787 • starkmuseum.org >
Two days at Ford Park Arena 409.727.7258 • palt.squarespace.com Beaumont • 6pm–10pm
Beaumont • August 13-14 409.832.3432 • amset.org
409.832.9991 • ymbl.org 3 First Fridays on Lincoln Avenue
Lincoln Avenue
Groves • 6pm-9pm
409.962.3631 • grovescofc.com

74 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


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

To reserve your room, call


Rates are per room, per night, based on availability, not available for groups of 10 or more rooms.
1-800-228-2800 or visit
FairfieldInn.com.

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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.

2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 87


ESSENTIALS

TAXI CABS National/Alamo Rent-A-Car Groves Chamber of Commerce and Lost/Stolen Credit Cards:
6000 Airline Dr./Airport | 409-722-6111 Tourist Center American Express | 800-554-AMEX
American Quality Taxi 4399 Main Ave | Groves Discover Card | 800-347-2683
409-839-8294 BUS LINES 409-962-3631 or 1-800-876-3631 Master Card | 800-890-0669
Visa Card | 800-847-2911
Airport Limousine Beaumont Municipal Transit Nederland Chamber of Commerce and
Airport Rd. | 409-722-8313 550 Milam | Beaumont | 409-835-7895 Tourists Bureau Frequently Requested
1515 Boston Ave | Nederland | 409-722-0279 Information
Daranda Taxi City of Port Arthur Transit
Port Arthur/Beaumont 320 Dallas Ave | Port Arthur Port Arthur Convention & Visitors Post Office
409-504-1118 | 409-527-0134 409-983-8767 Bureau 5815 Walden Rd | Beaumont
3401 Cultural Center Dr | Port Arthur 409-842-7200
Flanagan Taxi Greyhound Bus Lines 409-985-7822 or 1-800-235-7822
409-838-1283 650 Magnolia | Beaumont Humane Society of Southeast Texas
(409) 832-2550 Port Neches Chamber of Commerce 2050 Spindletop Rd | Beaumont
Golden Triangle Courier 1110 Port Neches Ave | Port Neches 409-722-0605
Groves | 409-962-7514 Sun Travel Trailways 409-722-9154
409-899-5500 Beaumont City Hall Administration
La Uno Texas Travel Information Center Offices
Port Arthur | 409-460-0835 Sun Travel Motorcoach & R.V. Orange | 409-883-9416 | 800-452-9292 801 Main St | 409-880-3716
Beaumont | 409-433-1177 409-899-5500
VISITOR INFORMATION Emergency Numbers City of Port Arthur
Sun Travel Limousine 444 Fourth St | Port Arthur | 409-983-8115
409-899-5500 Ambulance, Fire, Police, Sheriff: 911
Babe Zaharias Museum & Visitor Beaumont City Hotline: 311 Court House
AIRPORT Center 1149 Pearl | Beaumont | 409-835-8400
1750 I-10 E | 409-833-4622 Baptist Memorial Hospital
Southeast Texas Regional Airport
6000 Airline Dr | Beaumont 3080 College St. | Beaumont Jefferson County Sub-Courthouse
Beaumont Convention & Visitors 409-212-5000 525 Lakeshore Dr | Port Arthur
409-722-0251 Bureau 608 Strickland Dr | Orange 409-983-8300
505 Willow St | 800-392-4401 or 409-883-9361
Continental Express 409-880-3749
6000 Airline Dr | Beaumont Veteran’s Services
409-722-7289 Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital 1149 Pearl | Beaumont |409-835-8604
Ben J. Rogers Southeast Texas Visitors 2830 Calder Ave | Beaumont
Center 409-892-7171 Better Business Bureau
SHUTTLE I- 10, Eastbound near Ford Park 550 Fannin | Beaumont | 409-835-5348
From West, exit #846 Major Dr/Brooks Rd Christus St. Mary Hospital
Airport Shuttle from Bush & Hobby to From East, exit #845 Major Dr
Beaumont  3600 Gates Blvd | Port Arthur Lamar University
409-842-0500 409-985-7431 4400 MLK Pkwy | Beaumont |409-880-8888
979-739-2836 or 979-739-2824
www.groundshuttle.com  Greater Beaumont Chamber of Medical Center of Southeast Texas Montagne Center at Lamar University
Commerce 2555 Jimmy Johnson Blvd | Port Arthur 4400 MLK Pkwy | 409-880-1813
CAR RENTAL 1110 Park | 409-838-6581 | bmtcoc.org 409-724-7389
Avis Rent-A-Car Lamar Institute of Technology
Beaumont Civic Center Complex Southeast Texas Animal Emergency 855 E. Lavaca | Beaumont
6000 Airline Dr/Airport | 409-722-0209 701 Main Street | 409-838-3435 Clinic 800-950-6989 | 409-880-8321
Hertz Rent-A-Car 3420 West Cardinal Dr | Beaumont
Greater Port Arthur Chamber of 409-842-3239 Lamar State College - Port Arthur
6000 Airline Dr/Airport| 409-727-2137 Commerce 1500 Proctor St | Port Arthur
4749 Twin City Hwy., Suite 300 Spurlock Rd Veterinary Clinic 800-477-5872 | 409-983-4921
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Port Arthur | 409-963-1107 2400 Memorial Blvd | Port Arthur
6000 Airline Dr/Airport | 409-722-1384
1225 I-10 S | 409-899-2878 409-727-0287
3980 Lucas | 409-898-8300
710 MLK Parkway | 409-835-0623

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

86 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


We Never Stop Moving!

Phyllis Hoffpauir Brenda Burkehalter Shelly Traxler Patti Harrington Marla Miller Linda Park
728-0447 454-3607 351-0128 460-1445 728-8333 626-1324

Holly Hinds Lorie Lewis Edna Beard Donniece Mann Sandra Kidd Carrie Hughes
728-6206 719-6250 527-1444 728-0546 460-0052 679-9628

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


cbsouthernhomes.com

2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 85


OPEN FOR
BUSINESS
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.

e n e e’s
R
All County Realty
Office located in Fannett
Renee Hileman Pelt
Broker/Owner
www.reneesallcountyrealty.com
reneepelt@aol.com
Office - 794.9595 • Cell - 277.9887
18587 FM 365 • Beaumont, TX 77705

Kathy ClevBroker
ela/ Owner
nd
409.284.2843
www.kathycleveland.com
kathy@kathycleveland.com
“Your Real Estate Expert for
All of Southeast Texas”
7999 Gladys, #102 • Beaumont, TX 77706

84 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 83

CVB BMONT_71-88.indd
BMONT 71-88.indd 83 4/25/10 5:06:05 PM
Coldwell Banker
Southern Homes
Real Estate
✔ Homes Sales ✔ New Construction
✔ Buyer Services ✔ Relocation Specialist

www.cbsouthernhomes.com
Beaumont Lumberton
(409) 866-2392 (409) 755-1376
Crosby Mid County
(800) 779-3910 (409) 727-0420
Each office is independently owned and operated.

82 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


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A5 A3
A2
E I A4
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H K
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V 87

F O

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93
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2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 81


Welcome!

80 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


2010 - 2011 I Visitors Guide 79

CVB BMONT_71-88.indd
BMONT 71-88.indd 79 4/25/10 5:21:00 PM
ACCOMMODATIONS

Beaumont 21. La Quinta Inn F. Driftwood Inn


For online reservations, 220 I-10 North 77702 3700 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69
visit www.beaumontcvb.com 409-838-9991 77642 | 409-985-8411
1. America’s Best Value Inn 22. MCM Elegante G. Econo Lodge
2525 N. 11th St 77703 2355 I-10 S. 77705 | 409-842-3600 4500 Hwy 73 77642
409-924-7300 409-962-4500
23. Motel 6
2. Baymont Inn & Suites 1155 I-10 South 77705 H. Hampton Inn & Suites
2865 W Cardinal - Opening Spring ‘10 409-835-5913 7660 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 77642
409-722-6999
3. Best Western Jefferson Inn 24. Premier Inn & Suites
1610 I-10 South 77705 3715 College St. 77705 I. Holiday Inn Park Central
409-832-2828 2929 Jimmy Johnson Blvd 77642 GROVES
409-842-0037
409-724-5000 Jeps RV Park on Pleasure Island
4. Budget Inn 25. Quality Inn & Suites A2. America’s Best Value Inn &
1590 I-10 South 77707 J. Holiday Inn Express & Suites 1900 MLK Blvd., Port Arthur
5375 College St. 77707 Suites
409-840-2099 3115 Central Mall Drive/Hwy 69 77642 409-983-3822
409-842-8001 5201 East Pkwy 77619 | 409-962-6611
800-448-2296 Pleasure Island RV Park
5. Candlewood Suites 26. Ramada Inn A3. Executive Inn
3985 College St 77707 K. La Quinta Inn & Suites 540 South Spoil Levee Rd,
5355 Clear Water Ct. 77705 5131 East Parkway 77619
409-842-4420 7540 Memorial Blvd / Hwy 69 Port Arthur
409-842-9000 409-962-5000
77640 409-722-8383 409-651-4171 or 409-982-4675
6. Comfort Suites 27. Red Carpet Inn & Suites A4. Southwinds Inn pleasureislandtx.com
5955 Walden Rd 77707 2640 I-10 East 77703 | 409-899-3152 L. Mainstay Inn & Suites 5101 East Parkway 77619
7648 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 77642 Walter Umphrey State Park
409-840-6001 28. Red Roof Inn 409-962-3000
409-729-8880 3897 TB Ellison Pkwy (Pleasure Island)
7. Courtyard by Marriott 2375 I 10 S. 77707 | 409-842-8200 A5. Super 8 Motel Port Arthur | 337-802-4320
2275 I-10 South 77705 N. Microtel Inn & Suites 5001 East Parkway 77619
29. Residence Inn by Marriott Waterview RV Resort
409-840-5750 2015 HO Mills Blvd. (Hwy 73) 77640 409-962-2200 | super8.com
5380 Clearwater Ct. 77705 on Pleasure Island
409-983-8000
8. Days Inn Beaumont 409-434-0600 RV Parks and Services 150 Pleasure Pier Blvd., Port Arthur
2155 N. 11th St. 77703 O. Port Arthur Inn 409-543-7161
29. Rodeway Inn
409-898-8150 3889 Gulfway Drive 77642 Boomtown USA Waterpark
1295 N. 11th St 77703 Central Mobile Village
409-985-2538 1-10 Exit 858-B
9. Econo Lodge 409-892-7722 3707 Ave H, Nederland
P. Ramada Inn (Asher turnaround), Vidor 409-724-2783
50 I-10 North 77702 30. Sleep Inn & Suites 409-769-6105
409-835-8800 3801 Hwy 73 77642
2030 N. 11th Street 77703 boomtownusarvresort.com Repairs and Services
409-962-9858
10. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott 409-892-6700
Q. Relax Inn East Lucas RV Park Ayers, Inc.
2265 I-10 South 77705 31. Studio 6 Extended Stay 2590 East Lucas, Beaumont 1255 IH-10 S., Beaumont 77701
409-840-5751 2811 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 77640
2660 I-10 East 77702 409-899-9209 or 800-280-2579 409-833-3381
409-985-9316
11. Hampton Inn 409-924-0571 eastlucasrvpark.com
R. Royal Inn Petro Lube #4
3795 I-10 South 77705 32. Super 8 Motel Gulf Coast RV Resort 5405 Walden Rd @ IH-10 Beaumont
409-840-9922 3015 Hwy 73 West 77640
2850 I-10 East 77703 5175 Brooks Rd, Beaumont 77705 77705 | 409-842-3896
409-736-1554
12. Hilton Garden Inn 409-899-3040 409-842-2285 or 866-410-7801
S. Sabine Pass Motel Yates Automotive &
3755 I-10 South 77705 33. Super 8 Motel gulfcoastrvresort.com
5623 Greenwich | 409-971-2200 Truck Repair
409-842-5646 3995 I-10 South 77705 Hidden Lake RV Resort 1190 MLK Pkwy, Beaumont 77701
13. Holiday Inn Express Northwest 409-842-9300 T. Sea Gull Motel 6860 S. Major Dr., Beaumont 77705 409-832-9999
7140 Eastex Freeway 77708 6828 Gulfway Drive 77642 409-840-9691
34. Travel Inn RV Repair Center
409-892-3600 409-962-4437 www.hiddenlakervresort.com
2690 I-10 East 77703 507 Hwy 87 South, Orange, TX
14. Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites 409-892-8111 U. Sea Shell Motel LaBelle RV 409-670-9017
Beaumont Plaza 2811 Hwy 73 77640 8351 FM 365, LaBelle
35. Value Place Butane & Propane
3950 I-10 South 77705 409-736-1789 409-796-2910 or 409-626-1586
2375 I-10 South 77705
409-842-5995 409-434-0400 V. Scottish Inns and Suites A-1 Mini Stor
Mobile Manor RV Park
3838 Hwy. 73 77642 3249 25th St., Port Arthur
15. Midtown Plaza PORT ARTHUR 5345 Fannett Rd., Beaumont 77705
409-983-7255 409-983-4571
2095 N. 11th St 77703 409-842-1551
409-892-2222 A. Aurora Bed & Breakfast Mobilemanorrv.com Academy
W. Studio 6 Extended Stay Suites
141 Woodworth Blvd. 77640 7130 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont
16. Homewood Suites 3000 Jimmy Johnson Blvd 77642 Robbins RV Park
409-983-4205 or 409-365-5242 77708 | 409-895-4500
3745 I-10 S. 77705 | 409-842-9990 409-729-6611 7809 Hwy 124, Beaumont 77705
B. Best Western 8453 Memorial Blvd., Port Arthur
X. Super 8 Motel & Suites 409-840-6411
17. Howard Johnson Express Inn 7440 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 77642 | 409-723-6800
& Suites 7700 Memorial Blvd / Hwy 69 77642 Access RV Park
409-722-8600 Lowe’s
2615 I-10 E. 77702 | 409-832-0666 409-722-1012 | super8.com 2565 95th St. Port Arthur
C. Cajun Cottages 4120 Dowlen Rd., Beaumont 77706
NEDERLAND 409-729-8000
18. J & J Motel 1900 MLK Dr 77640 409-898-2200
6675 Eastex Freeway 77706 409-982-6050 Y. Candlewood Suites Driftwood RV Park 8383 Memorial Blvd.,
409-892-4241 2125 Hwy 69 77627 | 409-729-9543 3700 Memorial Blvd, Port Arthur Port Arthur | 409-729-8851
D. Comfort Inn & Suites 409-985-8411 Lloyd’s R.V. Park
19. Knight’s Inn 7800 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 77642 Z. Green Town Motel 350 Twin City Hwy.,
4085 I-10 S. 77705 | 409-842-1111 409-729-0500 915 Hwy 69 77627 | 409-722-8397 Drop-On-In RV Park Port Neches 77651 | 409-727-1666
5241 Greenwich off 87 South,
20. La Quinta Inn & Suites E. Days Inn A1. Villa Motel Port Arthur
Beaumont West 8040 Memorial Blvd/Hwy 69 77642 1132 Nederland Ave 77627 409-728-0227 or 409-971-0191
5820 Walden Rd. 77707 409-729-3434 409-722-5003
409-842-0002

78 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


CALENDAR
19 Bus Stop Montana Repertory Theater Museum of the Gulf Coast • M-Sat, 9am-5pm, 15 Mercado Days Latino Fest • April 15-17
Follow the stories of bus passengers Sunday 1-5pm • 409.982.7000 Downtown Port Arthur • 409.983.4006
forced to take shelter in a Kansas www.museumofthegulfcoast.org 16 Super Saturdays on the Avenue
diner during a snowstorm. Downtown Port Neches Avenue
Lutcher Theater • Orange • 7:30pm 409.722.4023 • portnecheschamber.com
409.886.5535 * lutcher.org
April 2011 23 Legally Blonde
Super Saturdays on the Avenue Lutcher Theater • Orange
April – May
Downtown Port Neches Avenue Matinee 2:00 pm. Evening Show 7:30 pm
A Midsummer’s Night Dream
409.722.4023 409.886.5535 • lutcher.org
Port Arthur Little Theater Playhouse
portnecheschamber.com
Port Arthur • 2:30pm matinees and 7:30pm
evening shows 28 Lamarissimo! Cardinal Singers and Lamar
Rotary Taste of Gumbo Dance Company
409.727.7258 • palt.squarespace.com
Robert A. Bowers Civic Center Beaumont • Julie Rogers Theatre • 7:30pm
Port Arthur • 409.985.7822 409.880.8144 • lamar.edu/music
1 First Fridays on Lincoln Avenue
Lincoln Avenue • Groves • 6pm-9pm 29 RiverFest & Classic Car Show
The Texas Ghost Show Working Apr. 29-May 2, a festival of fun, including
Beaumont Civic Center 409.962.3631 • grovescofc.com
Based on Studs Terkel’s bestselling book, this tunnel boat races on the Neches River
Mar. 19 & 20 • 8am-9pm musical paints a vivid portrait of the everyday and a classic car show
www.texasghostshow.eventbrite.com 2 Symphony of Southeast Texas
Master Series 4 Concert lives of common men and women. University Port Neches • 409.722.9154
Beaumont • Julie Rogers Theatre • Beaumont. Thru May • 3, Sun. 2pm portnecheschamber.com
24 YMBL South Texas State All other performances 7:30pm
Fair & Rodeo Theatre 409.892.2257 • sost.org
409.880.2250 • lamar.edu/theatre
Mar. 24-Apr. 3.
Beaumont • Ford Park 7 Spring Dance Concert - April 7-8
A variety of dance works performed primarily Senior/Master Thesis Art Exhibition
409.832.9991 • ymbl.org Dishman Art Museum at Lamar University ∙
by Lamar University students.
Beaumont • University Theatre Beaumont • Thru May 11
27 Linnis Blanton Exhibit M-F, 8am–5pm • Free
Temporary exhibition of ceramic works 409.880.2250 • lamar.edu/theatre
409.880.8959 • lamar.edu/dishman
created by artist Linnis Blanton. Thru May 30.

}
Several regional sports teams provide Lamar University Football, Basketball & Baseball
www.lamarcardinals.com
entertaining live action throughout the year.
Spindletop Rollergirls Roller Derby
Check out Web pages for schedules! www.spindletoprollergirls.com

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11 “The Nutcracker Ballet”
Beaumont Ballet Company
Tango Buenos Aires: Fire and Passion
As one of Argentina’s greatest cultural February 2011
Performances Dec. 11 &12 exports, Tango Buenos Aires is an authentic, February – March
Julie Rogers Theatre • 409.832.2722 uncompromising representation of the fiery Grease
dance of passion. Port Arthur Little Theater Playhouse
12 Etch and Sketch Orange • Lutcher Theater • 7:30pm Port Arthur • 2:30pm matinees and 7:30pm
The reception and exhibition of Lamar 409.886.5535 • lutcher.org evening shows
University Art Department’s Advanced Drawing 409.727.7258 • palt.squarespace.com
and Printmaking classes. 15 Super Saturdays on the Avenue
Beaumont Art League Downtown Port Neches Avenue 1 The Color Purple- Feb. 1-2
Beaumont • 7pm-9pm • Free 409.722.4023 • portnecheschamber.com Orange • Lutcher Theater • 7:30pm
409.833.4179 • beaumontartleague.com 409.886.5535 • lutcher.org
Port Arthur Gulf Coast Music Hall of
14 W.H. Stark House Annual Holiday-Dec, 14-16 Fame Concert 4 First Fridays on Lincoln Avenue
Open House Robert A. Bowers Civic Center Lincoln Avenue • Groves • 6pm-9pm
Open house includes holiday tours, Port Arthur 409.962.3631 • grovescofc.com
music and refreshments. 409.548.4444 • 409.985.7822
W.H. Stark House • 5pm-8pm • Free 10 Bard on the Bayou Series:
409.883.0871 • whstarkhouse.org 16 Birds in Art The Tempest - Feb.10-13 March 2011
Traveling exhibition from the Leigh Yawkey By William Shakespeare,
16 Cherryholmes Christmas Woodson Art Museum featuring 60 works adapted by Don Fleming. 3 Southeast Texas Mardi Gras
A popular bluegrass band denoted by in various mediums. Beaumont • Lamar University Theatre March 3-6 • Downtown Port Arthur
instrumental virtuosity and explosive vocal Thru March 13. Museum of the Gulf Coast 409.880.2250 • lamar.edu/theatre 409.721.8717 • mardigras.portarthur.com
harmonies, featuring a mixture of original band M-Sat, 9am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm
songs and favorite classics. 409.982.7000 12 AMSET Family Arts Day 3 Lamarissimo! Wind Ensemble
Orange • Lutcher Theater • 7:30pm www.museumofthegulfcoast.org Hands-on activities geared toward celebrating and Concert Bands
409.886.5535 • lutcher.org Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day, Chinese New Year, Beaumont • Julie Rogers Theatre • 7:30pm
17 Port Arthur MLK Brunch Black History Month. 409.880.8144 • lamar.edu/music
18 Super Saturdays on the Avenue Robert A. Bowers Civic Center Art Museum of Southeast Texas
Downtown Port Neches Avenue Port Arthur • 409.722.5314 Beaumont • 10am-2pm • Free 4 First Fridays on Lincoln Avenue
409.722.4023 • portnecheschamber.com 409.832.3432 • amset.org Julie Rogers Theatre Lincoln Avenue
22 Symphony of Southeast Groves • 6pm-9pm
Texas Pops Concert 409.962.3631 • grovescofc.com
Beaumont • Julie Rogers Theatre
409.892.2257 • sost.org 8 Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Party
Robert A. Bowers Civic Center.
23 Spamalot Port Arthur • 409.962.9860
A loving rip-off from the famous comedy
“Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” 8 Nederland Heritage Festival
Orange • Lutcher Theater • 7pm March 8-13 • A fantastic family event
409.886.5535 • lutcher.org Nederland • Free
409.724.2269 • nederlandhf.org
29 Southeast Texas Art: Cross-Currents 19 Super Saturdays on the Avenue
January 2011 and Influences
Examine relationships and influences
Downtown Port Neches Avenue 11 The Spencers: Theater of Illusion
Enjoy the spectacle and
409.722.4023 ∙• portnecheschamber.com
7 First Fridays on Lincoln Avenue that existed between Southeast danger of this seemingly impossible
Lincoln Avenue Texas artists andearly Texas Modernists 25 Mamma Mia - Feb. 25-26 magic show.
Groves • 6pm- 9pm from 1925-1975 Orange • Lutcher Theater Orange • Lutcher Theater • 7:30pm
409.962.3631 • grovescofc.com Thru Apr. 3. Matinee: 2pm, evening show 7:30pm 409.886.5535 • lutcher.org >
Beaumont • Art Museum of 409.886.5535 • lutcher.org
8 Krewe of Neptune “12th Night” Southeast Texas
Robert A. Bowers Civic Center 409.832.3432 • amset.org 26 Symphony of Southeast Texas Master
3401 Cultural Center Drive, Series 3 Concert
Port Arthur • 409.962.9860 Julie Rogers Theater • Beaumont
409.892.2257 • sost.org

76 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011


CALENDAR
Artwork by Sedrick Huckaby Dinosaur Day Messiah Rocks 3 First Fridays on Lincoln Avenue
A celebration of African-American Texas Energy Museum • 409.833.5100 Blending classical music with classic rock, Groves • Lincoln Avenue • 6pm–9pm
heritage using unique “quilt paintings” as Handel’s most performed oratorio examines 409.962.3631 • grovescofc.com
backdrops for portraits. 31 Burn the Floor powerful themes of faith, love and peace.
Beaumont • Art Museum of Southeast Texas Electrifying Latin and Ballroom Orange • Lutcher Theater • 7pm “Babes in Toyland”
Thru Jan. 9; M-F, 9am-5pm; dance spectacular. 409.886.5535 • lutcher.org Presented by the Southeast
Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. 12pm-5pm Orange • Lutcher Theater • 7pm Texas Ballet Company,
409.832.3432 • amset.org 409.886.5535 • lutcher.org In the Bag! Dec. 3 & 4 • Julie Rogers Theatre
Traveling exhibition featuring shopping bags 409.838.3435
from the permanent collection at the Benz
Gallery at Texas A&M University. 4 Groves Lighted Christmas Parade
November 2010 Thru January 2, 2011 Annual nighttime parade with bands,
Museum of the Gulf Coast floats and Santa.
November - December
M-Sat, 9am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm • 409.982.7000 409.962.8631
White Christmas
www.museumofthegulfcoast.org
Port Arthur Little Theater Playhouse
4 Beauty & the Beast - Dec 4-5
Port Arthur • 2:30pm matinees and
13 St. Catherine of Sienna “Taste of Culture” Orange • Lutcher Theater
7:30pm evening shows
Port Arthur • 409.962.3011 Matinee at 1:30pm, evening show 7pm
409.727.7258 • palt.squarespace.com
22 Texas-Style Cool Autumn Nites Car Show 409.886.5535 • lutcher.org
Oct 22-24 18 Lamar’s Fall Dance Concert - Nov 18-19
3 A Lesson Before Dying
Downtown Beaumont Lamar University Theatre
Performances Nov. 3-7
409.769.7599 • txhotsummernites.com Beaumont • 7:30pm
Lamar University Theatre • Beaumont
Admission: $10 general, $7 seniors
Sun. 2pm, evenings 7:30pm
23 Harvest Hoedown at 409.880.2250 • lamar.edu/theatre
409.880.2250 • lamar.edu/theatre
McFaddin-Ward House
Come in costume to a hoedown full of 20 Super Saturdays on the Avenue
4 Lamarissimo! Faculty Artists
foot-tapping music, games, food samples, Downtown Port Neches Avenue
Julie Rogers Theatre
barnyard animals, tours, and much more. 409.722.4023 • portnecheschamber.com
Beaumont • 7:30pm
Beaumont • McFaddin-Ward House
409.880.8144 • lamar.edu/music
5pm-8pm • Free Symphony of Southeast Texas
409.832.1906 • mcfaddin-ward.org Master Series 2 Concert
5 First Fridays on Lincoln Avenue
Beaumont • Julie Rogers Theatre
Lincoln Avenue
23 The Book Hours: A Highlight Exhibit 409.892.2257 • sost.org
Groves • 6pm–9pm
Orange • Stark Museum of Art
409.962.3631 • grovescofc.com
Thru Jan. 8; Tues.- Sat.; 10am-5pm • Free 21 Christmas Tree Trail to Groves
409.886.2787 • starkmuseum.org A Sunday afternoon tour with specialty shops Chambers House Museum Christmas Tour
Maime McFaddin Ward’s Birthday Tea
and boutiques offering unique Christmas gifts Historic home decorated in authentic
at the McFaddin-Ward House
25 Momix-Botanica 409.962.3631 1920’s style. Chambers House Museum
Honoring Maime McFaddin Ward’s
An eclectic score ranging from birdsongs to Beaumont • 1pm-4pm • Free
birthday, free tours and refreshments based on
Vivaldi, Bontanica follows the rhythms of the 27 Cultural Lighted Holiday Parade 409.832.4010 • chambershouse.org
authentic McFaddin family recipes
seasons and the evolution of the world and Downtown Port Arthur
will be offered.
the passing of a day. 409.963.1107 • portarthur.net 5 John Jay French Christmas Candlelight Tour
Beaumont • McFaddin-Ward House • Free
Orange • Lutcher Theater • 7:30pm Enjoy delightful holiday music and
409.832.2134 • mcfaddin-ward.org
409.886.5535 • lutcher.org
December 2010 refreshments, while celebrating the
Christmas season in a mid-19th century style.
6 “On Stage with the Beaumont
28 Halloween Fun at Camp Junction with Royal 1 A Very Merry Main Street Market John Jay French Museum
Ballet Theatre”
White Bengal Tiger Show - Oct 28-31 Must-see holiday market, hosted by the Junior 1pm-4pm • Free
Julie Rogers Theatre • 409.892.0169
Camp Junction, 8690 Highway 105 League of Beaumont • Events Dec. 1-4 409.898.0348 • jjfrench.com
Beaumont Beaumont Civic Center • Beaumont
7 Beaumont Interfaith Choral Society
409.898.2966 • campjunction.com 409.832.0873 • beaumont-tx-complex.com Lamarissimo! A Cappella Choir and Grand
Annual Concert
Chorus Holiday Concert
Performing the “Corornation Mass”
30 “Eat a Bug!” Family Arts Day 2 Beaumont Christmas Holiday Beaumont • Jefferson Theatre • 3pm
by Mozart • First United Methodist Church
Art Museum of Southeast Texas Festival and Parade 409.880.8144 • lamar.edu/music >
Beaumont • 3pm • Free
Beaumont • 10am-2pm. • Free Events Dec. 2-5. 409.880.3716
409.898.1634
409.832.3432 • amset.org

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 I Visitors Guide 75


88 Visitors Guide I 2010 - 2011

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