Bay City Plant - Matagorda County
Transcription
Bay City Plant - Matagorda County
BCHS Bay City ISD •Givingstudentsajump startoncollege •Savingfamiliesmoney UT SMawU L Andrew, Bay City High School Class of 2006: “I graduated from high school with 42 hours of college credit becauseofallthegreatcourses availabletomeatBayCityHigh. Thisallowedmetoearnacollege degree in three years instead of four. My parents estimate we savedalmost$20,000,whichhas helped out now that I am in law school.” $ Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 1 2 Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 Table of Contents About Matagorda County, The Secrets Out--------- 4 History------------------------------------------------ 7 Matagorda Section----------------------------------- 9 Outdoors---------------------------------------------- 14 Palacios Section-------------------------------------- 16 Fishing & Hunting- ---------------------------------- 20 Bay City Section-------------------------------------- 24 Blessing----------------------------------------------- 27 Map- -------------------------------------------------- 28 Birding------------------------------------------------ 30 Sargent Section--------------------------------------- 33 Calendar of Events----------------------------------- 36 Shopping---------------------------------------------- 38 Accommodations------------------------------------- 41 Places to Eat------------------------------------------ 48 Attractions-------------------------------------------- 50 Culture and Entertainment-------------------------- 54 Tourism Services------------------------------------- 55 List of Advertisers------------------------------------ 56 Chamber Information Matagorda County Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 768 | Bay City, TX 77404-0768 (877) TRVL-FUN www.visitmatagordacounty.com [email protected] Matagorda Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 103 | Matagorda, TX 77457 (979) 557-6526 www.matagordachamber.com Palacios Chamber of Commerce 420 Main Street | Palacios, TX 77465 (361) 972-2615 | (800) 611-4567 www.palacioschamber.com [email protected] Bay City Chamber of Commerce 201 7th Street | Bay City, TX 77414 (979) 245-8333 | (800) 806-8333 www.baycitychamber.org [email protected] Sargent Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 4052 | Sargent, TX 77404-4052 (979) 244-5018 www.sargent-tx.com Information in this publication is as correct as possible at the time of publishing, but is subject to omissions and errors. The Tourism Coalition of Matagorda County assumes no responsibility for any and all errors of this publication. Editorial, photos, advertisements and free listings that appear in the Matagorda Visitor Guide is for the sole purpose to provide useful information for tourists and travelers to Matagorda County. Any reproduction of this publication without prior written notice from the Tourism Coalition of Matagorda County and BayStar Printing is prohibited under the copywright holder and infringement laws of the great state of Texas. Published By: 1802-C North Velasco Angleton, TX 77515 Photo Credits: Heidi Simmons, Kevin Jordon, John Dettling, Virgil Fox Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 3 start an adventure Midway between Galveston and Corpus Christi, right where the Colorado River meets the sea, Matagorda County lies at a curious confluence of nature and history that goes back nearly 500 years, and it just seems to get better with time. Matagorda Bay was a stopover for the Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca in the 1500s. A century later, the French explorer La Salle lost his ship in Matagorda Bay just off Palacios, and the dramatic excavation of the ship drew international attention. Stephen Austin led a group of settlers here before the Texas Revolution. And for a touch of modern drama, Brad Pitt and Sean Penn spent time here filming the 2009 movie. “Tree of Life.” But none of that is evident when you explore its solitary beaches or its bird-filled wetlands, or drive through the lush green rice fields or the golden cane fields rippling in the wind. A perfect weekend getaway for Houston, San Antonio and Austin, 4 it’s surprising how many have never made the drive. Which is too bad, because they’re missing out on its spectacular beaches, abundant wildlife, great food, fascinating museums, fishing to die for and down-home folks who are ready to make them feel right at home. But if solitude is what you crave, you’d better come soon. Matagorda County is working hard to get the word out about all that it has to offer, and things are changing quickly. Indeed, nature and education are what Matagorda County does best. But it’s also a great place for indulgence, with fine dining and finger-licking barbecue, fresh-caught seafood overlooking the harbor and home cooking that will make you think of grandma’s kitchen. It’s also a great place to take your cooler and your lawn chair and kick back to watch the waves roll in. Bay City is a good place to start your adventure, as it’s the county seat and it’s right on the way to the beach. But unless you’re in a hurry to hit the surf, take a little time to enjoy what this colorful town has to offer. You’re still a half-hour from the coast – the town’s founders Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 named it for nearby Bay Prairie, not Matagorda Bay. Nowadays there’s not much prairie to see here either, but there’s a charming downtown with a historic courthouse, a lively renovated town square and creative boutiques and cafes. The Matagorda County Museum will fill you in on the history of the place, with a fascinating display on the region’s original inhabitants – the fierce Karankawa tribe – and a stunning bronze cannon, the centerpiece of an exhibit detailing the excavation of LaSalle’s ship, La Belle. Just down the road, the lovingly tended Matagorda County Birding Nature Center on the Colorado River combines the best of a botanical garden with a wild nature preserve to produce some of the best birding around. Head on down Highway 60 to Matagorda, one of Stephen F. Austin’s original three colonies. But be sure and stop at Karankawa Village to have a gourmet coffee drink and browse the collections at Cattails, an upscale mercantile store, and ask for a taste from proprietor Sue Milberger’s designer wine label, Chateau Bubba. You can even choose to rent a finely appointed, themed room here at The Lodge, with its outdoor living rooms and fireplaces. Head on down into Matagorda, where you can stock up on beach and fishing supplies at Stanley’s or head into the tiny downtown for a sumptuous meal at Spoonbill’s, the destination restaurant that everyone’s talking about. Alternatively, set your sights on Matagorda Harbor for seaside dining and live entertainment at The Waterfront. You can also opt to spend the night at the Stanley-Fisher House, a beautifully restored historic mansion that is now a bed and breakfast, or you may choose a modest motel like Fisherman’s Motel; Matagorda’s oldest motel that has been providing exceptional service to its customers for over forty years. Or if it’s the great outdoors you prefer, you can park your RV overlooking the sea or set up your tent right on the beach at the Matagorda Bay Nature Park. Now it’s time for a tough decision, because beautiful seaside villages await your discovery to the east and to the west. On the eastern edge of the county and at the gateway to the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, there’s charming Sargent, nestled along Caney Creek and just minutes from the Intracoastal Waterway and one of three public beaches in Matagorda County. Anglers, take note: you’ll want to prepare yourself for some record-breaking fish over here. On the west side of the county there’s Palacios, once a sought-after beach resort with a grand seaside pavilion where big names performed for the 15,000 soldiers training for World War II at Camp Hulen. The Army base and the pavilion are long gone, but there is still much to recommend this charming historic town, not the least of which is the City by the Sea Museum and the rambling old Luther House hotel. Head inland from Palacios to Blessing to sample the country buffet at the historic Blessing Hotel. If you’re a golfer, you may want to make time to play a few rounds at the Rio Colorado golf course before heading back into town to complete your tour with some hearty Texas fare at A&A Barbecue or K-2 Steakhouse. One thing’s for certain, you won’t have time to get bored – because whichever direction you head in Matagorda County, you’re bound to run into an adventure. Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 5 interesting facts The engines of progress have altered the face of Matagorda County time and time again over the past couple of centuries. But there are places and times when the past bubbles to the surface as fresh as the new morning. The great Texas naturalist Roy Bedichek must have felt that when he described a mighty Karankawa warrior mesmerized by a sunset over the sea – the same phosphorescent sunset that spreads over the sparkling waters on a typical evening at the dawn of the 21st century. “He became still as a statue, oblivious to his surroundings, gazing spellbound at the point on the horizon where the waters had closed over and quenched this great ball of fire,” Bedicheck wrote in “Karankaway Country,” an account taken from his readings of early explorers. The giant savages that inhabited these lands when the first Europeans arrived in the 1500s must have seemed fearsome indeed. The men were up to seven feet tall, adorned themselves with lip and nipple piercings and dramatic tattoos. They smeared themselves with alligator or shark grease to repel insects, and were believed to practice ritual cannibalism against their enemies – a belief that recent research has challenged. The Karankawas were powerful swimmers and runners, excellent marksmen and formidable fighters. Yet they were known to exhibit deep tenderness as well, as the first Spanish explorer in the region, Antonio Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca reported. Described by one historian as “the only good guy among the Spanish conquistadors,” Cabeza de Vaca befriended the native tribes in his long journey through the American wilderness, and the Karankawas were no exception. He described a scene when, shipwrecked and bereft at the loss of many of his companions who had perished at sea, the tribesmen sat on the shore with him and wept. But well they might have wept for themselves. For all his benign intentions, Cabeza de Vaca’s landing presaged the decline and eventual obliteration of the Karankawas. The tribe resisted assimilation and, by the 1850s, the last ragged band of them was spotted in Tamaulipas, Mexico, driven far from the Texas shores they’d called home. They were never seen again. Matagorda takes its name from the thick canebrakes that once grew along the shores, perhaps inspiring the name of Caney Creek (mata is Spanish for shrub, and gorda means thick). The Spaniards who explored these lands throughout the 16th and 17th centuries left their linguistic mark everywhere, from Tres Palacios Bay in the west to the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge in the east. The area remained under Spanish and then Mexican control, along with the rest of Texas, until the fledgling republic gained its independence in 1836 after the Texas Revolution. But France, too, had a brief and shining moment in the historical spotlight of Matagorda with the La Salle expedition. René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, the flamboyant French explorer who had led a previous expedition down the Mississippi River, actually landed in Matagorda Bay in 1685 by mistake. This expedition was met by a series of misfortunes including mutinous crew members, raiding Karankawas and the wreck of La Salle’s beautiful La Belle off the shore of the Matagorda Peninsula. La Salle himself was murdered by an angry member of his crew. A few survivors of his band were reported to be living among the Karankawas as late as 1717. LaSalle’s brief foray into the region was all but forgotten until the dramatic excavation of La Belle put Matagorda County back into the national spotlight. Considered by some to be the most important shipwreck discovery in North America, the excavation took nearly a year and produced a million artifacts, items intended to establish a new colony. The amazing array of items frozen in time by the salty waters of the Gulf included three bronze cannons, beads and bells for trade with the Indians, and the skeleton of a solitary crewmember. The whole story comes to life each year, when the city of Palacios stages a reenactment featuring “Dead Bob,” that illfated sailor who went down with the ship. A LaSalle Trail of seven museums containing parts of Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 7 the LaSalle story has been established; two of those museums, the Matagorda County Museum in Bay City and the City by the Sea Museum in Palacios, are in Matagorda County. LaSalle’s bad fortune helped ensure that the Spanish would prevail in Texas until the Mexican War for Independence transferred control of the territory to Mexico City in 1821. That control was turbulent and short-lived, however, as the Texians who settled the area with Mexican permission chafed under their rule. Stephen F. Austin began the AngloAmerican settlement of the area with a colony at the mouth of the Colorado, established in 1822. By 1829, he had convinced the Mexican government that a military post was needed to protect the settlers from invading Karankawas, and the port town of Matagorda was founded. Matagordians were among those who met at the councils leading up to the war, and they were also among those who fought. Matagorda County became one 8 of the original 23 counties of the new Republic of Texas. The county became a major agricultural producer in the subsequent years, and black slaves outnumbered whites more than two to one in the mid 1800s. Matagorians fought for the Confederacy, of course, and when they lost and the slaves were freed, the county’s economy was devastated. Taxable wealth in the county declined from $2,727,256 (of which $1,095,400 represented the value of slaves) in 1860, to only $1,028,815 by 1866, according to the Handbook of Texas Online. The county’s fortunes began to turn around with the coming of the railroads, and development began to spread out to other towns besides Matagorda. Bay City was founded in 1894 and became the new county seat because of its central location. The discovery of oil and sulfur also gave the economy a big boost, and between 1900 and 1920, the population doubled. This growth laid the groundwork for Camp Hulen in Palacios to become a major training ground for soldiers during World War II. Palacios was also a major beach resort, with big-name acts performing at the elegant Palacios Pavilion and people coming for miles around to take the waters, which were believed to have healing properties. The camp closed in 1946, and the grand pavilion was destroyed by Hurricane Carla in 1961. Palacios took a lower profile as a charming, slow-paced seaside village. But hints of its former grandeur can still be seen at The Luther Hotel, which was the elegant grande dame of its day, and at the excellent little City by the Sea Museum. Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 Matagorda Welcome to Matagorda! You’re our guest and we’re excited that you found us! Matagorda holds many wonders for anyone with a love for nature and the great outdoors. If you like to fish, swim, surf, crab, boat, bird, kayak, or beach comb, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll take you back to nature or give you the thrill of a lifetime fighting a big redfish or trophy trout. Matagorda Harbor is one of the finest mooring facilities on the Gulf Coast and anglers can launch their boat free of charge at one of the four boat ramps. From the Harbor there is easy access to East and West Matagorda Bays, the Colorado River and the Gulf of Mexico. There are over forty fishing guides working out of the Harbor so chartering a good captain for a fantastic fishing adventure is easy. We boast of our historic but quaint culture, our good food, clean and comfortable motel rooms and our helpful merchants. Visit any of our quaint shops in town for a wide variety of merchandise to fit any ones pocketbook; antiques, one-of-a-kind painted driftwood, beach items, boutique clothing, souvenirs, novelty gifts and even hand-dipped ice cream cones for those hot summer days. Alternatively, set your sites on one of our many restaurants where you can eat, meet friends, enjoy a game of pool and listen to live entertainment. Come and stay with us a while. Shop with us, play with us or join us for Sunday worship in one of our historic churches. Just kick back and enjoy yourself. Our businesses can help guide you or supply you with anything you need. Just ask we’re here to serve you. Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 9 “for the good life on the gulf ” The Lodge The ambience is casual at The Lodge but the amenities are luxurious. Each of the eight rooms is uniquely styled, featuring the finest organic bedding, large bathrooms and original artworks. Gourmet coffees and flat screen televisions are found in each room and two outdoor living rooms with fireplaces are yours during your visit. Our popular mercantile shop, Cattails, is part of the Karankawa Village just across the boardwalk. Here you will find more of the finest coffees, wines, gourmet foods, artwork, clothing and homewares. www.karankawavillage.com Phone: (979) 863-7737 10 Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 Matagorda ISD TEA RECOGNIZED DISTRICT 979.863.7693 PO Box 657 • Matagorda, TX 77457 www.matagordaisd.org Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 11 12 Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 A Program for Everyone Core classes in English, Math, History, Science, Speech, Humanities, Visual Performing Arts, Government, Kinesiology, and Social Services Associate of Arts degree • Associate of Arts in Teaching degree Associate of Applied Science degrees Certificate/certification programs • Distance Learning courses Financial Aid Counseling • Dual and concurrent enrollment Associate of Arts Degree with emphasis of study in : Associate of Applied Science Degrees & Certificates Automotive Technology*† Computer Science: •CISCORouterNetworking* •ComputerProgramming† •PCTechnicalSupport* •NetworkAdministration† Cosmetology* Dental Hygiene† Early Childhood*† Electronics Engineering Technology† Emergency Medical Technology*† Engineering Design*† •ArchitecturalDesign* •ComputerAided Drafting* •ConstructionManagement† Fire Academy* HealthInformationTechnology† Agriculture Art Behavioral Sciences Biology Business Administration Chemistry Computer Science Criminal Justice Drama Engineering English General Studies Kinesiology Mathematics Music Nursing(Pre-Baccalaureate) Physics Social Sciences Speech Associate of Arts Degree in Teaching •EC-6,Grades4-8,EC-12SpecialEducation-PlanB •Grades8-12,OtherEC-12-PlanC Heating,A/C,Refrigeration & Electrical* Human Services*† Law Enforcement† NuclearPowerTechnology*†‡ Nursing: •AssociateDegree† •LVN-ADNTransition† •VocationalNursing* OfficeAdministration*† ParalegalStudies† PhysicalTherapistAssistant† PoliceAcademy* ProcessTechnology†‡ RadiologicTechnology† Surgical Technology* Welding Technology* * Certificate program † Associate of Applied Science Degree ‡ These programs offered exclusively at the Bay City campus Visit our website or contact the Admissions and Registration Office for times, locations, and requirements. Wharton • Sugar Land • Richmond • Bay City • El Campo • Palacios 1-800-561-WCJC wcjc.edu W Wharton County CJC Junior College WCJC is an EOE Institution. Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 13 Plenty of outdoor fun It’s tough to stay indoors here in Matagorda County with the call of the wild that blows in from the bay. Luckily for most visitors, they don’t have to. Golfing and surfing, hiking and biking, stargazing and hunting, eating and shopping, even cooking and cleaning – all of it can be done under the great Texas sky, and it often is. Once you get a taste of it, you’ll wonder why you stayed inside so long. With two rivers, five bays and a slew of sloughs and creeks and bayous, water sports are plentiful, from fishing and kayaking to surfing and scuba diving. As one might expect, boats of all kinds are a popular mode of transport here. You can meander down the Colorado or Tres Palacios River or Caney Creek in a canoe or kayak, watching for birds and wildlife as you go, or you can speed through the Intracoastal Waterway on a motorboat. You can drift lazily on the gentle waters of the bay in a sailboat or test your mettle on the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. There are places where you can rent or buy your own, and there are marinas where you can keep them. There’s also an army of professionals to help you plan and execute your adventure, from Sargent in the east to Palacios in the west. Fishing and birding guides, captains with generations of experience, can lead you right to the catch of a lifetime, and weave a lively Matagorda yarn or two while they’re doing it. You’ll want to bring a camera to document the catch, the wildlife or the beautiful views. Bring binoculars, too, especially if you’re headed to the Matagorda Birding Nature Center, the Matagorda Bay Nature Park or Mad Island Marsh Preserve. Matagorda Bay is known to birders worldwide as one of the country’s leading stopovers for migratory birds, and while migration season is especially exciting, its resident population is 14 stunning year round. But it’s not only the wildlife that captivates the crowds. Matagordians of the human variety are an entertaining breed, as well. Scarcely a week goes by without a Market Days, a fair or a festival celebrating anything from rice and shrimp to art and music. Time your visit for a festival for some of the best eating and entertainment to be had, and fun for the whole family. Matagorda County is a prime destination for nature-based education, and is also an activity that’s fun for all ages. Matagorda Bay Nature Park offers an array of imaginative interactive programs led by scientists and nature educators – enticing programs like “Nature Scavenger Hunt,” “Fins, Furs and Feathers,” “Wings over the Wetlands,” “Day on the Bay Wetlands Kayak Trip” and “Adventures in Beachcombing.” Sign up in advance to be sure of a spot, or drop in and browse the engrossing exhibits on display at the Natural Science Center. You can camp out on miles of powdery sand – and sometimes you may get lucky and have it all to yourself. Build a seaside campfire and stay up late watching the clouds cross the moon, or wake up early for a brilliant sunrise. If you prefer a bit more comfort with your Great Outdoors, there are plenty of RV campgrounds with a variety of accommodations, views and prices. Hunting is also an option, with outfitters and lodges targeting hunters. Geese and ducks, dove and deer and even wild boars are available in season. Golfing is a popular activity as well, and two Matagorda courses await your club. There’s the Rio Colorado Golf Course near Bay City, on the banks of the Colorado as the name suggests. This challenging 18-hole course features native coastal prairies and signature golf holes situated high on the wooded bluffs of the Colorado River. There’s also the Palacios Golf Course, a 9-hole facility with a course rating of 33.9 and a slope rating of 117. Whatever your pleasure, you’re likely to find it under the sunny skies of Matagorda County – but don’t forget your sunscreen! Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 Golf Courses Bay City Bay City Country Club Hwy. 35 West 979-245-3990 Liberty Park Location of the historic Bay City 6th Street at Avenue I Rio Colorado Golf Course 979-323-1660 FM 2668 [email protected] 979-244-2955 Matagorda County Fairgrounds Palacios FM 2668 Palacios Golf Course 979-245-2454 35 N State HWY 35 979-245-1819 361-972-5947 www.matagordacountyfair. com Major Parks and other Outdoor Riverside Park Venues FM 2668 979-323-1660 [email protected] Bay City Matagorda County Blessing Birding Nature Center 1.7 miles west of Bay City Heffelfinger On Texas Highway 35 south Memorial Park 979-245-3336 361-588-7717 [email protected] LeTulle Park West Hwy 35 979-323-1660 [email protected] Matagorda Matagorda Bay Nature Park 1,600 - acre park is a top birding site and offers recreational and educational activities. 1-800-776-5272 www.lcra.org/matagorda Jetty Park Located at the mouth of what was the Colorado River; offers visitors their first view of Matagorda Beach and the Gulf of Mexico. Under the Bridge Public Park Shore Fishing City Park 515 Main Street Pavilion Pier South Bay at Fourth Street For more info call 361-972-3605 www.cityofpalacios.com Carl Park Tres Palacios River at FM 521 361-972-2719 River Road Park FM 521 on Colorado River 361-972-2719 Sargent Palacios City of Palacios Public Parks: South Bay “Pavilion” Park Located on South Bay Blvd. East Bay Park Located on East Bay Blvd. Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 Railroad Park Located on southern 9 blocks of 6th Street 15 Chamber Park 979-429-3002 Palacios’ famous hospitality offers visitors a variety of comfortable, affordable and charming lodging options. Choices include five RV parks, three marinas, numerous self-catering vacation homes, two bed and breakfasts, a motel and a historical hotel. All accommodations are conveniently located to enjoy local shopping opportunities, great fishing, birding, a stroll along the seawall or a fresh cup of coffee on Main Street. Many sites offer striking water views, lovely sunsets, mystical moon reflections and fresh coastal air anytime of the year. Several occupy fascinating historic buildings which beckons one to a slower pace and a simpler time. All offer friendly service by gracious hosts all too happy to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Palacios Chamber of Commerce Centennial 1910-2010. 16 Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 17 pity all) Palacios, TX On the Central Texas Coast, Gateway to Matagorda Bay, on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. • 144 Full Hookup Sites • 50 Amp Service Available • Wide Street • Spacious Sites • Boat Slips • Walking Distance to Restaurants & Shopping • Sparkling Bath House • Commercial Laundromat • Planned Seasonal Activities • Swimming Pool • Cable TV • Free WIFI Throughout the Park • Fish Cleaning Station • Waterfront Sites 1001 Main Street • Palacios, TX 77465 (800) 556-0534 • (361) 972-5454 Fax (361) 972-6053 www.serendipityresort.com 18 Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 PALACIOS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Home of the Fighting Sharks and Sharkettes Palacios High School East Side Intermediate Palacios Junior High School Texas State Marine Center Central Elementary Award Winning Staff and Students Low Classroom Teacher-Student Ratios Free Tuition for Transfer Students Highly Competitive Salaries Great Employee Benefits Over 30 Student Clubs and Organizations Advanced Technology Throughout the District Classroom Computer Labs and Mobile Computer Labs on every campus to serve every student TEA Recognized District 1209 12th St Palacios, TX 77465-3799 Phone: 361-972-5491 www.palaciosisd.org Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 19 what-a-catch Matagorda’s waters are legendary for legions of fishermen Whatever floats your boat, whether it’s wade fishing, drift fishing, surf fishing or offshore fishing, Matagorda County is the place to be. From peaceful, tiny Sargent, where bait camps, guide services and marinas dominate the local business profile, to Matagorda, with its 200-slip harbor, to picturesque Palacios, with its 1.5-mile lighted seawall, three piers and three boat ramps, you can stick with an old favorite or strike out for new territory on every trip. With more than 50 miles of coastline and literally hundreds of miles of rivers, creeks and bayous, you’ll find every type of habitat for almost any type of fish. Stop in at any bait shop for pictures of trophy fish; the next one could be yours. A walk along the beach on a typical day will find them among the shorebirds, setting up their poles for some surf fishing. Others line up along the piers, like the Jetty Park at Matagorda or the brand-new Swing Bridge Fishing Park where the old swing bridge used to be. Last year a brand-new bridge opened, connecting Matagorda with the barrier island and giving ready access to more space for some fine fishing. Fly-fishing for the trophy-sized speckled trout that like to hang out in the grass flats and along the reefs can be an adrenaline rush, as well; nine-pounders are not uncommon, and they like to put up a good fight. Fly-fishing on the banks of the Colorado is popular, as well as in the flats of East and West Matagorda Bay. Some thrill-seekers head out to the open sea for heartpounding adventures in search of the giant tuna, kingfish, tarpon, sailfish or marlin that ply the waters of the deep. Others stick closer to home, trolling the thriving waters of the 20 Intracoastal Waterway, East or West Matagorda Bay or Tres Palacios Bay in search of trophy redfish, black drum, flounder or speckled sea trout. Capt. Mark Talasek, one of the scores of fishing captains plying their trade in Matagorda County, says there’s plenty to find close to home. Talasek has been hooked on saltwater fishing since he was a high schooler, when he reeled in a 500-pound hammerhead 18 miles off the Matagorda coast in the Gulf of Mexico. These days Captain Mark sticks closer to home, and he says you don’t have to head for the high seas or be an expert to have a good time, or to catch tomorrow’s lunch. For beginning anglers, Talasek recommends flounder gigging in Matagorda Bay. This is a nocturnal adventure; with lights on the airboat, you can watch the marine life under the water and the stars above. If competition is your thing, look for a local tournament; there’s one or two going on most weekends, and many are open to the public. Check www.matagordabay.com to look for a schedule. Here you’ll find events for the kids, like the Jimmy Guest Memorial Kid Fish, and others for the ladies – like Lingerie on the Bay (“The men are allowed to bait hooks, net fish, get out backlashes but are NOT allowed to cast or retrieve,” according to the guidelines). Matagorda also participates in the big statewide events, like the Texas Anglers’ Rodeo and the Star Tournament. Talasek is just one of thousands who’s out there looking for a special tagged redfish; if you’re the one who pulls it in, you could end up with a boat and a trailer. Regardless whether you’re competing with other anglers, with yourself or just with the waters of the deep; whether you’re looking for the challenge of a lifetime, a fish story, your next meal or just a peaceful day at the coast, pack up your gear, hit the bait shops and toss out a line. You won’t be disappointed. Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 Fishing Tournaments Blue Wave Trout Series Tournament Matagorda | Mid April | 210-385-3333 Fort Bend CCA Kid-Fish Matagorda | Late July Boling Booster Club Tourney Mid April Tomball/Magnolia CCA Tournament Matagorda | Late July Gulf Coast Boats Early May Texas King Mackerel Association Tournament Matagorda | July Lamar FFA Bay Tournament Matagorda | Early May Sam Hallmark Memorial Mid August CCA KidFish Mid May Easy Money Offshore Tournament Matagorda | Mid August Frydek Knights of Columbus Saltwater Tournament Matagorda | Mid May | 281-533-0941 Caney Creek Marina Memorial Day Tournament May 28th | 979-245-3691 Paul Meyer Memorial Tournament Matagorda | Early June | Mark 713-864-3808 Rosenberg “Fire on the Bay” Tournament Matagorda | Early June | Clint 979-758-4846 Texas Oilman’s Tournament Matagorda | July | Tommy 979-863-7553 Lingerie on the Bay Tournament (Women only) Matagorda | Late June | Garund 832-473-3716 Sting Rae’s Sargent Off Shore Blast July 8th & 9th | 979-323-0611 Russell’s July BASH July – all month long | Russell 979.863.7620 Mermaid Offshore Tournament (Women only) Matagorda | Early July | Erin 979-245-5121 IFA Redfish Tournament Matagorda | Mid July | Scott 210-385-3333 Jimmy Guest Memorial Kids Fishing Tourney Matagorda | Late July | John 832-713-5620 Caney Creek Marina Labor Day Tournament September 3rd | 979-245-3691 Caney Creek Marina Family Thanksgiving Tournament November 25th & 26th | 979-245-3691 Palacios Chamber Family Fishfest Tournament, Palacios | 2nd Weekend in August | 361-972-2615 Babes on the Bay (Women only) Matagorda | Mid September Ft. Bend County Sheriff’s Assn. Tournament Mid September | Wayne 832-473-2674 Gulf Coast Boat Tournament Matagorda | June Skipper’s Bay Fishing Tournament Matagorda | September Fort Bend C. L. Cookers Tournament Matagorda | Early October Octoberfish Surf Fishing Contest Sargent Beach | Early October Sargent Chamber’s Fishing Tournament October 4th Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 21 Fishing Guides Bay City Hondo’s Guide Service Captain Johnnie Hahn 1909 Letulle| Bay City, TX 77414 979-245-7865 johnnie@hondosguide service.com www.Matagordatexas.com Reel Life Adventures Captain Jesse Arsola Bay City, TX 77414 979-245-9914 reel-life-adventures@ orbitworld.net www.matagordabay.com/reellife-adventures Baylor Outdoor Adventures Captain Rob Baylor 281-733-4750 www.bayloroutdooradventures. com Kingfisher Guide Service Captain Walt Schelle 979-863-7666 or 979-240-5187 [email protected] www.matagorda-bay.com Captain Don Wood’s Guide Service Captain Don Wood 979-240-4137 www.matagordabay.com/ captwood Knee Deep Fishing Guide Service Captain Coach Floyd Ciruti 979-533-0893 www.gofishmatagorda.com Captain Ken’s Guide Service Captain Ken Marshall P.O. Box 371 Wadsworth, TX 77483 713-560-6000 [email protected] www.fishmatagorda.com Krejci Guide Service Captain Emil Krejci 713-408-1047 Riddle’s Guide Service Captain Jimmy Riddle 936-329-4176 www.riddesguideservice.com Run-N-Gun Adventures Captain Daniel Kubeka 979-240-5312 www.run-n-gunadventures.com Sliva Charters Captain Florian (Junior) Sliva Captain James Sliva 979-478-6136 www.slivacharters.com Tommy’s Guide Service Captain Tommy Countz 281-450-4037 www.matagordafishing.com Matagorda Bay Fishing Charters Captain Charlie Paradoski Palacios 713-725-2401 www.captcharlieparadoski.com Big Papa’s Bay Fishing Saltgrass Charters Captain Charlie Metcalf Double Down Charters Captain Kenneth Hauff, Jr. 112 Sanders Circle Captain Brandon Tumis Matagorda Charter Boats 2828 Del Monte Ave. Palacios, TX 77465 713-598-0879 Captain “Redfish” Bay City, TX 77414 361-655-6701 www.doubledowncharters.com Raymond Cox 979-244-9117 | 979-240-3614 979-863-7434 or 979-240-8285 [email protected] Doublesteal Fishing www.matagordacharter Specks and Spots Captain Thiggy’s Guide Service boats.com Guide Services Guide Service Captain Walt Wendland Captain Mike Allison Captain David Thigpen 979-282-2830 Matagorda Sportsfishing Bay City, TX 77414 126 Trout Street www.gofishmatagorda.com Offshore Charters 979-245-0570 Palacios, TX 77465 Captain Mark Holland 361-781-2478 Fin Tastic Coastal Charters 979-637-0962 [email protected] Captain Stan Sloan www.matagordasports Matagorda www.thiggy.com 832-693-4292 fishing.com Adell’s Guide Service www.fintasticcoastal Lost Anchor Captain Darrell Adell charters.com Michael’s Guide Service Rick Calhoun 979-299-9996 Captain Michael Rolf 361-972-6325 www.adellsguideservice.com Gold Tip Guide Service 979-533-3208 Captain Bill Pustejovsky www.matagordabay.com/rolf Palacios Guide Service Alexander Guide Service 979-863-7353 Pesek Charters - Captains Captain Hank Huitt Captain Tommy Alexander captbill@goldtipguideservice. Doug and Dwayne Pesek Captain Aaron Wollam 979-709-8242 com 979-793-4818 or 281-992-1585 Palacios, TX 77465 www.alexanderguideservice.com www.goldtipguideservice.com www.pesekcharters.com 979-241-8443 or 979-240-8204 www.palaciosguideservice.com Assault The Salt Guide Service Half Breed Guide Service Red Fish Matagorda Charters Captain Scott Reeh Captain Lee Warmke Captain Keith Phillips 832-595-5619 281-924-3941 281-744-3594 www.assaultthesaltfishing.com www.fishingwithlee.com www.redfishmatagorda.com 22 Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 Texas Saltwater Fishing Captain Cody Adams Palacios, TX 77465 361-872-2255 cody@texassaltwaterfishing. com www.texassaltwaterfishing. com/codyadams Sargent Caney Y Guide Service Captain Gene 979-244-4910 www.fishmatbay.com [email protected] Captain D’s Guide Service Captain Dave Harrison 29 CR 204 832-875-4294 www.captaindsguideservice. com Captain Hank Sandefer 979-429-1674 Talasek’s Guide Service Captain Mark Talasek 979-479-1397 www.talasekguideservice.com www.matagordasunrise lodge.com Marinas/Slip Rentals Bayfront Marina 902 1st Street | Palacios, TX 361-218-8688 Caney Creek Marina 7905 Carancahua Sargent, TX 77414 979-245-2051 Matagorda Harbor Port of Bay City Authority P.O. Box 1426 Bay City, TX 77404 Location: Highway 60 South & CR 255 Matagorda, TX 77457 Harbormaster 979-863-2103 Assistant 979-863-7442 Harbor fax 979-863-2167 www.matagordaharbor.com Fin & Feathers Guide Service Captain Gary Luetge 979-244-2155 www.sargent-eastbay-guide.com South Bay Marina Port of Palacios 601 South Bay Blvd. Living Waters Guide Service Palacios, TX 77465 Captain Gene Allen 361-972-5556 979-429-7150 361-972-3584 (fax) www.fishmatbay.com www.portofpalacios.com [email protected] Wadsworth Al’s Guide Service Captain Al Garrison 14 Prairie Ln. Wadsworth, TX 77483 979-245-9207; 979-240-3822 Matagorda Fishing Buddies Captain Ron Frasier 979-557-9444 www.matagordafishing buddies.com Ozzie’s Guide Service Captain Arthur “Ozzie” Arnold 979-241-1946 www.ozziesguideservice.com Serendipity Resort and Marina 1001 Main Street Palacios, TX 77465 1-800-556-0534 361-972-5454 361-972-6053 (fax) [email protected] Bait Camps Matagorda Buddy’s Seafood and Bait 1400 Fisher Street 979-863-7500 www.matagordabay.com/ buddysseafood Rawlings Bait Camp 205 Beach RD 979-863-7669 www.matagordabay.com/ rawlings 1 Harbor Drive 979-863-7620 www.matagordabay.com/ russelsbait Palacios Grassy Point Bait Camp 1400 Bayshore Drive 361-972-5053 Shrimp Shack Bait Camp 1211 Main Street 361-972-1466 West End Bait Camp Turning Basin #3 Margerum Road Sargent Caney Creek Marina 1052 CR 201 | 979-245-2051 Tipp’s Bait Camp 979-244-1275 Charlie’s Bait Camp 979-245-1853 G & L Seafood Bait 979-244-3323 K ayak/Canoe/ Boat Rentals Don’s Diving Service Captain Donald G. Hyett 1111 4th St. Palacios, TX 77465 361-972-2177 or 361-920-2178 www.palacioschamber.com/ donsdiving LCRA Nature Park South FM 2031 | 800-776-5272 www.lcra.org/parks Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 23 Hunting Outfitters Bay City Coastal Wings Mike Hutto/ Larry Robinson 713-899-6578 or 281-785-2429 www.coastalwings.com JB Hunting Ranch James Cohenour 979-240-5569 | 361-588-6845 www.jbhuntingranch.com Third Coast Outfitters of Texas Randy Triplett P.O. Box 1672 | Bay City, TX 979-245-3071 [email protected] www.thirdcoastoutfitters.com Blessing Coastal Wild Wings Cinco Davant 361-588-2013 www.coastalwildwings.com Midfield Bay Prairie Outfitters & Lodge Hwy. 111 &71 | Midfield, TX Mike Ladnier 361-588-6565 | 1-800-242-1374 www.bayprairie.com Palacios Big PaPa’s Migratory Bird Hunts Charlie Metcalf 112 Sanders Circle Palacios, TX 77465 361-655-6701 [email protected] Bay City With it’s early Texas historic facades, Bay City is perfect for a relaxing day strolling the brick sidewalks of downtown. This charming historic town square offers plenty of distractions. Boutiques with all the latest accessories and apparel. Specialty gift shops for unique gift giving ideas are abundant. Home décor with everything from Waterford Crystal to Yankee Candles are there for you to enjoy, not to mention jewelry stores, florists and much more for your browsing enjoyment. There are also shops for western wear, formal wear and urban wear. You will find it all on the “square”. If all that foraging has given you an appetite, you’ll find plenty to refuel you as you cool your heels at one of several local eateries. Settle in at the relaxing Main Street Bistro for a great lunch and coffee, or you may want to treat yourself to the new gourmet food restaurant and bar, “The Fat Grass”. Don’t miss the reverse happy hour and appetizer special s served daily at the restaurant. To get quick and valuable information from community 24 businesses you will want to sign up on the website, shopbaycitytx.com . Special offers, coupons, the latest deals, as well as information for Bay City restaurants and retailers are just a click away. Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 25 South Texas Inn Clean and Comfortable Complimentary Coffee and Breakfast Refrigerators and Microwaves in Rooms Free High Speed Wireless Internet Free Local Calls and Cable TV AARP/Senior Discounts Located on Hwy 60 North 979.244.1432 1121 Avenue F • Bay City • Texas The Matagorda County Museum and Children’s Museum Making memories for families since 1963. 2100 Avenue F • Bay City, TX 77414 • 979.245.7502 www.matagordamuseum.com 26 Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 Blessing TOUCH OF HISTORY Blessing is west of the junction of State Highway 35 and Farm Road 616 and twenty miles west of Bay City in northwestern Matagorda County. The town was promoted by Jonathan Edwards Pierce, on whose land it was established. In 1903, when Pierce gave the right-of-way to the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway, the future of the unnamed settlement seemed assured. Pierce hoped to designate the place “Thank God,” but the United States Postal Department rejected his proposal so he settled for Blessing, and a post office opened in 1903, with James H. Logan as first postmaster. Between 1903 and 1905 a library building was attached to the train station. Soon after the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway was also built through the town. Blessing has grown since then with over 30 businesses and 800+ residents. Blessing also is known for its historical marker Hotel Blessing. An architect from Victoria built the hotel in 1906 and in 1977 it was given to the Blessing Historical Foundation. Soon after it was restored and entered into the National Register of Historical places, the first official listing in Matagorda County with this particular distinction. The hotel is open for business and it serves food and also has a coffee shop. Other areas of interest in this small quaint town are the local restaurants, the friendliest bank around, small businesses, and even a unique shop called Quilts Fabric and More “Hometown Nurses Helping Hometown People” Home Healthcare Services 281-208-4344 or 979-323-7099 “Bringing Healthcare Back Home……Where It Belongs!” Home Health Services • Skilled Nursing • Home Health Aide • Physical • Occupational • Speech Therapies • Medical Social Workers • Provider Services • Diabetic Management • Injections • IV Therapy • PT/INR Monitoring • Lab Services • Catheter Care & SPECIALIZING IN WOUND CARE See our video “What Is Home Health Service?” on our website at www.txstatehealthcare.com Non-Discrimination Policy: This Agency does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 27 PALACIOS MARINE EDUCATION CENTER THE NATURE CONSERVANCY MARSH PRESERVE 28 Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 29 So many to see Matagorda County tops the charts for avian adventurers. A diverse collection of rare breeds tends to gather in Matagorda County, including the intrepid species known as the birder. Ninety-seven of them showed up in a nasty winter storm last year to conduct the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count, once again making Matagorda County’s Mad Island Marsh Preserve the champion of the event for North American species, a title it’s proudly held since 1997. Matagorda County in general, and Mad Island in particular, is popular with birders for the same reason that it’s popular with birds. As Clay Carrington of the Nature Conservancy puts it, “Let’s just say it’s the last chance for a good meal.” Positioned as it is on the coast midway between Louisiana and Mexico, Mad Island provides the last lush bit of habitat that migrating birds will see in their arduous fall migration until they arrive in Mexico. Alternatively, it’s where they will break their long fast in the spring. Mad Island, with its crocodiles and rattlesnakes, is for the hard-core birders. A little further inland but more popular with birders – and nearly as popular with the birds – is the Matagorda County Birding Nature Center. This carefully tended 35-acre nature park condenses all the major habitats of the Texas coast into one easy-to-traverse area. Birders can ride from forest to marshland to river to lake in a golf cart, rent a boat to cruise the Colorado River, or wander the labyrinthine paths to their hearts’ content. If gardening is your passion, you will love the seven different types of gardens spread throughout the park, including a butterfly garden, a cactus garden, a rose garden, a hummingbird garden and an herb garden. Rustic footbridges and art set among the foliage add to the charm, and the army of dedicated volunteers that keep the park running smoothly will make you feel right at home. But first-rate birding is available throughout the county, with excellent opportunities in the seaside villages of Sargent and Palacios as well as further inland in Blessing. And Matagorda Bay Nature Park offers a wealth of opportunities to get out on the bay and see the birds, even with trained interpretive guides. The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail lists three separate loops with 17 sites in Matagorda County, including Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge, Sargent Beach, Cash’s Creek and Trull Marsh. The Tres Palacios Loop alone contains 10 sites. Most of the sites include boardwalks, viewing platforms, kiosks and parking spots.Downloadable maps and more information are available at www.tpwd.state.tx.us. 30 The Lower Colorado River Authority’s Matagorda Bay Nature Park deserves special mention. Its state-of-the-art nature center houses interpretive exhibits, an extraordinary staff and a whole host of interactive activities for the whole family. Check out their website at http://bit.ly/Matagorda to preregister for upcoming activities ranging from A Day on the Bay Wetlands Kayaking Trip to Wings Over the Wetlands. Another way to experience the avian abundance of the Matagorda coast is by boat. Rent your own from Freebird Kayak and Canoe Rental and take a trip down the Colorado, or leave the driving to a pro and hit the bay with one of the scores of experienced boat captains and fishing guides. Some of them know as much about birds as they do about fish; they knows where to find them, and when. Wherever you go, you’re apt to be blessed with the thrill of your first sighting of some magnificent feathered thing, whether it is a roseate spoonbill rising from the marshes or a snowy egret decked out in mating plumage. With more than 300 species to choose from, the only challenge will be finding your favorite. Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 Bird Species Found in Matagorda County _Acadian Flycatcher _American Avocet _American Bittern _American Coot _American Crow _American Golden Plover _American Goldfinch _American Kestrel _American Oystercatcher _American Pipit _American Redstart _American Robin _American Swallow-tailed Kite _American White Pelican _American Wigeon _American Woodcock _Anhinga _Ash-throated Flycatcher _Baird’s Sandpiper _Bald Eagle _Baltimore Oriole _Bank Swallow _Barn Owl _Barn Swallow _Barred Owl _Bay-breasted Warbler _Belted Kingfisher _Bewick’s Wren _Black Rail _Black Scoter _Black Skimmer _Black Tern _Black Vulture _Black-and-white Warbler _Black-bellied Plover _Black-bellied Whistling-Duck _Red-tailed Hawk _Black-billed Cuckoo _Blackburnian Warbler _Black-chinned Hummingbird _Black-crowned Night Heron _Black-headed Grosbeak _Black-necked Stilt _Blackpoll Warbler _Black-throated Green _Blue Grosbeak _Blue Jay _Blue-gray Gnatcatacher _Blue-headed Vireo _Blue-winged Teal _Blue-winged Warbler _Boat-tailed Grackle _Bobolink _Bonaparte’s Gull _Brewer’s Blackbird _Broad-winged Hawk _Bronzed Cowbird _Brown Creeper _Brown Pelican _Brown thrasher _Brown-Crested Flycatcher _Brown-headed Cowbird _Buff-bellied Hummingbird _Buff-breasted Sanpiper _Bufflehead _Bullock’s Oriole _Burrowing Owl _Canada Goose _Canada Warbler _Canvasback _Cape May Warbler _Carolina Wren _Caroline Chickadee _Caspian Tern Warbler _Cattle Egret _Cave Swallow _Cedar Waxwing _Cerulean Warbler _Chestnut-sided Warbler _Chimney Swift _Chipping Sparrow _Chuck-will’s widow _Cinnamon Teal _Clapper Rail _Clay-colored Sparrow _Cliff Swallow _Common Goldeneye _Common Grackle _Common Ground-Dove _Common Loon _Common Moorhen _Common Nighthawk _Common Tern _Common Yellowthroat _Cooper’s Hawk _Couch’s Kingbird _Crested Caracara _Curved-billed Thrasher _Dark-eyed Junco _Dickcissel _Double-crested Cormorant _Dunlin _Eared Grebe _Eastern Bluebird _Eastern Kingbird _Eastern Meadowlark _Eastern Phoebe _Eastern Screech-Owl _Eastern Wood Pewee _European Starling _Ferruginous Hawk _Field Sparrow _Forster’s Tern _Fox Sparrow _Franklin’s Gull _Fulvous Whistling-Duck _Gadwell _Golden-crowned Kinglet _Golden-Fronted Woodpecker _Golden-winged Warbler _Grasshopper Sparrow _Gray Catbird _Gray-cheeked Thrush _Great Blue Heron _Great Egret _Great Horned Owl _Great-Crested Flycatcher _Greater Scaup _Greater White-fronted Goose _Greater Yellowlegs _Great-tailed Grackle _Green Heron _Green-tailed Towhee _Green-winged Teal _Groove-billed Ani _Gull-billed Tern _Hairy Woodpecker _Harris Sparrow _Henslow’s Sparrow _Hermit Thrush _Herring Gull _Hooded Merganser _Hooded Warbler _Horned Grebe _Horned Lark _House Finch _House Sparrow _House Wren _Hudsonian Godwit _Inca Dove _Indigo Bunting _Kentucky Warbler _Killdeer _King Rail _Ladder-backed Woodpecker _Lark Bunting _Lark Sparrow _Laughing Gull _Le Conte’s Sparrow _Least Bittern _Least Flycatcher _Least Grebe _Least Sandpiper _Least Tern _Lesser Nighthawk _Lesser Scaup _Lesser Yellowlegs _Lincolon’s Sparrow _Little Blue Heron _Loggerhead Shrike _Long-billed Curlew Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 31 _Long-billed Dowitcher _Long-billed thrasher _Long-tailed Duck _Louisiana Waterthrush _Magnificent Frigate-bird _Magnolia Warbler _Mallard _Marbled Godwit _Marsh Wren _Masked Booby _Merlin _Mississippi Kite _Mottled Duck _Mountain Plover _Mourning Dove _Nashville Warbler _Neo-tropic Cormorant _No. Rough-winged Swallow _Northern Bobwhite _Northern Cardinal _Northern Flicker _Northern Gannet _Northern Harrier _Northern Mockingbird _Northern Parula _Northern Pintail _Northern Shoveler _Northern Waterthrush _Olive-sided Flycatcher _Orange-crowned Warbler _Orchard Oriole _Osprey _Ovenbird _Painted Bunting _Palm Warbler _Pectoral Sandpiper _Peregrine Falcon _Philadelphia Vireo _Pied-billed Grebe _Pileated Woodpecker _Pine Siskin _Pine Warbler _Piping Plover _Prairie Warbler _Prothonotary Warbler _Purple Finch _Purple Gallinule _Purple Martin _Pyrrhuloxia _Red Knot _Red-bellied Woodpecker _Red-breasted Merganser _Reddish Egret _Red-eyed Vireo _Redhead _Red-headed Woodpecker _Red-shouldered Hawk _Red-tailed Hawk _Red-winged Blackbird _Ring-billed Gull _Ring-necked Duck _Rock Pigeon _Roseate Spoonbill _Rose-breasted Grosbeak _Ross Goose _Royal Tern _Ruby-crowned Kinglet _Ruby-throated Hummingbird _Ruddy Duck _Ruddy Turnstone _Rufous Hummingbird _Sanderling _Sandhill Crane _Sandwich Tern _Savannah Sparrow _Say’s Phoebe _Scarlet Tanager _Scissor-tailed Flycatcher _Seaside Sparrow _Sedge Wren _Semipalmated Plover _Semipalmated Sandpiper _Sharp-shinned Hawk _Sharp-tailed Sparrow _Short-billed Dowitcher _Short-eared Owl _Snow Goose _Snowy Egret _Snowy Plover _Solitary Sandpiper _Song Sparrow _Sora _Spotted Sandpiper 32 _Spotted Towhee _Sprague’s Pipit _Stilt Sandpiper _Summer Tanager _Surf Scoter _Swainson’s Hawk _Swainson’s Thrush _Swainson’s Warbler _Swamp Sparrow _Tennessee Warbler _Tree Swallow _Tri-colored Hereon _Tufted Titmouse _Turkey Vulture _Upland Sandpiper _Veery _Vermilion Flycatcher _Vesper Sparrow _Virginia Rail _Warbling Vireo _Western Kingbird _Western Meadowlark _Western Sandpiper _Whimbrel _Whip-poor-will _White Ibis _White-crowned Sparrow _White-eyed Vireo _White-faced Ibis Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 _White-rumped Sandpiper _White-tailed Hawk _White-tailed Kite _White-throated Sparrow _White-winged Dove _White-winged Scoter _Whooping Crane _Wild Turkey _Willet _Willow Flycatcher _Wilson’s Phalarope _Wilson’s Plover _Wilson’s Snipe _Wilson’s Warbler _Winter Wren _Wood Duck _Wood Stork _Worm-eatting Warbler _Yellow Rail _Yellow Warbler _Yellow-bellied Flycatcher _Yellow-bellied Sapsucker _Yellow-billed Cuckoo _Yellow-breasted Chat _Yellow-crowned Night Heron _Yellow-headed Blackbird _Yellow-rumped Warbler _Yellow-throated Vireo _Yellow-throated Warbler Sargent SHHH….. It’s a Secret!!!! Sargent is the BEST KEPT SECRET in Matagorda County and possibly the Texas Gulf Coast. Sargent is home to several hundred residents who enjoy living on the Intracoastal Waterway and Caney Creek, year round. Being only 90 minutes from the Greater Houston Area, the population soars to several thousand as their “escape from the ordinary” destination choice. Sargent offers a wide variety of Waterfront Accommodations including a Motel, a full service Lodge, 5 RV Parks (many with cabin rentals), and several privately owned vacation rentals. While you’re here you can enjoy several activities that appeal to all ages: Caney Creek and the Gulf of Mexico for water activities, 2 Historical Markers, Wildlife Refuge, Several Specialty Shops, Bird Watching, World Class Fishing and Kayak rentals. Also while you’re here don’t forget to take a tour of the Last Swing Bridge in Texas, which of course is free! Craving fresh local Seafood?? We have that too, with seven locally owned restaurants that will satisfy a variety of appetites, many offering live music during peak season. Sargent really has it all…..Public Boat ramps, 4 Bait Camps, 2 parks and drivable beaches!!! Come for a day, or come for a weekend, but come and discover the charming community of Sargent, Texas. Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 33 34 Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 35 For more details, vivist www.matagordacounty.com March Earth Week Celebration Matagorda County January 17 - Market Day Bay City Courthouse Square Matagorda Beach Cleanup Matagorda Beach January - March Annual Quilt Show MC Museum | Bay City Matagorda County Fair and Livestock Show County Fairgrounds Wellness Matagorda 5K Run Courthouse Square February Matagorda Seafood Festival Matagorda so much fun! 11 - Valentine Parade Downtown Palacios 18 - Visual Arts Show | Palacios 18 - Market Day Bay City Courthouse Square February –March “Wrapped in Pride: Ghanaian Kente and African American Identity” MC Museum | Bay City Winter Texan Chili Supper | Palacios February - March Matagorda County Fair and Livestock Show County Fairgrounds Rodeo Slack Night Fairground Arena PRCA Rodeo Fairground Arena Pilot Club Duck Race Matagorda County Birding Nature Center Nature Family Festival Birding Nature Center May 6 - Blessing Day | Blessing April 7 - Visual Arts Show | Palacios 21 - Area wide Garage Sail Sargent 19 - TPWD Outdoor Women Palacios Encampment 21 - Market Day Bay City Courthouse Square 26 - Collegeport Day | MOPAC House 30 - Annual Trail Ride | Palacios 28 - Caney Creek Marina Memorial Day Sargent River’s End Flower Show Downtown Matagorda Bam Bam Jamboree Memorial Day Weekend | Sargent Rice Festival Regional Art Show MC Museum | Bay City May-June Art Show at Karankawa Village Matagorda Cinco de Mayo Celebrations Bay City | Palacios National Tourism Week Countywide MCBNC/Pilot Club Duck Race Bay City 36 Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 Market Day Bay City Courthouse Square ACS Relay for Life County Fairgrounds June 16 - Market Day Bay City Courthouse Square September 3 - Caney Creek Marina Labor Day Tournament | Sargent 15 - Lawnmower Race | Sargent Market Day on the Square 15 - Market Day Bay City Courthouse Square Labor Day Weekend City By the Sea Museum Fundraiser 6th Street Pub 25 & 26 - Caney Creek Marina Thanksgiving Tournament Sargent July Matagorda Beach Cleanup Matagorda Beach Business to Business Expo Bay City Civic Center 4 - BC Parks & Rec Flight Fest Bay City Airport October Sargent Chamber Trout & Red Fish Tournament Father’s Day Weekend, Sargent 4 - Palacios Lions 4th of July Celebration | Palacios 4 - La Salle Landing & Reenactment Palacios 8 & 9 - Sting Rae’s Off Shore Blast Sargent 14 - Poker in Palacios Fund Raiser Palacios 21 - Market Day Bay City Courthouse Square BC Law Enforcement Explorers Bay City August 4 & 5 - Blessing of the Fleet Palacios Turning Basin 4 & 5 - Shrimp-o-Ree Festival Palacios Recreation Center 13 - Cannonball Run Regatta TSA Youth Circuit South Bay Park Palacios 13 - Visual Artists Art Show | Palacios 18 - Bay City Market Day Bay City Courthouse Square 18 - Little Texas Concert (Rotary) Bay City Civic Center 6 - Nature Fest Matagorda County Birding Nature Center Downtown Alive! Bay City Courthouse Square mid November Lighted Boat Parade & Gumbo Cook-off Matagorda Harbor 8 - Pedal Palacios Bike Ride Palacios Palacios Rotary Club Miss Palacios Pageant | Palacios 13 - Kayak Fun Fete | Sargent 13 - Bayfest | Palacios Christmas on the Square Downtown Bay City 20 - Market Day Bay City Courthouse Square Festival of Trees | MC Museum Bubba Fest at Karankawa Village Matagorda December Matagorda Heritage Day & Shrimp Boil Blast | Matagorda Nov. 16 thru Dec. 22 - Festival of Trees MC Museum Gourmet Guys! Matagorda County Museum 1 - Seaside Holiday on the Bay Palacios BC Lion’s Club Rice Festival County Fairgrounds 1 - Texas Fisherman Seafood Festival Palacios Toys for Kids Motorcycle Run | Bay City Rice Festival Parade Downtown Bay City BC Chamber Christmas Parade Downtown Bay City 27 - Harvest Moon | Recreation Center November Christmas Market Day Bay City Civic Center 17 - Market Day Bay City Courthouse Square WCC Lighted Boat Parade Matagorda Harbor Christmas Bird Count Mad Island Preserve 24 - Lighted Boat Parade Caney Creek (Sargent) Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 37 Timeless treasures Shopping and dining opportunities abound in Matagorda County Many visitors to Matagorda County make a beeline to the beach – and who can blame them? It’s a fine place to be. But there’s a lot more than beaches to comb in this bayside county. The same hunter-gatherer instinct that hauls in a record-breaking catch can hone in on one-of-a-kind bargains and timeless treasures, as well. Let’s say your companion’s idea of the perfect getaway is two days on a fishing boat, but yours is curled up with a cappuccino amid your pleasingly plump shopping bags. Matagorda County has plenty for both of you. Let’s start with Bay City, whose charming historic town square offers plenty of distractions. This county seat is truly the metropolis of Matagorda County, and the abundance of boutiques, specialty shops and cafes shows it. There are shops specializing in upscale home décor, where you’ll find everything from Waterford crystal to Yankee candles; there are gift shops galore, and a scrapbooking store featuring workshops and a workspace as well as supplies. You can try on Western wear and formal wear and urban wear, bling for the girls and duds for the dudes. You’ll find bargains of all kinds, and you’ll also find exclusive items that cost more – and are worth it.There’s a specialty boutique for the smaller set, with items perfect for Junior’s first gala. If antiques are your thing, you’ll find them in several shops, including a whole mall dedicated to them. There are three jewelry stores, featuring one-of-a-kind pieces fashioned by master artisans. Most shops have more CREDIT UNIONS ARE DIFFERENTMember FDIC WE ARE MEMBER OWNED! 979.245.4200 1600 7th Street • Bay City, TX 77414 www.prosperitybanktx.com “Covering life so you can enjoy every minute of it.” David Leese, Agency Manager John Storts, LUTCF, Agent Avery Campbell, Agent • Credit Unions are Member-owner Financial Cooperatives • Checking Accounts At Low Or No Monthly Fee • If You Are A Member, You Are An Owner • ATM & Debit Cards Available • Now Our Membership Is Open To Anyone Living, Working or Worshiping In Matagorda County • Federally Insured By NCUA • We Offer Member On-Line Where You Will Be Able To Check Your • Audio Response For Access To Account Account By Computer Which Information 7 Days A Week, 24 Hrs A Day Includes Bill Pay Jen Smith, Agent Taylor Burns, Agent Tim Petrich, Agent 979.245.9139 901 Ave F North, Bay City, TX 77414 38 Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 Matagorda County Credit Union 979.245.8674 3700 Avenue F • Bay City, TX 77414 than one purpose; specialty gift items can be found in the florist shop, the beauty shop, the scrapbooking shop and the coffee shop, to name a few. If all that foraging has given you an appetite, you’ll find plenty to refuel you as you cool your heels. Sip a gourmet coffee with pastries, have a double-dip ice cream cone or stay on the healthy side with a café in a natural foods store. And if you’re in the mood for a little self-pampering, there are several salons that offer soothing facials and massages. Ready to move on? You have many choices, and most of them lead to the coast. You can wind on down toward the coast on Highway 457 to Sargent, home of the last old-fashioned swing bridge in Texas. Save some of your appetite for the seafood and steaks you’ll find and the outdoor dining in view of the bridge. Several local restaurants offer up tasty fare for all appetites, and local shops offer nautical-themed gifts, resale items and everything you need to set yourself up for some trophy-level fishing. Alternatively, you can head seaward on Highway 60, ending up in Matagorda, where you can also dine seaside at Matagorda Harbor. A variety of other dining options awaits in Matagorda, from romantic fine dining with a designer chef to bar-and-grill style family restaurants with attractions for the kids. There’s plenty of shopping to be had in and around Matagorda, as well, where you can sip gourmet coffee or fine wine with a Texas twist and catch up on the local gossip while shopping for beautifully crafted accessories, home design items and works of art. There are just a handful of shops, but the discerning shopper can find anything from beachwear and kitchy souvenirs to antiques and fine art. The third choice is to head due west on Highway 35 to Blessing, a town of 861 at last count that is as sweet as its name. Here, too, you’ll find restaurants with tasty fare, including a When the country calls... Celanese Chemicals Bay City Plant We’re the answer. FINANCING FOR: Rural Land • Country Homes • Farms & Ranches Livestock & Equipment • Operating Capital Celanese - A global leader in the Chemical Industry Bay City Credit Office 979-245-4828 CapitalFarmCredit.com An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D Part of the Farm Credit System TEXAS’ LARGEST RURAL LENDER Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 www.celanese.com 39 historic hotel with a country buffet you just have to slow down to sample. But first you may want to do a little more shopping for gifts and specialty items like quilts, jewelry and imported fabrics. You can also visit the old-fashioned feed store, or for fast food, you can pick up kolaches or donuts at one of the country stores, or breakfast tacos at the Mexican restaurant. But save some time for Palacios, with its spectacular setting along Tres Palacios Bay. Along Main Street and around town, a little scouting will yield great finds in specialty shops featuring marineinspired artwork and local photography; antiques and resale items, and even handmade dulcimers. There’s no shortage of delicious dining here, as well, and this time with ethnic options: Tex-Mex, Asian, and Vietnamese fare is available along with fresh-caught seafood and burgers. But slow down a bit to savor this “City By the Sea.” Drink a latte, eat a pastry and browse the collection at a book-and-coffee store. Catch a sunset on its pavilion and reminisce about the days gone by. Spend the night in one of the grand old Bed and Breakfasts and wake up with the sea sparkling outside your window – and start all over again. 40 Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 Bay City Townhouse Motel 1712 Ave. F | 979-245-9460 [email protected] Bay City Inn 101 W 7th St. | 979-245-0985 Blessing Hotels/Motels Best Western Matagorda Hotel and Conference Center 407 7th St. | 979-244-5400 www.bestwesternbaycity.com Starland Motel Hwy. 35 East | 979-245-4811 Comfort Suites 5100 7th Street | 979-245-9300 www.comfortsuites.com Knight’s Inn 905 Ave. F | 979-245-1751 Regency Inn & Suites 3712 7th St. | 979-245-5115 Economy Inn 6100 East 7th | 979-245-6333 Executive Inn 3620 7th Street | 979 244-5900 The Blessing Hotel on the National Register of Historic Places Corner of FM616 and 10th Street 361-588-9579 Palacios Baptist Encampment 100 1st St. | 361-972-2717 rob@ texasbaptistencampment.org The Delux Inn 1505 First | 361-972-2547 The Luther Hotel Historic Hotel on the Bay 408 S. Bay Blvd. 361-972-2312 Matagorda Peaceful Pelican 317 East Bay Blvd. 361-972-0317 edith@thepeacefulpelican. com Midfield Bay Prairie Lodge Hwy. 111 & 71 361-588-6565 or 800-242-1374 [email protected] www.bayprairie.com Sargent Fish Tail Inn 26274 FM 457 979-244-1300 The Lodge at StingRae’s 27334 FM 457 832-563-6221 Bed & Breakfasts Bay City Duncan Manor 1720 Elm Street 979-244-1113 Matagorda Hampton Inn & Suites Fisherman’s Motel & RV 4617 7th Street | 979-245-7100 40 Fisher St. | 979-863-0000 www.hamptoninn.com www.fishermansmotel.com Stanley-Fisher House 107 St. Mary’s St. 979-863-2920 www.stanley-fisher.com Americas Best Value Inn 920 Ave. F | 979-323-9500 [email protected] Palacios La Quinta 5300 7th Street | 979-323-9095 www.lq.com Paradise Inn 3501 7th St. | 979-245-8308 [email protected] Krejci Cabins at Matagorda 256 County Rd. 253 713-306-1544 www.matagordatexas.com/ krejci-rentals The Lodge at Karankawa Village 22996 HWY 60 979-863-7737 www.karankawavillage.com Main Bed & Breakfast Inn 208 Main St. 361-972-3408 or 1-888-972-3408 [email protected] South Texas Inn 1121 Ave. F | 979-244-1432 Studio 6 5511 7th Street | 979-244-2400 [email protected] Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 41 Vacation Rentals Matagorda Barton’s Rental #75 Sterling Shores – Beach Front Road Newly decorated; across from beach; sleeps 8+ 979-244-6419 www.matagordatexas.com #9 Beachfront Sleeps 8-10 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals.com #114 Beach Front Drive Sleeps 6-8 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals.com #452 Beachfront Paloma Sleeps 6-8 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals.com #471 Beachfront Sleeps 4-5 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals.com #70 Beach Road Sleeps 8 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals.com #71 Beach Road Sleeps 8 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals.com #77 Beach Road Sleeps 4-6 979-863-1173 www.fullstringerrentals.com #168 Beach Road Sleeps 6 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals.com #72 Beach Road Sleeps 8 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals.com #117 Beach Road Sleeps 10 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals.com #73 Beach Road Sleeps 4 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals.com #137 Beach Road Sleeps 6-8 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals.com Berger House Rental #140 River Road Sleeps 6-8 979-244-6530 www.matagordabay.com #74 Beach Road Sleeps 8 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals.com #153 Beach Road Sleeps 6-8 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals.com #76 Beach Road Sleeps 4-6 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals.com #167 Beach Road Sleeps 4-6 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals.com #131 Bridgepoint Sleeps 8-10 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals.com #169 Bridgepoint Sleep 8-10 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals.com #171 Bridgepoint Sleeps 8-10 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals.com Bruce Beach House #2 Beach Front Drive Faces Matagorda Beach, Sleeps 6-8 281-655-8953; 281-782-1860 [email protected] www.matagordabay.com Casa Azul & Casa Cafe’ Sleeps 2-4 per casa 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals.com Colorado River Rental Rental #76B 3 BR, 2 baths 281-331-5239 www.matagordatexas.com Colorado River Rental Rental #96 Sleeps 12 281-331-5239 www.matagordatexas.com 120 Rooms Lounge & Restaurant Complimentary Breakfast EVERY KNIGHT. JUST RIGHT. Outdoor Pool High Speed Internet Conference Free Breakfast Facilities Large Truck Parking Bus Parking HBO/ESPN/CNN Available 407 7th St Bay City, TX 77414 Microwave/ Refrigerator 979.244.5400 Fax 979.244.2706 1.800.551.6056 979.245.1751 905 Avenue F (HWY 60) • Bay City, Texas 77414 1.800.245.5404 www.bestwesternbaycity.com 42 Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 www.knightsinn.com #4 Condo, Bahia De Matagorda Sleeps 4 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals. com #21 Condo, Bahia De Matagorda Sleep 6-8 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals. com #22 Condo, Bahia De Matagorda Sleeps 6 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals. com #39 Condo, Bahia De Matagorda Sleeps 6 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals. com The “Crooked Cabin” Sleeps 6-8 979-478-6145 www.matagordatexas.com Dunlap River House Sleeps up to 10 126 Beach Road www.matagordatexas.com/ rent126 972-998-0079 Fish Jumpin’ Inn 405 Austin St. Matagorda, TX 77457 979-863-2309 [email protected] Full Stringer Lodge 143 Beach Road Located on the Colorado River Sleeps 16 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerlodge.com Gregory’s Vacation Rental Sleeps 8 979-863-2118 www.matagordabay.com/ gregory Hooked up Lodge #4560 FM 2031 on the Colorado River, Sleeps 9 817-430-0616 [email protected] www.matagordatexas.com Huitt Vacation Rental Sleeps 8 979-240-3597 www.matagordabay.com Joy’s MatagordaVilla on Colorado River, Sleeps 4-6 979-236-3106 www.matagordatexas.com Krenek’s Beach House #133 Beach Road on the Colorado River; Sleeps 10 979-241-8452 www.matagordatexas.com/ rent133 La Brisa #99 Beach Front Road Sleeps 8-9 512-257-0061 [email protected] www.matagordatexas.com/ labrisa Lenz’s Vacation Rental Sleeps 3-4 979-589-2565 979-218-9936 [email protected] Matagorda Cottages Sleeps 2-3 per cottage 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals. com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 43 Matagorda Dunes Condo #1 Sleeps 6-8 800-814-3312 reservations@ matagordadunes.com Matagorda Dunes Condo #2 Sleeps 6-8 800-814-3312 reservations@ matagordadunes.com Matagorda Dunes Condo #7 Sleeps 6 512-567-1741 [email protected] www.matagordatexas.com Matagorda Dunes Condo #8 Sleeps 6 979-863-7101 or 281-705-4783 www.matagordatexas.com/ condo8/ Matagorda Dunes Condo #9 Sleeps 7-8 979-830-5574 281-770-4186 beach-girl9821@sbcglobal. net www.matagordabay.com Matagorda Dunes Condo #15 & #16 Sleeps 6 in each 713-937-8823 [email protected] www.matagordabay.com Matagorda Dunes Condo #19 Sleeps 6 979-244-9962 979-240-5275 [email protected] www.matagordabay.com Matagorda Dunes Condo #34 Sleeps 6 979-863-2493; 832-971-4045 matagordabeachrentals@ yahoo.com www.matagordabay.com Matagorda Dunes Condo #36 Sleeps 6 979-863-2493 832-971-4045 matagordabeachrentals@ yahoo.com www.matagordabay.com Matagorda Dunes Condo #41 Sleeps 6 281-494-6772 [email protected] www.matagordabay.com Matagorda Dunes Condo #43 Sleeps 6 979-245-5522 [email protected] www.matagordabay.com Matagorda Dunes Condo #50 Sleeps 6 281-852-1144 832-797-6178 [email protected] www.matagordabay.com Pelican Seven #77 Beach Front Rd. Sleeps 12 comfortably 979-2206740 [email protected] www.matagordatexas.com Poz’s Riverfront Retreat Selkirk Island; 3 BR, 2 BA 281-343-1006 [email protected] www.matagordatexas.com Rawlings River Front Rental #203 Beach Road on the Colorado River, sleeps 7-8 979-863-7357; 979-863-7669 Rrawlings@matagordaisd. com www.matagordatexas.com/ rawlings203/ 44 The Red House #52 Beach Front Drive huge sun deck; great views; sleeps 6 888-201-5998; 760-641-1805 www.matagordatexas.com #9 Riverbend Sleeps 8 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals. com #40 Riverbend Sleeps 6 979-863-1143 www.fullstringerrentals. com Reed’s Rental #27 River Bend Road Sleeps 10 512-502-9039; 512-496-2281 [email protected] www.matagordatexas.com Rodger’s Roost #7 Sterling Shores Dr. Sleeps 10-12 713-542-4970 [email protected] www.matagordatexas.com Rudasill River Retreat #93 River Road Sleeps 10 www.matagordatexas.com/ rent93/ Seabound #208 Beach Road on the Colorado River, 3 BR 1 ½ bath, sleeps 8 [email protected] www.matagordatexas.com/ seabound/ Sunrise Lodge Mark Talasek 979-479-1397 www. matagordasunriselodge.com Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 Treybig’s Vacation Mobile Home 515 Catalpa 2 BR, 2 bath, pets are welcome 979-240-5287 [email protected] The Whatever on the River 182 River Road Sleeps 12 979-240-3298;361-588-6954 www.matagorda.com/ whatever/ Whatta Smurf #37 Beach Front Dr. Short walk to beach; sleeps 6 979-863-7799 www.matagordatexas.com #144 River Road 3 BD, 2 bath 512-930-3800 [email protected] www.matagordabay.com Palacios Bay Breeze Vacation Rental 1301 2nd $125/night $500/week $1200/month 1 bed/ 1 bath/ Sleeps 4 Ron Laws 361-972-5900 www.remaxtxcoastal properties.com ron@remaxtxcoastal properties.com Bay View Waterfront Vacation Rental 300 South Bay Blvd. 2 BR, 2 bath, deck 512-346-1054 [email protected] Bounty Vacation Rental 502 South Bay Blvd. 1 BR, sleeper sofa, 1 bath, view of the bay 361-972-0301 Notcho Vacation Rental 3680 Carancahua Blvd. Sleeps 6-8 979-548-3447 [email protected] www.sargenttexas.com/ notcho Camp Paw Paw 361-972-0810 [email protected] Castner Cottage 361-972-0810 [email protected] East Bay Cottage 412 1st Street $175/night $750/week $2000/month 3 bed/ 2 bath/Sleeps 6-8 361-972-5900 www.remaxcoastal properties.com Las Brisas at Schicke Point sleeps 7, lighted fishing pier 361-972-5900 ron@remaxtxcoastal properties.com www.remaxtxcoastal properties.com La Luz Cottage [email protected] 361-972-0810 Pelican House 311 Rorem 2 BR, 1 bath, sleeps 4-6, murals inside and out wodrichmurals@ wodrichmurals.com Pelican Housing Source www.palacioshousing source.com Seascape III 304 5th Street 3 bedrooms | 361-972-6339 The Seascape, A Guesthouse on the Bay 118 ½ South Bay Blvd. 1 BR, 1 bath, sleeps 4-6 361-972-6339 Seascape II (Street Level) 118 ½ South Bay Blvd. 1 room, double bed 361-972-6339 Serenity on the Bay 1717 E.B.S $175/night $800/week $1850/month 1 bed/ 2bath/ Sleeps 6 979-972-5900 www.remaxcoastal properties.com $150/night $250/wkend $700/week $1200/month 3 bed/ 1 bath/ Sleeps 8 www.remaxcoastal properties.com $150/night $650/week $1200/month 2 bed/ 1 bath/ Sleeps 4 www.coastalproperties.com Serendipity Resort Bayhouse 1001 Main St. 2 Cabins, Sleeps 9 361-972-5454 Sunrise on the Bay $200/night $1000/week $2000/month 3 bed/ 2 bath/ sleeps 8 361-972-5900 www.remaxcoastal properties.com $200/night $750/week $2100/month 2 bed/2 bath/Sleeps 7 www.remaxcoastal properties.com The Redfish 504 5th Street $150/night $650/week $1750/month 3 bed/ 2 bath/ sleeps 8 www.remaxcoastal properties.com Topside Lodging Madonna Gann 361-972-0495 [email protected] Sargent/Caney Creek The Blue Marlin Sleeps 8 832-563-6221 [email protected] Fins N Feathers Lodge Caney Creek 979-244-2155 Krooh’s Vacation Rental 2BR, sleeps 6 979-240-4110; 979-244-5353 [email protected] www.SargentTexas.com Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 45 Sargent Seahorse 15136 Seahorse St. off Marlin St. | Sleeps 7 832-618-7604, 281-922-4089, 832-736-9777 [email protected] Caney “Y” Vacation Rentals 979-244-4910 [email protected] captaingene@fishmatbay. com www.fishmatbay.com www.sargenttexas.com Martin House-On Canal near the Caney Y Sleeps 2-10 1913 CR 201 Sargent, Texas 979-244-4910 www.Fishmatbay.com Pelican Reef-Pet Friendly Sleeps 11 2320 CR 201 Sargent,Texas 979-244-4910 www.Fishmatbay.com Round House-ON the Beach & ICW Sleeps 20 1215 PR 683 (Canal Drive) Sargent,Texas 979-244-4910 www.Fishmatbay.com Sunset House - On Caney Creek Sleeps 11 2200 CR 201 Sargent,Texas 979-244-4910 www.Fishmatbay.com Yellow House - On Caney Creek Sleeps 8 2170 CR 201 Sargent,Texas 979-244-4910 www.Fishmatbay.com Bay House - On Caney Creek Sleeps 11 2234 CR 201 Sargent,Texas 979-244-4910 www.Fishmatbay.com Captain’s Camp-On Canal near the Caney Y Sleeps 6 2181 CR 201 Sargent, Texas 979-244-4910 www.Fishmatbay.com Coastal Retreat-On the ICW Sleeps 8 1718 Intracoastal Drive Sargent,Texas 979-244-4910 www.Fishmatbay.com Fiesta Palms-Pet Friendly Sleeps 13 88 CR 201 Sargent,Texas 979-244-4910 www.Fishmatbay.com Fishin House - On Caney Creek Sleeps 7 2114 CR 201 Sargent,Texas 979-244-4910 www.Fishmatbay.com The Lodge at Sting Rae’s 832-563-6221 [email protected] www.vrbo.com Camping and RV Parks Bay City Bert’s RV Park & Propane 1120 Hwy 35 S, across Hwy from Birding and Nature Center 979-245-2840 Lighthouse RV Park halfway to Matagorda 979-863-7773 www.matagordabay.com [email protected] Bay City Riverside Park 7330 FM 2668 Bay City, TX 77414 Located on the banks of the Colorado River. Office: 979-245-0340 Fax: 979-323-1695 www.cityofbaycity.org riversidepark@ cityofbaycity.org Caney Creek Marina RV Park 1052 CR 201 979-245-3691 Caney Y Vacation Rentals Caney Creek Road 979-244-4910 www.sargenttexas.com/ caneyvacationrentals Sargent Shores RV Park Located on CR 299 www.sargentshoresrv.com 832-545-8758 713-419-2078 Blessing Chaparral RV Park Pecan St. 361-588-7483 [email protected] Roundup Campground 453 County Rd. 442 361-588-6954 Traveler’s Paradise RV Park 2517 Nichols located in town 800-755-5848 979-244-2344 www.travelersparadiserv. com Matagorda Sargent/Caney Creek Howard Management Services L.P. P.O. Box 5 979-863-7888 Anglers RV Park 26010 FM 457, Sargent 979-245-5888 Caney Creek RV Park & Cabin Rentals 230 CR 285, Sargent 979-245-4735 dan.h.salee@bhpbilliton. com www.caneycreekrv.com 46 Fisherman’s Motel & RV Park 40 Fisher St. 979-863-0000 www.fishermansmotel.com LCRA Matagorda Bay Nature Park South FM 2031 800-776-5272 www.lcra.org/parks Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 Lighthouse RV Park 979-863-7773 www.matagordatexas/ lighthouserv.com www.matagordabay.com [email protected] RV Park S. Hwy 60, Matagorda 979-863-7442 SeaBird RV Park 700 Center Street 979-863-2592 www.matagordabay.com/ lodging [email protected] Palacios Bayfront RV Park 902 1st St. full hook-ups, fishing pier 361-218-8688 East Bayshore RV Park 326 E Bayshore Dr. 361-972-6401 Bayshore Food Mart and RV Park 208 1st St. Full hookups and grocery store 361-345-4300 Serendipity Resort and Marina 1001 Main Street 361-972-5454 Fishermans Village 1678 W. Bayshore Drive 361-484-0373 Full Bar - Catering 2416 Avenue F • Bay City (979) 245-2449 Now Open To The Public Monday-Thursday Friday-Saturday Sunday 11am-9:30 pm 11am-10:30 pm 10:30 am-9:30 pm BAY VILLA HEALTHCARE CENTER “Where Caring Is The Heart of the Matter” Long-term and short-term care Standing L - R: Travis Faris, LMSW; Deborah Heaton, RN, MDS; Ann Gooden, Administrator; Dolores DeLa Rosa, Housekeeping/Laundry Supervisor; Wanda Ruiz LVN, ADON; Angela Cunningham, Activity Director; Conny Budnick, Medical Records Sitting L -R:, Eddie Reyes, MS,CCC-SLP; Rehab Program Manager, Rafael Ruiz, Maintenance Director Not present but a vital part or our team are: Jessie Parker, RN, DON; Robyn Debo, Marketing Liaison; Stephanie Needham, Business Office Manager; Sandra Soares, HR Director; Lisa Araguz, Manager of Dietary; Martha Kinchloe LVN, Assistant MDS Skilled Nursing Facility • I.V. Fluid/I.V. Antibiotic Therapy • Wound Care/Wound Vac • Clinically complex/multiple diagnosis Rehabilitation - In House • Provided by an excellent team of licensed professional therapists • Physical Therapy • Speech Therapy • Occupational Therapy Other Services • Respite Care • Hospice Care We Accept Medicare, Medicaid, Most Insurances, Private Pay, HMO 1800 13th Street • Bay City • 979.245.6327 Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 47 Matamoros Taco House 1410 1st Street | 361-972-5955 Restaurants Bay City 4 Aprons Bakery 1732 6th Street | 979-244-2253 A & A Bar-b-q 3404 7th St. | 979-244-5186 Bay City Seafood & Steak Restaurant 3729 7th St | 979-245-4100 Blue Ocean Seafood 907 Avenue F | 979-245-6559 China Chef 3303 Ave. F | 979-245-4931 China One Buffet 3521 7th St. | 979-245-2081 Chilis 4207 7th Street | 979-244-2144 Diamond S Restaurant 3608 Ave. F | 979-245-4846 El Zarape Café 1917 13th St. | 979-245-2097 Esperanza’s Mexican Food 3301 Ave. F | 979-323-7744 Fat Grass Restaurant 1717 7th Street | 979-244-7277 Glenn’s Country Style Bar-b-que 2901 6th St. | 979-245-1403 Health Food Cottage Deli 1840 7th St. | 979-245-3833 J.C.’s Steak House 2705 Ave. F | 979-323-0118 K-2 Steak House 1701 8th St. | 979-245-6936 La Casona 2416 Ave F | 979-245-2449 Lambo Wok 3201 7th St. | 979-245-3323 La Fuentes 3300 7th Street | 979-323-1222 Little Caesar’s Pizza 2516 7th Street | 979-244-9400 Townsquare Restaurant 2125 Avenue G 979-245-4900 Matagorda Bird Nest Sports Bar & Grill 186 Fisher Street 979-863-1167 Lighthouse BBQ & More 18411 St. Hwy. 60 S 979-863-2328 Pizza Palace 376 Fisher Street 979-863-2000 Main Street Deli and Coffee Bar 1822 7th Street | 979-245-4105 River Bend Tavern & Restaurant Beach Rd. | 979-863-7481 www.matagordabay.com/ riverbend King Buffet 4500 7th Street | 979-323-8333 Snappers Bar and Grill 1710 FM 2031 | 979-863-7990 Pizza Hut & Wing Street 4301 7th St. | 979-245-7601 Spoonbills Restaurant 773 Cypress Street 979-863-7766 www.spoonbillsrestaurant. com Ricardo’s Mexican Restaurant 4408 7th St. | 979-245-1461 Shipley Donuts 2501 7th Street | 979-245-8871 TK’s Restaurant 1601 7th St. | 979-244-8833 Waterfront Restaurant 190 CR 255 | 979-863-2520 www.matagordatexas.com/ waterfront Palacios Taqueria Fernandez 3720 7th St. | 979-244-1385 Janie’s Snack Bar 803 Main Street | 361-972-3201 Blessing American Legion Restaurant P.O. Box 2187, Bay City,77404 361-588-6813 Kim’s Kitchen 1410 Main Street 361-972-3519 www.kimskitchenpalacios. com Blessing Hotel & Restaurant Downtown Blessing 361-588-6623 Los Cucos Mexican Restaurant 1601 1st St. | 361-972-6024 Marisela’s Café 906 Main Street 361-972-0734 48 Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 Outrigger Grill 515 Commerce Street 361-972-1479 www.outriggergrill.com Palacios Mexican Restaurant 511 Main | 361-972-2766 Simple Simon’s Pizza 309 Henderson 361-972-0998 Tran’s Asian Cuisine 1009 Henderson 361-972-1008 Sargent A Little Taste of Sargent 8214 FM 457 | 979-244-0806 Blue Gecko Sports Bar & Grill 25298 FM 457 | 979-323-9772 [email protected] Caney Creek Monna Cafe 1052 CR 201 979-245-3691 Crab Trap Bar & Grill 1652 CR 201 | 979-244-4141 On the Corner Country Kitchen FM 457 & FM 2611 979-323-9959 Sting Raes Waterfront Bar & Grill 27334 FM 457 | 979-323-0611 The Iron Cactus BBQ & Grill 19663 Hwy 457 979-245-6367 Van Vleck Baytown Seafood 221 Ave. G (Hwy.35) 979-323-0444 Fast Food Restaurants Bay City Church’s Chicken 2514 7th St. | 979-245-9411 Dairy Queen E. 2921 7th St. | 979-245-7358 Dairy Queen 301 7th St. (Hwy. 35) 979-245-9101 Sonic Drive In 2601 Ave. F | 979-245-6151 Subway Sandwich 2819 7th St. | 979-244-2998 Subway Sandwich 3611 Ave. F | 979-244-4782 Whataburger 2020 Ave. F | 979-244-4959 Matagorda Subway Sandwich 307 Henderson | 361-972-2273 Coffeeshops/ Coffee Bars Bay City Palacios Dairy Queen 215 Henderson | 361-972-2554 Jack-in-the-Box 2804 7th St. | 979-245-1872 Donut Palace 805 Henderson | 361-972-2242 KFC/Taco Bell 3716 7th St. | 979-245-1684 Palacios Drive In Chester Chicken 1111 Henderson 361-972-5022 McDonald’s 2101 7th St. | 979-244-4290 Speedy Stop #51 1110 Henderson Fax 361-972-2135 Main Street Coffee Bar 1822 7th Street | 979-245-4105 Cattails at Karankawa Village 22996 HWY 60 | 979-863-7737 Palacios Old Main Bookstore and Coffee Shop 438 Main Street 361-972-1438 Smoothie Bars Blessing Bay City Blessing Hotel Coffee Shop Downtown Blessing 361-588-6623 Health Food Cottage 1840 7th St. | 979-245-3833 Sonic Drive In 317 Henderson 361-972-6281 Relax. We’ll take care of it for you. CREATIVE DESIGN • PROFESSIONAL PRINTING TARGETED DIRECT MAIL • HIGH IMPACT SIGNAGE EFFECTIVE ADVERTISING & MARKETING Our job is to make you look good. 1802C N. Velasco Angleton 979.848.3070 www.baystarprinting.com Publishing of newsletters and programs Printing on paper, fabric, banners and plastic Creation & execution of effective marketing campaigns Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 49 beautiful scene Beaches and Bayfronts Matagorda Beach Twenty miles of beach are accessible by automobile; the remaining thirty-five miles are accessible only by boat, making it an unblemished paradise isolated from much of the public. Matagorda beaches are a beachcomber’s dream-come true. Also available to the public is a fishing pier and beachside picnic area. Permits are required for vehicles entering the beach. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for areas on the beach beyond the first three miles. Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail Fourteen state-recognized sites are located in Matagorda County, nine of which are in and around the immediate Palacios area. Birding maps are available at local chambers and at the Birding and Nature Center. www.tpwd.state.tx.us/birdingtrails/ coastal_trail www.mcbnc.org [email protected] Historical Markers Palacios Seawall Palacios’ seawall stretches across 3 miles and is a favorite spot for many walkers. There are also three public boat ramps and numerous lighted jetties and piers for fishing and 2 miles of lighted sidewalk. The historic Luther Hotel is along the seafront. Matagorda County is host to over 100 Texas State Historical markers. Maps are available at Bay City Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture, local chambers, area museums, and our 24-hour Travel Information Center. Request a Historical Magazine for full details on Matagorda County history. Call (877)878-5386 www.visitmatagordacounty.com Palacios Sand Beach Along the west end of the south bay seawall at Railroad Park is a man-made sand beach, perfect for launching small sailboats, building sand castles, sunbathing, and beach picknicking. Harbors, Intr acoastal Waterway, Locks and Swing Bridges Sargent Beach Only 90 miles from Houston...Get away from the big city life! Great fishing, beach combing, shelling and bird watching. Actually an island bordered to the north by the Intracoastal Canal, to the East by the San Bernard and to the West by Mitchell’s Cut. Sargent Beach is protected by an 8 mile Granite Revetment Wall which protects the Gulf side of the island and offers a road east and west, behind the wall, for a combined distance of 8 miles down the beach. Matagorda Harbor Craig Hlavinka, Harbormaster 979-863-2103 Birding and Nature Center The Matagorda County Birding Nature Center spans 34 acres on the Colorado River and offers nature trails, gardens, boardwalks, bridges, and an outdoor education center. Call for guided tours. Pavilion rentals available for special events. Open 7 days a week (daylight hours). 1025 State Hwy 35 South | Bay City, TX 77414 | 979-245-3336 www.mcbnc.org 50 Port of Bay City www.portofbaycity.com 979-245-5831 Port of Palacios Four large commercial turning basins two recreational marinas, and three boat/ship repair facilities. Homeport to the largest shrimping fleet on the Texas Gulf Coast. Debbie Morris – Port Director | 361-972-5556 www.portofpalacios.com [email protected] Sargent Swing Bridge 979-245-4789 www.sargent-tx.com Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 La Salle Odyssey A series of exhibits in seven museums tells the story of La Salle’s ill-fated expedition and the remarkable discovery and excavation of La Belle and Fort St. Louis 300 years later. Two Odyssey museums and La Petite Belle, the half-scale replica of the ship, are located in Matagorda County. Matagorda County Museum Tells the story of the incredible excavation of La Belle; exhibits many artifacts from the excavation including one of the three bronze cannon recovered. 2100 Avenue F | Bay City | 979-245-7502 www.matagordacountymuseum.org City by the Sea Museum Tells the roll that the town of Palacios and its residents played in the search for La Belle and the succeeding recovery. Many artifacts from the excavation are exhibited. 401 Commerce Street | Palacios (permanent location) 361-972-1148 www.palaciosmuseum.org [email protected] La Petite Belle Half-scale replica ship of La Salle’s La Belle berthed at the South Bay Marina in Palacios. For additional information call 361-972-6080. LCRA Matagorda Bay Nature Park A unique 1,600-acre park and preserve dedicated to providing recreation, education, preservation and economic benefit to the region. It will have something for everyone, whether you like fishing, camping, picnicking, canoeing, bird watching, beachcombing, swimming, or just relaxing. Call about our amenities and educational programs. 979-863-2603 local | 800-776-5272, Ext 4740 toll free [email protected] www.lcra.org/matagorda Mad Island Wildlife Management Area This Texas Parks and Wildlife Management Area is 7,200 acres of coastal wetland habitat set aside for wintering waterfowl. Conservation tours are given by appointment only. Hunting for alligators, feral hogs, and waterfowl is permitted through special scheduled hunts. Contact: Matt Nelson| 979-323-9553 www.tpwd.state.tx.us Market Days Held every third Saturday on the Courthouse square from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Market Days brings over 100 vendors from throughout the state. Contact: Bay City Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture 979-245-8333 [email protected] www.baycitychamber.org Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 51 Mud Races See monster trucks strut their stuff! E. Highway 35 | Van Vleck, TX 77482 Call 979-245-9229 for schedule of events March-Oct., races every other weekend Murals of Palacios Twelve colorful murals by renowned artist, Dayton Wodrich, depict the culture and heritage of the Palacios area. Tour guides and maps available at Palacios Chamber of Commerce. www.palacioschamber.com Texas Independence Trail Region (Texas Historical Commission) This state-established travel trail encompasses 28 counties that stretch from the Alamo to San Jacinto and from the Port at Matagorda to Washington-on-the-Brazos. Travelers can visit and view sites where Matagorda men and women lived, fought, and helped write the Texas Declaration of Independence. Some gave their lives in this effort to make Texas a free and independent nation. For more details on the trail: Pick up a free color map and brochure at any local travel center. www.texasindependencetrail.org In Matagorda County, call (877)TRVL-FUN For a full listing of the historic sites of the independence trail, call Lee Towns @ 281-239-9235. The Nature Conservancy Clive Runnells Family Mad Island Marsh Preserve The preserve protects 7,063 acres of intertidal and freshwater wetlands, coastal prairie, cordgrass meadows and coastal brush habitat. It lies at the terminus of the Central Flyway, one of four principal North American migratory bird routes. The preserve’s upland prairies represent a portion of the remaining 2 percent of original tall grass coastal prairies that, until 60 years ago, stretched nearly unbroken from central Louisiana to southern Texas. Mad Island Marsh birders have tallied the highest number of bird species in North America in the annual Christmas Bird Count for 8 years running. (Open to the public on selected weekends.) http://nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/texas/ preserves/art6400.html or www.nature.org/texas For educational programs at the preserve or other facilities: Julie Sullivan| 361-972-2559 To make an appointment for access to the preserve: Julie Sullivan, Preserve Manager | 361-972-2559 Port of Bay City Authority Since 1965, the Port of Bay City Authority has been serving the maritime needs of Matagorda County. The commercial docks at the Port of Bay City connect the heart of Matagorda County with global trading partners via the Colorado River and Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. In 1990, the Port of Bay City Authority opened Matagorda Harbor in the historic port town of Matagorda. The harbor has grown over the years to meet the needs of pleasure and commercial traffic and now is proud to offer 220 boat slips, a commercial dock, RV park, bait house and restaurant. The Port of Bay City Authority continues its commitment to attract and serve water-borne commerce to Matagorda County. the oxo people Bay City Plant Contact us at: 1305 Seventh Street Bay City, Texas 77414 Business Office: Visit the web at: Harbor Master: (979) 245-5831 www.portofbaycity.com (979) 863-2103 52 An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 Palacios Marine Education Center Palacios ISD offers a K-12 programming with hands-on marine oriented activities, history and nature studies. Nearby is the former Camp Hulen, a summer training camp of the 36th Division of the Texas National Guard in the 1920’s and 30’s. Tours by appointment. PISD – 361-972-3774 [email protected] | www.palacios.k12.tx.us Live Music Bay City Matagorda Palacios Sargent Eagles Dance Hall 979-244-5615 Latitudes 902 Fisher Street Matagorda, TX 77457 979-863-7721 Omar’s Bar and Grill 814 Henderson Ave. 361-972-0699 Blue Gecko Sports Bar & Grill 25298 FM 457 979-323-9772 Fat Grass 1717 7th Street 979-244-7277 Snappers 1710 FM 2031 979-863-7990 El Maton El Maton National Hall 565 FM 1095 361-588-1177-for details Waterfront 190 County Road 255 979-863-2520 Outrigger Grill Live music every Friday and Saturday nights. 515 Commerce St. 361-972-1479 www.outriggerrestaurant. com [email protected] • Free Mobile Service • Insurance Claims • Windshield Repairs dba CM Auto Glass •Boat & Car Graphics• •Car Magnets• •Screen Printing• •Embroidery• •Banners• •Decals• •Signs• •T-Shirts• •Caps• Auto Glass Window Tinting Auto • Commercial • Residential 1-800-537-9226 Local (979) 244-4851 Fax (979) 245-2754 979-323-9400 3618 Nichols (FM 2668) Bay City, Texas 77414 Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 53 So much to see! Bay City High School Dungeoneers produce several plays and musicals each year Magda Mirelez, 400 7th St. Bay City | 979-245-5771 [email protected] CAST (Community Actors of South Texas) Community Theater group produces several plays and musicals each year; some shown “dinner theatre-style”. Call 979-318-2485 for more information www.communityactors.com Matagorda County Museum and Children’s Museum Two floors of exhibits, including a large exhibit and artifacts from the excavation of La Belle¸ and a children’s museum build like a turn-of-the-century town. 2100 Avenue F, Bay City | 979-245-7502 www.matagordacountymuseum.org [email protected] Palacios City by the Sea Museum In restored 1910 building on the National Register of Historic Places. Museum location: 401 Commerce Street, Palacios | 361-972-1148 www.citybytheseamuseum.org [email protected] Palacios Marine Education Center This historic retirement home of General Hulen, now a learning facility, houses a small exhibit of local Native American artifacts and Camp Hulen photographs and artifacts. 200 Shark Drive, Palacios | 361-972-3774 Show by appointment only 54 Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 great times! Coastal Bend Images, Photography Tours David Dunham 979-240-8460 www.coastalbendimages.com [email protected] Kingfisher Guide Service Capt. Walt Schelle 979-863-7666 or 979-240-5187 [email protected] • Birding Tour • Fishing Guide Day on the Bay Services Capt. James Arnold 979-244-6787 [email protected] www.dayonthebayservices. com • Birding Tour • Photography Tour • Oystering Tour • Sunset Cruise • Estuary Tour LCR A Matagorda Bay Nature Park 979-863-2603 • Birding Tour • Educational Programs • Group Tours • Guided Kayaking Tour Don’s Diving Service 1111 4th St. Palacios, TX 77465 979-972-2177 • Scuba Diving Lessons/ Equipment Matagorda County Birding Nature Center 979-245-3336 www.mcbnc.org • Birding Tour • Educational Programs • Group Tours • Guided Kayaking Tour Loy Sneary 979-245-1327 [email protected] • Farm and Ranch Tours Palacios Marine Education Center, Palacios 102 Marine Center Drive 361-972-3774 [email protected] • Educational Programs and Activities Papillon Main Inn Bed and Breakfast 361-972-3408 [email protected] • Sailboat Cruises Tres Palacios Bay, Palacios For info call 361-972-3960 www.ussailing.net/pyc • Sailing Regattas Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 55 List of Advertisers Arnold’s Seafood Sales............................................................... Page 11 B&K Driftwood Studio............................................................... Page 10 Basket Shop and Boutique, The.................................................Page 25 Bay City Antique Mall.................................................................Page 25 Bay City Chamber of Commerce............................................ Page 25 Bay City Community Development Corp..................... Back Cover Bay City ISD................................................................................... Page 1 BayStar Printing...........................................................................Page 49 Bay Villa Health Care Center....................................................Page 40 Best Western..................................................................................Page 42 Blue Gecko Sports Bar & Grill.................................................. Page 33 Brady’s Flowers and Tuxedos.....................................................Page 25 Buddy’s Seafood . ......................................................................... Page 11 Caney Creek Marina...................................................................Page 34 Caney Creek RV Park..................................................................Page 34 Capital Farm Credit . ..................................................................Page 39 Cattails............................................................................................ Page 10 Celanese . .......................................................................................Page 39 City State Bank of Palacios......................................................... Page 16 Columbia Lakes............................................................................Page 49 C&M Auto Glass.......................................................................... Page 53 Cornerstone Real Estate, Luvy Bracken..................................Page 25 Farm Bureau Insurance............................................................. Page 38 Fat Grass Restaurant and Bar....................................................Page 49 Fisherman’s Motel & RV Park...................................................Page 39 Fishermann’s Village................................................................... Page 17 Fish Tail Inn...................................................................................Page 34 Full Stringer Realty..................................................................... Page 32 Glass Flippers................................................................................ Page 33 Hampton Inn................................................................................Page 25 Harborside .................................................................................... Page 11 Heavenly Treasures......................................................................Page 26 Knights Inn....................................................................................Page 42 La Casona.......................................................................................Page 47 Latitudes - Matagorda.................................................................Page 12 Lena’s Landing.............................................................................. Page 10 Lisa’s Main Street Salon, Coffee & Wine Bar.........................Page 24 Lodge, The...................................................................................... Page 10 Luther Hotel................................................................................... Page 18 Main Inn Bed & Breakfast, The................................................ Page 17 Matagorda Area Chamber of Commerce................................ Page 9 Matagorda Bay Nature Park ..................................................... Page 15 56 Matagorda County Birding Nature Center............................Page 30 Matagorda County Convention and Visitors Bureau................................................ Inside Front Cover Matagorda County Credit Union.............................................Page 38 Matagorda County Fair, Livestock Show & Rodeo.............................................................. Page 4 Matagorda County Farm Bureau Insurance.........................Page 38 Matagorda Harbor House.......................................................... Page 11 Matagorda ISD.............................................................................. Page 11 Matagorda Museum & Children’s Museum, The............................................................Page 26 Matagorda Regional Medical Center......................................... Page 2 Matagorda Shoppe....................................................................... Page 10 Mustard Seed.................................................................................Page 24 OXEA.............................................................................................. Page 52 Palacios Chamber of Commerce...........................Inside Back Cover Palacios Community Medical Center..................................... Page 16 Palacios ISD................................................................................... Page 19 Port of Bay City............................................................................. Page 52 Port of Palacios ............................................................................ Page 18 Prosperity Bank ...........................................................................Page 38 Quilt Fabric & More....................................................................Page 27 Rainbow Land Day Care of Palacios....................................... Page 17 Red Boot ........................................................................................ Page 10 Re/Max...........................................................................................Page 47 Sargent Chamber.......................................................................... Page 35 Sargent Shores RV Park.............................................................. Page 33 Serendipity Bay Resort................................................................ Page 18 Sign Works..................................................................................... Page 53 South Texas Inn............................................................................Page 26 Spoonbills Restaurant..................................................................Page 12 Stanley’s Food Market................................................................... Page 9 Stanley - Fisher House, Bed & Breakfast and Lodge............ Page 11 Sting Rae’s Waterfront Bar & Grill........................................... Page 35 Terri Miller, Realtor Cornerstone Real Estate........................Page 26 Texas Coastal Living Properties................................................Page 26 Texas Lakeside RV Resort..........................................................Page 43 Texas State Healthcare................................................................Page 27 Ward Real Estate Inc..................................................................... Page 6 Wharton County Jr. College...................................................... Page 13 Wood’s Liquor...............................................................................Page 34 Matagorda County Visitors Guide - 2012 summer fall Spring winter 2012 SPECIAL EVENTS January 21 4-H/FFA Fundraiser BBQ & Auction January 28 Deutschburg Seafood Dinner/Supper Fundraiser February 7 CofC Winter Texan Chili Dinner - KC Hall February 11 Harmony Clubs Valentine Parade & Dance - Rec Center February 11 4H/FFA BBQ Fundraiser - KC Hall February 16 CofC Annual Banquet - Rec Center February 18 Palacios Visual Artists Gallery Show - Old Brandon Building February 18 2nd Annual Winter Gala - St. Anthony’s Catholic Church April 14 Palacios Trail Riders Assoc. Annual Trail Ride to Blessing May 5 Cinco de Mayo Boys & Girls Club May 19 Palacios Visual Artists Gallery Show July 4 LaSalle Landing East Bay Park July 4 Lions Club BBQ and Fire Works East Bay Park July 14 Poker in Palacios Fund Raiser - Rec Center August 5 St. Anthony Church Shrimporee seafood dinner - Rec Center August 10-11 CofC Family Fish Fest - East Bay Park August 11 Palacios Visual Artists Gallery Show - Old Brandon Building August 18 Cannonball Run/Youth Regatta by Yacht Club - South Bay Park Palacios Chamber of Commerce “City by the Sea” August 22 Christmas in August Gourmet Food Demonstration Fundraiser for Seaside Holiday - Rec Center September 3 Labor Day City by the Sea Museum Fundraiser September 20 Hospital Box Supper October 13 Chamber Foundation Bay Fest BBQ Cook Off, S. Bay Park October 13 Pedal Palacios - South Bay Park October 20 Harvest Moon Dinner Dance Palacios Library November 3 Miss Palacios Pageant - Fine Arts Building, PHS November 10 Palacios Visual Artists Gallery Show - Old Brandon Building November 24 Christmas on Main Street December 1 Texas Fishermen’s Seafood Festival-MCMAC - Rec Center December 3 CofC Seaside Holiday Santa arrival by Shrimp Boat - South Bay Park 1st Thursday of each month Chamber General Membership meetings. 2nd Thursday of each month Chamber Board of Director meetings. For more information on events and living or vacationing in Palacios, call: Palacios Chamber of Commerce 361.972.2615 or 800.611.4567 or visit our website: www.palacioschamber.com
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