The City by the Sea

Transcription

The City by the Sea
“The City by the Sea”
Beaches, Bays, Boats, Birds, & Business
For more information on events and living or vacationing in Palacios, call:
361-972-2615 or 800-611-4567 or visit our web site:
www.palacioschamber.com
www.palacioschamber.com
Palacios Visitors Guide
Utilities
Numbers to Know
Water/sewer, Garbage:
City of Palacios
Utility Billing Department
361-972-3605
Electricity:
Central Power & Light
866-322-5563
AEP
877-373-4858
Jackson Electric Coop
361-782-2423
Natural Gas:
CenterPoint Retail Coop
800-427-7142
Television:
Cable TV
866-532-3920
Coastal Media Solutions
361-972-3920
Verizon
800-483-4400
S
Palacios Municipal Court
361-972-2583
Police Department
361-972-3112
Palacios Airport
361-972-2766
911
Matagorda Sheriff’s Dept.
979-245-5526
Hospital:
PCMC
361-972-2511
Palacios EMS
361-972-6589
First Choice Power
866-469-2464
Telephone:
Emergencies
Palacios Volunteer Fire Dept.
361-972-2121
Useful Info:
Palacios Chamber
Pres: Judith Chavez
420 Main St.
Palacios, TX 77465
361-972-2615
Palacios Public Library
326 Main Street
361-972-3234
Palacios Taxi
361-972-2197
Palacios Recreation Assoc.
361-972-2387
City of Palacios Economic
Dev. Corp.
361-972-3729
Mat. Co. Nav. Dist. #1
Harbor Master Office
361-972-5556
Mat. Co. (Pal.) Seawall Com.
361-972-5012
Palacios Housing Authority
361-972-3721
Texas Marine Specialist
361-972-3828
Texas Marine Ed. Center
361-972-3774
Texas Marine Center College
361-972-2442
Newspaper
Palacios Beacon
361-972-3009
Friends of Elder Citizens
361-972-2715
Fraternal Order of Eagles
361-972-3402
Palacios Murals
top by the Chamber of Commerce office and pick up your guide on
Palacios Murals while visiting Palacios. The History and Heritage of
Palacios seen in the “Murals of Palacios” as depicted by renown artist,
Dayton Wodrich. There are seven murals, each depicting various times and
events in Palacios history. The LaSalle Shipwreck and the famous French
explorer to Marsh Menagerie, farming and ranching, the seafood industry,
early 1900’s to Palacios own cultural heritage.
Front page photo by: Linda Parker (as are most photos in visitors guide).
Many articles written by: Peggy Hafernick.
Palacios Visitors Guide
Palacios Hospitality
P
alacios’ 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, three
bed and breakfasts, a motel and a historical hotel. All accommodations are
conveniently located to enjoy local shopping
opportunities, great fishing, a stroll along
the seawall or a fresh cup of coffee on Main
Street. Many 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.
Come stay a while!
www.palacioschamber.com
P.O. Box 250
Granbury, Texas 76048
Toll Free: (877) 232-3624
www.qualityprintingcheap.com
About: This book is published by Color Visual Concepts, Inc. and
distributed through the Palacios Chamber of Commerce. For
advertising information or questions about this book, please contact
us at 877-232-3624 or e-mail to [email protected]
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced
without the expressed written consent of the publisher. We are not
responsible for errors and omissions. Please notify us of corrections
for next edition. Color Visual Concepts, Inc.© 2009
Palacios Visitors Guide
History of Palacios
F
photo by: Linda Parker
ounded in 1909 on a secluded stretch
of the Texas Gulf Coast, Palacios is
bordered on the east and south by Tres
Palacios Bay, which opens into Matagorda
Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Tres Palacios
is Spanish for “three palaces.” Legend
has it that both the town and the bay were
named after a mirage of royal proportions
seen by Spanish sailors over 300 years ago.
Well, that’s a colorful story; however, the
bay was actually named after Jose Felix
Trespalacios, Mexican governor of the area when Stephen F. Austin established his colony
back in the 1800s. Eventually the town became known as Palacios and pronunciation was
Americanized to “Puh-LASH-uhs” rather than the proper Spanish Pa-las-ee-ohs.
A little more history: Palacios boomed during
World War II with Camp Hulen—an Army
base where thousands of troops trained before
shipping out to foreign battlefields. The camp’s
population reached its high point of 15,000
during the war. Today, the population of the
town is just over 5,000 people.
The area’s roots actually date back to 1685 when
French explorer LaSalle sailed into Matagorda
Bay on his famous expedition and founded nearby Fort St. Louis. Each summer Palacios
re-enacts the historic event, with costumed citizens taking the parts of LaSalle and his
crew landing on the shores of East Bay.
The Port of Palacios covers more than 600 acres
of shoreline property. The harbor is home port for
more than 300 commercial shrimp boats, as well
as commercial boats from other ports in the Gulf
of Mexico. The Marine Fisheries Report for 2002
shows that the Palacios shrimp harvest was 15.1
million pounds. Not surprising, the Port of Palacios
is known as the “Shrimp Capital of Texas.”
www.palacioschamber.com
photo by: Linda Parker
photo by: Linda Parker
Texas cattle baron Shanghai Pierce once owned the land where Palacios is today. In
1901 The Texas Rice Development bought the land from Pierce Development Company.
They then sold the town site to their own subsidiary—The Palacios City Town—in 1902.
From the beginning, Palacios’ developers saw it as a coastal resort. For that reason, the
two biggest construction projects in those early years were the Luther Hotel that is still
in operation today and an events pavilion overlooking the bay. The present-day Palacios
Pavilion, as I’m sure all of the local people know, offers a spectacular setting from which
to watch both the sunrise and sunset over the waters of Tres Palacios Bay, The bay, I
learned, is a popular staging area for various community events throughout the year.
Small Town, Big Museum
N
ot everyone realizes that the objects and
specimens they see when they visit a museum
exhibition are just a fraction of the entire
museum collection. Nearly all museums keep and care
for many items that the average person rarely has the
opportunity to see.
The Palacios Area Historical Association (PAHA)
Museum is no exception. Collections include thousands
of objects from Palacios and its vicinity.
One of the most rewarding displays centers on the French Explorer La Salle’s voyage
to America in 1686. Some 300 years later a ship
lost in that expedition was discovered in Matagorda
Bay. Recovery of the shipwreck is considered one
of the great archeological efforts of the latter half
of the 20th Century. Artifacts from the site are
slated to be displayed at the PAHA museum - a
truly remarkable time capsule of what life was like
in that period.
After several years of hard work by volunteers, the
new museum building is open to the public. PAHA has been building and gathering
items and constructing the facilities to preserve and present them in the proper context.
Our aim is to serve as a resource for preservation and education. Visitors, guests and
patrons can help us help the Gulf Coast by visiting the museum often and spreading
the word about the PAHA museum and what it has to offer.
History takes place when today
becomes yesterday. As long as
there is a tomorrow, the museum
will never be finished. Still, we
are pleased with its progress so
far and we are sure that you will
enjoy your visit. Come see us
in Palacios. You help history
happen. Hours open 10am - 2pm
most days.
photo: part of Museum collection
photo by: Recovery staff
For obvious reasons, we cannot manage to put all of it on display in our museum’s
spacious new permanent facility located at the corner of Fourth and Commerce
Streets. We will be hard-pressed to display more than a fraction of the rich heritage
of the Palacios area. It’s a shame too, because collections range from Camp Hulen to
agriculture, marine heritage to chronicling our small town charm. We have a lot to
show off!
Palacios Visitors Guide
W
elcome to Palacios, Texas ~
where Matagorda Bay, Tres
Palacios Bay and beautiful
sunsets come together. Palacios is
midway between Galveston and
Corpus Christi on the Texas coast and
is the home port to one of the largest
shrimping fleets on the Gulf Coast.
The Port of Palacios is located at the
mouth of the Palacios Boat Channel on Tres Palacios Bay, an inlet off the larger
Matagorda Bay. It is one of the most productive coastal fisheries of the state. The
Channel is approximately four miles
in length and connects the Port with
the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway. The
most recent dredging of the Channel in
2007 restored its width to 125 feet and
depth to 12 feet. The Port itself covers
over 124 acres of shoreline and includes
four turning basins with over 12,000
linear feet of dock. Matagorda County
Navigation District #1 property also
encompasses over 600 additional acres
of shoreline property and 300 acres of
near shoreline property, all available for development.
Other Port properties include two recreational marinas, several shipyards and various
retail and wholesale bait and fresh catch businesses. The shipyards haul, dry dock,
service, refit and repair vessels ranging from
ferries and industrial barges and tugs, to
shrimping, fishing and recreational vessels
of all sizes. Tugboat, barge and recreational
vessels are also manufactured on the Port.
If you have any questions please contact:
Debbie Morris, CIO
(361) 920-6212
Texas State Technical College - Palacios
Texas State Technical College has been serving Palacios
since 1994. The college offers Diesel Mechanics,
Pharmacy Technician and Environmental Health and
Safety programs three semesters per year. TSTC averages
70 students per semester for all disciplines. The college
serves as an inexpensive vehicle by which students can
obtain a quality education that will immediately propel
them into the work force earning excellent compensation.
The TSTC-Palacios web address is:
www.waco.tstc.edu/palacios/.
Or call 316-972 3687 for more information.
www.palacioschamber.com
Motorcyclists rates Palacios among
top ten towns along Texas coast
Palacios was tapped as the fifth best small town
destinations along the Texas Gulf Coast region by
motorcyclists in a reader’s choice poll conducted by
the magazine, Ride Texas. Highway 35 from Port
Aransas, through Palacios and Matagorda County, to
Houston was chosen as the No. 1 road to ride in the
Gulf Coast Region and the No. 8 roadway for cyclists
was FM 521, which runs from Palacios to Brazoria.
In addition, the historic Blessing Hotel was named as
fifth best among favorite places to stay.
Five Mile Bike Route
The Palacios bike route is another amenity unique
to Palacios. We are the only small town in the area
that has such a route. The route features a five mile
long ride along Tres Palacios Bay and also connects
the Schools, the hospital, the library and the down
town area. The route is a favorite for family bicycle
outings. Prominent “Bike Route” signs are located
on Bay Boulevard, Bay Shore Drive, 4th street, and
Perryman. Marked map of the bike route can be found
in the Chamber office.
Palacios Skateboard Park
The Palacios skateboard park, located at Main and
Sixth streets is the only free skateboard park in 100
miles. The lighted park is free to the public and
contains the following challenging obstacles; a half
pipe, a quarter pipe, a raked quarter pipe, picnic table,
jump box, Euro Gap, flat wedge, stair wedge, two
grind rails, a bank ramp, and a piano bank ramp. The
adjacent parking area is an excellent observation point.
The landscaped benches at the North end of the park
feature a head on view of the center of the half pipe.
Pedal Palacios Bike Ride
Bikers Welcome! Come tour our country roads with
water views. That’s the message of the Palacios
Beautification Committee, sponsors of the 1st Annual
Pedal Palacios event scheduled for October 10, 2009.
Those entering may choose from three courses; 62
miles, 36 miles, or 12 miles. Activities will include
a Friday night dinner, and activities for the family on
Saturday in Palacios’ beautiful bay front park.
The ride will begin at 8 a.m. promptly. Details of the
event and entry forms may be obtained at:
www.pedalpalacios.org.
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Palacios Visitors Guide
I
n the summer of 1987 discussion among community
leaders, the Matagorda County Navigation District
#1, and the Palacios Independent School District gave
rise to the idea of developing a marine education facility
which would enhance the academic performance of K12 students and the general public’s understanding and
appreciation for the marine and coastal environments.
The center creatively capitalizes on the Gulf Coast’s rich
bay and estuarine habitat as a natural classroom and laboratory. In doing so the center
seeks to meet a specialized set of educational needs for students, teachers, and citizens
throughout the state of Texas.
The Center’s wetlands include a salt–water
marsh, 1 ¼ mile nature trail with an elevated
platform, 700’ x 20’ pier, and 2,400 linear
feet of bay beach front. The center also has
two twelve passenger boats that are used
for specimen collection and various water
studies.
In the past 20 years the Texas State Marine
Education Center (formerly known as the
Palacios Marine Education Center) has
been host to over 150,000 visitors who
have participated in lessons that range from “Oysters on the Half Shell” and the “Crab
Shuffle Dance” to Measuring Water Quality and Erosion. Students learn about plants, sea
life, birds, pollution, history, and many other topics.
photo by: Linda Parker
photo by: Mary Kathryn Erdelt
Texas State Marine Education Center
photo by: Linda Parker
Many of our local shrimpers, fish farmers,
and processing plants have been gracious
host to students visiting the marine center
offering tours and lessons as an extension to
the lessons taught at the marine center.
If you would like more information about the
Texas State Marine Education Center, please
contact the staff at 361-972-3774 or e-mail
them at “[email protected]”.
The marine center is open Monday - Friday
from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and by special arrangement. Visitors are welcome to come by for a
visit, see the General’s historical home and walk the nature trail.
www.palacioschamber.com
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12
Palacios Visitors Guide
www.palacioschamber.com
13
A
Historical Architecture
number of the homes, churches and buildings of Palacios have been in
existence since the early days of Palacios’ founding in 1909. As in many other
places around the county,
the styles of architecture tended to
harken back to the localities and
cultures from which the earliest
settlers came. Settlers used materials
at hand such as pine and cypress to
reproduce the stately Greek and
Roman columns which cradled the
grand porches for which southern
homes have become known. It is
a testament to the skill of the early
builders of these structures that
buildings such as the R. J. Hill
Building, the McGuire House, the Colorado Baptist Association, The Luther Hotel,
St. Mary’s Mission, the Hockey House, the Harriman House and Iglesia Bautista stand
proudly today despite the ravages of life on the Texas Gulf Coast. Numerous are the
examples of Victorian, Gothic, Greek and Craftsman styles of architecture from twostory homes with magnificent porches attesting to yesteryear and cozy bungalows
dotting the bay shore to very business-like buildings once used as dry goods stores,
shops and hotels that are still in use today. The stories of these buildings are the stories
of the people who built them, lived and worked in them and still, today, cherish their
structural soundness, historical significance and charm.
PALACIOS COMMUNITY
MEDICAL CENTER
361.972.2511
311 Green Ave. • Palacios
24 Hr Emergency Room
Outpatient Lab • Radiology
Physical Therapy
PALACIOS
MEDICAL CLINIC
361.972.2000
1519 4th St. • Palacios
John A Neese, PA-C
Dane Simons, MD
Medical Director
MATAGORDA COUNTY
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Beaches H Bays H Birds H Business
Owen Bludau, Executive Director l 2200 7th Street, Suite 304, Bay City, Texas 77414
[email protected] l 979.245.8913 l www.mcedc.net
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Palacios Visitors Guide
Birding In Palacios
E
ntering Palacios from the north on
Highway 35, turn left on McGlothlin
Road or any of the neighborhood roads
that go through to East Bayshore, which lines
the west side of Tres Palacios Bay. East Bay
is home to a variety of ducks and other shore
birds in the Fall and Winter. White Pelicans,
Mergansers, Loons, Buffleheads, Shovelers,
Teal, and other ducks, as well as hundreds of
Scaup and Grebes enjoy these waters.
The shoreline in town is lined with bayfront
parks from The Point Drive In, around the
Baptist Encampment, past the Pavilion and
the Luther Hotel, and back up to Business
Highway 35 and port facilities off Highway 35
to the west past
Serendipity RV
Park.
Brown
Pelicans, Cormorants, various herons and cranes, Avocets,
Oystercatchers, Godwits, Turnstones, Ibis, Plovers,
Curlews, Willetts, and sandpipers can be found here.
Trull Marsh, within the City limits, has seen Little Green
Herons, Yellowlegs, Blacknecked Stilts, rails, various
ducks, Roseate Spoonbills, cranes, as well as Reddish,
Night, Great, Little Blue, Tricolor and Great Blue
Herons.
No shoreline would be complete without its complement of gulls and terns, including
Forster’s, Caspian and Royal Terns, and Palacios is no exception.. The ubiquitous
Laughing Gull could be called “The Palacios Bird”! In
stormy times, the Magnificent Frigatebird soars overhead.
Nearby fields hold Scissortail
Flycatchers, Meadowlarks, many
kinds of hawks, and sparrows, as well
as Shrikes, thousands of blackbirds of
various kinds, and, in the migrating
times, a variety of warblers,
wrens,
kinglets,
orioles, buntings,
hummingbirds,
plus thousands of
geese, ducks, and Sandhill Cranes.
Cardinals, Mockingbirds, Blue Jays, owls, and
at least four varieties of dove fill the backyards
of Palacios. Palacios has ten sites on the Texas
Parks and Wildlife “Great Texas Birding
www.palacioschamber.com
15
Birding Continues...
Trail”, including the only site within a city
limits (Trull Marsh).
Across Tres Palacios Bay lies Mad Island
Marsh Preserve, owned by Texas Nature
Conservancy. The annual Christmas Bird
Count in this area is centered here, bringing
birders from many places to participate.
This CBC has placed first in the nation in the last 10 of 11
years, with a species count of around 252.
Come and join other birders, as they enjoy the area’s
wonderful birds!
*(Photos for this article were provided by: Linda N. Parker.)
Hunting
Being surrounded by so much natural beauty has not escaped the notice of avid hunters
and outdoor enthusiasts. Palacios and the surrounding area host some of the best
waterfowl, dove and quail hunting around.
Agriculture
Agriculture of all kinds thrives in the Palacios area and rural living is as much a part
of life in Palacios as any other aspect of this coastal paradise. Farming and ranching
operations have existed on this part of the Texas
coast since the days of Shanghai Pierce and the
beginnings of the town of Palacios itself. Fertile
soil and temperate climate is to the harvest of
crops and cattle on land as the bay is to the harvest
of fish and shrimp. Farming in Matagorda county
produces $100,000,000 at the ‘farm gate’ each
year in rice, cotton, grain sorghum, soy beans, corn
and wheat. Additionally, 60,000 head of cattle are
produced annually in mostly cow/calf operations
in the county. Agriculture in the Palacios area
takes a decidedly diversified approach with an aqua-culture industry producing 3000
acres of farm-raised shrimp, catfish and redfish.
16
Palacios Visitors Guide
E
Palacios Pet Pals
stablished in March of 2003, Pet Pals is a grassroots, non-profit organization
dedicated to the care of animals. Volunteers help rescue stray, abandoned,
neglected or abused animals. These animals are then fostered, spayed/neutered,
and adopted to loving homes. In addition, Pet Pals has programs in place to teach
responsible pet ownership including providing proper care and nutrition, the importance
of having pets spayed/neutered, immunized, and regularly treated for fleas/heartworm.
Financial assistance can be provided to help pet owners with spay/neuter expenses or to
help with the cost of caring for their animals
during difficult financial times.
Pet Pals has extended its efforts to control
pet over-population by instituting a trap/
spay-neuter/release program for feral cats.
The cat’s ear is notched (to indicate it has
already been altered) and it is given a rabies
shot before being released. Feral cats play
an important role in any waterfront town and
this program insures that Palacios’ feral cat
population is both healthy and controlled.
All shelter, medical, and program costs
are funded through public donation, fundAll animals need a good home. Will you help?
raisers, foundation grants, and adoption
fees. Because Pet Pals is run exclusively by volunteers, 100% of funds are allocated
to the care/sheltering of the animals or to program funding. Donations are always
welcome and can be made by calling 361-972-0100.
Porter’s Ace Hardware
Lumber and Marine
405 Main Street
Palacios, Texas 77465
Phone: (361) 972-5222
Dale Porter
Krenek Chiropractic
Massage Therapy
u
Winter Texas Friendly
361-972-1201 • 319 Main Street
www.palacioschamber.com
17
Locating Shrimp, Bait, or Guide Services
M
atagorda Bay is a fisherman's dream come true. The Bay is shallow, which
allows for a variety of fishing opportunities. Approximately 95% of the fish
are caught in water from 1 to 3 feet deep. Along Palacios' 1.5 mile lighted
seawall are several jetties and piers for free fishing. There are also several free boat
ramps and a fish cleaning station. With seven miles of shoreline in Palacios you are
sure to be able to fish your favorite way, whether it be by
boat, kayak, pier fishing or wade fishing.
For boat fishing Bay maps are recommended and are
available at the most local bait camps and convenience
stores. Information can be obtained from local bait camps
for the best places to fish and the best bait to use.
For a deep sea fishing
experience you can contact
one of our many local fishing
guides for a trip beyond our
Matagorda Peninsula.
If you are looking for bait
in Palacios just look for the
flags. Almost all bait camps
on the coast fly "bait flags".
If you need live shrimp, just
look for the white flag; some even have the LIVE
SHRIMP written on it. A red flag usually means live
finger mullet, but can sometimes mean live mud minnows. For
dead bait look for a black flag. And finally, if you are looking
for live croaker, look for the bright orange flag.
There are several bait camps in Palacios including Grassy
Point Bait Camp on East Bayshore Drive, The Bait Shack on
Main Street in front of Turning Basin #2 and West End Bait on
Turning Basin #3. They all open early and stay late for your
convenience as their supply holds up.
Others stores such as The Point on 1st & Moore and Third
Coast Specialty on 1st & Main can supply fresh frozen shrimp, squid, croaker and
crab, in season. Even the local grocery store, Super S Foods on Henderson & 8th,
carries frozen shrimp, bait fish and a variety of worms. All three even have a great
supply of rods, reels, tackle and all the gear you need on your fishing trip.
Stores that sell fishing license are:
Super S, Foods, The Point, and the
Palacios Lumber Yard.
Palacios is home to several annual
fishing tournaments. For more
information visit:
http://www.palacioschamber.com/
18
Palacios Visitors Guide
Fishing Guides:
(361) 485-0420 Office
(361) 920-2825 Cell
e-mail: [email protected]
Palacios Guide Service:
website: www.palaciosguideservice.com
Fun Fishin' Charters from the City by the Sea
Capt. Aaron Wollam Capt. Hank Huitt
979-240-8204 979-241-8443
email: [email protected]
email: [email protected]
Redfish, Trout, Flounder, Trippletail
Sexton's Guide Service
Capt Ray Sexton
Home 979-245-7557 or Cell 979-240-8246
Email [email protected]
Capt. "Thiggy's" Guide Service
126 Trout St.
Palacios, Tx. 77465
Call Capt. David Thigpen
361-781-2478
E-mail: [email protected]
photo by: All Seasons Guide Service
All Seasons Guide Service
Want to Buy Seafood?
Shrimp:
Oysters:
- Anchor Seafood 972-2974
- Gold Coast Seafood 972-3713
(when boat is unloading)
Bay Shrimp (Head on)
(When boat is unloading)
Fish:
- Domino Seafood 972-3117
- Kims Seafood
972-5940
- Gold Coast Seafood 972-3713
- WW Dock 972-5012
- Bowers Fish 972-2414
- Texas Aquaculture Coop
979-843-5805
Markham (Fileted, breaded, frozen, etc.)
Pond Tails
- Bowers Shrimp 972-2414
(May also have breaded shrimp)
Bulk Shrimp
- Lighthouse Seafood 972-1231
(Graded and packed in 5# frozen water)
Shrimp: Table & Bait
- Shrimp Shack Lagasse 972-1466
- West End Bait:
-
- Grassy Point
Lillie Machech
Newson / Margerus
John Brady between 4 - 7:30
www.palacioschamber.com
19
D
Dining in Palacios
ining in Palacios is as much an adventure as exploring this charming coastal
town with a host of menus to satisfy your palate. Outrigger Grill specializes
in fresh seafood cooked anyway you like, lip smacking Texas barbecue and a
delicious variety of burgers, baskets and
appetizers. American-style breakfasts
and fresh coffee are a special eatingout treat for locals and weekenders on
Fridays and Saturdays. Baytown Seafood
is another local favorite for scrumptious
seafood, steaks, burgers and oriental
fare. For local Mexican flair served
with their own distinct flavors, Palacios
Mexican Restaurant (a.k.a. PMR) and
Los Cucos Mexican Restaurant offer
authentic Tex-Mex favorites, steaks and
seafood. Fried ice cream or sopapillas are mouth-watering dessert offerings at both
restaurants. Tran’s Restaurant offers the best in Asian cuisine influenced by the rich
Vietnamese culture of our diverse town. This family-owned and operated restaurant is
a hometown favorite. For your early morning cravings, you just can’t beat the many
breakfast choices provided by Matamoros Taco House, The Donut Palace, Maricela’s
and Janie’s Snack Bar. Are you too busy to stop for long? Sonic Drive-In, Dairy Queen,
Subway and Simple Simon’s Pizza offer all your favorite on-the-go foods with a vast
array of drinks and ice cream!
22
Palacios Visitors Guide
Play Golf by the Bay
T
urtle Creek Golf Course, formerly
Palacios Municipal Golf Course, is a
nine hole public golf course located
next to the Palacios Golf Association and is
open to the public seven days a week. The
course has three men’s tees with the gold tees
playing to length of 6610 yards, par 72, (72.2
course rating) and a combination of blue &
white tees playing to a length of 6275 yards,
par 72, (70.0 course rating). The women’s red
tees play to a length of 5300 yards, par 72.
The course features a view of Turtle Bay and
has water, in play, on every hole. The Association operates a Club House / Pro Shop
providing supplies and non-alcohol refreshments. It is allowable to bring your own
alcohol refreshments on the premises and in the Club House. The course has very
reasonable green fees and an ample number of rent carts are available. The Association
also offers yearly memberships and rental facilities are available to store your personal
carts at the course. The Course and Club House can be rented for charity, fund-raiser,
and corporate events including the reserving of the rental carts throughout the year.
Memberships for “winter Texans” are also available.
www.palacioschamber.com
23
CITY OF PALACIOS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION
Phone: (361) 972-3729
Fax: (361) 972-5258
P.O. Box 877
Palacios, Texas 77465-0877
Website: http://www.palacios.org • Email: [email protected]
PALACIOS HOUSING SOURCE
We specialize in corporate housing for South Texas Project (STP),
White Stallion Clean Coal, Formosa Plastics, and Beachside Development.
Available properties – short term or long term rentals:
CASA VERDE: One bedroom apartments available in quaint 1920
four square featuring hardwood floors, new appliances, onsite washer/
dryer, backyard shaded by mature pecan trees, private entrances. Charm
of yesteryear with modern conveniences such as high speed wireless
internet and full cable package. Tastefully furnished. Walking distance
to bay, seawall, shopping, restaurants, several public fishing piers and
boat launch.
BAYVIEW TOWNHOMES:
Townhome living
featuring two bedroom, two bath units, newly updated and
remodeled. Nicest in town! All units offer private back patios.
Many units feature new porcelain tile, carpet, appliances, washer/
dryer, bay view. Located next door to a city park.
THE OASIS: Fully furnished, 3,200 sq. ft. historic building
converted to open space living concept with room for up to 10. Down
town. Beautiful stone, tile, and stained concrete throughout. Granite
kitchen w/ two sinks and two stoves for big meal preparations. Very short
stroll to restaurants, shopping and historic Palacios landmarks such as the
museum, the Pavilion, the seawall, bay and the Luther Hotel.
www.palacioshousingsource.com
Starting at $250/week. Please call for specific rates and availability.
For Oasis call Wayne @ 832-661-4042 • For Casa Verde call Paul @ 512-751-8866
For Bayview Townhomes call Paul or Wayne or visit us online at palacioshousingsource.com
24
Palacios Visitors Guide
Palacios Recycle Center
Hours:
Mon.: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Tues.: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Wed.: Closed
Thurs. & Fri.: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Sat.: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
P
1305 Johnson Road
Palacios, Texas
Phone: 361-972-0783
alacios is proud to offer it’s community a
user-friendly and, Green center for recycling.
The center is dedicated to keeping Palacios
beautiful by collecting items such as aluminum
cans, paper, plastics (PETE#1 clear and colored soda
bottles, HDPE#2 translucent milk, water bottles/jugs,
and HDP#2 color plastic bottles), tires, and some
appliances. Tires and appliances will incur small fees.
Call the number provided or visit the center during it’s
hours of operation for more details.
P
alacios Municipal Airport. We are located
just three miles from the city of Palacios, Texas.
We have three runways each 5001 X 150 ft.
Runway 13-31 has runway lights and end identifier
lights. We are a self-serve facility with Av-Gas, free
ramp parking up to ten days, public pilot lounge with
restrooms, and local phone service. More information,
such as fuel prices, can be found at: globalair.com or
airnav.com. Emails can be sent to the airport manager
at: [email protected]. Live person at 361972-0783 or 361-972-3605.
T
he Palacios Library is located at 326 Main St.
in Palacios. The phone number is 361-972-3234
and the Fax number is 361-972-2142. Twenty
women organized it on June 15, 1910. The library
has a reading club program, after school programs for
kids, and high speed internet services anyone can use.
Closed Sunday. Open hours Monday through Sat.:
Monday Tuesday Wednesday
Community-owned
Hospital
www.palacioschamber.com
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
P
alacios Community Medical Center (PCMC)
is indeed a community-owned hospital. The
hospital first opened in 1961 as Wagner General
Hospital. It was renamed Palacios Community
Medical Center in 2002. The board of directors of
both the Foundation and the hospital are from Palacios
and the surrounding area, and both administrators
are long-time Palacios residents. The hospital is a
17-bed acute care hospital with Outpatient/Inpatient
Laboratory, Radiology, Physical Therapy and InHouse Pharmacy. It also offers 24-hour Emergency
Room Service.
25
26
Palacios Visitors Guide
www.palacioschamber.com
27
28
Palacios Visitors Guide
Annual Events
for more information contact Chamber at: 361-972-2615
January:
Deutschburg Community Seafood Fundraiser (last Sat.)
4H & FFA Auction & BBQ
February:
Valentine Parade & Ball
4H & FFA BBQ Fundraiser
Palacios Chamber Banquet
Winter Texan Chili Supper
March:
Market Days (2nd Weekend)
Museum Soup & Salad
April:
Trail Riders Annual Ride & Dance (Sat. after Easter)
Market Days (2nd Weekend)
May:
Great Texas Music Festival (1st Weekend)
Boys and Girls Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Collegeport Day Celebration
Market Days (2nd Weekend)
June:
Market Days (2nd Weekend)
July:
Lions Club July 4th Celebration
LaSalle Landing Re-enactment
Market Days (2nd Weekend)
August:
Shrimp-o-Ree Festival (1st Weekend)
Family Fishing Tournament (2nd Weekend)
Market Days (2nd Weekend)
Cannonball Run Youth Regatta (TSA)
September:
Museum Annual Concert (Labor Day Weekend)
Market Days (2nd Weekend)
October:
Palacios Bay Fest & Motorcycle Rally
Market Days (2nd Weekend)
Harvest Moon Dinner & Dance
Pedal Palacios Bike Ride (2nd Weekend)
November:
Market Days (2nd Weekend)
Rotary’s Miss Palacios Pageant
December:
Texas Fishermen’s Seafood Festival (1st Weekend)
Christmas on Main Street
Seaside Holiday
www.palacioschamber.com
29
Palacios Church Directory
Agape Family Outreach
1811 Newsom Boulevard
Pastor: Eric Young
361-972-0800
Asamblea Apostolica
Dela Fe En Cristo Jesus
710 8th Street
Pastor: Eddie Martinez
361-972-2419
Bible Baptist Fellowship
451 Commerce Street
Pastor: Richard Alamia
361-972-6171
Church of Christ
6th Street & Rorem
Pastor: Jose Samudio
361-972-2132
Church of God of
Prophecy
508 4th Street
Pastor: Lloyd Rodriguez
361-972-6550
Church of Jesus Christ
Of Latter Day Saints
361-972-1606
First United Pentecostal
Church
525 Morton Avenue
Pastor: Ladislado &
Bobbie Carrera
House of God
Second Presbyterian
9th Street & Morton
Avenue
361-972-5254
The Living Word Church
Labor of Love Ministries
1008 5th Street
Pastor: Danny G. Perez
361-972-2849
Trinity Baptist
2nd Street & Rorem
Avenue
Pastor: Louis Rush
361-972-3139
Our Redeemer
Lutheran LCMS
4th Street & Rorem
Avenue
Pastor: Robert LeBlanc
361-972-3852
Pilgrim Rose Baptist
9th Street & Rorem
Avenue
Pastor: LeRoy Monroe
361-972-6482
First Baptist Church
202 Main Street
Pastor: Zach Nicholson
361-972-5486
Primera Iglesia Bautista
4th Street & Morton
Avenue
Pastor: Juan Aguilera
361-972-5542
First Presbyterian
3rd Street & Morton Ave.
Pastors: Andy & Janell
Blair
361-972-2124
Solid Rock Fellowship
1800 1st Street
361-972-3675
First United Methodist
3rd Street & Lucas Ave.
Pastor: June White
361-972-3013
30
St. John’s Episcopal
3rd Street & Main Street
Lay Vicar: Cynthia
Tobola
361-972-2744
St. Anthony of Padua
Catholic Church
1004 Magnusson Avenue
Pastor: Charles Dwomah
361-972-2446
12th St. & Henderson Ave.
Pastor: Tony Flores
361-972-2352
361-972-2955
West Palacios Church
Of God of Prophecy
808 9th Street
Pastor: Roosevelt Ellis
361-972-6262
The Legend of the Sand Dollar
There’s a lovely little legend
that I would like to tell,
of the birth and death of Jesus,
found in this lowly shell.
If you examine closely,
you’ll see that you find here,
four nail holes and a fifth one,
made by a Roman’s spear.
On one side the Easter lily,
its center is the star,
that appeared unto the shepherds
and led them from afar.
The Christmas Poinsettia
etched on the other side,
reminds us of His birthday,
our happy Christmastide.
Now break the center open,
and here you will release,
the five white doves awaiting,
to spread Good Will and Peace.
This simple little symbol,
Christ left for you and me,
to help us spread His Gospel,
through all Eternity.
Author Unknown
Palacios Visitors Guide
Palacios Chamber of Commerce Members
Auto
Palacios Auto & Towing
P O Box 760
Palacios77465
361-972-5923
[email protected]
Palacios Autoworld
117 Henderson
Palacios 77465
362-972-3963
Premiere Accessories
1109 Henderson
Palacios77465
361-972-6357 218-0681
[email protected]
Prime Parts Supply
709 Henderson
Palacios77465
361-972-2565
Banks/Credit Unions
Baycel Federal Credit Union
2900 Hamman Rd
Palacios 77465
361-972-5385
[email protected]
City State Bank of Palacios
P O Box 1130
Palacios77465
361-972-2585
[email protected]
First State Bank-Louise/Blessing
P O Box 457
Blessing77419
361-588-7777
[email protected]
Prosperity Bank
600 Henderson
Palacios77465
361-972-5481
[email protected]
www.palacioschamber.com
Well Fargo Bank
1802 7th Street
Bay City 77414
wellsfargo.com
Barge Building
Tres Palacios Marine, LP
P O Box 650
Palacios77465
361-972-3097
[email protected]
Beauty Shops
Cut-N-Curl
400 Henderson #1
Palacios77465
361-972-3905
[email protected]
Builders/Developers
Chipman Construction, LTD
312 Henderson
Palacios77465
361-972-0123
[email protected]
Mosier Services
304 Elizabeth
Palacios77465
361-550-1937
[email protected]
Car Wash
Shark Wash
543 Wilbur Street
El Campo 77437
961-972-9274
[email protected]
Diving Services
Don’s Diving Services
1111 4th Street
Palacios77465
361-972-2177
[email protected]
31
Encampments
Foundations
Educational
Trull Foundation
404 4th Street
Palacios 77465
361-972-5241
[email protected]
Texas Baptist Encampment
P O Box 1265
Palacios 77465
361-972-2717
[email protected]
Palacios ISD
1209 Twelfth Street
Palacios 77465
361-972-5491
[email protected]
Palacios Library Inc.
326 Main Street
Palacios77465
361-972-3234
[email protected]
Literacy Powerline
501 E. Bayshore Drive
Palacios77465
361-972-1066
[email protected]
Fish/Shrimp etc.
Bowers Shrimp
24781 5H 35-5
Palacios77465
361-972-2414
[email protected]
Gold Coast Seafood
116 11th Street
Palacios77465
361-972-3713
[email protected]
Lonestar Aqua Farms
1014 CR 477
Palacios77465
361-972-3240
[email protected]
32
Palacios Chamber Foundation
420 Main Street
Palacios 77465
361-972-2615
Groups/Organizations
American Red Cross
2200 7th Street
Bay City 77414
[email protected]
Fraternal Order of Eagles #3821
P O Box 920
Palacios 77465
361-972-3402
Palacios Economic Development Corp
P O Box 877
Palacios 77465
361-972-3729
[email protected]
Matagorda Co. Navigation District #1
P O Box 551
Palacios77465
361-972-5556
[email protected]
Palacios Area Fund Communities
457 Commerce
Palacios77465
361-972-3960
[email protected]
Palacios Area Historical Assoc.
P O Box 11
Palacios77465
361-972-1148
[email protected]
Palacios Artists Colony.org
306 Moore
Palacios 77465
361-235-2191
Palacios Visitors Guide
Palacios Golf Association
P O Box 959
Palacios 77465
361-972-5947
[email protected]
Guides
All Seasons Guide Service
Capt. Mike Powell
5639 FM 1686
Victoria 77905
361-576-5064 phone
361-485-0420 office
361-920-2825 cell
www.allseasonsguideservice.com
Palacios Guide Service
319 E. Bay Shore Drive
Palacios 77465
361-972-1563
[email protected]
Capt. “Thiggy’s” Guide Service
126 Trout St.
Palacios 77465
Call Capt. David Thigpen
361-781-2478
E-mail: [email protected]
Sexton’s Guide Service
Capt Ray Sexton
Home 979-245-7557 or
Cell 979-240-8246
Email [email protected]
Health/Medical/Dental
Angels Care Home Health
1700 Merlin St Suite B
Bay City 77414
979-244-0600
[email protected]
Matagorda Co. Hospital District
1115 Ave G
Palacios77465
979-245-6383
[email protected]
Palacios Chiropractic
319 Main Street
Palacios77465
361-972-1201
[email protected]
www.palacioschamber.com
Palacios Community Medical Center
311 Green
Palacios77465
361-972-2511
[email protected]
Palacios Dental Center
304 4th Street
Palacios77465
361-972-2222
[email protected]
Palacios Health Care Center
1414 4th Street
Palacios77465
361-972-2542
[email protected]
The Legacy Campus
720 12th Street
Bay City 77414
979-245-7891
[email protected]
Helicopters
Rotorcraft Leasing Co., LLC
430 N. Eola Road
Broussard, LA 70518
337-837-6038
[email protected]
Insurance
All State Insurance
3120 Ave. F
Bay City 77414
979-244-4671
[email protected]
Campbell Huitt Insurance
328 Commerce
Palacios77465
361-972-2551
[email protected]
Jack Hollister Insurance
454B Main Street
Palacios77465
361-972-1098
33
SPJST Life Insurance
915 Moore
Palacios77465
361-972-2208
[email protected]
Internet
Bay City Cablevision
Bay City 77414
979-543-6858
Testengeer Internet Service
361-573-1102
Investments
Edward Jones
317 Commerce
361-972-2549
[email protected]
Laundry
Sixth Street Coin Laundry
311 E. University Ave.
Palacios77465
361-972-9274
[email protected]
Lodging
Bay Breeze Palacios
15606 Wandering
Friendswood 77546
713-828-4063
[email protected]
Bay Prairie Lodge
P O Box 87
Midfield 77458
361-588-6565
[email protected]
The Crab Trap
120 Colby Lane #26
Azle 76020
817-371-1476
[email protected]
34
Delux Inn Motel
1505 1st Street
Palacios77465
361-972-2547
[email protected]
Emmott Properties
8776 Emmott Road
1300 Post Oak Suite 2000
Houston 77056
713-986-7000
[email protected]
Full Stringer Lodge
P O Box 297
Matagorda 77457
979-863-1143
[email protected]
The Luther Hotel
408 S. Bay Blvd
Palacios77465
361-972-2312
Main Bed & Breakfast Inn
208 Main Street
Palacios77465
361-972-3408
[email protected]
Palm View Vacation Rentals
101 Vietnam
Palacios77465
361-655-7036
[email protected]
Peaceful Pelican, The
501 E. Bayshore Drive
Palacios77465
361-972-1066
[email protected]
Pelican House
10498 Kratz Rd
Brenham 77833
979-836-0834
[email protected]
Topside Lodging
1801 Petersen
Palacios77465
361-972-0495
[email protected]
Palacios Visitors Guide
Nature
The Nature Conservancy
P O Box 163
Collegeport 77428
361-972-2559
[email protected]
Newspaper
Palacios Beacon
P O Box 817
Palacios77465
361-972-3009
[email protected]
Officials
Becky Denn (District Clerk)
Bay City 77414
979-245-2237
[email protected]
Charles Winfield (City Manager)
361-972-3605
[email protected]
Craig Estlinbaum (District Judge)
Bay City 77414
979-244-7635
[email protected]
Nate McDonald (County Judge)
Bay City 77414
979-245-0081
[email protected]
Real Estate
Bay Real Estate
P O Box 382
Palacios77465
361-972-2616
[email protected]
Full Stringer Realty
P.O. Box 297
Palacios77465
979-240-6660
[email protected]
www.palacioschamber.com
John Martin Real Estate
234 El Campo Beach RD
Palacios77465
713-854-8697
[email protected]
REMAX Coastal Properties
215 5th Street
Palacios77465
361-972-6636
[email protected]
Pierce Real Estate
438 Main Street
Palacios77465
361-972-0810
[email protected]
Restaurants
Baytown Seafood
1001 Henderson
Palacios77465
361-972-1020
[email protected]
Dairy Queen of Palacios
3606 Ave. F
Palacios77465
979-245-9269
Outrigger Grill
515 Commerce
Palacios77465
361-972-1479
[email protected]
www.outriggergrill.com
Palacios Mexican Restaurant
511 Main Street
Palacios77465
361-972-2766
Sonic Drive-in of Palacios
317 Henderson
Palacios77465
361-972-6281
[email protected]
Subway
307 Henderson
Palacios77465
361-972-2273
[email protected]
35
Trans Restaurant
1009 Henderson
Palacios77465
361-972-1008
Sears of Bay City
3120 Ave. F
Bay City 77414
979-245-3226
[email protected]
Retail
Somewhere In The Sun
414 Main Street
Palacios77465
361-972-5453
[email protected]
ATD Specialty Inc.
P O Box 1285
Palacios77465
361-972-2122
[email protected]
Claxton’s Flower Basket
308 5th Street
Palacios77465
361-972-3534
Etched In Time
P O Box 1003
Palacios77465
361-972-5587
[email protected]
Old Main Bookstore
438 Main Street
Palacios77465
361-972-1438
[email protected]
Mid Coastal Lumber, LTD.
204 Henderson
Palacios77465
361-972-5503
[email protected]
Palacios Antiques & Resale
501 1st Street
Palacios77465
361-972-1380
[email protected]
Third Coast Specialty Shoppe
208 1st Street
Palacios77465
361-972-3284
[email protected]
RV Parks
Bayside RV Park
100 Margerum Blvd.
Palacios77465
361-972-3400
[email protected]
Serendipity Resort
1001 Main Street
Palacios77465
361-972-5454
[email protected]
Pier Drive Inn RV Park
208 1st Street
Palacios77465
361-972-3284
[email protected]
Services
Porter’s Ace Hardware
405 Main Street
Palacios77465
361-972-5222
[email protected]
Best Institute
P O Box 1086
Palacios77465
361-972-3575
[email protected]
Palacios House of Flowers
416 Main Street
Palacios77465
361-972-2517
[email protected]
Butch Bowers (Legal)
P O Drawer 799
Palacios77465
361-972-2545
[email protected]
36
Palacios Visitors Guide
Cross Roads Industries, Inc
P O Box 1169
Tomball77377
281-890-9995
[email protected]
DJ Designs
1756 CR 2291
Cleveland 77327
281-659-0625
[email protected]
djdesignsconstruction.com
First Baptist Church 202 Main Street
Palacios77465
361-972-5486
[email protected]
Kovar AC & Heating, LLC 1900 Ave G
Bay City 77414
979-245-4816
[email protected]
Nature Pixs
(Photos, Business Cards, etc.)
361-972-0701
[email protected]
Palacios Abstract & Title
1012 1st Street
Palacios77465
361-972-9996
[email protected]
Palacios Artists Colony.org
306 Moore
Palacios 77465
361-235-2191
Palacios Funeral Home (Taylor Bros)
Box 669
Bay City 77404
361-972-2012
[email protected]
Main Office Works
414 Main Street
Palacios 77465
361-972-5453
[email protected]
www.palacioschamber.com
Premiere Accessories
1109 Henderson
Palacios77465
361-218-0681
[email protected]
St. John’s Episcopal Church
P O Box 895
Palacios77465
361-972-2744
[email protected]
Shelmark Engineering, LLC
8419 Emmott F. Lowry #120
Texas City 77591
409-935-9986
[email protected]
The Work Force Solutions
3501 Ave F.
Bay City 77414
979-245-4808
[email protected]
Supermarkets
Super S Foods #313
702 Henderson
Palacios77465
361-972-3049
[email protected]
Television
Bay City Cablevision
979-543-6858
Utilities
AEP
2901 W. Mockingbird
Victoria77904
361-574-2236
[email protected]
Bay City Cablevision
2404 Golden Ave.
Bay City 77414
979-543-6858
[email protected]
37
Center Point Energy
P.O. Box 1218
Victoria 77802
361-484-4165
[email protected]
Coastal Alternative Energy LLC
P O Box 632
Palacios77465
832-444-2042
[email protected]
ISEI
P.O. Box 1508
Alvin 77512
1-800-449-1599
www.iesi.com
Jackson Electric Cooperative, Inc
P O Box 1189
Edna 77957
361-782-7193
[email protected]
STP Nuclear Operating Co.
P O Box 289
Wadsworth 77483
361-972-7217
[email protected]
U. S. Energy Savings Cooperataive
12253 Svobock Rd
Wallis 77485
979-533-4681
[email protected]
Other Businesses
Sharky’s Corner
Tran’s Fiberglass Boat
Diamond Mart
Henderson Drive In
The Point
Family Dollar
Dollar General
Zimco Marine Inc
Hair Gallery
Hair It Is
Styles By Rosie
Speedy Stop
Palacios Drive In
Prime Parts Supply
Eva’s Beauty Shop
Nieto’s Paint & Body
Main Car Wash
Shark Wash
Rainbow Land Day Care
Palacios Iron & Metal
Palacios Chamber of Commerce
420 Main Street
Palacios, TX 77465
Phone: 1-800-611-4567
Phone: 361-972-2615
Fax: 361-972-9980
Email: [email protected]
www.palacioschamber.com
38
Palacios Visitors Guide
www.palacioschamber.com
39