Insider's Guide

Fridays during Lent may seem hard to some, but in Beaumont, Texas, the meatless options are endless and delicious. Not only are we a seafood haven, our rich cultural influences provide flavors and variety that will satisfy from the tamest taste buds to the most adventurous eater.  Bayou Cafe 1255 N Major Drive (409) 861-1133 With a location on Major Drive in Beaumont and a new spot in Port Arthur, the Bayou Café has gained a reputation over the past few years for freshness and shrimp. Jumbo shrimp. Whether you get shrimp in a pasta dish, in the gumbo, grilled or fried in a

When you want a good meal but don't want to spend a lot, there are more than enough local dining spots that can fit the bill. Some are lunch only; some extend into the wee hours of the morning. Peruse this list for the best places with a variety of options under $10 (before tax). Your craving for Southeast Texas flavor doesn't have to cost a pretty penny. 1) Tacos La Bamba 2005 Calder Ave. (409) 838 - 6222 Monday - Sunday, 8:00 am - 9:00 pm This Mexican street-style eatery is a neighborhood obsession for good reason. With inviting, cheery interior, friendly staff and authentic

It's fair time y'all. Growing up in Beaumont, Texas it was easy to take the YMBL South Texas State Fair for granted. I mean, we got to take a day off from school every year to visit the fair. (Didn't everyone do that?) Being older and wiser, the fair is just as fun as it was when I was a child, but I have a whole new appreciation for the quality and grandeur of this event. Whether you want to join the screaming masses on the many exciting rides, succumb to the calls of the carnival workers to play a midway game, smell the aroma of the farm animals at the livestock show,

Some people dip ‘em and some people don't. Some people suck the heads, some people won't. Some like ‘em mild, some like ‘em hot. Some want potatoes, corn and ‘shrooms, Some'd rather not. However you take your crawdads, one thing is true, If you're smart enough to eat those mudbugs, You got some Cajun inside of you. Mudbugs, a.k.a. crawfish, are a local delicacy resembling miniature lobsters. In season March through June, crawfish can be found at area restaurants, grocery stores, and - our favorite - crawfish boils. Locals are pros at peeling and eating

Now in its 7th year, Boomtown Film and Music Festival features local musicians and filmmakers, as well as bands from around the country and screens films from all over the world. Thanks to the dedicated volunteers who are passionate about seeing the Southeast Texas film community grow, Boomtown has it all. Two of those individuals are Christina Trujillo, marketing coordinator and Olivia Busceme, music programmer. "We have some more marketable films that are a little trendier, like the Robo Cop remake," said Trujillo. "There are also movies with great narratives and

Haven't made Valentine's Day dinner plans yet? We have you covered! In no particular order, here are the Top 10 places for couples to eat in Beaumont for Valentine's Day.  Suga's Deep South Cuisine & Jazz Bar 461 Bowie Street, 409-813-1573 To accommodate their massive Valentine's popularity, Suga's has two seating options. The first seating is from 4 pm - 7 pm, for $55 per person. The second seating, from 8 pm - 11 pm, is $75 per person, and includes live music from Theresa Grayson downstairs or Dean James upstairs. Pricing includes a glass of champagne upon

What: First Thursdays on Calder When: Every first Thursday of the month. Next one: November 7, 2013. Where: Up and down lower Calder Ave., 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (Or til the party ends.) It's been going on for a few years now, picking up speed, slowly and steadily. It's a community get-together, a party of sorts. We call it First Thursdays on Calder. It's the perfect opportunity to experience the historic Old Town section of Calder Avenue. Stores and restaurants up and down lower Calder stay open a little later, add some festive elements such as music, food and drink, and

If you're in the mood for a burger, Beaumont has a plethora of options to fill your craving. But if you want the whole burger shebang, then it's time to head to Willy Burger. From beginning to end, Willy Burger pays attention to every detail of your dining experience, and it shows. For someone like myself, who only eats a burger every once in a while, that's important. Because by golly, that burger better be worth it. The folks at Willy Burger have taken the concept of a classic American burger in the traditional diner style and added some funky southeast Texas

This weekend in Beaumont, Texas is big for pet-lovers - especially if that pet happens to be a dog. Families and their favorite canines gather together each October to enjoy great food, music and furry fun for Beaumont Main Street's DOGtober Fest! Included in the festivities are a Strut Your Mutt Parade, DOG-ercise with Jande Fido and other dog-themed activities. For visitors looking for pet-friendly hotels and dining options, we've got you covered.  Many Beaumont restaurants realize that Fido is a family member, and will welcome him on their patio, with