Beaumont Texas Convention & Visitors Bureau Blog

"Tiny" is An Understatement with "Exquisite Miniatures"

Ashley White — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:34:40 -0700

The term "tiny" is an understatement with "Exquisite Miniatures, " at the Museum of the Gulf Coast.

Diminutive sea birds perch on pencil-thin pilings and bison roam in ranges of postage-stamp proportions. Brilliantly-colored nature scenes are just a few inches across and the entire show of framed paintings could fit in a suitcase. There's a basket of magnifying glasses at the door so viewers can intently gaze at incredible detail in these mighty minis by Wes and Rachelle Seigrest. There's even an example of a minute brush this husband and wife team use to create their tiny treasures.

"The detail of the paintings in this exhibit is so intricate, that we decided to make magnifying glasses available for use in the gallery," Ami Kamara, curator at the museum, said. "Some of the images are barely larger than the size of a postage stamp!"

Wolves and giraffes, cactus and canyons and flamingos are subjects on view. The 50 signature paintings include landscapes, portraits and still lifes. The Port Arthur Historical Society will present this exhibit now through June 2.

Wes and Rachelle Siegrist are members of the Miniature Artists of America, the Miniature Art Society of Florida, the Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers Society of Washington, D.C., the Cider Painters of America, and the Hilliard Society of England. They are the authors of the world's first standard definition of miniature art adopted by the Association of Miniaturist Artists.

Port Arthur is also home to Texas Artists Museum and is a Texas fishing vacation hot spot for fresh- and salt-water catches. View nature in person at Sea Rim State Park beach and visit the new floating docks at Pleasure Island Marina.

Now Accepting Entries: Texas Forest Trail Photo Contest

Ashley White — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:19:45 -0700

Hey y'all! Our office is sponsoring a category in the "We Pine for East Texas" Photography Competition (held March 7-April 7, 2013) and we're encouraging all you local shutterbugs to enter (amateur photographers only, please). We're seeking pictures from throughout Beaumont to be used in future brochures and other various marketing initiatives of the Beaumont CVB.

Contest prizes total more than $3,000! Get complete contest details including rules, prizes and access to the online entry form on the Texas Forest Trail website.

Our Category Description:
Best of Beaumont, TX - One winner will receive $250 for a photo of people enjoying and experiencing the fun and adventure of Beaumont. From the beautiful outdoors along the Neches River to historic sites like Spindletop Gladys-City Boomtown Museum, McFaddin-Ward House and the Fire Museum of Texas. Capture activities and events that show people dancing, eating or simply enjoying the day and night-life of Beaumont. Winning photo will capture the spirit of Beaumont's people and the city.
Sponsored by Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau. Good luck y'all!

We <3 Texas Courthouses!

Ashley White — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 16:00:22 -0700

Hey y'all, we need your help! There are 254 courthouses in Texas, but many of them need funding for renovations and other work. I Love Texas Courthouses is a campaign to help raise awareness and show appreciation for Texas' historic courthouses. Beaumont's home to the Jefferson County Courthouse, which also happens to be one of the tallest courthouses in the state (and an excellent example of Art Deco architecture).

We want to continue to preserve beautiful buildings like that and our good friend, Jason Clement, who is a native Texan, has been working tirelessly traveling around Texas to get 2,000 people from his home state (aka Texas) to show some love for buildings that are near and dear to his heart. Learn more about Jason's travels and passion for Texas Courthouses here.

Want to help out? Visit I Love Texas Courthouses to learn more and to sign a love letter for these National Treasures. If we want to keep beautiful courthouses like the one in Beaumont restored we need your help! And, be sure to check out Jason's Flickr page for more great photos. Thanks y'all!

Ava Graves 2013 Service Award Recipient

Ashley White — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:11:03 -0700

Wow, last night's Hall of Fame Reception was absolutely incredible! We are so thankful to have the support of our local hospitality partners, forward-thinking City leadership and amazing clients who make doing our job so much fun. We also want to say an extra special congratulations to Mrs. Ava Graves, who was this year's recipient of the Hall of Fame Service Award. Ava continues to inspire us with her positive attitude, humble spirit and winning smile. Congratulations Ava! View the complete list of past Service Award Winners here. Or, check out photos from the event on our Facebook page.

As an added bonus, we created this video highlighting the evening's events and the meeting planners who's meeting business brought over $22.3 million to Beaumont in 2012. Beaumont ♥'s Meetings!

CVB thanks planners who brought $22.3 million to Beaumont

Ashley White — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:44:26 -0700

The Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau's 23rd Annual Hall of Fame Reception will be held tonight, at the downtown Event Centre. We'll be honoring the 132 organizations who brought 166 events to Beaumont in 2012. Because of the efforts of these event planners and their committees, approximately 80-thousand convention delegates dined in local restaurants, shopped local businesses, visited area museums, and stayed in Beaumont hotels. Meetings and events brought a direct economic impact of $22.3 million to our local economy in 2012! Read more about this year's Hall of Fame here.

Book a Meeting, Win a Cruise!

Ashley White — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 09:36:30 -0700

Turn your healthy resolutions into meeting opportunities for a fit and fun event in Beaumont! The Beaumont CVB is pleased to announce our latest sales incentive for the meetings, conventions and reunions market. During the calendar year 2013, meeting planners can earn a cash incentive as well as gain health and wellness extras for their conventions when booking their meeting through the CVB. The program, designed to give meeting planners a financial incentive as well as meeting extras for their attendees, is valid on meetings booked between January 31, 2013 and December 31, 2013.

Incentive Program Details:

300 or more hotel sleeping rooms booked per night (300 peak) with stay of 2 nights or more
- $1,000
- One complimentary, instructor-lead "physical activity" break (15 minutes max) during meeting
100 - 250 hotel sleeping rooms booked per night (100 peak) with a stay of 2 nights or more
- $500
- One complimentary, instructor-lead "active" ice breaker (5 minutes max) during meeting

Meeting planners that meet the incentive program requirements will also be eligible for their name to be drawn for the grand prize - a 5 day cruise departing out of Galveston, Texas! The winner of the grand prize/cruise may use the cruise as an attendance builder for their Beaumont meeting or can use it personally as a reward.

How to Enter:

Sign-up now via our online entry form to be entered into the drawing for the cruise.
Send us your RFP as soon as possible so we can start helping you plan.
Sign a contract with one of our local hotel partners for your next meeting.

Note: All three of these steps must be completed by December 31, 2013 to be eligible for the grand prize. Meetings must be booked within, but do not have to take place during 2013. Deadline to send the signed hotel contract to the Beaumont CVB is January 10, 2014. The grand prize winner will be announced January 31, 2014.

Happy Anniversary Spindletop!

Ashley White — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:19:51 -0700

We like to say Beaumont's been gushing with fun since 1901. Why? Because 112 years ago today, what would later become known as the Lucas Gusher erupted and sent oil hundreds of feet into Beaumont's blue sky. The geyser spewed for nine days straight (an estimated 100,00 barrells a day!) before the wildcatters were able to cap it. And well, Beaumont's been churning out oil ever since. (Luckily, they've figured out how to do this without making such a mess.)

This Saturday, January 12, we'll be hanging out at Gladys City to celebrate the anniversary of Spindletop. And, we hear rumor of some family-friendly activities. The museum opens at 10 a.m. and we'll be there as they kick-off the festivities with a re-enactment of the Lucas Gusher (at 10:30 a.m.). Get the full details on their webiste. And if you're a history buff (or just think the story is pretty cool like we do), read the first hand account of what Curits Hammil has to say about this fateful day on the Gladys City blog. See y'all Saturday!

Hey Beaumont! If You?re Flying, Why Drive?

Ashley White — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 14:15:16 -0700

American Airlines tickets are on sale NOW with Jet Service from Beaumont/Port Arthur to Dallas/Fort Worth Airport with service beginning 2/14/2013.

Tickets make great stocking stuffers!

No need to spend your time and gas driving to Houston only to get caught in traffic, paying to park your car, hiking to the terminal and standing in a long security line.

Visit www.aa.com to book your travel

Check out our low fares from Jack Brooks Regional Airport
Enroll in American Airline's frequent flyer program, AAdvantage®... it's free to enroll
Pick a destination of your choice and book today

Service Details

Visit www.aa.com to book your travel

Beginning February 14, 2013
Reliable service provided by American's regional affiliates American Eagle and ExpressJet
50 seat regional jet with 2x2 seating
4 daily flights
DFW is the largest of American's five domestic hubs offering more than 740 departures to nearly 170 cities in Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America

Announcing 2013 Beaumont Destination Training Dates

Ashley White — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 14:57:44 -0700

Hey y'all! We've set our dates for this year's Beaumont Detination Training (affectionately known by us at BDT). We've decided to host five sessions this year and they'll take place on the following Wednesdays:

March 13
May 8
July 10
September 11
November 13

All sessions begin at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at 2:00 p.m. To learn more about our award-winning program, visit the BDT page on our website. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Elizabeth Eddins, Beaumont CVB Director of Tourism at (409) 880-3168 or by email, eeddins@ci.beaumont.tx.us. Or, save time and RSVP online here. See y'all soon!

McFaddin-Ward to Offer Free Tours Thanksgiving Week

Ashley White — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 14:07:39 -0700

As you make the final preparations for the Thanksgiving holiday, don't forget about making plans to entertain your out-of-town guests. For those of you looking for something unique to do, bring them on a tour of the McFaddin-Ward House Museum!

Tour times are booking fast, so call soon to schedule your tour (tours are subject to availability).

Thanksgiving Holiday Tour Schedule:

Tuesday, November 20
10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
$3 per person

Wednesday, November 21
10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
$3 per person

Thursday, November 22
Closed, Happy Thanksgiving!

Friday, November 23
10 a.m - 12 noon, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Free first-floor tours

Saturday, November 24
10 a.m. - 12 noon, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Thanksgiving special - Free full tours of the museum

Call the McFaddin-Ward House at (409) 832-2134 for more details. Remember, reservations are strongly encouraged during the busy holiday season.

Becky Barksdale Live in Concert November 3rd

Ashley White — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 08:45:53 -0700

Becky Barksdale will play the blues for her hometown crowd in honor of her induction into the Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame. This singer, musician and film composer has toured with Michael Jackson and she's earned her spot at Museum of the Gulf Coast. See her live in concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Performing Arts Center, Lamar State College-Port Arthur.

Like legendary singer Janis Joplin, Barksdale was born in Port Arthur. Barksdale is co-based out of Los Angeles, where she performs on the West Coast blues and R&B circuit, and southeast Texas, where she maintains a personal studio. Barksdale's grandfather gave her a guitar when she was 12. A professional at 16, she gigged with regional bands. After nailing down guitar and vocal duties with boogie-blues masters Canned Heat, Barksdale landed the lead guitar spot with Michael Jackson adding some fiery punch to the King of Pop's 1993 Dangerous World Tour.

The first artist to be signed by the House of Blues Music Company, Barksdale appeared on two compilations on the label before releasing "Real Live" (1999), a gripping mélange of electric blues and steamy rock that easily justified the growing hype crowning the "Red Hot Queen of the Blues." "Cowgirl Blues" (2002), an EP of five original songs, unearthed her country roots (two great uncles were members of the Sons of the Pioneers), while Blues Revue Magazine declared that there was more emotion packed into the dozen real-deal blues tracks on "Out of the Blue" (2003) than racks of others.

In recent years, much of Barksdale's time has been spent scoring and performing music for film, movie trailers and TV spots. Her music is featured in such films as "Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning," "Cars," "Mission Impossible III," "Predator," and "Finding Neverland." Just in time for her induction, Barksdale will release yet another album.

Barksdale will be formally inducted into the Gulf Coast Music Hall of Fame exhibit within the Museum of the Gulf Coast at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2. There is no charge to attend this public event.

Barksdale's concert will be Nov. 3 at the Performing Arts Center, on Procter Street in downtown Port Arthur. Tickets are $20 at the Museum of the Gulf Coast or on the night of the concert, as supplies last. Seating is general admission. Advance tickets may also be purchased by calling the Museum at (409) 982.7000. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Museum of the Gulf Coast and the Commercial Music Program at Lamar State College-Port Arthur.

Guest post courtesy of Darragh Castillo at the Port Arthur Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Brewing up a Good Time at the Art of Beer

Stephanie Molina — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 12:59:01 -0700

Let the beer tasting begin!

Join The Art Museum of Southeast Texas (AMSET) for the Art of Beer from 6-10 p.m. on Thursday, October 4, and sample some of the world's finest beers, paired with complementary food dishes, cheeses and beer floats, and enjoy the sounds of local chart-topping country music superstar Tracy Byrd. This adventurous fundraising event will feature a completely new line-up of the best seasonal beers to sample.

Tickets are $50 for AMSET members and $60 for non-members. Funds raised benefit AMSET's exhibition and education programs. Visit www.amset.org or call (409) 832-3432 for tickets.

So don't miss the BREW-HAHA on October 4 at 500 Main Street in downtown Beaumont.

We'll treasure this Jewel of a post about visiting the McFaddin-Ward House

Stephanie Molina — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:08:10 -0700

It's not everyday you come across something that truly inspires you. Today we stumbled across this recent post from our partners at the Beaumont Enterprise Cat 5 Blog that had just to be shared.

Larena Head, Cat 5 blogger and vintage fashion enthusiast, recently toured one of the crown jewels of historic Calder Avenue, The McFaddin-Ward House. Inspired by delicate vintage lace, rich mahogany, and various elements within the walls of Beaux-Arts style mansion, she created her own *fabulous* outfit inspired by some of her favorite things. Not only do I love the outfit she put together, but the story told with each piece is a stellar treasure in itself. Beautiful!

Introducing The Event Centre

Stephanie Molina — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 13:13:27 -0700

We would like to take a moment to introduce you to Beaumont's newest meeting facility, The Event Centre. Versatile and beautiful, The Event Centre features a 16,000 sq ft Event Hall and two outdoor canopies that open to The Great Lawn & Lake.

We are thrilled about the new options offered by the facility's unique space and design. Green construction, along with the use of natural light and neutral colors create an elegant backdrop for special events, meetings, conferences, weddings, family reunions, and parties. Located just off IH-10 in historic downtown, it is accessible and has plenty of *free* parking. In addition, the venue is only steps from Riverfront Park, Crockett Street Entertainment District and downtown museums.

The Event Centre opened this past weekend and hosted its first event. Check out the great photos from the Civic Center's Facebook Page that showcase the lovely indoor space. Be sure to "Like" their page while you're there. You can be sure that Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting details are coming soon, so stay tuned!

Facility Features

Event Hall: 16,000 square feet.
Features Platform stage, Dressing rooms, Catering area, Patio, Outdoor canopies on the east and west sides
The center will be equipped with the latest in audio visual equipment: (2) 70 inch screen, TV monitors with access to DVD players and laptops
Event space can accommodate 500 at round tables or 900 theater style
Natural materials and a neutral color palette give the facility a simple, contemporary elegance, the color palette will compliment any color scheme
Canopies: 14,000-square-foot roof canopy on the east side overlooking the lake, 3,800 square-foot roof canopy with platform stage on the west side overlooking the 12-acre park, the canopy spaces can be rented for outdoor events
Great Lawn & Lake: The building is flanked by a great lawn to the west of the building, connected to the lawn is a tree-lined, decomposed granite lighted walking trail
The building also has a 2-acre lake to the east of the structure, which features a 35-foot geyser fountain

Looking for booking information? Just click here and one of our CVB sales pros will be in touch soon!

Chef?s Picks: Asian-Style Salmon, Chef John Sipes of Suga?s Deep South Cuisine and Jazz Bar

Stephanie Molina — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 13:51:16 -0700

Twenty-six year old Chef Sipes has been at Suga's for a year. He and Frank Panniti, who has been with Suga's since it opened in 2005, created this dish because they were looking for something with an Asian flare.

"Asian and salmon go very well together. This is one of the best dishes we serve," he said of the creation he described as" fruity, outgoing, and very bold."

It's a perfect description. The dark sesame seeds contrast beautifully with the pink flesh of the salmon, giving it a nutty bite. The salmon comes served over a moist, rich risotto with tender, spicy-sweet spinach on top. A sweet chili sauce adds visual and flavorful dimensions.

To create this dish: Season 7 ounces fresh salmon with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with a combination of black and white sesame seeds. Pan sear in a hot skillet for 30 seconds, sesame side down. Flip and place in an oven for 6 minutes at 325 degrees (for medium). For the risotto, sauté two diced Gulf shrimp in a hot pan. Add 1 ounce English peas and an egg. Cook for 30 seconds. Add 1 cup cooked risotto or white rice, 1 ounce teriyaki sauce and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook until hot, about a minute. For sweet-and-spicy spinach, sauté 4 ounces of fresh spinach, then add chili sauce to taste.

From Chef's Picks by Jane McBride / Regional Visitors Guide 2012/2013