Beaumont Texas Convention & Visitors Bureau Blog

Have your Taste of Gumbo at the Taste of Gumbo, Etc!

Ashley White — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:35:39 -0700

King Gumbo is George Newsome's title for Taste of Gumbo, Etc., the Rotary Club of Port Arthur's annual house-packing fundraiser serving up the best from area restaurants and service groups. From 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, March 17, visitors can get their fill of Cajun elixirs featuring sausage, chicken and seafood. Newsome will head the Taste, which will also feature other types of food. Guests can sample their fill for an $8 admission, which will benefit area charities.

In Port Arthur, gumbo is comfort food. Newsome said his French grandma would gather the cousins and serve up gumbo hot enough to make them behave. The okra-rich concoction from H20, a new Port Arthur seafood restaurant, is headed for Taste of Gumbo. Wayne Kung, manager, said he recreated his recipe from a New Orleans version that mesmerized him.

"We sauté the okra," Kung said. Attendees are in for a "real treat," Newsome said. The Schooner, Chick-fil-A, Port Arthur International Seafarers' Center and Medical Center of Southeast Texas will be among participants. The Rotary Club of Port Arthur will sell gumbo tickets at the door.

Enjoy Spring Break in Beaumont!

Ashley White — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 09:50:27 -0700

Fun doesn't have to be far. Breakaway from the busy spring break destinations and spend some time exploring Beaumont's museums and exciting attractions. Here is a quick list of fun things you can do in and around Beaumont, Texas this spring break.

Visit Beaumont Museums
Enjoy a Neches River Boat Ride
Hike the Big Thicket National Preserve
Treat yourself to ice cream at Rao's Bakery
Canoe Village Creek
Explore Beaumont's Antique & Shopping Boutiques
Relax at Shangri La Botanical Gardens
Brush up on your history at Beaumont's Historic Homes

For additional planning information, visit our website and build a trip using our itinerary planner. Or, connect with us on your favorite social media outlets. Tweet us (@VisitBeaumontTX) on Twitter, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Pinterest and Foursquare. Still can't find what you're looking for? Give us a call: (409) 880-3749 or (800) 392-4401. See you soon!

Welcome Runners! Ready to Rush the Gush?

Stephanie Molina — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 09:22:17 -0700

This weekend in Beaumont is The Gusher Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K and we are super excited. OK, the fact is we are really pumped because for the first time ever, the Beaumont CVB will have a team and a number of us will be running. The Gusher has grown each year and continues to be a positive fitness event in our local community inspiring thousands to train and become healthier. It's amazing to hear all the stories of lives that have been forever changed. In fact, the Gusher's Facebook Page has offered a continuous stream of positive comments and inspiring stories from runners looking forward to the event.

If you're coming in from out of town to run, WELCOME! The course takes you right by our offices in the downtown region and a number of CVB staff will be there to cheer you on. In the meantime, check out this great video to get you excited. So, are you ready to Rush The Gush? Let's run!

Beaumont CVB Names Charlie Gibbs 2011 Service Industry Award Recipient

Ashley White — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:41:13 -0700

Last Thursday, we hosted our 22nd Annual Hall of Fame where we honored local meeting planners that have brought meetings to Beaumont during the past year, 2011. Each year at the event, we also present a Service Award to a local citizen who has shown extreme dedication to enhancing tourism in Beaumont, Texas. These people are some of Beaumont's biggest cheerleaders and we're their biggest fans!

This year, the Beaumont CVB is proud to honor Charlie Gibbs with the 2011 Service Industry Award. A native Beaumonter and local business owner, Mr. Gibbs has been the linchpin helping the CVB sales department book sporting events and tournaments at Ford Fields since 2002. In 2009, he became even more directly involved with Ford Park as a contracted sales person and frequently partners with the CVB on sales efforts. He travels throughout the year representing Beaumont and promoting Ford Park's facilities at tradeshows, conventions & conferences.

We asked a few people what they thought of Mr. Gibbs and this is what they had to say:

"Charle goes beyond and out of his way frequently. He always looks for ways to get things done and overcome obstacles and objections. Charlie is always positive and optimistic concerning attracting business to Ford Park." - John Hughes, Executive Director, Ford Park

"He totally believes that Beaumont is an oustanding city to host any type of event. He works at selling Beaumont everyday and has the "sure we can do this" attitude. We truly appreciate his efforts to find and bring groups to Beaumont." - Dean Conwell, Executive Director, Beaumont CVB

It's people like Charlie who have a profound effect on the Beaumont CVB's economic impact to it's local economy. So, we tip our hat to Charlie and express our heartfelt thanks for helping us continue the growth of tourism and sporting events in Beaumont!

Meetings Mean Business in Beaumont!

Stephanie Molina — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:06:30 -0700

Meetings and Events bring tourism dollars into the local economy. Taxes and money spent here by tourists not only helps businesses like hotels and restaurants but it reduces taxes, provides over 2,900 jobs. This infographic shows the economic impact of the meetings industry on Beaumont in 2011.

What Super Bowl? Beaumont, Texas Featured on C-SPAN this Weekend!

Ashley White — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:56:43 -0700

Set the DVRs folks because this weekend is Beaumont weekend on C-SPAN! And yes, we are just a tad bit thrilled to be featured in their 2012 Tour of Cities. So much so, that we may have to skip watching the Super Bowl to catch the exciting stuff C-Span has in store. We had a blast showing the producers around a few weeks ago when the crew rolled into our city to visit our literary and historic sites.

The programming will air throughout this weekend on C-SPAN. Some of the highlights you can expect to see as part of Beaumont weekend include those on American History TV and Book TV.

C-SPAN3's American History TV aires Sunday, February 5th at 5:00 p.m. and features:

Spindletop and Lucas Gusher - On January 11, 1901, oil began gushing out of a salt dome mound about three miles south of downtown Beaumont. Dubbed the "Lucas Gusher", the oil discovery on Spindletop Hill changed the economy of Texas and helped usher in the petroleum age. Gulf Oil and Texaco were formed to develop production at Spindletop, which remained productive until 1936. Other oil wells in the area were subsequently found as well.

Spindletop/Gladys City Boomtown - With the discovery of oil, an economic boom came to Beaumont. This re-created city depicts what existed following the discovery of oil at Spindletop in 1901. Gladys City was originally intended to be the "perfect industrial city" but after oil was discovered, the rapid influx of businessmen, oilfield workers, prostitutes, and others made that plan impossible.

The James Commission - Visit the site of the former Dixie Hotel, an infamous brothel on Crockett Street, which you can read about in Betting, Booze & Brothels. By the mid-1950s, as an outgrowth of the oil industry, Beaumont had become at hotbed of vice. For decades, gambling, prostitution and other crime thrived as local police and government officials either looked the other way or took kickbacks. In 1960, the James Commission - an investigating committee of the Texas House of Representative - comes in and the result is a cleaned up Beaumont with governmental reforms and a crackdown on crime. The Dixie Hotel was closed shortly after in 1961.

McFaddin-Ward House - To learn about the early 1900s in Beaumont, we look at the influence of the cattle and lumber industries on our area. The McFaddin-Ward family lived in this Beaux-Arts Colonial Revival house for seventy five years and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

Texas Energy Museum - We travel to the Texas Energy Museum to hear about the history of the oil industry in Texas as well as some of the different techniques used in oil drilling. We'll learn about the different scientific techniques used in the early days of oil drilling and extraction compared to today's methods.

Texas Congressman Jack Brooks - We take you to Lamar University and the statue of longtime Democratic Party Congressman and Committee Chairman, Jack Brooks, to learn about his career in the House which spanned 40 years. Defeated for re-election in 1994, Congressman Brooks was in the motorcade in Dallas when JFK was shot, on the plane when LBJ was sworn-in, helped write the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act in 1965. He also helped draft the articles of impeachment regarding President Nixon.

C-SPAN2's Book TV aires Saturday, February 4th at 12:00 noon and features:

Medieval Manuscripts: Books of Hours - We visit the Stark Museum of Art to take a look at the Books of Hours exhibition. These 4 prayer books highlight two important aspects of medieval life: the significant role of the Church and religion in European life and the cultural interests in objects of beauty. The books are filled with devotional imagery. We will also learn how these books were made in their time, and how they are preserved now.
Lamar University Library - We will see their Special Collections and to talk with Archivist, Penny Clark, about the University's history as a war training facility. We'll also focus in on the photo collection of Dorothy Becker, a nurse in World War II.
The Book Bazaar - Here, we'll talk with owner, John Roberts, about the local literary culture in Beaumont and the challenges of running an independent book store.

So tune in to Time Warner, channels 12 & 13 or Dish Network, channels 210 & 211. They've even created an excellent online preveiw here.

Amazing. Grace.

Stephanie Molina — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:32:50 -0700

Part of Beaumont's Faith Trail, the Saint Anthony Cathedral Basilica is breathtaking.

Our current Visitors Guide magazine features this highlight of the amazing historic sanctuary that sits in the heart of downtown Beaumont. We thought it would be nice to feature it here for you to enjoy too.

From the plaza in front of Saint Anthony Cathedral Basilica, the sacred sanctuary soars heavenward. Atop the church sits a copper dome and a statue of Saint Anthony of Padua, the patron of lost things. The huge, bronze doors are imprinted with images of Jesus Christ and adorned with bishop staffs as door pulls. The inscription above reads Mater Ecclesia, Mother Church, and Porta Caeli, gates of heaven. The cathedral is the "mother church" to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Beaumont. But whatever your faith, the cathedral is an awe-inspiring place of worship offering magnificent views that any visitor can appreciate.

The church's cornerstone was laid in 1903 and it was completed in 1907. Pope Benedict XVI recognized the vitality of pastoral ministry, liturgical excellence, beauty, precious art and historical significance of this sacred site in 2006 by granting the title of "Minor Basilica" to Saint Anthony Cathedral.

Today, Saint Anthony Cathedral Basilica is one of 13 Cathedral Basilicas in the United States. It is designated by the State of Texas and the City of Beaumont as a historic landmark. Make an appointment for a guided tour and "Like" their page on Facebook. You'll thank heaven you did!

Welcome to "Beautiful Mountain"

Stephanie Molina — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:41:59 -0700

Saturated with a spicy blend of cultures, Beaumont, French for "beautiful mountain," is as flat as a pancake. It's an ironic twist, but an innocent one. That's because the town was named for a person, not a mountain. It's a busy city with a bustling port on the Neches River surrounded by marshlands to the south and lush, piney woods to the north. It's most notable claim to fame - the start of the oil boom with the Lucas Gusher at Spindletop.

Beaumont has its quaint peculiarities - the world's largest working fire hydrant, a water tower sporting a soccer-ball design, a humongous bust of the founder of Lamar University and a historical library that looks like a gothic castle.

It's the eclectic mix of cultures, flavors and scenery that makes people exit off Interstate 10 and stay awhile.

Gotta See 'em Museums

Discover the beginnings of the Texas oil industry at the Texas Energy Museum where interactive exhibits share the history of oil exploration, production and refining. Push a button and the robots representing historical characters seemingly come to life to tell their stories of the oil boom in Beaumont.

While you're still in a scientific mood, visit the Edison Museum dedicated to the brilliant American inventor Thomas Alva Edison. The museum is located in the historical Travis Street electrical substation of Beaumont-based Gulf States Utilities Co., now a subsidiary of Entergy Corp., next to Edison Plaza. Interactive exhibits are packed into this little museum.

Seeing spots? You can't miss them when you're touring downtown. A giant white fire hydrant with black spots, a movie prop for 101 Dalmatians donated by the Walt Disney Co., marks the spot of the Fire Museum of Texas. Dedicated to preserving the history of the firefighting service and educating new generations about fire prevention and safety, the museum is housed in a working fire station built in 1927. View vintage fire engines, equipment and memorabilia. Tour highlights include the 1909 Aerial ladder truck, the 1856 Howe Hand Drawn Pumper, the 1931 Light Truck and the Gamewell Call Box Alarm System used prior to telephones.

At the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, explore the collection of paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs and folk and decorative arts of the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. The museum has an emphasis on American art, with a growing collection of regional folk art.

The Dishman Art Museum, located on the campus of Lamar University, serves as a teaching facility and offers students an opportunity to exhibit their own work. It holds an impressive collection of paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures and furniture. The

For sports fans and history buffs, the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum is a must-see. With photos and memorabilia, it pays tribute to the hometown legend who won Olympic gold and co-founded the Ladies Professional Golf Association.

Blast from the Past

Before striking black gold, Beaumont was a frontier town. Founded in 1835, it was a region known for rice farming, cattle ranching and trapping. In 1845, John Jay French, a local merchant, built a simple Greek revival-style house to use as his home and as a trading post and tannery. The house, the oldest surviving one in the city, was the first in Beaumont built from milled lumber and painted. Now a museum, the house and grounds depict 19th-century life in Southeast Texas with period antique furnishings and pioneer household items.

In 1901, Beaumont exploded to fame with the Lucas Gusher at Spindletop. Today the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum at Lamar University recreates the oil-rush town of the early 1900s. Stroll along the wooden walkway, stepping inside the storefronts that replicate a photography studio, general store, livery stable and more. On special occasions, a replica of the famous oil derrick gushes with faux black gold. (It's just water.)

Many people struck it rich in those days, including W.P.H. McFaddin, who had already made his money from the cattle business, rice farming and milling, commercial real estate and trapping. After the Lucas Gusher, he made even more since he owned part interest in the land where oil was discovered. In 1907, he moved his family into a grand, Beaux-Arts colonial style residence on Calder Avenue. Today, the McFaddin-Ward House Museum and its furnishings reflect the lifestyle of the prominent family who lived in the home for 75 years. Enter the beveled-glass front doors into the chandelier-lighted foyer that leads to antique treasures in every room. Especially grand is the formal dining room with its huge candelabras made by Robert Garrard of London, silversmith to Queen Victoria.

Just down the street, the Chambers House Museum offers a fascinating glimpse of a middle-class family living in the early 20^th century. The house was built in 1906 and holds furniture, personal items and artifacts.

We sure hope you enjoy your time in Beaumont. There's a lot to keep you busy, but if you have a moment, drop by one of our visitor centers and say hello!

Museum Capital of Texas?

Stephanie Molina — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:28:56 -0700

Beaumont was dubbed The Museum Capital of Texas years ago. We're not entirely sure when and where the claim orginiated, but we use it, and we hear the phrase used by locals from time to time. I mean, we're Texans. We'll find something to brag about, right?

While we Texans are known for telling stories, it's always interesting when you encounter the occassional mathmatician. In this case, it so happened to come from our CVB Advisory Board Chairman, Ryan Smith, who was a little curious and emailed us the following information.

"

After hearing the claim of Beaumont -- Museum Capital of Texas for several years, I thought I would finally do some fact checking.

Houston has the largest number of museums -- 32

Of cities with a population of 500,000 or more, Austin has the most museums per capita -- 1 museum for every 27,000 persons

Of cities with a population of 100,000 or more, Beaumont has the most museums per capita -- 1/9,800 persons

Of cities with a population of 50,000 or more, Galveston has the most museums per capita -- 1/4,000 persons

Several towns or communities of less than 10,000 actually have more museums per capita, i.e. Glen Rose at 1/400

Sources: Wikipedia Population figures for Texas cities and towns, 2010 census

The Official Museum Directory, 2011 (numbers include aquariums, botanical gardens and zoos)
"

So there you have it. Beaumont has a statiscially high number of museums. Moving on.

I'm ready to brag about all the interesting, important and awesome topics featured in Beaumont's museums. They cover everything from our oil heritage, energy, history, art, sports legends, to fire safety and even Thomas Edison inventions. Have you visited all of them? Many of them? If not, then GO! Consider it a challenge this year.

Oh, and when you do, consider checking in on Foursquare. Who knows, you could become the new "Mayor" of the Museum Capital of Texas {of cities with a population of 100,000 or more}, that is. For the record, I actually think this would be kind of funny to see on a t-shirt.

Howard Johnson Beaumont to Host Christmas Stocking Give-a-way

Ashley White — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 10:58:43 -0700

Howard Johnson's in Beaumont, Texas is requesting the support of the community to contribute in any way to their Christmas Stocking Give-a-way to the homeless and under employed that visit Some Other Place, in Beaumont, Texas for meals six days a week. Any donation to fill the stockings would be greatly appreciated by the volunteers and the recipients! They have complied a list of items needed.

Several local companies have already donated to this charitable cause. For a complete list of donations still needed as well as those companies who have already donated, please visit their website. To donate, please contact the Howard Johnson Beaumont at (409) 832-0555 or drop your donation off at 2615 IH 10 East, Beaumont, Texas 77702. Merry Christmas y'all!

French scarves inspire Bates? TAM works

Ashley White — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:05:27 -0700

Delle Bates saw scarves on everyone on his recent visit to France. Even people in bathing suits tied one on. He's worked the flair into the several oils he's created this year, and visitors can see his "French girls" at Port Arthur's Texas Artists Museum (TAM) in October. Using black for his negative space and working in olive branches are other inspirations from hitting about 60 museums on his pilgrimage.

"I'm not an old hippie. I wish I would have been," Bates, who has an Orange studio, said.

A dark cadmium redhead with absinthe-green eyes is named "Lucy in the Sky." He's also showing angels in T-shirts that came to him after Hurricane Rita.

Jean Gunn and James Black will also show works in October. TAM, at 3501 Cultural Center Drive, offers monthly Second Sunday programs with entertainment, often combined with artists' receptions.

More museum? We've got it. Museum of the Gulf Coast has history including art of Robert Rauschenberg and music from Janis Joplin and The Big Bopper, all from Port Arthur. For more about our attractions, including Sea Rim State Park, Texas fishing vacations and the Great Texas Birding Trail, visit Port Arthur, Texas online.

Turkey Creek Trail Now Open in the Big Thicket National Preserve

Stephanie Molina — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 07:53:43 -0700

Great news just in from the Big Thicket National Preserve! Superintendent, Doug Neighbor, announced today that the entire Turkey Creek Trail is now open. All of the bridges and boardwalks that were consumed by wildfire have been replaced and the trail is in good condition.

The Turkey Creek Trail is recovering from the wildfire that burned over it last June. The black charred wood on downed trees is contrasted with the bright green leaves of emerging plants. Other plants are responding to the recent rain by putting forth young fruit; Pokeweed that will turn red then dark blue and American Beautyberry that will become bright purple. The Partridge pea, Day flowers and catchflies are blooming yellow, blue and red respectively.

Tall pines are still green though their trunks are black for the first few feet off the ground. Young trumpet vine and cross vine are creeping slowly back over burnt bark. Medium sized trees such as Ti-ti and Sweet Bay magnolia appear dead, but shoots covered with green leaves are already three feet high around their base. The fire burned some plants roots and all - leaving gaping black holes in the forest floor.

There is a noticeable absence of snakes and lizards, but the birds are in their usual abundance. The Pileated woodpecker is already taking advantage of charred snags. Tracks of deer and hogs are seen on the sandy trail, and the familiar traps built by the ant lion are waiting for the wayward ant. Carpenter ants and leaf-cutter ants are busy along the trail.

Take advantage of our beautiful fall weather and enjoy the wonder of forest recovery.
Call the Visitor Center for more information, 409-951-6700.

9/11 Remembered in Beaumont

Ashley White — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:14:53 -0700

Where were you on September 11, 2001? I was in my car on my way to get my hair cut. I was listening to the radio and as I was just about to change the station, I heard the DJ announce, "A plane has just hit the World Trade Center." I remember listening in shock as they began to unfold the happenings of that dreadful morning. We all have a story and none of us could have been left unaffected by the events of that day. In remembrance, here are events you'll find in Beaumont this weekend.

September 11, 4-6 p.m. - 10th Annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony - The City of Beaumont and the Beaumont Council of Garden Clubs invite you to the 10th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony of September 11 at Tyrrell Park. Bring your families to remember that tragic day in America's history and to honor our First Responders and the Military. A wreath will be placed at the memorial site at the end of the program, followed by Amazing Grace and ending with the playing of the Taps.
September 11, 5-6 p.m. - Vesper Memorial Service for 9/11 - This memorial service is offered to the community as a way to remember and heal from the tragedy that befell our country. Prayers and uplifting music will start at 5pm. The Chancel Choir will be singing several inspirational and moving anthems, such as "Song of Peace," "Pie Jesu," "Kyrie from Memorial," and "Standford's Nunc Diminitis." All are welcome to come and share in this special vesper service.

Beaumont Celebrates July 4th

Stephanie Molina — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:24:22 -0700

Red, White & Blue, Beaumont has the celebration just for you.

The City of Beaumont's Fourth of July Celebration offers a rollicking salute to our nation's past with events that include performances by local musical groups. The Symphony of Southeast Texas will also perform at the Julie Rogers Theatre. Enjoy the music and the air condition of the orchestra beginning at 8 pm. At 9 p.m. fireworks explode in the sky while the explosive and dramatic delight to eye and ear continues for about 30 minutes.

Entertianment Lineup

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Ashlynn Ivy & The Blends

6:15 pm -7:15 pm
The Jeremiah Houston Band

7:45 pm - 9:00 pm
Forever Falls

Location: Plaza area between Downtown Library & Julie Rogers Theatre, for additional information, please call (409) 838-3435.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

SETx Wakeboarding Tournament Brings High-Flying Action to Beaumont

Ashley White — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 07:51:41 -0700

If you weren't in town last weekend, you missed out. The 9th Annual SETx Wakeboarding Tournament brought some high-flying, water-shredding action to Beaumont as nearly 75 riders from throughout Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma came together to compete for the championship trophy, cash and bragging rights (of course). All skill levels were represented at the competition including: novice, advanced, expert, wakeskate and outlaw (also known as crazy people). Complete with penty of food and cold beverages, the event went off without a hitch. Thrilling jumps, dare-devil flips and FREE fun for the entire family. What's not to love?

Bummed you missed all the action? Not to worry, you can see the video recap below. And while we have your attention, be sure to mark your calendars for next year's tournament which takes place Saturday, June 23, 2012. See you then!

SETX MID SUMMER CLASSIC- JUNE 25,2011 from Justin DeYoung on Vimeo.