Tag: BRAZORIA COUNTY

Becoming A Tourist In Your Home Town

 

Make the most of your summer vacation with a single tank of gas by hitting these local spots

With the chaos and hectic schedules most of us have today, coordinating a multi-day vacation for your whole family while juggling different work and extracurricular commitments is becoming more and more implausible. Getting everyone on board and finding a desirable destination worth your time and money (and the headache of making travel arrangements AND packing for the lot) is a task no one enjoys undertaking. Even if you manage to execute that ideal get-away, odds are at some point along the way – be it during the third or fourth meltdown, when hearing another grumbled complaint about money, experiencing poor customer service, or after paying way too much for a bland meal – you’ll start to think about how nice it would have been to just have stayed at home.

 

It’s okay. We’ve all been there before. Our expectations versus reality rarely line up. And your kids aren’t really the ungrateful little brats they sometimes seem to be; you’re just tired and frustrated. And understandably so! Don’t bother reminding them that you never had such opportunities in your childhood either – they don’t care.

 

The truth is, vacations are hard on everyone, and unless you have a personal assistant to handle every minute detail while also intercepting each grumbling comment from your family, you’ll probably be burnt out from your scheduled respite well before ever setting off.

 

Wouldn’t it be nice to get the satisfaction of a summer well-spent without the stress of planning a vacation? Sure, all your Facebook friends are flooding your news feed with updates on their idyllic trips, but rest assured they’ve seen just as many eye-rolls and have threatened to ground at least one kid for the rest of the summer if they didn’t start acting right along the way. People only share the rare stuff in between the predominately crap-filled minutes. You can have your own moments to share too, and do so without every having to pack a bag!

 

Yes, you read that correctly. And yes, I am discussing Brazoria County, Texas. I grew up here, you see, and like most people, I believed you had to venture outside County lines in order to do, well, anything. But looking back, I realize that some of my fondest memories occurred in my literal backyard or just a little ways down the road. It didn’t matter that my family never took dream vacations, because my childhood was filled with love and laughter and FUN. The only thing that really matters are the memories you create together, regardless of where it’s done. I only wish that I had known back then that Brazoria County had so much more than just the beach to offer (though it is a wonderful offering, to be sure). Lucky for you, I have compiled a list of ideas for your summer vacation.

1.) Movies Under the Stars: Both Angleton and Lake Jackson Parks and Recreation Departments hold monthly outdoor showing of family-friendly films. And they’re entirely free! Bring your own snacks and a blanket to enjoy your kids’ favorite movies. Pirates Alley in Surfside also hosts periodic movie nights on the beach. Keep in mind that you’ll be on the sand for these events, so bug spray is a must!

City of Angleton Link:  https://www.angleton.tx.us/164/Special-Events
City of Lake Jackson Link: https://www.lakejackson-tx.gov/315/Special-Events

2.) Sea Center Texas: https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishing/sea-center-texas/

3.) Bayou Wildlife Safari: Experience a real-life safari in Alvin!  https://www.bayouwildlifezoo.com/

4.) Nature Camp at Quintana Beach County Park and Camp Mohawk County Park: offered in Quintana and Alvin respectively, this week-long “camp” focuses on educating children on the beautiful nature of two very different environments. Parks Department staff and Master Naturalist volunteers help kids develop an appreciation and love for the outdoors through various informative and fun classes. No sleeping bag required – Nature Camp is held from 8 – 12 on the scheduled weekdays.

5.) Migration Celebration: https://www.brazosport.org/event/migration-celebration/

6.) Local Museums / Visitors Centers:

Lake Jackson Historical Museum: https://www.lakejacksonmuseum.org/
SFA-Munson County Park: https://brazoriacountytx.gov/departments/parks-department/munson-park-stephen-f-austin-statue

7.) Brazoria County Parks Kayaking Trips: https://brazoriacountytx.gov/departments/parks-department/special-events

8.) Kids Fishing Tournaments: check special events pages for Brazoria County and its surrounding cities.

9.) Quintana Bird Sanctuary and Park Office Exhibits: https://brazoriacountytx.gov/departments/parks-department/quintana-beach

10.) Brazoria County Library Special Events: Check out the listings for each branch in cities across the County!                                        https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?showCalendars=0&mode=AGENDA&height=768&wkst=1&bgcolor=%23FFFFFF&src=jg5e0ogg0fhv7t7r4btpd2397s@group.calendar.google.com&color=%2323164E&ctz=America/Chicago

These are just some of the many worthwhile places and events that Brazoria County has to offer. Unfortunately, locals remain largely uninformed on their options. I personally had little knowledge of our options until I began working for the Parks Department ten years ago. I didn’t even know about several of the great parks within our area before then.

One little known destination, for example, is the Kelly Hamby Nature Trail off of Bluewater Highway, just before the Galveston toll bridge. This small park provides a gorgeous beach outlet and boardwalk that almost always has thousands of shells to pick through. It’s the perfect spot for a beach day without having to drive on the sand and dirty your vehicle. Or if you’re looking for a day outdoors without a drive to the beach, Hanson Riverside County Park just outside West Columbia has wooded-trails, covered picnic tables, a playground and fishing pier, and multiple acres of outdoor space. While you’re in the area, take a drive to the State Historical Site off of Highway 36 heading toward Needville. In this beautifully maintained patch of land, you’ll find a historical marker that marks the place where Stephen F. Austin took his last breath. And if this is enough to spark your interest in the Father of Texas, head on over to his giant statue at SFA-Munson Historical County Park in Angleton. The staff on site are always eager to provide a colorful history lesson for curious listeners.

As you can see, there’s plenty of fun-filled events and places with which to occupy those free days ahead! Explore what Brazoria County has to offer! You won’t regret it 🙂

 

 

 

 

Bluewater Highway

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Stretching along the edge of Brazoria County where it meets the Gulf of Mexico, CR 257 is the slower route to Galveston Island but still the preferred method for most residents in and around the area. Better known as Bluewater Highway, the 15 mile road provides a scenic path to some of the best spots in the County and is well worth the slower speed limits in place. If you find yourself fortunate enough to be visiting the area, or if you are just on your way to Galveston, do yourself a favor and take Bluewater Highway. You won’t regret it. And while on this route, make sure to stop by at least one of these places along the way:

1. Surfside Jetty Park

As you come over the Intracoastal Waterway from the Highway 332 bridge you’ll get a full view of the Gulf beyond Surfside Beach as well as the road leading east to Galveston. To the right of the bridge there’s not much land before hitting the Intracoastal, however just at the edge is a small park and jetties that stretch a mile into the Gulf of Mexico. Surfside Jetty Park was a wildly popular place for locals and tourists up until 2008, when Hurricane Ike crippled most of the shoreline area surrounding Bluewater Highway. Incredibly, the park itself suffered the least amount of damage in the area, but the effects from Ike and previous years of storm surge had caused the beach in front of it to slowly disappear with the eroding coastline. Despite that, the park remained frequently visited by fishermen and beach-goers throughout the year. The park office provided a visitor center and boardwalk to the beach, as well as covered picnic areas and public showers. A 5-year Master Plan detailed a vision for the park that included eventual cabins and pavilions with attention focused on the historical significance of the location in regards to Texas Independence. However the already hurricane-delayed plans for the park were upended when a fire consumed the structure Thanksgiving day in 2008. Unfortunately the facilities were never rebuilt, but the park grounds are still worth visiting anyway. Maintained by the County, Surfside Jetty Park provides public restrooms and free parking for those interested in strolling down the jetties or visiting Surfside’s pedestrian only beach. There’s also a playground and nature trail leading to a new splash pad put in by the Village of Surfside. In all, Surfside Jetty Park is where you’ll find the best view of the Gulf of Mexico and Intracoastal Waterway.

2. Ocean Village Hotel / Seahorse Bar and Grill

Looking for convenient beach access and comfortable rooms with gulf views? Ocean Village Hotel is the best option for both. And the views really are top notch. If you’re only passing through the area though, the adjacent Seahorse Bar and Grill has beach-facing decks with plenty of seating for the whole family. Their menu has plenty of options and Gulf favorites (for the non-seafood eaters, I recommend the BLT), and if you time your visit right, they host a number of events during the summer season, including beach movie nights. Here are a few upcoming events to put on your radar:

April 21 – Craft Beer and Crawfish Fest

July 12 – Movies on the Beach, Moana

July 19 – Movies on the Beach, JAWS

3. Stahlman Park

The large beach front event center maintained by the Village of Surfside is a popular venue for weddings, celebrations, etc., and for good reason. After suffering extensive damage from Hurricane Ike, the original structure was demolished instead of attempting an expensive repair project. The new and improved Stahlman Park far exceeds its predecessor and can host up to ____ guests in its enclosed upper floor, as well as larger crowds in a covered picnic area below deck. A boardwalk provides direct access from the parking lot to the beach, where outdoor showers and restrooms are available for the public as long as there isn’t an event taking place.

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4. Kelly Hamby Nature Trail

Toward the edge of Follett’s Island just before reaching San Luis Pass, a pocket access trail and boardwalk comprises Brazoria County’s smallest “park.” The decomposed granite trail extends into a longer boardwalk that allows you to walk safely over the dune grass and beach vegetation to the sand. Special attention was given to the trial placement so as to not disturb the natural habitat of the many species of wildlife who call it home. Bird enthusiasts are sure to find photo-worthy species around the are as well as the occasional rattlesnake and sea turtle. The park’s namesake, former County employee and long-time Surfside resident Kelly Hamby, is remembered by the community as a dedicated worker and passionate advocate for beach conservation. Dedicating the park in her memory was an easy choice, as Kelly spent her time with the Parks Department seeking out and obtaining grants for coastal improvement projects. A memorial plaque stands on the boardwalk as a thank you for her years of service, and one cannot help but feel the love as they walk the trail.

5. San Luis Pass

San Luis Pass County Park is easily the most frequented destination in the County Parks system. Geared toward angler-loving guests, this former KOA camp offers overnight facilities that provide fishing piers and well-lit bulkheads for campers looking to reel in that next catch. RV spaces stay consistently booked throughout the year, so don’t count on visiting the park during a “dead” season. The staff of dedicated employees on site are well-known for their energetic zeal for all things fishing, providing guests and campers with expert tips on the best ways to a successful fishing experience. A bit of a celebrity among repeat visitors and fishing enthusiasts, Debbie might not be what one would expect in a coastal park manager and certainly shatters gender norms when it comes to the stereotypical image of the average “fisherman.” Debbie’s salt life attitude and fun-loving approach to operating an ideal destination for fellow anglers creates an environment that puts her guests at ease while they seek to fill their ice chests with fish. Unlike other campgrounds, there are no quiet hours or lights-out time frames inside San Luis Pass Park. Most that have stayed there before understand that when night falls on RV Island, as its referred to, the real vacation begins. Don’t let her carefree demeanor fool you, however, for beneath the tanned surface lies a hard-working, dedicated manager who takes the responsibility of running the highest-earning County park very seriously. Having managed 3 of the County’s coastal parks in her almost 20 years on the job (2 of them at the same time while SLP was closed for Ike repairs), Debbie has earned the respect and confidence of parks guest and County officials. Thanks to her, and under the direction of like-minded Park administration, San Luis Pass has become a highly popular destination in the area. Even if you have no plans to stay overnight in one of their cabins, stop by the park office for a chat with Debbie or one of the rangers. The office is filled with eccentric items and beach finds, along with a large saltwater aquarium. Take the time to explore outside if you can; the expansive decking and beach access ramp provide a nice scenic stroll, while a playground rests safely nearby for the kids. Just don’t expect to cross over onto RV Island without a reservation or accompanying ranger – that’s reserved for the serious campers who are most likely catching up on lost sleep from the previous night.

As stated before, Bluewater Highway has a host of options for the Gulf traveler and is sure to provide the most memorable route on your journey. Even if Brazoria County is not your ultimate destination, you’ll discover why Surfside Beach, San Luis Pass, and Follett’s Island are worthy locations for any salt-life vacation pursuers. Before you reach the Galveston Toll Bridge (have your cash ready for the $2 fare), might I suggest taking a spontaneous detour off the narrow, 2-lane highway and drive down the public beach for a mile or so. Roll down your windows, take it slow, and let the salt breeze fill the car. It just might make you want to stay a while.