waste away on the island

New $250M Margaritaville Resort set to break ground in Galveston

Margaritaville is coming to Galveston island.

Rendering courtesy of Gensler

Attention Galveston Parrot Heads: a Margaritaville Resort is coming to the island.

The new, 334-room resort, will be located at 317 East Beach Dr. and will occupy 300,000 square feet, marking one of the largest developments in eastern Galveston. This new, $250 million project is the brainchild of RREAF Holdings LLC, a private real estate development firm, and Innisfree Hotels, a beachfront hotel and resort operator.

Plans call for myriad amenities, including pickleball courts, a family entertainment center, a lazy river along with an adult pool, and all the requisite, signature food and beverage offerings that have made the destination a favorite of families and Jimmy Buffett devotees and his no-shoes, beach lovin', pirate vibe.

Kids — and big kids — can look forward to a 2.5-acre elevated water park overlooking the beach. Dining and entertainment comes via four restaurants and a ballroom, perfect for weddings, reunions, parties, and coastal conventions. As this is a beachside resort, an easy trip to the sand and water is key.

Representatives of RREAF Holdings also confirm to CultureMap that the resort will offer for-sale beachside cottages — sure to draw vacation home buyers, rental investors, and more — as reported by Houston Business Journal.

Margaritaville Galveston rendering Boasting some 300,000 square feet, the new Margaritaville will be one of the biggest developments in East Galveston.Rendering courtesy of Galveston

“The Galveston market has exponential growth opportunities stimulated by its economy and the evolution of people moving to Texas in the past two years,” said Kip Sowden, CEO of RREAF Holdings, in an announcement. “We are honored to work with such distinguished companies as Innisfree Hotels and Margaritaville. With best-in-class management and highly amenitized options for our customers, we are offering a premier experience in a well-positioned hospitality asset for a fruitful future.”

With a new Galveston outpost, Margaritaville fans and loyalists (Parrot Heads) can now choose from the lakeside location in Conroe or the beachside island retreat.

A new Margaritaville also means expanded options for Galveston tourists and visitors among Tilman Fertitta’s San Luis Resort, the newly renovated Hotel Galvez, the just-opened new Hotel Lucine, and other hospitality.

Current plans call for the project to break ground in early 2024 as RREAF Holdings has now secured the necessary City of Galveston approvals, per press materials.

Already dotting beaches and coasts along the U.S., Mexico, and even the Dominican Republic, Margaritaville is aggressively expanding with beach resort (such as South Padre Island in Texas), and all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras.

Could Buffett — a self-dubbed "Pirate" who refused to adult and made beaches, boats, sandals, beers and margs, and day drinking — he coined the phrase "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere," after all — envisioned a hotel and resort empire inspired by his songs?

Jimmy Buffett dogs Ken Hoffman Buffett (with his beloved dogs just days before he passed away) spent some quality time with our columnist. Jimmy Buffett/Facebook

Perhaps. Regardless, it's easy to imagine that the pirate — who passed away just last year and spent some quality time with CultureMap columnist Ken Hoffman — is raising a glass somewhere.

Exploring Texas

Texas' new, 4,871-acre state park is now open to the public

Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park opens March 1.

Outdoor adventurers are able to hike, fish, camp, and explore Texas' first new state park in 25 years.

Open since March 1, Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, located at 100 Park Road 77 in Strawn, spans 4,871 acres of former ranchland between Abilene and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex (about five hours from Houston).

According to a release, the land was originally purchased by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in 2011 and the park was expected to open three years ago, but construction delays impeded the opening. Funding for the park was provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF), the Texas Legislature, the Sporting Goods Sales Tax, the federal government, and $10 million was raised by TPWF through private donations.

The park offers more than 16 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riding, and the park's website states 1.25 miles are ADA compliant, and all-terrain wheelchairs are available for some non-accessible trails. Campers and overnight guests also have three campsites to choose from, including RV sites, walk-in tent spots, and primitive camping areas.

Visitors are also welcome to swim, fish, and boat (note: motorboats are not allowed) in the 68-acre Tucker Lake using the park's accessible kayak/canoe launch, fishing pier, and fish cleaning station. Visitors don't need a license to fish at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, and the park will loan fishing gear upon request.

Tucker Lake at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park Visitors are welcome to kayak and canoe at Tucker Lake, but motorboats are not allowed.Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Birding enthusiasts might spot golden-cheeked warblers during their visit, as the endangered species take residence in the park's oak and Ashe juniper trees in the spring and summer months. Many other migratory birds can be seen at the park throughout the year.

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is anticipating high visitation in March with the spring season's temperate weather and Texas schools' spring breaks. TPWD strongly encourages visitors to reserve day passes in advance to avoid being turned away if the park has reached its capacity limit.

"This is a tremendous moment for Texas State Parks and the state of Texas," says Texas State Parks director Rodney Franklin in the release. "Opening Palo Pinto Mountains State Park represents the culmination of collaborative efforts that includes our Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation as well as private donors. I am proud of the dedication of our TPWD team but also the unwavering support of the Texas Legislature and the voters of Texas that have brought us to this moment. State park staff stand ready to welcome families far and wide to begin making memories at Texas’ newest state park."

Day passes are available up to one month in advance, are non-transferrable to another person or park, and are valid all-day until 10 pm unless the park closes earlier. Day passes can be reserved online or by calling TPWD's Customer Service Center during regular business hours at (512) 389-8900. Entrance fees are $7 daily for adults and children aged 13 and older, and admission is free for children 12-years-old and younger.

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