Hit the Road

Seize the bay with a whirlwind weekend getaway to Baytown

Imagine a trip that includes both high-octane excitement and peaceful hours spent in nature, one day sipping wine and another day landing the big catch, and even the chance to travel back in Texas history. It's all found in Baytown, located along several bays north of Galveston Bay and 25 miles east of Houston.

Whether you're in town on business or have brought the whole fam for a weekend away, this Gulf Coast spot is the perfect escape. Here are some ways you'll want to fill your days in Baytown.

In the path of history
These scenic waterways once witnessed the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and now border the San Jacinto Monument. Kayak across its reflection or pause and reflect from the Baytown Nature Center, which sports the best view.

Even cooler: Visitors who use the Lynchburg ferry to travel from the San Jacinto Battleground to Baytown are traversing along the same path used by Nathaniel Lynch to assist colonists in their flight during the Runaway Scrape of 1836.

View from above
Baytown is home to the Fred Hartman Bridge, the longest cable-stayed bridge in Texas and one of only four in the state. Traveling over the bridge provides fascinating views of the refining industry in the area.

Start your engines
Enjoy a rush of adrenaline at Houston Raceway Park, which hosts legal street racing on "Fast Friday" nights.

You won't want to miss the "Super Bowl of street racing," TX2K, held this year March 15-19, 2023. Tickets are required and go almost faster than the cars.

On the hunt
Ever tried geocaching? Baytown has a terrific free version of this unique scavenger hunt that takes participants on an outdoor tour of 30 different area landmarks.

Download a passport online and collect points with each stop, then unscramble the final message and turn in your passport for prizes.

Dine around the world
Baytown is known for its diverse local restaurants. In the Downtown Arts District, visitors can sample real Mexican ice cream at Sabor of Mexico, dine on Asian fusion appetizers and sushi at Wazabi, and tuck in to Mexican-Asian meals at Bocanegra's Kitchen.

In Baytown, you can grab real Cuban cuisine at Cuban Cafe, tasty Tex-Mex at El Toro, delicious bubble teas at Tea City, and have a little fun with drinks on the outdoor patio of Dirty Daiquiri.

Where to stay
Baytown's I-10 and Garth Road corridor is rich in hotel accommodations for every sort of traveler, and many also include free breakfasts, WiFi, and parking.

The new Hyatt Regency Baytown – Houston, at 100 Convention Center Way, is opening July 2023. This elegant waterfront hotel offers a stunning view of the Fred Hartman Bridge and Houston Ship Channel, and features an on-site restaurant with an exposed kitchen, a chic open-concept lobby bar, and 18,000 square feet of versatile meeting space.

Learn more about Baytown here.

Photo courtesy of Visit Baytown

Bring the whole fam for a weekend.

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WINE NEWS

Pioneering Texas winemaker plans new winery and hotel for Hill Country

Llano Estacado Winery/ Facebook

Llano Estacado Winery is moving forward on a Fredericksburg hotel and event space.

A pioneer in Texas winemaking is making a leap from grocery store shelves to upscale hospitality. The city of Fredericksburg has approved plans for Lubbock’s Llano Estacado Winery to build a five-building complex that will include a new winery, restaurant, event space, and 41-room boutique hotel.

In January, the winery announced its acquisition by a small group of investors, including wine industry vet Bret Perrenoud and Lubbock attorneys Kevin Glasheen and Noe Valles. At the time, it teased its ambitious intentions to beef up its physical presence in both its South Plains home and Fredericksburg.

“Llano has so much history, distribution, and the largest winemaking facility in the state,” said Bret Perrenoud in a previous release. “This is an incredible opportunity to build on that legacy. The new investment and energy from the ownership team are invigorating.”

The unanimous Fredericksburg vote, which included a zoning request, land-use change, and permitting, paves the way for the brand to move forward on a facility that will showcase the higher-end offerings of Texas' second-oldest winery. Although Llano Estacado is most known for its budget-friendly Sweet Red label, its finer wines have won awards nationwide.

The mixed-use development will be located on Llano Street — a short hop from Fredericksburg’s iconic Main Street. Although no updated timelines were provided in the city council meeting, the previous announcement said the winery is aiming to open sometime in 2026.

The project will require some infrastructure improvements, such as a cul-de-sac and a parking lot, but Llano Estacado says it will foot the bill. It also promised to maintain a section of the hike-and-bike trail near the property.

Fredericksburg is undergoing an unprecedented growth spurt as the once-sleepy Hill Country town transforms into a tony tourist destination. Among the more notable projects set to arrive in the next two years is Kimpton Fredericksburg, the heart of the 22-acre Meuse development. The town will also score Texas’ first outpost of the storied Waldorf Astoria hotel.

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