GoingCoastal

West Marine’s First Flagship Store in Texas

May 4, 2012 - Posted in Clear Lake, Texas, sailing, Texas Gulf Coast

Grand Opening, May 3 to May 6, 2012

West Marine kicks off its Grand Opening on May 3 to May 6. It is the first flagship store and is Texas’ largest store located at 1401 Marina Bay Drive, Clear Lake. The 25,000 square-foot store has a 2,500 square-foot Fishing Shack section for helping local anglers with their needs for saltwater fishing in Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Another new feature of the store is its on-site sailboat rigging section. The Kemah store has the “largest high-tech marine electronics selection in the state of Texas.”

“The entire Clear Lake West Marine crew is eager to serve our customers at our new location,” says Nolan Vander-Haagen. He is a lifelong fisherman and boater and has been employed by West Marine for 18 years. The 30 West Marine associates have over 330  combined years’ experience in “boating, fishing and sailing experience and over 50,000 nautical miles under their collective belts.”

Grand Opening Events

Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Additional Activities

Hot dogs served 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Kayak and paddleboard demonstrations

Short seminars on safety equipment, changing the oil, and fishing tips.

For additional information, visit West Marine’s website, westmarine.com or call 1-800-262-8464.

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Mardi Gras! 2012, Texas Celebrates Galveston Style February 10 – February 21, 2012

January 31, 2012 - Posted in Galveston. Texas, Texas Gulf Coast

Mardi Gras! 2012 Galveston livens up the island with lavish parades, more than 50 galas and festive events, bead throwing, exhibits, live entertainment and the most delicious food along the Texas Gulf Coast. Galveston Mardi Gras! 2012, in its 101st year, is one of the most popular annual events to take place in Texas with something for everyone with more than 250,000 attendees. There is a beachfront carnival, shopping, and nightlife featuring everything from salsa and Cajun to rock and roll and jazz.

Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday” in French) is celebrated by Roman Catholic communities around the world, in particular New Orleans, Galveston and Rio de Janeiro. Mardi Gras begins the day before Ash Wednesday, (beginning of Lent for Roman Catholics). Mardi Gras is a time for celebrating, drinking and eating before the abstinence of Lent starts on Ash Wednesday for 40 days.

The Philadelphia Mummers, one of the most popular entertainment events, will be back for 2012. The forty-five member group of strings, dressed in elaborate costumes playing banjos and horns, will lead off the Mardi Gras festivities.

Mardi Gras! Galveston History

Mardi Gras in Galveston was first recorded in 1867, with a masked ball at Turner Hall and a theatrical performance from Shakespeare’s “King Henry IV”.

Parades and balls became more elaborate over the years. By 1873, Mardi Gras! Galveston attracted visitors from around the state. Named “The Eras of Chivalry,” the 1873 parade revealed elaborately decorated floats fashioned after campaigns and characters from the 6th through the 15th centuries.

By 1880, the street parades became too extravagant and expensive to continue. Mardi Gras masked balls continued to flourish through the end of the century. The 1917 masked ball took on added festivities with the first official appearance of King Frivolous and his court, arriving by “royal yacht” parading through the streets. Characters in the 1917 parade were taken from the “comic sheets.”

When World War I erupted in 1918, the coronation was canceled and the Mardi Gras! celebration was confined to a single day. The celebrations and the coronation of King Frivolous resumed the following year.

Until 1928, the Kotton Karnival Kids continued to sponsor Mardi Gras parades and balls. Due to the high expense of the parades and celebrations, the Galveston Booster Club became involved with sponsorships in 1929. In 1937, the Booster Club merged with the Galveston Chamber of Commerce in 1937, transferring authority for Mardi Gras to the Chamber.

Extravagant carnivals continued through 1941, coming to a halt while the large number of men went overseas to fight in World War II. For almost 40 years, annual celebrations were somewhat private, hosted by the likes of the Maceo family, the Galveston Artillery Club, the Treasure Ball Association and Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

In 1985, George P. Mitchell (native Galvestonian) and his wife, Cynthia, revived the Galveston Mardi Gras celebration. The first year featured a mile-long Grand Night Parade with nine floats, hundreds of musicians in marching bands to the delight of 75,000 cheering spectators. Also, in 1985, there was a gala ball, the first Galveston Artwalk and musical performances. The 1871 Knights of Momus were revived by several Galvestonians and continues to coordinate Mardi Gras! Galveston today.

http://www.mardigrasgalveston.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QF_d-Fvfk-Q Mardi Gras 2011 Galveston, Tx

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Momma Kat Sets Sail At Christmas for the Caribbean

December 26, 2011 - Posted in cruise news, Galveston. Texas, sailing

Paul, Kelly and Taylor are looking forward to warmer weather as they embark aboard their 46-foot catamaran, setting sail for the Caribbean. Cannot forget Taylor’s pit bull pup, Skipper. Hence, the skipper is on board now.  Momma Kat is named after Paul’s mom, Kathyrn, who is affectionately nicknamed , Momma Kat. The catamaran has a 23-foot beam with a 63-foot mast. Draft fluctuates with its adjustable dagger boards making it easy for the shallow waters of the Caribbean.

Provisioning is very well planned out with banks of cabinetry filled with goods to last a couple of months. Contents include those for regular onshore cooked meals. Hoping to add fresh fish to meals caught while out at sea. It is important to have plenty of provisions, while not adding too much weight for sailing the passage. Kelly suggested a website with an article, “Refitting the Galley: 12 Experiences.”

Another interesting pertinent article is:  “Galley Advice from 18 Cruising Women.” The general website for Women and Cruising is:  http://www.womenandcruising.com.

Crew aboard Momma Kat, along with the Skipper. Taylor, the cute red-haired young lady is looking forward to learning school lessons while at sea. She will learn different lessons. For example, daily learning may consist of science and history with geography being the next day. Subjects are alternated for an interesting daily format. Kelly uses the Calvert School Home Training program. With all the anticipated water activities, it is expected that Taylor will get her studies done early to take advantage of her surroundings. After all, she is an avid swimmer and has competed in her hometown swim meets. Taylor hopes to swim with the pigs in The Bahamas.

Upon entering Momma Kat, you feel like you have just entered someone’s home. Its galley and combination salon area are open and bright with a home-size sink and faucet and glass-faced cabinets. It has ample refrigeration with one and one-half refrigerators.

Kelly re-upholstered new cushions with bright, multi-colored fabric emphasizing the burl table top. Berths are bright, light and very appealing. Momma Kat has many windows.

The “crew” will be entertained with plenty of DVDs and probably live dolphins. As the saying goes, “May you have fair winds and following seas.” Bon Voyage. Read about Momma Kat’s passage on the Momma Kat Blog, http://mommakat100.blogspot.com/p/about-momma-kat.html and locate the SPOT in the left-hand navigation panel.

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Corpus Christi-Port Aransas-Rockport-Houston – Texas Gulf Coast Holiday Guide

December 23, 2011 - Posted in Corpus Christi, Texas, Houston, Texas, Port Aransas, Texas, Rockport, Texas, Texas Gulf Coast, Texas Gulf Coast Holiday Guide

Bringing you several last-minute ideas for gifts if you live in or visiting Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, Rockport or Houston. We encourage you to support local Texas Gulf Coast manufacturers.

Corpus Christi

For chocolate lovers, try exquisite truffles in white, milk or dark chocolates at the  Gourmet Chocolatier.

Gourmetchocolatier-stx.com/

Port Aransas

Bam Bam Artwares has one-of-a-kind wearable art and other artful gifts from local artisans.

bambamartwares.com/default.html

Rockport

Sail Again has travel gear with a nautical theme. Bags are made from recycled sails.

sailagaintx.com/

Houston

Saint Arnold Brewing Company

Saint Arnold Brewing Company is Texas’ Oldest Craft Brewery and brews 11 beers in Houston, Texas. Check out the Saint Arnold bottle opener, Christmas ornament, pint glasses and bike jerseys in the online shop.

saintarnold.com/

Texas Tamale Co.

For tamale or salsa lovers, try the Texas Tamale Co.’s five flavors of tamales, chili, chilii con queso, four salsas and more.  Gift sets are available online.

texastamale.com/index.php/home

Sweet Taste of Texas

Sweet Taste of Texas southern candies and glazed pecans come in Texas-themed boxes all year round.

sweettasteoftexas.com/index.php

Cheryl

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Galveston-Kemah-League City – Texas Gulf Coast Holiday Guide

December 15, 2011 - Posted in Galveston. Texas, Kemah, Texas, League City, Texas, Texas, Texas Gulf Coast, Texas Gulf Coast Holiday Guide

Featuring five Texas Gulf Coast food and wind chimes manufacturers in the coastal cities of Galveston, Kemah and League City.  Two Galveston products are La King’s Confectionery, home to Texas’ first ice cream and Maceo Spice and Import Company with its excellent Muffelettas. Go south to Kemah and find Cheesy Girl and D’Vine Wine. “Wine and Cheese” anyone? Just the road from Kemah is League City where you will find This and That Windchimes bringing a melody with chimes to your home.

Galveston – La King’s Confectionery and Maceo Spice and Import Company

La King’s Confectionery is along Galveston’s historical district, The Strand. Its specialty is its salt water taffy. Ribbon candy is featured at Christmas time. La King’s candies originated with Old World recipes still being used today.

Lakingsconfectionery.com

Maceo Spice and Import Company has special spice blends and salt-free as well. Try recipes on the website using Maceo Spice blends.

maceospice.com/

Kemah – CheesyGirl and D’Vine Wine

With CheesyGirl, you will find great-tasting vegetarian and goat cheeses. Kroger stores in Kemah carry CheesyGirl.

cheesygirl.com

D’Vine Wine is a boutique winery with custom wines., wine tastings, and wine by the glass. It is within walking distance of Kemah Boardwalk.

dvinewineusa.com/

League City – This and That Windchimes

Choose from sizes of wind chimes from 27-inch “Light Twinkling Bells” to 66-inch “Church Bells.”  On the website, you can hear what each sounds like.

thisandthatwindchimes.com/index.html

For more Texas Gulf Coastal cities and the complete Texas Gulf Coast Holiday Guide, visit www.OnTheWaterLifestyle.com on its home page.

Cheryl

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Beaumont – Texas Gulf Coast Holiday Guide

December 14, 2011 - Posted in Beaumont, Texas, Texas, Texas Gulf Coast, Texas Gulf Coast Holiday Guide

Growing up near Beaumont, I remember having Doguet’s rice with onion gravy for Sunday lunch  made by my mom. My sisters and I looked forward to meals made with Doguet’s. You can enjoy even more rice options like brown and organic rice.  For the holidays, Doguet’s Rice Milling Co. offers gift boxes with Medium or Long Grain rice with a jar of Cajun Roux. The following three companies all manufacture their products on the Texas Gulf Coast region in the Beaumont area. Support your local Texan manufacturer.

doguets.com/

Seaport Coffee Co.

Can you say Seeeeeeeeeeaport. Seaport Coffee Co. manufactures one of the Texas Gulf Coast’s products. It also manufacturers a line of spices under the Tex Joy label. If you have a hunter on your Christmas list, consider the CAMO Texas Gift Box with seasonings for the hunter’s prized wild game complete with steak seasoning, old fashioned sausage seasoning, BBQ seasoning rub and a package of Arabica Coffee, a cafe blend.

texjoy.com/store/default.aspx

Dietz Farms Inc.

Dietz Farms Inc. currently has about 200 working bee hives located all over Jefferson County, from Sour Lake to Groves. In addition to having honey products in their honey shop, they will also help people who would like to have bees on their property.

Dietzfarms.com/home

For Texas Gulf Coastal cities, visit www.OnTheWaterLifestyle.com on its home page.

Cheryl

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How to be an Astronaut for a Day at NASA Space Center

November 21, 2011 - Posted in astronaut, Houston, Texas, Space Center Houston

What does it take to become an astronaut? According to NASA, it looks for candidates that have ambition, teamwork, creativity, a probing mind and a sense of daring.  NASA applicants have very diverse backgrounds including teachers, scientists, and engineers. Candidates interested in becoming an astronaut must meet the physical, education and psychological fitness requirements. Think you want to be an astronaut? Visit Space Center Houston, located just 25 miles south of downtown Houston, to experience being an astronaut for a day.

Attractions at Space Center Houston

Space Center Theater

At Space Center Houston’s Space Center Theater, discover the risks some 300 astronauts have taken in space since 1961. A film is shown on a five-story tall screen beginning with the acceptance notification to the training program. Viewer will see the life of an astronaut including weightlessness, friendships of fellow astronauts, and the view of the earth from outer space.

NASA Tram Tour

Take the Discount Tire NASA Tram Tour to see astronaut training for the International Space Station, development of deep space manned missions and the latest space robotic technologies. View astronauts, scientists and engineers developing the exploration vehicles for future space explorations. As part of the NASA Tram Tour is a visit to the Historic Apollo Mission Control Center and Rocket Park.

Living Space Module

The space environment is simulated in the Living Space Module giving visitors an idea of what it is like to shower and eat in a microgravity environment. Twenty-four part task trainers help visitors explore the shuttle systems:  retrieving a satellite and landing the orbiter.

Level 9 Tour

The Level 9 Tour is a behind the scenes secrets of the real world NASA astronaut experience with a four to five-hour tour.  Level 9 Tour is only available Monday to Friday and only 12 admissions are available each day. Call 281-283-4755 to make advance reservations. The tour includes a free hot lunch.

The Level Nine Tour sites include:

Building 3 – Astronaut Cafeteria (Enjoy a free lunch where the astronauts eat everyday.)
Building 9NE – Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility (Observation Catwalk)
Building 30S – New Mission Control Center (Viewing Areas)
Building 30N – Historic Mission Control Center
Building 32 – Space Environment Simulation Lab (Vacuum Chamber)
Sonny Carter Training Facility – Neutral Buoyancy Lab (Observation Catwalk)

After visiting Space Center Houston, you can have a really good idea of what it takes to become an astronaut.  Good luck with your ambitions and dreams in whatever you choose.

Physical Location:
Space Center Houston
1601 NASA Road 1
Houston, TX 77058
For directions and hours, visit the Space Center Houston website.

Resources:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Astronaut Selection

http://astronauts.nasa.gov/

Space Center Houston

http://www.spacecenter.org/

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Galveston, Texas is home for Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Magic

November 13, 2011 - Posted in Carnival Cruise Line, cruise news, Galveston. Texas

Coming to Galveston, Texas, this Sunday, November 13, 2011, is Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest ship, Carnival Magic. Academy award-winning Maroon 5 will rock the dock with a pier side concert followed by festivities.

“We’ve played every kind of venue imaginable across the world, but we’ve never helped to launch a new cruise ship. We’re excited to work with Carnival and to be part of the Carnival Magic celebration for fans in Texas,” Maroon 5 frontman and coach on ‘The Voice’, Adam Levine said.

The next day, Monday -Nov. 14, the 3,646 passenger Carnival Magic launches its two alternate Caribbean voyages. The week-long eastern Caribbean sailing makes stops in Key West, Nassau and Freeport. The seven-day western Caribbean sailing includes stops in Cozumel, Montego Bay and Grand Cayman.

Three new introductions on Carnival Magic as noted in the video:

• Cucina del Capitano, Carnival’s first-of-its-kind onboard Italian family-style dining experience.
• Cherry on Top, our sweet new candy-and-more store.
• RedFrog Pub, featuring Carnival’s own ThirstyFrog Red — not to mention Caribbean-inspired appetizers, food and rum flights.

CEO Gerry Cahill says, “We’re thrilled to kick off year-round Caribbean cruising on the newest and most spectacular ship sailing from Texas.”

Come back for upcoming cruise lines’ updates for the Port of Galveston.

Sources:

Travel Blackboard

Carnival.com

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Three Easy Practical Boating Maintenance Tips

November 1, 2011 - Posted in Boating tips

Boaters are always looking for easy practical boating maintenance tips. Changing cockpit enclosures from summer mesh to Eisenglass in the winter.  You find the zipper does not glide smoothly and gets stuck. If you are exasperated with those plastic steps that move around on the pier and you are about to discard them, a solution follows. Have your lines dropped down into the water and need cleaning? Following are three easy practical boating maintenance tips.

1. Zipper gliding tip:  Use beeswax, lip balm or a dry spray lubricant.
2. Plastic steps anchoring:  Use cinder blocks inside the steps to keep the steps from moving on the pier. For three steps, use four, 8 inches by 8 inches by 16 inches cinder blocks available at Home Depot and Lowe’s. Your marina dockmaster will like you for not drilling holes in the finger docks.
3. Dock lines need to be cleaned at least once a year to keep them pliable. Use a five-gallon bucket that is half-filled with hot water. Pour one cup of fabric softener and one cup of laundry detergent into the bucket. Add your lines to the bucket and cover with water. Let sit overnight. Take lines out the next day, rinse with fresh water and dry on the pier.  Now the lines are ready to attach to your boat and coil or stow away.

If you have easy practical boating maintenance tips, please submit to cheryl at OnTheWaterLifestyle.com (without the spaces).

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Houston, Texas Restaurants Reviewed by Zagat 2011

October 27, 2011 - Posted in Houston, Texas, On the water dining for Texas Gulf Coast

According to Fortune magazine (5/5/2011), Houston has 23 companies on the 2011 Fortune 500 list headquartered in the Houston MSA. Houston ranks 3rd, behind New York and Chicago and ahead of Los Angeles. Needless to say, a whole lot of business takes place in Houston from out of towners and local businesspeople. When the question of where to enjoy a power lunch comes up, here are some choices.

Zagat Survey – Top Hotel Restaurant in Houston, Texas

1. Four Seasons’ Quattro. The Italian restaurant, Quattro with its ultra-contemporary setting, has impeccable service, boutique wines and inventive fare. Lunch is around $46.

Zagat Survey – Top Five Restaurants in Houston, Texas

1. Le Mistral, a casual elegant French restaurant. Prices from $31 to $50. Make online reservations.
   
2. Kanomwan has the best authentic Thai food in Houston.
3. Pappas Bros. Steak’s has a club type atmosphere and a cigar bar. Its signature dish is the In-house Dry-aged Prime New York Strip. Prices are over $50, online reservations.
4. Mark’s trendy dramatic decor in southwest Houston. Signature dishes include:  Kobe Beef Osso Bucco and
   Copper River Salmon.
5. Da Marco has World class Northern Italian food. One of Da Marco’s best dishes is the Corn Ravioli with Lobster. Make online reservations.

Eating at a top restaurant “means we are celebrating a great deal, a perfect trade show or a winning bid,” says Avi Rosenthal, a vice president of an energy management company. “One of the true perks of being a road warrior is the ability to try new things and find that great place,” Rosenthal says. “Some day when I retire, I hope to be able to bring my wife to these finds and enjoy them with her.”

While visiting Houston, Texas, consider a visit to the Texas Gulf Coast, just 30 miles away. To find out events or the weather information, visit On The Water Lifestyle.com.

Resources

USAToday, 1/17/2011

USAToday, 10/24/2011

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