But First… Brunch
Whether you prefer a leisurely late breakfast lingering over mimosas or a quick grab and go stop to fuel up and take on the day, start your weekend at these morning hotspots. Katharine & Co.’s 2nd Sunday brunch is the town to do, while J.Wilson’s is always hopping with Southern favorites like chicken and waffles and biscuits and gravy. Kimmy’s Café has sweet and savory crepes and egg creations, while Toasted Yolk’s donut tower is a worthy splurge.
If you prefer something quicker, Rao’s Bakery has great Italian pastries, while The Avenue has amazing local coffee and breakfast sammies. Or, snag some goodies from the Beaumont Farmer’s Market and make yourself a picnic.
Work Up a Sweat
Start the day with a morning yoga class. Free yoga class happens every Saturday morning at Cattail Marsh, find your zen overlooking the beautiful nature boardwalk. Hit the local trails on two wheels, two legs, or four hooves by hiking, biking, or horseback riding around Tyrrell Park. Cozy up to a stallion at Tyrrell Park Stables, or, if you’d rather beat the heat, rent kayaks or canoes to explore the Big Thicket National Preserve.
Stop and Smell the Roses
Both the Beaumont Botanical Gardens and Shangri La Botanical Gardens are free. Stretch your legs by feeding the koi fish, wandering amongst the rose and Japanese gardens, and taking in the beauty of the flora and fauna as a way to unwind and bask in the calm of nature.
Meet the Locals
For the adventure lovers, an airboat ride through the bayou is a backcountry safari, but if you’d rather get hands-on with the locals, Gator Country is the place to feed, hold, and swim with reptiles, which makes for a memorable experience (and some hilarious photos), to say the least.
Dress to Impress
Locally owned boutiques like Ella + Scott, La-Tee-Da, and Gaudie & Co. are a great place to play dress up, put on a fashion show, and find your new going out outfit. If you like vintage wear and antiquing, a number of independent shops will become a real-life treasure hunt.
Snap Some Photos
With plenty of photo spots and public art, fill your Instagram feed with colorful street art. Mural hop downtown on Calder and Fannin to pose with geometric prints, mermaids, dragonflies, and inspirational quotes to make the girls at home jealous of all the fun you’re having.
Get Cultured
Celebrate the arts at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, which is entirely free to enjoy. Tour the opulent McFaddin-Ward home, complete with Tiffany fixtures to relive Beaumont’s Boomtown days. Or pay homage to the ultimate Babe, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, the greatest female athlete of all time at a museum dedicated to her sports achievements.
Pamper Yourselves
Make it a spa day. Get your nails or hair done or unwind with a massage or facial. Southeast Texas is the perfect place to ease your sore muscles, let your hair down, and get some much needed R&R.
Eat Well in the Neighborhood
For the foodies, experience the ethnic dining scene at Chaba Thai, which has authentic Asian-style floor seating or Sweet Basil, unique Cajun-Vietnamese fusion. Sushi tapas from Koi is a great light bite or leave stuffed and happy with a hibachi dinner from Tokyo. Indulge in the local Cajun cuisine with a tasty and shareable seafood platter from Crazy Cajun. Catch a fabulous sunset with a cocktail on the patio at Pour09.
Don’t Skip Dessert
We hope you’ve saved some room because La Real Michochana’s colorful freak shakes and ice creations are the ultimate after-dinner treat. Or, get creative with the flavors and toppings at The Yogurt Bar!
Try A New Activity
Beaumont’s newest nightlife endeavor, 5 Under, is a high-tech driving range and entertainment venue like Top Golf has a full bar with suite service. Make memories by throwing axes at Avenue Axe (a great stress relief), or work together to solve a scavenger hunt or escape room. Get crafty at a BYO wine and paint class and embrace your inner artist with the help of a little liquid courage.
It’s Always Happy Hour Here
If you’re looking to un-WINE-d with some wine and cheese, Free State Cellars and Ceccoli Vineyards are the spots to sip and swirl. Twice a month, they host wine-o-bingo, but you can do a tasting of their local Texas blends anytime. If you’re more lowkey beer enthusiasts, share a flight at Struggle Street. If you want it to be that kind of night and you’re looking to turn up, Tia Juanita’s frozen cocktails and giant margaritas will have you feeling the Bourbon Street vibe in no time.
See a Show
When you’re ready for some nighttime entertainment, there’s plenty of options. For those who love the silver screen, Classic Movie Night at the Jefferson is a fun Friday to do. For the theater buffs, Southeast Texas Stages have been entertaining area locals for more than 75 years with Broadway favorites.
If you feel like getting fancy, the Julie Rogers Theater is home to the Symphony of Southeast Texas, the Beaumont Civic Opera, Beaumont Civic Ballet, and Beaumont Ballet. For a truly unique musical experience, 7 Oaks Event Garden is a South Texas listening room, which puts on intimate living room concerts and pot luck dinners designed for you to find your new favorite artist.
Hit the Town
If you’re looking for a rowdy night you won’t remember with the friends you’ll never forget, Little Woodrow’s is an outpost of Houston’s popular hotspot with a killer patio featuring swings, firepits, and lawn games plus creative cocktails like Topo Chico Coolers. For a more low-key dive bar, Fast Eddie's may be more your speed, which also has a variety of pool tables and bar games from darts to giant beer pong for some friendly competition.
Dance the Night Away
When in Texas, right? Dust off your hat and throw on your Saturday finest and get to two-stepping. SETX’s premier country bar, whether you’re looking to flirt or have fun line dancing with your girlfriends, The Roxy Event Center is the place to boot, scoot, and boogie. Or, chill out with some live music at the Logon Café (a cool converted computer repair shop) or Madison’s and revel late into the evening. Enjoy DJs and live music at Pour09 Bar & Rooftop or Little Woodrow's. As they say, the night is young and so are you.
