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Shop Till You Drop at Moody Gardens Presents: Home for the Holidays Gift Market

November 22, 2011 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

With the holidays just around the corner, it is sometimes hard to come up with that perfect gift for someone. Whether it is your significant other, brother, sister, mom or dad, the holidays can be a stressful time, but we have the cure this Thanksgiving break.

Come spend the weekend shopping with us at Moody Gardens Presents: Home for the Holidays Gift Market November 25th- 27th. The gift market will be located at the Moody Gardens Convention Center in Expo A and Expo B. Here at Moody Gardens we are very excited for the opportunity to give you as visitors the chance to find unique gifts for you and the family. Tickets are $5 for regular admission, or you can make a shopping extravaganza out of it and spend $25 for the Gift Market VIP Lounge. The VIP area overlooks the showroom floor and offers specialty holiday hors d’oeuvres, featured beverages, wines and hot wassail. Over 100 vendors with various products will be here this weekend. If you are not sure what you are looking for we have put some suggestions together for each family member.

Gifts for Mom: At the gift market you will find vendors with homemade jewelry that is sure to be a hit. There will also be clothing boutiques and home goods that she will find enjoy this winter season.

Gifts for Dad: Find a unique present for Dad at the gift market. Some vendors will have household Texas decorations along with sports memorabilia and much more!

Gifts for Sisters: This weekend you will find all types of great gifts for sisters of all ages. Some of the things you will find range from princess themed accessories for little sisters to monogrammed tote bags for big sisters.

Gifts for Brothers: Brothers of all ages can be hard to shop for, but with the gift markets help it should make it a little easier. Look out for great homemade snacks that the brothers can munch on when they are hungry or make a personalized holiday gift for them at the market.

With so much shopping all in one place it will be hard not to find something that you will like. Also, once you are done shopping stay and enjoy the “Tinsel Anniversary” of the Festival of Lights for $5.95 per person. This weekend there is so much to do so get the shopping bags ready and come to Moody Gardens.

Times for the Moody Gardens Presents: The Home for the Holidays Gift Market

November 25th: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
November 26th: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
November 27th: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Click here for more information

Festival of Lights Opening Day Photo Diary

November 16, 2011 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

The holidays have officially arrived at Moody Gardens! We had a great time at the 10th Annual Festival of Lights opening this past Saturday. A big thank you to our sponsors, entertainers and host. We especially want to thank the GREAT crowd that showed up to help us kick off the season. If you weren’t able to make it, you still have plenty of time to check out Festival of Lights. Pictures speak louder than words so here is a photo recap of our opening day:

Santa’s Festival of Lights Photo Contest

November 11, 2011 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

Show your best red and green at the Festival of Lights Holiday Scene!

Come to our winter wonderland to capture your best Festival of Lights moments. After getting yourself into the holiday spirit, send us your most creative shots for a chance to receive a special gift. The Festival of Lights photo contest will take place each week during the 10th Annual Festival of Lights, as outlined below, with the grand prize winner selected the week of December 25. Here is a Naughty and Nice List from Santa that will help guide you to your presents. Winners will be announced every Friday on the Moody Garden’s® Facebook Page and also contacted at the email address that the picture was sent from.

NICE:

• Submit photos that are taken at Moody Gardens® and have a holiday theme. Here are some examples of photos Santa would approve of:

o A photo featuring your family and/or friends

o A photograph featuring any of the Moody Gardens® holiday events & activities

o A photo featuring your favorite light display, Santa, Snow Zone, Ice Rink, Christmas tree, etc. The possibilities are endless!

What to send:

• Send photo to facebook@moodygardens.com as an attachment

• Only ONE photo per participant each week so make sure you select your best shot!

• JPEG format in high resolution (please do not exceed 2 MB)

• In the body of the email, include the following information:

o Full Name

o Date of Birth

o Short description of photograph including location of where it was taken

o Date that photo was taken

o Copy and Paste the following disclaimer: I hereby acknowledge that I have read and understand the rules for the Moody Gardens® Santa’s Festival of Lights Photo Contest and if I do not abide by these rules, I will not be eligible to participate.

When to send:

• Each contest week begins on Friday through Thursday at 12pm (See schedule below)

NAUGHTY

Do not submit photos that are:

• Inappropriate, offensive, spam or commercial in nature will not be considered

• Low quality photos (small, blurry, etc.)

• Copyrighted photos that do not belong to you.

• Photographs that are not associated with Moody Gardens® holiday events

• Photos from past years. Visit www.moodygardens.org for the 2011 Festival of Lights schedule.

Presents from Santa:

• The selected photo for each week will be featured on our Digital Billboard located on the west side of I-45 Southbound, south of Calder Road, and on the Moody Gardens® home page rotating banners.

• If you win one of the weekly challenges, you will be a part of our Season Winner Contest which will start on December 23. The 6 previous winning photos will be posted on Facebook by Moody Gardens® and the photo with the most “likes” will win our season prize which includes the following:

o Four (4) Tickets to all of the Moody Gardens® Attractions (Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, MG 3D Theater, 4D Special FX Theater, Ridefilm Theater, Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, Discovery Museum)

o Chance to Meet a Real Penguin in a Penguin Encounter for up to four people

Santa’s Timeline

Week One:

• Submit photos between November 11-November 20

Week Two:

• Submit photos between November 21-November 27

Week Three:

• Submit photos between November 28-December 4

Week Four:

• Submit photos between December 5-December 11

Week Five:

• Submit photos between December 12-December 18

Week Six:

• Submit photos between December 19-December 26

Season Winner:

• December 26: Voting Opens on Facebook.

• December 30: Voting Closes in the morning

• Week of January 2: Season Winner Announced Facebook in the p.m.

Terms & Conditions: By submitting photograph(s) to Moody Gardens®, the participant hereby agrees that all photographs submitted become property of Moody Gardens®. Moody Gardens® reserves the non-exclusive right to use any photograph(s) in publications or for promotional purposes. By submitting photos, the participant also acknowledges that any persons appearing in submitted photograph(s) have given the participant and Moody Gardens® consent for reproduction and promotional use. Participants must be 18 or older to enter. If participant is under 18 and wishes to participate, they may have a parent or guardian submit on their behalf. Participants may submit entries only once per weekly contest. If a participant is selected as weekly winner then they cannot win again. Only participants that have followed the outlined rules and regulations will be considered.

Have fun and think outside the (gift) box!

*Download contest information and rules by clicking here.

What Can You Expect at Moody Gardens This Holiday Season?

November 10, 2011 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

Believe it or not the holidays have arrived at Moody Gardens! Holiday lights displays have been set up all around the property, holiday music is playing in employee offices and our giant Christmas tree is standing tall. We have a lot going on these next two months but don’t worry, we’ve got your one-stop guide to holiday fun at Moody Gardens right here. So pull out your pen and paper and mark your calendars because you are invited to a variety of holiday events at Moody Gardens:

Click here to view YOUR invitation!

Looking for more Holiday excitement? Here are some more events coming up this holiday season at Moody Gardens:

MOODY GARDENS PRESENTS: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS GIFT MARKET

When: Nov. 25, 5-9pm, Nov. 26, 10am-9pm, Nov. 27, 11am-4pm
Where: Moody Gardens Convention Center
What: An extraordinary holiday shopping experience that will include a wide variety of jewelry, hand bags, Yellow Box, personalized gifts, clothing for adults and kids, holiday décor, quilts, linens, books for all ages, mosaics, embroidery, designer, florals and more!
Visit http://www.moodygardens.org/seasonal_fun/holiday_gift_market/ for tickets and more information.

IMAGINE CHRISTMAS: A HOLIDAY MUSICAL AND DINNER SHOW

When: December 15-December 27
Where: Moody Gardens Convention Center
What: Imagine Christmas combines inspiring music, beautiful dance and imaginative aerial acrobatics to tell the story of Christ’s birth in a way that evokes child-like wonder, awe and amazement.
Visit http://www.islandstarlive.com/ for tickets and more information.

Moody Gardens Pumpkin & Bat House Contest

October 31, 2011 / Moody Gardens / 2 Comments

To add to the fun of Halloweekend, the different departments at Moody Gardens had a Pumpkin Contest and a Bat House Decorating Contest. Visitors this weekend voted and helped us choose the best of the best. Before we reveal the winners, we wanted to give you a chance to guess which pumpkin and which bat house won.

PUMPKIN CONTEST:

Pumpkin 1

Pumpkin 2

Pumpkin 3

Pumpkin 4

Pumpkin 5

Pumpkin 6

Pumpkin 7

Pumpkin 8

BAT HOUSE CONTEST:

Bat House 1

Bat House 2

Bat House 3

Bat House 4

Bat House 5

Leave a comment below with your guesses and we’ll reveal the winners tomorrow.

UPDATE: The winners were Pumpkin #8 created by staff at the Moody Gardens Golf Course and Bat House #2 decorated by our Education department.

Recap: Birding 201 (10/15/2011)

October 20, 2011 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

Presented by Moody Gardens® and Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council, Birding 101 is a series of free classes designed to educate and excite people about the tremendous variety of bird life routinely seen around Galveston Island. Birding 201 classes allows participants, led by an instructor, to visit areas on the island and spy some of the amazing variety of birds here.

Here is a quick recap, written by Birding instructor Greg Whittaker, of what you might see during our Birding classes:

Saturday, 15 October — Birding 201

Beautiful weather – left MG property shortly after 9am with a full van. Visited the Quaker Parrot (Monk Parakeet) nests at the ballfield on 54th street and Ave. S. Travelled to Pelican Island to the wetlands interpretive area, then east to Pier 19, then to the Big Reef area on Bodekker Road and finally to the base of the South Jetty on east beach. Not sure this is the complete list as I think I missed a few that others saw during the trip. Again, this is taxonomic order and not the order in which we saw them. 45 species, although I wouldn’t technically count the unidentified rail and the presumption on the Sharp-shinned Hawk.

Species spotted include:

American White Pelican, Brown Pelican, Neotropic Cormorant, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Reddish Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, White Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, Osprey, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk (think this was the one we originally identified as Peregrine Falcon but looked in book and think it was a Sharp-shin), Crested Caracara, American Kestrel, Rail (not identified to species), American Coot, Black-bellied Plover, Killdeer, Black-necked Stilt, Greater Yellowlegs, Willet, Marbled Godwit, Sanderling, Western Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher, Laughing Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Forster’s Tern, Caspian Tern, Royal Tern, Rock Dove, Eurasian Collared Dove, Mourning Dove, Monk Parakeet, Belted Kingfisher, Scissortail Flycatcher, Loggerhead Shrike, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Northern Cardinal, Great-tailed Grackle, House Sparrow.

Get out there and see some of the cool stuff before, and after this front comes through. It should bring some more waterfowl and perhaps bigger numbers of sandhill cranes.

Upcoming Birding classes:

*Birding 101

Date: November 12, 2011
Time: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m
Location: Aquarium Pyramid Lobby
Admission: FREE

*Birding 201

Date: November 19, 2011
Time: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m
Location: Aquarium Pyramid Lobby
Admission: $5.00
Reservations: Call 409-683-4105 no later than the Wednesday prior to the Saturday class.

Introducing Golf Tips

October 10, 2011 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

Crisp mornings and breezy afternoons combine to create the perfect recipe for wonderful fall weather. No wonder this is considered peak golf season at the Moody Gardens Golf Course! With that in mind, we want to encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful weather by playing a little golf. As a special treat, we are starting a new feature called Golf Tips where Rick Christ, our head golf professional, will share some quick tips to improve your game. Rick has been playing golf for approximately 45 years. So, without further ado, here is our first Golf Tip:

Chip Shot: For any newbies, a chip shot is when you play right off the green and are trying to get the ball onto the green and as close to the hole as possible. Here are some things to keep in mind when you are faced with your next chip shot:

Use a 7 or 8 iron
Use very little body movement
Keep wrists straight

Watch the following video for more tips and to see Rick demonstrate a chip shot:

Don’t you just love the sound of the golf club hitting the ball?

Do you have suggestions for what the next Golf Tip should be? Don’t be shy, use the comments section below to leave us suggestions, questions or simply say hi. Thanks for reading/watching!

Don’t Worry, There Are No Count Dracula’s Here

September 29, 2011 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

With Halloween fast approaching, Moody Gardens^® is here to celebrate one of the holiday’s most recognizable creatures- the bat. In the newly renovated Rainforest Pyramid^®there are three different exhibits that allow you to get a little closer to these mythical mammals and learn the truth about bats.

The first type of bat you will encounter at Moody Gardens^® is the Rodrigues fruit bats. This species of bat are located in the treetops of the African section of the Rainforest Pyramid^® for public viewing. The way these bats navigate and find food is different from the other species of bats in the pyramid. Instead of using echolocation, the rodrigues species use their large eyes and hearing to find their way. They also have a keen sense of smell that allows them to find their food.

As you continue through the Rainforest, you will come across another type of fruit bat, the Egyptian fruit bat. Just as the name states these bats survive on a daily balance of fruits prepared by our biologists. These fruit bats originate in areas of Africa and can live up to 22 years while in captivity.

Finally, you’ll be able to watch our smallest and most notorious species of bat–the Vampire bat. Unlike the stereotype that Halloween places on these mammals, the vampire bat does not want to turn you into a vampire. These nocturnal bats sleep throughout the day and come out at night to feed upon the blood of horses, pigs and cows otherwise known as bovine blood. These types of bats are the only known mammals that can survive exclusively on blood. The reverse habitual pattern can be seen when visiting the exhibit and also a new exciting surprise. Recently, two of our older vampire bats have added a baby to our vampire bat family!

If you want to get yourself in the Halloween spirit then come to Moody Gardens^®to see all of the different species of bats. Also, celebrate our Ghostly Gardens on October 30, 2011. The property will offer free trick-or-treating, creepy crafts, face painting and other fun activities for children and their families. The event will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will also include a kid’s costume contest for children 12 years old and younger with prizes for the participant with the best costume. The costume contest will kickoff at 3 p.m. in the Garden Lobby of the visitor’s center. All other activities will be held in various locations throughout the Moody Gardens^® complex. Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costume the day of the event to receive $5 admission to each Moody Gardens^® attraction.

For more information on the Rainforest Pyramid and other attractions visit www.moodygardens.org

Where in the World is Atlas?

September 16, 2011 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

It’s time to check in with Atlas, our 362 pound loggerhead sea turtle friend that we released back in July. Atlas hasn’t wasted anytime exploring the Gulf since his release. He’s been down the Texas coast and even ventured into Mexico, before heading off to the Louisiana Coast. What a detour! So where will Atlas journey to next? Maybe he’s headed to the Bahamas? Or maybe he’s trying to draw a pattern and will head back to Galveston! Wherever he goes, you can keep track of him too by visiting http://www.seaturtle.org/tracking/index.shtml?project_id=652

Here’s a little background on Atlas and his release:

Biologists from Moody Gardens partnered with officials from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to release 10 endangered sea turtles, including Atlas, a loggerhead sea turtle on display in the Aquarium Pyramid® since 2004. They were released on July 14, 20 miles off the coast of Galveston.

Atlas came to Moody Gardens in June of 2004 from the Six Flags amusement park in Aurora, Ohio, with the intent that he would one day be released back into the wild. Moody Gardens biologists provided for his health and welfare to help prepare for his eventual release. In 2010, Atlas was taken off exhibit so biologists could prepare him for life in the wild by allowing him to search for food on his own, thereby removing the connection between humans and food instilled in him by years of captivity.

Where do you think Atlas will end up next?

WHAT’S BREWING?

August 29, 2011 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

BrewMasters International Beer Festival at Moody Gardens
Labor Day Weekend, September 2 – 5WHAT: BrewMasters International Beer Festival, presented by Spec’s Wines, Spirits and Finer Foods! Held at Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center, the largest craft beer festival in Texas is a four-day celebration showcasing three signature events: the BrewTopia Beer Garden, the Brew HaHa Grand Tastings & Keg Korner, and BrewLicious in the Ballroom. Interactive activities include the BrewMasters 5K Rock & Run, a new kid’s zone, live music, beer and food pairing dinners featuring renowned chefs, educational seminars, and award-winning Brewmasters. To beer-lovers delight, Spec’s will bring in upwards of 20 Brewmasters/Founders and 80 Brew Brains to quench the literal and educational thirst of consumers interested in learning more about the festival’s 400 represented craft beers. More than 15,000 suds sippers are expected to hoist a mug at the craft beer bonanza.

WHEN: Labor Day Weekend, Friday thru Monday, September 2 to 5

WHERE: Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center, One Hope Boulevard, Galveston, 77554; (888-388-8484)

HIGHLIGHTS:

BREWTOPIA BEER GARDEN – Friday-Sunday, September 2-4, 4-10 p.m. Friday; noon-10 p.m. Sat/Sun

The family-friendly area under the big tent in the Oleander Bowl at Moody Gardens includes a new Krazy Kids Fun Zone, live music, food and of course beer! Entry to the BrewTopia Beer Garden is free, although the donation of canned goods or spare change is encouraged with contributions benefiting the Galveston County Food Bank in conjunction with hunger awareness month.

BREWTOPIA MUSIC LINE-UP:

Friday, Sept. 2

4:30-6:30 p.m. David Grace

7-10 p.m. The Line Up

Saturday, Sept. 3

Noon-2 p.m. Free Radicals

2:15-3:45 p.m. The Hit Squad

4-6:30 p.m. Wearemantis

7-8 p.m. Mr. Blacc Sheep and Bigga Staar

8:15-10 p.m. D.R.U.M.

Sunday, Sept. 4

Noon-2:30 p.m. The Navigators

3-5 p.m. Paul Ramirez Band

5:30-7:30 p.m. Texas Brass Band

8-9:30 p.m. ZWEE

BREWLICIOUS IN THE BALLROOM – Friday, September 2, 6:30 -10 p.m.

Located at the Moody Gardens Hotel’s Francis Anne Moody Ballroom, BrewLicious in the Ballroom will feature restaurants and chefs showcasing unique food and beer pairing samples. Tickets to the event are $55, with a VIP Premium Room upgrade ticket for $75.

PUB PARTY CRAWL – Friday, September 2, 8 p.m. start from Moody Gardens Hotel Lobby

Tour Galveston Island’s featured hot spots in an air conditioned bus and meet Brew Brains along the way while sampling their crafts. Tickets are $20; includes BrewMasters coozie, T-shirt and reserved seat on Moody Garden’s bus.

BREWMASTERS 5K ROCK & RUN – Saturday, September 3, 6 a.m. onsite registration; 7 a.m. walk/run

Party on the Pavement sponsored by Coca-Cola and held at Moody Gardens. The race will be a timed fun run, followed by a 5K walk. A post-event awards ceremony takes place at 8:45 a.m. and includes complimentary “fitness friendly” beer. Participants may register online at www.signmeupsports.com/77924 or download a race brochure at www.brewmastersbeerfest.com. Entry fees paid by August 27 are $20; fees paid August 28 thru race day are $25. The BrewMasters 5K Rock & Run benefits Galveston County Food Bank Gleanings From the Harvest, a non-profit whose mission is to find and distribute surplus food to organizations that serve the hungry.

TEXAS BREWERY TASTING TOUR – Saturday, September 3, 11:30 a.m. at Moody Gardens ConventionCenter Floral Rooms — Exclusive meet and greet and sampling with emerging and wildly successful Texas craft brewery Brewmasters representing No Label, Saint Arnold, Karbach Brewing, Southern Star, Austin Beerworks, Ranger Creek, Rahr & Sons, and Real Ale. Tickets $25; limited to 50 guests.

BREWHAHA GRAND TASTINGS & KEG KORNER – Saturday & Sunday, September 3-4, 2 p.m. VIP; 3-6:30 p.m. at Moody Gardens Convention Center — Sample some of the best of brews featuring 400 craft and specialty brews, more than 30 wines, and Brew Brain seminars on the Spec’s University stage. Admission to Brew HaHa is $35 in advance, $40 at the door, $75 for a VIP ticket, or purchase a VIP or general admission two-day Spec’s Hopper Pass.

BrewHaHa Brew Brain Seminars

Moderated by Justin Cody, Craft & High-end Import Buyer, Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods

Grant Wood, Senior Brewing Manager, Samuel Adams (Boston, MA)

Gregg Berman, Owner, Clown Shoes Beer (Massachusetts)

Craig Pijanowski, Lead Brewer, Boulevard Brewing (Kansas City, MO)

Eric Warner, Founder and Brewmaster of Karbach Brewing – Houston’s newest Brewery opening in September and featuring their brews first at BrewMasters Craft Beer Festival

Rick Lovett, Owner/Founder, Indian Wells Brewing (Inyokem, CA)

John DeMers, Author & Radio Host, “Delicious Mischief” (Houston, TX)

BEER DINNERS & BRUNCH – Saturday & Sunday, September 3-4 at Shearn’s Restaurant/Moody Gardens

Shearn’s 4-course Beer Pairing Dinner to feature Samuel Adams beer (Saturday and Sunday at 6:30 p.m. for $85) and hosted by Samuel Adams Lead Brewer Grant Wood (appearance Saturday only); South of the Border Beer Brunch with Victoria, Modelo, Pacifica, and Corona Beer (Sunday only from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $35) in the Frances Anne Moody Ballroom.

FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR – Sunday, September 4 at 8:45 p.m.

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with a bang at this fireworks extravaganza held over the water at Moody Gardens. Free to the public.

BLUES & BREWS – Monday, September 5, noon to 4 p.m.

Craftapolooza Poolside Terrace at Moody Gardens Hotel with live music and happy hour craft beer pricing.

SPONSORS: The BrewMasters Craft Beer Festival is presented by Spec’s Wine, Spirits and Finer Foods. Additional sponsors include Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center, Alex Rodriguez Mercedes- Benz | Sprinter, Galveston Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, Toasted Head, CultureMap, Cumulus Radio (ESPN 97.5, KRBE 104.1, and KHJK 103.7, Draft Magazine, The Greensheet, WHERE Magazine, Houston Press, Shiner, Blue Moon, Leinenkugel’s, Great Brewers, DaFalco’s Home Wine and Beer Supplies, AT&T and Coca-Cola.

BOOK HOTEL: Moody Gardens Hotel is offering a special BrewMasters package for the festival weekend. To book a hotel package, visit www.moodygardenshotel.com or call 888-388-8484. For additional hotel reservation options, visit www.galveston.com.

MORE INFO & TICKETS: www.brewmastersbeerfest.com or call 713-557-5732

Moody Gardens