Author: Moody Gardens (Page 23 of 38)

Spring Break and Easter Hotel Packages

March 4, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

The Moody Gardens Hotel is a 428-room luxury destination nestled in a lush and tropical landscape and is the premiere vacation destination for Spring Break and Easter this season. If you plan on joining us, we have a couple of great hotel packages to make your trip more fun and memorable.

Spring Break Family Fun Package

From March 7^th to March 19^th, you can enjoy our Family Fun package to make your Spring Break the best vacation it can be. Not only will you be able to wake up to a character breakfast with the King of Cool, Sunny the Penguin, but once you book two nights for your family, you will get the third night for half off! Participate in Kid’s Crew activities, dine in the Terrace Restaurant, and relax in the Spa at Moody Gardens! Book now for the following prices:

Sun – Thurs from $229/night + tax

Fri & Sat from $249/night + tax

Easter Weekend in the Gardens Package

Looking to get away this holiday weekend? Moody Gardens has the perfect Easter Weekend getaway waiting for you and your family. On the weekend of March 29^th-31^st, when you book your stay with us you will enjoy a luxurious guest room for one night, fruit, wine, and cheese as well as Easter Baskets for your children. Valet parking is included. When you book two nights, the third night is half off! Book now for the following price:

From $179/night + tax

While you’re spending spring break or Easter weekend with us be sure to check out our special promotions going on at Moody Gardens. At the Spa at Moody Gardens when you buy one Swedish massage, you get the second one free, and at the Moody Gardens Golf Course, you can enjoy a free golf cart and bucket of range balls with your purchase of a round of golf. We look forward to seeing you this spring!

Monarch Madness at Moody Gardens!

March 2, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

It’s March and that usually marks the beginning of a little thing called March Madness, but at Moody Gardens we’re focusing on a different kind of black and orange…the Monarch Butterfly! Join us as we learn more about this amazing creature featured in our new film Flight of the Butterflies 3D, opening March 9th at the MG 3D Theater.

Easter Sunday Buffets

February 28, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

Easter in the Gardens is more than just the annual Moody Gardens Easter Egg Hunt. While children will be spending their time running around the Oleander Bowl collecting colorful eggs, there is also an Easter Buffet feast being served. Think of all the time and stress you will save by not cooking a giant Easter Sunday dinner for your entire family or cleaning it up! Moody Gardens is giving you the opportunity to spend less time cooking and cleaning and more time with your family.

Sit down with family and friends this Easter Sunday for a lavish buffet in either the beautiful Moody Gardens Hotel Ballroom or the Moody Gardens Garden Restaurant.

Easter Buffet – Moody Gardens Hotel

From waffle and omelet stations to gulf shrimp and roasted leg of lamb, there’s something for everyone at this extraordinary buffet. Don’t forget the dessert table which will include french pastries, cookies and cakes, chocolate mousse, cheesecakes, caramel flan, chocolate amaretto bread pudding and much more!

Adults: $42.95
Seniors: $32.95
Children: $19.95

Seating from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Click here for full menu. For reservations, please call 409-683-4465

Easter Buffet – Garden Restaurant

You won’t be disappointed with the variety of options at this delicious buffet! You’ll have a variety of soups, salads and entrees to choose from, including Pasta del Mar, Chicken Cordon Bleu or a Carved Roast Sirloin. Kids can also enjoy some of their favorites including macaroni and cheese or chicken tenders with french fries. A variety of desserts, assorted rolls and fresh baked breads will also be offered.

Adults: $24.95
Seniors: $17.95
Children (5-12): $11.95 (Children 4 and under are complimentary with adult purchase)

Served from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Click here for full menu. For reservations, please call 1-800-582-4673 ext. 4238

Easter in the Gardens

February 27, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

boy with easter eggs

Easter in the Gardens brings hundreds of families from the area to participate in tracking down all the eggs the Easter Bunny has spread out across the Oleander Bowl at Moody Gardens!

On Easter Sunday (March 31, 2013), we will be throwing the best Easter celebration around. There will be activities such as games, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, and of course, the huge Moody Gardens Easter Egg Hunt! Egg hunts are scheduled for noon and 2 p.m.., but you’ll want to get there early for all the other fun events. Kids aged 12 and under can enjoy all the activities and the colorful eggs throughout the Oleander Bowl.

All activities are open to the public and admission is free. Just show up with your baskets and ready to have a good time. Mark you calendars and get ready to spend your Easter holiday with Moody Gardens this year, and hopefully many more.

The Moody Gardens Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Galveston. Our family-friendly hotel is the perfect vacation destination for your next family weekend getaways in Texas. We look forward to spending Easter with you and your family.

Meet Chef Urs Schmid

February 25, 2013 / Moody Gardens

If you’ve ever had dinner at Shearn’s Restaurant then you’ve tasted the culinary genius of the famous Chef Urs Schmid. His Shrimp Dejonge and Lobster Bisque are famous here on the island, and for good reason! Keep reading to learn more about Executive Chef Urs Schmid.

Urs Schmid was born in Switzerland where he developed his passion for cooking while helping his father prepare meals on Sunday afternoons. As a teenager, he worked in a local hotel kitchen where he had “the time of his life” and decided cooking was his passion.

After graduating from high school, Chef Schmid began an apprenticeship at the Hotel Acker-Montana in Wildhaus, Switzerland. He also began his culinary education in Lucern. Chef Schmid worked in many hotel kitchens before serving in the Swiss Army.

After completing his military commitment, Urs Schmid continued gaining experience in the culinary arts by working seasonal jobs as commie de cuisine and chef de partie in some of the finest hotels in Switzerland, including the five-star Grand Hotel Viktoria Jungfrau in Interlaken.

Urs Schmid followed his culinary passions to the Bahamas where he worked as sous chef at the Cotton Bay Club and sous and executive chef at Cap Eleuthera.

While working in the Bahamas, Urs Schmid was introduced to Mrs. R.E. Bob Smith, who convinced him to come to Galveston where he became executive chef at the Bob Smith Yacht Club. He spent over eighteen years as both chef and general manager of the Yacht Club. His time at the club won him widespread acclaim. He met his wife Elena while working at the Yacht Club and started his family. Elena and Urs Schmid have two sons, and have called Galveston their home since 1980.

In the fall of 1998, Urs Schmid arrived at Moody Gardens and has served as our Executive Chef since our beginning. Under his direction, Shearn’s Restaurant has become the finest culinary destination in Galveston and has won the AAA Four-Diamond Award on more than one occasion.

Executive Chef Urs Schmid has been named Chef of the Year by the Texas Chef’s Association and been awarded a Bronze Star from the Galveston Chapter of the Chaine de Rotisseurs. We are proud to have him as part of the Moody Gardens’ family.

Stay at the Moody Gardens Hotel on your next family weekend getaways in Texas. We are not only one of the best places to stay in Galveston, but also home to the finest restaurant in the area with the best executive chef in Texas!

A Look at Moody Gardens Ballrooms

February 22, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 1 Comment

Moody Gardens is the premiere place to hold your large event, no matter what kind of occasion it is. We have over 103,000 square feet of event space, and included in this space is a few humongous and beautiful ballrooms. Moody Gardens’ ballrooms could be the next location of your company’s large party or a memorable wedding location.

The Frances Anne Ballroom boasts 15,180 square feet! This huge ballroom can be divided into eight separate rooms for a custom space for your party, event, or convention. The space gives off an elegant vibe with its soaring ceilings that are lined with beautiful chandeliers. The décor and grand size of the Frances Anne Ballroom make it the perfect spot for elegant soirees.

The Floral Ballroom is a 9,100 square foot space that overlooks the breathtaking Offats Bayou. The ballroom can be divided into twelve smaller rooms if the occasion calls for it. The Floral Ballroom is located on the second floor of the convention center, so you won’t have to worry about the general public wandering in and crashing your party! The Floral Hall makes for the perfect pre-function area that is great for receptions, breaks, and tabletop exhibits. The ballroom is decorated in an artsy, fun, and refreshing theme.

The Moody Gardens Ballroom’s elegance and décor are accentuated by the 242 acres of lush, tropical beauty. If you’re interested in holding an event, such as a wedding or a grand party, at Moody Gardens we would love to talk to you about what our professional staff can help you accomplish! Visit this link to start planning your ballroom-sized event!

For a place to rest your head at night in luxury, be sure to check out the Moody Gardens Hotel. Our four-diamond full service resort is one of the best places to stay in Galveston. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Friends of Moody Gardens Annual Fundraiser: Gulf Coast Herb Fair

February 21, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 4 Comments

You’re invited! The Friends of Moody Gardens want you to join them for their Annual Fundraiser. The Gulf Coast Herb Fair at Moody Gardens benefits 3^rd graders at the Aquarium Pyramid and 5^th graders at the Rainforest Pyramid. Last year, the Friends of Moody Gardens hosted over 950 Galveston Elementary School Children!

The Gulf Coast Herb Fair includes more than just herb education. Vendors showcasing herbs, books, gifts and food items have been invited for guest’s shopping enjoyment.

Tickets to the fundraiser are $35 per person. Other fundraising options are the raffle and silent auction. There are tons of awesome items to be won! Not only could you be going home with some awesome prizes, but you’ll also be donating to a great cause.

The Gulf Coast Herb Fair will be held on Thursday, February 28, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Come in at ten to start browsing all the vendor booths and get your shopping fix. Lunch will be at 11, and then we have a special guest speaker at noon.

The Gulf Coast Herb Fair is proud to have Lucia Ferrara Bettler of Lucia’s Garden in Houston as the guest speaker this year! “Herbs from the Garden to the Table” will be a presentation on Mediterranean, Italian and Louisiana cooking that you won’t want to miss.

Lucia Bettler founded Lucia’s Garden in 1984 with her husband Michael as a one-room operation. The business has grown into a substantial bookstore featuring music, incense, herbs, crystals, statuary and other exciting items. Lucia’s Garden also hosts classes throughout the year on everything from cooking with Lucia to aromatherapy and gardening. The Friends of Moody Gardens are so excited to have her share her expertise and wisdom at the Gulf Coast Herb Fair this year.

The fundraiser will be held in the Moody Gardens Visitor Center and The Garden Restaurant. Click here for more details!

If you’re looking for one of the best places to stay in Galveston, check out the Moody Gardens Hotel, and don’t miss out on our great offer going on right now at the Spa at Moody Gardens.

Moody Gardens Golf Course Pyramid Program

February 20, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

Spending time on the tropical golf course at Moody Gardens is a favorite pastime for many people! If you’re one of these people and you aren’t a part of Moody Gardens Golf Course Pyramid Program, then it’s time to sign up. The Pyramid Program is the best way to receive tons of great perks at Moody Gardens Golf Course, and to fully enjoy your time out on the green with the Gulf of Mexico around you.

Perks of being a member of the Pyramid Program include:

Complimentary practice balls during normal golf hours. Members can receive a maximum of six tokens at a time, and balls must be used by Pyramid Program participants only.
During specified times, rounds of golf cost only $15 for Individual Pass Holders (cart included), and for Annual Pass Holders only a cart fee is required. The specified times are after 2 p.m. during Daylights Savings (approximately mid-March through early November), or after 1 p.m. during Off-Daylights Savings (approximately early November through mid-March). This offer is subject to availability.
Looking to improve your golf game? For Pyramid Program members, golf clinics are only $10 per clinic, per person. You’ll be able to start showing up your golf buddies in no time.
Need some need golf apparel? Members will receive a 20% off discount in the pro shop on all items except shoes, gloves, and hats.
Quench your thirst while swinging away with a free fountain soda with your paid round of golf.

Pricing for the Pyramid Program:

Individuals: $50 per month

Annual Pass Holders: $25 per month

Family Members: $15 per month per person (To qualify for a family member pass members must be part of the immediate family, residing at the same address as the participant, and children must be under the age of 23)

For more information visit the Moody Gardens Pro Shop or call 409.683.GOLF(4653).

Be sure to check out Moody Gardens other great attractions such as the Aquarium Pyramid and the Rainforest Pyramid. Take your next family weekend getaway to Moody Gardens!

Shearn’s Restaurant Menu Highlights

February 18, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

Shearn’s Restaurant has been receiving AAA’s Four Diamond Award of Excellence since 2004, and for good reason! Located on the ninth floor of Moody Gardens Hotel, Shearn’s is the finest restaurant in Galveston. This elegant restaurant is unsurpassed in cuisine, service, and ambiance. Entrées at Shearn’s are prepared by Galveston’s most celebrated chef, Executive Chef Urs Schmid.

People from all over come to Shearn’s Restaurant to try entrées such as the Shrimp Dejonge and the flavorful Lobster Bisque.

Shrimp Dejonge: This signature dish features six jumbo shrimp baked in a light Marsala cream sauce and topped with Chef Urs’ mouthwatering blend of herb butter. The dish is served with rice pilaf and a side of garden fresh vegetables. This is one entrée you can’t miss. Your taste buds will thank you. You can order this tasty dish as an entrée, or just taste it out as a hot hors d’oeuvres.

Lobster Bisque: Another signature dish from Chef Urs! The creamy bisque is made with fresh lobster from Maine and delicately seasoned. It’s garnished with crabmeat and a touch of sherry.

Crab Cakes Topped with Jumbo Lump Crab: Shearn’s signature crab cakes are a dream come true for any crab lover. The Maryland style crab cakes are topped with lump crabmeat and served with angel hair pasta and tomato fondue.

Portobello Mushroom Tortelloni Rosa: For the vegetarian, Shearn’s offers a selection of gourmet vegetarian options such as the Portobello Mushroom Tortelloni Rosa. The sautéed Portobello mushroom is tossed in olive oil and blended with baby arugula, pine nuts, and served in a Rosa sauce.

Moody Gardens Hotel is not only home to the best upscale restaurant in town, it is also one of the best places to stay in Galveston. After a long day of exploring the beaches, Aquarium Pyramid, and Rainforest Pyramid head over to Shearn’s Restaurant for a beautiful conclusion to your day.

All About the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat

February 14, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 11 Comments

colonel Next time you visit Moody Gardens, don’t miss out on taking an hour-long cruise around the Offatts Bayou in an authentic replica of an 1800s-style paddlewheel! The paddlewheel holds up to 800 passengers and offers cruises year-round.

You can catch an hour-long cruise across the beautiful Offatts Bayou throughout the week.

Schedule

Tuesday through Friday at 1 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Closed on Monday

Pricing

Adults: $10.95

Children/Seniors: $8.95

Have a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion to celebrate? Then make your reservations for the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat Dinner Cruise! They are scheduled the second Saturday of each month, and allow guests to enjoy the beautiful views of Offatts Bayou while also enjoying a delicious dinner buffet, dancing, and a cash bar.

The charming paddlewheel boat offers a variety of menus for our dinner cruises, from cocktail parties to full dinners. We also like switching up the entertainment, such as Dixieland jazz bands, dance bands, pianist, strolling violins, banjos, and much more.

Upcoming Dinner Cruises:

March 9, 2013

April 13, 2013

May 11, 2013

Reservations must be made by the Wednesday before the scheduled dinner cruise. Call 1-800-582-4673, ext.4419 Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for reservations and more information. If you want to bring your whole family or a group of friends, we also offer group rates.

The Colonel Paddlewheel Boat offers two luxurious private party rooms, The Texas Room and The Galveston Room. Private parties are available during the regularly scheduled dinner cruises in our climate-controlled rooms. Each room has a large dance floor and bar facilities to get the party started. There is an additional bar on the Promenade Deck. Both private party rooms are installed with stereo music and a sound system to cater to your entertainment needs. You can invite up to 240 guests in The Texas Room and 200 in The Galveston Room!

We look forward to seeing you at the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat on your next family weekend getaway to Texas! Be sure to rest your head at the Moody Gardens Hotel, one of the best places to stay in Galveston.