Tag: Moody Gardens Hotel (Page 1 of 3)

Bethany Boedicker of Moody Gardens Hotel triumphs at 2024 World Food Championship

June 17, 2024 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

The World Food Championship (WFC) is thrilled to announce the victor of the highly anticipated 2024 World Food Championship, Bethany Boedicker, Executive Pastry Chef for the Moody Gardens Hotel

Bethany Boedicker, Executive Pastry Chef at Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center

Boedicker, a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience, emerged triumphant after an exhilarating competition against champions from 11 diverse categories. Renowned for her expertise in desserts, Boedicker clinched the esteemed title of the 11th World Food Champion.

The intense two-day culinary battle unfolded at Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food in Bentonville, Arkansas, where chefs from around the globe showcased their exceptional talents. Guided by esteemed judges Matthew Cooper, Joe “Trae” Basore III, and Timothy Ordway, contestants faced a series of challenges meticulously crafted to push their culinary skills to the limit.

Boedicker expressed her elation at the victory, stating,

“Winning this prestigious title and receiving such a generous prize is an incredible honor. This achievement marks a pinnacle in my career, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to compete among the best in the industry.”

“We are incredibly proud of Bethany’s achievement at the World Food Championships. Her talent and dedication have been evident throughout her 11 years with us, and this win is a testament to her exceptional skill and passion for pastry.”
Leon Garrison, Moody Gardens General Manager

The World Food Championships (WFC) is the premier culinary competition, attracting talented chefs worldwide. Since its inception in 2012, the WFC has transformed competitive cooking and impacted the food industry. With its global audience, the WFC continues to deliver unparalleled culinary experiences and support communities through various partnerships. For more information, please visit www.worldfoodchampionships.com.

Special Note: Bethany will be appearing as a headliner chef at the Galveston Island Wine Festival during Labor Weekend from August 30 to September 1.

Renowned CHEF BRYAN CASWELL joins culinary lineup for Galveston Island Wine Festival

June 12, 2024 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

Chef Bryan Caswell added to the Galveston Island Wine Festival at Moody Gardens

Galveston Island Wine Festival proudly announces the addition of renowned Chef Bryan Caswell to its esteemed culinary team for this year’s event, set to take place over Labor Day weekend at the breathtaking resort Moody Gardens on Galveston Island.

This addition to the line-up comes as two weeks remain for an early-bird discount of up to 25 percent on tickets and hotel packages through June 30.

Chef Bryan Caswell, a proud Southerner hailing from Lafayette, LA, brings with him a wealth of culinary expertise and a deep-rooted passion for Gulf Coast flavors. A graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Caswell honed his skills under the mentorship of Jean Georges Vongerichten, refining his craft in culinary capitals such as New York, Hong Kong, Barcelona, and the Bahamas.

Famed for his innovative approach to seafood, Caswell’s culinary journey has been marked by his commitment to showcasing the freshest catches and locally-sourced produce. His Houston-based restaurant, Reef, has garnered widespread acclaim since its inception in 2007, boasting a rotating menu that highlights over 87 species of Gulf Coast fish. Reef has been lauded by critics and diners alike, earning Caswell numerous culinary accolades, including recognition from Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, and the James Beard Foundation.

In addition to Reef, Caswell has expanded his culinary empire with ventures like Little Bigs and El Real Tex-Mex Café, further solidifying his status as a culinary luminary in the Houston dining scene. His partnership with the Houston Astros has also yielded successful ventures, including Jackson Street BBQ near Minute Maid Park.

Beyond the kitchen, Caswell is an avid outdoorsman, often found indulging his passion for fishing along the Gulf Coast. His love for the sea and its bounty serves as a guiding force in his culinary creations, infusing each dish with a sense of adventure and reverence for nature.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chef Bryan Caswell to the Galveston Island Wine Festival. His reputation as a visionary chef and advocate for Gulf Coast cuisine precedes him, and we are eager to see how his culinary artistry enhances this year’s event.”
John Zendt, ceo of moody gardens

Caswell joins a roster of esteemed culinary talents, including David Cordúa, Paul Miller, Chef James Lundy, Executive Chefs Chris Lopez and Bobby Ross, Executive Pastry Chef Bethany Boedicker, among others. The festival promises an array of exciting events, including the Seven-on-Seven Seafood Extravaganza, Penguins & Pinot: Grand Tasting, Regular Guy Wine Seminar, Brunch and Bubbles, a Bourbon Dinner and more offering attendees a unique opportunity to savor exquisite wines amidst the enchanting ambiance of Moody Gardens.

Fly Fishing Film Festival Weekend Is Here!

April 25, 2024 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

Get the latest schedule of events from films to casting lessons in this festival guide

The time is at hand for fans of the 2024 Fly Fishing Film Festival as we await one more day until the weekend. We’ve prepared this special guide to help festival attendees navigate the scheduled times of events and films as they occur throughout the day. We’ve also added another Fly Fishing class on Sunday due to heavy interest and availability so be sure to check that out if you missed the Friday and Saturday sessions!

Film Festival Show Times

International Fly Fish Film Festival
Friday, April 26

07:00 Intro Ceremony
07:15 Pinawaca
07:29 The Runaround
07:40 The Golden Ride
07:51 A Ride with Clyde
08:05 Intermission
08:25 Tension
08:40 Tunulik
08:49 Kendjam
09:01 Vivid Dreams
09:09 South Caicos
09:24 Closing Ceremony
10:00 Lobby Bar After Party

Fly Fishing Film Tour
Saturday, April 27

07:00 Intro Ceremony
07:15 Only the Salmon Know
07:25 Rio De Gigantes
07:37 Rods, Rolls, & Reality on the Soca
07:43 Transitions – The Bow
07:55 Triple Trouble
08:05 Intermission
08:25 Good Fly Introduction
08:35 Pop’s Flies
08:48 Visibility
09:03 What Lies Above
09:14 A Line in the Sand
09:27 Marlin Fly Project
09:38 Closing Ceremony
10:00 Lobby Bar After Party

Schedule Of Events for Friday, April 26

Fly Fishing Lessons
2:00pm
Oleander Bowl

Food / Cash Bar
4:00pm to 9:45pm
Visitors Center

Vendor Expo
4:00pm to 7:00pm
Visitors Center

IF4 Film Screening
7:00pm to 9:00pm
MG3D Theater

Afterparty: End of Film
10:00pm to ???
MG Hotel Lobby Bar

Learn how to fly fish with the pros from Good Fly! The class is two hours long with limited capacity available. Participants must be 13 years or older.

Satisfy that appetite with fish tacos, concessions, and a cash bar throughout the event. Food and drinks will be available in the Visitors Center lobby.

Browse through the Fly Fishing Vendor Booths to discover the latest gear, apparel, tools, and crafts to enhance your fly fishing experience.

IF4 Film screening at the MG3D Theater with drawings for Fly Fishing prize packages. Intermission includes an animal presentation.

Stay for the afterparty at the Moody Gardens Hotel Lobby bar where you’ll have a chance to win another big prize!

Schedule Of Events for Saturday, April 27

Fly Tying Lesson
11:00am to 1:30pm
Macadamia Room

Vendor Expo
12:00pm to 7:00pm
Visitors Center

Fly Fishing Lessons
2:00pm
Oleander Bowl

Food / Cash Bar
4:00pm to 9:45pm
Visitors Center

F3T Film Screening
7:00pm to 9:00pm
MG3D Theater

Afterparty: End of Film
10:00pm to ???
MG Hotel Lobby Bar

Join us for fly tying lessons and lunch! Lessons will last about 2 hours, with lunch immediately following. Will be held in the Visitors Center.

Browse through the Fly Fishing Vendor Booths to discover the latest gear, apparel, tools, and crafts to enhance your fly fishing experience.

Learn how to fly fish with the pros from Good Fly! The class is two hours long with limited capacity available. Participants must be 13 years or older.

Satisfy that appetite with fish tacos, concessions, and a cash bar throughout the event. Food and drinks will be available in the Visitors Center lobby.

F3T Film screening at the MG3D Theater with drawings for Fly Fishing prize packages. Intermission includes an animal presentation.

Stay for the afterparty at the Moody Gardens Hotel Lobby bar where you’ll have a chance to win another big prize!

Schedule Of Events for Sunday, April 28

Fly Fishing Lessons
10:00am
Oleander Bowl

Added due to overwhelming demand. Learn how to fly fish with the pros from Good Fly! The class is two hours long with limited capacity available. Participants must be 13 years or older.

We expect a great crowd for both nights of the event. If you need hotel rooms for one day or both days, there are still special weekend packages available. Or, come as a spectator and grab an admission ticket for one or both days. All the films will be shown on the largest screen in Texas which is something not to be missed. Take the opportunity to network with other fly fishing fans to share stories and experiences!

48-Hour FLASH SALE to celebrate #TexasEclipse2024 starts on April 8

April 7, 2024 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

Save $48 Off the Best Available Price at the Moody Gardens Hotel

48-Hour Flash Sale graphic with $48 Off the Best Available Rate at the Moody Gardens Hotel to celebrate the 2024 Eclipse over Texas — Celebrate the #TexasEclipse2024 with this special 48-Hour Hotel Flash Sale

Hotel Sale Details

To celebrate the Eclipse over Texas, we’re launching this special 48-Hour Flash Sale starting 12am on April 8. Save $48 Off the Best Available Rate at the Moody Gardens Hotel (please note: some blackout dates will apply). Guests will have until 11:59pm on April 9 to take advantage of this limited time offer. To access this deal, you can click here.

Colonel Paddlewheel Eclipse Cruise

As an added bonus, visitors may also hop on board the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat for a special Eclipse Cruise. Boarding will begin at 12pm on April 8 and set sail at 1pm. On board, expect to find a specially made eclipse drink and concessions to satisfy any appetites. The boat will return to the dock at 2:30pm.

And, if you’re one of the first 50 people through the gate, you get some solar glasses to help you check out the eclipse. Also, if you’re a Moody Gardens member, you can board for free so don’t miss this opportunity to take advantage of your membership privileges.

Click here to buy tickets and ensure you don’t miss this rare opportunity.

The Colonel Paddlewheel Boat cruising under the eclipse (artist rendition)

Eclipse Details

As the moon passes between the Sun and Earth, the eclipse will last 2 hours and 41 minutes. In Galveston, the eclipse will start at 12:20 p.m and is expected to reach its maximum 91% totality with darkness at 1:40 p.m. As the moon passes, the sun will continue to emerge and the eclipse will end at 3:01 pm.

Moody Gardens Hotel Renovations- Part One

March 8, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 7 Comments

The Moody Gardens Hotel is dedicated to remaining a first-class hotel destination. They believe in providing the best experience for all of their guests, and this includes top-notch accommodations. They are soon to be embarking on the most extensive and expensive renovation since the hotel first opened in 1999.

Over the next three years the Moody Gardens Hotel will be undergoing a $20 million renovation to make it even better for their valued guests. All upgrades have been carefully planned with the comfort and satisfaction of guests in mind.

If you’ve stayed with them recently you may have already noticed a difference in the bedding. The new bedding includes new Sealy plush Euro-Top mattresses, crisp white duvets, and fresh fluffy pillows. However, with the new renovations all guest rooms will be getting a complete makeover. Rooms will be designed with a modern design palette that incorporates new colors, luxe fabrics, and natural stone and wood furniture accents. Bathrooms will feature custom granite vanities, new tile, and new fixtures. Suites will be designed with each one featuring their own unique theme.

The Spa at Moody Gardens will also be receiving a complete makeover with new colors and seating in the waiting area. The treatment rooms will receive new artwork, seating, flooring, and fixtures. The Spa’s Couple Suite will have new decorative wall coverings, freshly upholstered furniture, and a freestanding water feature.

These renovations are just a few of the areas that Moody Gardens will be upgrading! There will also be renovations in the banquet rooms, restaurants, and hotel public spaces! Check back to our blog to learn more about our exciting renovations. These new renovations are just one of the reasons Moody Gardens Hotel remains one of the best places to stay in Galveston! Our resort is not only luxurious; it is also one of the most family friendly hotels in Texas.

Springtime at the Spa at Moody Gardens

March 6, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

The warm weather is upon us and spring is just around the corner! It’s time to start shedding layers and donning lighter clothes for the higher temperatures. Get your mind and body ready for the spring with a visit to the Spa at Moody Gardens.

We currently have a few Spring specials going on at the spa! Save on services such as the Spring Clean Facial, Sweet Feet and Palm Springs Manicure and Pedicure, or the To the Rescue Body Wrap.

Spring Clean: Get your spring glow with a nourishing facial paired with a paraffin dip for your hands. Revive dry winter skin and get ready for spring. 1 hour | $110

Sweet Feet and Palm Springs: Show off your nails this spring with a manicure and pedicure that features the sweet smell of Honeysuckle & Pink Grapefruit. Also includes a paraffin dip for your feet to help you get sandal ready. 2 hours | $90

Calming Passion Flower: Pure passion hydrotherapy bath pairedwith a 25 minute green tea Swedish massage is sure to wash your worries away. 1 hour | $100

Click here for more information

Call 409-683-4440 to schedule your next appointment.

Take advantage of our special spa services and deals while staying at the Moody Gardens Hotel for your spring break. Our hotel is one of the best places to stay in Galveston, and the spa is just as luxurious.

Spring Break Family Fun at Moody Gardens

March 5, 2013 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

Spring Break is quickly approaching, and there is no better place to spend it than at Moody Gardens! We create a total vacation for you right here at the Moody Gardens Hotel and our popular attractions. The weather is warming up as well, so visiting the beaches of Galveston is a must.

Moody Gardens “Spring Break Family Fun” gives you and your family the opportunity to break away from your daily responsibilities and enjoy the island. Moody Gardens puts together spring break activities for your entire family. When you are staying at the Moody Gardens Hotel, you will start off each day with a character breakfast. Our resident King of Cool, Sunny the Penguin, will be joining you while you fuel up on eggs and bacon!

Kid’s Crew is the perfect way to enhance your family’s spring break vacation. When you check into the Moody Gardens Hotel, your children will receive a Kid’s Crew Fun Pack. All the activities offered are free to hotel guests and include arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, pool coin dives, a bounce house, kite flying, karaoke, Wii competitions, clown face painting, movie nights, and s’mores! Kids can also participate in a game of giant chess or explore the outdoor playground.

The Spa at Moody Gardens is the perfect place for parents to find some time to relax and enjoy their vacation. Indulge in a couple’s massage or take a dip in our hydrotherapy tub.

Moody Gardens Hotel is currently offering a special Spring Break Family Fun hotel package! Book your vacation between March 7^th and 19^thand enjoy the following prices:

Sun – Thurs from $229/night + tax

Fri & Sat from $249/night + tax

When you book two nights, you will get the third night half off! The Moody Gardens Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Galveston and the perfect vacation destination for you and your family. Not only do we have great deals, but you can also explore the Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, and all the other popular attractions on our grounds.

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!

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.