Tag: Moody Gardens (Page 5 of 6)

Brewmasters Friday Night Pub Crawl

August 21, 2012 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

Date: Friday, Aug. 31, 2012
Time: 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Price: $25 per person in advance
Location: Moody Gardens Hotel and Convention Center Lobby

Remember those bar hopping nights? Well now it’s an official event. Grab your buddies and hop on the bus. With a free 2012 t-shirt and koozie, the ride will take you to different places to purchase special feature selections at Pub Crawl Stops.

And if you want something to make you feel real special, then check out the Taste It First selections. That’s right, be the first to taste new brews from Cedar Creek, Fort Bend Brewing, No Label and Southern Star before they hit the store shelves. From the makers of Texas Backyard Blonde, Lawn Ranger Cream Ale, El Hefe and Pine Belt Pale, these guys are brewing up their next fan favorite!

BrewLicious Beer and Food Pairing

August 14, 2012 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

Date: Friday, Aug. 31, 2012
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Price: $55 per person in advance
Location: Frances Anne Moody Ballroom at Moody Gardens Hotel and Convention Center

Let’s kick off the party with beer and food! The BrewLicious Beer and Food Pairing starts the Festival with more than 150 craft beers and plenty of scrumptious creations. This isn’t just an ordinary food pairing either. They’re taking it to the next level with personally invited professional chefs and featured restaurants.

Beat the Texas heat and head to the Poolside Terrace Crafty Parties. Live music and themed parties rock the deck as people try out the different craft selections. For tonight, Luther & The Healers jazz up the stage from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. As one of the longest running blues band, the band stuck together since 1991 and rocked more than 300 shows a year.

Tap into Texas’s Largest Craft Beer Festival with 400 featured brews

July 31, 2012 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

According to Brewers Association records there are now almost 2,000 craft breweries in the United States and growing. In 2011, craft beer sales grew more than 13%. Join fellow craft beer lovers and supporters of this independent craft as they gather Labor Day weekend to sample more than 400 specialty and hard-to-find brews at the Third Annual BrewMasters Craft Beer Festival. This annual foam fete takes place at Moody Gardens Friday, August 31 through Sunday, September 2, 2012.

The three-day celebration will showcase two signature events: BrewLicious in the Ballroom and BrewHaHa Grand Tasting, both of which have VIP experiences, as well as the regular ticket. There are a host of related events like the BrewMasters PubCrawl and Texas Brewery Tasting Tours. Featured activities include: live music, beer and food pairing seminars and dinners featuring renowned chefs, educational events, and a slew of Brew Brains and industry experts including award-winning BrewMasters. Sunday, September 2 will feature a new event called Tex-E-Que which will feature a live concert.

“We’re fortunate to have multiple micro breweries right here in Houston and many others throughout the region, said event founder and organizer, Clifton McDerby, principal of Food & Vine Time Productions, Inc. “This event is dedicated to showcasing the voluminous and explosive industry that is craft and specialty brews and it just keeps getting bigger and better along with the craft beer industry,” added McDerby. “We started as the largest beer festival in the state and we plan to give Texans even more including the largest selection of Craft beers available at any Texas festival. Plus, we’ll continue to feature Taste it First at BrewMasters selections where we’ll be bringing to market beers that haven’t been tasted before since the brewers are holding off the beer’s release to showcase them first at BrewMasters Craft Beer Festival.”

Festivities begin on Friday, August 31 with BrewLicious in the Ballroom. Located at the Moody Gardens Hotel’s Francis Anne Moody Ballroom, this spectacular evening for suds sippers is for the serious beer and culinary enthusiast. BrewLicious in the Ballroom will feature renowned chefs showcasing unique food and beer pairing selections. BrewLicious in the Ballroom will run from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and tickets to the event are $55, with a VIP Premium Room upgrade ticket for $75 with early entry and premium craft selections.

Also on tap is the BrewMasters Pub Crawl Friday, August 31 at 8 p.m. Hop on board this festive party bus with a tour to some of Galveston’s coolest bars and meet featured Brew Brains at each stop.

Saturday, September 1st sample some of the best available brews in the world at the BrewHaHa Grand Tasting held in the Moody Gardens Expo Arena, featuring over 400 craft and specialty brews and more than 30 wines. Admission to BrewHaHa is $35 in advance, $40 at the door, $75 for a VIP ticket, or guests can purchase a VIP or general admission two-day Hopper Pass. The BrewHaHa Grand Tasting will run from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and includes access to multiple beer seminars on the Spec’s University Seminar Stage, a fun and educational experience for all who take pride in their beer and want to expand their knowledge of craft beers.

Sunday, September 2nd offers the new Tex-E-Que and concert. For a $10 cover charge, beer lovers get their pick of 400 selections for a flat price per bottle. Get them while they last and boot scoot the night away.

BrewMasters Craft Beer Festival is presented by Spec’s Wine, Spirits and Finer Foods. Additional sponsors include Moody Gardens Hotel and Conference Center, GreatBrewers.com, Toasted Head Wine, and DeFalco’s Home Wine & Beer Supplies.

For more information on the BrewMasters Craft Beer Festival, visit www.brewmastersbeerfest.com or call 713-557-5732.

The Dark Knight Rises at Moody Gardens!

June 22, 2012 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

Don’t miss the much anticipated conclusion to the Batman trilogy on the largest screen in Texas…the MG 3D Theater! Viewers can expect a high quality theater experience with a 15/70 IMAX® Projection as well as the only large format screen in the US with 11.1 Surround Sound Audio. Be the first to experience the seat-gripping action with a midnight showing on July 20 and 21. The Dark Knight Rises will play daily at 6:15pm and 9:15pm.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-PURCHASE TICKETS

“Who ‘nose’ when the Corpse Flower will bloom?” Contest

June 6, 2012 / Moody Gardens / 14 Comments

UPDATE—WINNERS: Lucky 13…today has been declared official bloom date! Only guesses submitted by 2:00pm today June 13, 2012 will be taken in consideration. Email us at communications@moodygardens.com if we reply to your comment with “WINNER” to claim your prize. Thank you all for your guesses!

Morticia, the Corpse Flower, looks like she’s ready for her bloom! But without a set blooming season, it’s hard to predict when the Corpse Flower will bloom. So who “nose” when the Corpse Flower will bloom and begin its silent and smelly flowering? The first 20 people to guess correctly will win a free ticket to the Rainforest Pyramid to see Morticia!

A Corpse Flower bloom occurs when the spadix, the long, French bread-like stem, emerges from the bud. At that point, the flower will grow four to six inches a day and the strong smell will start to roll in. The strong smell that is similar to rotting flesh attracts its pollinators, carrion beetles and sweat flies. It is considered the largest flowering plant in the world, often reaching heights of over 10 feet tall. Technically, it is the largest unbranched inflorescence, containing both male & female flowers.

The Corpse Flower grows from an underground tuber which can weigh up to 200 pounds. From this tuber, a large single leaf emerges resembling a small tree that can grow to more than 20 feet tall. During this vegetative state, the tuber gains its energy to produce the massive bloom. The plant then goes into a dormant period for approximately three months. The tuber will then either produce another leaf or a flower as it has at Moody Gardens.

Once fully unfurled, the flower will only last for a day or two. Then the flower collapses upon itself and withers away. The tuber will then go into a dormant period, resting and gaining energy, eventually sending up another tree trunk-like stalk, beginning the incredible process all over again!

The Corpse Flower is under threat of extinction in the wild due to illegal logging and the clearing of rain forest land for cultivation of oil palm plantations. It is our hope that interest in and appreciation of our Earth’s amazing plants and animals will lead to increased efforts at conserving the habitats of these and other rare species.

CONTEST RULES:

Use the information we’ve provided above as well as Morticia’s growth progress, which we update frequently on our Facebook & Twitter, to guess the exact date that she will bloom. Our horticultural exhibit manager, Donita Brannon, will declare the official bloom date. Here are the rules:

Leave your guess in the comments section of this post or tweet us your guess @Moody_Gardens with hashtag #MorticiaContest
Only one guess per person.
Contest open until flower starts to bloom
First 20 people to guess correctly will win two (2) tickets to the Rainforest Pyramid®
Only people who guess the EXACT date determined by our horticultural exhibit manager will win

While you’re at it, why not go ahead and like us on Facebook and/or follow us on Twitter.

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Inc. Any comments that are inappropriate, offensive, spam or commercial in nature can be deleted by the page admin. Must be 18 years or older to win.

Save the Date: Bats Are Doin’ It

January 27, 2012 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

Throughout 2012 Moody Gardens® will bring attention to an often overlooked, but important animal: the bat. The United Nations has declared 2012 as International Year of the Bat and Bat Conservation International (BCI) as an International Year of the Bat founding partner. Moody Gardens® will be participating throughout 2012 with opportunities for the public to get involved in the conservation mission. The International Year of the Bat campaign aims to raise global awareness about bats, bat conservation and the unique roles bats play in our environment.

The “Bat’s Are Doin’ It” fundraiser will bring attention to the ecological importance of bats such as eating their weight in harmful insects and pollinating many economically valuable crops including bananas and mangoes. Guests will leave with a new appreciation for this misunderstood animal species; which will assist BCI in their efforts to protect bats.

Enjoy a special evening celebrating the mysterious creatures with a tasty bat- themed food and drink menu. The night will include a cocktail party, special guest speaker James Eggers from Bat Conservation International and a tour of the Rainforest Pyramid®. This event will give you the chance to help save an often overlooked animal species while celebrating the special holiday.

SAVE THE DATE: Bats Are Doin’ It: A Fundraiser for Animal Lovers

• When: February 11th from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

• Where: Moody Gardens Visitors Center

• Price: $50 for a single ticket, $90 for two
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

• Included in the price: Heavy hors’ doeuvres and 2 drink tickets for specialty bat- themed drinks. Each attendee also receives a free “Bats Are Doin’ It” goody bag.

• Other Information: Raffle tickets can be purchased upon arrival to the event. Prices are $5 for 1 ticket or $10 for 3 tickets.Prizes will include various fabulous bat themed packages.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD EVENT FLYER

Proceeds raised for the event will be donated to the organization Bat Conservation International. This event is open to individuals who are 21 and above only.

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

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

RAINFOREST PYRAMID® UPDATE: African Palm Civet

April 27, 2011 / Moody Gardens / 0 Comments

Don’t call her a weasel! Come meet Zinga, our African Palm Civet who lives in the nocturnal animal exhibit at the Moody Gardens® Rainforest Pyramid®. The African Palm Civet (Nandinia binotata) is a small cat-like relative of weasels and mongooses and is one of the many mammals you’ll meet on your adventure when the Rainforest Pyramid® reopens on May 28th.

African Palm Civets are found in the forests of eastern and central Africa and are threatened due to loss of habitat. They will usually weigh between 3.7 to 4.6 pounds and are brown to light tan in color with a mottled series of darker brown spots. The fur is darker on the top half of the body to help the Civet stay camouflaged in the trees. The Civet also has bare pink pads on its feet to help provide cushioning and friction while they move and hunt. It also has a thick, muscular tail which helps with balance. These omnivores (both meat and plant eating) will use its back feet and tail to grip and balance on branches while using its front feet to grab and manipulate prey. It will then finish off its prey with a series of fast bites. If the prey is small enough, it may swallow it whole.

Civets are arboreal (tree dwelling), solitary and crepuscular, meaning only active at dawn and dusk. Females will usually give birth to up to four young after two months of gestation. Also, the female’s mammary glands secrete an orange-yellow liquid that turns the mother’s belly and the offspring’s fur orange-yellow. It is thought this is a deterrent for males wanting to mate and to protect the young from attacks. An adult male African Palm Civet may occupy a territory of over 250 acres with up to three females occupying the same territory. Each female will have her own patch of land and will only share it with their offspring. Adult male and female civets hardly socialize, but they will keep track of each other using siren-like calls.

Smell something? Civets have scent glands on their feet and tail that secrete a fruit-like smell. These scents are used for a variety of purposes.

Watch the following video to meet Zinga and come see her and her friends on May 28^th at the Rainforest Pyramid®!

(Click here if the following video is not functioning)