Galveston Bay Buzz!

Hello Bay Area, Houston! I’m glad our two-week winter is over, but the cold weather was much needed. It gave me a chance to slow down and allowed me time to refresh. I hope you and yours were able to take a breather for a few days as well.

As time continues to fly by faster than rose prices jump on February 14th, Valentine’s Day is here. While it is celebrated in the United States, it is also celebrated in many other countries. The traditions look a little different around the world, but the meaning stays the same.

Valentine’s Day started in Rome, Italy, a city famous for romance today, even though the holiday itself wasn’t originally about candlelit dinners and roses. I love Rome for its history, cobblestone streets and hidden gems tucked away in small alleyways. It’s truly a city of love, pasta and unforgettable memories.

If you ever make it to Rome, book an Airbnb in the Trastevere neighborhood. What was once home to Rome’s working class across the river, is now one of the city’s most beloved neighborhoods. It’s full of history, character, and you may even get a midnight serenade—no reservation required.

While in Rome several years ago, my daughter woke us up in the middle of the night because she kept hearing noise outside the apartment. I opened the window to discover some drunk young guys serenading the entire apartment complex, strumming a guitar and living it up. I was awake enough to capture it on video, and it still makes me laugh every time I watch it. I’ll share it with you on social media this week, and I hope it brings a smile to your face.

Since Valentine’s Day has its roots in Rome, Italy, I thought it was the perfect time to share a newsletter filled with photos from Trastevere.

If you’re a local photographer and would like the opportunity to feature your local photos in an upcoming newsletter, please send them to [email protected].

We’d love to showcase your work!

Texas City Spotlight

Now, back to reality! As I headed to Texas City to explore this past weekend, I knew I wanted to take a drive down the Texas City Dike because it was such a beautiful day. While it was still a bit cold for my taste, the drive was gorgeous, and seeing the sun reflect off the water was just what I needed.

As I headed back towards town I decided to go eat at Cafe Petra to specifically try the turnip pickles. I was not a big fan of eating them alone, but then when I added them to the oil with the fried cheese I was converted! Then with the Gyro they added an amazing new crunch that blended so well. If you want something rich in probiotics and antioxidants that supports your gut and immune health, then eat turnip pickles on your next Gyro! It’s always a plus when we can add something healthy to the mix.

Now for the fun part, Texas City has Reality of Wrestling. What?! Yes, really! And it’s right next to Café Petra, which means I can learn how to wrestle and then celebrate with Mediterranean food afterward. Honestly, a perfect plan if you ask me. I’m feeling extra healthy after eating turnip pickles this past weekend, so why not add wrestling to the mix? If you’re looking for something new, you can try your hand (and leg) at wrestling…or take the more reasonable approach and enjoy a show from the sidelines.

I often wonder where my grown kids get their wild ideas from. Maybe one day I’ll figure it out, but for now I will enjoy some wrestling & turnips.

Texas City Developments

Scavenger Hunt III 409 Protocol started on February 2nd and ends on April 9th.

Your mission -- should you choose to accept it -- will have you following clues, cracking codes and deciphering messages in search of the $500 prize.
Agents may pick up their Classified Field Packets at Interim City Hall (2000 Texas Ave) or at Moore Memorial Public Library next week.

There’s so much more happening in Texas City, and I’d normally be all over it — but this week I’m recovering from a minor procedure, and my battery is running low.

Local Upcoming Events

Thursday, February 12th

  • Open Mic

    • 6:00pm to 9:00pm

    • 902 Marina Bay Dr, Clear Lake Shores

  • Seabrook Cheese Co

    Pajamas & Prosecco

    • 6:00pm to 9:00pm

    • 1406 Main St, Seabrook

Friday, February 13th

  • Water Oak Cafe & Bakery

    Girls Mahjong Night- $35

    • Starts at 6:00pm

    • 19325 Gulf Fwy #110, Webster

  • Galveston Bay Brewing

    • 7:00pm to 10:00pm

    • 902 Marina Bay Dr, Clear Lake Shores

  • Jackie’s Bar & Grill

    Stevie Ray Vaughan Tribute - Texas Flood

    • 8:30pm to 12:00am

    • 1053 Marina Bay Dr, Kemah

Saturday, February 14th

  • Valentine’s Day Paddle

    • 12:00pm to 2:00pm

    • 902 Marina Bay Dr, Clear Lake Shores

  • Valentine’s Day Live Music

    • Starts at 1pm

    • 707 Highway 146, Kemah

  • Jackie’s Bar & Grill

    Madalynn Standley

    • 8:30pm to 12:00

    • 1053 Marina Bay Dr, Kemah

Valentine’s Day Specials will be posted on social media.

Sunday, February 15th

Happy 23rd Birthday, Kris!

Old enough to know better. Young enough to still try it anyway.

Love you,
Mom

Kris last year in Annapolis, Maryland pretending his lobster head was a crawfish.

Monday, February 16th

Try a new local restaurant and support your neighbors.

Tuesday, February 17th

Galveston "Fat Tuesday " Mardi Gras Parade will be at 6:30 p.m.

  • Jackie’s Bar & Grill

    Mardi Gras

    • 11:00am to 10:00pm

    • 1053 Marina Bay Dr, Kemah

  • Palapa Bar Kemah

    Fat Tuesday & Trivia

    • 3:00pm to 2:00am

    • 608 6th St, Kemah

  • Singo Bingo

    • 5:00pm to 9:00pm

    • 902 Marina Bay Dr, Clear Lake Shores

Wednesday, February 18th

  • Schafer's Coastal Bar & Grille

    Wine Down Wednesday

    • 11:00am to 9:00pm

    • 1002 Aspen Rd, Clear Lake Shores

  • New Horizon Free Weekly Networking Group

    • 12:00pm to 1:00pm

    • 2710 Gulf Freeway South, League City

  • Trivia Night

    • 7:00pm to 9:00pm

    • 902 Marina Bay Dr, Clear Lake Shores

If you have a local event to share, send us the information. [email protected]

Farmers Market Guide

Follow us on social media for weekly updates on other local farmers markets.

Every Saturday

10am–2pm

Every Sunday

11am–3pm

2nd and 4th Saturdays

9am–2pm

Bay Area Houston Weekly Forecast 🐝

Wed, Feb 11: Mild with patchy morning fog, partly sunny — 71° / 55°
Thu, Feb 12: Mostly sunny, comfortable — 68° / 58°
Fri, Feb 13: Partly cloudy, slight shower chance — 67° / 61°
Sat, Feb 14: Windy with showers and possible thunderstorms — 68° / 56°
Sun, Feb 15: Breezy, partly sunny and cooler — 72° / 53°
Mon, Feb 16: Sunny and pleasant — 73° / 57°
Tue, Feb 17: Mixed sun and clouds, warm — 76° / 60°
Wed, Feb 18: Warm and sunny — 78° / 62°

Perfect for Valentine’s plans, post-storm sunshine, and coastal drives. 🌤️🌊

Stay Local. Stay Connected.

Do you love local finds as much as we do? Follow us on social media and tag us in your favorite local spots for a chance to be featured in our weekly newsletter.

Spot construction or a new development? Sent us a message and we’ll dig up the details! Know a hometown person or business that deserves a spotlight? Send us the details! Have something you’d love to see each week? Send us your suggestions, and we’ll do our best to make it happen. 🐝[email protected]

Just remember, we’re only human, but we’ll do our best to make this your newsletter.

The Galveston Bay Buzz 🐝

Jessica Johnson

Publisher/Founder

Interested in advertising or sponsorship? Reach out—we’d love to chat. [email protected]

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