Back at the end of February, the Golden Triangle Chapter of The Links, Inc sponsored and organized this super fun, local scavenger hunt. The local art game is so strong, and that’s originally what made me want to participate, but I was so pleasantly surprised that so much local history was included. It was an amazing opportunity for the boys and I to learn more about our city in such a fun creative way.
Golden Triangle Links Inc. is an International, not-for profit organization of over 12,000 members committed to improving their communities through friendship and service. Its purpose is threefold: to promote educational, civic and cultural growth in our communities. On May 8, 1971, the Golden Triangle Chapter of The Links, Inc. received its official charter with eleven members. Since the chapter’s inception over forty years ago, the Golden Triangle Chapter has hosted numerous community events and programs to reflect the National Program Facets. Over the years, this chapter has received many awards for outstanding programs related to the Links Facets. Golden Triangle Links, Inc. members are committed to improving their communities through friendship and service.
Golden Triangle Chapter of the Links, Inc. Facebook page
Normally, I don’t know that I would have even turned this into a post, to be super honest. The photo quality isn’t great because this is before the idea for a SETX family blog was even born, but honestly it was so fun! There were so many clues on the list that made us go, “wait, what?” or “oh, really?!” and it’s the discovery of all the cool facts about our area that made me decide to give this special little adventure its own post. Even though the official window is closed and there aren’t prizes on the table, the opportunity to have a fun day out with your kids learning more about the area is always there. And when I’m thinking back to the moments that made me want to turn in my official “Beaumont is boring” membership card, this is one of them.
We weren’t even sure what the prizes were honestly, but when my oldest heard the words ‘scavenger hunt’, his ears immediately perked up. The engineer gene he inherited from his dad is STRONG, and he loves a good puzzle. Some of the clues were no brainers, but others were real head scratchers and it took teaming up with some friends to create a thinktank and solve all the clues. We solved all the clues, split the scavenger hunt into two days based on location (the engineer gene in my husband that he passed down to our oldest inspired him to plot all the locations in Google maps. I give him a hard time but it came in super handy!) and also based on child cooperation, turned in all of our answers, and ended up winning a FANTASTIC prize pack from Patillo’s BBQ and TexJoy!
The GT Links even threw in a gift card to Marble Slab & Great American Cookie, because they wanted to make sure the kids had something to enjoy too. They must know that ice cream and cookies is these kids love language!
I’m going to include the clues from the original scavenger hunt, and then I’ll add the photos from the solved locations below under a spoiler warning. That way, you can gather up the family, turn this into a fun day out exploring, and then come back here and check your answers!
I’d love it if you would follow the original spirit of the challenge, and share your photos in the comments below!
SPOILER WARNING!
Stop scrolling if you don’t want to see solved clues!
Spoilers ahead!
Spoilers ahead!
Spoilers ahead!
Spoilers ahead!
Spoilers ahead!
Last chance to stop scrolling!
Solved Clues/Locations
- This beloved local company that provides our java jolt and powers our cooking is celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. Answer: Texas Coffee Company/Seaport/TexJoy
2. This civic organization paints the town pink and showers us with champagne and ribs each year.
Answer: Julie Rogers’ Gift of Life Program
3. People may come here to see the boats or military cargo, but you can also see the largest free-standing propeller in the USA. Answer: Port of Beaumont
4. You can be a Lonestar at this pavilion dedicated to the discovery of oil in 1901.
Answer: Lamar Pavilion (downtown Beaumont)
5. Women rule the world, but our men of vision were barons of industry.
Answer: “Men of Vision” statue at the Texas Energy Museum
6. Our starry night isn’t exactly what Van Gogh had in mind because it’s been Cajun-fried!
Answer: electrical box downtown, located at the corner of Main and Forsythe St
7. “We didn’t start the fire, no, we didn’t light it, but we tried to fight it.” Stop, drop, and roll your way to this spotted wonder.
Answer: Fire Museum of Texas
NOTE: this is a MUST visit. Did you know that Disney donated the fire hydrant to celebrate the release of 101 Dalmatians? Did you know that it’s the largest WORKING fire hydrant IN THE WORLD???
8. Built way back in 1845, snap a photo at the oldest house in Beaumont.
Answer: John Jay French Museum
9. This famous local athlete just received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Pay a visit to her namesake museum.
Answer: Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum (always free to visit)
10. “It’s a Wonderful Life” premiered in 1947 at this beautiful venue with star James Stewart and director Frank Capra in attendance. Answer: The Jefferson Theatre. (sidenote: this was my wedding venue, so I’m a little obsessed with the place.)
11. This building’s exterior is as colorful as the art created inside.
Answer: The Art Studio, Inc.
12. Opened way back in 1941, let the oldest bakery in SETX whisk you away.
Answer: Rao’s Bakery on Calder (whisk sculpture)
13. This beloved city park was once a Prisoner of War camp for Germans during World War II.
Answer: Tyrrell Park
14. The 4th largest clock in the US was installed on this building on August 10, 1923.
Answer: The San Jacinto Bldg downtown
15. Snap a photo in front of this 900-acre wetlands with a cascading boardwalk and Education Center.
Answer: Cattail Marsh (inside Tyrrell Park)
16. He had a dream; local leaders had a vision. Beaumont erected his statue with absolute precision. Take a pic at the park dedicated in his honor. Answer: Martin Luther King, Jr. Park
17. Take a picture in front of this structure named after an important civil rights lawyer. This landmark is now available for all Beaumont residents to study. Answer: Theodore Johns Library (I’ve also been told the Willard Library is also an acceptable answer.)
18. Lick your fingers, then snap a photo in front of the oldest black-owned restaurant in the state of Texas.
Answer: Patillo’s BBQ
19. This mural was erected in honor of a famous female artist, known for her work celebrating Mexican culture.
Answer: Frida Kahlo mural, located at Fannin and Neches downtown (lots of great local art and photo ops here!)
20. If you visited this area in 1901, you would’ve found an abundance of this delicious fruit. Take a pic next to the electrical box named after this community. Answer: Pear Orchard (electrical box located on the corner of Sarah St and 11th Street)
21. There are 2 sculptures next to each other in this place: “if you’re not first you’re last.” & “Don’t ask why; ask why not.” Answer: Art Museum of Southeast Texas
Thanks so much to the GT Links for organizing such a fun activity! Just because the prize period is over, don’t let it stop you from exploring these local gems! Did you learn something new about Beaumont in this post, or if you went out and tried the Scavenger Hunt? Let me know!
