Click to Listen to the Latest Episodes:
Click to Watch Clips from the Podcast:
Cattail Marsh offers a stroller and wheelchair-friendly experience. Observe herons, egrets, spoonbills, and turtles along the boardwalk. Early mornings or late afternoons provide golden light and cooler temperatures. Remember bug spray! 📸 #CattailMarsh #Wetlands #NaturePreserve #Boardwalk #Wildlife #Beaumont
Discover the beauty of the Big Thicket region with Neches River Adventures. Choose guided kayaking for active families or a relaxing boat tour for all ages. Reservations are essential, and life jackets are provided. Enjoy the breeze and glowing cypress knees! #kayaking #BigThicket #riveradventure #Texas #nature #explore
Katherine & Company in Beaumont is a beloved daytime cafe known for its fresh soups, breads, and tempting desserts. Open for lunch, it's a great place to share plates and sample a variety of dishes. They offer vegetarian and gluten-conscious options. #BeaumontCafe #Lunchtime #FreshSoups #Desserts #VegetarianOptions
Explore Beaumont, TX with a family-friendly day trip. Start at Gator Country, visit Cattail Marsh and Beaumont Botanical Gardens, enjoy lunch at Katherine & Company, and take a Neches River Adventures tour. End the day at Floyd's Cajun Seafood! #BeaumontTexas #FamilyDayTrip #TexasTravel #GatorCountry #CattailMarsh
Discover Orange, Texas, a vibrant town with unique cultural enrichment, delicious food, and community spirit. This day trip from Beaumont supports Southeast Texas and offers a memorable adventure. #Beaumont #OrangeTexas #DayTrip #TexasTravel #CulturalEnrichment
Join Laini Parker for a six-stop family day trip across Southeast Texas featuring reptile rescues, nature boardwalks, botanical gardens, swamp paddles, gourmet deli delights, and a festive seafood finale—all in one unforgettable day. Gator Country Adventure Park – – rescued reptiles, feeding shows, educational tours • Address: 21159 FM 365, Beaumont, TX 77705 • Website: https://www.gatorrescue.com/ Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands & Boardwalk – – wetlands preserve with boardwalks and wildlife spotting • Address: 4233 Babe Zaharias Drive, Beaumont, TX • Website: https://www.beaumontcvb.com/things-to-do/cattail-marsh/ Tyrrell Park & Beaumont Botanical Gardens – – greenspace, gardens, and conservatory tours • Address: 5305 Tyrrell Park Rd, Beaumont, TX 77705 • Website: https://www.bbgtx.org/ Neches River Adventures / Big Thicket National Preserve – tours departing near Kountze, TX – guided kayaking through scenic swamp • Address: 6790 Bigner Road, Beaumont, TX 77708 • Website: https://www.nechesriveradventures.org/ Katharine & Company – – gourmet lunch café, sandwiches, soups, and scratch-made desserts • Address: 1495 Calder Ave, Beaumont, TX 77701 • Website: https://katharineandcompany.com/ Floyd’s Cajun Seafood – Beaumont, TX – crawfish boils, fried seafood platters in a family-friendly setting • Address: 2290 Interstate I-10 S, Beaumont, TX 77707 • Website: https://floydsseafood.com/index.php Sponsored by https://409Plumbing.com
Step back in time at Old Orange Cafe! Housed in a historic dairy, this nostalgic spot blends vintage charm with American comfort dishes. Chef David Clabar’s passion shines in every bite, preserving the cafe's heritage. #OldOrangeCafe #HistoricCafe #ComfortFood #LocalHistory #VintageCharm
Since 1953, Jack's Pak-It has been a Beaumont institution. Operated by the Blanda family, this meat market, deli, and grocery store offers specialty meats, hot plates, deli classics, and more. A community hub steeped in flavor and smiles. #Beaumont #MeatMarket #Deli #Grocery #TexasEats
The Stark Museum in Orange, Texas, features American Western art, indigenous art, and decorative arts. See masterworks, Navajo rugs, and Steuben's crystal. Guided tours available. Active military get in free through Blue Star Museums. #StarkMuseum #WesternArt #IndigenousArt #ArtMuseum #TexasMuseums
The Lutcher Theater in Orange, Texas, stands as a cultural hub between Houston and New Orleans. Since 1980, it has hosted Broadway tours and musical legends, offering a blend of education and entertainment for all ages. #LutcherTheater #OrangeTexas #PerformingArts #Broadway #LiveMusic
Explore Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, a 252-acre ecosanctuary in Orange, Texas. Discover interactive gardens, wetlands, and outdoor classrooms in this LEED Platinum certified space. #ShangriLaGardens #Texas #BotanicalGardens #NatureCenter #Travel #Ecotourism
The WH Stark House, a Queen Anne Eastlake Victorian mansion, offers free tours of its 15 preserved rooms filled with original furnishings and stories of early Texas philanthropists. #historicHomes #TexasHistory #victorianArchitecture #freeTours
Red's Ice House transforms from sports central to live music haven! Open late on weekends, it offers the best of both worlds. Experience the unique charm where sports atmosphere meets music-centric vibes. #LiveMusic #SportsBar #NightLife #LocalMusic #CollegeStreet
Join Laini Parker as she embarks on a scenic and cultural tour from Beaumont to Orange, TX—featuring gardens, art, history, theater, a charming café, and hearty local eats in one unforgettable day. Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center – 252 acres of bayou gardens and sculpture • Address: 2111 W. Park Avenue, Orange, TX 77630 • Website: https://shangrilagardens.org/ Stark Museum of Art – – premier Western and Indigenous art • Address: 712 Green Avenue, Orange, TX 77630 • Website: https://starkmuseum.org/ W. H. Stark House – – restored 1894 Victorian mansion museum • Address: 611 W. Green Avenue, Orange, TX 77630 • Website: https://whstarkhouse.org/ Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts – – regional performing arts venue hosting touring shows • Address: 707 Main Street, Orange, TX 77630 • Website: https://lutcher.org/ Old Orange Cafe & Catering Company – – historic dairy turn café serving nostalgic American lunch classics • Address: 914 W. Division Avenue, Orange, TX 77630 • Website: https://oldorangecafe.com/ Jak’s Pak It – – local smash burgers, hot meals, deli • Address: 4505 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, TX 77706 • Website: https://www.jackspakit.com/ Sponsored by Local Biz Buzz, https://localbizbuzz.co/leverage
Madison's on Dowlin offers the perfect late-night escape! Experience live music, dance, and savor wings & burgers. It's always lively, with local bands bringing eclectic sounds after dark! #LiveMusic #Nightlife #LateNightEats #LocalBands
Logon Cafe is Beaumont's gem where live music, open mic nights, and karaoke create a vibrant community. It’s a place where every visit guarantees a unique experience, with pool, local artists, and the best local bands. #BeaumontTX #LiveMusicVenue #OpenMicNight #KaraokeNight
McKenzie's Pub: Beaumont's unbeatable community vibe where local artists rise to fame. It's where bartenders know your name and conversations ignite connections, making it Beaumont's best kept secret. #BeaumontPubs #LocalMusicScene #CommunityVibes #TexasNightlife
Pine Tree Lodge's rustic charm meets vibrant music. Kick back in nature, where country, rock, and more fill the air. A serene escape awaits. It’s about stellar music and laid-back vibes. #livemusic #rusticvenue #pinetreelodge #musiclover #countryrock
Step back in time at Beaumont's Jefferson Theatre! Since 1927, this venue has hosted concerts, comedy, and performances. Its grand architecture creates an unforgettable experience. Don't miss diverse shows from touring acts and local artists! #JeffersonTheatre #BeaumontTexas #TexasHistory #LiveMusic #ComedyShows
Explore the Romanesque Tyrrell Historical Library, a sentinel of Texan history. Originally a church, it now houses a deep dive into Texana archives, where knowledge and history converge. A reverent space to reflect and explore awaits! #historicalLibraries #texasHistory #beaumontTexas #architecture #texana
Putillo's Barbecue—a Beaumont institution—holds generations of Texan flavor secrets. Every bite tells a story of time and tradition as old recipes meet new techniques, paying homage to the city's cultural heritage. #BeaumontBBQ #TexanCuisine #PitSmoked #CulturalHeritage #BBQLovers
Explore Texas Energy Museum’s immersive exhibits! Discover how oil shaped Beaumont and the modern world through stories of innovation, robotics, and tech. See geology, exploration, production, and refining intertwine with contemporary life. #TexasEnergyMuseum #OilHistory #BeaumontTexas #EnergyInnovation
Step back in time at the McFaddin-Ward House Museum! Explore the grandeur of Beaux-Arts architecture and uncover the daily lives of a prominent Beaumont family. Seasonal exhibits offer fresh insights into early 20th-century life. #MuseumVisit #HistoricalHouse #SoutheastTexas #BeaumontHistory #BeauxArtsArchitecture
Discover a rare glimpse into Beaumont's timber and oil boom era at the Chambers House Museum. Unlike opulent displays, it offers an authentic peek into a family's daily life, meticulously preserved. Walk through rooms untouched by time and connect with the past. #museumtour #history #historicalhomes
Experience the moment that ignited the oil age! The Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum brings the 1901 oil strike to life. A pivotal moment transformed Texas and the world—but could anyone foresee the changes ahead? #Spindletop #OilBoom #TexasHistory #Boomtown #OilStrike
Buckstin Brewing Co. offers award-winning craft beers and artisan pizzas, creating a community hub with regular events. Their thin-crust pizza and gourmet toppings are a favorite, complemented by an inviting and lively atmosphere. Quality and innovation shine through in every glass and slice. #craftbeer #artisanpizza #brewery #pizza #localevents
Join Laini Parker as she takes you through downtown Beaumont’s nightlife—six venues pulsing with live music, energy, and late-night flavor from dive bars to historic theatres and neighborhood pubs. The Logon Café & Pub – – open mic, live bands, pool, karaoke, full bar • Address: 3805 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, TX 77706 • Website: https://logoncafe.net/ Madison’s on Dowlen – – late night bar & grill, live music, wings & burgers • Address: 4020 Dowlen Road, Beaumont, TX 77706 • Website: https://www.facebook.com/MadisonsOnDowlen/ MacKenzie’s Pub – – neighborhood pub with local live music • Address: 299 Dowlen Road #9B, Beaumont, TX • Website: https://mackenziespub.toast.site/ Red’s Icehouse – – sports bar with live music, open till 2:30 AM on weekends • Address: 7665 College St, Beaumont, TX 77707 • Website: https://www.facebook.com/RedsIcehouse/ Pine Tree Lodge – – rustic lodge-style live music bar • Address: 3296 Pine Tree Road, Beaumont, TX • Website: https://www.facebook.com/thepinetreelodge/ Jefferson Theatre – – historic 1927 theatre for concerts, comedy & performances • Address: 345 Fannin Street, Beaumont, TX 77701 • Website: https://beaumonteventstx.com Sponsored by Local Biz Buzz, https://localbizbuzz.co/leverage
Join Laini Parker on Best in Beaumont for a journey through North Beaumont’s top spots for brunch, craft beers, and smash‑burgers. Whether you're starting the morning right or ending the evening with local flavor, this episode celebrates the best of our beer scene and eats. The Toasted Yolk Cafe • Address: 6455 Phelan Blvd, Beaumont, TX 77706 • Website: https://thetoastedyolk.com/locations/beaumont-tx/ Rao’s Bakery & Coffee Cafe – multiple locations in Beaumont – long‑running local favorite since 1941 • Address: 4440 Dowlen Rd, Beaumont, TX 77706 • Website: https://raosbakery.com/ Oz Café • Address: 2417 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, TX 77702 • Website: https://www.theozcafe.com/ Struggle Street Brewing Company – Beaumont’s first microbrewery with about 20 taps and an expansive outdoor patio • Address: 2140 Calder Ave, Beaumont, TX 77701 • Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100051338995057# Smash Wagon – now operating at Struggle Street Brewing’s location • Address: 2140 Calder Ave, Beaumont, TX 77701 • Website: https://www.facebook.com/SmashWagonBeaumont/ Buckstin Brewing Company – – award‑winning brewery and artisan pizza spot with craft beer and community events • 6280 Phelan Blvd, Beaumont, TX 77706 • Website: https://www.buckstinbrewing.com/ Sponsored by Orange County Local Scoop, https://OrangeWorthy.com/subscribe
In this episode, Laini Parker uncovers six historic treasures around Beaumont, connecting the city's oil-boom origins to the architecture, culture, and flavors that define Southeast Texas today. Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum -- (replica oil-boom town with reenactments, gusher) • Address: 5550 Jimmy Simmons Blvd, Beaumont, TX 77710 • Website: https://www.lamar.edu/spindletop-boomtown-museum/index.html Texas Energy Museum - - interactive oil-history exhibits and robotics storytelling • Address: 600 Main Street, Beaumont, TX 77701 • Website: https://www.texasenergymuseum.org/ Tyrrell Historical Library - - historic Romanesque library with Texana collections • Address: 6010 Gladys, Beaumont, TX 77706 • Website: https://www.beaumonttexas.gov/269/Tyrrell-Historical-Library McFaddin-Ward House Museum - - historic Beaux-Arts family mansion tours & seasonal exhibits • Address: 725 North Third Street, Beaumont, TX 77701 • Website: https://mcfaddin-ward.org/ Chambers House Museum - - preserved home reflecting the timber-oil era Beaumont • Address: 2240 Calder Ave, Beaumont, TX 77701 • Website: https://chambershouse.org/ Patillo's Barbeque - multiple generations and locations in Beaumont, TX - renowned Texas pit-smoked barbecue tradition • Address: 2775 Washington Boulevard, Beaumont, TX 77705 • Website: https://patillosbbqtx.com Sponsored by Orange County Local Scoop, https://OrangeWorthy.com/subscribe
Oz Cafe isn't just a cafe; it's a community hub where local art and music thrive. From gourmet sandwiches to hearty breakfast plates, Oz is dedicated to quality, creativity, and supporting local producers, making it a dining experience. #OzCafe #LocalCafe #CommunityVibes #SupportLocal #CafeCulture
Rao's Bakery: a Southeast Texas landmark since 1941. The aroma of fresh pastries and coffee creates an inviting atmosphere. Discover why Ray-O's cinnamon rolls and nostalgic charm continue to draw crowds after all these years. #BeaumontTexas #SoutheastTexas #CinnamonRolls #TexasFoodie #BakeryVibes
Every week, we delve into the diverse array of flavors, iconic eateries, and beloved community spots that define this dynamic city. From the hottest new dining experiences and treasured local favorites to unmissable events and hidden gems, each episode brings you face-to-face with the individuals and stories that enrich the soul of Beaumont. Check out the full podcast at https://BestinBeaumont.com
The Toasted Yolk Cafe is Beaumont's beloved brunch destination. From classic eggs Benedict to the West Coast Arnold, there’s something for every palate. Discover why its crispy hash browns and perfectly cooked bacon are simply irresistible. #BeaumontEats #BrunchSpot #ToastedYolkCafe
Smashwagon and Struggle Street combine for Beaumont's ultimate burger and beer experience. High-quality ingredients meet craft brews for a perfect pairing. Is this the town's best burger? #BeaumontEats #SmashBurger #CraftBeer #FoodieAdventures #StruggleStreet
Struggle Street Brewing Co. has become a beacon for beer enthusiasts! With about 20 taps available—from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts—there's something for every beer lover. It’s expansive outdoor patio also serves as a gathering spot for locals. #craftbeer #microbrewery #beumont #IPA #stout
About the Host: Laini Parker
Laini Parker is a Southeast Texas native with a deep love for hole-in-the-wall taquerias, neighborhood hangouts, and the kind of Beaumont spots you won’t find on a tourist map. Raised just a few blocks from Calder Avenue, she grew up surrounded by the scent of boudin and the sound of zydeco drifting from backyards on Sunday afternoons. Her childhood was filled with movie nights at the Jefferson Theatre, snow cones after softball games at Rogers Park, and wandering Crockett Street long before downtown’s revival.
A former lifestyle blogger and community event planner, Laini has spent years highlighting local makers, musicians, and businesses across the Golden Triangle. With Best in Beaumont, she’s found her perfect platform to celebrate the stories, flavors, and people that make her hometown shine—from new restaurants and long-loved landmarks to the everyday personalities behind it all.
When she’s not behind the mic, you’ll find her eating a gelato at Rao’s Bakery, vintage shopping in Old Town, or catching live music at Madison’s. For Laini, Beaumont isn’t just home—it’s a story waiting to be told, one episode at a time.
