Boardwalking: Texas Style!
Texans are discovering the waterside Mecca known as the Kemah Boardwalk, a tourism magnet known for its chic restaurants, live music, unique shopping and family fun...
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 The secret is out! Texans are discovering the unique getaway destination of Kemah, a once-quiet coastal community that has visitors these days dining in delight, swaying to the tunes of great live music, and coming back for more at every chance.
Central to its popularity is the Kemah Boardwalk, a night-out or weekend destination that has become extremely popular in recent years, especially among the Houston hip crowd.
The Kemah Marina is another reason the community has become so popular, with an array of some of Texas' most beautiful boats - big boats, cruisers, speed boats, schooners, sloops, yachts and more.
Just 40 miles south of Houston and across the channel from Galveston Island, Kemah is also known for nearby Johnson Space Center. It may seem to make for strange bedfellows, the high-tech, space age sophistication of NASA's space headquarters and the down-home coastal charm of a Texas waterside community. But the mix of the two worlds has visitors coming back for more.
Dining seems to be the favorite sport on the Boardwalk, with plenty of great eateries from which to choose. Joe's Crab Shack, Landry's Seafood House, the Cadillac Mexican Restaurant, The Aquarium, the Crab House, Babin's, and the Salt Grass Steakhouse are but a few of the apparent favorites.
 The actual Boardwalk features shops and entertainment areas for all ages, carnival rides and even a train. Live music is usually featured in the pavilion throughout the day and into the evening. Central to the Boardwalk is the Boardwalk Inn, a full-service hotel that provides the perfect sleep-over spot so you can enjoy both the sunny days and the star-studded evenings the area generally provides.
The Kemah Boardwalk also offers great and unusual shopping at shops like Christmas at Kemah, a store open year round and offering a wide selection of specialty Christmas ornaments, home decor, collectibles, and gifts. A new children's store, The Toy Crossing, opened recently and plans are underway for a 1940's themed and upscale lady's boutique.
 The Kemah Jazz Festival is one of the premiere events held in the community, scheduled this year for September 23-25. The festival is the brainchild of Founder and Festival Director Robert Wilson, UH Downtown Arts and Humanities Faculty Member Director, UHD Civic Music Program. This year's event will feature a host of great jazz artists including sax legend Bud Shank and trumpet great Randy Brecker.
Other great events each year include the Kemah Christmas and the "Boo on the Boardwalk" all throughout October, culminating in the Boardwalk costume contest on the 22nd and the 29th.
The month of September is not without its special events. In addition tot he Jazz Fest, there is the Zydeco Festival on Labor Day weekend, the Caribbean Lua on the Sept. 10-11, and the Kid's Fall Festival on the 17-19th.
Thrill seekers may want to chance a ride on Joe's Boardwalk Beast, an adventure speed boat that offers a water ride not quickly forgotten. TIP: Take the ride before you dine!
Getting to Kemah is about as simple as getting to Houston. Follow the directions on the map below and get ready to "stroll the Boardwalk."
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