aquabanas are back!

Texas' largest crystal lagoon dives into Memorial Day weekend with floating cabanas and more

Set sail on the crystal lagoon.

Photo courtesy of Lagoonfest Texas

Dallasites ready to dive into Memorial Day weekend with a refreshing road trip can aim their cars toward Houston, for Texas’ largest Crystal Lagoons amenity. Lagoonfest Texas returns for its third year with crystal-blue water, white beaches, and the favorite aquabanas — the floating cabanas.

Lagoonfest Texas’ comeback launches Memorial Day weekend, May 27-29 and runs through Labor Day at 13900 Crystal View Blvd. in the Houston suburb of Texas City.

Visitors can expect cabanas on the beach and on the water, the largest inflatable obstacle course in the nation located on a crystal lagoon; and ride bumper boats, kayaks, sailboats, stand-up paddleboards, and aqua trikes.

More weekend fun features a catapult swing; the five-story Titan Slide; water jousting; and a game lawn with corn hole, spike ball, volleyball, a giant Jenga, Spider Pong, and Banzai Ball, per a press release.

Ticket options include day pass for $22 and introductory Lagoon Passes, which offer unlimited admission through the end of October for $69. A $99 Xtreme Pass guarantees unlimited admission through the end of October, an unlimited aquaplay activity pass, and discounts on food, beverages, and rentals.

The aquaplay activity pass includes access to the largest inflatable obstacle course on a lagoon, slides, and watercraft such as bumper boats.

“This is your entertainment-packed resort vacation that you can enjoy again and again — without the hassle of airline travel,” said Uri Man, CEO of The Lagoon Development Company, the festival’s parent company, in a statement. “Our white-sand beaches and turquoise waters rival any that you might find at a tropical oasis. Add in all the things to do, and you have an ultimate beach vacation right here. Why go to ugly brown beaches when you can enjoy crystal clear water?”

The 12-acre lagoon, opened in 2020, is the signature feature of a 100-acre mixed-use entertainment district being built at the entrance to the Lago Mar master-planned community. The destination saw more than 8,000 visitors last year.

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Lagoonfest Texas’s grand opening runs Memorial Day weekend, May 27-29. Hours are 10 am to 8 pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Tickets start at $22; children aged 2 and under free. For tickets and more information, visit www.lagoonfesttexas.com.

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GRAPE EXPECTATIONS

Texas Hill Country wineries crush summer with grape stomping events

Photo courtesy of Texas Hill Country Wineries

Not all wine stomping is done with the feet.

If you ask Texas Hill Country Wineries, good, clean fun is a tad overrated. The nonprofit’s members are getting messy this summer with a series of grape stomps celebrating harvest season.

Yes, the vast majority of the world’s wines are now made with mechanical destemmers and crushers, but there is no harm in cosplaying as a vendemmiatore hopped up on mezzo vino. As long as you keep the white linen tucked away in the closet.

The main event pays homage to the most famous wine scene in popular culture (unless you count Paul Giamatti guzzling a spit bucket in Sideways). The I Love Lucy Charity Grape Stomp, held August 8-9 at Texas Hills Vineyard, includes live music, a costume contest, freshly made Lucy sangria, and souvenir t-shirts available for purchase. All proceeds benefit area volunteer firefighters.

Meanwhile, other Hill Country wineries are putting their own spin on the harvest tradition. Becker Vineyards will pair its high-stepping event (September 5-6) with cheese and charcuterie from its onsite Verandah Bar. Messina Hof is hosting a raucous harvest festival (August 21-22) with grape picking, and Signor Vineyards will roll out lawn games — just don’t wear cleats into the vat.

Wildseed Farms grape stomp, held every Saturday in August, includes a complimentary glass of wine. Texas Wine Collective adds barbecue and tunes from the Dawson Holland band. Whether two-stepping is the proper technique to release juice from the fruit is up for debate. Maybe try the Boot Scootin’ Boogie.

Whichever event, it might be a good idea to have a good foot scrub waiting at the Airbnb. A full list of grape stomping fun can be found here.

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