october excursions

Texas' largest crystal lagoon makes waves with new events for fall getaways

Fans of the popular lagoon can chill out this October.

Photo courtesy of Crystal Lagoons

The crisp fall weather has motivated Texans to search for the ideal outdoor experience. With that in mind, Texas’ largest crystal lagoon has unveiled a new weekend Oktober Lagoonfest, an event that adds a fall-themed splash to the water activities at the popular water and beach feature.

Lago Mar Crystal Lagoon's Oktober Lagoonfest will be open at 3240 Lago Mar Blvd. in Texas City from 11 am to sunset Fridays and 10 am to sunset Saturdays and Sundays, now through November 1.

Guests at the new Oktober Lagoonfest can dive into activities including an inflatable obstacle course, kayaking, sailing, electric jetboards, and stand-up paddleboards. Fitness-minded guests can look forward to free yoga and HIIT cardio classes, which will be held Fridays at 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 1:30 pm.

Those looking to kick back with a brew can enjoy craft beers, cocktails, and frozen drinks. For bites, nosh on fare from food trucks including True Dog gourmet hot dogs, Kurbside Eatz Asian Fusion, Pit King BBQ, Mr. Sizzles gourmet burgers, and Gelü Artisan Italian Ice.

The 12-acre Lago Mar lagoon offers a mile of shoreline and holds 24 million gallons of water. Fun fact: The lagoon’s liner system is large enough to cover 14 NFL football fields. The lagoon is the signature feature of a future 100-acre mixed-use entertainment district being built at the entrance to Lago Mar.

Future phases of development around the lagoon will include hotels, condos, retail, dining, entertainment, as well as a separate pay-for-access beach club with multiple beaches for the general public, according to a press release.

Tickets for Oktober Lagoonfest start at $10 for children under age 13 and $15 for those ages 13 and older. Discounted tickets are available on Fridays; advance tickets can be purchased online.

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Hotel reno

Luxury hotel near DFW Airport unveils major refresh and new dining

Photo courtesy of Ricardo Marriott

House of Toro is the new chophouse at The Ricardo Marriott.

A longtime Westlake luxury hotel is ready to unveil a major renovation and rebrand to the public: The former Marriott Westlake has reopened as The Ricardo Marriott, named for famed Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta, the original designer of the hotel and its surrounding Solana Plaza.

According to a release, the 293-room property near DFW Airport recent underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation that included several new dining concepts and social spaces, along with new design elements, guest room refurbishments, and a pool refresh.

Dallas-based Coury Hospitality led the overhaul of the Marriott, Bonvoy Collection hotel.

"The Ricardo Marriott represents an exciting new chapter for this property,” said Andrew Casperson, President of Coury Hospitality, in a statement. “This transformation goes beyond a renovation. It reflects an intentional effort to honor the building’s architectural significance while introducing a renewed identity that is bold, design-driven, and reflective of Westlake’s evolving character.”

The renovations aimed to honor and augment Legorreta's original, 1987 design for the building and its campus, featuring his signature bold geometry and vibrant colors. (Legorreta's other well-known local building is the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, which features similarly striking colors and shapes.)

"Legorreta’s architecture anchors the experience, creating a strong sense of arrival, while refreshed interiors introduce layered materials, contemporary furnishings and curated color that elevate the guest journey," says the release.

The centerpiece of the renovation are the food and beverage offerings:

A new restaurant called House of Toro Chophouse & Patio serves as the hotel’s signature chophouse.
Black Pearl Lounge offers cocktails, light bites, and tableside caviar service.
Solana Lounge & Kitchen provides all-day dining with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Café31 offers Lavazza coffees, fresh pastries, and grab-and-go options.

The hotel also features more than 15,000 square feet of updated meeting and event space, along with outdoor areas and a new-and-improved pool. The spaces are designed to accommodate a range of uses, from corporate meetings to weddings and social events, the release says.

The Ricardo Marriott is now open and welcoming guests, at 1301 Solana Boulevard, Building 3, Westlake.

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