COME JOIN THE FUN with Downtown Bay City Market Day the Premier Market in Matagorda County!
Downtown Bay City Market Day is held at 1700 7th St. Bay City, TX & is on the 4th Saturday of the month March to November and is open from 9 to 4 pm.
Hey Bay City shoppers! Get ready for an amazing market day downtown! It’s a blast of fun, food, and festivities waiting just for you! Come explore our vibrant community and find incredible handmade treasures from local vendors.
With food trucks serving up tasty treats, there’s excitement around every corner. Don’t forget to save the date – every 4th Saturday from 9am to 4pm. See you there for a day you won’t forget!
Tom Meinhausen
ACM Texas’ CEO
Looking for a place to stay during your visit to Texas?
Look no further than VRBO! Our friends at VRBO offer some of the best accommodations in Texas, ensuring that you’ll have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. From cozy cottages to luxurious vacation homes, VRBO has a range of options to fit your needs and budget. So don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
Bay City Blog Posts
Home of Downtown Bay City Market Day, Bay City is the county seat for Matagorda County. It is a treasure trove of fine dining, great places to shop for lovers of art, antiques, fashion and food, along with hunting, fishing and only 20 minutes from some of the best beaches on the Texas coast. With plenty of first-class hotels, motels, B&B’s and great spots to park your RV it’s the perfect place for a weekend getaway!
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY – BAY CITY STYLE!
The beautiful historic downtown, with its early Texas historic facades and courthouse square (where MCTD is held every month). It is also home to an awesome history museum – with a special section devoted entirely to children! Featuring a hands-on interactive Children’s Museum, your kids will love dressing up and discovering what it was like to live back in the olden days. Not to mention getting some great lessons in Texas history…and did I mention all the great shopping in downtown Bay City?
Another super fun spot to visit in Bay City is the Matagorda County Nature Birding Center.
This is a favorite spot of the locals and will feed your thirst for the great outdoors. The friendly folks at the Visitor Center will provide you with a map and you can begin exploring and discover the rare beauty and abundant nature which co-exist along the Colorado River. Great hiking trails and there’s even a spot for launching your kayaks. Chase butterflies, see beautiful flowers and birds and you might even spot an alligator! Pass by ponds, streams, the Colorado River and children will love the many turtles and minnows located along the riverbank. Take a picnic and make a day of it.
If you start to get hungry, it’s time to eat!
When dining out, bring your appetite to Texas restaurants for generous portions. Find seafood, BBQ, steak, Mexican, Italian cuisine in town. Sample southern dishes like grits, okra, buttermilk pie, fried catfish, or gumbo. Bay City has 40+ eateries, with more opening, guaranteeing something you’ll love.
Discover Historic Homes and Buildings in Bay City, Texas – A Hidden Gem in Matagorda County
Experience the rich heritage of Bay City, Texas, as you explore a treasure trove of historic properties. Immerse yourself in the captivating stories of local heritage, thanks to the dedicated preservation efforts that have made these architectural gems accessible to the public. By preserving these properties, we pass down cherished traditions and knowledge of our community to younger generations.
One notable historic home showcases the essence of Bay City’s architectural splendor. With its 14 rooms, 3 porches, 3 balconies, and a spacious attic, this house embodies the grandeur of a bygone era. Step inside to admire the timeless beauty of Louisiana cypress weatherboarding on the exterior, while the interior boasts elegant pine and wide-plank pine floors. The exquisitely designed metal shingles atop the sharply-pitched roof, complete with ornamental glass ball-adorned lightning rods, add to its allure.
Judge Holman’s keen eye for quality led him to secure Louisiana cypress during a fortuitous encounter on a business trip. To withstand both recurring floods and hurricane force winds, the house stands on sturdy red brick pillars, anchored with underground concrete blocks. This construction not only ensures the house’s resilience but also creates a crawl space beneath, offering additional functionality.
Upon arrival, the grandeur of the home unfolds before you. Its eastern-facing front entrance welcomes the morning sun and refreshing Gulf breezes through a magnificent brick-and-nine-columned porch. The southeast corner is graced with an impressive turret, while the third floor boasts a multi-windowed tower. Take in the scenic views from the delightful balcony above the main entrance and admire the charming dormer on the rooftop. The front entrance captivates with its leaded glass, ornate pine panels, and a beautifully decorated oval plate glass front door. Don’t miss the working original hand-turned doorbell on the left panel, adding a touch of nostalgia.
This stunning home is just one example of the architectural wonders that await you in Bay City. To learn more about the historical sites scattered throughout Matagorda County, visit the conveniently located kiosk next to the Matagorda History Museum, right across from the courthouse square. Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the captivating history of Bay City, Texas.
Holman House at 2504 Ave K – The Texas Historical Marker for the Holman House reads:
Spanish-American War Veteran And Matagorda County Judge (1908-1914) William Shields Holman And His Wife Louise (Kaulbach) Built This House In 1908-09. Designed By A. W. Large And Constructed By Contractor H. Speckles, The House Is An Excellent Example Of Queen Anne Styling.
It Features Asymmetrical Composition, An Elaborate Roofscape, Corner Tower, Wraparound Porch, And Varying Textures On Its Wall Surfaces. It Remained In The Holman Family Until 1978.One of the most photographed homes in Matagorda County, construction of this Victorian jewel was started in 1908 and completed in 1909. Built for Judge and Mrs. William Shields Holman, the home is 3-stories in height with a 2-story carriage house in back and occupies a quarter of the city block.
