Shopping in Bay City, Texas
When you drive into Bay City, you can't help seeing why we are so proud of our downtown. We worked hard to become a designated Texas Main Street participant so we could preserve our unique community heritage. Every year, our downtown revitalization and preservation goals help us advance our historic downtown and improve our economic sustainability. The vision of our Bay City Main Street program is for downtown Bay City to be the pulse of the County: celebrating historic pride, economic vitality and the best of Texas hospitality. It is easy to appreciate life in a community with such pride in its history and vision for its future.
Historical Projects
We love our city's history and work together to maintain the rich historical aspects important to the charm of our community. Our projects include facade grants, historical building upgrades, as well as many local and county-wide preservation activities.
The Matagorda County Historical Commission is a very active group of residents whose efforts make our history accessible to everyone. From collecting local narratives and documenting historical homes to creating Downtown Walking Tours and Drive By History guides, the Commission consistently reminds us of what is important and what it means to be part of historic Texas.
Shopping
For some of us shopping in Bay City, Texas is more than a quick trip to the grocery store, it is an enjoyable pastime with friends. Bay City has just what you're looking for--from national big box retailers and unique strip malls to distinctive stores in the historic downtown square. Strolling wide sidewalks among unique buildings full of history and beauty is a very different experience than huge parking lots and large malls. We think you will love the small town charm as you make a day of wandering through the specialty shops around the Square, perusing the local stores and finishing your outing at one of our dinner locales.
The Square, all that surrounds our County Courthouse, offers a collection of unique retail shops with everything from western wear and local artisan products to boutique houseware items and gourmet coffee. The Square is also a center for local events and activities and a place to make new friends.
Scattered throughout Bay City are many places to shop. We have local furniture stores, garden shops, the usual auto dealers and big box retailers, but also a host of locally-owned stores from flowers and jewelry to hardware and tires.
We also invite you to join us in our restaurants for a chance to taste our famous Gulf shrimp or fine BBQ. Seafood, steak, BBQ and Mexican cuisine top our list of favorite foods and can be found on menus all over the city.
Dining
When you step out to dine in Bay City be sure to bring your appetite because, in true Texas style, most restaurants serve generous portions. Whether it is seafood, BBQ, steak or Mexican cuisine you are hankering for, we are sure you will find it somewhere in town. Experience uniquely southern dishes such as grits, okra or buttermilk pie. Try some choice barbecued meats or step out for fried catfish or gumbo. There are about forty eateries in Bay City and with more opening up all the time you are sure to discover something you love.
Around the Square
The second Thursday of every month, the shops in downtown Bay City stay open late to host Shop the Block from 5-7 p.m. You will find unique items at great bargains while enjoying refreshments and hospitality in the locally-owned stores. At Christmas, we light up the Square with Christmas decor and shop, eat and visit folks we haven't seen in awhile. Our merchants host events such as the Ugly Sweater Party so shopping the Square is an occasion not merely a task.
