Historic League City provides cozy venue

By Devin Medina

When someone exits Highway 518 off of I-45, the road will not only take a person off the highway, it will bring that person to a little-known tourist attraction called Historic League City. "People do not understand the great heritage and history that Historic League City has," said Jamie Defabbio, clerk at Hole in the Wall Mall. "There are so many up-and-coming things such as the Butler Longhorn Museum and the Oak Tree Festival, which are sure to interest a lot of people in coming to see Historic League City." Farmers, ranchers and merchants settled League City in 1855. Many of the museum and shopping establishments are located in historic buildings. Historic League City is made up of two parks, gift shops, museums, eateries and service establishments such as an interior design store and a day spa. League Park hosts its annual Holiday in the Park Dec. 6 and 7 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. There will be a Teddy Bear Parade, Snow in the Park and other holiday festivities. The park is used for these events because of its bandstand and gazebo. The park also has a turn-of-the-century theme with two ponds, a bridge, a red caboose and a picnic area. Helen's Garden is known for its magnificent oaks. Walter Hall dedicated the park in memory of his late wife. The park has a pond and an old fashioned flower garden, which makes it an ideal site for engagement photos. Numerous weddings are held amid the statues and picturesque scenery. Live oak trees provide a canopy over Main Street Historic District. There are 11 gift and antique shops to browse through along Main Street. Book Haven offers new, out-of-print and collectible titles. Gifts of the Heart has Victorian and country crafts. Boyd's Bears, antiques and nautical items are also sold at the shop. Brash N' Sassy sells bridal and formal wear. Groovy Elegance and Angel Kisses specialize in jewelry and children's clothing. Hole in the Wall Mall offers antiques and collectibles. League City Florist has flowers for all occasions and weddings. Luminescents by Ayres specializes in handmade items by local artisans, stained glass, jewelry and candles. Nana's Attic has gourmet coffee and the Republic of Tea specialty teas. Willow Tree vintage and new linens are also sold there. The Clothes Horse has fashion sizes 2-16, Brighton shoes, handbags, jewelry and accessories. Perfectly Good Gently Used Etc. offers up-scale resale for the home, antiques, gifts and linens. Shabby Chic and Victorian has antiques, gifts and glassware. The SteepleHouse sells antiques, home designs and unique gifts. T's Baskets and Over the Top Gift Shop specialize in gift baskets. Under the Oaks Information Center and Wedding Accessories offers designs by Beverly Clark, Amscan, C&R and Wilton Accessories. Museums in Historic League City include the West Bay Common School Children's Museum and the Butler Longhorn Museum. The West Bay Common School was built in 1898 in Chambers County, Texas. The League City Historical Society moved the school in December 1992. The purpose of the School House Museum is to provide a ‘hands-on-history' experience for children of all ages. The school contains state and local acquisitions of school memorabilia and educational artifacts. The Butler Longhorn Museum is filled with memorabilia of the founding families of League City like the Butlers, who helped to establish ranching in the area as well as the oak trees which line Main Street. Eateries located in Historic League City include Esteban's Cafe and Cantina, which offers Mexican food made from scratch daily. Rosezanna's Garden Stroll and Tea Room has a garden decor in which to dine and specializes in sandwiches and soups. Shipley's Donuts offers coffee and donuts for a light snack or for breakfast. Service establishments located in Historic League City include Deeann H. Peterson-Interior Design, Fleur De Lis Day Spa and Gift Shop, Adventures in Advertising, Oak Realty, Paramount Mortgage, Under the Oaks Wedding Chapel and the Victorian Lady. These establishments provide services such as decorating, beauty regiments, advertisements, realty, mortgages, wedding planners and Victorian fashion shows. Historic League City is a secret attraction that everyone should be familiar of because of all that it offers. For more information on Historic League City, contact the League City Chamber of Commerce and Visitors' Center at (281)338-7339 or Leaguecitychamber.com. For more information on Holiday in the Park, go to www.holidayinthepark.org.