If you haven’t been south on I-45 and crossed over the causeway onto to Galveston Island since Hurricane Ike, you are missing out because Galveston is back. This summer is the perfect time to pull out an overnight bag, load up the kids and escape for a long weekend to rediscover the new – and improved – fun that is literally at your back door. Here are some of my family favorites!By Lara Bell
Tremont House
Tremont House on the Strand
I know when you think of Galveston, you think of the beach; however, the Strand District is full of fabulous restaurants, live music and great boutiques. The Tremont House is smack dab in the middle of it all, and the rooms are oversized with tall ceilings and are simply charming. The Tremont House also unveiled a new, sophisticated, modern lounge atmosphere for The Rooftop Bar located four stories above street level. The Rooftop Bar is the only outdoor venue on the Island to offer a bird’s eye view of Galveston. Guests can see the historic harbor, downtown, ship channel, beachfront and other landmarks from this rooftop setting. The Tremont House is always a must stay on my trip.
The Pleasure Pier
The New Pleasure Pier
The most talked about property Landry’s CEO Tilman Fertitta has his hand in now is the anticipated Pleasure Pier. This amusement park on the site of the old Flagship Hotel on the Seawall is going to attract plenty of attention as the Ferris Wheel and other rides tower above the sea.
West End Nature Tour
The Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council will lead you on a fascinating tour of Galveston’s top locations for birding, nature outings and other outdoor adventures! Galveston Bay – along with the Gulf of Mexico – is the center of the area’s nature tourism industry offering birding, dolphin watching, fishing, kayaking, camping, national wildlife refuges and nature parks. Located on the trans-Gulf migration route, Galveston offers more than 300 species of birds that reside and travel through the island during fall and spring migrations.
Hotel Galvez
Hotel Galvez
Last year, Hotel Galvez celebrated its centennial jubilee, and this majestic hotel is still the “grand dame” of the island. The Hotel Galvez Hall of History is a permanent exhibit housed in the lower level of the hotel. This exhibit features items that were donated by residents and former visitors as well as informational panels on the hotel, owners and famous guests. Hotel Galvez collaborated with the Galveston County Historical Museum and Museum Arts on this exhibit. While there, you must experience their Spa. It is one-of-a-kind and a truly amazing experience.
Olympia The Grill at Pier 21
Here you will enjoy authentic Greek cuisine rated by critics as some of the best in the area. The restaurant is owned by the Kriticos family and features a dockside patio and a fabulous view of Galveston’s harbor. The restaurant is known for its steamed clams, Texas oysters and whole flounder.
Tree Sculptures Tour
The Galveston Tree Sculptures Tour will take you through the island’s East End Historic District where former oak trees destroyed by Hurricane Ike have been transformed into magnificently carved sculptures. The tour is open to the public as a free, self-guided tour and also available via electric shuttle bus by Galveston Island Tours for $15 for adults and $10 for those 10 years and younger. The art is amazing and worth the guided tour.
More to See and Do!
For more information, visit www.galveston.com.
So, as the gas prices are skyrocketing, and the pain at the pump is more apparent, do what we are doing. Grab an overnight bag, and experience Galveston in a new era!
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