great places to eat, shop and play

Transcription

D E S T I N AT I O N G U I D E / 2016 — 201 7
Best of
the Island
G RE AT PL ACES TO E AT, S HOP AND PL AY
Top
Mom-and-Pop
Restaurants 34
All Things
New on
the Island 9
Perfect Itineraries
for Every Type
of Traveler 23
The Ultimate
Galveston
Bucket List 44
A PERFECT PLACE FOR MEMORABLE EVENTS
Savor
Porch cafe. Schedule your
exquiSite Setting of b eachtown , located on the eaStern
tiP of g alveSton iSland .
gourmet cuiSine in the one of a kind ambiance of
next timeleSS event in the
brunch|lunch|dinner|eventS
Porchcafe.com |409.762.0808|thurSday-Sunday
1625 e . beach drive galveSton , tx 77550
beachtown . com | 409.762.2222
porchcafe . com | 409.762.0808
C O N T E N TS
Features
Galveston.com
23
34
39
23
Map It Out
A Galveston trip for every type of traveler,
from the athlete and nature enthusiast to
the romantic and even the whole family.
34
A Family Affair
39
Your Galveston
Whether you’re looking for a fancy hotel,
a quaint B&B, or a house rental with a view,
you’ll find it on the island.
2
Galveston Island | 2016-2017
PHOTOGRAPHS BY STUART MULLENBERG
Galveston restaurants serving signature dishes
through the generations.
Cruising Just Got More Interesting!
Book Local! Call Us Direct
(409)765-3555
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Dolphin
Movies
The StUnder
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Food, F
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Rock
Climbing
lides
Waters
Surfing
at Sea
Treats
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Sports
Bars
cursio
ling Ex
BalconyThril
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Amazin
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Kid Pro
grams
for all a
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ay-Sty
Broadowrmances
Casino Perf
GALVESTON TEXAS is your gateway to the Gulf. We oﬀer 4, 5, and 7-day cruises to
Mexico and the Western Caribbean from Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Cruise Lines.
For almost 20 years, GalvestonCruises.com has specialized in cruises from Galveston.
We are a local travel agency located 5 blocks from the Galveston Cruise Terminal. Visit our website or give us a call to price your next vacation!
(409)765-3555
523 24th Street | Galveston Texas 77550 | www.galvestoncruises.com
C O N T E N TS
Galveston.com
44
49
9
9 What’s in Shore
44 The Bucket List
New restaurants, the return of
the trolley, a beach nourishment
project and more island news.
17
Annual Events
Festivals, tours, shows
and holiday attractions.
42 Arts & Culture
4
Galveston’s finest museums,
galleries and theaters.
25 must-do Galveston experiences.
46 Shopping
The island’s best antique
and vintage shops.
49 Dining
Mexican cuisine, gumbo,
mom-and-pop eateries,
pool bars and more.
46
56 Resources
How to get here, where
to stay, what to eat.
64 The Visitors’ Turn
Galveston visitors take
to Instagram, Twitter
and Facebook.
On The Cover: Photo by Stuart Mullenberg
Departments
Sold!
PIRATES BEACH | 4207 Pirates Drive
EVIA | 9 Porch Street
Sweeping ocean vistas. Divine designer furnishings. Stellar gourmet kitchen.
Grand manor home. Expansive lakefront double lot. Elevator. Premier golf club community.
Offered at $825,000 | 5-6 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHS
Offered at $1,008,000 | 4-5 BEDROOMS | 3.5 BATHS
Sale Pending!
EVIA | 99 Island Passage
INDIAN BEACH | 18610 West De Vaca Lane
Captivating lake and golf course vistas. Two exceptional verandas.
Outstanding custom home site on cul-de-sac. Sensational beach vistas.
Offered at $352,000 | 3+ BEDROOMS | 2.5 BATHS
Offered at $185,000 | ±15,764 SQUARE FOOT LOT
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SOLD
1. SILK STOCKING HISTORIC DISTRICT | 24th Street | $670s
2. PALM COVE | Palm Cove Court | $560s
3. EVIA | Evia Main | $360s
4. LAFFITE’S COVE | Lanyard Place | $1.5+mil
5. EVIA | Evia Main | $610s
6. DIAMOND BEACH CONDOS | San Luis Pass Road | $400-800s
7. LAFFITE’S COVE | Cove Lane | $680s
8. JAMAICA BEACH | Spanish Main | $420s
9. EAST END HISTORIC DISTRICT | Church Street | $250s
Prices reflect list amount.
For any of your real estate needs, call me!
Jim Rosenfeld
BROKER ASSOCIATE - Circle of Excellence
Texas Monthly Magazine Five Star Realtor ® 2012 - 2016 | Certified SIRVA Relocation Specialist
713.854.1303 | jrosenfeld@marthaturner.com
My exceptional Galveston team is marketing premier island properties from
the beaches to the bay - from historic treasures to high-rise condos!”
I want to be YOUR Realtor®!
Welcome
TREASURE
TROV E
G A LV E S TO N I S L A N D
W
Gifts and Garments
409.737.9900
2719 61st St.
Galveston, Tx 77551
www.giftsandgarments.com
Mon-Wed, Sat 10-6
Thur, Fri 10-7
Sun 12-5
6
There’s virtually no end to the attractions to explore on the island. If you’re a
history buff, for example, you’ll find visits to The Bryan Museum, Moody Mansion,
Bishop’s Palace and The Grand 1894 Opera House to be essential activities, along with
exploring cultural institutions such as the Galveston Railroad Museum, taking one
of our wonderful history tours, and exploring the extraordinary architecture around
every corner of Historic Downtown Strand Seaport. Spend an afternoon taking it all
in, and see if it doesn’t feel like stepping back in time.
Or spend your afternoons doing something entirely different. Options include taking in the island’s vibrant art scene, shopping for antiques, bird-watching, kayaking,
thrilling the kids with trips to the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, and sampling the thriving local
culinary scene. The island has seen a gastronomic explosion of late, with creative,
chef-driven restaurants like BLVD. Seafood, Number 13 and Ocean Grille & Beach Bar
joining island eateries that have been serving wonderful Gulf seafood (and Mexican!)
for years.
As the city continues to grow, change is constantly on the horizon. Remember the
trolley system? It’s being restored, and will soon once again ferry you and your loved
ones around town the old-fashioned way. And you can now take in the city in all its
glory via helicopter—seriously. Does it get more exciting? For more on that—and all
things Galveston—turn the page.
Sincerely,
Kelly de Schaun
Executive Director, Galveston Park Board of Trustees
Treasure Trove 2016.indd 1
2/24/16 9:50 AM
P H O T O G R A P H C O U R T E S Y G A LV E S T O N C O N V E N T I O N & V I S I T O R S B U R E A U
HEN WE TALK WITH visitors to Galveston, we love
it when they tell us that they come back every year—and
that they share the same passion for the island that we
do. There’s just a special feeling about this place, one that draws
visitors to the coast again and again. And it’s our mission to
give guests the best possible experience, every single time they
come to stay. To that end, we’ve lately focused on expanding our
beaches, replenishing seven miles of our sandy shores, giving
visitors even more opportunities to relax and play. But—you
guessed it—that’s not all.
This publication is sponsored by
the Galveston Island Convention
and Visitors Bureau.
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER
2328 Broadway, 888-425-4753
Open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
888.425.4753
info@galvestoncvb.com
www.galveston.com/cvb
Executive Director
K EL LY D E S C H AUN
CVB Director
M EG WI N C H E S T ER, CM P
Marketing Director
M ELO DY S MIT H
Publisher
DIANE CAPLAN
Associate Publisher
STEVI MAYTUBBY
Editor
C AT H ER I N E M AT U SOW
Editor, Custom Publications
M A R I A N EL L A O RL A NDO
Art Director
K AT E M A D DEN
Production Manager
C H E S N E Y F U LLER
President & Founder
N I CO L E VO G EL
Senior VP, Editorial & Operations
BI L L H U T F IL Z
Creative Director
K AT E M A D DEN
Director of Digital & Print Publishing
C L A I R E M C NA LLY
VP, Custom Sales
J E F F A DA M S
Audience Development Director
DA N A S U CH
Director, IT
J I M MY F EC T EAU
Controller
S I M BA R U SIKE
galveston.com
7
What’s in Shore
On the
Horizon
Everything new
on the island
T
galveston.com
9
What’s in Shore
J
UST WHEN YOU THOUGHT the 32 miles of Galveston’s
beautiful beaches couldn’t be any more perfect, they’re now even
more picturesque. Thanks to an ambitious nourishment project,
about 800,000 cubic yards of sand was placed along the shoreline of
the Seawall, creating 15 blocks of brand new beaches just west of 61st
Street. The fresh, new coast provides even more space for visitors and
residents to relax in the sun, play a game of volleyball and simply
wander the waters. But that’s not all. A plan to replenish the beaches
from 61st Street all the way to 12th Street is also in the works.
10
Sand
and
Sun
What’s better than the
beach? An enhanced
beach, of course.
5 BEACHES TO TRY
Galveston Island boasts miles and miles
of shoreline to explore. If you’re a regular
visitor, annual beach parking passes provide
unlimited parking along the Seawall ($25
pass) and at island beach parks ($50 pass),
including East Beach, Stewart Beach, West
End Pocket Parks and Seawall Boulevard. Visit
galvestonbeachinfo.com for more information.
S T E WA R T B E AC H
Located at 6th Street and Seawall Boulevard,
this is a popular, family-friendly destination
close to town featuring a children’s playground, umbrella and chair rentals, restrooms,
and a snack bar.
E A S T B E AC H
This spacious beach on the island’s East End, a
favorite for parties and special events, offers
showers, restrooms, volleyball courts, a children’s playground, concessions, a boardwalk,
concert stage and outdoor bar, as it’s the only
beach park where alcohol is permitted.
BUCKET LIST
TO VISIT GALVESTON is to understand that
its beaches are a tremendous natural resource—a gift. With that gift
comes responsibility, which is why Artist Boat and the Galveston Island
Park Board of Trustees have teamed up to create The Bucket Brigade,
which will provide free tours to island visitors. Running from March
through October at ten areas along Galveston beaches, the program
aims to educate visitors about the beaches and their marine ecosystems. For information, visit galveston.com/bucketbrigade or call the
Artist Boat office at 409-770-0722.
G A LV E S TO N I S L A ND S TAT E PARK
Located along the far West End of the island,
this is a go-to spot for families, fishermen and
campers. It’s also camp-ready, providing water
and electrical hook-ups, barbecue pits and a
fish-cleaning station, plus restrooms, outdoor
showers and picnic sites.
WE S T E ND P O C K E T PA R KS
These small beaches on the West End are
some of the quietest in Galveston, perfect for
picnics and nature exploration. Pocket Park 2
offers an upgraded pavilion with showers and
amenities.
S E AWA LL U R B A N PA R K
The 10-mile stretch along Seawall Boulevard is
a popular spot for bikers, joggers and beachgoers alike.
galveston.com
11
What’s in Shore
New Fish
in Town
MOODY GARDENS AQUARIUM PYRAMID
is undergoing a multi-phase, $39 million renovation to be completed by May 2017. The brand-new
exhibits will focus on a range of ocean habitats—
the South Atlantic, the South Pacific, the North
Pacific, the Caribbean and, of course, our own
backyard, the Gulf of Mexico—each highlighting a
different marine sanctuary. New species like jellyfish and tropical penguins will help to emphasize
the relationship we have with the world’s oceans
and provide important messages of conservation.
The Aquarium will be open during peak seasons in
2016. | moodygardens.com/attractions
www.downtowngalveston.org
All Day Family
Entertainment
Night Time
Entertainment
Music
Dining
Shopping
Tours &
Attractions
Arts & Culture
12
PHOTOGRAPH LEFT COURTESY MOODY GARDENS, RIGHT COURTESY ANDREW WOOD
TROLLEY THROUGH
THE ISLAND
TO RIDE A TROLLEY in Galveston is to go back in time
to the historic city, experiencing it much as citizens did
in the 19th century. The iconic streetcars ran from 1866
to 1938 and again from 1988 to 2008. Starting in the
summer of 2017, they’ll be back in action, ferrying tourists and residents alike along the Seawall and through
The Strand. To complete the time-travel experience,
visitors can cap off their ride with a visit to La King’s
Confectionery on The Strand, which came along in 1976
and still serves the wonderful old-fashioned candies of
another era alongside modern treats. | islandtransit.net/
main.htm
ALL ABOARD
SET SAIL on the Port of Galveston’s newest ships from Carnival, Disney and Royal Caribbean cruise lines. In March, the
Carnival Liberty will be cruising from the island, with Carnival Breeze offering year-round itineraries starting in May. Choose from a lineup of several
seven-night and four-night itineraries with Disney Wonder from November through April, or select one of Royal Caribbean’s year-round sailings.
Many hotels provide complimentary parking and transfers to and from the terminal with a one-night stay. Visit galveston.com/cruising for information.
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13
What’s in Shore
9001 Seawall Boulevard
Galveston, Texas
PHOTO: G-TOWNSURF.COM
RESTAURANT OPEN DAILY
■ Mon-Thurs: 11am-10pm
■ Fri: 11am-11pm
■ Sat: 10am-11pm
■ Sun: 10am-10pm
jimmysonthepier.com
409.974.4726
GROUP PRICING
AVAILABLE
Shrimp Kisses at
BLVD. Seafood
PHOTO: G-TOWNSURF.COM
FISHING PIER OPEN
24-HRS/7 DAYS A WEEK*
Fish all day: ■ $12 Adults
■ $8 Seniors and Veterans
■ $6 Kids 12 and under
■ 5 and under Free
galvestonfishingpier.com
409.974.4383
*Fishing License The TPWD requires all persons
17+ have a license to fish. Fishing license available
online or at retail stores. (not on the pier)
Owned and Operated by Jimmy & Kelli McClure
14
OFF THE HOOK
GALVESTON HAS LONG BEEN known for its delicious seafood, and the island’s culinary landscape continues to see exciting additions, including BLVD. Seafood and Ocean
Grille & Beach Bar, both occupying prime spots along the Seawall. BLVD. Seafood is the
fifth establishment from the owners of the popular Yaga’s Café, offering fresh, locally
sourced seafood while providing an upscale, modern dining experience. And Ocean
Grille & Beach Bar is serving up its own creative seafood menu, peppered with Mexican,
Asian and American influences and featuring fresher than fresh catches sourced from
Galveston’s own Katie’s Seafood Market. | blvdseafood.com, oceangrilleandbeachbar.com
GALVESTON PASTTIME
THE GALVESTON HISTORICAL
foundation has several new interactive
tours planned for 2016. History buffs can
learn all about the summer of 1920 with
the first installment, “Plagued Lives: A
Summer of Pestilence in the Playground
of the Southwest.” The tour documents
three shockingly eventful months, which
not only saw the bubonic plague strike
the city, but also a longshoremen’s strike
and the island’s first bathing beauty
contest. “Each of these programs will
offer online components, smart phone
tours, special events, lectures and specialty
programming,” says Will Wright, the
foundation’s director of communications
and special events. “Plagued Lives” runs
through April. | galvestonhistory.org
PHOTOGRAPH LEFT BY STUART MULLENBERG, RIGHT
C O U R T E S Y G A LV E S T O N H I S T O R I C A L S O C I E T Y
Galveston
Up High
SINCE THE SUMMER OF 2015, Galveston Helicopters’ sightseeing tours have provided visitors with the amazing opportunity
to get a bird’s-eye view of the island. Taking
in the city and its shores from this vantage
point is a unique and breathtaking experience. Ranging from seven to 30 minutes,
the tours cover everything from the beach
and Seawall to the harbor and downtown
Galveston. | galvestonhelicopters.com
galveston.com
15
Enjoy our Outstanding Restaurants, Hotels &
Entertainment Destinations in the Galveston Area!
SALTGRASS STEAK HOUSE
LANDRY’S SEAFOOD
PLEASURE PIER
15th & Seawall
409-762-4261
THE SAN LUIS RESORT
25th & Seawall
409-766-4950
21st & Harborside
409-762-3030
25th & Seawall
409-762-8545
54th & Seawall
409-744-5000
RAINFOREST CAFE
53rd & Seawall
409-740-8605
22nd & Harborside
409-765-5708
53rd & Seawall
409-744-1500
53rd & Seawall
409-744-1010
53rd & Seawall
409-744-6000
25th & Seawall
409-766-4952
50th & Seawall
409-740-5300
Visit www.landrysinc.com for a complete listing of restaurants.
DINE. EARN. REDEEM.
www.landrysselect.com
Join the Landry’s Select Club and make the most of your Landry’s
dining experience. Enjoy priority seating and exclusive member benefits!
Annual Events
G A LV E S TO N I S L A N D
tainment, a barbecue cook-off and
the classic Bathing Beauties contest.
galvestonbeachrevue.com
JUNE
AIA Houston
SandCastle Competition
6/4
Each year, more than 60 talented
teams storm the sand on Galveston’s
East Beach and begin work on their
creations. These intricate structures,
planned out months in advance, must
be seen to be believed. aiahouston.org
Bands on the Sand
Galveston Island Food &
Wine Festival
The Year
at a Glance
Galveston goings-on, from foodie festivals
to family fun.
B
P H O T O G R A P H S C O U R T E S Y G A LV E S T O N C O N V E N T I O N & V I S I T O R S B U R E A U
ECAUSE EVERY SINGLE DAY of the year brings
events and happenings around Galveston, this is a selection of only some of the highlights. Visit galveston.com/
calendarofevents for a complete, updated list of everything
offered in the city throughout the year.
2016
MARCH
Easter in The Gardens
3/27
At Moody Gardens’ free annual
event, children can take pictures
with the Easter Bunny and hunt
for eggs on the giant lawn, while
parents can dine on the wonderful
buffet at the Moody Gardens Hotel.
moodygardens.com
veston’s best chefs, restaurants and
sommeliers. Guests can choose from
tastings, dinners and wine pairings
aplenty, and they won’t want to miss
a live cooking demonstration from
superstar chef Robert Irvine. Finish
it all off with a calorie–burning 5K
run through the streets of Galveston.
galvestonfoodandwinefestival.com
Galveston FeatherFest
and Nature PhotoFest 4/14 – 4/17
Adopt-a-Beach
Spring Cleanup
moodygardens.com
4/23
Thousands of volunteers comb
Texas’s beaches to pick up more
than 500 tons of trash at this
beautification project, which
also hits the beaches this fall on
September 24. glo.texas.gov
Galveston Historic
Homes Tour
4/30, 5/1, 5/7, 5/8
The island’s most elegant historic
homes open their doors to the public, offering visitors upfront looks
at Galveston’s unique architecture.
Related events include the History
on Tap Dinner, a chef-curated feast
hosted at one of the houses featured
on the tour, and a Mother’s Day
Brunch in the beautiful 1880 Garten
Verein. galvestonhistory.org
Juneteenth Celebration
6/19
This year marks the 151st anniversary of the emancipation of Texas
slaves, freed on June 19, 1865, when
Major General Gordon Granger
landed in Galveston and informed
them they were free—two years
after the Emancipation Proclamation. The island hosts this annual
celebration with parades, street
fairs, block parties and family fun
commemorating this historic event.
galveston.com/juneteenth
MAY
Red Cat Jazz Festival 5/6 – 5/8
Bring your mom to this Mother’s
Day weekend event at the Moody
Gardens Hotel, which features live
jazz performances, a golf match
with celebrities including saxophonist Mike Phillips, a veteran’s
breakfast, and two VIP parties.
redcatjazz.com
Galveston has become a hotspot for
APRIL
photography and bird–watching.
Galveston Island
This springtime event includes
Beach Revue
5/20 – 5/21
Galveston Island Food
workshops, field trips and expert–led With a nod to the Roaring Twenties,
& Wine Festival
4/14 – 4/17 excursions.
this retro-themed beach party rings
Swirl, sip and savor at this three-day galvestonfeatherfest.com
in the summer season along the
foodie adventure highlighting GalSeawall with dancing, live enter
6/6 – 813
Moody Gardens’s Palm Beach
hosts local and regional bands
every Friday and Saturday night
during the summer. Families can
enjoy the tunes while floating on
the lazy river or kicking back on
the white-sand beach.
JULY
Independence Day Parade
and Fireworks Show
7/4
Galveston lights up in spectacular style for this festive,
patriotic island party. Watch a
parade down Seawall Boulevard
before taking in the one-of-akind fireworks show over the
Gulf. galveston.com
galveston.com
17
Annual Events
AUGUST
Galveston Heritage Festival 8/6
The second annual gathering transports guests to Galveston’s early
days, highlighting the city’s immigrant communities with music, food
and entertainment from the various
cultures that have settled here.
galvestonhistory.org
SEPTEMBER
Brewmasters Craft
Beer Festival
9/2 – 9/4
Labor Day weekend at Moody Gardens, craft brew lovers will want to
hit this fest, which showcases some
400 beers, many from Texas’s best
breweries. brewmastersbeerfest.com
Galveston Island Wild
Texas Shrimp Festival 9/23 – 9/25
Galveston Home
and Garden Show
9/24 – 9/25
Gorgeous, opulent floral displays
steal the show here, but home enthusiasts won’t be disappointed, as
they’ll get the opportunity to meet
the contractors, landscapers and
gardening companies that can make
their domestic dreams a reality.
galvestonhomeandgarden.com
OCTOBER
ARToberFEST
10/15 – 10/16
More than 100 artists display their
works inside The Grand 1894 Opera
House and along The Strand at this
annual event offering everything
from oil and watercolor paintings
to handmade jewelry, much of it
Galveston-made.
artoberfest.com
Galveston Island
Greek Festival
10/15 – 10/16
The 33rd annual fest includes
authentic cuisine, tours of the Greek
Orthodox Church and plenty of live
entertainment to keep everyone in high
spirits. galvestongreekfestival.com
18
ARToberFEST
The Island Oktoberfest
ing and Victorian Christmas celebrations. For more, see p. 20.
The state’s German roots shine
bright at this family-friendly fest,
where guests can eat their fill of
hearty strudel and bratwurst, tipple
from an extensive menu of German
beers, and work it all off on the
dance floor. galvestonoktoberfest.com
galveston.com/holidaymagic
10/21 – 10/22
NOVEMBER
Lone Star Rally
11/3 – 11/6
DECEMBER
Dickens on The Strand
12/2 – 12/4
Each year, Galveston goes back in
time to celebrate Christmas the
Victorian England way. The three–
day street affair features parades,
carolers, bagpipers, vendors and
peddlers, all wearing their finest
19th–century fashions.
At this annual event, The Strand
transforms into a motorcycle-andhot-rod-packed thoroughfare, where galvestonhistory.org
enthusiasts show off their unique
rides. The four-day affair—the largest of its kind in the country—features endless car and truck shows,
a tattoo expo, live music and a Miss
JANUARY
Lone Star Rally competition.
2017
lonestarrally.com
Winter Wonder Island
11/12 – 1/8
Did you know that Galveston features 1,000 Christmas events every
single year? Of course, that’s too
many to list here, but starting in
November and going through the
end of the year, visitors can experience the magic of the season with
the largest holiday lighting festival
along the Gulf Coast, lavish ice
sculptures, ice-skating, snow-tub-
Galveston
Restaurant Week
1/7 – 1/22
Galveston’s annual Restaurant
Week features special prix-fixe
lunch and dinner menus from the
island’s best restaurants, including
BLVD. Seafood, Gaido’s and The
Gumbo Diner. The event will also
showcase top chefs, the most flavorful dishes and the best ingredients.
So if there’s a place you’ve always
wanted to try, the time is now.
galveston.com/restaurantweek
FEBRUARY
Mardi Gras! Galveston
2/17 – 2/28
Texas’s largest Mardi Gras
bash rings in the revelry with
a bounty of balcony parties,
parades, beads—a lot of them—
and other entertainment.
mardigrasgalveston.com
More than 60 cook-off teams—representing both local and national
restaurants—will be making their
best pots of gumbo at this party
celebrating everything shellfish and
featuring extravagant floats, bead
tossing, marching bands, live music
and more. galveston.com/shrimp
Events H E R E F O R T H E H O L I D A Y S
Top 10 reasons to visit Galveston
during the winter
THERE’S A REASON WE LIKE TO call Galveston the “Winter
Wonder Island” of Texas. It offers more than 50 days of magical activities from November through January. Don’t believe us? Here are our
top ten reasons to make a Christmas pilgrimage to the island:
Schlitterbahn’s fun
doesn’t end with the
summer. The heated indoor
waterpark celebrates the season
with Holiday Splash, offering
themed rides like the Snow Globe
Float, an indoor light show, an
ornament factory, kids’ reindeer
games and even the opportunity to
go surfing with Santa.
9
All aboard to the North
Pole! Each year, Santa gives
the reindeer a break and rides into
the Galveston Railroad Museum on
the Santa Train. After disembarking
from the decked-out Harborside
Express, he spends the day in the
depot with his elves.
20
It takes 2 million pounds of
ice and 30 internationally
acclaimed carvers from Harbin,
China, to create ICE LAND, the
colorful frozen world that features
animal characters, buildings, holiday
scenes and even a slide, all sculpted
out of—you guessed it—ice. It’s a
favorite every year, drawing families
to Moody Gardens from November
to January.
3
The Galveston Holiday
Lighting Celebration at Hotel
Galvez & Spa features the arrival of
Santa Claus via horse-drawn carriage,
special holiday performances and, of
course, the lighting of the hotel’s
35-foot Christmas tree.
Offering everything from
classical favorites including
The Nutcracker and A Christmas
Carol to seasonal concerts from
nationally acclaimed recording
artists like Asleep at the Wheel, The
Grand 1894 Opera House is the
perfect setting for timeless holiday
entertainment.
7
2
8
10
4
Whether you’re looking for a
jewel for a special someone or
a zany trinket for a friend, the shops
along the Historic Downtown
Strand Seaport offer a trove of
treasures—from antiques and other
vintage finds to books, jewelry,
culinary treats, home furnishings and
clothing—that make holiday
shopping a cinch.
6
Not every Santa has a belly
that shakes like a bowl full of
jelly when he laughs. The fittest St.
Nicks come out every year for Santa
Hustle, a 5K and half marathon
featuring red-suited runners plus
cookies, candy, holiday music and
Christmas decor all along the route,
making it a fun, festive experience
for participants and observers alike.
5
The famous pyramids at
Moody Gardens look even
cooler when they’re decked out for
Festival of Lights, one of the largest
holiday celebrations in the country,
There’s no place for holiday
spirit like Christmas on The
Strand, the shop that has kept
yuletide cheer alive year-round for
over 15 years. Pop inside for
stunning gifts by Waterford crystal
as well as seasonal treats including
nativity sets, ornaments, Santa
figurines, festive accessories and
home decor, and the island’s largest
selection of nutcrackers.
1
The charming world of
Victorian England comes to life
the first weekend of December at
Dickens on The Strand, an island
tradition for over 40 years. The
three-day festival is packed with
parades, costumed carolers, carts
overflowing with holiday food and
drink, Victorian-inspired crafts and
holiday decorations, and lots of live
music.
ISLAND TIPS:
Tag your photos with
#GALVESTONCHRISTMAS
#ITSISLANDTIME
#LOVEGALVESTON and
#GALVESTON to be featured
on the city’s website at
galveston.com/socialcenter.
For a complete list of events
and special offers, visit
galveston.com/holidaymagic.
HOLIDAY MAGIC
ON THE ISLAND
featuring over a million twinklers
and 100 animated light and sound
displays, plus live entertainment
and the area’s only outdoor
ice-skating rink.
g
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S reak
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at Mood
Register to win a Family Camping Adventure!
(For 4 - Includes a tent, sleeping bags, camping gear, National Park Annual Passes)
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per
person
When you buy a Spring Break Day Pass Online!
moodygardens.org
Rainforest Pyramid • Aquarium Pyramid • Skeletown Exhibit
MG3D Theater • 4D Special FX Theater • SpongeBob SubPants Adventure
Ropes Course • Zip Line • Colonel Paddlewheel Boat • Hotel • Golf
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HOUSTON (TEXAS CITY), TX
I-45 N, Exit 17 at Holland Road 5885 Gulf Freeway 15 Miles from Galveston Island (866) 956-9233
MAP IT OUT
A Galveston trip for
every type of traveler.
1
2
3
4
5
FOR THE LUXE LIFER
FOR THE ACTIVE TRAVELER
FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
FOR THE ROMANTIC
FOR THE NATURE ENTHUSIAST
galveston.com
23
1
FOR THE
LUXE LIFER
24
WH E R E TO S TAY
The Villas at The San Luis
Resort offer five exclusive,
800-square-foot suites that
are luxury incarnate. Each
comes with a private bedroom, living room area, spalike bathroom, personal hot
tub, and private heated pool,
complete with cabanas and
daybeds. A word of warning:
once you settle in here, it’s
hard to leave.
THE VILLAS AT THE
SAN LUIS RESORT
5222 Seawall Blvd., 800-445-0090,
sanluisresort.com/thevillas
WH E R E TO E AT
Located right on the water,
Number 13 is a great spot
to indulge in a fabulous
dinner—get a piece of grilled
fish or the Grand Amuse,
featuring seasonal market
oysters, cocktail shrimp,
poached lobster, scallops and
more. Or go for the upscale
South American cuisine at
island favorite Rudy & Paco,
where you can’t go wrong
with the Ojo de Costilla, a
16-ounce USDA prime filet of
beef tenderloin. If you don’t
want to leave The San Luis—
and we wouldn’t blame you—
get the grilled veal chop at
the resort’s restaurant, The
Steakhouse. It’s to-die-for.
NUMBER 13
7809 Broadway, 409-572-2650,
number13steak.com
RUDY & PACO
2028 Postoffice St., 409-762-3696,
rudyandpaco.com
THE STEAKHOUSE AT THE SAN
LUIS RESORT
5222 Seawall Blvd., 409-744-1500,
sanluisresort.com
WHAT TO DO
Sail Galveston Bay Charters
offers the chance to cruise
around the island in a private
yacht complete with full-service staff. For another unfor-
gettable experience, the Lone
Star Flight Museum offers
rides in its WWII-era airplanes that allow passengers a
panoramic view of the island.
Or go diving with tropical fish
at the Flower Garden Banks
National Marine Sanctuary, an
ocean treasure just 115 miles
off the coast.
SAIL GALVESTON BAY CHARTERS
713-829-2164, sailgalvestonbay.com
LONE STAR FLIGHT MUSEUM
2002 Terminal Dr., 409-740-7722,
lsfm.org
FLOWER GARDEN BANKS
NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY
4700 Ave. U, 409-621-5151,
flowergarden.noaa.gov
The Villas at
The San Luis Resort
Number 13
2
FOR THE
ACTIVE TRAVELER
WH IL E M AN Y VACAT ION ER S J U ST WAN T TO R E L AX
U N DER AN U M B R EL L A WIT H A DR IN K, OT H ER S PREFER TO G ET OU T T H ER E AN D EX PLOR E T H E ISL AND’S
SP OR T S AN D R ECR EAT ION OPP OR T U N IT IES.
The Body Space
Yoga & Pilates
26
SPORTS CENTRAL
Fun ways to work
up a sweat.
FLY HIGH
A Caribbean Breeze parasailing adventure begins with dolphin watching
as you zip through the harbor and
jetties out to the Gulf. There, you’ll be
strapped to a parachute and launched
up to 500 feet in the air as you trail
behind the boat. The adrenaline rush
is intense, and nothing compares to the
view of the ocean from this vantage
point. Caribbean Breeze offers rentals
for v-hull and pontoon boats for six to
eight people. CARIBBEAN BREEZE PARASAIL AND BOAT RENTAL, 715 N. HOLIDAY
DR., 409-740-0400, GALVESTONBOAT
RENTALS.COM
PHOTOGRAPHS PREVIOUS PAGE AND TOP LEFT BY STUART MULLENBERG,
T O P R I G H T C O U R T E S Y G A LV E S T O N C O N V E N T I O N & V I S I T O R S B U R E A U
WHER E TO STAY
The Galvestonian is
located on a secluded area
of East Beach, about 15
minutes from The Strand.
Condos here come with
fully equipped kitchens
and balconies, and the
resort offers a year-round
heated pool, tennis courts,
bicycle rentals and exercise room.
THE GALVESTONIAN
1401 East Beach Dr., 409-765-6161,
galvestonian.com
WHER E TO EAT
A trip filled with exercise
demands protein-packed,
delicious meals. Saltwater Grill offers a wide
selection of nutritious
dishes including a seafood
cocktail and an apple
cider salad filled with
mixed greens, pecans,
grilled apples and Gorgonzola cheese. Ocean
Grille & Beach Bar, just
steps away from the water,
offers a wonderful Asian
tuna flatbread served with
cabbage slaw and a miso
vinaigrette drizzled on top.
And at Oasis Juice Bar &
Market, the Green Peace
burger arrives topped
with veggies grown in the
restaurant’s hydroponic
garden, while the Monkey
N Around smoothie comes
packed with bananas,
almond butter, apples and
chocolate almond milk.
SALTWATER GRILL
2017 Postoffice St., 409-762-3474,
saltwatergrill.com
OCEAN GRILLE & BEACH BAR
1228 Seawall Blvd., 409-974-4508,
oceangrilleandbeachbar.com
OASIS JUICE BAR & MARKET
409 25th St., 409-762-8446,
oasisjuicebar.com
WHAT TO DO
Grab your mats and start
the morning early with
a yoga session on the
beach led by professional
instructors from The Body
Space Yoga & Pilates.
Then get out there on
the water with a ride on
a jet ski from Gulf Coast
Water Sports. And don’t
leave town without trying
Extreme Water Sports’
very own flyboard, a water
jetpack that will propel
you up to 35 feet above
the bay. Need to stock up
on fitness gear? Locally
owned Fit Tri Run has
everything you need.
THE BODY SPACE
YOGA & PILATES
1914 45th St., 409-762-2639,
thebodyspacegalveston.com
GULF COAST WATER SPORTS
Seawall Blvd. and 53rd St., 713208-0695
EXTREME WATER SPORTS
1723 61st St., 409-539-3455,
extremewatersportsgalveston.com
PADDLE ON
Kayakers will want to take Artist Boat
tours through Galveston Island State
Park, Armand Bayou, East End Lagoon,
Christmas Bay, Drum Bay and more.
For a unique experience, create a painting while remaining in your kayak—all
boating and art supplies are provided.
ARTIST BOAT, 2627 AVE. O, 409-770-0722,
ARTISTBOAT.ORG
RIDE THE TIDES
The Texas coast is considered a hidden
gem for surfers. For the best results, ride
the waves during the spring; a popular
destination is the beach at 25th Street
off the Seawall. You can rent or purchase a short- or longboard at Southern
Spears Surf Shop, and if you’re a beginner, don’t be afraid to ask the staff for
help. Check GalvestonBeachInfo.com for
updates on weather conditions before
heading out. 602 SEAWALL BLVD., 409744-2772, SOUTHERNSPEARSSURF.COM
BOARDING WITHOUT WAVES
Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) is one
of the hottest sports in the country.
With zero experience required, anyone
can get out in the ocean and give it a
try. Take private or group lessons, or
attend a SUP camp at Galveston Paddleboard Center. GALVESTON PADDLE-
BOARD CENTER, 6026 SEAWALL BLVD.,
409-744-2772, PADDLEGALVESTON.COM
FIT TRI RUN
518 23rd St., 409-539-5150,
fittrirun.com
galveston.com
27
FOR THE
WHOLE FAMILY
THE ISL AND’S L AIDBACK,
WELCOMING ATMOSPHERE MAKES
IT THE PERFECT DESTINATION
FOR FAMILY FUN. INTERESTED
IN VISITING MULTIPLE
ATTRACTIONS? PURCHASE THE
GALVESTON ISL AND PASS FOR
ACCESS TO FOUR OR MORE
PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS,
AND SAVE UP TO 40 PERCENT, AT
GALVESTONISL ANDPASS.COM.
WHER E TO EAT
When it comes to getting
the youngsters fed, you
can’t go wrong with Benno’s on the Beach, whose
children’s menu includes
fish fingers, fried shrimp
and chicken fingers.
Another winner is Rainforest Café, located inside
a faux-volcano, where a
life-sized gorilla pounds
his chest, an elephant
trumpets, exotic birds sing
and—oh yeah—the food’s
good too. Finally, casual
beachfront eatery The Spot
offers kids burgers, dogs,
grilled cheeses and more.
BENNO’S ON THE BEACH
1200 Seawall Blvd., 409-762-4621,
bennosofgalveston.com
RAINFOREST CAFÉ
5310 Sewall Blvd., 409-744-6000,
rainforestcafe.com
THE SPOT
3204 Seawall Blvd., 409-621-5237,
thespot.islandfamous.com
28
WH E R E TO S TAY
Moody Gardens Hotel
is a paradise for both
kids and parents. Onsite
attractions include the
seasonal Palm Beach,
3D movie theater, 4D
special FX theater, a 1.5
million-gallon aquarium
populated by penguins and
sharks, and a real rainforest complete with giant
Amazon river otters and
Chinese alligators. And
if that’s not enough, it’s
located next to Schlitterbahn Water Park.
well as other memorable
buccaneers. At Galveston
Children’s Museum—
on the lower level of
Moody Mansion—explore
hands-on exhibits on science, literature, math and
the arts for children ages
2 to 10. And Thursdays
only, visit the National
Marine Fisheries Service’s
sea turtle facility, which
receives 200 hatchlings
from Florida each year.
Be sure to make a reservation at least three to
four months in advance.
MOODY GARDENS HOTEL,
SPA & CONVENTION CENTER
Seven Hope Blvd., 409-741-4621,
moodygardenshotel.com
PIRATES! LEGEND OF
THE GULF COAST
2313 Harborside Dr., 409-7626677, piratesgulfcoast.com
WHAT TO DO
At Pirates! Legend of
the Gulf Coast, learn all
about the infamous Jean
Lafitte, who landed on
the shores of Galveston in
the early 19th century, as
NATIONAL MARINE
FISHERIES SERVICE
4700 Ave. U, 409-766-3500, galvestonlab.sefsc.noaa.gov/seaturtles (reservations required)
GALVESTON CHILDREN’S
MUSEUM
2618 Broadway, 409-572-2544,
galvestoncm.org
MORE TO
EXPLORE
An attraction for every type of kid.
FOR THE WATER BABY
Schlitterbahn Water Park features 30-plus
attractions, from waterslides and wave pools
to lazy rivers and tubing rides, on 26 acres. For
winter visits, the oasis boasts a 70,000-squarefoot indoor water park with heated rides. In
2016, look for the park to open a new attraction—MASSIV, the world’s tallest watercoaster.
2026 LOCKHEED DR., 409-770-9283, SCHLITTERBAHN.COM/GALVESTON
FOR THE THRILL SEEKER
The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is
home to roller coasters and rides for kids of all
ages, plus carnival games and souvenir shops,
all jutting out over the Gulf of Mexico waters.
There’s nothing more amazing than flying
through the air and taking in the view—upsidedown. Texas’s first Bubba Gump Shrimp Company is right next to all the fun. 2501 SEAWALL
BLVD., 855-789-7437, PLEASUREPIER.COM
FOR THE BOAT BUFF
Hop aboard the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA, a
99-foot iron-hulled ship that carried cargo to
ports around the world for almost a century.
The fully functional vessel still sails around the
Gulf for annual sea trials.
PIER 21, NO. 8, 409-763-1877, GALVESTON.COM/
TEXASSEAPORTMUSEUM
FOR THE GHOST HUNTER
Haunted Mayfield Manor, open year-round,
is themed around the fictional Dr. Horace
Mayfield, who lost his patients and fiancé in
the 1900 hurricane that struck Galveston. Walk
through the mansion’s 12 rooms for a dose of
spooky entertainment, courtesy of both actors
and mechanical props. 2313 HARBORSIDE DR.,
409-762-6677, HAUNTEDMAYFIELDMANOR.COM
FOR THE HORSEBACK RIDER
Galveston Island Horse & Pony Rides offer
10-minute, 30-minute and hour-long tours
along East Beach during both the summer and
off-season. For added fun, saddle up and get
your photo taken during your ride. 201 SEAWALL
BLVD., 409-256-0663, GIHPR.COM
FOR THE CURIOUS LEARNER
Located on Pier 19, the Ocean Star Offshore
Drilling Rig & Museum features three floors
of interactive exhibits displayed on a retired
jack-up rig. Children can explore off-shore drilling equipment first-hand to get an inside look
into the oil and gas industry. 1900 HARBORSIDE
DR., 409-766-7827, OCEANSTAROEC.COM
3
Galveston Children’s
Museum
Galveston Island
Historic Pleasure Pier
Seared Sesame Tuna at
Olympia Grill at Pier 21
FOR THE ROMANTIC
CE LE B RATI N G A S PE C I A L A N N I V E R S ARY? SEEKIN G A SP ON TAN EOU S
WEE KE N D GE TAWAY? T H E I S L A N D H AS PL EN T Y OF OP T ION S FOR
CO UPLE S LO O K I N G TO E S C A PE E V ERYDAY L IFE AN D R ECON N ECT.
WHER E TO STAY
Known as the Queen of the Gulf
for its beautiful architecture,
the Hotel Galvez & Spa offers
seven luxurious grand suites.
Take a dip, then have drinks at
the pool’s swim-up bar, or relax
by the beach, which lies only a
few steps away from the resort.
HOTEL GALVEZ & SPA
2024 Seawall Blvd., 409-765-7721,
hotelgalvez.com
WHER E TO EAT
Olympia Grill at Pier 21 is a
perfect setting for dinner for
two, as the upscale seafood
here pairs perfectly with a
view of the harbor. Riondo’s
Ristorante is another great spot
for a romantic night—order
the sautéed, eight-ounce Filet
Mignon a la Melissa, served
30
with prosciutto in a peppercorn
cream sauce and scalloped
potatoes. Or head to Shearn’s
Seafood and Prime Steaks at the
Moody Gardens Hotel, where
you can’t go wrong with the
Chateaubriand, ten ounces of
angus tenderloin served with
cremini mushrooms and béarnaise sauce.
OLYMPIA GRILL AT PIER 21
100 21st St., 409-765-0021,
olympiagrill.com
RIONDO’S RISTORANTE
2328 Strand Ave., 409-621-9595,
riondos.com
SHEARN’S SEAFOOD AND
PRIME STEAKS
7 Hope Blvd., 409-683-4000,
moodygardenshotel.com
WHAT TO DO
Unwind by hitting the spa at
the Hotel Galvez, which offers
couple’s massages and a host of
other treatments. Once you’re
feeling relaxed and rejuvenated,
take a carriage ride through
the streets of downtown. After
dinner, have cocktails at The
Rooftop Bar atop The Tremont
House, which has lounge seating and a view of The Strand.
THE ROOFTOP BAR AT THE
TREMONT HOUSE
2300 Ship’s Mechanic Row, 409-763-0300,
thetremonthouse.com
Renew those vows
at the Hotel Galvez.
The Hotel Galvez & Spa
invites over 30 couples to
walk down the aisle once
again during its annual
Galvez Wedding Vow
Renewal. This year’s
ceremony, officiated by
Justice of the Peace Jim
Schweitzer, will be held
on Saturday, June 11, at
10 a.m. on the Centennial
Green in front of the hotel.
“Last year we had a
couple who was married
for over 60 years,” says
Christine Hopkins, the
hotel’s director of communications. “It’s a wide
gamut of anniversaries.” Couples get boutonnieres
and bouquets, and there
will be a photographer on
hand as well as a reception
after the service.
The hotel has hosted the
event on the second Saturday of June each year since
its own centennial anniversary in 2011. Couples who book the
Hotel Galvez Wedding
Vow Renewal package get
a room decorated with
rose petals, a bottle of
champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries.
To reserve, call 409-7657721 or visit hotelgalvez.
com/special-pkg.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY STUART MULLENBERG, BOTTOM
C O U R T E S Y G A LV E S T O N C O N V E N T I O N & V I S I T O R S B U R E A U
4
I DO,
TAKE TWO
HEALTH
E 1500
C
N
I
S
D
O
Y FO
B.C.
OLYMPIA
GRILL .COM
2 LOCATIONS
SEAFOOD
GREEK FARES
21ST & HARBORSIDE
49TH & SEAWALL
Artist Boat tours through
Galveston Island State Park
61st Street Pier
FOR THE NATURE
ENTHUSIAST
DID YOU KNOW OVER 300
SPECIES OF BIRDS LIVE IN—OR
FLY THROUGH—GALVESTON?
O RNITHOLOGISTS FAR AND
WIDE DO, WHICH IS WHY EACH
YEAR THEY DESCEND HERE
H OPING TO SPOT CORMORANTS,
EGRETS, HERONS, DUCKS,
BL ACK SKIMMERS AND MORE.
AND THAT’S NOT THE ONLY
AT TRACTION THE CIT Y OFFERS
TO LOVERS OF NATURE AND
THE OUTDOORS: IT’S ALSO A
POPUL AR DESTINATION FOR
CAMPING, HI KING, KAYAKING
AND, OF COURSE, FISHING.
32
WATERMAN’S RESTAURANT
14302 Stewart Rd., 409-632-0203,
waterman-galveston.com
JIMMY’S ON THE PIER
9001 Seawall Blvd., 409-974-4726,
jimmysonthepier.com
BLACK PEARL OYSTER BAR
327 23rd St., 409-762-729 9
WHAT TO DO
Take your rod and reel to
Seawolf Park’s fishing pier,
located on Galveston’s Pelican Island, which is popular
with fishermen all year long.
Spend an afternoon at East
End Lagoon Nature Park
and Preserve, which spans
700 acres of diverse habitats
and makes the perfect spot
for studying black skimmers, gulls, flora and fauna.
Birders won’t want to miss
Lafitte’s Cove, home to everything from warblers and
vireos to thrushes and snipe.
Or grab your kayak and head
out to Galveston Island State
Park.
SEAWOLF PARK
100 Seawolf Park Blvd., 409-797-5114
EAST END LAGOON NATURE PARK
AND PRESERVE
eastendlagoon.org
LAFFITTE’S COVE NATURE
SOCIETY
Eckert Dr., 281-255-3055,
laffittescovenaturesociety.org
GALVESTON ISLAND STATE PARK
14901 FM 3005, 409-737-1222,
tpwd.state.tx.us
WH ER E TO STAY
A beachfront condo at Casa
del Mar is a great selection
for visitors who like to fish,
as it’s only a three-minute
walk from the 61st Street
Pier. Amenities include
two swimming pools and a
barbecue picnic area. Like
to hit the holes? You’ll want
to take advantage of the golf
package Casa del Mar offers,
which includes full access
to the Moody Gardens Golf
Course.
CASA DEL MAR BEACHFRONT
SUITES
6102 Seawall Blvd., 409-740-2431,
casadelmartx.com
PHOTOGRAPH LEFT BY STUART MULLENBERG, TOP RIGHT
C O U R T E S Y G A LV E S T O N C O N V E N T I O N & V I S I T O R S B U R E A U
5
WH ER E TO EAT
For an all-day adventure,
go fishing at Waterman’s
Restaurant’s on-site marina
(they have a fuel station, live
bait and boat slips), then
take a break and indulge
in the restaurant’s stuffed
shrimp or grilled red snapper. End the evening with
happy hour at Waterman’s
Sandbar, open seasonally.
Other great places to fuel
up include Jimmy’s on the
Pier, which boasts amazing
views and excellent fish and
chips, or Black Pearl, where
you simply must order the
famous pearl po-boy, filled
with fried oysters tossed in
Cajun sauce.
Se a S co u t Bas e- Galv eston
Join us for
Marine and Maritime Education
Community Sailing
Weddings
Conferences
STEM Education programs
In Our
Olympic-size pool
Sand Volleyball Court
Dorm rooms for up to 208 people
Fleet of over 40 sailboats and kayaks
3 large conferences rooms
111 foot BaySmart Swiftship
Floating Maritime School
www.SSBGalveston.org
409.572.2560
409-539-5374
APRIL 16 THRU OCTOBER 9, 2016
galveston.com
33
ttvB
34
BLVD. Seafood
From left: Johnny Smecca
and Danny Hart
AFFAIR
GALVESTON RESTAURANTS
THROUGH GENERATIONS
T
O BE BORN ON the island often means
more than knowing its greatest hidden gems;
for many natives, it also means following in
their families’ footsteps by running some of
the city’s best restaurants and caring for guests
the way only generations of family can.
galveston.com
35
RESTAURANT GROUP
I
talian-born patriarch Tony Smecca—a Sicilian raised on a
coastline half a world away from the Texas island where
he eventually settled with his wife and sons in 1973—sadly
passed away in December 2015. But the beloved restaurateur, who first made his mark with Mario’s Seawall Italian
Restaurant, instilled his passion for hospitality in his sons,
Johnny and Joey Smecca.
“As children, my brother and I worked side by side with our parents, Tony and Nilde, at Mario’s Seawall,” says Johnny, who, along
with his brother and their partner Danny Hart, continues to run
some of the island’s most beloved restaurants. “My dad moved to
Galveston in pursuit of making a better life for his family.” And his
father succeeded in that pursuit beyond their wildest dreams.
“Our family’s passion for pizza started with the first trip to
Galveston the summer of 1972, when my dad brought us here to
Mario’s Seawall,” Johnny recalls. “My mom and dad couldn’t resist
this unique location that offers a peaceful pace and such a lovely
area nestled on the coast, surrounded by a spectacular beach and
nature setting very similar to my dad’s hometown, Gela.”
Today, Mario’s Seawall Italian still piles its plates high with fresh
pasta and serves up slices of pie that would make an East Coaster
(or a Sicilian Coaster) proud. “Our passion for pizza compelled us
to express our creativity in the kitchen, and we started to make
variations on classic Italian dishes,” says Johnny.
But the Smeccas didn’t stop with Mario’s; they’ve continued to make
their mark across the city, with restaurants to suit nearly any palate
and personality. The cozy Gumbo Diner suits those in search of a
casual breakfast or late-night meal on the Seawall, while the larger
Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar on Postoffice Street boasts barbecued and
chargrilled oysters that compete only with the gumbo itself, made in
steam kettles, as the most addictive items on the menu.
You’ll find those same steam kettles put to work at Nonno Tony’s
World Kitchen, which puts a global spin on Gulf seafood, offering
everything from authentic Italian cioppino to crawfish étouffée.
And their flagship restaurant, Saltwater Grill, offers surf, turf and a
few elegant touches of Asian fusion, as with its stunning miso-marinated Hong Kong Chilean sea
From left: Joey Smecca, Danny Hart and
bass. And sushi fans will want
Johnny Smecca
to check out the fresh offerings
at Sky Bar.
Most importantly, you’ll
always find a friendly face
and an inviting atmosphere
at any of the Smecca brothers’
restaurants. It’s a legacy Johnny knows would have made his
father proud. “Meeting Tony,”
he says, “would leave you with
a genuine warmth that would
linger in your senses.”
IMPORT COMPANY
2706 MARKET ST., MACEOSPICE.COM
T
ony Lavoi, a native of Palermo, Italy, is often credited with the creation of the
muffaletta in New Orleans, circa 1906, but it’s his grandnephew Rosario
Maceo who’s responsible for bringing the sandwich to Galveston when he
founded Maceo Spice and Import Company in 1944. Maceo’s granddaughter
Concetta still runs the place today, where, she says, the classic Italian sandwich continues to dominate the lunchtime menu. “We are known for our muffalettas; our muffaletta is probably the best anybody has had,” Concetta promises.
“We take pride in food and flavor.”
On Sunday mornings, get there at 10 o’clock for the best coffee and beignets this
side of Café du Monde and a warm smile from Concetta herself, who promises of
Maceo’s: “It’s like walking into our home.” And on your way out, make sure to pick
up one of the family’s signature spice blends, all of which are made without MSG
or other additives. The habanero-garlic is Concetta’s personal favorite, she says,
while the traditional seafood seasoning is the bestseller.
36
P H O T O G R A P H T O P C O U R T E S Y G A LV E S T O N R E S TA U R A N T G R O U P, B O T T O M A N D P R E V I O U S P A G E B Y S T U A R T M U L L E N B E R G
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS, GALVESTONRESTAURANTGROUP.COM
GRILL
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS, OLYMPIAGRILL.COM
From left: Larr y and
Tikie Kriticos
SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
3828 SEAWALL BLVD., GAIDOS.COM
A
rguably the most famous seafood restaurant in the state, Gaido’s opened its doors
in 1911 to an island recovering from the Great Storm of 1900 and about to enter
a new golden era of dancing, drinking and dining. Original owner San Giacinto
“Cinto” Gaido had immigrated with his mother and siblings to Galveston from
Italy at only two years old, growing up to work his way up through the island’s
grand dining rooms until he knew what it would take to open a successful restaurant.
Over a century later, fourth-generation scion Nick Gaido runs his great-grandfather’s restaurant with the same attention to detail and respect for the nearby Gulf
waters that provide Gaido’s with its signature seafood. “We pride ourselves like a steakhouse,” says Gaido. “We buy fresh fish whole and cut it in-house.”
Though the red snapper is the restaurateur’s favorite—“just grilled, simply grilled,
with jumbo lump crabmeat and Parmesan tomatoes”—it’s longtime standards like
the creamy, sherry-spiked Watkins Bisque (named for beloved former chef Wade
Watkins), the gumbo, the bacon-wrapped shrimp peques in a molasses glaze, and the
massive shrimp-stuffed flounder that have kept generations of visitors and islanders
alike coming back for more.
“The amount of stories that could be told within these walls is just remarkable,”
says Gaido, who’s surrounded every day by his family’s legacy—including the hundreds of framed photographs that line the dining room. “I’ve been entrusted with
this tradition, and it’s a blessing.”
Gaido’s gumbo
T
he Kriticos brothers, Tikie and Larry, may be first-generation
Greek-Americans, born and raised in Galveston, but they’re second-gen restaurateurs. Whether at their original Olympia Grill on the
Seawall or its second location at Pier 21, the Kriticos brothers follow in
the footsteps of their father and uncle’s own Galveston restaurants, in
whose kitchens they were raised.
“We still make all of the sauces and seasonings in-house,” says Tikie, who
started working in his father’s Seawall Café at age 10. “We still have all of the
recipes from the family for tartar sauce, remoulade, Greek sauces and salad
dressings.”
The Kriticos also continue to employ family recipes for their dishes at
Olympia Grill on the Seawall, where Greek specials dominate the menu.
“We have healthy items for children and adults,” says Tikie, noting that his
Greek salad is a bestseller here, “and then we have festive foods—casseroles
like moussaka and pastitsio and the famous gyro, which is my grandson’s
favorite.”
At the Pier 21 location, Gulf-caught seafood is the star of the show: the two
most popular items here are the stuffed baked shrimp and the grilled red
snapper, though if you’re eating with a group, you may want to go bigger. The
Poseidon Mix comes with everything from spanakopita and hummus to crab
cakes and grilled Gulf shrimp, ensuring that your table is overflowing and
your guests well fed. “Since my restaurants are used to my family,” laughs
Tikie, “we do a good job of taking care of other families too.”
Lots starting from
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Homes from
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Living the good life in Galveston has taken on new meaning with the promise of
Bayside at Waterman’s, a nine neighborhood development on Lake Como and
Galveston’s West Bay. Situated at the site of the West End’s historical Stewart
Mansion, Bayside at Waterman’s offers a long list of amenities:
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WHETHER YOU’RE
LOOKING FOR
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RENTAL WITH
A VIEW, YOU’LL
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ISLAND.
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galveston.com
39
Lobby at The
Tremont House
The Lasker Inn
The Victorian Bed & Breakfast Inn
lies, not surprisingly, inside a picturesque
Victorian home on 17th Street, built in 1899.
It was established in 1981 as the very first
B&B on the island. In addition to all the
charms of the beautiful old mansion, The
Victorian features a bunny sanctuary as well
as a tranquil garden that also happens to
be a National Wildlife Federation–certified
butterfly way station. 511 17th St., 409-7623235, vicbb.com
Like the island itself, hurricanes have
shaped the history of The Lasker Inn, a
grand, historic home on 16th Street. After
the 1900 storm, it became a shelter for
homeless children for almost a century. In
2008, it suffered damage from Hurricane
Ike and sat empty until it was renovated as
The Lasker Inn four years later. Today the
inn offers six elegant guest suites along with
sweet gardens, and it’s a popular wedding
venue to boot. 1019 16th St., 409-497-4318,
laskerinn.com
The Coppersmith Inn opened in 2007 in a
charming Victorian-era residence on Avenue
M that boasts 14-foot ceilings, stained-glass
windows and a winding staircase. There are
four stunning guest rooms and a private
cottage on the grounds, all restored to their
19th-century glory. The gardens make for a
peaceful setting for a weekend getaway or
an island wedding, and The Coppersmith’s
proximity to both Broadway and the Seawall
makes it both elegant and convenient. 1914
Ave. M, 409-763-7004, coppersmithinn.com
40
A LAVISH STAY
The San Luis Resort offers exclusive accommodations and high-end pampering at its world-class spa right on the Seawall. The spacious rooms feature
modern décor and private balconies with views of the hotel pool and ocean.
From fine dining to its full-service conference center, The San Luis offers the
best of everything, whether you’re in town to work or play. 5222 Seawall Blvd.,
409-744-1500, sanluisresort.com
For a taste of historic Galveston, set your sights on The Tremont House. This
elegant boutique hotel set one block off The Strand offers both vintage charm
and modern decadence. The boutique-style rooms deliver ultimate comfort,
and the rooftop bar affords breathtaking views of downtown. 2300 Mechanic
St., 409-763-0300, thetremonthouse.com
The new DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Galveston Beach on the Seawall is the
perfect balance of modernity and comfort. This five-story hotel features ocean
views from rooms with private balconies, fine dining, and sleek, contemporary
furnishings, providing the type of high-end experience Hilton hotels are known
for. Bonus: it’s just a few blocks from the Pleasure Pier and lots of fun restaurants, bars and shops. 1702 Seawall Blvd., 409-762-4141, doubletree3.hilton.com
The San Luis Resort
P H O T O G R A P H S L E F T A N D R I G H T P A G E C O U R T E S Y G A LV E S T O N C O N V E N T I O N & V I S I T O R S B U R E A U , P R E V I O U S P A G E B Y S T U A R T M U L L E N B E R G
BREAKFAST
+BED
NARROWING
THE SEARCH
OTHER GALVESTON OPTIONS
But wait, there’s even more
options to choose from. The
Inn at the Waterpark (2525
Jones Dr., 409-740-1155)
gives visitors ideal proximity
to Schlitterbahn Galveston
Island Waterpark and Moody
Gardens, perfect for kids of all
ages, while longtime Seawall
stalwart The Commodore
(3618 Seawall Blvd., 409763-2375) puts families right
on the beach in the heart of
town.
Sand ‘N Sea Properties
BEACHFRONT BREAK
Offering more than 50 homes available for rent on the beach or the bay, Gary Greene Vacation Rentals has your family retreat covered. Find the comfort of home everywhere from Gary
Greene’s huge beach houses, perfect for family reunions, to cozy cottages on quiet canals.
13450 Termini-San Luis Pass Rd., 409-944-3220, garygreenevacationrentals.com
Sand ‘N Sea Properties boasts one of the largest selections of rentals on the island. Beach
houses and bayfront properties are popular, as are condominiums, which combine the amenities of a resort with the privacy of a rental. Whether it’s sitting on the deck looking out on the
Gulf you desire, or swimming in your own private pool, you’ll find it with Sand ‘N Sea.
13706 FM3005, 409-797-5500, sandnsea.com
If you’re looking for pure luxury, consider Beachtown, an exclusive community on the island’s
East End featuring some of Galveston’s most beautiful beach houses, several of which are
available for rent. Wrap-around decks with stunning views of the ocean, public pools, and easy
access to the beach makes this an ideal choice for a wonderful experience.
409-762-2222, beachtowngalveston.com
The Courtyard by Marriott
Galveston Island (9550
Seawall Blvd., 409-497-2850)
offers a quiet and peaceful
option at the far west end of
the Seawall and the reputation
of a hotel chain respected
around the world. Four Points
by Sheraton Galveston (2300
Seawall Blvd., 409-9744796), meanwhile, delivers on
Sheraton’s high standards and
lies just across the street from
the popular Galveston Island
Historic Pleasure Pier.
Finally, it’s tough to beat the
comfortable, contemporary
Holiday Inn Resort (5002
Seawall Blvd., 409-7405300) on Galveston’s Seawall,
whether you brought the
whole family or just happen to
be in town on business at the
convention center that’s only
two blocks away.
For more information, call the
Galveston Island Convention
& Visitors Bureau at 888-GALISLE or visit galveston.com.
galveston.com
41
Island Life
ARTS & CULTURE
T H E B RYAN M U SEU M
In May 2015, the historical museum moved its collection—the world’s largest assemblage of historical
artifacts, artwork and texts relating to the Southwestern US—to the former Galveston Orphan’s Home, built
in 1895. One popular exhibit, Battle of San Jacinto
Diorama, on view through November 2016, features
more than 1,200 individually cast, hand-painted figurines engaging in the monumental battle. 1315 21st St.,
409-632-7685, thebryanmuseum.org
G ALVESTON AR T S CEN T ER
This year, the innovative art house showcases works
from local and regional artists like Bennie Flores Ansell,
who’s creating a photo-based site-specific installation at
the center, and Rice professor Natasha Bowdoin, who’s
showing her text-on-paper works—both on display from
March to April. Then, from June 4 through August 21,
GAC honors curator Clint Willour with Twenty-five, a
group show featuring artists who’ve exhibited at the
center during his tenure. 2127 Strand St., 409-763-2403,
galvestonartscenter.org
G ALVESTON R AIL R OAD M U SEU M
In the past, people didn’t just travel to southeast Texas
by ship or car—they also came by train. And some of
those historic locomotives can be found right on The
Strand, at the popular Railroad Museum, which is now
offering a brand-new audio tour for visitors, spotlighting
the people who worked on the railroads and the trains,
as well as those who made history along the way.
2602 Santa Fe Place, 409-765-5700,
galvestonrrmuseum.com
Tour
D’Art
Galveston’s finest museums, galleries
and theaters
T
HERE’S NOTHING WRONG with beach time and
margaritas, of course. But as the locals know, there’s
also plenty of opportunity to stimulate the mind in
Galveston, at a host of cultural institutions.
42
ISL AN D EAST-EN D T H EAT R E COM PANY
Founded in 2002 by members of the ’70s-era Strand
Street Theatre, this repertory theater is known for
staging high-quality productions throughout the year,
presenting musicals and comedies, literary classics and
Broadway hits—and, by the way, donating a portion of
one show each season to a local non-profit organization.
2317 Mechanic St., 409-762-3556, islandetc.org
M OODY M AN SION
Commissioned by socialite Narcissa Willis in 1892,
this four-story, Romanesque manor is a big draw for
The Bryan Museum
T H E G R AN D 1894 OPER A H OU SE
Proclaimed by none other than the state legislature to be
the Official Opera House of Texas, The Grand 1894 Opera
House presents more than 35 productions annually, from
Broadway musicals to celebrity performances. The venue
provides intimate, unforgettable entertainment with no
seat further than 70 feet from the stage.
2020 Postoffice St., 409-765-1894, thegrand.com
visitors to the island. The mansion was
restored from top to bottom and opened
as a house museum 25 years ago, and to
mark the anniversary, it’s offering a whole
new audio tour format that allows guests
to hear family stories from five Moody
family members. 2618 Broadway, 409-7627668, moodymansion.org
RENÉ WI LEY G A LLE RY
In 2008, Hurricane Ike destroyed René
Wiley’s Galveston art gallery, but the very
next year, she and her husband picked up
the pieces and opened a new one. Wiley—
an acclaimed painter herself—is one of
the top gallerists in the region, displaying
paintings, textiles, glasswork and wood
sculptures by other artists. This year,
however, she’s putting her own oil paintings
on display, changing out the works every
month or two throughout 2016.
2128 Postoffice St., 409-750-9077, renewiley
gallery.com
THIRD COA ST G A LL E RY
Gallery owner and artist Jack Morris
rounds up noted regional painters and
sculptors for his upcoming exhibitions.
On the docket are metal works by Clydebased Nic Noblique and paintings by
Galvestonians Richard Kelver and Laura
Armstrong. Morris, a retired architect, is
also set to display a project of his own that
he’s been working on for some time. In an
ode to famous island architect Nicholas
Clayton, he will present new paintings
depicting 20 of his Victorian-era Galveston
buildings. 2413 Mechanic St., 409-974-4661,
thirdcoastgalleries.com
galveston.com
43
Island Life
MU S T-D O’S
5
Cool down at the
family-friendly
Stewart Beach and go boogie-boarding in the ocean.
THE 6
BUCKET
LIST 7
Tour Bishop’s Palace,
named one of the
top 100 outstanding buildings in
the U.S. by the American Institute
of Architects, and gorgeous Moody
Mansion, whose ornate designs must
be seen to be believed.
1
2
Watch a sunrise or sunset over
the Gulf of Mexico.
Explore historic downtown,
making your way to The
Strand and Postoffice Street.
Splash into Schlitterbahn
Galveston Island Waterpark’s
eight slides.
8
Fly in a real WWII-era warbird
owned by the Lone Star Flight
Museum.
Dine at the iconic Gaido’s
Seafood Restaurant—don’t
leave without trying the grilled
shrimp and blue cheese grits or the
famous pecan pie.
10
11
12
Look for dolphins at Pier
21, then take a harbor tour.
Catch a live show and
tour The Grand 1894
Opera House.
13
Watch candy makers pull
old-fashioned saltwater
taffy at La King’s Confectionery.
3
4
Visit the three main
glass pyramids—Aquarium,
Rainforest and Discovery—at
Moody Gardens.
44
Bird-watch at Big Reef
Nature Park, East
Beach or 8 Mile Road to see some
of the 300 migrating species that
reside in the area.
9
Rent a bike from Island
Bicycle Company and
discover 40 or more Galveston Tree
Sculptures, then explore the East
End Historical District’s beautiful
homes with Cool Tours.
Ride the 16 attractions at
Galveston Island Historic
Pleasure Pier, including the Iron
Shark Rollercoaster and Gulf Glider.
21
14
Learn about locomotive
history at the Galveston
Railroad Museum or southwest
history at The Bryan Museum.
15
Wander Pier 21’s museums, including the Ocean
Star Drilling Rig Museum, Texas
Seaport Museum and the 1877 Tall
Ship ELISSA.
16
Watch The Great Storm,
a documentary on
the 1900 hurricane, at the Pier 21
Theater.
17
Take an African American Historic Places
tour to see remarkable monuments
including the African American
Museum, Avenue L Missionary Baptist Church and Ashton Villa.
22
Play golf at Moody
Gardens Golf Course
or Galveston Country Club, and
make a weekend of it with a stay at
Moody Gardens Hotel, Hotel Galvez
& Spa or The San Luis Resort, all of
which offer special golfing packages
to guests.
23
Peruse the museum
located on the fourth
floor of the Rosenberg Library, the
oldest public library in Texas.
18
24
19
25
Go on a ghost tour of
the island with guide
Dash Beardsley, then make your way
to Galveston Historic Tours’ living
dead and graveyard tour.
Kayak through Galveston Island State Park
with Artist Boat’s tours, then
take an art lesson.
20
Visit Seawolf Park
for some of the
best fishing on the island, then
journey inside its WWII submarine and Navy destroyer escort
warship.
Buy fresh seafood at
Katie’s Seafood Market
or Sampson & Son’s Seafood on Pier 20.
Attend Mardi Gras! Galveston, the third largest
celebration of its kind in the nation.
PHOTOGRAPHS TOP BY STUART MULLENBERG, LFET, RIGHT, BOT TOM AND
F O L L O W I N G P A G E C O U R T E S Y G A LV E S T O N C O N V E N T I O N & V I S I T O R S B U R E A U
25 Galveston
Must-Dos
A carriage ride through
historic downtown
Island Life
SHOPPING
a huge selection of spiritual books share
space with phrenology skulls and prayer
candles, plus a huge selection of herbs
and resins for all your potions. Stop in
on a Saturday or Sunday to get a psychic
reading from Sharon Michelle, who’s been
channeling the spirit world for over 40
years. 2116 Postoffice St., 409-515-0669,
witcheryonline.com
H EN DL EY M AR KET
Known for its eclectic selection of
antiques—including everything from medical instruments to nativity scenes—this
store is a haven for seekers of unexpected,
offbeat gifts such as books, paper goods and
jewelry, plus the fascinating and macabre
assemblage work of Galveston artist Robert
Dampier. Keep an eye out for a three-legged
cat, which has been known to nap on the
historic building’s skylight. 2010 Strand St.,
409-762-2610, hendleymarket.com
A
Collector’s
Haven
Five antique and vintage shops on the island
NAU TICA L A N TI Q U E S &
T ROPICA L D É CO R
If funding your own undersea shipwreck
exploration à la James Cameron is out
of the question, a stop inside Nautical
Antiques & Tropical Décor is the next best
thing. The store is filled to the brim with
seafaring ephemera, much of it salvaged
from shipyards around the world, including sea glass, vintage nets, nautical flags,
ship’s wheels, buoys, compasses and so
much more. 2202 Ship Mechanic Row, 409539-5469, piecesofship.com
T H E WI TCH ERY
Considering how many buildings in
Galveston come with ghost stories, it’s no
surprise that islanders are intrigued by the
mystical collection of unexpected objects
at The Witchery. Crystals, tarot cards and
M ODER N VIN TAG E
This thoroughly charming boutique mixes
colorful fashions, jewelry and accessories
with unique gifts, modern furniture, vintage pieces and rustic home accessories—
plus you can’t go too far without finding a
mermaid. Under the stylish eye of owner
Shawna Doskocil, it’s a perfect balance of
country and boho—a draw for the vibrant,
glamorous and fun among us.
2005 Postoffice St., 409-762-0202,
modernvintagegalveston.com
KNICK-KNACKS ON THE CHEAP Looking for budget-friendly souvenirs and gifts? You’ll find funky home décor, cheeky tees and colorful accessories at Bun-
galow Dry Goods Company (2226 Strand St.). // A family-owned and operated store, Strand Brass (2115 Strand St.) specializes in beachy décor and upscale giftables like Tervis
tumblers and Tyler candles, along with a year-round Christmas selection. // The converted garage that’s home to Tola Mo’ Bettah Market (2208 Strand St.) sells the laidback
island vibe via cute tees, beach toys and sea-inspired home goods. // Everything at The Admiralty (2221 Strand St.) takes inspiration from the ocean, from high-end wall art and
ceramics to kitchen accessories and children’s toys. // Find everything you need for a beach day—towels, swimsuits, boogie boards and more—plus Galveston souvenirs like tanks
and seashells at Murdoch’s (2215 Seawall Blvd.), a former bathhouse originally constructed in the late 1800s.
46
Nautical Antiques
COL L ECTOR’S G AL L ERY
High-end furniture, local art, jewelry and
every kind of collectible under the sun can
be found in this byzantine space, a co-op
of over 50 independent vendors. If you’re
looking for something specific, the employees are incredibly knowledgeable and
eager to help, but of course, half the fun is
exploring the jumbled booths and shelves
for bargain-priced treasures, whether it’s a
leather-bound book, midcentury glassware
or even a cowhide rug. 2222 Postoffice St.,
409-750-0092
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48
Eat & Drink
T
PHOTOGRAPH BY STUART MULLENBERG
Marvelous
Mexican
The best spots to get
your fix on the Island.
Chilaquiles at Gorditas Mexican
galveston.com
49
Eat & Drink
Salsa’s Mexican & Seafood Restaurant
S A L S A’S M EX ICAN &
S E A F O OD R ESTAU R AN T
4604 Seawall Blvd., 409-621-2630,
salsasgalveston.com
Talk about the best of both worlds: this
stalwart combines a gorgeous Gulf view
and fresh, local seafood with a menu of
Tex-Mex staples, including its signature
Fabulous Fajitas garnished with tropical
pineapple and a rich chipotle tortilla
soup with just the right amount of spice,
which you’ll also find in its award-winning
red salsa. Cool the burn with one of
Salsa’s famous frothy margaritas.
GO R DI TAS M EX ICAN
712 Seawall Blvd., 409-621-1944
Morning, noon and well into the night,
this local favorite serves hearty interior
Mexican dishes like roasted-chickenor grilled-shrimp-laden tortas and huaraches (corn masa cakes), both ideal for the
50
beach. Gorditas is especially beloved for
its Mexican breakfasts—a plate of salsa-drenched chilaquiles and a giant
mug of fresh-squeezed orange juice will
get your day off to a strong start.
LOS COM PAS TAQ U ER IA &
M EX ICAN R ESTAU R AN T
2314 45th St., 409-762-1140
You’ll feel right at home from the moment
you walk into this restaurant’s sunny space.
The outstanding old-school menu boasts
dishes rarely found in newer Tex-Mex
joints, including home-style tamale dinners
that your South Texas abuelita would
make, along with entomatadas de pollo, a
cousin to the chicken enchilada featuring
tortillas fried and coated in a spiced tomato
sauce and topped with sour cream. Breakfast brings over-stuffed burritos filled with
beans, potatoes, egg, cheese and bacon—
you may want to finish yours at lunch.
W
HILE FRESH GULF
seafood may be on your
brain (and rightfully so)
during a visit to the island, this
is still Texas, after all—which
means Galveston offers its fair
share of Tex-Mex, coastal Mexican, interior Mexican and more.
6300 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX
409.740.3555
New Beach, New View & a New Year
Sunday through Thursday special
One Bedroom Condo
245.00
L A MI X TE CA ME X I C A N
RESTAUR A N T & SEA F O O D
1818 Mechanic St., 409-762-2235
Strings of Christmas lights and colorful,
hand-woven tapestries hang from the ceilings of this vibrant restaurant, a cheerful
family-run spot offering terrifically toasty
and cheesy quesadillas stuffed with fresh
Gulf shrimp. You’ll find that same shrimp
in its Vuelve a la Vida seafood cocktail,
guaranteed to bring you back to life after
a long day in the sun. At breakfast, big
plates of eggs Mexicana come with generous helpings of beans, fried potatoes and
bacon.
T HE O RI G I N A L M E XI C A N C A F É
1401 Market St., 409-762-6001,
theoriginalgalveston.com
Now celebrating its 100th year, this colorful clapboard corner grocery store has
been serving tamales and chile con carne
for generations. Originally founded by
Galveston restaurateur Raymond Guzman, in 1916, it’s now owned by Nicholas
Servos, whose family runs the equally
storied and long-lived James Coney Island
hot dog chain, but the atmosphere, spirit
and—most importantly—recipes have
remained intact. There have been a few
updates along the way, of course, including
a vegetarian menu and plenty of options
for the kids.
265.00
$
The Original Mexican Café
Weekend Special
(Friday & Saturday)
$
Call 409-740-3555, ext. 2220 for reservations
Prices include all taxes. 2 night minimum reservation required. Not valid with any other
offer with no other discounts allowed. Offer valid April 1-30, 2016
www.galvestonrrmuseum.com
FREE !
NG
PA R K I
2602 Santa Fe Place • Galveston, Texas 77550
(409) 765-5700
Location of the original Gulf, Colorado, and Santa • Open Seven Days A Week
Fe Passenger Union Depot in Downtown Galveston, • Summer: 10AM -5PM
• Winter: 9AM -4PM
50 pieces of rolling stock, model trains and numerous • Train Rides Saturdays
exhibits. Home of the Santa Fe Warbonnets, the
11AM -2PM
largest railroad museum in the Southwest.
Weather Permitting
galveston.com
51
Eat & Drink
Po-boy at Farley Girls
Artery Clogger
at Sonny’s Place
Mosquito Benedict at
Mosquito Café
The island’s ONLY year-round ghost tours
GhostToursofGalvestonIsland.com
409.356.9266
/ GhostToursOfGalvestonIsland
52
Ask the Locals
The island’s hidden food gems
O
N AN ISLAND as historic as Galveston, you’d expect
equally storied restaurants—the kind that have been staples
of the local community for generations, their recipes passed
down over the years and their regulars as beloved as family. But
the local flavor here extends to newer spots as well, where the
vibe is equally warm and welcoming. You won’t run into any
tourists fresh off the beach here, but you will feel right at home.
FA R L EY G IR L S
801 Post Office St., 409-497-4454,
farleygirls.com
If you aren’t heading here for the famous
brunch—breakfast pizza? Chicken schnitzel with waffles? Texas eggs Benedict
smothered in queso? Yes, yes, and oh
yes—chances are you’re in the market
for a Farley Girls po-boy, stuffed with
your choice of shrimp or fish, grilled or
fried, with fresh veggies and homemade
remoulade. Whatever you order, you’ll
love the elegantly eclectic, comfortably
casual atmosphere, cultivated by owners/
sisters Rosmond Duzich Thormahlen
and Ryanne Duzich Culberson.
SH R IM P ‘N ST U FF
Multiple locations, 409-763-2805
This beloved dive has fed generations
of islanders and visitors alike since
opening in 1976. The shrimp in its
overflowing po-boys is always freshcaught and breaded from scratch. At
the original location on 39th Street and
Avenue O, you can grab a seat on the
palm tree–shaded deck and listen to the
roar of the ocean, only blocks away. Or
Ghost Tours of Galveston
hit the upscale new downtown location
tucked into a gorgeous brick building,
which adds a daily breakfast menu to
longtime favorites like crab balls and
zesty shrimp tacos, all served on colorful
custom-painted plates.
SIGHTSEEING TOURS
www.galvestonhelicopters.com
409-750-1699
MOSQ UI TO CA FÉ
628 14th St., 409-763-1010,
mosquitocafe.com
This spot offers daily chalkboard specials
and an international menu. Draws include
the outstanding Mosquito Benedict, which
tops a savory scone with sautéed shrimp,
mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts and poached eggs covered in
hollandaise sauce; the crispy Thai chicken
salad; or the grilled filet mignon tossed
with tamari sesame vinaigrette over angel
hair pasta. One thing you won’t find? Anything fried; Mosquito Café likes to keep
things fresh by roasting, grilling, steaming
and poaching its healthy dishes.
Located at 201 Seawall Boulevard (at Stewart Beach Park)
DIBELL A’S I TA LI A N R E S TAU R A N T
1902 31st St., 409-763-9036
Fans of old-fashioned, red-tablecloth Italian-American cuisine will find themselves
infatuated with this place and its deliberately throwback aura. When’s the last time
you found a New Orleans–style Italian
salad on the menu, or a selection of grinders? Grinders, New England’s answer to
the po-boy, feature everything from meatballs to eggplant, but it’s the sweet Italian
sausage with juicy peppers and onions on
top that’s a can’t-miss here. Take a friend
(or several) so you can also indulge in the
shrimp and cheese tortellini and a slice of
homemade Italian cream cake.
GET $25 OFF WHEN YOU MENTION THIS AD
SONN Y ’S PL ACE
1206 19th St., 409-763-9602
This legendary bar and grill, opened by
the Puccetti family in 1944, has been
the go-to UTMB student hangout for
decades. Though it often looks closed
from the outside, walk in and you’ll
be greeted by gregarious servers and
customers—including second-generation
owner Junior Puccetti, who runs the register and always has a joke handy. Go all
in at this deliciously divey joint and get
the Artery Clogger, a chicken-fried steak
sandwich topped with bacon, two kinds
of cheese and ranch dressing.
GALVESTON HELICOPTERS
See Galveston like you’ve never seen it before!
Seascape Deluxe Condos ON The Beach
Victorian Condos By AB Sea Resort
By The Sea Beach Condos By AB Sea Resorts
Casa Del Mar Beach Suites By AB Sea Resorts
Maravilla Seawall Condos
Light House View Deluxe 5 Bedroom Pent House
Book Online
GalvestonReservations.com
or Call 409.740.1245
10811 Termini-San Luis Pass Rd
Galveston, TX 77554
galveston.com
53
/skout/
Eat & Drink
Little Daddy’s
Gumbo Bar
Vintage | Handcrafted
Jewelry
GUMBO THE
GALVESTON WAY
Who says Texas can’t make delicious stew?
M
UFFALETTA SANDWICHES AREN’T the only New Orleans
import that Galveston has improved upon over the years.
The island is increasingly gaining attention for its gumbo,
and with good reason (hint: it’s all that fresh seafood waiting in
those Gulf waters).
L I T T L E DADDY ’S G U M B O B AR
2105 Postoffice St., 409-744-8626,
littledaddysgumbobar.com
Known for its unique steam-kettle set-up,
Little Daddy’s cooks its award-winning
gumbos to order. The hard part is choosing from among its four specialties: seafood, chicken and sausage, prime rib, or
the “mumbo gumbo” with a little (okay, a
lot) of everything.
Shop online
skoutshop.com
or visit the
Bryan Museum
Gift Shop
on the island
54
GA I DO’S SEAFOOD R ESTAU R AN T
3828 Seawall Blvd., 409-761-5500,
gaidos.com
Tourists and locals alike have flocked to
Gaido’s for over a century, and they’ve
indulged in its famous gumbo for nearly
as long. Brooks’ Gumbo, named for former
chef Charles Brooks, who worked the
kitchen here for 50 years, rich roux is an
homage to his roots in Thibodeaux, La.
C A J U N G R EEK
2226 61st St., 409-744-7041,
cajun-greek-seafood.com
Though Cajun Greek is known for its off-
the-menu specials, it’s equally respected
for its seafood gumbo, which boasts a
lush, chocolate-colored roux and plenty of
plump shrimp.
L EO’S CA J U N COR N ER
3201 Broadway St., 409-765-5151,
leoscajuncorner.com
What began as a counter-service-only
joint 25 years ago quickly became so
popular that its owners had to install a
full-service dining room. Today, you can
sit down and savor Leo’s popular gumbo,
served in simple Styrofoam bowls full
of chicken, sausage, okra, seafood and
more.
WIL L IE G’S SEAFOOD & STEAKS
2100 Harborside Dr., 409-762-3030,
williegs.com
Nationally recognized for its seafood,
Willie G’s is locally famous for its hearty
bowls of gumbo, which come in two
varieties: central Louisiana-style with
chicken and sausage, and New Orleans–
style with filé powder and fresh seafood.
POOL PARTY
It’s tough to hold onto a
margarita in the surf,
so why not swim up to
one of Galveston’s
famous bars instead?
R ED FISH POOL BA R AT N I CK’S
KITCHEN & BEAC H B A R
3828 Seawall Blvd., 409-762-9625,
nicksgalveston.com/redfish
Grab a Galveston Sunrise (that’s tequila, OJ and
grenadine) and take in a sunset from the sprawling
pool at Nick’s, which also features a large hot tub,
live music and an expansive view of the Gulf. Hungry? Enjoy fresh seafood, burgers and more—all
without changing out of your swim trunks.
YAGA PRES E N TS:
FLOAT POOL & PATI O B A R
2828 Seawall Blvd., 409-765-7946,
yagaspresents.com/float
Daily happy hour specials, Taco Tuesdays and
Sunday Fundays bring a steady stream of revelers to Yaga’s famous Float Pool on the Seawall
day in and day out. Smart swimmers know the
best beers to enjoy here are the ones crafted
by Yaga’s own Beerfoot Brewery, located just
around the corner.
PHOTOGRAPH LEFT BY STUART MULLENBERG, RIGHT COURTESY SHUTTERSTOCK
LONGBOARD PO OL B A R AT
D OUBL ETREE BY H I LTON
GALVESTON B E AC H
1702 Seawall Blvd., 409-762-4141
If you’re a guest of this beachfront hotel, you’ll
want to call ahead and book a private cabana or
chaise lounge at the Longboard, which offers
stunning views of the ocean and splendid
cocktails at its swim-up bar.
H20 POOL & BA R AT TH E
SAN LUIS RE SORT
5222 Seawall Blvd., h2ogalveston.com
This lavish, hotel guests–only pool bar at the
swanky San Luis is the see-and-be-seen spot
during hot summers on the island. Cabana rentals—which come with your own flat-screen TV
and plush furniture—are highly recommended,
as well as H20’s signature Tiki Balinese cocktail
(a combo of Captain Morgan pineapple rum and
strawberry puree).
SWIM-UP POOL BA R AT H ILTON
G ALVESTON ISL A N D RE SORT
5400 Seawall Blvd.
The cool cocktails and shaded grotto here
offer respite from the sun, making this bar an
oasis during the hottest days of the year. But it’s
also a sanctuary in winter months,
thanks to a heated pool.
galveston.com
55
Resources D I N I N G L I S T I N G S
Fuddruckers
111 23rd St
409-539-3444
Miller’s Seawall Grill
1824 Seawall Blvd
409-763-8777
Soul 2 Soul Café
2612 Market St
409-539-4351
Galvez Bar & Grill
2024 Seawall Blvd
409-765-7721
The M&M Restaurant
& Bar
2401 Church St
409-766-7170
The Spot Restaurant &
Tiki Bar
3402 Seawall Blvd
409-621-5237
Mosquito Café
628 14th St
409-763-1010
Star Drug Store
510 23rd St
409-766-7719
Graffitti’s Café
2121 Strand St
409-750-9319
Murphy’s Irish Pub
215 22nd St
409-762-6167
Harborside Mercantile
2021 Strand St
Opening Spring 2016
Nate’s West End Seafood
& Steaks
17575 San Luis Pass Rd
409-737-9530
The Steakhouse at The
San Luis Resort
5222 Seawall Blvd
409-744-1500
Huli Huli Hut
312 19th St
409-682-2467
Hummel’s General Store
& Deli
409-737-9954
IHOP
5224 Seawall Blvd
409-740-7474
Jack’s Pub
2406 Postoffice St
409-539-5595
The Jetty Restaurant at
Holiday Inn Resort
5002 Seawall Blvd Ste A
409-740-3581
Jimmy Johns Gourmet
Sandwiches
6302 Seawall Blvd
409-741-1000
Jimmy Johns Gourmet
Sandwiches
102-B 22nd St
409-737-3333
Eclair at Sunflower Bakery & Cafe
AMERICAN
America’s Kitchen
500 Harborside Dr
409-763-4906
Bahia Oaks BBQ
12410 Stewart Rd
409-443-5122
BBQ Barn & Burgers
5703 Stewart Rd
409-740-2783
Big Amos BBQ
2902 Seawall Blvd
409-762-2714
Blake’s Bistro at The San
Luis Resort
5222 Seawall Blvd
409-744-1500
Blue Water Grill
409-974-4934
Brews Brothers
2404 Strand St
409-763-2739
56
Brick House
Tavern & Tap
3502 Seawall Blvd
409-763-5649
Bryants Jungle Cafe
2525 Jones Dr
409-741-8300
Cafe in the Park at the
Moody Gardens Hotel
7 Hope Blvd
409-741-8484
Café Michael Burger
409-740-3639
Chili’s Grill & Bar
500 Seawall Blvd
409-766-1690
Crow’s Southwest
Cantina Bar and Grill
2408 Strand St
409-766-9995
Denny’s
1410 Seawall Blvd
409-763-5954
The Driftwood Cafe
1110 23rd St
409-974-4300
Old Strand Emporium
2425 Strand St
409-515-0715
O’Malley’s Stage
Door Pub
2022 Postoffice St
409-763-1731
Palm Court at the Hilton
5400 Seawall Blvd
409-744-5000
Patio Grill
5316 Broadway St
409-974-4854
The Porch Café at
Beachtown
1625 East Beach Dr
409-762-0808
Press Box
2401 Postoffice St
409-765-5958
Jimmy’s on the Pier
9001 Seawall Blvd
409-974-4726
Queen’s Bar-B-Que
3428 Ave S
409-762-3151
Kitty’s Seaside Café at
the Victorian CondoHotel
6300 Seawall Blvd
832-928-4798
Rainforest Café
5310 Seawall Blvd
409-744-6000
Leo’s Cajun Corner
3201 Broadway St
409-765-5151
EatCetera
408 25th St
409-762-0803
Leon’s World’s Finest In &
Out Barbecue House
5427 Broadway St
409-744-0070
Farley Girls
801 Postoffice St
409-497-4454
Lolo Kai
902 Postoffice St
409-539-5664
Float Pool & Patio Bar
2828 Seawall Blvd
409-765-7946
Maceo Spice and Import
Company
2706 Market St
409-763-3331
Foxtail at the DoubleTree
By Hilton
1702 Seawall Blvd
409-762-4141
Oasis Restaurant at the
Four Points Sheraton
2300 Seawall Blvd
409-974-4796
McAlister’s Deli
6612 Seawall Blvd
409-740-3200
Mel’s Blueplate Diner
910 38th St
409-789-6533
Stork Club
2101 Postoffice St
409-750-9136
Sunflower Bakery & Café
512 14th St
409-763-5500
Tremont Café at The
Tremont House
2300 Ship Mechanic
Row St
409-763-0300
Waffle House
2825 61st St
409-741-9323
The West End Restaurant
& Sand Bar
21706 Burnet Dr
409-497-4152
Wing Stop
6202 Broadway St
409-740-9464
Yaga’s Café & Bar
2314 Strand St
409-762-6676
ASIAN
China Sea
4402 Broadway St
409-762-9998
Happy Buddha
2827 61st St
409-744-5774
Saltgrass Steak House
1502 Seawall Blvd
409-762-4261
Happy Coffee Shop
Smoothie & Juice BarCambodian Restaurant
5102 Broadway St
409-974-4492
Schlotzsky’s
500 Seawall Blvd
409-763-6173
Healthy Chinese Buffet
6125 Central City Blvd
409-356-4289
Schlotzsky’s
2705H 61st St
409-497-2980
Himalayan Taste Sports
Bar & Restaurant
5902 Broadway St
409-740-4240
ShyKatZ Deli & Bakery
1528 Ave L
409-770-0500
Smooth Tony’s Juice Bar
& Grill
415 9th St
409-765-5200
Sonny’s Place
1206 19th St
409-763-9602
Pho 18
704 Holiday Dr
409-762-8849
Pho 20
2101 Broadway St
409-750-9200
Pho Thai
3728 Broadway St
409-762-3888
Golden Corral
Buffet & Grill
6200 Seawall Blvd
409-744-1080
Sky Bar Steak & Sushi Bar
2107 Postoffice St
409-621-4759
Oasis Juice Bar
409 25th St
409-762-8446
Yamato Japanese
Restaurant
2104 61st St
409-744-2742
Orange Leaf Frozen
Yogurt
6606 Seawall Blvd
409-744-8000
Zaza Bar & Bites
2219 Postoffice St
409-497-2740
Patty Cakes Bakery
704 14th St
409-762-2537
BAKERIES, COFFEE
& DESSERTS
Rita’s Italian Ice
6026 Seawall Blvd
409-744-4237
Bahama Buck’s
500 Seawall Blvd
713-302-8389
Ben & Jerry’s
4408 Seawall Blvd
409-770-9566
Board Game Island
213 23rd St
409-762-0144
Coastal Cupcakes &
Bakery
2108 Church St, Ste 101 B
409-762-1111
Donut Palace
2117 Broadway St
409-765-8022
Happy Coffee Shop
5102 Broadway St
409-974-4492
Hey Mikey’s Ice Cream
2120 Postoffice St
208-602-3286
La King’s Confectionery
2323 Strand St
409-762-6100
Marble Slab Creamery
2705 61st St, Ste D
409-740-1229
MOD Coffeehouse
2126 Postoffice St
409-765-5659
Navarro Bakery
3801 Broadway St
409-765-1771
Poseidon Mix at Olympia Grill at Pier 21
Rocky Mountain
Chocolate Factory
2225 Strand St
409-762-4340
Starbucks
102 22nd St
409-621-2577
Starbucks
2808 61st St
409-741-2458
Sugar Bean Coffee &
Cream
11 Evia Main, Ste 101
409-974-4473
Texas Star Bakery
5425 Broadway St
409-744-5905
Yogurt King
6302 Seawall Blvd
409-497-8600
FINE DINING
Clary’s Seafood
Restaurant
8509 Teichman Rd
409-740-0771
Number 13 Prime Steak
and Seafood Restaurant
7809 Broadway St
409-572-2650
Rudy & Paco
2028 Postoffice St
409-762-3696
Shearn’s at Moody
Gardens Hotel
7 Hope Blvd
409-741-8484
The Steakhouse at The
San Luis Resort
5222 Seawall Blvd
409-744-1500
Waterman’s Restaurant
& Marina
14302 Stewart Rd
409-632-0233
Willie G’s
2100 Harborside Dr
409-762-3030
ITALIAN
CiCi’s Pizza
6105 Stewart Rd
409-740-3300
DiBella’s Italian
Restaurant
1902 31st St
409-763-9036
Olympia Grill
4908 Seawall Blvd
409-766-1222
Mario’s Ristorante
2202 61st St
409-744-2975
Olympia Grill at Pier 21
100 21st St
409-765-0021
Mario’s Seafood & Italian
Restaurant
628 Seawall Blvd
409-763-1693
MEXICAN
Nonno Tony’s
World Kitchen
2100 Harborside Dr
409-621-5100
Papa’s Gourmet
Pizza & Subs
4400 Seawall Blvd
409-766-7272
Riondo’s Ristorante
2328 Strand St
409-621-9595
Russo’s New York Pizzeria
500 Seawall Blvd
409-762-0200
Los Compas Taqueria &
Mexican
2314 45th St
409-762-1140
Los Molcas
6316 Stewart Rd
409-443-5309
Bronco Burrito
4917 Broadway St
409-762-9344
Los Primos Cafe
6701 Stewart Rd
409-740-6888
El Gusto Del Pueblo
3714 Broadway St
409-763-0410
Mi Abuelitas
1728 45th St
409-621-1616
El Jardin Mexican Café
413 24th St
409-763-9289
Nopalera
5001 Broadway St
409-762-5777
El Nopalito’s
614 42nd St
409-762-212
The Original
Mexican Café
1401 Market St
409-762-6001
El Rey Mexican
Restaurant
1519 39th St
409-475-3472
Grotto Ristorante
5222 Seawall Blvd
409-740-8605
Trattoria La Vigna
412 20th St
409-497-4927
Gorditas Mexico
712 Seawall Blvd
409-621-1944
Mama Teresa’s Flying
Pizza & Italian Restaurant
416 21st St
409-765-6262
MEDITERRANEAN
La Estacion
2428 Ball St
409-762-4262
Mediterranean Chef
2402 Strand St
409-765-7700
La Mixteca Mexican
Restaurant
1818 Mechanic St
409-762-2235
Apache Mexican Cuisine
511 20th St
409-765-5646
Sapori Ristorante
7611 Stewart Rd
409-497-2424
Gino’s Pizzeria
Pasta & Subs
6124 Stewart Rd
409-762-6481
Fish Po-Boy at Farley Girls
Mario’s Pizza
409-443-5556
Rivera’s
4901 Broadway St
409-762-6369
Salsa’s Mexican &
Seafood Restaurant
4604 Seawall Blvd
409-621-2630
Taqueria Melchor
Ocampo
1220 23rd St
409-497-2281
galveston.com
57
Resources D I N I N G L I S T I N G S
Little Daddy’s Gumbo Bar
2107 Postoffice St
409-744-8626
Buck’s West
409-737-3700
Nick’s Kitchen
& Beach Bar
3828 Seawall Blvd
409-762-9625
Buckshot Saloon
2409 Market St
409-599-9437
Ocean Grille & Beach Bar
1228 Seawall Blvd
409-974-4508
Crow’s Southwest
Cantina Bar
2408 Strand St
409-765-9300
Rudy & Paco Restaurant
2028 Postoffice St
409-762-3696
Drunken Monkeyz
202 20th St
409-443-5533
Saltwater Grill
2017 Postoffice St
409-762-3474
Float Pool & Patio
2828 Seawall Blvd
409-765-7946
Sampson & Son’s
Seafood Market
Galveston Island Brewing
8423 Stewart Rd
409-740-7000
(Fresh Seafood Only)
20 Pier 21
409-763-9316
Seafood Sandwich Shop
3802 Cove View Blvd,
Ste C
409 741-8400
Shearn’s @ Moody
Gardens Hotel
7 Hope Blvd
409-741-8484
Shrimp ‘N Stuff
Downtown
216 23rd St
409-974-4609
Shrimp ’N Stuff
Restaurant
3901 Ave O
409-763-2805
Waterman Restaurant
14302 Stewart Rd
409-632-0203
Willie G’s Seafood &
Steak
2100 Harborside Dr
409-762-3030
NIGHTLIFE
21
2102 Postoffice St
409-762-2101
23rd Street Station
1706 23rd St
409-621-1808
Bar None
10327 Seawall Blvd
409-539-5125
Tortuga Coastal Cantina
6010 Seawall Blvd
409-741-5000
Bubba Gump Seafood
2501 Seawall Blvd
409-766-4952
Fisherman’s Wharf
2200 Harborside Dr
409-765-5708
Joe’s Crab Shack
2000 Harborside Dr
409-763-6888
B’Jiggers Inside The
Holiday Inn Resort
5002 Seawall Blvd
409-740-3581
SEAFOOD
The Cajun Greek
2226 61st St
409-744-7041
Gaido’s Seafood
Restaurant
3802 Seawall Blvd
409-762-9625
Joe’s Seafood
3702 Broadway St
409-763-0763
Beerfoot Brewery
2816 Ave R ½
409-762-2337
Gumbo Diner
3602 Seawall Blvd
409-762-3232
Katie’s Seafood Market
(Fresh Seafood Only)
Bliss Lounge
2413 Strand St
409-763-1000
Joe’s Crab Shack
3502 Seawall Blvd
409-766-1515
Landry’s Seafood House
5310 Seawall Blvd
409-744-1010
Benno’s on the Beach
1200 Seawall Blvd
409-762-4621
Black Pearl Oyster
Bar & Grille
327 23rd St
409-762-7299
BLVD. Seafood
2800 Seawall Blvd
409-762-2583
58
Clary’s Seafood
Restaurant
8509 Teichman Rd
409-740-0771
Fish Tales
2502 Seawall Blvd
409-762-8545
Pier 19
409-763-8160
Brews Brothers
2404 Strand St
409-763-2739
H2O Inside The San Luis
Resort
5222 Seawall Blvd
409-744-1500
Havana Alley Cigar Shop
& Lounge
201 26th St
409-621-1166
Huli Huli Hut
312 19th St
409-682-2467
Jack’s Pub on Postoffice
2406 Postoffice St
409-539-5595
Jack’s Pub on Seawall
3802 Cove View Blvd,
Ste H
409-497-4372
Longboard Pool Bar
1702 Seawall Blvd
409-762-4141
MOD Coffeehouse
2126 Postoffice St
409-765-5659
Molly’s Pub
2013 Postoffice St
409-763-4466
Murphy’s Pub
213 22nd St
409-762-6167
Nick’s Kitchen
& Beach Bar
3828 Seawall Blvd
409-762-9625
Ocean Annies
Inside Hilton
5400 Seawall Blvd
409-744-5000
Old Cellar Bar
2015 Postoffice St
409-763-4477
Old Quarter
Acoustic Café
413 20th St
409-762-9199
O’Malley’s Stage
Door Pub
2022 Postoffice St
409-763-1731
PHOTOGRAPH BY STUART MULLENBERG
The Rooftop Bar at
The Tremont House
New this Year at Moody Mansion
Patrick’s Bar
2411 B Strand St
409-750-9535
Stuttgarden Tavern
2110 Strand St
409-497-4922
Poop Deck
2928 Seawall Blvd
409-763-9151
The Galvez Bar Inside the
Hotel Galvez
2024 Seawall Blvd
409-765-7721
Press Box
2401 Postoffice St
409-765-5958
Proletariat Gallery &
Public House
2221 Market St
409-356-9092
Riptide Surf Bar
904 Ave M
409-765-8433
Robert’s Lafitte
2501 Ave Q
409-765-9092
The M&M Restaurant
& Bar
2401 Church St
409-766-7170
Moody Mansion
2618 Broadway • Galveston • 409-762-7668 • moodymansion.orG •
The Rooftop Bar Inside
The Tremont House
2300 Ship Mechanic
Row St
409-763-0300
The San Luis Bar
5222 Seawall Blvd
409-744-1500
Rumors
3102 Seawall Blvd
409-762-0051
The Spot Restaurant &
Tiki Bar
3204 Seawall Blvd
409-621-5237
RumShack
3204 Seawall Blvd
409-621-5237
The Wizzard
2325 Church St
409-762-9173
Safari Beach Company
910 Ave M
409-762-1420
Third Coast
2416 Postoffice St
409-765-6911
Sideyard
3204 Seawall Blvd
409-762-3747
Tin Cup’s Caddy Shack
9020 Stewart Rd
409-974-4929
Shearn’s Lounge
(9th Floor Inside Moody
Gardens Hotel)
One Hope Blvd
409-741-8484
Tsunami
2314 Strand St
409-770-0999
Squeeze Rita’s & Tequilas
3204 Seawall Blvd
409-621-5237
Galveston’s Moody Mansion premiers a new self-guided audio tour
with narrations by Moody family members, plus exclusive
behind-the-scenes tours taking guests to new areas of
the home not previously shown on tour.
Woody’s Bar
409-740-6969
Yaga’s Café & Bar
2314 Strand St
409-762-6676
Circa 1899
Exceptional accommodations now available in one of
Galveston Island’s most beautiful historic mansions!
www.vicbb.com | 409.762.3235
511 17th Street Galveston, TX 77550
galveston.com
Caribbean Dream at BLVD. Seafood
59
Resources A C C O M M O D A T I O N S Galveston boasts a variety of accommodations for
every budget and preference. From luxury hotels
and resorts to elegant bed and breakfasts, from
vacation rentals and condos to RV parks, you will
find just the place to suit your needs. For detailed
information, visit galveston.com/lodging.
Need 10 or more rooms? Let the Galveston Island Convention
and Visitors Bureau assist with your lodging needs. Contact
our group sales department at 866-505-4456 or email us at
info@galvestoncvb.com.
Hotel Legend
Restaurant
Continental Breakfast
Cruise Parking
Cruise Shuttle
Pet friendly
All non-smoking hotel
Spa
HOTELS
America’s Best Value Inn
(Opening Spring 2016)
7220 Broadway St
888-315-2378
Baymont Inn & Suites
2826 63rd St
409-744-3000
Beachcomber Inn
2825 61St St
409-744-7133
Beachtree Motel
3126 Ave S
409-763-2188
Best Western Plus
(Opening Spring 2016)
8500 Seawall Blvd
800-780-7234
Best Western Plus Seawall
Inn & Suites
102 Seawall Blvd
409-766-7070
Candlewood Suites
808 61st St
409-744-4440
Country Inn & Suites by
Carlson
2818 Ave R ½
409-763-5000
Courtyard by Marriot
Galveston Island Gulf
Front
9550 Seawall Blvd
409-497-2850
Days Inn & Suites
8712 Seawall Blvd
409-740-3000
Doubletree By Hilton
Galveston Beach Hotel
1702 Seawall Blvd
409-762-4141
Four Points By Sheraton
2300 Seawall Blvd
409-974-4796
Gaido’s Seaside Inn
3828 Seawall Blvd
409-762-9625
Homewood Suites
800-560-7964
Ocean Inn
3028 Seawall Blvd
409-632-7515
Hotel Galvez: A
Wyndham Grand Hotel
2024 Seawall Blvd
409-765-7721
Pearl Inn
1002 Seawall Blvd
409-220-3936
(Opening Summer 2016)
Howard Johnson
Express Inn
8216 Harborside Dr
409-744-1100
Inn at the Waterpark
2525 Jones Dr
409-740-1155
Knights Inn Galveston
3008 Seawall Blvd
409-762-0664
800-843-5644
La Quinta Inn Galveston
East Beach
1402 Seawall Blvd
409-763-1224
Hampton Inn & Suites
409-744-5600
La Quinta Inn & Suites
Galveston Seawall West
8710 Seawall Blvd
409-740-9100
Casa Del Mar Beachfront
Suites
6102 Seawall Blvd
409-740-2431
Harbor House At Pier 21
No. 28-Pier 21
409-763-3321
Mariner Inn
1602 Seawall Blvd
409-763-5391
Comfort Inn & Suites
Beachfront
6302 Seawall Blvd
409-741-8888
Hilton Galveston Island
Resort
5400 Seawall Blvd
409-744-5000
Moody Gardens Hotel,
Spa & Conference
Center
Seven Hope Blvd
409-741-8484
Comfort Suites
3606 89th St
409-741-9977
Holiday Inn Express &
Suites
8628 Seawall Blvd
409-740-7900
Commodore On The
Beach
3618 Seawall Blvd
409-763-2375
60
Holiday Inn Resort on the
Beach Resort
5002 Seawall Blvd
409-740-5300
Motel 6
7404 Broadway St
409-740-3794
Motel 6
409-740-9000
The San Luis Resort, Spa
& Conference Center
5222 Seawall Blvd
409-744-1500
Quality Inn & Suites
5924 Seawall Blvd
409-740-1088
Scottish Inn
928 Ferry Rd
409-762-3311
Springhill Suites By
Marriott Galveston Island
6303 Broadway St
409-740-9443
Super 8 Motel
2825 ½ B 61st St
409-740-6640
Towneplace Suites by
Marriott Galveston Island
Gulf Front
9540 Seawall Blvd
409-497-2840
Travelodge
3924 Ave U
409-750-9400
The Tremont House:
A Wyndham Grand Hotel
2300 Ships Mechanic
Row St
409-763-0300
Red Roof Inn
5914 Seawall Blvd
409-740-1261
The Victorian
Condo-Hotel Resort &
Conference Center
6300 Seawall Blvd
409-740-3555
Rodeway Inn
6107 Broadway St
409-740-2491
CONDOMINIUMS
Rosenberg Motel
2027 25th St
409-765-7632
Casa Del Mar
Beachfront Suites
6102 Seawall Blvd
409-740-2431
Diamond Beach Resort
10327 FM 3005
409-740-4242
Four Seasons on the Gulf
4000 Seawall Blvd
409-763-7138
Galvestonian
Condominiums
1401 East Beach Dr
409-765-6161
Holiday Inn Club
Vacation, Galveston
Beach Resort
409-737-2339
Islander East
Condominiums
415 East Beach Dr
409-765-9301
Palisade Palms
801 East Beach Dr
409-974-4635
Seascape Condos By AB
Seas Sales & Rentals, Inc.
409-740-1245
The Dawn Condominiums
By AB Sea Sales &
Rentals, Inc.
8610 Seawall Blvd,
Ste 100
409-740t-1245
The San Luis
Condominiums
5222 Seawall Blvd
409-744-1500
The Victorian Resort &
Conference Center
6300 Seawall Blvd
409-740-3555
BED & BREAKFASTS
Avenue O Bed &
Breakfast
2323 Ave O
409-457-4255
Coastal Dreams Bed &
Breakfast
3602 Ave P
409-770-0270
Coppersmith Inn
1914 Ave M
409-763-7004
Lasker Inn Bed &
Breakfast
1019 16th St
409-497-4318
Lost Bayou Guesthouse
1607 Ave L
409-770-0688
Mermaid & The Dolphin
Resort
1103 33rd St
409-762-1561
P H O T O G R A P H P R E V I O U S P A G E A N D T O P L E F T C O U R T E S Y G A LV E S T O N C O N V E N T I O N & V I S I T O R S B U R E A U
Victorian Bed &
Breakfast Inn
511 17th St
409-762-3235
The Villa Bed & Breakfast
1723 25th St
409-766-1722
VACATION RENTALS
BY COMPANIES
AB Sea Sales
& Rentals, Inc.
10811 Termini-San Luis
Pass Rd
409-740-1245
Castaways Resort
Properties
17614 FM 3005
409-737-5300
Coastal Waves Vacations
3616 7 Mile Rd
409-502-2719
Ryson Realty Vacation
Rentals
2115 61St St, Ste 101
409-740-1600
Sand ‘N Sea Vacation
Rentals
13706 FM 3005
409-797-5500
Texas Coast Realty
801 East Beach Dr,
Ste 150
409-497-4115
Vacasa
409-539-5030
Wolverton Resort Rentals
16602 FM 3005
409-737-1430
VACATION RENTALS
BY INDIVIDUALS
Additional property
listings at
galvestonparkboard.org/
vacationrentals
RV PARKS
Bayou Shores RV Park
6310 Heards Ln
409-744-2837
Dellanera RV Park
409-797-5102
Galveston Island RV
Resort
409-200-2745
Gary Greene Vacation
Rentals
409-944-3220
Galveston Island State
Park
14901 FM 3005
409-737-1222
Reservations:
512-389-8900
The House Company
2615 Broadway St
409-763-8030
Jamaica Beach RV Park
17200 FM 3005
409-632-0200
Pointe West Vacation
Rentals
713-304-0606
Sandpiper RV Resort
201 Seawall Blvd
409-765-9431
Realty Executives
6025 Heards Lane,
Ste 4W
Tiki Tom’s RV Park
333 Jones Lake Rd,
Tiki Island
409-935-5599
(Monthly-No Short Term
Rentals)
galveston.com
61
Guided and interpretive kayak
tours on Galveston Island.
Kayaks provided
•Paddling and safety instruction
• Families, groups & beginners welcome
• Certified kayak instructors & guides
Register online today: artistboat.org
Call (409) 770-0722
for additional information
Resources T R A N S P O R T A T I O N PUBLIC
TRANSPORTATION
Island Transit
409-797-3900
RENTAL CARS
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
5919 Broadway St
409-740-0700
AIRPORT
TRANSPORTATION
Action Motors & Limos
(airport transfers)
713-781-5466
Clear Lake & Galveston
Shuttle
281-229-0299
Cool Tours
Cool Tours
409-539-5374
Galveston Express
(airport shuttle)
409-762-4397
Galveston Limousine
Service
(airport shuttle)
409-744-5466
Galveston Shuttle &
Limo
(airport shuttle)
409-761-1184
Island Breeze Shuttle
(airport shuttle)
409-770-0100
Karr’s Limousine Service
(airport transfers)
713-780-8300
Merlo’s Limousine &
Charters
(airport transfers)
866-367-5466
Super Shuttle
(airport shuttle)
800-258-3826
Superior Limousine &
Transportation
(airport transportation)
855-520-8020
Jeff’s Cab & Shuttle
Service
(airport shuttle)
409-621-5333
Tropical Taxi
409-621-4000
Yellow Cab Company
409-763-3333
AIRPORTS
William P. Hobby Airport
(HOU)
713-640-3000
Located 40 miles from
Galveston with domestic
flights; for airlines, visit
fly2houston.com/hobby
George Bush
Intercontinental Airport
(IAH)
281-230-3100
Galveston with domestic
and international flights
available; for airlines,
visit fly2houston.com/iah
Ellington Field
713-847-4200
Galveston for charters
only.
Scholes International
Airport at Galveston
(GLS)
409-741-4609
Located in Galveston
for charters only.
TAXI SERVICES
Busy Bee
409-762-8429
AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Old Time Fountain Delights
See Candy Being Made
2323 The Strand
62
Galveston,Texas
HIGH
LOW
JAN
61°
45°
FEB
63°
47°
Galveston Island
Visitor Information
Center
2328 Broadway St
Located behind Ashton
Villa in Carriage House.
409-797-5144
MAR
69°
54°
APR
75°
62°
MAY
82°
71°
DOWNTOWN
PARKING /
SEAWALL PARKING
While you’re enjoying
all that the Historic
Downtown Strand
Seaport and Seawall
Boulevard has to
offer, be advised
that street parking is
enforced in sections of
these areas. Signage
is posted in parking
zones to indicate rates
and enforcement
hours. Annual beach
parking passes provide
unlimited parking
along the Seawall ($25
pass) and at island
beach parks ($50
pass), including East
Beach, Stewart Beach,
West End Pocket Parks
and Seawall Boulevard.
Annual passes can
be purchased at the
Galveston Island
Visitor Information
Center and at the
above beach parks.
JUNE
87°
76°
AVERAGE WATER TEMPERATURES
JAN
54°
FEB
55°
MAR
61°
APR
71°
MAY
78°
JUNE
83°
MEDICAL
EMERGENCIES—
CALL 911
University of Texas
Medical Branch
emergency room
is located at 901
Harborside Drive at
9th St. Dial 911 for
emergencies.
URGENT CARE
CLINICS
Affinity Immediate Care
2808 61st St, Ste 200
409-497-2808
Island Health Clinic
4623 Fort
Crockett Blvd
409-762-7646
UTMB Health
Emergency Department
901 Harborside Dr
409-772-1191
UTMB Pediatric Urgent
Care
2027 61st St
409-772-3695
West Isle Urgent Care
2027 61st St
409-744-9800
JULY
89°
78°
AUG
90°
78°
SEPT
87°
73°
OCT
80°
66°
NOV
71°
57°
DEC
64°
47°
JULY
86°
AUG
86°
SEPT
83°
OCT
75°
NOV
67°
DEC
69°
Kayak
Adventures
galveston.com
63
10
7
9
6
19
20
22
24
To Houston
Social Media C O N N E C T W I T H U S
SHARING THE LOVE
What visitors are posting about
their Galveston vacations
T
HESE GALVESTON GUESTS didn’t keep the
fun times to themselves—they shared them with
the landlocked, who contained their jealousy
by planning their own getaways to the coast. Want
to see your pictures on our social media page (galveston.com/socialcenter) or be included in the 2017
Galveston Guide? Use the hashtag #LoveGalveston
and #Galveston on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram
when sharing your memories.
TWEETS
@SaraPatterson: Shrimp plus fest
is the best combo ever. Give me all
things #ShrimpFest! #LoveGalveston
@ongalvestonisle: “It’s no
Victorian secret. Tonight we’re
gonna party like it’s 1869!!
#dickensonthestrand #lovegalveston
@foremyeyesonly: The sun
lights up the ocean in the
morning. #loveGalveston
#GoodMorningGalveston
#galvestonbeach
@MommysMinivan:
Ghost tours
@HotelGalvez and
intimate experience
@HarborHouse21—
sounds like we should
@VisitGalveston this fall.
#lovegalveston
@AuthorMaca: Currently researching
the history behind some of
#Galveston’s favorite #ghost stories.
#research #history #archives
@KAGreenebean:
As a former cast
member, I’m so excited
the Disney Wonder
is here in Galveston!
#LoveGalveston
#DisneyCruiseLine
64
@bacbsa: Galveston was
ranked #3 for perfect
weather year-round!
We couldn’t agree
more! #lovegalveston
#shortsyearround
FACE B O O K.CO M/ V IS I TG A LV E S TON I SL AN D
T WI T T E R.CO M/G A LV E S TO NI S L A N D
I NS TAG R A M.CO M/G A LV E S TO NI SL AN D
YO U T U B E.CO M/ V I S I TG A LV E S TO N I SL AN D
PI NT E R E S T.CO M/G A LV E S TO NI S L AN D
BEST OF INSTAGRAM
@gofish_178
@archetype_photo
@akready1981
@dave_v_boy
@sarahmooreclick
@chibbigirl
@amylikesbacon
@galveston_breeze
@CFPhotography3: Woke up
before the sun rose because
I just a love a storm rolling in.
#LoveGalveston #IBC #MyGalveston
the
perfect galveston island retreats
texas ’ first resort
for coastal luxury
mystery and
romance mingle
where
The beachfront location of the Hotel Galvez &
The Tremont House is within walking distance
Spa offers expansive Gulf views, the Island’s finest
of a wide array of shops, restaurants, museums and
spa and the Galvez Bar & Grill. The hotel’s Sunday
galleries. The hotel is a romantic retreat and home
Champagne Brunch was named a “Top 100 Brunch
of the award-winning Rooftop Bar, Galveston’s only
Restaurant in the U.S.” by OpenTable diners. Book
open-air rooftop lounge. Make some memories and
your place in the sun online or by phone today.
book your reservations online or by phone today.
2024 SEAWALL BLVD., GALVESTON ISLAND, TX
2300 SHIP’S MECHANIC ROW, GALVESTON ISLAND, TX
409.765.7721 | www.HotelGalvez.com
409.763.0300 | www.TheTremontHouse.com

great places to eat, shop and play

Transcription

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