TEXAS: THE LONE STAR STATE
BY CLAY
LARROY
It
doesn't matter if you take a trip across the state line or the border, being
far from home can be exciting and also a bit stressful. When considering
traveling, it is important to think of the best mode of travel. Traveling by car can offer
many more sights and opportunities for side trips. Traveling by train can offer
a chance to relax and get some work done if they wanted. Planes can cover
ground fast but don't allow much movement and one cannot get off the plane in
flight. Each mode of travel has its own advantages and disadvantages to be
considered. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!
Galveston, “Island of Texas”
About
Galveston
Like a blushing Southern belle with a faint sunburn on her nose,
Galveston combines all of the Southern gentility you would expect of a Texan
city with all the warmth and sun-filled adventure of a coastal beach town.
Sitting 45 minutes from the sprawling city of Houston, Galveston enjoys a
privileged separation from mainland Texas on Galveston Island.
As one of the nation’s top
cruising ports, the second busiest only to New York City, the Port of Galveston
enjoys traffic from most major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean,
Carnival, and Disney Cruise Line. The passenger terminal has been recently
renovated to the tune of $65 million, including terminal-wide Wi-Fi, LED signs,
and expanded stations for check-in, including a VIP station.
Things
to do in Galveston
Activities
Fishing
Right on the Gulf of
Mexico, the 61st St. Pier is a popular and relaxing fishing spot for anyone
looking to try their luck. This family-friendly pier invites both beginners and
experienced fishermen to either bring their own supplies or purchase what they need
from the nearby shops. A license is required to fish on the 61st St. Pier, and
temporary ones can be found at the Academy Sports or Wal-Mart, or online
through the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
Website: www.61stpier.com
Website: www.61stpier.com
Surfing
As a coastal town,
Galveston is a surfer’s paradise, especially one looking for a true challenge
on the waves. The Texas coast creates smaller, choppier waves that are
generally inconsistent, which can be a deterrent for most surfers. But the most
hardcore of wave riders delight in the test of their skills.
Website:www.galveston.com/surfing
Website:www.galveston.com/surfing
Golf
With lush grass and clean,
bright sand, Galveston is ideal for any golfer looking to take a swing at a new
course. Galveston has three golf courses: the Galveston Country Club, Magic
Carpet Golf, and Moody Gardens Golf Course.
Galveston Country Club
Website: https://www.galvestoncountryclub.com
Website: https://www.galvestoncountryclub.com
Magic Carpet Golf
Website: http://www.galveston.com/magiccarpetgolf
Website: http://www.galveston.com/magiccarpetgolf
Moody Gardens Golf Course
Website: http://www.moodygardensgolf.com
Website: http://www.moodygardensgolf.com
Beach
Of course, no trip to
Galveston is complete without a visit to any of its stunning beaches. Galveston
has seven different beach parks, many including RV hook-ups or campsites for
staying right on the beach. Choose any park ranging from Seawall Urban Park, an
urban beach with the nation’s longest sidewalk, to East Beach, with its
energetic boardwalk and festivals held year ‘round.
City
Attractions in Galveston
Bishop’s Palace
Also known as Gresham’s
Castle after the resident of the home, Walter Gresham, Bishop’s Palace was
constructed between 1887 to 1883, by architect, Nicholas J. Clayton. The house
has withstood numerous hurricanes, including the great hurricane of 1900 in
which the Greshams sheltered hundreds of survivors of the storm. This stunning
Victorian fortress conducts self-guided audio tours and private tours for a
fee.
Telephone (409) 762-2475
Website http://www.galvestonhistory.org/attractions/architectural-heritage/bishops-palace
Galveston Island State Park
Named one of the 5 “Best
Gulf Coast Beaches” by the Travel Channel in 2013, the Galveston Island State
Park offers family-friendly activities including kayaking tours, surfing
explorations, bird walks, nature field trips, and fishing clinics, all free
with admission. The park was acquired in 1969 by the State Parks Bond Program
by private owners and converted into a public park. Ecosystems in the park
include marshes, beaches, wetlands, and prairies.
Telephone (409) 737-1222
Website http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/galveston-island
Galveston Railroad Museum
Invoking the nostalgia of
the steam-powered days of old, the Galveston Railroad Museum is the most
popular railroad museum in South Texas. The museum has one of the largest
collections of restored railroad memorabilia in the country. The museum also
hosts events throughout the year, and offers rides on the “Harborside Express”
daily.
Telephone (409) 765-5700
Website http://www.galvestonrrmuseum.org
Moody Gardens
Built in the 1980’s, Moody
Gardens started with a simple horse barn and riding arena and grew into one of
Galveston Island’s favorite family attractions. From lazy rivers to zip lining
to paddlewheel boats, Moody Gardens offers everything for a relaxing day or an
afternoon of thrills. If you need a break from the excitement, enjoy a
Starbucks coffee and a surf-n-turf dinner at one of the Garden’s many
restaurants.
St. Joseph’s Church
St. Joseph’s Church is the
oldest German Catholic church in Texas, built by German immigrants in
1859-1860. The wooden, Gothic-style building is dedicated to St. Joseph, the
patron saint of laborers, and was built for the extensive German immigrant
community that comprised almost half of the total population of Galveston. The
interior is handcrafted and ornate, with hand-carved altars, cedar pews, and
stunning painted coffered ceiling.
Telephone (409) 765-7834
Website http://www.galvestonhistory.org/attractions/architectural-heritage/st-josephs-church
Website http://www.galvestonhistory.org/attractions/architectural-heritage/st-josephs-church
The Grand 1894 Opera House
Galveston’s premiere
theatre and performance space, The Grand 1894 Opera House completed
construction in 1895. Primarily a theater, after the decline of Vaudeville in
the 20th century The Grand converted into a movie theater. In 1974, the movie
theater closed and was purchased by the Galveston County Cultural Arts Council,
who with the assistance of volunteers, restored the theatre to its former
glory. Notable performers who have taken the stage of The Grand include James
Earl Jones, Bernadette Peters, John Philip Sousa, Ray Charles, Willie Nelson,
the Marx Brothers, and Tony Bennet.
Telephone (409) 765-1894
Website http://www.thegrand.com
REFERENCE SITES:
“If you’ve ever driven across
Texas, you know how different one area of the state can be from another. Take
El Paso. It looks as much like Dallas as I look like Jack Nicklaus”
Pro Golfer Lee Trevino.
Pro Golfer Lee Trevino.
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