TEXAS: THE LONE STAR STATE
BY CLAY
LARROY
If you're looking to get
away from it all with a trip away from home, don't forget to travel smart. Regardless of
whether you are traveling to a nearby location for the weekend or taking a week-long
destination vacation, you are always going to benefit from some tips and ideas
on how to make the whole process, more fun and less stressful. Take
time each day to alleviate stress while traveling or vacationing and you will
thank yourself for it when you get back home. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!
Galveston,
“Island of Texas”
About
Galveston
Galveston
History
Galveston originated in 1816 as a collection of European
settlements founded by the French pirate Louis-Michel Aury. Louis founded the
settlements in support of the Republic of Mexico, who at the time was fighting
Spain. After Mexico won its independence from Spain, Galveston became the Port
of Galveston by the newly formed Congress of Mexico.
In the 1830’s, Galveston served as the capital of the Republic of
Texas, and as a major port in Texas gathered residents from all walks of life,
including Mexican and German immigrants. During the American Civil War, many of
these immigrants opposed slavery and supported the Union, contrary to the
majority of the state’s support and joining of the Confederacy.
After the Civil War, Galveston became a leader in civil rights for
freed slaves and education for freedmen. The city’s open and accepting nature
encouraged immigrants who arrived at the port city to settle down right there
instead of moving on.
Before World War II, Galveston saw a boom as a gambling city, and
during Prohibition you could still find alcohol fairly easily in the city.
After the War, with the rise of Las Vegas Galveston’s gambling industry fell
apart. Today its former reputation as the “Sin City of the Gulf” is in the past
as Galveston embraces more family-friendly tourism and activities.
Tours
& Excursions
Tourist Information Centers
Galveston Island Visitors
Center
Address:
2328 Broadway
Galveston
77550
United States
Galveston
77550
United States
Telephone: (888) 425-4753
Hours of
Operation:
Mon-Sun 0900-1700
Excursions
George Ranch
Historical Park
Located 70 miles west of Galveston (north on I-45 and FM-1462) is
the authentic Texas ranch and history site of George Ranch Historical Park.
Narrating the story of a Texas family over the course of 100 years, George
Ranch exhibits historical homes, real livestock roaming in the fields, and
authentically costumed interpreters. The story begins in frontier Texas and
continues until the pre-World War II era, following the Jones, Ryon, Davis and
George families, especially Mamie and Albert George, who created the George
Foundation to carry on their love of the area, as they tragically lost both
heirs of their livelihood to illness and tragedy.
Telephone: (281) 343 0218.
Website: http://www.georgeranch.org
Kemah Boardwalk
Located 26 miles outside of Galveston (north on 1-45 and TX-146)
is Kemah Boardwalk, a waterfront amusement park filled with classic midway
games and carnival rides. For younger children, take them on the playground
conveniently located near the rides. For adults, explore the local ice cream
parlors, seafood restaurants, and wide variety of boutiques and shops. Some of
the most memorable events held at the Boardwalk include the Crawfish & Zydeco
Festival, the Craft Beer Festival, and Jingle on the Boardwalk.
215 Kipp Avenue, Kemah 77565.
215 Kipp Avenue, Kemah 77565.
Telephone: (877) 285 3624.
Website: http://www.kemahboardwalk.com
Houston
The largest city in Texas, Houston is located within an hour of
Galveston (north on I-45) for anyone craving an outing to the “big city”.
Houston is the perfect blend of Southern sensibilities and metropolitan living;
cowboy boots mingling with stilettos. Despite its laid-back nature, Houston is
renowned for its culinary scene; besides the tradition Texas steak and chili,
you can find Indian, pizza, and quality seafood. Have a night on the town in
any of Houston’s theaters or nightclubs, or visit one of its fascinating museums.
Telephone: (713) 437-5559
Website: http://www.houstontx.gov
Surfside
Only 39 miles northeast of Galveston (via FM-3005) is Surfside
Beach, another pure Texas beaching community. If you’re looking to get away
from the crowds at Galveston, Surfside offers many similar amenities as the
island, including BBQs on the beach, horseback riding along the waves, and
crabbing along the piers. Rent a surfboard from one of the local vendors and
ride the waves, or camp out on the beach in front of a fire as the sun sets
over the horizon.
Telephone: (979) 233-1531
Website: http://www.surfsidetx.org
Tours
Boat
tours
For a true taste of classic Southern culture, take a ride on the Colonel Paddlewheel
Boat, a 650-passenger paddlewheel boat offering day and evening cruises. Plush
carpets, sumptuous drapes, and staff members in uniform all create an ambience
straight from Gone With The Wind. The Colonel is available for private parties of
100 or more, where you can enjoy a delightful dinner in one of the elegant
dining rooms, and watch the sun set on the water from the balcony.
Telephone:(409)
744-4673
African
American History Tours
Galveston has always played a major role in the lives of the
African American Texans who called it home. It was here that slaves were
brought in to be auctioned off, and it was here that the slaves of Texas first
learned of their freedom. Many famous faces have arisen from this city,
including heavyweight boxing champion Jack Johnson, R&B artist Barry White,
and composer Frederick C. Tillis. See many of the iconic buildings that have
shaped Galveston’s people, including the African American Museum, St. Vincent’s
House, and the African American Waterfront.
Telephone:(888)
425-4753
Walking
tours
Not for the faint of heart, Dash Beardsley's Ghost Tours of
Galveston is the city’s most popular ghost tour. Dash walks you through
cemeteries, the historical district of The Strand, or on a tram around the
island as he describes all the unexplained paranormal activity. Cameras are
allowed and even encouraged on tour, but video cameras and audio recording
devices are not.
Telephone:(409)
877-1794
Wildlife
Tours
For the animal lover in all of us, don’t miss your chance to get
up close and personal with some of the gentlest creatures in the sea: the sea
turtle. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) conducts many different
programs aimed at saving the sea turtles, which are endangered due to poaching
and exploitation by humans. The NMFS raises the turtles in captivity, tags them
to track their movements, and documents sea turtle strandings so they can
continue to save these majestic creatures. Tours need to be scheduled in
advance and are held every Thursday by appointment only.
Telephone:(409)
766-3500
REFERENCE SITES:
“I’ve traveled all over the world,
but I don’t think there is any place better than Texas.”
Red Adair
Red Adair
No comments:
Post a Comment