Galveston Concierge

The beginning of each new day – what do you do with today? Do you plan it? Or, do you let it unfold? Or maybe a combination? I like structure and I like order but I also like serendipity that feels like cosmic elements are at play. I like the word play. So many of us are working and working and working. Responsibilities are important but when was the last time you played? When was the last time you laughed for so long and so joyfully that it caused you to feel lighter?

I don’t have the answers for if your life would benefit from more structure or more open spaces but if in the event you would like to explore Galveston in a way that could lend possibility to a lighthearted day this post is for you. My first trip to Galveston was a birdwatching one coordinated through my high school, Notre Dame. It would be years before I returned – decades. When I moved from Santa Fe, New Mexico to a little town north of Houston, the proximity to Galveston Island softened greatly that difficult transition.

How many times have I been to the island – 50? I’ve collected a substantial knowledge of the island, places to go, things to do; my curiosity and love of tropical life led the way. If you’re up for travel on Halloween, I’ll say it is a fabulous place to take your kids trick or treating. With all those cosmopolitan Victorian homes, it’s a wonder to stroll door to door in costume. And, it’s a holiday that doesn’t appear to have the attention from tourists so you can make Galveston feel like your hometown.

I’m going to make a list of the places I like to frequent. It’s about the places and it’s about the people there; it always comes down to the people, whether we realize it or not. Who you choose to spend your life with, even in the smallest moments is important. Who makes your food is important. I love going to Star Drug. When I’m there, the person who made my breakfast a decade ago is the same guy who made my breakfast this morning. Star Drug tops the list.

1. Star Drug – they serve Ellington coffee, by the way. I like everything about this place!
2. The Grand Opera House – did you know that on a quiet weekday you can enter for a self guided tour? Five dollars per guest.
3. Tremont House. I’ve stayed there, yes, several times. But did you know they often have evening jazz music in the lobby you can enjoy simply by walking in? They also have an elegant rooftop bar that has recently been remodeled.
4. Papa’s Pizza. Surely everyone knows about Papa’s Pizza and who doesn’t love pizza!? Again, it’s the people. I was there a couple of days ago. It’s personable – and if you stop by more than once, they start to get to know you. It’s not solely about pizza …..
5. La King’s Confectionery. It’s a large old-fashioned candy store that can make you feel like you are going back in time over 100 years. It’s a happy experience and has a child sized red rocket fueled by quarters way in the back of the store; look for it.
6. Mysticatz – a gem and mineral store – a crystal store and so much more. Feeling cosmic today? It’s a great place for opening your mind and helping you to see the beauty all around you.
7. Hendley Market – it’s open select days of the week mainly centered around weekends, I think it’s Thursdays through Sundays. Hendley Market has an international collection of what feels like everything. Not food but such a variety … go there.
8. Neighborhood beaches. As you drive the seawall and are heading toward the densely populated part of Galveston with second homes, before you go too far, look for a spacious neighborhood with large colorful pastel homes up on stilts. It’s well before the houses begin to feel congested. Did you know you can access the beach from inside that neighborhood? Parking is easy and the seaside is quieter and more lovely.
9. City beaches – that said, I love all the beaches in Galveston and sometimes I love being around the hustle and bustle of the lights, the Pleasure Pier, the cars driving past. It’s nice, especially at night.
10. The Galveston Bookshop – for reasons I need not explain. It’s charming. Let’s keep our remaining bookstores in business.
11. Yaga’s Clothing has been open for 40 years. My favorite things in that store are the rattan bikes. They are not for sale but worth feasting your eyes upon.
12. The Grand Galvez – a beacon of optimism with it’s pink pastel exterior. It has also been recently remodeled and, while I don’t generally like change, this remodel is exceptional. Did you know this hotel hosts Thanksgiving Dinner? I love being there on this holiday. Tickets go fast and well before Thanksgiving.
13. Airbnb Galveston mansions – talk about an eccentric way to travel. I am a huge fan of staying in the mansions. I’ve stayed in four. Ask me for recommendations. It’s sounding like booking.com may be the better way to schedule than the Airbnb website.
14. I’ll stop at 14. I’m partial to the number 14 because that was my soccer number. I’m thinking that the fourteenth place to see in Galveston is the Mariner Hotel. Want to stay in Galveston on a budget but have it the easiest walk in the world across to the beach? It has an element of time travel going back to the 1980s I find appealing. The rates are some of the best on the island. Don’t go for the pool. If you want a pool go somewhere else. It’s a clean hotel run by people who care. It’s not fancy at all, but I like it.

Start there. Start anywhere. I encourage you to take a day in Galveston or somewhere else. Go by yourself, consider it. When I travel by myself I meet people. It’s fun meeting people in real life. Other people want to meet people, too. Give others the opportunity to meet you. I’s like a forgotten skillset that has such remarkable impact. When was the last time you met someone new? Be mesmerized by your day of exploration and I bet as a byproduct you will meet others who want to live like you do!

I’ll be smiling with you,

c.s.