saadmin
By Bill Dante
Would it surprise you to know that Country Living Magazine named Galveston one of the most charming beach towns in the country? I had to see for myself. Located less than an hour southeast of Houston, Galveston has become a favorite vacation destination for many.
When it comes to beaches I’ve been to quite a few, from the east coast, to the white sand and windex blue water of the Bahamas, to Hawaii and to Florida. I’ve traveled all along most of the Texas coast, including South Padre and west to California including Carmel. Also, international, starting with Mexico, Italy, France, Spain and even the Adriatic.
What I’m trying to say is…….I know beaches.
One place I had not visited was Galveston. Many, many years ago, pre-pandemic, there were some discouraging reviews starting with the beaches, water quality/color and comments about the overall ambiance and cleanliness of the historic island.
It never became a destination of mine when there were so many other choices. Then a couple of years ago in 2018, a friend that was the marketing director of a large resort in Galveston told me that there had been MAJOR changes to the island and that we should consider a trip. Galveston native, billionaire Tilman Fertitta had invested in many areas of the island and had restored Galveston back to its shining former glory. It was now, once again the crown jewel of the Texas coast.
As of this writing, Tillman’s brand new $150,000.000 yacht, “The Boardwalk,” sits in Galveston. Google it, and you can take a virtual tour.
Anyway, my son had just graduated from the university so my wife and I decided to take the family to Galveston to celebrate and check out all the changes for ourselves. Living in south central Texas, it would only be about a three or four hour drive until our toes hit the sand.
We had no expectations so off we went.
Our first stop was right outside Houston in Katy. The Black Bear Diner has a very extensive breakfast and lunch menu. The portions were huge and fresh! If you’re into down- home, satisfying and delicious comfort food, reasonably priced, this is your place.
About an hour later we were crossing over Galveston Bay, headed for the island. The first thing I noticed, as we approached the island was the deep blue, serene water and the tall palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze. As we drove down Seawall Blvd, looking at the gulf, the charming, quiet beach appeared wide, smooth, extremely well groomed and pristinely clean. The brown water I was expecting was nowhere to be found! In fact, it was glistening blue and the midday sun made the water sparkle like a million diamonds as a few seagulls floated in the air in the ocean breeze. Thirty two miles of beach line awaited us. Also because of the sea wall there was nothing blocking the view of the water when you drive for miles along Sea Wall Boulevard. That drive alone is scenic, panoramic and relaxing, and gives you a chance to really get your bearings and scope out some interesting beachside places for later.
We rented a well appointed condo close to 60th street, directly on the beach and seawall called “The Dawn.” We stepped out onto the balcony of the condo and had a beautiful unobstructed view of the spotless beach and blue water, yes blue, that stretched all the way to the horizon. You could also see and hear the gentle ebb and flow of the gulf waves right from the huge window in the master bedroom. Another plus was being able to view the beach and waves directly while swimming in the one of two resort style pools at the condo.
Keep in mind that this particular condo complex does not have any elevators.
First impression: great location, close to everything, loved the pastel colors of the buildings, flawlessly manicured property, and the condo was spacious, modern and really perfect.
We did post some pictures on Facebook and many friends were trying to guess where we were vacationing. They guessed everything from the Caribbean, Mediterranean and even one friend who had managed large exotic resorts mentioned that we must be in Florida. When we said, nope, it’s Galveston, even he was surprised. He immediately put it on his bucket list to do and he did!
I did notice that every morning, as I’m the early riser of the group, the beaches were being groomed to perfection. Oh, there’s lots to do during the day after you’ve had your pool or beach time. Moody Gardens is a must for the aquarium lover. You can even leave your car at the condo, if you like, because there are trolleys that can take you the length of the city on the beach side.
We enjoyed a few historical Texas museums and of course we tried to find the best restaurants where the locals eat. How many times have you said that while on vacation? But we heard that there was a particular restaurant that offered delicious chargrilled oysters. Just like you would find in NOLA. Located in the historic Strand area, Little Daddies Gumbo Bar had exactly what we were looking for. After our meal, we strolled around the area and browsed the many antique shops, art galleries and vintage stores.
It was the perfect vacation and we said we would come back.
SO….last year in 2021, we decided to go back. Just my wife and I. We went in September and the weather was glorious! There weren’t as many people around, as in the spring and summer. Plus being seasoned travelers we had seen most of the main tourist attractions in 2018. So we were ready to explore not only the city, but take long drives in both directions of the island.
This time, we stayed at a truly luxurious resort condominium complex called, The Diamond…. and it was… another perfect location with every amenity possible, from private movie theater to spa and again, right on the beach. As you can see, the pool is one of the most breathtaking in all of Texas.
My wife and I really enjoy visiting the local, family owned coffee bars in the towns we are visiting. You can really get a feel of the vibe of the city by people watching and soaking in the ambiance of your surroundings. Plus, you get to experience, perhaps a new favorite blend of local coffee.
Our number one choice turned out to be in a beautiful, pristine neighborhood that looked like it came right out of a perfect movie set. The area is called, Evia.
The coffee bar was the Sugar Bean. Very local and hidden off the beaten path for tourists but not for driving. It sits right on some small lakes near the bay across from a private golf course. Cappuccinos were perfect and so were the prices.
That afternoon we drove to
Galveston’s Harbour on the east side of town and took the free ferry to the Bolivar Peninsula. It was a beautiful sunny day and was perfect for watching the dolphins race through the waters next to the ferry. That in itself was a special treat.
The following day we ventured south about 15 miles to Jamaica Beach in search of another highly recommended coffee bar called the “Je Mocha Bar.” The coffee was great but the pastries were to die for. Ummm, the next morning we heard the pastries calling our names and knew we had to go back to Je Mocha Bar to make sure those pastries were as good on the second day. They were and we will be back some day soon.
Going south was an interesting and fun drive. There are lots of multi-million dollar beautiful mansions to see right on the beach as you drive along the coastline.
Later that evening, we had dinner at Boulevard Seafood. Let me tell you, the outside of the building is very, very, unassuming. In fact, while driving along the seawall we passed it by several times without giving it a thought, but the reviews kept coming up as spectacular, so we decided to give it a try. It truly was absolutely fabulous! My wife had the Ahi Tuna and I had the crab cakes. Both were beyond exceptional! Definitely one of our favorites on the island!
Oh by the way, it is almost impossible to go to Galveston and not hear or think about Glen Campbell’s song that was popular in the 70s “Galveston Oh Galveston!”
Being in the broadcasting field, one of my very first jobs at a radio station, was to go and emcee a special small, intimate concert with a two time Grammy award winner.The singer? Glen Campbell.
Have a great trip and let us know in Texan Magazine how your trip turned out.
