Galveston, Summer 2021 ~ Travel

Galveston Island truly does have lots to offer, whether one just wants to hang by the beach, explore the beautiful historic downtown, take in the bayou living, enjoy colorful southern architecture, or simply load up on delicious seafood for the rest of times. We did all of it, in less than 3 days!

One of Galveston’s most important roles in America’s history was being the site of Juneteenth, or June 19th, the day in 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation by President Lincoln, when Union Army general Gordon Granger announced General Order No. 3, proclaiming and enforcing freedom of enslaved people of Texas. You see, enforcing is the key word here, because Texas slave owners did not find Emancipation convenient to their economic needs, and therefore did not comply with Lincoln’s earlier proclamation. Check out the 2nd book review On Juneteenth, on my Galveston ~ Read page.

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In the late 19th century Galveston was one of the key trading and immigration ports, with commerce booming, and local merchants and shipping magnates investing heavily in beautiful real estate on the eastern end of the island. When the hurricane of 1900 devastated Galveston, killing by some estimates over 6,000 souls, it also inflicted heavy damage on the port itself and many beautiful homes and public buildings. See my Galveston ~ Read blog post for the Isaac’s Storm book review on the infamous disaster. Rebuilding was swift, but several factors contributed to Galveston’s declining prospects after that date, including nearby Houston’s relative remove from a possible washout. Nonetheless, many residences remained, and the ones rebuilt blossomed with gorgeous pastel colors, lacy metal and wood trim, contrasting window shutters, and wraparound porches. Beautiful traditional southern homes radiate from the tall commemorative Texas Heroes column at the intersection of the 25th St and Broadway.

A couple of historic homes are certainly worth a visit, including Bishop’s Palace and the Moody Mansion. Beautifully preserved, with wood carvings, stained glass windows, and original furnishings from the early 1900s, these two residencies do a great job showcasing the wealth of the locals from 100 or so years ago.

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Galveston’s shores are bountiful with things to do and eat. From naval history, to Pleasure Pier, to fishing and shopping, you are surrounded by water and endless choices.

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We paid a small fee to walk out onto one of the super long piers, and it was quite well worth it. Despite the heat, locals gathered undeterred, even though the depth of the Gulf of Mexico is not significant for a good half a mile from the shore, forming a “shelf”. Still, the catch proudly displayed to us by one of the hobby fisherman, rivaled any large salmon I have ever seen in the Pacific Northwest.

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With this kind of fishing, you’ve got to try the cooking. The Spot is fun for it’s quirky treehouse set up, Katie’s Seafood House was amazing, and they promise to name both the boat and the captain who caught your dinner. But if you really want to get a funky, off-the-beaten-path experience, also try The Gypsy Joynt: the menu is huge, décor – psychedelic, and Parmesan Roasted Brussel Sprouts will convert even the most skeptical. You are welcome!

P.S. Everywhere I went, there were Boudin Balls, so that’s what’s going to be cooking in my Galveston ~ Create blog post.

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And here is the cute AirBnB we stayed at, just two blocks from Pleasure Pier, but super quiet and convenient to everything: 2102 25th PINEAPPLE BY THE SEA!!! Sleeps 2 – Apartments for Rent in Galveston, Texas, United States (airbnb.com)