Kauffman and Runge Building--220 22nd Street
by VeronicaG
As we walked to the Strand for the festivities, we passed the Kauffman and Runge Building(1882). It certainly was a striking structure! According to the handbook, it's an example of the 'modern High Victorian version of the Renaissance style'. The architect was Eugene T. Heiner of Houston.
The ribbed and paneled brick walls and varying arch shapes with contrasting trim colors was the American version of a classical architecture style.
This business was a grocery wholesaling and cotton export firm, which unfortunately became bankrupt in 1887. The building was acquired in 1905, by Maco Stewart, who used it as his office and headquarters for the Stewart Title company.
In recent years, Stewart Title moved its headquarters to Houston, but continues to use the building which was refurbished in 1977 by architect David D. Barker of Galveston.
For more information see Galveston Architecture Handbook by Ellen Beasley and Stephen Fox, Rice University Press and Galveston Historical Foundation
The Seawall
by msbrandysue
The Seawall and Galveston beaches offers an array of sporting activities.
For the seawall you'll find many people walking, running, and biking down the 10 mile stretch. If you feel like doing something a bit more exciting rent one of the extended bikes or bike on the stretch buggies. You're more than able to get a good sweat before plunging into the water!
While at the beach all sports balls are welcome. Bring a net and play some beach volleyball! Or bring a football or frisbee. Whenever you get tired or too hot jump into the water!
If you prefer water sports then bring your surf or boogie board and get out in the water! (Snorkeling is not an option due to the dark color of the water!) There are even sail boats, row boats, canoes and other choices to rent along the easten side of Galveston. Don't forget your sunscreen !!!
Rainforest Fun!
by msbrandysue about Rainforest Cafe
If you have kids...it's only fair that you bring them here. It is soooo fun!
When you arrive you will hopefully see a Rainforest Cafe carivan coming to pick you up. It was so nice because it is on a side street that can be busy. The guy waited for us even. The walk won't kill you but on a busy day you might find yourself parking further away.
Before entering the restaurant you will see many carnival-like games set up. Again, these people are smart and know how to get every penny from you or your little ones!
Now, you're dealing with professionals here. They also have a build-a-bear workshop right inside this restaurant. And you better believe you're going to have to wait to be seated even if many tables are empty. Why? Because the longer you wait the more stuff you'll be able to buy. It's true..... Even my mom and I had to wait once and she even ended up purchasing something......two things I think. Hell, even I was about to start buying a build-a-bear or two.
As for the dining room it is chaos. It's loud. Why? Because you're in the rainforest! There are trees and animated animals everywhere. Every 10 minutes the elephants and apes go nutes and every 15 minutes or something like that a true rain shower hits (although you won't get wet).
The food, however, is WONDERFUL.
Helpful hint: If you go to the Galveston Tourist Office before this, or see any of the travel brochure stands...Rainforest Cafe has a coupon for a free appetizer. Pick it up and bring it! There are many choices to pick from and it's about a $10 value!&c* I usually get the pizza because it's wonderful but really, anything is fantastic!
Breakfast is equally wonderful too. Especially the cubed hashbrowns!!
Oh and the signature dessert volcano has an actual sparkler going off when they bring it to you! (That'll set you back at least $10 though).
Seafood on the Seawall
by msbrandysue about Fish Tales Seafood Grill
I came into Fish Tales while I was waiting for the Mardi Gras parades. The parades were about 30 minutes away but my friend was dramatically hungry. So, we told the waiter we were in a hurry and ordered our food. I ordered a crab cake sandwich, which turned out to be really bad. There were more herbs than crabmeat...and our table was starring at the gulf so I was disappointed.
The service wasn't friendly but they were definitely quick and sufficient. The bathrooms were pleasant, but you had to be a customer to use the facilities. There seemed to be plenty of seating so there was no wait and it was a very busy weekend with Margi Gras and everything.
I wouldn't eat here again, but if there wasn't anywhere else to eat on the seawall then I would come again, just order something easy, like shrimp. My friend's son had some fried shrimp...those looked good? Definitely pass up the crabcakes.
Downtown Galveston
by Suet
We went downtown.... as it was Sunday, not a lot open. It was too early in the season for the full on partying that happens here. I mean full on. People stay up all night in the warm evenings, party until dawn and then sleep through the hot days. This is a seaside town that thrives on weekenders and summer dollars.
You have to come here when the Mardi Gras is on in February 2008 and except for Rio, this is the only place I have been where the costumes are fantastic, the atmosphere is electric and the music, well, even if you can't dance, you HAVE to dance to it!
Warm nights, partying...
There are specialist holiday complexes where you can rent an apartment quite reasonably. Try to avoid Spring Break when all the students come here and sleep 14 to an apartment, making noise until dawn. Best to try for during the week if you can, unless you like lots of people!
I've put the Mardi Gras website here for you, it is in February 2008. Well worth visiting!
Dangerous.....cool
Orphanage
Chocolate covered cheesecake :)
The nature reserve
