Galveston Favorites

Favorite thing: This building replaced the original one of 1879 and represents Texas's cotton era. It was constructed in 1940 by architect Ben Milam and is of white block and polished granite, looking more modern than its neighbors.

Compared to the lovely detailed buildings surrounding it, I think it looks rather dull, but I wanted to highlight it for its involvement in Texas's supremely commercial crop of earlier days--COTTON--which brought this state on an even par with other movers and shakers in world financial markets.

For more information see Galveston Architecture Handbook by Ellen Beasley and Stephen Fox, Rice University Press and Galveston Historical Foundation

Favorite thing: It's hard to miss this striking building, which overlooks Strand Street. It was constructed (1896) in the classical revival style by architect, N.J.Clayton, while retaining some Victorian elements.

It is comprised of gray and pink granite with red sandstone, buff brick and terra cotta decorations and is the earliest example of steel frame construction in Texas. It housed a bank which operated here until 1935.

Recently used as a moving and storage warehouse, it was purchased by Cynthia & George Mitchell in 1985 and refurbished by architects, Ford Powell & Carson. Additional work was done by Dallas architect, Michael Malone, as he designed the Discovery Channel Store in 1994.

For more information see Galveston Architecture Guidebook by Ellen Beasley and Stephen Fox, Rice University Press and Galveston Historican Foundation

Favorite thing: Galveston was a wonderful surprise. I was looking forward to seeing the ocean again after living land-locked for 2 1/2 years. Prior to our trip we had been following the progress of Hurricane Isidore in the Gulf. We set out anyway and hoped for the best.

We had only planned on spending one night in Galveston before driving on to Louisiana - Baton Rouge then New Orleans. The morning we were to leave we thought , to hell with going to Baton Rouge, we need another day/night in Galveston. The weather was still great although very windy and we crammed in as much as possible. Really we could have stayed a week. A great place to go, just don't go during hurricane season. Fortunately 'Izzy' turned back into a tropical storm and hit further around the Gulf Coast (where we were later headed).

Favorite thing: A great place to start your visit is Pier 21. There you will find The Texas Seaport Museum. There you can learn about Galvestons seaborne legacy and walk the decks and explore the Tall Ship Elissa. You can also check out the immagration data base.

Also you will find the Pier 21 theater which features 'The Great Storm' which is about the deadliest natural disaster that devastated Galveston island in 1900.

The other feature film is 'The Pirate Island of Jean Laffite.

You will also find places to eat and shop along pier 21. There is also a Boat tour located here although I have never taken that tour. Yet.

Fondest memory: Hard to say what I miss the most when away from Galveston. I think I would have to say the Tall Elissa. I could spend all day on board.

Favorite thing: visit Moody Gardens. A beautiful facility, inside and out and you can spend the entire day (which we did) wandering through the exhibits! The tropical rain forest is especially nice with the fish, birds and plants.

Fondest memory: It was refreshing and seemed much cooler and more comfortable after a long drive from Lake Conroe.

Favorite thing: The Bishop's Palace, The Moody Mansion and 'The Strip'

Fondest memory: Shopping on 'The Strip,' old downtown Galveston. It has been restored, or perhaps I should say is a work in progress. Much detail has been given to authenticity, and keeping the 1800-ness in tact.

Favorite thing: Visit Moody Gardens.
Moody gardens is a great place to visit, you can spend the whole day here with your family. Every interest can be satisfied, you can choose from Aquarium, Rainforest Pyramid, Discovery Pyramid, a triple deck sternwheeler The Colonel, and, of course, the IMAX theater.
Rainforest Pyramid is a covered artifical tropical forest with plants you can find only in Amazon's Selva in real life. And IMAX is a 3d-movie theater - great place!
For more information on this attraction, please refer to Galveston Island Internet site.

Fondest memory: Rows of people in IMAX cinema watching 3d movie. This is really fun to look a lot of people in weird glasses with their hands leaning to 3d illusions in front of them. 3d cinema is cool anyway. IMAX theatre in moody gardens has several different films showed on its screen. On the photo: my colleague Rooman (on the right) and I, sitting in IMAX thatre next to hundreds of other people, wearing that special glasses required for creating 3D effect.