Downtown, Galveston

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Maybe because not many tourists come to the old downtown area; especially form the cruise ships, it seems kind of desolate. It does look clean, though. There are about six museums of a variety of themes and the big attraction here is Bishop's Palace.

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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!

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Our visit to The Strand was on a cool, breezy day after Christmas 2009, therefore our experience was quite unlike most of those expressed on VT. There was little visible evidence of the damages caused by Hurricane Ike a year earlier, evidence of The Strand's importance to Galveston's crucial tourist trade. We weren't shopping or dining - just strolling. It gave us an opportunity to witness the interesting and colorful architecture of the area minus the heat and humidity and the crowds. On the flip side, that meant that a great deal of the party-like ambiance was also missing. Our only stop was at La King's Confectionery and Coffee Shop for some of the best specialty coffees I've ever had.

The Strand district is actually downtown Galveston, located just off the docks of Galveston Bay towards the eastern end of the island. It's a great area to do a variety of things. Many retail and eclectic shops are located here. There are quite a few museums around to sample some of the history that the island has witnessed. Hungry? Well, you're in luck! There are several restaurants here, especially along the piers right off the bay. Many bars and pubs are also here if your looking for a little nightlife. One very simple way to enjoy the Strand is just to walk all around and see all of the old buildings, many of classic Victorian style, and also check out a few of the many art galleries as well. All throughout the year there are many festivals put on in the Strand district, including Dickens on the Strand in December, and Mardi Gras
in February. But regardless of what part of the year it is, the Strand is a must see on anyone's visit to Galveston!

There are many museums and grand homes located in historic downtown area. There have been many dramatic overhauls within this area. For many years Victorian buildings on the Strand were empty and decaying. You can take a walk or tour by trolley or horse drawn carriage.
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