Tag: BEACH

Becoming A Tourist In Your Home Town

 

Make the most of your summer vacation with a single tank of gas by hitting these local spots

With the chaos and hectic schedules most of us have today, coordinating a multi-day vacation for your whole family while juggling different work and extracurricular commitments is becoming more and more implausible. Getting everyone on board and finding a desirable destination worth your time and money (and the headache of making travel arrangements AND packing for the lot) is a task no one enjoys undertaking. Even if you manage to execute that ideal get-away, odds are at some point along the way – be it during the third or fourth meltdown, when hearing another grumbled complaint about money, experiencing poor customer service, or after paying way too much for a bland meal – you’ll start to think about how nice it would have been to just have stayed at home.

 

It’s okay. We’ve all been there before. Our expectations versus reality rarely line up. And your kids aren’t really the ungrateful little brats they sometimes seem to be; you’re just tired and frustrated. And understandably so! Don’t bother reminding them that you never had such opportunities in your childhood either – they don’t care.

 

The truth is, vacations are hard on everyone, and unless you have a personal assistant to handle every minute detail while also intercepting each grumbling comment from your family, you’ll probably be burnt out from your scheduled respite well before ever setting off.

 

Wouldn’t it be nice to get the satisfaction of a summer well-spent without the stress of planning a vacation? Sure, all your Facebook friends are flooding your news feed with updates on their idyllic trips, but rest assured they’ve seen just as many eye-rolls and have threatened to ground at least one kid for the rest of the summer if they didn’t start acting right along the way. People only share the rare stuff in between the predominately crap-filled minutes. You can have your own moments to share too, and do so without every having to pack a bag!

 

Yes, you read that correctly. And yes, I am discussing Brazoria County, Texas. I grew up here, you see, and like most people, I believed you had to venture outside County lines in order to do, well, anything. But looking back, I realize that some of my fondest memories occurred in my literal backyard or just a little ways down the road. It didn’t matter that my family never took dream vacations, because my childhood was filled with love and laughter and FUN. The only thing that really matters are the memories you create together, regardless of where it’s done. I only wish that I had known back then that Brazoria County had so much more than just the beach to offer (though it is a wonderful offering, to be sure). Lucky for you, I have compiled a list of ideas for your summer vacation.

1.) Movies Under the Stars: Both Angleton and Lake Jackson Parks and Recreation Departments hold monthly outdoor showing of family-friendly films. And they’re entirely free! Bring your own snacks and a blanket to enjoy your kids’ favorite movies. Pirates Alley in Surfside also hosts periodic movie nights on the beach. Keep in mind that you’ll be on the sand for these events, so bug spray is a must!

City of Angleton Link:  https://www.angleton.tx.us/164/Special-Events
City of Lake Jackson Link: https://www.lakejackson-tx.gov/315/Special-Events

2.) Sea Center Texas: https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishing/sea-center-texas/

3.) Bayou Wildlife Safari: Experience a real-life safari in Alvin!  https://www.bayouwildlifezoo.com/

4.) Nature Camp at Quintana Beach County Park and Camp Mohawk County Park: offered in Quintana and Alvin respectively, this week-long “camp” focuses on educating children on the beautiful nature of two very different environments. Parks Department staff and Master Naturalist volunteers help kids develop an appreciation and love for the outdoors through various informative and fun classes. No sleeping bag required – Nature Camp is held from 8 – 12 on the scheduled weekdays.

5.) Migration Celebration: https://www.brazosport.org/event/migration-celebration/

6.) Local Museums / Visitors Centers:

Lake Jackson Historical Museum: https://www.lakejacksonmuseum.org/
SFA-Munson County Park: https://brazoriacountytx.gov/departments/parks-department/munson-park-stephen-f-austin-statue

7.) Brazoria County Parks Kayaking Trips: https://brazoriacountytx.gov/departments/parks-department/special-events

8.) Kids Fishing Tournaments: check special events pages for Brazoria County and its surrounding cities.

9.) Quintana Bird Sanctuary and Park Office Exhibits: https://brazoriacountytx.gov/departments/parks-department/quintana-beach

10.) Brazoria County Library Special Events: Check out the listings for each branch in cities across the County!                                        https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?showCalendars=0&mode=AGENDA&height=768&wkst=1&bgcolor=%23FFFFFF&src=jg5e0ogg0fhv7t7r4btpd2397s@group.calendar.google.com&color=%2323164E&ctz=America/Chicago

These are just some of the many worthwhile places and events that Brazoria County has to offer. Unfortunately, locals remain largely uninformed on their options. I personally had little knowledge of our options until I began working for the Parks Department ten years ago. I didn’t even know about several of the great parks within our area before then.

One little known destination, for example, is the Kelly Hamby Nature Trail off of Bluewater Highway, just before the Galveston toll bridge. This small park provides a gorgeous beach outlet and boardwalk that almost always has thousands of shells to pick through. It’s the perfect spot for a beach day without having to drive on the sand and dirty your vehicle. Or if you’re looking for a day outdoors without a drive to the beach, Hanson Riverside County Park just outside West Columbia has wooded-trails, covered picnic tables, a playground and fishing pier, and multiple acres of outdoor space. While you’re in the area, take a drive to the State Historical Site off of Highway 36 heading toward Needville. In this beautifully maintained patch of land, you’ll find a historical marker that marks the place where Stephen F. Austin took his last breath. And if this is enough to spark your interest in the Father of Texas, head on over to his giant statue at SFA-Munson Historical County Park in Angleton. The staff on site are always eager to provide a colorful history lesson for curious listeners.

As you can see, there’s plenty of fun-filled events and places with which to occupy those free days ahead! Explore what Brazoria County has to offer! You won’t regret it 🙂

 

 

 

 

Doing Disney

 

Travel tips for the Disney Adventurer!

I’ll be perfectly honest – it’s hard to do a Disney Vacation wrong. It is, after all, the happiest place on earth and whether you find yourself fighting the long lines and heavy crowds of peak season, or trudging across the expansive ground in hot summer months or combating the wet cold winter, the odds of being disappointed by your trip are slim to none. Trust me, it’s just that magical.

That said, there are a great many ways to avoid the negative aspects of Disney visit. With the countless travel guide options for Disney vacations, it may seem wholly unnecessary to offer yet another opinion on the subject, but I’d be remiss not sharing what I know about this ultimate travel destination. They say write what you know, and it just so happens that Disney is one of the few things I know very well. Not to brag or anything 🙂

To date, I have five DisneyWorld trips under my belt and have learned quite a bit from each of them. What follows is my attempt to catalog what I feel are the most valuable of insights.

  1. Don’t Try To Do It All In One Day

Now let me be clear, it is possible to do Disney in one day – I’ve done it. It’s just not something I’d recommend. My first trip to DisneyWorld was a last minute addition to a week-long Orlando vacation. My travel companion / vacation planning guru cousin and I had a 6-day itinerary, which included the 17-hour drives to and from, 3 days at Universal Studies and Islands of Adventure, and 2 free days with which to site see in Orlando. At the time of our planning, Disney wasn’t even on our list of must-dos. Once there, however, we figured why not stop in and see what all the fuss is about. Having just one day, we purchased park hoppers and started our 14 hour excursion at Magic Kingdom. We hit all the major attractions as fast as we could before making our way to Hollywood Studios. From there, we continued on to Animal Kingdom and then finished off the day in Epcot. It was absolutely amazing but also overwhelming. There was barely enough time to take a restroom break, let alone take in all the magical elements that each park had to offer. I missed so much! If one day is all you have, then it’s very important that you map out your plan of attack beforehand. Limit yourself to one park, maybe two, and invest in a fast pass – it’s worth the extra cost!

  1. Stay On Site

If you’re like me, booking a 5 star Disney resort on top of the high cost of park tickets and meals isn’t really in your financial wheelhouse. If you can afford the more impressive accommodations, more power to ya! Someday, hopefully, I’ll be there too 🙂 Fortunately for now, I have other options that don’t require taking out a loan to pursue. Disney’s All Star Resorts provide affordable hotels for the budget-conscious traveler. The rooms are nothing to write home about, not unlike something you’d find at any other hotel chain, each housing a food court and massive pool. The way I see it, I’m paying for the Disney experience, not the comfort of a room which I won’t spend much time in anyway. Booking a hotel package comes with a lot of perks too. Transportation to and from the airport as well as your park of choice all throughout the day, fast passes, nearby food options, great customer service, and the ability to make the most out of your stay. Once they pick you up from the airport, you can head straight to the park after checking in and they’ll bring your luggage directly to your room. Looking to squeeze one last morning inside the park before your departure? No problem. The resort will hold your luggage as long as you need after checking out too. It really is the best way to go.

  1. Take Advantage Of Extra Magic Hours

Another benefit of booking a hotel / ticket package: the extra time in the parks exclusive to Disney resort guests. Each park has designated bonus hours on various days during your stay. Study the literature provided in your booking information and take note of the extra magic hours listed for each date. If Animal Kingdom has Magic Hours one morning, start your day there and hit the most popular attractions before normal operating hours begin. Assuming you have park hopper tickets, plan to end your day at the park with Extra Magic Hours in the evening, giving you time for the rides that have the longest lines throughout the day. As you’re allotted a limited number of fast passes per day, be sure to schedule them ahead and aim for the busiest times in the park. It’s a waste of a perfectly good line jump to use them in the early morning or evening when lines aren’t terribly long anyway. *Bonus tip for fast passes: While scheduling them early ensures all the best time slots aren’t taken, there’s no need to worry about a sudden change in plans. You aren’t married to it. You can rearrange your fast pass reservations at any point while already inside the park. Look for cast members with tablets in hand.

  1. Choose Your Dining Experiences Wisely

Eating at Disney is expensive. Period. There’s really no way around it, but you can avoid the trip of wasting money and – worse – valuable time on the promoted “dining experiences.” Meal reservations for the popular restaurants inside DisneyWorld fill up fast, so don’t count on just walking into Cinderella’s Table or Be Our Guest on the fly. It’s not uncommon for the latter to be completely booked  5-6 months in advance. Because of this, we reserved a table for our last trip as soon as the date opened, opting for breakfast due to its lower prices and better chances of securing a reservation. Also because the idea of taking time out of our park day for lunch or dinner wasn’t very appealing. Time is so precious in Disney! The restaurant itself is exquisite. For any die hard fan of Beauty and the Beast such as myself, the details of the castle interior are enough to make the experience worth it. We chose a table in the grand ballroom where gorgeous chandeliers hung from the mosaic ceiling and a snowy winter scene could be seen through the massive windows. As stated earlier, it’s hard to be disappointed by a Disney experience and I certainly don’t regret having dined there, but with anything less than the love and appreciation I feel for the film, it might be something you could skip. IF a dining experience is something you absolutely must do, and you feel it worth the time and added expense, be sure to select one that provides the most bang for your buck. Breakfast at BOG is essentially overpriced fast food that’s wheeled out on a continual succession of carts (and will likely be cold once it reaches you). You still get all the wonder and magic of the castle itself, but don’t expect to enjoy fine dining. I’ve heard that lunch and dinner options are far superior but can’t personally attest to that. However, I do know that character dining is reserved for dinner hours and will most assuredly result in fond memories for the whole family, so bear that in mind as well. I would’ve liked the chance to meet Belle, but it just wasn’t worth the cost for me, especially since there are other opportunities. Personally, I preferred my hot dog from Casey’s 🙂

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  1. Don’t Skip The Shows

While all the attractions and rides at Disney are certainly worth doing, for me the best part are the many shows and nighttime spectacles they have. And there are so many to choose from! At various times throughout the day there are shows running in each park. None are very long, so you don’t need to worry about expending too much time in a performance. I have yet to see a show that I thought could’ve been skipped. The delightful live performances of Beauty and The Beast, Finding Nemo, The Little Mermaid, Frozen, and Lion King offer mini-versions of the beloved films. The Lion King, hosted inside Animal Kingdom, is also somewhat interactive, selecting certain audience members to take part in the show. It is an absolute must! The Indiana Jones stunt show is also a lot of fun and so worth seeing. And it goes without saying that the fireworks can’t be missed. Magic Kingdom’s display never fails to move me to tears. Hollywood Studios’ Star Wars tribute isn’t just for the nerds; a celebration of one of the most iconic films in history, it will give you chills, fan or not. There are two nighttime offerings at Hollywood Studios, however, and it means a difficult choice must be made if you have only one night in that park. While the Star Wars fireworks is certainly a marvelous sight to behold, it runs at the same time as the incomparable Fantasmic. I cannot stress this enough – Fantasmic MUST be on your Disney itinerary. Period. End of story. I don’t even have the words to describe it. The thrilling combination of water and fire, the character appearances, the incredible music and storytelling – you’ll be left positively breathless by its conclusion, guaranteed. Animal Kingdom now stays open longer to host its own nighttime shows in River of Lights and brilliantly-lit Tree of Life, both of which are quieter celebrations but no less beautiful.

  1. Dress Accordingly

It may sound like an unnecessary inclusion in this short list, but I assure you it’s something worth stressing. Disney takes a lot out of you and the last thing you want is to go into your journey ill-prepared. If visiting between October and April, bring a jacket. Florida weather can be unpredictable; no matter how warm it feels during the day, once the sun sets you’ll be regretting the decision to leave outerwear behind. If your trip is scheduled for December or January, a heavier jacket and ear warmers are your best bet. I learned this lesson the hard way on my second trip to Disney in early December. I was miserably cold during Magic Kingdom’s nighttime electric parade and had to purchase an over-priced blanket in one of the Main Street shops. I’d also recommend opting for a backpack over a purse so your shoulders don’t get tired. It’s also convenient for whatever snacks and extra clothing items you wish to stow away during the day.

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Last but certainly not least, use good sense instead of fashion sense when choosing your footwear. Flats, flip flops, boots and most sandals are not the best choices for Disney. I’ve worn my Bobs with memory foam soles every time and they’ve never failed me (see them pictured in the group photo above!).

*Bonus Tip: Pack a throw away poncho for Animal Kingdom’s White Water Rapids ride. Some lucky people make it out completely dry, but odds are you won’t be one of them.

7. Don’t Load Up on Park Merch

You’ll be tempted, when first arriving to the park, to collect as much of the shiny, adorable souvenirs as you can afford, but don’t be too hasty. There are shops literally on every corner, so you’ll get plenty of opportunities later on in your visit. Pretty much every Disney store offers the same merchandise anyway, and the gift shop at your hotel has most of that junk too 🙂

8. Say Yes to Character Meet and Greets

They’re worth it. End of story. And the best part – you don’t have to pay for a picture if you don’t want the professional shot; they’ll take a picture with your cell phone if you ask. Even if you don’t want a picture either way, stop by for a chat with one of them anyway – it’ll make you smile. Also, head over to the Star Wars Launch Bay in Hollywood Studios where you can meet Darth Vader, Kylo Ren, BB8, or Chewy. Star Wars fan or not, Chewy really does give the best hugs in the galaxy.

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9. Choose Your Park Companion Wisely

If you’re someone who tires easily or doesn’t really “get” the magic of Disney, you should probably try for yourself anyway. I’ve seen even the most disillusioned adults melt under the Disney allure. I can’t imagine someone not being enchanted by the experience, but I wouldn’t want to be with someone who might end up proving me wrong. To date, I’ve never gone to Disney without my cousin Lacey, and 4 out of 5 trips has been with just the two of us. Together we can go all day until the park closes for the night and still make it for the first bus out the next morning. It’s important that you do Disney with people that can hang in there for the long haul. Going to Disney might literally be a walk in the park, but it’s also the furthest thing from just a “walk in the park.” If you or your traveling companions are looking for a relaxing vacation that’ll leave you well-rested and ready for work the following Monday, might I suggest an all-inclusive resort instead?

Disney is hard work and will leave you anything but rested. What it will leave you with is memories that’ll last a lifetime and the experience of feeling like a kid again. That’s why choosing the right partners for your adventure is so important. You need someone who’s open-minded enough to check their adult cynicism at the gate and enter into a world of possibilities; a world of childlike wonder where magic still exists and dreams really do come true. Most children still live in a world where anything seems possible, which is why Disney movies are a staple in most of our childhoods. DisneyWorld brings to life all the characters and stories beloved by children, and it’s beautiful to see how kids take it all in. And while it’s geared toward children and intended for their enjoyment, I would argue that it’s the effect on adults where the true magic is found. For an adult, Disney is a transformative experience. It takes us back to a time where fairy tales still filled us with hope. And for a moment, your soul will feel years younger; so much so that you can even ignore the physical reminders of your actual age. (Until you stop moving… then you’ll be all too aware of the physical tole it’s taking). Which brings us to my last piece of advice.

10. Feel the Magic

Let’s be honest, it’s hard to feel like a kid again with all the adulting that’s required in planning a vacation. You probably won’t be feeling anything magical at all when working on the budget for your DisneyWorld vacation. Disney might have been built on the idea that dreams can come true, but we’re reminded before getting there just how freaking expensive dreams can be. I wish I could tell you that there’s a cheap way of doing DisneyWorld, but this isn’t a fairy tale and magic only goes so far. I can tell you that I am a single woman with an annual income of less that $50,000 and I’ve managed to make it work five times in the last five years. One of the great things about booking through Disney is that it allows you to book a year in advance with only a $100 deposit for each person. After that, you can pay as much or as little you want until the month before your reservation. The final number won’t be any smaller, but booking this way means less strain on your finances and no stress over missing a payment. If you can’t spare the money one month, no problem, just pay a little more the next month. What I’ve found in my experiences is that paying it off in full six months before the date of my reservation allows me the remaining months to set aside funds for my flights. Doing it this way also give the feelings of an all expense paid vacation by the time of departure… even if all expenses were paid by me 🙂

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Aside from budgetary concerns, a lot of us spend way too much time stressing the details of itinerary planning. Since you’re reading this blog, I can assume you’re in this category and have spent hours poring over countless travel guides and expert tips on how to execute a flawless Disney vacation. It’s a bit ironic of me to say now, given I am writing one of these tips now, but be careful not to do too much research. Your vacation doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to be memorable. And that goes for you – the organizer – as much as your family or friends. If you focus too much of your attention on executing a seamless park itinerary and following a check list hour by hour, you run the risk of missing the point. Slow down. Take it all in. Feel the magic. It’s okay to fumble around in the fray; when the fray is a Disney park, it’s all good anyway! So the wait time for Pandora’s Flight of the Banshee is 55 minutes and you have a pass scheduled across the park in an hour – No worries! You’ll have plenty of time to reschedule your fast pass while you’re waiting in line. (Even if you’ve already done the ride before; do it again. You know it’s worth it! There’s a reason your group wants to do it again).

*Bonus Tip: Instead of becoming aggravated by the long wait time, take the chance to talk to the people in line around you. I’ve met some of the most interesting people from all over the world this way. It helps pass the time.

Whatever you do, just try to be in the moment. Be where you are. Because the happiest place on earth is a wonderful place to be.

Bluewater Highway

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Stretching along the edge of Brazoria County where it meets the Gulf of Mexico, CR 257 is the slower route to Galveston Island but still the preferred method for most residents in and around the area. Better known as Bluewater Highway, the 15 mile road provides a scenic path to some of the best spots in the County and is well worth the slower speed limits in place. If you find yourself fortunate enough to be visiting the area, or if you are just on your way to Galveston, do yourself a favor and take Bluewater Highway. You won’t regret it. And while on this route, make sure to stop by at least one of these places along the way:

1. Surfside Jetty Park

As you come over the Intracoastal Waterway from the Highway 332 bridge you’ll get a full view of the Gulf beyond Surfside Beach as well as the road leading east to Galveston. To the right of the bridge there’s not much land before hitting the Intracoastal, however just at the edge is a small park and jetties that stretch a mile into the Gulf of Mexico. Surfside Jetty Park was a wildly popular place for locals and tourists up until 2008, when Hurricane Ike crippled most of the shoreline area surrounding Bluewater Highway. Incredibly, the park itself suffered the least amount of damage in the area, but the effects from Ike and previous years of storm surge had caused the beach in front of it to slowly disappear with the eroding coastline. Despite that, the park remained frequently visited by fishermen and beach-goers throughout the year. The park office provided a visitor center and boardwalk to the beach, as well as covered picnic areas and public showers. A 5-year Master Plan detailed a vision for the park that included eventual cabins and pavilions with attention focused on the historical significance of the location in regards to Texas Independence. However the already hurricane-delayed plans for the park were upended when a fire consumed the structure Thanksgiving day in 2008. Unfortunately the facilities were never rebuilt, but the park grounds are still worth visiting anyway. Maintained by the County, Surfside Jetty Park provides public restrooms and free parking for those interested in strolling down the jetties or visiting Surfside’s pedestrian only beach. There’s also a playground and nature trail leading to a new splash pad put in by the Village of Surfside. In all, Surfside Jetty Park is where you’ll find the best view of the Gulf of Mexico and Intracoastal Waterway.

2. Ocean Village Hotel / Seahorse Bar and Grill

Looking for convenient beach access and comfortable rooms with gulf views? Ocean Village Hotel is the best option for both. And the views really are top notch. If you’re only passing through the area though, the adjacent Seahorse Bar and Grill has beach-facing decks with plenty of seating for the whole family. Their menu has plenty of options and Gulf favorites (for the non-seafood eaters, I recommend the BLT), and if you time your visit right, they host a number of events during the summer season, including beach movie nights. Here are a few upcoming events to put on your radar:

April 21 – Craft Beer and Crawfish Fest

July 12 – Movies on the Beach, Moana

July 19 – Movies on the Beach, JAWS

3. Stahlman Park

The large beach front event center maintained by the Village of Surfside is a popular venue for weddings, celebrations, etc., and for good reason. After suffering extensive damage from Hurricane Ike, the original structure was demolished instead of attempting an expensive repair project. The new and improved Stahlman Park far exceeds its predecessor and can host up to ____ guests in its enclosed upper floor, as well as larger crowds in a covered picnic area below deck. A boardwalk provides direct access from the parking lot to the beach, where outdoor showers and restrooms are available for the public as long as there isn’t an event taking place.

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4. Kelly Hamby Nature Trail

Toward the edge of Follett’s Island just before reaching San Luis Pass, a pocket access trail and boardwalk comprises Brazoria County’s smallest “park.” The decomposed granite trail extends into a longer boardwalk that allows you to walk safely over the dune grass and beach vegetation to the sand. Special attention was given to the trial placement so as to not disturb the natural habitat of the many species of wildlife who call it home. Bird enthusiasts are sure to find photo-worthy species around the are as well as the occasional rattlesnake and sea turtle. The park’s namesake, former County employee and long-time Surfside resident Kelly Hamby, is remembered by the community as a dedicated worker and passionate advocate for beach conservation. Dedicating the park in her memory was an easy choice, as Kelly spent her time with the Parks Department seeking out and obtaining grants for coastal improvement projects. A memorial plaque stands on the boardwalk as a thank you for her years of service, and one cannot help but feel the love as they walk the trail.

5. San Luis Pass

San Luis Pass County Park is easily the most frequented destination in the County Parks system. Geared toward angler-loving guests, this former KOA camp offers overnight facilities that provide fishing piers and well-lit bulkheads for campers looking to reel in that next catch. RV spaces stay consistently booked throughout the year, so don’t count on visiting the park during a “dead” season. The staff of dedicated employees on site are well-known for their energetic zeal for all things fishing, providing guests and campers with expert tips on the best ways to a successful fishing experience. A bit of a celebrity among repeat visitors and fishing enthusiasts, Debbie might not be what one would expect in a coastal park manager and certainly shatters gender norms when it comes to the stereotypical image of the average “fisherman.” Debbie’s salt life attitude and fun-loving approach to operating an ideal destination for fellow anglers creates an environment that puts her guests at ease while they seek to fill their ice chests with fish. Unlike other campgrounds, there are no quiet hours or lights-out time frames inside San Luis Pass Park. Most that have stayed there before understand that when night falls on RV Island, as its referred to, the real vacation begins. Don’t let her carefree demeanor fool you, however, for beneath the tanned surface lies a hard-working, dedicated manager who takes the responsibility of running the highest-earning County park very seriously. Having managed 3 of the County’s coastal parks in her almost 20 years on the job (2 of them at the same time while SLP was closed for Ike repairs), Debbie has earned the respect and confidence of parks guest and County officials. Thanks to her, and under the direction of like-minded Park administration, San Luis Pass has become a highly popular destination in the area. Even if you have no plans to stay overnight in one of their cabins, stop by the park office for a chat with Debbie or one of the rangers. The office is filled with eccentric items and beach finds, along with a large saltwater aquarium. Take the time to explore outside if you can; the expansive decking and beach access ramp provide a nice scenic stroll, while a playground rests safely nearby for the kids. Just don’t expect to cross over onto RV Island without a reservation or accompanying ranger – that’s reserved for the serious campers who are most likely catching up on lost sleep from the previous night.

As stated before, Bluewater Highway has a host of options for the Gulf traveler and is sure to provide the most memorable route on your journey. Even if Brazoria County is not your ultimate destination, you’ll discover why Surfside Beach, San Luis Pass, and Follett’s Island are worthy locations for any salt-life vacation pursuers. Before you reach the Galveston Toll Bridge (have your cash ready for the $2 fare), might I suggest taking a spontaneous detour off the narrow, 2-lane highway and drive down the public beach for a mile or so. Roll down your windows, take it slow, and let the salt breeze fill the car. It just might make you want to stay a while.

Destination Galveston

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(image courtesy of http://www.galveston.com)

I realize that not everyone gets the chance to travel to New York City or Disney World or Ireland. There was a time when just the thought of visiting these places seemed completely out of the realm of possibilities for me, so I fully understand. I count myself very fortunate to have had these rare opportunities and never imagined I would make it that far. To a small town girl like me, growing up in South Texas meant the world was very, very small, but at the same time, just large enough. My family didn’t take elaborate vacations like some are blessed enough to do each year. When I was 11 years old, my father rented a 15-passenger van and took my mom, grandmother, brothers and sister-in-law, and kid nephew to the Grand Canyon. It was our first and last family vacation outside of Texas. Before that, the furthest I’d been was the Riverwalk in San Antonio.

However,  never once felt as if I were missing out on experiences. We might not have traveled much or very far, but then again we didn’t have to travel far for it feel like a “get away.” I suppose that’s one of the benefits of living on the Gulf Coast – if we wanted an “island get away,” then all we had to do was load up and drive the 25 minutes to the beach. During the week days of summer, when Dad was at work and my cousins and I were crowding Mom’s kitchen with nothing to do, she would sometimes load us all up and take the hour-long trek to either Matagorda or Galveston Islands. For such a small world, our options weren’t half bad when I really think about it. It would take years before I came to fully appreciate Mom’s efforts in making our summers worthwhile. Later I would understand that money was tight and Dad held a vice-like grip to what we did have, while Mom worried over our missing out on experiences. Thanks to her though, we didn’t miss much. The beaches of Surfside and Quintana had just as much sand and water as Florida or California, after all, and we didn’t need to hop on a plane to enjoy them.

If we wanted to feel like tourists for the day, Galveston was and is our go-to destination. Galveston is the ideal spot for that island vacation feel, complete with plenty of cheesy souvenir shops and overpriced restaurants to make you really believe you’re on vacation while not being too far from your own bed back in Brazoria County. Mom is somewhat of a Galveston history enthusiast and has spent countless hours pouring over maps and autobiographical books written of the island’s fascinating past. I’m not much into history myself, but still some of my fondest memories are from day trips with her where we’d just drive around the island as she pointed out various significant locations and historical markers. From those trips, I developed my own appreciation for Galveston and came to see it as more than just a travel destination. It taught me also that one doesn’t have to get caught in a “tourist trap” in order to enjoy all that the island has to offer.

In fact, some of the best things about Galveston are completely free to visitors. Though you should still contribute to its local economy by stopping in at one of the many local shops or restaurants – you won’t regret it. The beach, of course, is its greatest selling point, although it was never really the reason for our trips. Not to say it isn’t worth visiting – it is certainly one of the better kept beaches on the Gulf and, with no vehicle traffic, visitors don’t need to worry about kids running around. But now that parking fees have extended to the Seawall, it no longer fits  into the “completely free” category. This change doesn’t lessen the lines of vehicles taking up each available spot along the highway though or keep crowds from filling up the entire section of beach.

Side Tip: If you’re looking for an equally maintained beach without the cost of parking, less than a half hour east of Galveston in Brazoria County is fifteen miles of free beach access on Follett’s Island

Galveston’s Seawall is a feat of engineering and worth seeing for yourself even if you have no interest in a beach day. Between the island’s Seawall and bay side, the narrow stretch of land that comprises Galveston’s acreage has plenty more sights to behold. You can pick up a brochure from any visitor center around town for location maps and helpful tips on a driving tour around the island. A haunted history guide is one of the more interesting selections and will lead you to notable locations related to the infamous 1900 storm.

Considered the country’s worst natural disaster to date, the unnamed hurricane at the turn of the century crippled Galveston’s thriving economy almost to ruin with a death count reaching close to 10,000. The devastation left in the storm’s wake was monumental and difficult to imagine even today. Overwhelmed by the amount of bodies found all across the island in the days after, victims of the storm and unearthed graves from flooded cemeteries alike, survivors began piling the remains in empty stores and warehouse still left standing. An attempt to bury them at sea only resulted in the bodies washing up on shore a few days later. It is said that the smell of death filled the air for months.

The buildings that miraculously survived the 1900 storm are designated with plaques outside their doors. Various memorials have been erected around the island, including a state on the Seawall. The 9’ monument is meant to represent man’s enduring strength in the face of overwhelming odds, but as pictured in the image below, it serves as a reminder that we are still at the mercy of nature’s forces no matter what heights we believe to have reached.

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108 years after the Great Storm, as it’s often referred to as, Galveston was again reminded of nature’s superiority when Hurricane Ike barreled its way over the island. Ike wasn’t the first storm of notable strength to hit the coastline since 1900, but Galveston had gone decades with limited effects from storm surges thanks to the implementation of a seawall in 1920?, raising the elevation of the entire island by 17 feet at the same time. Despite that incredible feat, there was nothing that could’ve prevented the catastrophic destruction on September 13, 2008. Water levels on the bay side of the island rose at unbelievable speeds, spilling across the residential inland areas until meeting the surge pouring in from the Gulf. Before long, Galveston was completely submerged. If that wasn’t enough, electrical fires sparked in neighborhoods on all sides, while the entire community of homes on Bolivar Pennisula was wiped off the map.

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Much like 1900, there was scarcely an inch of Galveston left unaffected in the wake of the storm, but also like its predecessor, Ike wouldn’t have the last word. Spend any amount of time in Galveston and you’ll recognize a collective resilience in the attitudes of its locals, especially if asked about their personal experiences during and after Hurricane Ike. “Worse than some, better than others,” seems to be the common sentiment among residents. More than a few business owners whose stores were housed along The Strand, Galveston’s historical main street, proudly pointed to marked water lines in their interior walls like a badge of honor instead of a painful memory. In fact, most of the businesses in this area have their high water levels denoted with bright paint inside and out, serving as a symbol of victory over Mother Nature’s cruelty.

The collective strength of fortitude in Galveston’s communities can almost be described as that of an obdurate teenager, refusing to be steered in another direction regardless of how persuasive or persistent the opposition is. It’s an attitude personified by the residents, past and current, and one that’s a reflection of the island itself in its refusal to succumb to defeat. Just as before, Galveston proved it would not stay down nor would it ever, no matter how hard it’s kicked or how often. And unlike other cities devastated by natural disasters, Galveston doesn’t merely sweep away damaged remnants, but instead works to salvage that which they can, and restore what hasn’t been lost. All across the island are  remarkable examples of something wonderful made from that which storms sought to ruin. Dozens of dead trees can be found in yards throughout the island, killed by the flood waters but left rooted in the ground. High winds and rushing water warped and twisted their forms into something most would have seen as mutilated and ugly. One local artist saw the potential beauty in their mangled shapes however, and set out to restore purpose in the lifeless stumps. These dead trees, once eyesores to those reeling from loss, today serve as incredible works of art decorating the space they rest in, sculpted and grafted into monuments that represent the very opposite of their cause – celebrations of life and nature, of creation instead of destruction.  Every time I come across one such tree, I am moved by the thoughtfulness of the artist and wonder if he intended the various interpretation of their meaning. To me, they still serve as reminders of the devastation, but in a way that honors that which was lost but not forgotten. The artist gave them the gift of purpose, made them beautiful memorials of a life well-lived and a tangible lesson of the island’s resilience.

Another example of the re-purposing of damaged goods is probably the most elaborate restoration project the island saw after Hurricane Ike, since becoming a high profile staple of Galveston destination marketing. Extending nearly half a mile into the waves of the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston Island Pleasure Pier is the largest and arguably most recognizable tourist attraction in South Texas. Aiming to recapture the magic of old-fashioned amusement parks, local businessman Tilman Fertitta announced his plan to construct the park in almost the exact same manner as the pleasure pier that existed in Galveston decades prior. The news came well after Ike ravaged Galveston’s shores, but months before the announcement and longer still thereafter, what was left of the Flagship Hotel stood in haunting ruins beyond the Seawall. In the peak of its popularity, the hotel’s towering heights and unique position  over the tireless waves provided guests with a feeling of a night spent at sea without the accompanying motion sickness. There had never been anything like it before and the hotel coasted on the success of its unlikely construction until most of the intrigue and notoriety wore off. Well before Ike, the Flagship was said to be suffering from a lack of modern updates and questionable maintenance. In its final months of operation even as popularity dwindled, the hotel still stood as a beach destination staple and an image (both literal and figurative) of the codependency between the island and the Gulf.

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Resting on giant pillars buried beneath the waves, the hotel’s foundation above the unpredictable waters proved to be its death knell. After Ike tore across Galveston’s shores, the structure left at the Seawall’s edge was but a shell of the once heralded resort hotel. Sections of the exterior wall were ripped away, leaving gaping holes in full view in the front and sides of the building. For over a year after the storm, curtains in a guest room could still be seen from the street, shifting with the Gulf winds near one of the mermaids that once graced the full height of the exterior wall, where they greeted visitors as they crossed from the street into the resort. The single ramp connecting the hotel to the island was washed away by the storm, preventing ease of access to the structure for many months. To any passerby, the haunting remains of the hotel appeared to have been forgotten by the city, cut off from the rest of the island as restoration efforts were underway everywhere else. But to entrepreneur and Galveston local Fertitta, the firm standing foundation of the piers beneath the crumbling hotel appeared only as an opportunity for something greater.

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The idea to transform the hotel ruins into a theme park destination was a good one, but turning that idea into an executable plan seemed more unrealistic the longer it stood in neglect. Any lingering doubt was squashed when the demolition finally began. Today, Galveston Island Pleasure Pier is visited by hundreds of thousands each year. The empty and silent ghost hotel, where once the only movement was seen in the ragged drapes through a missing wall, now replaced by sounds of carnival games and echoing laughter.

The Pleasure Pier, like most of Galveston’s attractions and historical influences, is an old-fashioned idea. Only a few carnival-like boardwalks are still in operation today, and although it remains a popular destination to date, its notoriety and unique offerings may still wear off. Like the Flagship Hotel before it, Pleasure Pier could eventually become an outdated past time better suited for previous generations. And also like the Flagship, its position atop the fickle waves might prove disastrous. Fertitta, like every Galveston resident, must be aware of the impermanent nature of anything built on the island. The entire local population cannot be ignorant of the fact that another Ike could come at any time. Yet it’s this type of bull-headed obstinacy that has fueled Galveston’s economy from the very beginning. The water lines on the walls of every business seem to declare, “look what you tried to do, and look what we still have.” Fertitta’s Pleasure Pier is his own sort of egotistical declaration. Galveston will continue to test the limits of their survival no matter what life throws at it.

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With that said, it’s hard to not find the spirit of Galveston inspiring. I highly recommend a visit to anyone who’s able to grace their shores, and when you do, take a minute or two to talk to one of the residents. Hear their story. Recognize the island strength that courses through the ground and in the blood of the people that love it enough to risk everything. The people that love it enough to stay.