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Galveston, TX
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About Galveston, TX

  

THE ISLAND OF GALVESTON, TEXAS

 

Just 40 minutes south of Houston, Texas and a half mile offshore in the Gulf of Mexico lies the impressive island of Galveston, TX.  Linked to the mainland by The I-45 causeway, san luis pass, and the Bolivar ferry, Galveston island, Texas is not only historically significant it is an year round resort destination that is both a sightseer’s dream and a pleasure lover’s delight.

Galveston, TX is a city that remains proud of its history and heritage it is full of significant buildings and landmarks that bear testament to a fine past while remaining relevant even today. One such landmark is the famous Strand National Historic Landmark District, which was often referred to as the Wall Street of the Southwest. Galveston’s pride, and considered one of the country’s best preserved examples of Victorian iron front commercial architecture, the Strand now houses a wonderful array of shops, antique stores and art galleries. Its fine selections of restaurants offer everything from Greek to Mexican cuisine, and serve the freshest seafood catch of the Gulf Coast. Shoppers flock to the Strand whole year long, but the main event is always Galveston’s holiday season celebration of “Dickens on the Strand”, showcasing the traditions of Christmas past with a host of festive activities.

Aside from the historic Galveston Strand, there are many other historic buildings and homes open in Galveston for public viewing. There is the most famous Bishop’s Palace, the grandest building in Galveston, with its ornate design of colored stones and stained glass windows, and interiors showcasing luxury materials and furnishing. The Grand Opera House of Galveston, TX is one of the country’s historical theaters and is recognized as the official opera house of Texas, one of the few remaining theaters of its era.

Galveston, TX is a festive place, with many events happening the whole year through. Mardi Gras is celebrated with spectacular displays of color and sound and draws huge crowds of visitors. The Feather Fest, a celebration of birds and nature, is held every beginning of April, timed to coincide with the spring migration of bird species.  The world’s largest sandcastle competition draws tourists to Galveston’s beaches every June. And every October the entire coast of Galveston plays host to the Harvest Moon Regatta.

Other notable must-see spots in Galveston, TX include: the Moody Gardens, with its 3D IMAX Theater and its huge tropical rainforest pyramid; the Peanut Butter Warehouse, a peanut butter pantry filled with homemade fudge, cookies and treats; the Schlitterbahn Waterpark, the first of its kind in Galveston, with its entire area convertible for either indoor or outdoor fun.

For those who wish to get away from the festivities and the frenzy, the island trolley and horse drawn carriages can take you around the towns to explore the fine museums or participate in any of the numerous harbor tours.

Spectacular ocean views are just a stone’s throw away, Galveston has been nurtured and nourished by the seas. There are 32 miles of Galveston beaches providing relaxing comfort in its soft, sandy shores.

 

 

Along one fourth of the coasts stands the 60 feet high, 10.4 mile long seawall that helps to keep Galveston safe from natural disasters. Concern for the environment being top-most priority for the citizens of this city, the beaches are maintained clean and inspected daily. Laws are strictly enforced to ensure that the beach parks maintain the highest standards for wholesome, family fun. A top resort city since the 1900s, Galveston, TX’s seaside pleasures allow for outdoor enjoyment on any occasion or season. Fishing, boating and bird watching remain popular leisure pursuits during the summer, while winter is a perfect time for shell gathering along the shores.

Galveston, once a booming metropolis with the largest cotton port, made it the center of trade in Texas, Galveston today continues to exhibit a resilience to the times that has allowed it to survive and prosper throughout the centuries. Relying heavily on its port and its tourism, Galveston remains poised to meet a future that looks as bright and clear as its sunny skies.

Galveston’s population of 57,466 enjoys a per capita income growth that has been steadily increasing for the past 30 years. The entire Gulf Coast region, of which Galveston is a part, contributed to 23 percent of total employment for the state of Texas since 2000 and is expected to grow at a rate of 1.6 percent annually. Gross regional product is expected to increase steadily at a rate of 2.6 percent annually. Overall, Galveston has shown strong and steady economic growth from 2000 to 2007, with indications of continued rise for the next 5 years.

It is little wonder that prices for properties in the island of Galveston remain high with many would be second-homeowners looking here for a seaside retreat. With the boom in real estate, and the increase in demand, many new development projects have been ongoing especially residential properties by the coast. Galveston offers a wide range of residence types to suit most needs, from quaint cottages and beach houses to condominiums and townhomes to the more traditional ranch style homes and even stately Victorian mansions.

Roads and major thoroughfares are seldom heavily congested in Galveston, even during rush hour. And everything is conveniently close, within 15 to 20 minutes reach wherever you are in the island.

Galveston provides the amenities of large city life but with the atmosphere of small town splendor, bringing you the essence of community to your doorstep. Neighborhoods remain tightly-knit, and the people are friendly. Civic groups actively participate in most of the major endeavors of the city, working hand in hand with the government to help keep Galveston a safe and secure environment for its residents and its visitors.

As a resort getaway, Galveston, TX can offer the very best in outdoor entertainment and seaside recreation. As a second-home and vacation retreat, it cannot be beat for its distinct mix of both old world structures and new world spirit.

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