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IN THE LOOPSoak up thesights fromPleasure Pier’s100-foot-tallFerris wheel.On this mellowisland, Victorianarchitecture andstoried resortsharmonize withbuzzworthynew restaurantsand familyfriendly themeparks. Ready todiscover whyvisitors aresinging thepraises of thisGulf of Mexicogetaway?BY AMANDA GLE ASONBegin YourAdventure HEREYour Adventure inGalveston78 SPIRIT JUNE 2014What’s the firstthing you want tofind in Galveston?JUNE 2014 SPIRIT79
Adventure In GalvestonIf your first mission in Galveston is to locate GETTING THERE Fly into William P. Hobby Airportin Houston, then rent a car for the drive to Galveston,about 50 miles southeast. fly2houston.comFULL HOUSEAt MoodyMansion, thefurnishingsare originalto the family.CONTINUE YOUR QUEST INTO THE CITY’S PAST WHEN YOU Then your most ideal hotel is Hotel Galvez& SpaHowardHughes andFrank Sinatraare among thepast guests ofthis SpanishMission–styleresort, namedafter the city’sfamed founder,Bernardo deGálvez.80 SPIRIT JUNE 2014The San LuisResortReserve apoolsidecabana atthis relaxingbeachfrontescape, wherea waterslide,swim-up bar,and grottostyle hot tubmake it easyto stay in yourswimsuit allday long.The TremontHouseDrink in thedowntownview at the hiprooftop baratop thiselegant spread.Prefer to staygrounded?Then parkyourself at theToujouse Barfor a honeydewmartini.In 1892, a Victorian castle was completed on Broadway Streetin Galveston. Now dubbed Bishop’s Palace, this elaborate homewas built by premier architect Nicholas Clayton for Confederatesoldier and Texas congressman Col. Walter Gresham and hisfamily. As you stroll through the entrance hall, flanked bytowering marble columns, imagine yourself as one of the hundreds of guests who once flocked to the extravagant New Year’sDay parties held here. For more of the high life, amble downthe street to Moody Mansion, a four-story, limestone-and-brickbeauty where prominent philanthropist and entrepreneurWilliam Lewis Moody Jr. and his brood used to hang their hats.You don’t even have to leave your shoes at the door. galvestonhistory.org, moodymansion.org Your adventure continues How do you prefer tomove through water?PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GALVESTON ISLAND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAUTour Fine Homes
Adventure In GalvestonIf you prefer to get around via a THE BIG TIMERoyal Caribbean’sNavigatorof the Seas has1,843 staterooms.texas’ first resort for coastal luxurySwaying palms greet new arrivals as waves gentlybreak onto the beach across the boulevard. The soaring,Then make a splash at sun-drenched lobby sets the table with a welcomingcocktail as gourmet cuisine and the coast’s most luxuriousspa beckon inside. These are but a few rewards that awaitthe uncompromising guests of the Hotel Galvez & Spa,the essential beachfront resort on Galveston Island. BookC-SickSurfingThe city’s oldest pro surfschool offersbeginnerlessons taughtby Brian Jarvis,who learned toride the wavesin Hawaiimore than 50years ago.SchlitterbahnGalvestonTwist alongtube slides orbrave this waterpark’s tallestattraction, theCliffhanger,which sendsriders tumblingdown an 81foot drop.your place in the sun online or by phone today.2024 Seawall Blvd, GalveSTON iSlaNd, TXFOR ReSeRvaTiONS Call 409.765.7721www.wyndhamHotelGalvez.comwhere mystery andCome Sail AwayGalveston’s coastal setting makes it a great jumping-off point forjaunts in the Caribbean. Three cruise ships—Royal Caribbean’sNavigator of the Seas and Carnival’s Magic and Triumph—callthis town their home port, and each offers a unique experienceafloat. Completely overhauled in February, the Navigator nowsports the industry’s first virtual balconies, which give interiorstaterooms real-time ocean views via high-def screens stretching nearly floor to ceiling. Carnival’s Magic, home to RedFrogPub—a laid-back bar with its own private-label brew—putspartying patrons at ease. And if a weeklong journey just won’tcut it, try this: Beginning in October 2015, the Triumph will offer10- and 11-night getaways to San Juan. ¡Vamanos! royalcaribbean.com, carnival.com Your adventure continues Continued82 SPIRIT JUNE 2014romance mingleThe pageantry and rhythm of Galveston infuse TheTremont House with a special spirit. This is a vital,lively setting that attracts discerning travelers who preferfestivity with a chaser of sophistication. From lobby tobalcony to rooftop bar there is a palpable energy, andthe anticipation of days and nights well spent in theWhich might beincluded in yourideal outing?PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONALPUT YOURSELF IN CRUISE CONTROL WHEN YOU GETTING AROUNDDowntown is easily explored onfoot. For venturing farther out,a rental car or the city’s bussystem, Island Transit, are yourbest bets. islandtransit.netJOIN US: Galvez WeDDING vOW ReNeWalJUNE 7, 2014 10AM Now AccEptiNg rEsErvAtioNsIsland’s colorful port district. Discreetly unique, tastefullyindulgent – The Tremont House is a hotel with stories totell. Book online or by phone to add yours today.2300 SHIp’S MECHANIC ROW, GALVESTON ISLAND, TXfOR RESERVATIONS CALL 409.763.0300 OR VISITwww.WyndhamTremontHouse.com
Adventure In GalvestonIf your favorite activities involve ContinuedWhat makes yourmouth water?THEN GET READY FOR A ROLLICKING TIME AS YOU Give It a WhirlNow here’s a spin on the typical amusement park: Build 16rides on a platform that’s more than 1,000 feet above the Gulf ofMexico. We’re talking about Galveston Island HistoricPleasure Pier, a recently reincarnated amusement park thatconjures up the heyday of waterfront hoopla in America—thinkof it as Coney Island on the Texas Coast. After the park’s gloryyears faded in the mid-20th century, its rides and attractionswere torn down to make space for an overwater hotel. But inMay 2012, much of the Pier’s original splendor was rebuilt. Asyou stroll the buzzing midway lined with roaring roller coastersand carnival games, let the smell of cotton candy, funnelcakes, and hot dogs transport you to a simpler time that oncedefined summertime fun in America. pleasurepier.comThen satisfy your taste buds at Shrimp ’NStuffLocals swarmthis casualeatery for itssweet coconutshrimp. Don’tforget thehoney-horseradish saucefor your dipping delight.La King’sConfectionaryPay a visit tothis old-fashioned sweetsshop if you’reseeking darkchocolatepecans, rootbeer floats,saltwater taffy,and more than30 flavors ofice cream.Number 13Serious aboutseafood? Sinkyour teethinto the grilledred snapper,served withcarrot butterand sweetpeas, at thisnew restauranton Pelican RestMarina.Most areahotels offershuttles toPleasure Pier.Your adventure continues.84 SPIRIT JUNE 2014GETTING OUTMoody Gardens’summer concertseries drawsmusic loversevery Friday andSaturday nightthroughout thesummer. Bonus:Fireworks areincluded. moodygardens.comPHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GALVESTON ISLAND CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAUGOLD RUSH
Adventure In GalvestonContinuedWhich areaof the artsentices you?The Grand1894 OperaHouseThis summer,the TexasTenors (ofAmerica’s GotTalent fame)are just oneof the acts totake the stageat this ornatetheater.ContinuedIF FISHING STRIKES YOUR FANCY Reel One InThen check out.The HeardGalleryLand theperfect islandsouvenir—tropicalthemed oilpaintings ofpelicans andpalm trees—atthis cozy shop.ContinuedMoodyGardensEager for morefun and games?Then head tothis sprawlingpark for its zipline, aquarium,rainforest, 4-Dtheater, andpaddle-wheelboat cruises.Sitting aboard a 40-foot boat some 90 miles offshore, gazing outat the vast ocean, you feel a sense of calm wash over you—that is,until you spot a slow-moving fin protruding from the water. “Thethrill that fishermen get from catching sharks is addicting,” sayscaptain Matt Garner of Fish-n-Divers, a family-owned companythat offers a variety of deep-sea fishing charters for groups of upto six anglers. And while snagging one of these powerful animalsis one of the main draws of embarking on a half- or full-dayexcursion, you won’t be disappointed by the abundant kingfish,wahoo, and trout that call these waters home. Just bring yourfishing license (easily obtained in area stores)—and the beverageof your choice—and let the cap’n guide you onto the open water.That’s how we like to make waves. fishndivers.comCAST AWAYFishing is ayear-roundsport inGalveston.The splendor surrounds youhere in this little pieceof paradise.Enjoy close encounters with free-roaming Saki Monkeys, macaws and otheranimals and plants at the Rainforest Pyramid. Journey the oceans of the worldand beyond at the Aquarium Pyramid, 3D, 4D and Ridefilm Theaters. Embarkon a Colonel Paddlewheeler cruise or a new challenge at the Moody GardensGolf Course. Then relax and rejuvenate amongst tropical gardens where aspectacular new ambience and inviting Spa await at the newly renovated hotel.PHOTOGRAPHY BY JODY HORTONFOLLOW USFollow Spirit editors on theroad by connecting with us onInstagram @SpiritMagazine.And when you re done 86 SPIRIT JUNE 2014Summer New: Gulf Coast’s Tallest Steel Ropes Course and Zip Line! Through Sept. 28: Real Pirates Exhibition by Premier Exhibitions and National Geographic Cool off poolside: In a cabana or the swim-up bar Friday and Saturdays nights: Bands on the Sand Concert Series with Fireworks Hotel Kids Crew Club: Bounce house, face painting, crafts, karaoke, s’mores, movies and more! Palm Beach: White sand beach, Lazy River, Wave Pool, Tower Slides and more!Holiday Season New: Ice Sculptures at Moody Gardens. A vast and amazing tour of towering ice scenesadd a frosty addition to Festival of Lights Nov. 15 – Jan. 4 Festival of Lights: A beautiful trail through Moody Garden’s property features over 100lighted holiday scenes with music, Arctic Ice Slide, ice skating, holiday films, buffet and more.For More Information: 800-582-4673Hotel Reservations: 888-388-8484www.moodygardens.orgMG 3D THEATER RIDEFILM 4D THEATER HOTEL RAINFOREST AND AQUARIUM PYRAMIDSPALM BEACH DISCOVERY MUSEUM SPA GOLF COURSE COLONEL PADDLEWHEELER
add a frosty addition to Festival of Lights Nov. 15 – Jan. 4 Festival of Lights: A beautiful trail through Moody Garden’s property features over 100 lighted holiday scenes with music, Arcti
