FALL IS BEACH TIME PUMPKINS,Happy SQUASH Town: & GOURDS: NEED AN EXCUSE in Galveston FIND BLISS OhIN THE My! BAYOU to Spruce? CITY

Experience it! Taking a Bow From the audience to the stage, find your place in H-Town’s performing arts. > PAGE 34 The Little BLACK

DressCelebrate the LBD and find one to love. > PAGE 46 explore HERE & NOW BEYOND THE BELTWAY FIELD NOTES TOP SPOTS + scan this page with Layar to see our interactive map and to hear a Galveston ghost story. Island Escape

Get away to Galveston this fall and experience the island at its best.

BY JULIE OSTERMAN

From blue waters to the history of all just might be the perfect time to If you haven’t set foot on the island Bishop’s Palace, The Historic visit Galveston Island. The weather lately, be sure to explore Houston’s Galveston offers Pleasure Pier, only 2 years old, but F is cooler, the crowds thinner and the best-kept secret this fall. myriad fall options. reminiscent of the original midcen- water bluer, and there’s still an abundance tury attraction, boasts 16 one-of-a- of things to do and see. LIFE’S A BEACH kind rides, boardwalk games, food and shops. “The weather is wonderful and allows Galveston’s waves tend to be clearer and “Unlike many boardwalk operations, the people to comfortably enjoy the beaches. calmer in the autumn due to weather pat- pier extends out over the water creating an You can also enjoy the island’s outdoor terns and currents, explains Cast. Plus, exciting sensation of being suspended over attractions and festivals without the crowds there’s less seaweed on the shore, making the ,” says Mark Kane, vice you find during summer,” says Leah Cast of for bluer water and clean beaches. president of Landry’s Amusement Division. the Galveston Island Convention & Visitors With 32 miles of beaches, the island beck- “We encourage families visiting the South Bureau. “Fall can provide a very charming ons to enthusiasts of a variety of outdoor to come experience the latest world-class oasis for Houstonians who have the luxury activities, from surfing, fishing and swim- venue on the third coast.” of being so close that weekend getaways are ming, to hiking and bird watching. Some After playing to your heart’s content, convenient and easy.” folks prefer East Beach or Stewart Beach, enjoy a casual oceanside meal just west of Recently named one of TripAdvisor’s “Top while others swear by the West End beaches, the pier at The Spot Restaurant & Tiki Bar. 10 Destinations on the Rise in the U.S.,” including Galveston Island State Park and Other Seawall favorites include Gaido’s and Galveston has changed dramatically since several beach pocket parks. And then, of Benno’s on the Beach. For a chic night out, —with millions of dollars course, there’s the Seawall in the middle, grab a drink at The San Luis Resort’s posh invested in tourist attractions followed by which overflows with dining options, accom- H2o poolside lounge, and dine in style at

record-setting visitation the past two years. modations and family fun. The Steakhouse. BUREAU VISITORS AND CONVENTION GALVESTON

18 bayou city magazine October/November 2014 if you go choose to cruise If you really have island fever, why not set sail? Embark on a cruise aboard Royal Caribbean or Carnival, both offering new ships sailing from Galveston year-round.

STROLLING THE STRAND Over on the harbor, history buffs should Galveston’s Historic Downtown Strand check out the Texas Seaport Museum Seaport district has something for every- and Tall Ship Elissa, Pier 21 Theater and one, from charming boutiques, bookstores the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & and coffee shops to galleries, museums Museum. and historical attractions. Take a stroll After a long day of exploring, grab a on the Strand and adjacent downtown meal on the patio at Olympia Grill Pier 21, streets Mechanic, Market and Post Office, overlooking the harbor, and then relax at where you’ll find many spots worth a The Rooftop Bar inside the Tremont House look-see, including Nautical Antiques and for a fabulous view of downtown. Tangerine Boutique. Grab a cup of joe at ROYAL CARIBBEAN Aboard Royal Caribbean, you’ll dis- MOD Coffeehouse, or something sweet at HOLIDAYS ON THE ISLE cover the beauty and adventure of LaKing’s Confectionary. Beginning Nov. 15, prom- the western Caribbean. Ports of call Delve into the island’s art scene at ises to be the coolest destination around… include Cozumel and Costa Maya, ArtWalk (Oct. 11) or ARToberFEST (Oct. literally. They’re bringing in 900 tons of Mexico, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Honduras and Belize. While you cruise, 18-19). Kimberly Thom, a Houstonian who ice for the breathtaking “ICE LAND: Ice enjoy amenities such as Broadway- recently built a beach house in Galveston, Sculptures,” in which a team of 20 carvers style shows, casino, fitness center, bought her first piece of original local art at from China will create a winter wonderland spa, full-court basketball, waterpark, ice-skating rink, rock climbing wall the last ArtWalk. inside an insulated tent kept at a chilly 9 and, of course, shore excursions. “It’s such a great atmosphere—small degrees. Don’t worry; they’ll lend you a community, great talent, old architecture, parka while you gaze at the giant ice sculp- CARNIVAL music, art,” she says. “What more do you tures featuring holiday themes, as well as Sailing the western Caribbean with want on a Saturday night?” characters from “SpongeBob SquarePants.” similar ports of call, Carnival also Another cultural must-see is the Grand While you’re there, don’t miss Moody’s 13th ventures east to Key West and the Bahamas. Its 11-day southern 1894 Opera House, a beautiful historic the- annual Festival of Lights, featuring more Caribbean cruise aboard Carnival ater. Highlights of the fall schedule include than a million lights, ice skating and snow Triumph sails to the Cayman Islands, Broadway musical comedy “Sister Act” (Oct. tubing on the Arctic Ice Slide. Aruba, Bonaire, Grenada, St. Maarten 25), “The Phantom of the Opera” silent “We are very excited to bring such a and Puerto Rico. Onboard activities are fun for the whole family, including film accompanied live on the organ by Rob unique experience to south Texas,” says stage shows, karaoke, comedy, casino Landes (Nov. 1) and Willie Nelson (Nov. 14). John Zendt, Moody Gardens President action, spa and fitness, kids club and Get a sneak peek into 20th-century high and CEO. “There is no other venue in the water play. society by touring the Broadway Beauties: Southwest that offers such a diverse range the 1859 , 1892 Bishop’s Palace of activities and amenities for a complete PARK & CRUISE Many of the island’s offer free and 1895 Moody Mansion. There’s more holiday experience.” parking and a shuttle to the port with history downtown at the Lone Star Flight Other island festivities kick off Nov. 28 a one-night stay before or after your Museum, Railroad Museum and year-round with the holiday lighting celebration at cruise (see galveston.com/ Haunted Mayfield Manor. Both the historic Hotel Galvez, and Home for the Holidays parkandcruise). Since parking can cost $70 or more, depending on your Hotel Galvez and the Galveston Historical Gift Market downtown. cruise length, this can be a great Foundation offer haunted history tours For a complete guide on where to stay and value. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy a taste throughout October. what to do, visit galveston.com. of Galveston, too.

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