Going on vacation to Texas.

[Amianthus]

The wife, sister-in-law, sister-in-law's boyfriend, and myself are all going down to Galveston.

Anyone have any good ideas for stuff to do while we're down there? Or perhaps places to go?

Sorry, I won't be driving the truck. I'm taking the company car down there (gas is "free"). So any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[Amianthus]

No PM's please.

If you guys have anything to tell me, send it via email please.



Thanks.

 

[LSMITH]

You will find that when in Texas the people from Texas are among the friendliest in the world. I have never spent any time in Galveston, so can't tell you much there. Have a good time and be safe.

 

[lschultz]

Come on down but leave the cold temps up there.

 

[me4osu]

trip to Texas

I agree. Leave that solid water stuff at home. It works well in drinks, but not on an overpass.



There is plenty to see and do in Galveston. Moody Gardens, The Strand, The Elissa (tall sail ship)... There is also a flight museum next to Moody Gardens, but we have never been in it.



The best place to eat would be Gaido's on Seawall blvd. You could also go north on 146 to Kemah, TX, there are a bunch of good seafood restaurants there.



Don't forget to ride the Bolivar ferry. It only costs about $3 bucks or so.

 

[DBoyd]

You may have already visited this site but here goes anyway,

galveston.com should give you some good ideas for places to go and things to do. And if you head on down to Corpus Christi, I can give some tips on activities there.

 

[DennyDay]

Galveston

Forget Guidos, go over to Texas City to Grand Prize BBQ or up to Seabrook (on Hwy 146) to Pappadoux Seafood (Cajun). Two of the BEST restaurants on the gulf coast!

 

[Shrimpy]

Galveston

Guido's is at best a hit or miss thing, best to go early on a Friday or Saturday. Not because of crowds but because the best stuff goes out first. Agree with C. D. Day about Pappadoeux, food is always first rate. DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT go anywhere near a Joes Crab Shack or Landry's!!!!! Coming from someone who's family is in the seafood industry, they TOTALLY screw up EVERYTHING they cook. They simply deep fry it and mask any sort of texture or taste.



Also don't be afraid to try some of the out of the way places you may see. If you take the Boliver Ferry across to Port Boliver go to the Stingaree Rest. It is aprox. 10 miles from the ferry landing. I highly recomend the Bar-B-Que soft shell crabs. And guess what, they are in season!!!!



Pappadoeux's is about 20 miles from Galveston but very easy to reach. Just ask your Hotel consiere (sp) [ doorman ] for directions. Also go to the Offshore Oil platform museam. It is located next to the Strand shopping district (protect your wallet if wife is present), also located here is the museum from the Great 1900 Storm. All very interesting. Some things are free, but most carry a modest entry fee. Not sure of you age but Strand district has many clubs and after hours places. WARNING Do not venture far from said Strand street after dark. VERY bad neighborhoods after dark.



P. S. Boliver Ferry is free if you are driving. Any other questions just ask!!!!



P. S. S. If you want to do any Bay fishing I know someone who guides (not me). They supply everything except food and Adult beverages. Flounder are running right now!!!! P. M. me if you want any info. Have fun and enjoy Texas.

 

[Okie-Go]

Fisherman's reef here in Texas City has good seafood without the high price of some of the fancy places. That is my pick when I want sea food.

 

[me4osu]

If you want Real Texas BBQ...

Forget about Grand Prize BBQ!! One thing about Texas is that the best BBQ is always at a local Volunteer Fire Department fund raiser. Check the local paper or the front windows of small town convenience stores. They are usually on Sat. or Sunday. Can't guarantee that they will have one in Galveston, but we always have one around my area.



No offense C. D. , but most restaurants use commercial sausage, and the F. D. s use meat market sausage.



I agree with Shrimpy, Joe's Crap Shack and Landry's are not worth your time. I just mentioned Gaido's, because its right on the Seawall.

 

[MarkF]

Texas

When my company sends me to Houston I always hit Taste of Texas halfway between Galveston and Houston. The Houston Space Center (NASA) is pretty cool too, not too far from Galveston.

Have Fun

 

[Amianthus]

WOW! Thanks.

Who needs a Texas travel guide when I got you guys for advice. These ideas are great. Keep them coming.



Say, how's the diving (if there is any)? Is it even worth the effort?

 

[Barry]

When you come off the bridge onto the island, not far down on the right is Mrs. Bairds day old bread store. You can't miss it, it's right on the corner. Go inside and ask them for "Sea Gull food". For about 3 bucks you will have bags of food for the sea gulls. Walk down on the beach and stand with your back to the wind and throw pieces up in the air. The gulls will come screaming and catch the bread in mid air. Once you have them whipped into a frienzy, hold a whole piece of bread in the air and they will swoop down and grab it out of your hand. DISCLAIMER: DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY UNDER THE GULLS WHILE FEEDING!!

 

[me4osu]

TX gulf diving

I am not a diver, but due to the ol' muddy Mississippi, the water is brown, real brown. I don't know if it would be a very memorable diving experience.

I would take Shrimpy up on the fishing, Redfish and Speckled Trout are fun to catch (and good to eat). If you can charter a big enough boat, you can go out for some Red Snapper. Don't forget your license.

 

[DennyDay]

Seagulls -"Rats with wings"

Barry -- You forgot to tell 'em to keep their mouths shut when looking up at Seagulls!

Denny

 

[Jumbo Jet]

Peanut Butter Warehouse for the wife and 'n-law.



Kemah - Joe Lee's seafood restaurant. Set outside and watch the boats going from Clear Lake to Galveston Bay and back.



Houston Space Center.

 

[JConley]

If you want to go diving, you need to go pretty far out before the water is clear enough. I think the Brazos river is to blame for the murky water in Galveston. To be honest, Galveston is probably the worst beach in Texas. If you wore a white t-shirt and hit he surf, you would have a brown t-shirt in a few hours.



The farther south you go, the better it is. South Padre Island has the best beaches, and the clearest water. Galveston is a neat town, and Moody Gardens is worth the trip.

 

[Bill Lins]

Let us know when you're going to be here- sounds like a good excuse for the LSTDR guys to get together!

 

[Amianthus]

We're leaving tomorrow. We should arrive sometime late Friday or early Saturday. I'm gonna shoot for Saturday. We'll be there 'til the 18th. Then we'll truck back home.

I figured as much on the Diving and beach going. We are probably gonna take a day and head down to Padre Island for diving and beach going. Not a problem.

Thanks alot for the help so far.

 

[Scot]

Seawolf State Park is great if you like old military hardware. Also Battleship Texas is well worth seeing.