Page 68 - Waves Magazine July 2019

R R R R R R R R R eflections
eflections
eflections

Galveston, Oh Galveston

by: John Valastro

T h is reflection is dedicated to islanders and vacationers alike. There are As I mentioned at the beginning of this reflection, we islanders become part of the tourist
Things To Do:
so many new faces coming to the island and I thought it would be a great
industry when we get visits from our children, grandchildren and friends. We want to
time to share some of the numerous activities that are available to us and
make sure they have an enjoyable time on the island so here are a few tips and places
our visitors. Islanders who tend to visit their favorite venues and hangout
with the same crowds often miss some of the activities that are available
to them. We are here to reflect on the things that are available to “all”, islanders and to go.
visitors during the summer months. As islanders we become part of the tourism industry There are camps and vacation bible schools that are organized and structured. There is
when our children, grandchildren and friends come to visit. the Rosenberg Library and reading camps. Amusement and water parks are great ways
to entertain, engage and occupy kids and adults alike. See the list of things to do on the
As I talk about these places, different activities and bands, know that I am not promot- island. Again, there is a little something for everyone of all ages.
ing one over another, it’s just “our” experiences and Kathy and I want you to know there • Galveston Island Beach Review (classic • Sand Castle Contest - (phenomenal
are many places to visit and enjoy. cars, live music, bathing beauty contest artwork)
and more) • Pleasure Pier
As we check out things to do, bands to listen to and places to visit, you can Google • Sea Star Base (children’s • Miniature Golf
search (anything and everything), visit the Galveston tourism guide or visit/call the • summer camps) • Galveston Ghosts Tours
Chamber of Commerce to find the things that fit your mood and likes when visiting • A&M Sea Camp • Moody Garden (3D Theater)
Galveston island. • Dolphin Tours • Moody Garden Water Park
• Schlitterbahn • Jet Ski Rentals
Music • Ferry Ride & feeding the seagulls • Paddle Board Rentals
Many islanders love their live music and we have plenty of local talent to choose • Deep sea fishing • Golf Cart Rentals
from. As expected, the music scene is spreading throughout Galveston Island and on • Jetty Charter fishing • 61st Street & Jimmy’s Fishing Piers
to Bolivar peninsula. In my opinion the music is good and there is enough variety for • Crabbing • Moody Garden Golf Course
everyone to enjoy. • Art Walk • Paddle Boat and Dinner
• Bishops Palace • Cruise
We once followed our favorite bands and it was always the same one or two places, but • Galveston Duck Tours • Vacation Bible School (every denomination
with the music scene growing, we can experience new bars and restaurants expanding • Historical Home Tours represented)
our places to visit. When we expand our experiences, we also get to support other • Red Light District Your • Bryan Museum
local establishments and make new friends. This is really good for the local businesses, • Galveston Brewery (craft beer and 5 yr • Rosenberg Museum (4th floor)
especially during the tourism down season. anniversary) • Railroad Museum

Kathy and I are out and about because live music is exploding all over the island. Note: Just in Case
As I mentioned earlier, I’m promoting and supporting all our local talent and hope you Oh, one thing I forgot to mention to our visitors, periodically we have rain showers that
take time to enjoy them as well: there is country, rock, jazz, blues and singer song tends to put a damper on an outdoor scheduled event, but have no fear, Galveston has
writer (Texas Country/Americano) to choose from. It’s all good and available several an 11 screen movie theater that can be a great backup.
nights a week. You can go in your beach attire to Tipsy Turtle and Woody’s. For a casu-
al evening try Sharky’s, Patrick’s, Huli Hut, Three Doors Down, Drunken Monkey, Old The residents of Galveston love to support local business and venues. We want our
Quarter and more. You can fashion a sport coat/summer dress and head to Shearn’s, visitors to do the same. There is so much to do when people visit the island. We want
Tremont, Hearsey and Hotel Gálvez depending on your mood. As you can see, there is them to have fun, respect the island and take care of our city by leaving it better than
a venue and genre for every type of music buff. Here are a few music venues and local they found it. If we all take this attitude, people will likely come back and share their
talent Kathy and I have checked out. Know there are many musicians not listed. experiences with others.
Music V enues
• Saengerfest Park • Albatross • Woodys Quotes:
• The Old Quarter • Three Doors Down • Tipsy Turtle “Islanders become part of the tourism industry when we plan activities for visiting family
• The Grand Opre House • Bubbas • Hotel Gálvez and friends”
• Sharkys • Patricks • Tremont
• Island Pier Club (IPC) • Yagas • Hearsay’s “When we expand our live music experiences, we also get to support other local estab-
• The Playground Bar & • Watermans • Shearn’s lishments and make new friends”
Grill • Drunken Monkey • BJiggers
• Marina Bar & Grill • Huli Hut • San Louis
• Blu Boutique • Buckshot Saloon
• Brewchachos • MidTown Tavern
Musicians and Bands John and Kathy
• The Band Stranded • David Joel • The Feel Band V alastro
• Britney Doyle • Jypsy Rose • Gabe Wootton The Palms Condos
• The Flowerettes • The Line Up • Zach Tate
• Geoff Fish • Radio Live • Matt Cash Galveston, Texas.
• David Richardson • The Tom Katz • Cash McCall
• Jarred Reed & Brush- • Keith Neubauer • Mike Miller
poppers • Amy & Me • and many more
68 | Waves Magazine | July 2019 Issue