Galveston's sand and strand

Southern Living, Aug 1997 by Campbell, Dana Adkins

This small island harbors two different quick vacations: one of tropical sand and surf, the other of city shops and strolls. The Gulf of Mexico beach is obvious, but you may not know that The Strand historic district and neighborhoods of grand old homes are just minutes away. You can spend Friday to Sunday lazing about at one or the other, or dip into the best of both, as we did. Here are some of our favorite getaway memories.

The Shopping List

Load your bags with eclectic treasures at Hendley Market on Strand. This huge curiosity shop offers fish-themed Christmas ornaments, old books and buttons, silver, Victorian calling cards, Mexican jewelry, and antique linens. For one-of-a-kind women's clothing and jewelry in fun settings, try Morgan's Fine Ladies Apparel and Maggie's.

Dining Details

You're on vacation, so splurge on dessert for breakfast. The Phoenix Bakery and Coffee House serves pastries with fresh fruit, beignets, and assorted pies and cakes. For a laid-back lunch, try stuffed potatoes, soups, salads, and tropical fare at Yaga's Cafe. Or hit the new brewpub, The Strand Brewery, for gourmet pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches. The pungent roasted-garlic pizza with dried tomatoes, spinach, plus goat and mozzarella cheeses ($7) tastes great, but may not be good for later romance. For a family dinner, opt for the local favorite, Gaido's, for abundant seafood and flavorful tradition. The menu is massive, just like the restaurant. Although this place seats 550, you'll always wait for a table on summer nights. When in season, the soft-shell crab trio offers three wonderful tastes of the delicate crustaceans.

With the Kids

If you can lure your children from the ocean, they'll have a good time on land as well. Start at the island's most popular attraction, Moody Gardens and its butterfly house, then try these lesser known surprises. Little girls into makebelieve and dress-up will marvel at the Mardi Gras Museum's sparkling, spangled costumes. And you can briefly turn little boys' thoughts from boats to trains at the Railroad Museum. Kids bored by shops on The Strand can work off their energy nearby on a lifesize sidewalk chess board. To cool down, slurp icecream cones at an old-fashioned candy shop, La King's Confectionery.

Just the Two of You

Peek back into the island's most romantic era with tours of her grand old homes: Bishop's Palace, Ashton Villa, and Moody Mansion. Looking for an intimate dinner? Many suggest Charley's 517 at The Wentletrap. But only one item we tried on the adventuresome menu sparked our palates: pan-seared jumbo shrimp with garlic, tequila, and cilantro butter sauce ($17.50). Surprisingly, we preferred the new Steakhouse at the San Luis Hotel for the setting and service. The menu in this renovated beachfront hotel restaurant is traditional and carries fine beef and sides that are all well prepared.

For More Information

Galveston Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2106 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, TX 77550; (409) 7634311 or 1-8884254753. When you arrive, stop by The Strand Visitors Center (staffed by friendly, helpful Galveston Historical Foundation members), 2016 Strand;. (409) 765-7834. Open 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Dana Adkins Campbell