Galveston, Texas

Galveston, Texas (located near Houston) has made some great waves in recovering from Hurricane Katrina and Ike. I can plan a pre-cruise/post-cruise stay or weekend getaway at one of the local hotels and provide an itinerary to fit your needs and interests whether you are single, are a couple, or a family. The locals are very friendly! People from other Texas cities and towns come to Galveston for a "getaway." It's an economical area, too. Pure R and R!

There are several hotel options (lots of new chain hotels) to choose from: Moody Gardens Hotel, Four Points Sheraton, several Holiday Inns and Comfort Suites, luxury: Hotel Galvez and Spa, San Luis Hotel and Spa, The Tremont House-A Wyndham Grand Hotel; Hilton Galveston Island Resort, Hampton Inn, Springhill Suites by Marriott, Country Inn and Suites, Best Western Beachfront Inn, LaQuinta Inn, Super 8, Econolodge, and lots of beautiful condos (Endless Escaptes, Casa Del Mar, Victorian Condos and Conference Center), and beach house rentals (see photos). Beaches! Beaches! Beaches! I stayed at the Victorian Condo and Conference Center (formerly Hawthorne Inn and Suites). I had a balcony suite that sleeps 5 or 6 people (1 queen, sofabed, and 2 bunk beds), kitchen, plenty of closet space, and a great view of the gulf. There is a laundry area and whirlpool on the premises. Very peaceful place and in a good location on the seawall.

As I rode along the seawall and watched singles,couples, and families enjoy looking and listening to the waves of the Gulf of Mexico. There are lots of local chains that serve great seafood like The Spot. It was sooo crowded in there; reasonable prices, too! A hip place: The Poop Deck; Rainforest Cafe, Jetty's Restaurant (great pasta); steakhouses, Mexican, Cajun, and Italian restaurants; various types of dining available.

Places to visit: Moody Gardens (Aquarium and Rainforest Pyramids), Moody Mansion (historic home), Schlitterbahn (water park), putt putt golf, museums, cruise on The Colonel (nice cruise around the gulf and back), Seawolf Park, and more! Lots of places to purchased souvenirs, too.

If you plan to cruise (Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines) to Mexico or other islands or want a getaway, Splendid Destinations Travel can assist you with this destination.