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I grew up in Houston. From the time I was a teenager, I went to Galveston every chance I got. In the Spring, Summer and early Fall it was time to hit the beaches for sunning and swimming. In the late Fall and Winter I was drawn to the harshness of the cold wind whipping the waves toward the shore.

When I became an adult I discovered the treasures awaiting anyone willing to leave the beach and explore the city of Galveston. At the Pier 21 Theater, you can see a short [27 minute] film of the "Great Storm" of 1900. This was a Category 5 hurricane that destroyed large sections of Galveston. The storm was also the subject of a History Channel film, "Isaac's Storm" that debuted in 2004. While you're at the theater anyway, check out their gift shop. I found a book about the submarines patrolling off the Texas Coast during World War II. Since my husband has a keen interest in WWII history, this was a great present for him. I also picked up some pirate souvenirs for our friends who celebrate "Talk Like a Pirate" Day since the other film at the Theater is "The Pirate Island of Jean Lafitte". This pirate made Galveston his home at one time.

Other pieces of World War II history that live on in Galveston, include the gun emplacement at the San Luis Hotel. Rather than dig out the gun emplacement, the hotel decided to incorporate it into their design. Sea Wolf Park contains a destroyer escort and a submarine from WWII. My husband, the history major, was enchanted by the remains of Ft. Crockett, a short ferry ride from Galveston. In addition to the WWII history you'll see, there are excellent birding opportunities there.

There's even history waiting to be discovered in The Strand, MY favorite place to shop on the Island. Many of the buildings now housing cutting edge fashion and furnishings emporiums are examples of late 19th century mercantile architecture. The current owners and users of these structures are showing great ingenuity in the conversion of a building from hulking relic to inviting commercial establishment without damaging the characteristics which make it a unique and fascinating piece of Galveston's past.

The visual delights of the buildings in the Strand are matched only by the goods and services available for sale IN those buildings. While my husband shopped for military surplus goods at Uncle Bubba's, I was buying an early 1960's era cocktail hat, in it's original Saks 5th Avenue box in an antique shop and discovering Anne Taintor products in a nearby store. Then we went to the Railroad Museum that's at the "head" of the Strand. It took me back to my childhood and riding the Santa Fe train between parents every other weekend. If you've never ridden a train, or only ridden Amtrack, you need to visit this museum to get a feel for what train travel was like in its heyday.

There are enough places to go, things to do and see that you can easily spend four to five days in Galveston and still have a list of places you want to go on your NEXT visit. So, come on down and stay awhile, y'all.

Learn more about this author, Holly Berry.
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