A Plug for My Home Port
Dinner at Katie’s in Galveston…with my husband patiently waiting for me to take the picture
Perceptions are based on lived experiences. But what if I told you that perceptions can be deceiving? Even to people in their 40’s…This is a tale of opening my mind, heart, and the human element in travel.
If you’ve ever mentioned Galveston as a vacation spot, chances are you’ve been met with wide eyes and some variation of, “Isn’t the water kind of… dirty?” or “Is there even good food there?” And hey, I get it—Galveston’s beaches aren’t exactly pink sand and clear water. In years past I would have agreed with your skepticism. But here’s the thing: if you look past the misconceptions, you might just find that this little Gulf Coast gem has more to offer than you think.
The Power of Perspective (and Talking to Strangers)
My husband and I set off for Galveston as part of a cruise departure, but before sailing away, we did something wild: we actually talked to people. (I know, shocking in an age of scrolling and apps.) If you know me, you probably also know I LOVE talking, so this was part of the fun and adventure for me!
Good old Texas weather was giving us a run for our money, so we decided to go 2 nights early instead of 1. Weeks prior (pre-bad weather forecast) I began looking for a hotel for the night before our sailing. The one I really wanted was sold out, so I decided to book a different property within the same hotel family. Fast forward to a week before our trip, and ice, and gale force winds were predicted in Central and Coastal Texas. After hopping back on the internet to search for hotels, I noticed the property I really wanted to stay at was available for two nights before the sailing. It was also $5 less than the property I booked for the following night. So, with optimism, I booked that property hoping they might have availability when we arrived.
Photographic proof that the Tremont was less than the Spring Hill!
I still kept an eye on the property to see if any rooms would pop up, and a day or two before, one did. However, it was $599 a night. Since that was out of my budget, I decided to hold off booking. Wah wah wah (insert sad trumpet here).
We arrived in Galveston early evening, and as my husband was parking the car, I checked into the preferred hotel. When walking up to the check-in desk, Ryan gave a big smile and began looking up our reservation. After explaining the situation about our bookings, I then asked if he had a room available for the second night of our stay. Lo and behold, he provided not one, but two choices! He booked us for an upgraded room and matched the rate for the original booking for both nights. Hallelujah! I was able to call and cancel the original booking (again after talking to a human) without penalty. Whew.
Look at how beautiful this lobby is at the Tremont
As I said, we arrived around dinner, so I asked Ryan about food recommendations nearby. He gave a few choices, and we decided to try the “non-chain” seafood. It didn’t disappoint! Previously, gulf seafood wasn’t my favorite, but now I think it’s because I wasn’t eating it fresh. We also ventured into a second recommendation for lunch the next day, and the seafood was just as delicious. The food was surprisingly good. You just need to know where to go. (Pro tip: always ask the locals.)
Speaking of that second day, we chatted with our waiter Esteban at lunch and learned he was from Columbia. His enthusiasm for Galveston radiated to pride. Although he said he has 3 jobs during the off season, he loves the people, the safety, and is even saving up to bring his mom for a visit. His story renewed my gratitude for living in a place you love. It showed that the people who live there really have a heart for the place and help to make it a gem.
Fun drink at the Hearsay where we had lunch and spoke with Esteban
There’s More than Meets the Eye
We went shopping on the strand, visited a rooftop bar, enjoyed the seafood, contemplated the haunted places, viewed the port from our room, curled up with books, hit up the gym, and soaked up the genuine kind hospitality that Galveston has to offer.
Locals, visitors, and the shop owner on the strand—everyone had stories about the island. What we discovered? Galveston isn’t just a stopover—it’s a place with heart. The people? Genuine, friendly, and full of stories. And really, isn’t that what makes a place special?
Speaking of special, the water can be unique in Galveston. Most of the time the water has a murky tint. It’s because of sediment from the Mississippi River, not pollution. (Science!) However, there was one year we took the kids around Memorial Day, and the water was crystal clear like the Caribbean. If the winds in the Gulf shift, your beach day can have a beautiful surprise.
Clear water at the beach in Galveston (sorry about the quality - it’s from 2018…and water moves quickly)
At the end of the day, this trip wasn’t just about proving Galveston’s worth (though, mission accomplished). It was about stepping away from the chaos and remembering what it’s like to just exist together while in a wonderful place.
So, if you’re on the fence about Galveston, take the leap. Go in with an open mind. Talk to the people. Eat the seafood. And most importantly, prioritize the time with the person who makes life’s adventures worthwhile.
Even if the water isn’t crystal clear, the experience can be. Galveston is calling.
Until next time, enjoy the journey!
Copyright Me Time 4 Mom, LLC
