Ashton Villa is one of many historical homes open for public viewing.

istory – Galveston is full of it. Once known as 'little Ellis Island' and 'the Wall Street of the Southwest', this once richest city in Texas also claims the worst natural disaster in U.S. history.

Just 50 miles south of Houston, Galveston Island is a barrier reef island, offering 32 miles of Gulf Coast beaches. With temperate year-round climates ranging from 57ºF in the winter to 81ºF in the summer, it's no wonder this island destination is an annual favourite among 'Winter Texans', the Spring Break college crowd and local Texans seeking a beach break from the big-city heat in the summer.

What's the story?
While Galveston's historical shores are awash with tales of Akokisa and Karankawa Indians, Spanish and French explorers, and pirates, it took a Canadian native, Michel B. Menard, to establish the City of Galveston in 1836. By the time the city was incorporated in 1839, Galveston's harbour was an active port with ships from all over the world trading their goods on The Strand, named the 'Wall Street of the Southwest' for the largest and most important wholesale houses west of the Mississippi River.

The beaches that line the Gulf of Mexico are never far from view in Galveston.

But Galveston's prosperity came to a sudden halt on September 8, 1890, when the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history hit the island. A storm packing winds over 120 miles per hour and a tidal surge devasted the island, killing over 6,000 of the 37,000 residents and destroying more than 3,600 buildings.

To prevent such a natural disaster from devastating the island again, a seven-mile-long and 17-foot-high seawall was built. Today, the seawall runs for 10.4 miles, one-third the length of Galveston's Gulf side.

Still insecure, the community took additional precautions when it decided to raise the level of the island! Between 1902 and 1910, thousands of structures were jacked up during the grade-raising project which covered more than 500 city blocks! Today, many of those historic homes are open for public tours.

Something for everyone
Sun-filled beaches, tropical rain forest ventures, an offshore drilling rig experience, and trips into space are only a few of the attractions that await Galveston visitors. Moody Gardens, one of Galveston's most popular family attractions, features a resort hotel, a host of experiences and interactive exhibits designed in conjunction with NASA.

The historic downtown area is undergoing a major revitalization program. While The Strand offers a variety of unique shops and factory outlets, three blocks away, Postoffice Street is lined with art galleries and restaurants housed in brightly coloured historic buildings. There are two unique ways to tour the sights. One is a horse-and-buggy tour; another is the Galveston Sightseeing Train.

Family-oriented Moody Gardens features a hotel, beach, aquarium, rain forest pavillion and a number of interactive exhibits.

Not your typical Texan fare when it comes to dining, Galveston's cuisine is best known for its authentic Mexican food and fresh Gulf seafood. Our dining forays took us to the Ocean Grill Restaurant with its very impressive gulf view, The Steakhouse at the glamorous San Luis Resort, Luigi's Italian Restaurant, Willie G's at Pier 21, and, of course, the local favourite and not-to-be-missed Rudy and Paco's. Culinary choices are limitless.

So are the variety of accommodations which range from motels to beachfront resort hotels like the San Luis Resort, to condominiums like The Victorian Condo Hotel or the Casa del Mar Beachfront Suites, to romantic B&Bs. Condominium rental options are particularly appealing to families and to 'Winter Texans' who wish to prepare some of their own meals and still benefit from hotel services. Priced from US$59 per night, $445 per week, or $695 per month (for the Casa del Mar), their appeal can be pretty compelling!

Cruise and stay
It was only a matter of time before the cruise industry discovered Galveston Island.

A pier lures fishermen to try their luck.

Beginning on September 30, 2000, the Port of Galveston will be the home port for Carnival Cruise Lines' 1,486-passenger Celebration. Four-day cruises will depart for Playa del Carmen/Cozumel, Mexico, while five-day cruises will call upon Cozumel and Calica/Cancun, Mexico. 'Cruise and stay' programs are also available in conjunction with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts which include the Harbor House at Pier 21, the Hotel Galvez and The Tremont House.

Later, in 2001, between October 28 and December 23, Royal Caribbean International's 2,000-passenger Rhapsody of the Seas will sail from Galveston on seven-night sailings to Western Caribbean ports of call.

While a cruise may be appealing, a stay in Galveston will expose you to another — and most gracious — side of Texas.

Canadian Airlines offer daily non-stop service between Toronto and Houston. For the 50-mile drive south of Houston along I-45 to Galveston, Alamo Rent A Car offers a wide selection of models at very competitive rates. Call (800) GO ALAMO or visit www.goalamo.com for rates and reservations. Be sure to set aside one day to tour Space Center Houston located half-way between Houston and Galveston. For information on Galveston Island, call (888) GAL-ISLE or log on to www.galvestoncvb.com. Call (800) 392-1205 for Casa del Mar Beachfront Suites; (800) 231-6363 for The Victorian Condo Hotel.

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