Wonderful Galveston Island Texas

After our fantastic time spent in Lafayette we continued our journey west for a week in wonderful Galveston Island, Texas.

Last year, right around the same time of year, we visited Galveston for a day trip from our base in Houston. Steve and I knew after that one day that we wanted a return visit. And a lot more time than just one day to explore that beautiful island. Fortunately we were able to find a park where we could stay for a week and not break the bank.

We stayed at the beautiful Jamaica Beach RV Resort, where the beach and the Gulf of Mexico were just across the road. With amenities galore we could have stayed in the park for the entire week. But since we are The Traveling Locavores, we just had to venture out to taste the food and enjoy the scenery so that we could share our experiences with you.

It seems that Galveston is a great place for snowbirds to spend their winters. We met so many wonderful people at the park who were staying until spring. Hmmm… Perhaps one day we will do that as well!

The Strand

Our Sunday in Galveston was spent exploring The Strand, starting with brunch at Hearsay on the Strand. The ambience at Hearsay was fabulous with it’s mix of rustic wood and elegant crystal chandeliers. The food was just so-so. But it was filling and satisfying enough to energize us for walking up and down the main drag.

The sidewalks are all elevated to protect the shops and restaurants from getting flooded. So we got plenty of exercise just strolling along and going up and down the few steps at each street corner. We enjoyed shopping in the little boutiques that lined the street.

Galveston Arts Center

One of the highlights was our visit to The Galveston Arts Center to enjoy the works by Carter Ernst and Paul Kittelson. The exhibit was titled An Unearthly Affair, which was a fantastical display of flora and fauna that included aluminum plants, furry creatures, and clay figures

Carter Ernst and Paul Kittelson
An Unearthly Affair

The artists created a world where art becomes the creative force in shaping the environment. Where psychology replaces biology and where evolution is driven by the artist’s imagination. While Ernst and Kittelson each employ their own unique materials and techniques, their long-term partnership fostered a common outlook on life and a deep appreciation for the natural world. For this exhibition Ernst’s expressive representations of the animal kingdom were paired with Kittelson’s mechanical constructions of botanical subjects. Together their worlds collide in a surreal installation which celebrates the wonders of nature during a time of environmental trepidation.

Paul Kittelson and Carter Ernst are married, and they live and work in an artist community known fondly as “Itchy Acres,” in Independence Heights, Houston, TX. The naturally wooded setting of home and studios provides inspiration and solitude for their creative endeavors.

LaKing’s Confectionery

As we continued our stroll down The Strand we came across a place that had been recommended by someone in this audience, LaKing’s Confectionery. LaKing’s Confectionery and Ice Cream Parlour is a throwback to the 1920’s when folks came out to enjoy a treat and visit. We were welcome in to experience the atmosphere of days gone by. Featured there was a 1920’s soda fountain along with confections of every flavor, shape and size. OMG! So many delicious goodies that it was hard to decide what to taste first.

We were so glad we walked in. Our waistlines, not so much!

Sunset over Jamaica Beach RV Resort

After our day at The Strand we took a drive all the way to the other tip of the island, which was way past our RV park. The beaches were huge and built way up on stilts. One house was more beautiful than the next.

By the time we got back to Ladybug the sun was beginning to set turning the sky bright, fiery orange at the horizon. A breathtaking sight that we enjoyed every night of our week in wonderful Galveston Island Texas.