< Previous20 COASTMONTHLY.COM | FebruArY 2022 FEATURE THE SAN LUIS RESORT, SPA & CONFERENCE CENTER Galveston might feel like a tropical island most of the year, but there’s no question temperatures can cool off in the winter months. It’s a good thing the pool at beachfront hotel The San Luis Resort, 5222 Seawall Blvd., is heated. “People always appreciate the pool and it’s always nice and toasty when it’s chilly out,” said Paul Schultz, vice president of hospital- ity for Landry’s Inc., which owns the resort. “It will warm their spirits and their bodies.” Things might be a little quieter at the San Luis during the off-season, but service and amenities aren’t scaled back, Schultz said. In addition to the traditional hotel rooms, The San Luis Resort also offers The Villas, five 800-square-foot suites with private hot tubs on their patios. There are fire pits at The Villas as well. The San Luis also changes its menu to feature some winter cocktails during cooler months. This year, the featured list includes a Pomegranate Cosmo, a maple-flavored Old-Fashioned, a Cranberry Bourbon and Apple Sangria, Schultz said. The San Luis is centrally located in one of the island’s main tourism areas. For guests venturing away from the resort, Schultz sug- gested borrowing a complimentary bicycle from the resort and riding down the Galves- ton seawall. “In the winter, you have less of a crowd on the seawall, so it’s nice to really take the time to enjoy it,” he said. Visitors also can catch a ride downtown on the newly returned Galveston rail trol- leys, which run a regular route between the seawall and Galveston’s downtown business district. — John Wayne Ferguson PHOTOS: CO ur T e SY LAND r Y’S (Right) In addition to a heated pool and traditional hotel rooms, The San Luis Resort in Galveston offers five 800-square-foot suites with private hot tubs on their patios. COASTMONTHLY.COM | FebruArY 2022 21 CAPTAIN’S PARADISE The West End of Galveston Island always has a more laid-back atmosphere, even during the tourism high season. But in winter months, people head there for some space to breathe and a little peace and quiet by the water. There’s plenty of vacation rental options on the West End and around the island. But those looking for a classic coastal getaway will find it at vacation beach house Cap- tain’s Paradise in the Sand Dollar Beach subdivision, about 3 miles west of the sea- wall’s end. Captain’s Paradise offers nearly 360-degree views of the Gulf of Mexico and nearby beaches, all the better to really soak in the seclusion. The home also has a large deck, perfect for spending time outside in the warm win- ter sun. It isn’t uncommon for Texas’ winter to feel like spring for visiting snowbirds. There are winter surprises for people who venture to the beach in January and February, said Anne Reiswerg, a co-owner of Sand `N Sea Properties, which manages Captain’s Paradise and other rental housing on the island. “Winter is a great season to visit the is- land,” Reiswerg said. “The weather is cooler, and the beaches are less crowded, and so are attractions and restaurants. Shelling is at its peak — especially after a cold front.” There’s a lot of tourism activity on the island, even in the winter months, Reiswerg said. The warm climate plays into the attrac- tion, but there’s more to it, Reiswerg said. Winter on the upper Texas Coast is ideal for birding. On the West End, prime birding spots include the bird observatory at Artist Boat Coastal Heritage Preserve, 13117 Sette- gast Road, and the Galveston Island State Park, 14901 FM 3005. — John Wayne Ferguson PHOTOS: CO ur T e SY SAND `N S e A P r OP er TI e S (Left) Captain’s Paradise, a Sand `N Sea Properties vacation rental in the Sand Dollar Beach subdivision on Galveston’s West End, features nearly 360-degree views of the Gulf of Mexico and nearby beaches. Each of the four bedrooms has deck access.22 COASTMONTHLY.COM | FebruArY 2022 FEATURE THE TREMONT HOUSE Visitors seeking Victorian-era buildings, historical exhibits and art galleries check into The Tremont House. The hotel, 2300 Ship’s Mechanic Row, in Galveston’s downtown, is a popular spot for visitors reveling in winter festivals such as Dickens on The Strand and Mardi Gras, to name a few. The property is a Galveston institution that dates to 1839. The original Tremont House was built the same year Galveston officially was founded. In June 1865, The Tremont House suc- cumbed to a fire that raged in the Strand District for days, destroying entire city blocks. The hotel’s replacement was de- stroyed by the 1900 Storm. But in 1981, the hotel would rise again when George and Cynthia Mitchell acquired the Leon & H. Blum Building and trans- formed it into the third Tremont House in the 1879 building, formerly a dry goods concern. When the hotel opened in 1985, it was the first major hotel to open in downtown Gal- veston in 60 years, according to reports. PHOTOS: J e NNIF er re YNOLDS Along with luxury suites, amenities in- clude The Rooftop Bar, offering downtown views, and the famous Toujouse Bar, where guests can enjoy signature cocktails, locally brewed craft beers and small appetizers. – Laura Elder GRAND GALVEZ Even as it undergoes extensive renova- tions, Grand Galvez, formerly knowns as Hotel Galvez, still is open and still a hotspot in winter months. It has been for more than a century. The Tremont House is a Galveston institution that dates to 1839. In addition to luxury suites, the historic hotel is home to The Rooftop Bar, offering views of down- town and the port, and the famous Toujouse Bar. COASTMONTHLY.COM | FebruArY 2022 23 Among amenities at the 224-room hotel, 2024 Seawall Blvd., is a heated saline outdoor pool, which is fully operational with all associated amenities. There’s also the onsite day spa offering massages, facials and body treatments. Favorites among spa goers are the “Spa Relaxation Package” and “Queen of the Gulf Package.” Who doesn’t want to feel like queen for the day? For onsite dining options, there’s Galvez Bar & Grill, a casual restaurant that serves Gulf Coast seafood in a gorgeous space with soaring ceilings and oversized windows for diners to soak in all the natural light. Everyone should save room for the hotel’s famous Sunday brunch, offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday. Brunch reservations are recommended. Mark and Lorenda Wyant in March bought the 110-year-old hotel for $50 million and embarked on a $50 million restoration of the property that will bring it up to modern codes while redecorat- ing it in the style of a century earlier. – Laura Elder PHOTOS: CO ur T e SY G r AND GALV e Z The 224-room Grand Galvez hotel on Seawall Boulevard features a day spa, offering massages, facials and body treatments, as well as a heated saline outdoor pool, perfect for relaxing, sunbathing or enjoying cocktails.Sold Are You Ready To Sell? LET THE GOOD Happy Mardi While you are waiting to see the word SOLD, there is still a lot to consider along the way. One of the first decisions is to select the perfect real estate agent, and I’m here for you! As an exclusive Christie’s affiliate in Houston, partnering with me gets you access to luxury perks and an invitation-only network that connects your home with some of the world’s top real estate brokerages. Not only will your home be connected to a highly publicized brand, but you will also have access to luxury home services with unbeatable advantages. 409.977.HOME PROFESSIONAL CLIENT SERVICE CONFIDENTIALITY NAN AND COMPANY PROPERTIES SIGNS HIGH-QUALITY PROPERTY BROCHURES WEEKEND OPEN HOUSES TO THE PUBLIC / BROKER OPEN HOUSES PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY DIGITAL AND PRINT MARKETING CAMPAIGNS FOR YOUR LISTING VIRTUAL LISTING TOURS DRONE VIDEOGRAPHY AND HIGH- DEFINITION VIDEO 3D RENDERINGS OF LISTINGS FLOORPLANS What To Expect From Us 90 SOLD PROPERTIES OVER $1MM $1,506,675 AVG. LIST PRICE 79 AVG. DAYS ON MARKET Galveston Luxury Market Update 2021JUST SOLD 10327 Termini San Luis Pass Road Unit #302 Sold Price: $625,000 3 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,264 Sq. Ft. JUST SOLD 10327 Termini San Luis Pass Road Unit #419 Sold Price: $425,000 1 Bed | 1 Bath | 1,058 Sq. Ft. Sold D Gras 2022! TIMES ROLL! THEGAIDOGROUP.COM anastasia.gaido@nanproperties.com | Follow me at @anastasiagaido CONTACT ME TODAY FOR A COMPLIMENTARY MARKET REPORT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD OR TO FIND OUT WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH!26 COASTMONTHLY.COM | FebruArY 2022 FEATURE ON THE SUNNY SIDE Mild winters and plenty to do make for year-round fun on the Texas coast story by ANGELA WILSON E ven in the dead of what we consider winter, when it’s maybe too cold to take a plunge in Gulf surf, there are near-endless ways, means and venues to keep a person occupied and entertained. You can take a tour of Victorian architecture or a deep dive into local history, inspect some of the nation’s most impressive feats of civil engineering, sip local wine, eat a local fish and go fly a kite. Here are a dozen ways to have fun in the winter months. GALVESTON-PORT BOLIVAR FERRY The ferry systems operates 24 hours a day, and has four vessels in which to ride between the island and the bolivar Peninsula at various times throughout the day. If you want to see a dolphin or two, have a picnic at Fort Travis on the peninsula, or just see the water up close and personal, this is a ride you can enjoy by car or walking onto the ferry free of charge. 1000 Ferry Road N., Galveston GALVESTON ISLAND HISTORIC PLEASURE PIER When island native and billionaire Tilman Fertitta brought back the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier in May 2012, it was a welcome sight for islanders and the more than 7.2 million visitors who travel to Galveston year-round. Fea- turing concerts, food and amusement rides, including a roller coaster, this island attraction extending over the Gulf of Mexico is one the entire family can enjoy. 2501 Seawall Blvd., Galveston KEMAH BOARDWALK Overlooking Galveston bay, the Kemah boardwalk, also developed by Galveston-born Tilman Fertitta, features a lineup of Landry’s Inc. restaurants, retail stores for those who like to shop, amusement rides and festivals of all sorts, as well as a hotel for a quick weekend getaway. The entertainment destination has a little bit of everything for everyone and is between Houston and Galveston Island. 215 Kipp Ave., Kemah PHOTOS: J e NNIF er re YNOLDS, ST u A r T VILLAN ue VA, DAILY N e WS FIL e COASTMONTHLY.COM | FebruArY 2022 27 SPACE CENTER HOUSTON Want a booster rocket of a getaway? Anyone visiting this region shouldn’t miss a chance to visit Space Center Houston, a science museum that serves as the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston. It earned a place as a Smithsonian Affiliate museum in 2014. 1601 E. NASA Parkway, Houston TEXAS CITY DIKE If you like fishing and bird watching, the Texas City Dike is the perfect destination for you. extending 5.3 miles into Galveston bay, the “longest manmade fishing pier in the world” offers great views of the bay and ships traveling via the Galveston and Houston ship channels and also is a great site for family picnics or a day out in the sun. There’s a $10 fee per vehicle from March to October, but it’s free during winter months and summer weekdays (Mondays through Thursdays), excluding holidays — and it’s free for Texas City residents with a city sticker showing residency. Dike Road, Texas City TEXAS CITY AFRICAN-AMERICAN CULTURAL PARK The 12,000-square-foot brick memorial paying homage to the African-Amer- ican community in Texas City, known as the South Side, is operated and maintained by the Texas City Parks, recreation and Tourism Department. The park includes historical artifacts from black-owned businesses, from those who attended booker T. Washington School, churches and people who lived within a 10-block radius between the borders of Texas Avenue to the north, bay Street to the east, 10th Street to the west and Fourth Avenue to the south in Texas City. Among other features is a statue of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Corner of Fourth Street and Third Avenue S., Texas City HAAK VINEYARDS & WINERY Known for one of the country’s first wineries to cultivate blanc du bois, this venue has produced numerous medal-winning wines and features a 1,800-square-foot cellar, artwork for history buffs and art lovers, as well as a destination for weddings and private events. There’s also tastings and tours. 6310 Ave. T, Santa Fe28 COASTMONTHLY.COM | FebruArY 2022 FEATURE MOODY GARDENS PYRAMIDS This is the perfect getaway for explorers and inquiring minds of all ages. The Moody Gardens entertainment complex includes pyramids filled with plants and animals from around the world. There’s the Aquarium Pyramid where you can explore oceans of the world in a 15-million-gal- lon aquarium featuring penguins, seals, sharks and stingrays. And those seeking warmth on a wintry day can find it in the rainforest Pyramid that will take you to rainforests of Asia, Africa and the Americas. There’s also the Discovery Museum Pyramid, where you can explore the connec- tion between music, science and mathematics. 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston GALVESTON RAILROAD MUSEUM All aboard! Take a step back in time at the Galveston railroad Museum, which showcases permanent exhibits such as the Santa Fe Warbonnets, passenger and freight cars, locomotives, Galveston’s Interlocking Towers and more. If you’re really into trains and locomotives, you can also sleep on the 1949 bonnie brook overnight — how cool is that? 2602 Santa Fe Place (25th Street) in Galveston THE BRYAN MUSEUM No trip to the island, or Texas for that matter, is complete without visiting The bryan Museum. Featuring 20,000 square feet of exhibit space, beautifully maintained grounds, event spaces and a concert or two, the museum houses The bryan Collection, owned by J.P. and Mary Jon bryan. The bryans have amassed one of the world’s largest collections of historical artifacts, documents and artwork relating to Texas and the American West. 1315 21st St., Galveston PHOTOS: J e NNIF er re YNOLDS, ST u A r T VILLAN ue VA, DAILY N e WS FIL e COASTMONTHLY.COM | FebruArY 2022 29 THE STRAND The Strand, in the heart of Galveston’s downtown historical district, has a little bit of everything. Dining, nightlife, retail, historic architecture and people-watching make a stroll down this street a must-do. The Strand attracts visitors from near and far and is the perfect place to sip a hot beverage or grab a hot meal on a chilly day. but visitors are shorting themselves if they don’t explore the island’s entire downtown. MILES OF BEACHES Whether on Galveston Island or bolivar Peninsula, there’s nothing like a beach on a winter’s day. Of course, beaches are fun when it’s warm and sunny, but they’re also fun with fewer people and less competition for parking and sea- shells. A deserted beach has its own kind of beauty. sales@outsideoasis.com www.outsideoasis.com Outdoor Living $500 Off All Patio Additions Expires 2-26-22 Patios, Outdoor Kitchens, Hardscape, Pool Decks, Fire Pits, Coping & More! FREE ESTIMATES CALL TODAY! 832-317-9509 OUTDOOR LIVINGNext >