In The News

So where did June go again? Seems like it was just a few days ago that we were buying cupcakes for those end-of-year school parties; now it's practically time to shop the back-to-class sales. If you haven't managed to cram a vacation into your summer yet, a three-day weekend getaway may be just the ticket. These three family-friendly destinations -- one city, one country, one beach -- are close enough to get to quickly, so you don't waste too much of your precious vacation time traveling, yet far enough from your day-to-day routine to make you feel as if you've really gotten away. Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/07/09/2325028/short-on-time-plan-a-three-day.html#tvg#ixzz0tmQD2ozM

If you’re new to the Houston area, you may have recently discovered what natives have known since childhood: we have our own coastal playground just an hour away. Even if you’re looking for something more quaint or exotic than your childhood beach vacation, Galveston can still deliver the goods. You can enjoy a great getaway focusing on relaxation, dining, culture, and historic charm—all without using up your vacation days at work.

The Jimmy Webb 1969 hit song named after this coastal city — and popularized by Glen Campbell — readily came to mind during my recent visit: “Galveston, oh Galveston/I still hear your sea winds blowin’/I still hear your sea waves crashing.”

The Tremont House topped off the festivities with an East-West fête, drawing on the confluence of the Asian New Year and Mardi Gras for an evening that paired masks and beads with lion dancers and costumed performers from Lee’s Golden Dance Troupe. Hotel owner George Mitchell, the man credited with preserving Galveston’s past and reviving Mardi Gras 26 years earlier, played host, joined by family members including son Grant Mitchell and wife Tiziana, daughter Sheridan Lorenz and husband Perry, and sister Maria Ballentine.

When Ashley and I were planning our trip to Galveston we knew that we HAD to include a massage/spa in the weekend. The last time I stayed at the Hotel Galvez, our room overlooked part of the spa and since I had heard the spa was amazing I figured we should totally try it out.

Galveston County residents hope the first weekend of spring break was a sign of things to come this tourist season. And all the ingredients were there Saturday. The sun was shining, Saengerfest Park in Galveston was crowded with people listening to live music, The Tremont House Hotel piano player’s tip jar was almost full, it was hard for beachgoers to find a parking spot on the seawall, and the Kemah Boardwalk was packed.

Surprisingly, both of your college-age children announced they would forgo the usual spring break destinations in order to come home to Houston and spend their vacation on the boat, with you … and a few of their friends? "Sure, bring them along," you agree. "Wait, how many did you say"?

Galveston continues to show signs of recovery from Hurricane Ike. A new boutique is set to open its doors in downtown Galveston on Feb. 1. Karen’s Kloset, at 2326 Strand, will carry gifts, designer clothing, lingerie, shoes and bathing suits.

When dedicating the Tremont House hotel in 1985, George P. Mitchell wasn’t going to settle for a ribbon cutting. He wanted a party. A big party. And that’s how Mardi Gras — a celebration dating back to 1867 but ended by World War II — came back to the island.