Press Releases

In 1985, George Mitchell and his wife Cynthia threw one of the biggest Mardi Gras parties that Galveston had witnessed for decades. The Mitchells wanted to recreate the “Golden Age of Mardi Gras” with krewes, pageantry and parades that Mitchell remembered as a boy. The Mitchells backed a Mardi Gras revival to coincide with the opening of their hotel – The Tremont House. The 1985 festivities drew an estimated crowd of 75,000 revelers and also marked the resurrection of the 1871 Mardi Gras society krewe, the Knights of Momus.

Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches is opening a location in downtown Galveston. A Jimmy John’s franchise will lease property from Mitchell Historic Properties (MHP) at 102 22nd Street near Harborside Drive and adjacent to Starbucks. MHP has agreed to build a 1,600 sq. ft. shop in a portion of the parking lot.

Y’ARRR sure to enjoy Galveston’s newest family attraction – Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast. Visitors can now see pirates as well as ghosts in historic downtown Galveston with the grand opening of Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast on Friday, Jan. 27. Pirates! adjoins Galveston’s year-round Haunted Mayfield Manor which opened in September. Both attractions, owned by Joyce McLean, are adjacent to Saengerfest Park, 2302 Strand, and are tenants of Mitchell Historic Properties.

For 100 years, Hotel Galvez & Spa, A Wyndham Grand® Hotel has been a coveted site for weddings, honeymoons and anniversary celebrations. To uphold this tradition, this historic hotel is offering a Romantic Rendezvous and Wedding Vow Renewal on Valentine’s Day weekend, Feb. 10-12, 2012. As part of this special weekend getaway package, Hotel Galvez invites couples to renew their commitment vows during an intimate ceremony at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 as well as partake in Galveston’s scheduled Mardi Gras festivities.

Popular florist Downtown Blooms is moving to an expanded location this February. The new location, which is 2,840 sq. ft., is located at 2309 Mechanic Street on the first floor of the historic 1858 Berlocher Building and owned by Mitchell Historic Properties.

The Tremont House, A Wyndham Grand® Hotel, has announced that its 28th Annual Mardi Gras Ball and Parade Viewing Party on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. will salute “The Golden Era of Motown.” During the evening, guests can enjoy a special appearance by The Legacy of The Temptations presented by Legends in Concert.

The Galveston Chamber of Commerce is moving to a new downtown office this spring. The Chamber’s new office, which is nearly 4,000 sq. ft., is located at 2228 Mechanic Street on the first floor of the 1873 Washington Building at the corner of 23rd and Mechanic which is owned by Mitchell Historic Properties. In addition to housing staff, the new Chamber office will offer an interactive visitor center and a conference room for meetings and small business seminars.

Playing off the fears of others is not only entertaining for some but for Leonard Pickle it’s his career. In his sophomore year of college at Texas A & M University Leonard produced his first commercial haunted house. With a budget of $300 and a $0.50 per person admission price, the operation grossed over $1,000. His passion for scaring people was ignited.

What do Santa Claus, the Mayor of Galveston and Queen Victoria all have in common? They will all be attending the City of Galveston’s Holiday Lighting Celebration at Hotel Galvez & Spa, A Wyndham Grand® Hotel on Friday, Nov. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m., a free holiday event open to the public that marks the start of the holiday season in Galveston. As part of the evening, Hotel Galvez will be accepting monetary donations for the Salvation Army to help those in need.

Halloween fun will come alive in historic downtown Galveston with the Saengerfest Mini Monster Bash on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Saengerfest Park, 2302 Strand. The Saengerfest Mini Monster Bash, a family friendly Halloween carnival, offers a costume contest at 3 p.m., assorted games with prizes, and trick or treating at various downtown businesses from 2 to 4 p.m.