In The News

Although America's Gulf Coast doesn't have any major gay beach resorts, the Texas barrier island of Galveston has steadily become a popular destination with GLBT travelers.

No doubt about it; this island has its mojo back. The Strand's shops, ravaged three years ago by Hurricane Ike, are now filled with holiday shoppers, and after a record summer for tourism, Galveston anticipates a busy spring break featuring new attractions and restaurants that capitalize on history, nature and, of course, the treasures of the Gulf of Mexico.

I'm in the back of a Town Car enjoying a complimentary lift from the Tremont House to a lunch date on the seawall when the driver, a young townie, tells me that he and his high school buds used to call Galveston "Galvatraz." The image of an island prison isn't particularly kind to the historic Gulf Coast city. But my driver was quick to say it was meant in local jest. After all, he has chosen to stay and work on the island where his parents and grandparents still live.

It's hard to miss the Tremont House at night, what with the giant lit Mardi Gras arch just outside. Yet somehow, we still drove right past it the first time.

Driving along Broadway Boulevard for the first time in 2 1/2 years, I hardly expected physics laws to pop into my head. But as I gaped at this new Galveston, all I could think is that it's true -- that for every action, there's an equal and opposite reaction. In the Galveston I beheld recently, I realized that extraordinary beauty can truly be derived from widespread devastation... I feared that this pretty Victorian jewel would never shine in the same way again... And I was right. When I drove down Broadway recently, turning toward the ocean to drive along the seawall, I could scarcely catch my breath. Galveston has never looked more beautiful than it does today...

Listen carefully to the locals when you head south of Houston to go beachcombing: Most don’t refer to their town as “Galveston;” they will call it “Galveston Island.” Being an island is a big part of the lifestyle in this strip of land along the Texas Gulf Coast. Islanders have a different mindset than mainlanders, even when their spit of dirt is connected via a causeway. There’s a separateness to being here, which sometimes manifests as a survivalist mentality.

This time of year is much different than what it was about 25 years ago. Elaborately decorated floats were not traveling down The Strand. Glittering costume-clad pedestrians weren’t dancing through the streets, and children were not sitting atop their fathers’ shoulders waving their hands in expectation of thrown treasures and treats.

Visitors to India often come home awe-struck by the sensory overload of vivid colors, exotic spectacles and the overwhelming masses of people in the streets. Since many visitors to Mardi Gras report exactly the same impression, it seems like a perfect fit to celebrate Mardi Gras Indian-style. The Tremont House Mardi Gras Ball and Parade Viewing Party, themed “The Enchantment of India,” will spotlight Indian food, music and dance while providing a front-row seat to one of the high points of Galveston’s Mardi Gras.

The Tremont House in a Nutshell: Downtown's leading hotel and a member of the Historic Hotels of America, The Tremont House has withstood Galveston's devastating hurricanes to become a hub for the revitalized city. Located inside the Strand District, it's within walking distance to the harbor, restaurants, and galleries.

Twenty of Galveston’s top restaurants, including the Bernardo's/Tremont Cafe will vie for professional honors at the inaugural Galveston Island Shrimp Festival on Sept. 25.