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Located in the Gulf of Mexico, about 50 miles south of Houston, Galveston Island in Texas offers a balmy almost tropical climate where you can do one-of-a-kind things to create memories of a lifetime.

Many people in 1900 probably thought it was crazy to rebuild Galveston Island—32 miles long and two-and-a-half miles wide—and some no doubt thought the same thing in 2008, but the word that sprang to my mind as I explored this cozy coastal city a short hop from Houston? Resilient.

Galveston might have adopted the "Jazz, Jazz, Jazz" theme for its 2013 Mardi Gras celebrations, but George Mitchell, venerable king of the island's Mardi Gras, opted for a Western theme for his 29th annual Tremont House Ball.

Boy howdy, does Galveston know how to Mardi Gras. While throngs filled the streets even for daytime parades, the private party revelry reached fever pitch during the this year's second weekend of festivities. Tilman and Paige Fertitta's "Jazz! Jazz! Jazz" San Luis Salute mega-party Friday drew more than 1,400 - a record. And Saturday, George Mitchell and family's "Waltz Across Texas" filled the Tremont House's ballroom, lobby and other spaces with about 500, also giving them prime, private viewing outside the hotel for the big Momus Grand Night Parade.

The spring months leading into summer beckon Houstonians to dream up small getaways here and there which offer a much-needed recharge of the proverbial battery. Continue reading on Examiner.com Peace By The Sea: A Review of the Tremont House - Galveston, Texas - Houston Travel | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/review/peace-by-the-sea-a-review-of-the-tremont-house-galveston-texas#ixzz1ssCJ82yn

Mr. Galveston" himself, George Mitchell, and the entire Mitchell clan rolled out the purple, green and gold carpet for more than 600 revelers Saturday night for the 28th annual Tremont House Mardi Gras Ball. There's no Galveston party like it where the cocktails begin flowing at 6, the Knights of Momus parade passes right in front of the invitation-only VIP area and the music rocks on until midnight.

Mardi Gras revels, from floats to costumes to behavior, rarely have been a time for subtlety. Bright colors and bold strokes predominate, even in Mardi Gras menus. One popular Galveston Mardi Gras event is managing this year to balance its festive approach with a more restrained menu at The Tremont House’s annual Mardi Gras Ball and Parade Viewing Party, scheduled for Feb. 18.

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.