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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.

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.

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.

When The Tremont House staff began planning their 2010 Mardi Gras Ball, it didn’t take long to decide on a theme for the menu. “Having our event coincide with Chinese New Year is terrific, because Chinese is probably my favorite cuisine,” the hotel’s executive chef, Jerry Helminski, said.

Before Ash Wednesday approaches, celebrate amid an Asian-inspired ambiance at The Tremont House hotel's annual Mardi Gras Ball, where the theme dreamed up for 2010 is the Chinese New Year. A happening with heart, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Rosenberg Library (a direct descendant of the state's first public library), which was damaged in Hurricane Ike.

The Lone Star State’s languid stretch of 600 miles of coastline could arguably be one of the most distinctive meetings destinations in the country. Where else can you spot thousands of magnificent birds, unwind to some zydeco music, visit two Chinatowns in one day and rub elbows with oil barons? If all that’s too much, attendees can always head to the beach for a little R&R. And the best part is that the Texas Gulf Coast offers a range of hotel offerings and scores of cool off-site choices.

There is a tropical island nearby loaded with holiday surprises.

While I was in Galveston recently I stayed at the newly re-opened Tremont House Hotel. The hotel lobby required extensive renovations after Hurricane Ike. The Tremont’s four story atrium lobby – a popular design in the 1800’s - required extensive renovations after it was inundated with seven feet of water and muck. Walk inside and up the low slung staircase to the huge light filled lobby and you’re greeted warmly at the ornate marble registration desk. But, the lobby’s showcase is the imposing carved mahogany and mirrored backed Toujouse Bar. The bar itself is 18 feet long and made of carved rosewood that’s polished to a brilliant shine. The decorative Italian marble floors feature a white and gray design.

One couple's collection is being featured at The Tremont House.