I did a bit of recon on my computer and decided that I should check out the visitor's center. Hopped in the shower and was happy to find loads of hot water. I headed out to downtown Galveston and the Visitor's Center. Picked up lots of brochures and found lots of interesting things to check out.
After, I was driving toward The Strand, which is the hoppin' historic touristy street, and I happened upon this view
Galveston port is a departure point for cruises, but I never realized you would be driving down the street to see a cruise ship in front of you!
Anyway, I drove past some blocked off streets with booths set up...and I was intrigued. Drove around to find a parking spot and went over to check it out. It was ARToberFest. ''
It did cost five bucks to get in, but I am a sucker for street festivals. I ended up buying stuff...big shocker. Several pairs of earrings, a glass pendant, and a print of a pencil drawing of daisies. There are tons of galleries and other fun shops on the streets that were blocked off, this is one that I enjoyed a lot:
This is an occult store named The Witchery and I did buy a few things, including a Mediterranean Evil Eye and this poster. I may go back later to get a psychic reading...just for funzies.
After I dropped a buncha cash at the festival, I headed toward The Strand. Back to back bars and gift shops...erm...well, there are also gift shops WITH bars. That was kinda fun. Apparently, you can also walk around with open alcohol on The Strand.
I opted instead to visit La King's Confectionery. This place smelled like peppermint. I figured out pretty quickly that was due to a recently pulled batch of peppermint salt water taffy that was about to be wrapped on the wrapping machine.
They also had an old fashioned soda fountain with ice cream yumminess...so I got a hot fudge sundae for lunch...LOL.
Which dripped EVERYWHERE because they overfilled it...but that's not gonna upset me too much. It was absolutely yummy!
There were lots of cool shops, even if they were kind of touristy and a tad cheesy
but they were more fun and interesting than the ubiquitous Wings and stuff. I didn't buy too much, but had fun poking around in the shops. There was a lot of fun stuff nearby too, like the square
with the giant chess board. Right around the corner was
PIRATES! Legends of the Gulf Coast which did seem kind of cheezy after the Maritime Museum stuff in North Carolina. Haven't decided if I want to go yet, but this is Jean Lafitte and stuff instead of Blackbeard...so it might be worth it.
One thing I *did* do was
Get my fortune read by Zoltan. "Big" bent the truth a bit. Zoltan does not grant wishes...he tells fortunes. However, if I wake up and I'm 10 years old tomorrow....
One thing I did find, and that I will be exploring and photographing further is that Galveston is full of architectural loveliness.
I can't wait to see the turn of the century mansions, which will be fun to photograph. There are also Tons of Churches here...
and we know how I love the religious architecture!
One last photo from downtown Galveston
Saying goodbye to the Carnival cruise ship as it drives down the road...LOL!
I got back to the room and unpacked everything...then decided I was hungry. I headed out and drove almost all the way to the west end of Galveston Island, turned around and got pretty far East before making a wrong turn. Finally made it to The Gumbo Diner for a yummy shrimp and crawfish po' boy with a side of cole slaw. I plan to go back for breakfast at least once.
I needed to stop at Wal-Mart for a washcloth (lots of towels here, but no washcloths) and a hairband...ended up finding clearance sheets for 15 bucks. Yayyyyyyyyyyyy...I'm sleeping in a bed tonight.
Going to bed so I can try to get up early to walk on the beach. Niters!
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