by Linda Laughter, guest blogger.
Having grown up in Houston, Texas, a trip to Galveston was our “go to place”. On this trip to see family and friends, we visited some old faithful experiences and some new places too.

Galveston island boasts an amazing history which is told in its many museums. We visited the newly installed Bryan Museum, located in the historical Galveston Orphan’s Home. This renaissance revival style building is now the home of the world’s largest collection of historical artifacts and artwork relating to Texas and the American West. If you love anything about Texas and its history this is for you. I loved the art that spanned centuries ending with Andy Warhol’s western images.

While you are there, you will enjoy being in the center of Galveston, on the Strand. Filled with art galleries, restaurants and shopping you can step back in time. My favorite, La King’s Confectionary established in 1920. Perfect take home gift, saltwater taffy!

We rented a house on the back bay, on a canal. The options are limitless. There were large, beautiful homes to condos available everywhere! We could get to the ocean through many Beach Access roads that allowed us to park right on the beach and carry our beach stuff right to a prime location. Sometimes these homes do not stand the test of hurricanes and are left as monuments of another time.

If you want sparkling green waters, the Texas and Louisiana Coasts are not for you. The beaches receive the waters of the muddy Mississippi and the shore line is shallow, so there is a lot of sand churn. Despite this, if you love the sun and the crash of waves, this is an incredible place.

The best free ride in Texas is the ferry between the east end of Galveston Island and Port Bolivar. I remember doing this in my Dad’s arms. You get to see the big freighters coming in and out of the Houston Ship Channel and if you are lucky as we were, a bunch of porpoises jumping ahead of the boat.

Finally, I must mention all the incredible food I sacrificed my arteries to sample every time I visit my home state. You must try crispy chicken fried steak, fried local shrimp and of course Bar B Q.

Enjoy!

Linda Laughter is a practicing interior designer and part-time painter in Ada, MI. She and her architect husband love to travel and enjoy all the architectural details and God’s beauty the world has to offer.