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The Bishop’s Palace ~ Moody Mansion ~

East End, Lost Bayou Silk Stocking Districts

The East End Historical District, a national historic landmark, is comprised of more than city blocks bounded on the south by Broadway, the east by 10th St., the north by Mechanic St. and the west by 19th St.. The District comprised mainly of homes reflecting a variety of styles and periods, the earliest being examples of Greek Revival style built during the 1850s.

Much of the Lost Bayou Historical District lies between the Gulf of Mexico and Avenue between 16th and 21st Sts. It was once covered by a body of water known as Hitchcock’s Bayou that was “lost” when the Island was raised the 1900 hurricane. Originally developed working class community, what remains extraordinary sampling of homes from the 1800s and early 20th century.

The Silk Stocking Historical District is roughly comprised of 14 city blocks. District is roughly bounded by 25th St. west, 23rd St. to the east, Avenue P to the south, and Avenue K to the north. This neighborhood includes some excellent examples of Queen Anne style homes.

While a lot of the oak trees in Galveston were destroyed by the storm surge from Hurricane Ike, instead of cutting the trees completely down... some artists decided to sculpt the tree stumps into art forms. These whimsical sculptures have replaced the majestic oaks Galveston lost. Some sculptures are tucked into gardens and nestled into side yards while others are proudly on display near the street. Touring the sculptures in the Island’s East End is an easy walk or bike ride. All of the sculptures listed below are clearly visible from the street.

T H E S T R A N D

Heart of Downtown

The Strand was the heart of Galveston in the late 1800s and early 1900s and was considered at that time to be the “New York of Texas”. Many buildings still remain that were built in that era featuring a large amount of Victorian architecture. Those buildings managed to survive the devastating hurricane of 1900 that claimed the lives of more than 6,000 people, and now Hurricane Ike.

Wear your walking shoes because the 70+ block historic downtown has much more to offer beyond The Strand, and it’s all within walking distance! Explore tree-lined Postoffice Street, home of The Grand 1894 Opera House and discover art galleries, boutiques, chic bars & restaurants, live theater and more. Venture along 25th Street for an eclectic mix of shops, eateries and warehouse galleries.

From the Railroad Museum on the West to Hendley Green Park and shops on the East, the Strand has something for everyone -- toys, crafts, clothes, souvenirs, beef jerky, jewelry, unique photographs, housewares and more!

While strolling the Strand, take time to visit the newest park in the area -Hendley Green Park. This urban park is a new public green space in Galveston’s Strand-Mechanic Historic District and has been designed to encourage community engagement. The effort to design and create the park was spearheaded by the Galveston Historical Foundation and began in 2013, the park officially opened in October 2015. Hendley Green accommodates outdoor recreation and community activities, while also serving to invigorate reinvestment along the east end of the Strand.

& Portside

Jewel of Galveston Harbor - 1877 Elissa

Elissa, one of only four pre-20th-century tall ships in the U.S., has been restored to full sailing capacity and has been named a National Historic Landmark and one of America’s Treasures by the U.S. Dept. Built in Scotland in 1877, the Elissa was a rusting hulk when she was rescued from a Greek scrap yard by the Galveston Historical Foundation in 1974. The foundation purchased the ship in 1975 and restored her at a cost of nearly $7 million, bringing a vital link to Galveston’s maritime past back to life. Hope you can view this Jewel soon!

Y

19th ~

Something for Everyone!

ou are sure to find some interesting spots and shops on the streets running north to south in the downtown area. From 19th St. on the East to 25th St. on the West, there are clothing shops, boutiques, art galleries, eateries, antique warehouses and specialty shops. In case you didn’t know it, some of these streets have other names as well, most of them named after famous families on the Island. Here’s some of the corresponding names: 21st St. is also known as Moody Ave., 22nd St. is also known as Kempner St., 23rd St., is also known as Tremont St., 24th St. is also known as Mitchell St., and 25th St. is also known as Rosenberg Ave. Some of the streets have interesting art forms as part of the streetscape. There are statues, fountains, sculptures and architecture. Be sure to notice! And, if you find anything on the island that you’d like to ship home, step into Galveston Pack & Ship and have them do the work for you!

Eateries !

Yummy! -- The best pizza on the Island, bar none: Mama Teresa’s Flying Pizza on 21st St. You will want to treat yourself to delicious pizza, but this restaurant serves a full Italian menu as well. Start with the Chicken Tortellini soup – you will be glad you did. Delicious cuisine from a Hawaiian style restaurant, Huli Huli Hut, awaits your tastebuds on 19th Street - don’t miss their great Happy deals!

25th Streets 25th Street Thoroughfare

Rosenberg Ave -- It’s the same thing as 25th St.! At the northern end, you’ll find the cruise terminal and at the southern end - you’ll find the Seawall. As you walk South from the cruise terminal you’ll find an eclectic group of shops, eateries and even an art museum!

On 20th Street – if you are a music buff, you will want to take in a performance at the Old Quarter Acoustic Café, the Island’s well-known original music venue.

Mechanic, Market, Tree-lined Avenues

Unique Street with a Mardi Gras Flair!

On Mechanic Street between 23rd St. and 24th St., you’ll find a unique (and permanent!) structure that spans across the street near the Tremont House Hotel. This street structure has a Mardi Gras colored-design and is a symbol of that great Galveston event that takes place in February and March.

Postoffice St. is a lovely, tree-lined avenue in the downtown district. You’ll find it midway between the northern boundary of the district -- Harborside Dr. -- and the southern extension of the area -- Broadway St. You’ll find an abundance of art galleries, restaurants, theaters, clothing and antique stores and much more all on one easy stroll!

Interesting Shops

Mechanic and Market Streets cater to the antique or art aficionado in your family. There’s special boutiques where you can find a nautical treasure or trinket to take home and shops selling goods that bring back memories of your grandmother’s jewelry box! Bought that special someone a gift? Don’t forget the wrapping! Stop by betsy by design and pick some up!