Galveston

Aside from the beach, visitors to Galveston can spend the day dining on fresh seafood at one of the many locally owned restaurants and window shopping along The Strand.

Pleasure Pier 2501 Seawall Blvd., Galveston 409-766-4950 www.pleasurepier.com Reopened in 2012, the Pleasure Pier pays homage to the city’s history by serving as an amusement park with 16 rides, shops, midway games and a Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant. Prior to Hurricane Ike in 2008, the pier had been home to the Flagship Hotel since the mid-1960s. It was constructed after the original Pleasure Pier, which was built in the 1940s, was destroyed by Hurricane Carla. The attraction is located adjacent to numerous shops, restaurants and hotels along Seawall Boulevard as well.

Murdoch’s The perfect place to pick up a souvenir before heading home, Murdoch’s overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and carries gifts, seashells and other items.[/caption]

Murdoch’s 2215 Seawall Blvd., Galveston 409-762-7478 www.galveston.com/murdochsbathhouse The perfect place to pick up a souvenir before heading home, Murdoch’s overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and carries gifts, seashells and other items. Originally built in the late 1800s, Murdoch’s first served as a bath house offering bathing suit rentals and showers to visitors. After rebuilding several times during the 1900s, Murdoch’s became a gift shop in the 1970s. It was last rebuilt in 2008 after Hurricane Ike devastated Galveston.

The Spot 3204 Seawall Blvd., Galveston 409-621-5237 thespot.islandfamous.com The Spot overlooks the Gulf Coast waters, offering a casual and entertaining family-friendly dining experience. Menu options range from fresh seafood to hamburgers. The family friendly restaurant is also connected to four other venues: The Spot Tiki Bar, Sideyard, the Rum Shack and Squeeze, which all offer adult beverages in a breezy setting.

Gaido’s 3828 Seawall Blvd., Galveston 409-761-5500 www.gaidos.com There is no lack of quality seafood options on Galveston Island, and this fine-dining restaurant offers fresh seafood cuisine with Creole flair. All dishes are made in-house from Gaido family recipes. The restaurant is one of the oldest on the island, founded by San Giacinto Gaido in 1911.

The 1877 Tall Ship Elissa 2100 Harborside Drive, Galveston 409-763-1877 www.facebook.com/1877elissa The Elissa sailing ship was built in 1877 in Aberdeen, Scotland, and flaunts 19 sails. The ship stands 99 feet and 9 inches tall and is still fully functional. General admission is $12 for adults, $9 for children ages 6-18, and children age 5 and under are admitted for free.

Moody Mansion 2618 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston 409-762-7668 www.moodymansion.org Driving down Galveston’s streets, it is impossible to miss the architecture and old homes that dot the island, and the Moody Mansion is no exception. Daily self-guided audio tours are offered inside the home, which was built in 1895 and was the home of W.L. Moody and his family for several decades.

Round Top

Although the small town of Round Top is known for the biannual antiques fair it plays host to each spring and fall, the town also serves as a quiet getaway for Houston residents.

Expressions Coffee & Art 111 W. Wantke St., Round Top 214-356-3280 www.facebook.com/EspressionsTX/ Patrons at Expressions Coffee & Art include visitors and locals alike partaking in a variety of hot and iced brews with several flavor options available.

Junk Gypsy Company Junk Gypsy Company carries an abundance of T-shirts, mugs, homegoods, jewelry and boots all with a custom gypsy flair.[/caption]

Junk Gypsy Company 1215 Hwy. 237 S., Round Top 979-249-5865 www.junkgypsyblog.com Junk Gypsy Company carries an abundance of T-shirts, mugs, homegoods, jewelry and boots all with a custom gypsy flair. Founded by Amie, Janie and Jolie Sikes, the family business has gained much acclaim in the last decade through a TV show on HGTV and designing items, including an Airstream trailer and tour bus, for country artists Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley.

Saddlehorn Winery 958 FM 1948 N., Burton 979-289-3858 www.saddlehornwinery.com Located about a mile off Hwy. 290 in Burton, visitors to Saddlehorn Winery can partake in a wine tasting for $10 on the way to or from Round Top. The tasting fee includes a sample of six wines with more than a dozen from which to choose, and winery staff provide details on each wine. Guests can also sign up for the wine club, which includes complimentary tastings, special events and semiannual shipments of wine.

Henkel Square Market Just a few steps away from the town square in Round Top sits Henkel Square, a historic setting with several boutiques,
a restored chapel and the Henkel Hall Event Center, which can serve as a wedding or event venue.[/caption]

Henkel Square Market 201 N. Live Oak St., Round Top 979-249-5840 www.henkelsquareroundtop.com Just a few steps away from the town square in Round Top sits Henkel Square, a historic setting with several boutiques, a restored chapel and the Henkel Hall Event Center, which can serve as a wedding or event venue. The area also boasts views of the surrounding countryside and serves as a fun spot to take photos.

The Gallery at Round Top 203 E. Austin St., Round Top 979-249-4119 www.thegalleryatroundtop.com Featuring a wide array of mediums and styles of artwork from artists across the country, the Gallery at Round Top provides a nice break from the Texas heat. The gallery’s salon show and competition began in April, and visitors can see award-winning international artwork on display at the gallery. The same owners operate the adjacent store, Comforts, which also features custom artwork and decor. Visitors can also say hello to the owner’s dog, who can often be found lounging around the shop.

Royers Round Top Cafe Sweet ‘n’ salty, strawberry rhubarb and junk berry pie are just
a few of the more than 10 pie options to choose from at this local cafe where eating dessert first is encouraged.[/caption]

Royers Round Top Cafe 105 Main St., Round Top 979-249-3611 www.thegalleryatroundtop.com Sweet ‘n’ salty, strawberry rhubarb and junk berry pie are just a few of the more than 10 pie options to choose from at this local cafe where eating dessert first is encouraged. The menu also features sandwich, salad and burger options along with other entrees. The walls and porch of the cafe also offer patrons much to look at as they wait for lunch to be prepared. A sign out front teases, “If you’re in a hurry, go to Houston.”