Welcome to Downtown Galveston, the island's shopping, dining, attractions, and history
hub.
I'm Alicia Cahill with Galveston.com TV and I'm on one of the island's most famous
streets, The Strand.
In fact, it's home to one of the nation's largest collections of cast iron buildings.
And how's within these buildings are a unique array of shops and boutiques, restaurants,
and even museums, making this area a fun experience for people of all ages.
In fact, today, why don't you join me and we'll go check it out.
If you're on the hunt for a great gift or maybe something for yourself, be sure to stop
in at Gracie's, a family-owned gift and home decor store located on the corner of 23rd
and The Strand.
Gracie's has the largest collection of their Bradley items I've ever seen, as well as fantastic
baby items, jewelry, and even bridal gifts.
You can shop their sister store, Bungalow.
Bungalow also has a wonderful array of gifts, apparel, books, and carries two fantastic
can bag lines, Spartina and Bagalini.
So the next time you're looking for something unique to give or get, be sure to stop in
both of these stores here on The Strand.
Another adorable shop and one of my personal favorites is Head to Foot Sees.
Locally owned and operated, Head to Foot Sees features hand-selected fashion, everything
from dresses to sportswear, and the island's most impressive selection of footwear, all
at incredibly reasonable prices and ladies.
This shop is for you.
I guarantee they have your size and your style.
No matter if you're a teen or a grandmother, extra small or 3X, Head to Foot Sees is for
every woman.
And don't forget, you can shop online, shop and ship footsies at HeadtoFootSees.com.
And don't just sweet tooth at Rocky Mountain Chocolate, next time you're out strolling
the Strand.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate is famous for their delicious, candy-coated, hand-dipped apples,
delectable chocolates, and of course, their homemade fudge.
Or you can cool off with a refreshing scoop of ice cream or beverage next time you're
nearby, and you can even pick out a pre-selected box of candies to take with you now, or you
can have these sweet treats shipped back home.
Downtown has something even just for the kids.
Pirates, legends of the Gulf Coast.
It's right next door to Sangerfest Park.
This exhibit explains the realities of pirate life and tells the tale of Galveston's famous
pirate king, John Lafitte.
But a thrills and chills and things that go bump in the night are more your speed.
Next door is the Haunted Mayfield Manor.
This actor portrayed Haunted House attraction is the only year-round haunted house in the
state of Texas.
And it tells the tales of ghosts that lurk within its walls.
The Haunted Mayfield Manor is spooky and fun.
We're still in downtown Galveston, a few blocks off the strand on Post Office Street, home
to great shopping, dining, and art galleries.
We're here in Affair to Art, one of the many galleries located within the state-designated
Arts and Cultural District.
Affair to Art features more than 40 local and international artists working in all mediums,
including sculpture, photography, sketches, jewelry, and paintings in oil, acrylic, and
watercolor.
Affair to Art offers monthly events, workshops, and juried exhibitions, in addition to local
and international shipping.
So whether you're a first-time art buyer or a seasoned collector, Affair to Art is a
must-visit gallery.
While you're strolling along Post Office Street and joining our shops and galleries, take
a break and step into Mod Coffee House.
Mod is where locals meet and visitors are always welcome.
It's located in the downtown historic Pix Building.
And whether you'd like a fair-trade coffee early in the morning, perhaps a latte or even
a homemade pastry, Mod has you covered.
You can also enjoy a beer or wine and listen to live music out on one of the sidewalk tables.
No matter what, Mod is a unique place to be, and you must make it a stop while you're in
downtown Galveston.
Famous for their award-winning steam kettles, I always love coming here and seeing my meal
prepared right in front of me over a cold beer or maybe a premium glass of wine.
And while gumbo is a must here at the gumbo bar, sometimes I like to kick it off with
a fabulous lump-prab meat cocktail, a plate of barbecued oysters, or maybe even some
chapino.
Not a seafood eater?
That's not a problem here at Little Daddy's Gumbo Bar.
We've got things like fresh salads and mouth-watering burgers on the menu.
If you're thinking of a night out to celebrate a special dinner or hoping to catch a bite
to eat before attending a performance at the Grand 1894 Opera House, remember Saltwater
Grill.
Saltwater Grill has a fabulous full bar and a mouth-watering menu full of variety, everything
from Asian fusion to great steaks, and of course, seafood selections galore.
Watch master chefs prepare award-winning dinners in their open kitchen or in front of the steam
kettles.
And for larger groups, a private room is available, and everyone can book online reservations
through OpenTable.
As you can tell, there's lots to see and do in downtown Galveston, and one great alternative
to strolling our streets on foot is to take a horse-drawn carriage ride.
And we'd also like to thank Island Carriages for the use of their carriage while we're
filming today.
It's been a wonderful day on Galveston Island.
Please come back and see us and visit the downtown area.
