Kevin Scott: June 2010 Archives

Still need an idea for a summer getaway?  Well I've got your answer.  Come to Galveston and spend some time at the historic Hotel Galvez & Spa located at 20th and Seawall.  The Galvez, built in 1911, is the oldest hotel on the Seawall and therefore boasts plenty of history and will not disappoint.  As a matter of fact, my lady friend and I spent a birth-a-versary (that's right, birthday/anniversary) there recently, so it's even good for a stay-cation for locals just looking to get out of the house for a change.

Obviously, since the hotel has been on the Island so long it has gone through changes in ownership and survived storms.  Most recently, Island legend George P. Mitchell owns the hotel and is enjoying bringing the Galvez back to its glory.  Since the storm, the Galvez has completed its renovation of its new spa and pool areas (top notch by the way).  And the most recent project is the replacement of the windows to mimic those the building originally had.

What I like best about the historic Hotel Galvez & Spa is that its outside beauty is mirrored by its inside.  There's almost no where you can go in the hotel that isn't exquisite, from its lobby and bar to its finest suites.

So, tourists and Islanders alike can't miss by planning a stay at the historic Hotel Galvez & Spa.  And tell 'em Islander By Choice sent ya (it won't get you anything... except maybe a smile).

For those of you who haven't heard yet, local Galveston Daily News reporter Rhiannon Meyers and ex-reporter Leigh Jones have written a book detailing certain accounts and aspects of Hurricane Ike and it's aftermath.  Infinite Monster (the name of the book) hit stores this week and already seems to be garnering praise.  It promises to delve into the storm in ways other Ike books have yet to do, after all, it's from a local's perspective.

I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.  And better yet.  You can buy the book and get it signed this evening at the Galveston Daily News main office (8522 Teichman Road) from 4-7 p.m.  And if you miss that, stop by The Admiralty  (2221 Strand) tomorrow from noon-4 p.m. for another chance to meet the authors and get a signed book of your own.

Locally, the book has been well received so far with spots on the morning TV show for Houston Fox 26 as well as a radio interview on KUHF Conversations.

So Islanders, be sure to support local and get yourself a copy of Infinite Monster.  Read it.  And stand even taller for being able to call yourself an Islander By Choice.

More often than not I find myself traveling through town and stumbling upon sites or places I've never been to, or noticed for that matter.  It amazes me how many times this happens, even on my normal everyday trips down Postoffice and Church streets while driving my lady friend to and from work.  Whether it's a house, a new tree carving, or a new street walker.

I know I can't be expected to canvas and know/recognize all the different parts of town, but I still enjoy pointing to something that I've probably passed by before and thinking "well wouldja look at that... where did that come from... how long has that been there?"

This mainly happens to me when I'm cruising through the neighborhoods.  Historic districts mainly.  A certain house will all of a sudden, for some reason un-be-knownst to me, jump out at me.

I also enjoy lazily going through parts of town that I don't frequent and stumbling on new finds that way.  I love to drive through Cedar Lawn from time to time and crawl along its narrow winding roads.  And even though I don't get out there much, I enjoy driving through the West End of the Island so I can appreciate the different way of life.

It just seems that of all the places I've lived in my life that Galveston maintains a quality of stay-a-bility. 

Think about.  Ever noticed something you've never noticed before?