Galveston lovers (Victoria, West, Point: real estate, lease, condos)

[AK123]

Galveston is such a special place. One of the state's jewels. It just breaks my heart to see what has happened as it took a direct hit from hurricane Ike.

I've had great times there the last few years. I've tried other beach communities on the Gulf coast, and there's just nothing else that compares. The history, the people, the food, the architecture, the eclectic mix of everything.

Galveston had really been changing the last few years. Lots of new high-end development, condos, high-rises. Gone are the days of tar-filled beaches and little homes on stilts. Galveston had cleaned up and big money was making an appearance.

For the last few years, we had vacationed every year during the off season (usually Oct-Jan). That's actually the time I like best. I don't know if we will even be able to do that this year. The adults always had fun, kids always had fun, best seafood in the state, and wonderful people.

I saw aerial footage and it looks like Pointe West condos and Seascape condos (where we usually stay) are mostly intact? Amazing. There was another time we stayed at a Victorian bed and breakfast. There was a plaque on the outside saying it had survived the 1900 storm. What about this one?

I'm hoping maybe this thread can become a sticky, and every time someone gets an update as to specific condo developments, restaurants, etc (if/when they'll be back up and open for business), they can post here. I'm ready to go back and want all the updates.

And, I just love the place.

[case44]

Good thing I visited in late June. It was a great few days for me and I intend to go back eventually. The Island will be back, bigger and better than ever. It is just going to take time to pick up the pieces. They survived 1900. They'll survive Ike.

Southeast Texas gets a major hurricane once every 25 to 30 years. They had Alicia in '83, Carla in '61, and now Ike this year. So, it should be another 30 until the next one, only let's hope Galveston doesn't take another direct hit.

[love roses]

I agree with case. It'll bounce back. People have actually been taking care of business themselves regardless of what the media shows of people looking for handouts. I also think it'll probably be another 30 yrs. before Texas sees another hurricane.

[stoneclaw]

Originally Posted by love roses

I agree with case. It'll bounce back. People have actually been taking care of business themselves regardless of what the media shows of people looking for handouts. I also think it'll probably be another 30 yrs. before Texas sees another hurricane.

Let's hope you're right.

[eliana_b]

Does anyone know how to donate for the restoration of historical buildings? Is the Historical Society taking donations?

Also, how can we donate to the city to make sure that Galvestonians receive aid? Thanks.

[momof2dfw]

We also love Galveston. It really has cleaned up in the last decade. Prices were going up on real estate on The Island. Tillman Fritita was helping jumpstart the place and has put a lot of money into The Island: San Luis, Hilton, Rainforest Cafe, convention center, etc. He bought the Flagship several years ago but the lease was still intact so he could not do much with it till that is up. Maybe this will help speed that process up and he can get it going back to its glory days. I'm also hoping that this hurricane even as tragic as it was will help clean up some of the areas that were getting very neglected and rundown. There is so much to be said about the good of Galveston and all. Food is AWESOME there.

We always stayed at Seascape and I finally saw some pics of it yesterday. Only the ground level where the parking, office and pool are located got flooded from what I've heard.

There is a Galveston website w/ a forum. I'm not supposed to post it on here but it is REALLY easy to find. They have a dedicated forum now just for the hurricane.

[Lakewooder]

You cannot keep Texans down. Galveston will be back and I shall be there!

[worldlyman]

Originally Posted by AK123

I've had great times there the last few years. I've tried other beach communities on the Gulf coast, and there's just nothing else that compares. The history, the people, the food, the architecture, the eclectic mix of everything.



And, I just love the place.

I grew up in Clearwater Beach, Florida...and lived out in SoCal where I enjoyed different beach towns.

I also had my fair share of growing up around Galveston.

You're right. Galveston has a unique vibe that is hard to compare. It's not for beach purists...but everything else is quite more interesting than Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, Newport Beach and even Venice Beach. Venice Beach has the best action but lacks the spooky vibe and architecture of Galveston...for me, anyway.

[jacq63]

We were only there for a few days, but it made it's way into our hearts and minds. Wonderful, wonderful place. My heart goes out to everyone affected by Ike. To see the pix of the devestation, all over, TX and LA thanks to Ike is just heart-breaking. I know you guys are tough and will bounce back, and we're rootin' for you down here.
I'll try and find that other forum..I'd like to know what happened to Woody's.

[BobTex]

Originally Posted by case44

Good thing I visited in late June. It was a great few days for me and I intend to go back eventually. The Island will be back, bigger and better than ever. It is just going to take time to pick up the pieces. They survived 1900. They'll survive Ike.

Southeast Texas gets a major hurricane once every 25 to 30 years. They had Alicia in '83, Carla in '61, and now Ike this year. So, it should be another 30 until the next one, only let's hope Galveston doesn't take another direct hit.

Uhhhhh ........ Rita? ------> 2005?