Search results matching tag 'Accommodations'

Peril on the Seven Seas! (Or, What NOT to Do When Boating Tahoe)

Jennifer — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:38:00 GMT

The only instance in my life when I thought I was going to die happened on a day in 1971 while boating on Lake Tahoe! My fiance (now husband) and I were young and dumb, boating in our fixer-upper, fourteen-foot, outboard. Only completely insane college kids would do something so stupid. To top it off, the two of us were water skiing alone, without a third person to watch the skier. As I was waiting in the cold, cold, water for the Love of My Life to get the ski rope to me, the gas-line broke. Oops. just a bit of a problem.

Unknown to us, it is typical for the temperament of Lake Tahoe to change in a moment; and change, it did; from smooth as glass to a choppy, frightening, gray expanse of huge swells. We hadn't checked the forecast. The current and wind pulled me farther and farther from the boat. Whitecaps surrounded me. Finally, my partner-in-stupidity repaired the gas line and came to me. He pulled me out of the water, and off we went. That isn't exactly what happened. At that point, the real fun began.

Our boat was much too small for Lake Tahoe; especially in bad weather. The waves had become so big that we couldn't make it in to shore. As they broke over our hull and into the boat, we began to take on water. Not good! While I bailed out the water, lover boy tried to get us to shore. He wisely decided not to fight against the waves and the current, but to go with it along the shore. This was probably the most intelligent decision of the day and, exhausted, cold and wet, we eventually made it to shore.

Live and learn; or as my late Mother-in-Law would have said, "No jackass steps in the same hole twice." So, in 1987, when we bought our condo on Lake Tahoe's North Shore, we decided to buy a lake-worthy boat. What a concept was that! We also had children of our own by that time, and we were responsible adults who had learned a healthy respect for the lake. I've told you what NOT to do while enjoying Lake Tahoe; now I can give you a few tips about how to have a safe, fun experience on one of the world's most beautiful lakes:

* Buy, or rent a boat no smaller than 20 feet. Lake Tahoe is 22 miles long and 12 miles wide. Respect the size!

* Check the weather forecast.

* Bring a radio and/or cell phone.

* Know the Coast Guard rules: When the Coast Guard boards your boat, and they will, your captain had better be sober. Keep up to date with current regulations.

* Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world with a challenging, 72 miles of rocky shoreline. Be aware and pay attention to the buoys that mark areas within which you may encounter a shallow, rocky bottom. The buoys aren't there to look pretty.

Have fun! I could tell you 20 more stories recounting fabulous summers of boating on Lake Tahoe. Even if you can't buy or rent your own boat, take a party cruise or hire a ski boat with operator. Whatever you do, you shouldn't miss cruising on Lake Tahoe.

This first-hand account of Lake Tahoe Do's and Don'ts was brought to you by Taylor Shay.

Bring on the Grapes: A Guide to Wine in North Tahoe

Jennifer — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 03:00:00 GMT

North Lake Tahoe is an area which offers wonderful cultural events and premier entertainment. Of all the things to do there, however, few things beat the simple joys found in attending a winery tour or one of the local wine festivals. The following events and places are all ones at which you can taste a few (or perhaps more than a few) great wines, relax with friends and family, and generally enjoy yourself.

The Lake Tahoe Autumn Food & Wine Festival

The 2009 Lake Tahoe Autumn Food & Wine Festival will be the 24rd incarnation of this magnificent event, which takes place each year in the Village at Northstar. The event takes place over the course of an entire weekend, beginning on Friday, September 11th and ending that Sunday evening, the 13th. In between, festival-goers are offered wine tastings, a "grape stomp", tours, celebrity chef demonstrations, a wine walk, classes on the pairing of food and wine, a gourmet marketplace, and much, much more. For wine connoisseurs and beginners alike, this is an ideal opportunity to enjoy fine wine and fine culture.

Uncorked in the Village at Squaw

Uncorked, which is located on First Street in the Village at Squaw, is a wine bar and shop which is geared towards those who are serious about their love of wine. This establishment offers wine tasting, wine by the glass, and special weekend events at which customers can meet and interact with local winemakers.

Trio in Truckee

Trio is a beautiful wine bar which is located in Truckee. Along with offering a stunning array of different wine selections from around the globe, this place also features small plate appetizers, delicious champagnes, and is basically just a very cool, chic place to visit.

Time for Wine in Tahoe City

This interesting wine shop, which is touted as a more "common man's" establishment, is a good choice for those who aren't as familiar with wine, or educated about it. The employees at Time for Wine are very willing to explain things and make beginners feel welcome.

The Pour House in Truckee

The Pour House, located in Truckee, is a great wine-tasting bar and wine shop. Unfortunately, however, it has extremely limited hours. The prices here, though, make up for any other element that's lacking.

Grapes and Grounds in the Village at Northstar

Grapes and Grounds, as its name implies, is a wonderful wine and coffee specialty store. A visit to this place is made worthwhile by the smell of the interior all by itself. The prices here, however, are a bit on the higher side.

The Truckee Village Winery

This winery, which offers year-round wine tasting, is of absolutely premier quality. Of especial brilliance are this winery's merlots, which make up some of the best the area has to offer. All in all, this is a great winery to visit for beginners and veteran connoisseurs alike.

This guide to some of the gorgeous grapes in and around North Lake Tahoe was brought to you by Geoff Weed.

Experience Incline Village in North Tahoe

Jennifer — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 23:09:00 GMT

The recent closing of North Lake Tahoe's Ponderosa Ranch may have left some tourists feeling left in the lurch, but Incline Village isn't just a one trick pony when it comes to attractions. How much sarsaparilla can a person really drink anyway? Here's a novel way to spend the day in Incline Village: see what it's like to be a rich guy as well as a regular Joe.

Start your day at the top of the heap. A man known to his friends as "Captain" George Whittell built the Thunderbird Lodge in 1936, but don't let the name of the place fool you. It's not another knotty pine hotel. The house is an architectural beauty, sitting on part of the 40,000 acres the Cap'n acquired with visions of building a million-dollar casino and hotel. Before you start thinking of the man as the Mr. Burns of Tahoe, look around you: he obviously changed his mind. A developing interest in nature and conservation refreshingly outweighed his desire for big bucks, and he held on to the huge estate for the rest of his life. Present-day tourists can now essentially step through a time tunnel into the Tahoe of the past, when only the ultra-elite had property here and built opulent homes worthy of envy.

Guided tours include the stunning main house (plus behind-the-scenes areas such as the cooks' quarters) as well as its unusual additions, such as a lighthouse and a glass-enclosed bridge. Take a gander at the fancily embellished elephant garage, which housed - you guessed it - an Indian elephant that once lived on the estate. The card house is supposedly one of the few remaining examples of its type of building: a spot where men and their best pals supposedly played cards, but just as readily smoked, drank and otherwise caroused. Something about the atmosphere will make you suddenly crave a single malt Scotch.

If you make plans to coincide with one of Thunderbird Lodge's ritzy wine and dinner events, you can have that drink after all. Don't despair if you miss a special event, as there is plenty yet to do, including the simple marvel of trying to imagine this place if Whittell's original vision had panned out. Play the "I'm a developer" game while viewing the pristine landscape and see if you can pick out the best spots for neon signs and diners.(5000 Hwy. 28, 775-832-8750 Tour costs vary from $25 for a bus tour to $110 for boat tours. Tours dates and times are seasonal, so check ahead.)

After seeing how the rich half live, contemplate the pleasures of being an ordinary working class stiff with the best that lowbrow Americana has to offer: bowling. Bowl Incline is a comfortable place to get away from the chi chi tourist restaurants and the ski snobs, with 16 lanes for laid back bowling bliss. Practice your best Fred Flintstone imitation while having a cold beer and mingling with the locals. Try out the golf simulator and redeem yourself for all of your real-life golfing gaffs on the greens. Test the theory that each beer improves your score.(920 Southwood Blvd., 775-831-1900 $3.75 per game with $2.25 shoe rental.)

Afterward, further celebrate the simple life with a big fat burger at Rookies, a popular neighborhood sports bar nearby. Now this is the good life! Savor each bite with thankfulness that you don't live on a mansion on a hill where you have to eat tiny arugula salads and sip wine from a dainty flute. It's good to be Joe.

This guide to the best of both worlds in North Lake Tahoe's Incline Village was brought to you by Elizabeth Kelly.

South Lake Tahoe: The Traveler's Must List

Jennifer — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 02:09:00 GMT

Ready for a vacation? Try South Tahoe, where there is something to do 365-days a year. Never heard of South Lake Tahoe? Well...

South Lake Tahoe has a population of approximately 35,000 and is the lakeside's largest community. This population is not just seasonal, as most of the residents are full-time and call the area home.

South Lake Tahoe is an exceptional recreational area and boasts sunny beaches, fishing, boating, horse-back riding, and miles and miles of the best hiking trails one could hope to find anywhere. A really great example is the Eagle Fall's Hike that boasts spectacular views of Lake Tahoe as the hiking trail winds its way through the majestic forests.

For winter activities, you can find world famous Heavenly Valley and Kirkwood very close by for all types of snowy activities, including cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

If it's around-the-clock action you prefer, Vegas-style casinos are nearby and often draw top performers and big name entertainment from around the world.

South Lake Tahoe also provides numerous first class restaurants for those who appreciate fine dining. The Swiss Chalet Restaurant located on Lake Tahoe Boulevard has had the same chef owner-operator for almost 50 years. This romantic restaurant gives diners the feeling they are in the French Alps. With a choice of authentic European and American cuisine, this is one gourmet stop that every visitor to the area should have on their list!

For some real Tahoe charm another great culinary choice is the Evans American Gourmet Cafe. It certainly gives one that warm, cozy feeling as the restaurant is actually an authentic mountain cabin. They have an excellent menu of reasonably priced appetizers and main courses and stock superb wines in a wide range of prices.

If you happen to be in the mood for some Asian food, Mandarin Garden can also be found on Lake Tahoe Boulevard. This is a more casual eatery and is the choice of many families after a day at the beach. The menu is full or interesting, moderately-priced menu choices that will appeal to the entire family.

For many years the top choice for breakfast in South Lake Tahoe has been Heidi's Pancake House. Heidi's is very well known and much-loved by the locals. Although skiers often stop by for amazing sandwiches and burgers, Heidi's is best known for it's delicious breakfast menu.

To work up an appetite you might want to join the Tahoe Mountain Milers on their weekly Tuesday and Thursday evening runs. All runners have a standing invitation for the out and back run along Tahoe Keys, which is the largest of Lake Tahoe's many marinas.

For history buffs, a visit to Vikingsholm Castle is not to me missed. Found on Emerald Bay Road, the construction of this estate began in 1928 by Lora Josephine. It's said that 200 people were hired to carve the intricate designs found through-out the estate. Interestingly enough, much of the estate was put together without the use of nails or other fasteners. If one is a fan of fine craftsmanship, antiques, and the very best examples of Scandinavian furnishings, then Vikingholm Castle should be at the top of the list of places to visit in South Lake Tahoe.

For a truly unique and diverse holiday destination, South Lake Tahoe is full of Summer and Winter recreation opportunities, fine food, and numerous other attractions that make it the perfect choice for a fun-filled, relaxing vacation.

This quick guide to South Lake Tahoe was brought to you by Ray Fauteux.

Casa Del Mar: Your Best Choice for a Galveston Vacation!

Jennifer — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 16:37:00 GMT

CASA DEL MAR RESORT

When we planned our family vacation to Galveston we wanted to stay somewhere close to the beach, with a beautiful view, yet still affordable. With Casa del Mar we got all three, plus it was easy to find. All we had to do was drive into Galveston, exit on Broadway, turn right on 61st Street, then keep going until we got to Seawall. There it was on the right side at the corner. It was a beautiful location, right across the street from the beach. Every suite had a view of the Gulf from the balcony.

Traveling with 2 children, ages 3 and 8, was a challenge; but with a 1-bedroom suite with a full kitchen everyone was happy. The kids loved the bunk beds, tucked out of the way in the entry hall. But my husband and I relished the private bedroom all to ourselves. Before we got settled in, we made a quick trip to the supermarket just a few blocks away to stock up on quick meals and snacks. Then it was off to the beach; an easy walk across the street. After a couple of hours at the beach, it was back to our suite to clean up and head out to dinner. There were plenty of restaurants to choose from all within walking distance where we selected a tasty Mexican eatery. We were all exhausted from the long trip, so we watched TV in the living room, then sat on the balcony looking at the moon hanging over the Gulf.

The next day started with a quick breakfast from our kitchen, then off to the beach for a few hours. We decided to spend the afternoon at Moody Gardens, so after showers and lunch we set out for an adventure in the Rain Forest. With so many colorful birds, lush vegetation and waterfalls, we felt as if we had left Galveston and were in the tropics. Next door was the Aquarium with its huge tanks of fish and ocean plants and animals. Everyone was tired, so off we went to get some rest in our spacious suite. No one felt like going anywhere after that. We watched TV and cooked a frozen pizza in our kitchen. We went for a walk around the grounds of the resort and the kids saw one of the swimming pools. They had to go swimming. (Why is it that when you are at the beach kids still want to swim in the swimming pool?!)

Our last full day in Galveston started the same as the day before. We realized that we had to eat some seafood before leaving town, so for lunch we found a very crowded seafood restaurant. (We thought that if it was crowded it must be good!) After eating more fried shrimp than is humanly possible we went on to our vacation family tradition of playing miniature golf. For some reason we never play miniature golf any other time, only on vacation. Incredibly, the kids were starving after a couple rounds and would survive only if they got ice cream. We drove down Seawall Blvd. until we found an ice cream shop, luckily, just in time as the kids were about to expire! When we walked around the resort the day before, we discovered several grills on the grounds. We went to the supermarket for everything needed for burgers and fries and then proceeded to cook the best burgers in the world. At least that's what it seemed like at the time! The kids wanted to swim again, so we spent the rest of the evening in the pool.

It was our last day in Galveston and we wanted to go to the beach one last time. We were going to miss our new home away from home. The suite was extremely comfortable and everything we needed was provided, including a laundry room. Even though we stayed only 3 nights, I felt as if we could have stayed for a month. We knew as we were leaving that we would be back to stay at Casa del Mar another time.

This guide to Galveston getaways was brought to you by Julie Diaz.

A Galveston Getaway is Perfect for Any Age!

Jennifer — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:08:00 GMT

Why pack a suitcase--just stuff a few pairs of shorts, couple of t-shirts, sandals, tennis shoes and some towels and sunscreen in an overnight bag, and head off for sun, sand and surf! I live about 4 1/2 hours from Galveston, which is great when I want to take an impulsive getaway weekend. We try to squeeze a few "let's do it now" weekends in every year. And we are never disappointed with our mini vacations to the Texas Island.

Because we go to Galveston several times a year many people ask us what we like best? Everyone wants to know what are the best attractions the "Texas Tourist Mecca" offers to folks coming to rest, relax and spend hard earned money? I always answer that it depends on what you want to do in Galveston.

BEACHES, BEACHES,& MORE BEACHES

EAST BEACH, is the party beach where alcohol is allowed and concerts can be found. It has an outside patio beach bar, public pavilion and plenty of bikinis to watch! This beach also is the site of the annual AIA (architects and designers) Sandcastle Design Contest, which I highly recommend you go and see(so plan your trip in June when it is held). You will really not believe the sand castles these people build!

WEST GALVESTON ISLAND BEACHES are more picturesque and secluded. They are where you find the lovely expensive designer seaside homes of the island. Two beaches are open to the public Pocket Beach #1 and Pocket Beach #2. World class fishing abounds off this coastal seascape and Audubon says that this part of Galveston Island is one of the top Birding locations in America. Grab your beach chair, sunscreen and a stocked ice chest then relax without being overwhelmed by thousands of tourists on these mellow beaches.

STEWART BEACH, the popular tourist venue, is perhaps Galveston's most famous beach. It is 10 miles long and runs parallel to the historic Galveston seawall. The Galveston seawall was built years ago(after the devastating Hurricane of 1900) to protect the thriving gulf town from ocean flooding and hurricanes. Many hotels and vacation condos sit back off the edge of the beach seawall and allow easy access to the sand and sea. Restaurants and boutiques line the streets which run up and down the length of the beach seawall and you can rent sun shade umbrellas and chairs at many beach stations making this the #1 family and tourist beach. It is also famous for the rows of sand volleyball nets and endless games that go on until darkness covers the view of the ball.

PALM BEACH at MOODY GARDENS, is the white, white, white sand and fresh water swimming playland of Galveston. Here you will find all the attractions the kids want to see and do. Moody Gardens is well worth a look-see. Have you ever been in a pyramid? There are 3 main pyramids to visit: the Aquarium...the Rain-forest in a pyramid...and the Discovery Pyramid of hands on science. I love this place and it is not just for kids!

NATURE LOVERS' PARADISE

If you are a back-to-the-earth kind of person you must go and ramble around Galveston Island State park. The 2,000 acre park is found on the west side of the island and offers you a chance to get off the beaten path and spend your vacation time with an affordable "back to nature" sojourn. The park offers camping, birdwatching, nature study, hiking, bike riding, fishing, and beach swimming (unsupervised beaches).It is also a dog friendly park, so take the dogs with you, don't leave them in a kennel! This state park is a must do for anyone who is bird watcher, as it is a migratory site for many unusual birds you will not find in your backyard.(Our personal non-touristy place on the island!)

FAMILY ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO FOR YOUNG or 'OLDER' FOLKS

If you get tired of the sand and sun, or are just not a true sun-worshiper, Galveston has many things to do and see away from the sea and sand. If you want to do the "touristy things", I always recommend the Lone Star Flight Museum because it has about 40 airplanes you only see in movies and it is FREE! Plus it is next to Moody Gardens and the Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark. Everybody in the family will love the planes and the waterpark.

The small island has a wealth of art galleries and museums. Check out the Mardi Gras Museum of costumes and memorabilia, then take the family to the Texas Seaport Museum and visit a sailing legend the "Tall Ship" Elissa. If you are a art lover stroll the "Strand", a 5 block downtown of refurbished historical Victorian buildings and spend a leisurely afternoon visiting boutiques, bistros and galleries. You will also find an unusual game at Saengerfest Park nestled alongside the "Strand": a life size chess board and pieces stand waiting for human players to move them to their next squares.

If you love visiting interesting buildings and learning about historical architecture go see St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica. This historic church is one of the few buildings to make through the famous and devastating Galveston Hurricane or 1900. It was built in 1847 and mass is still held there 6 days a week. History buffs will enjoy other buildings with unusual architecture and interesting histories like Ashton Villa, Bishop's Palace and Moody Mansion.

Two of the nightlife attractions we enjoy each time we go to Galveston are the Strand Street Theater and the Grand 1894 Opera House. Something is usually playing at one of them that catches our interest. And you might take a romantic carriage ride after the show around the "the Strand" boulevard ending at a late night cafe for dessert!

I must mention one other "to do" attraction Galveston offers. Deep sea fishing boat excursions, which are something you must try once in a lifetime. You can reserve 4 hr, 8 hr or 12 hr trips and be sure to take an ice chest packed with your favorite refreshments!

Galveston with its semi-tropical weather is a joy to visit anytime of the year and there is much to do and experience on the gulf island no matter if you are going for a romantic weekend, or an impulsive getaway, or a family vacation. Casual restaurants or fancy resorts..party beaches or secluded beaches...art galleries or waterparks--there is something for all ages and all types of people to enjoy!

This guide to a Galveston getaway was brought to you by Pam Uher.

South Lake Tahoe: Where the Locals go for Luxury

Jennifer — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 01:26:00 GMT

South Lake Tahoe is often viewed by non-locals as a destination spot for those wanting a pristine summer lake vacation or an opulent winter ski getaway. What they don't know is that South Tahoe is a major status symbol locale among Californians. If you are anybody who is anybody living in Northern California, then you have a home in Tahoe or at least know somebody who knows somebody whose house that you rent for a few weeks during the year. Mention you have a home in Tahoe among Californians and you are sure to have every head turn to inquire just where your house is and when you will be departing next!

The appeal of this opulent, yet down-to-earth area comes with the lavish homes and lakeside lodges that are the creme de la creme of California luxury. Tucked privately into a sea of pine trees, with expansive views of the lake, the top homes here are worth tens of millions of dollars. This area is also an outdoor playground that is suitable for active enthusiasts of all ages. Surrounding this lake are numerous ski resorts at your leisure, and of course in the summer, boating, water-skiing and jet-skiing are all-day activities.

For those who would like to experience being in the in-crowd, without buying a million dollar home, the Tahoe Keys Resort remains one of the most popular destination locations. The Tahoe Keys is a private marina community where you will find top of the line lodging and plenty of amenities to keep you busy all summer long. Stay here and you will get an accurate look at the friendly yet luxurious destination that is South Lake Tahoe.

If you need some time to get away from the flurry of the crowds, visiting the many nearby parks, biking trails or campsites is a great adventure for families or any outdoor enthusiast. The best park for kids continues to be Bijou Park, where you will find the ever-popular disc golf-course. Scoff if you will, but this sport is addictive in a very Harry Potter-like away. Try it once and you will have a hard time returning to the usual attractions of the lake!

Visiting South Lake Tahoe is a sure-fire getaway no matter what your taste. For those who prefer the social scene, I highly recommend visiting around the New Year (when the town begins to resemble a mob scene) and for those who need relaxation, the refreshing lake breezes of summer will calm you in a way that only Lake Tahoe can.

This guide to luxurious South Lake Tahoe was brought to you by Nicole Keller.

The State Dance of South Carolina--Only in Myrtle Beach.

Jennifer — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:35:00 GMT

The image of teenagers doing the "Carolina Shag" to the tune of Hank Ballard's "Shagging on the Grand Strand" definitely evokes memories of the beach classic "Shag." When "Shag" first debuted in 1989, it was not destined for cinematic greatness. However, the movie that was primarily filmed in Myrtle Beach has since garnered a cult following among fans of beach music and the "Carolina Shag" (state dance of South Carolina). Indeed, the free-spirited beach culture has endeared Myrtle Beach to the hearts of many beach purists.

A trip to the beach music capital of the world would be wasted without visiting the many beach clubs that line the coast of Grand Strand. In terms of sheer scale, the largest nightspot has to be Broadway at the Beach, which features a collection of international establishments such as Hard Rock Cafe and Planet Hollywood. "Shag" along to the classic beach songs of all-time greats such as Maurice Williams, General Johnson and The Embers.

If you want to do some booty-shaking and are into punk, Indy and experimental rock, head to such clubs as Lazy I, Alley Cat's and Club Kryptonite. Gentle reminder about Club Kryptonite: Get there early or there won't be room for your booty! For a laughter-filled evening, head to Legends in Concert which features a rotating cast that do hilarious impressions of Hollywood and pop stars. If you are tired of jokes about Britney Spears and Paris Hilton, visit Comedy Cabana where touring stand-up comedians perform. This family-friendly club also provides a full bar and grill menu.

Indulge in excellent cuisine and top-notch live entertainment at House of Blues. Discover the Sherlock Holmes in you when you participate in the in-house gig: "Murder Mystery Dinner Theater", an interactive live show where patrons can figure out the murderer' and win attractive prizes.

One tip: It is prudent to invest in a $15 Myrtle Beach VIP card to enjoy discounts or even free entry to the most popular clubs in Myrtle! (For more information, log on to http://www.myrtlebeachvipcard.com)

Many travelers often find thrill in exposing themselves to new experiences. If you belong in this category, you should not miss the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. This is a one-of-a-kind dinner show where plays that portray the medieval ages are acted out in a castle-styled arena. Moreover, there are authentic jousting and sword fighting tournaments on show. This must be one of the most novel attractions on Myrtle Beach and the food served is pretty decent.

Myrtle Beach offers a diverse array of night-time entertainment options for all ages. You will be pleasantly surprised by the hospitality and vitality of Grand Strand. So head on down to Myrtle Beach and have a shagging' good time!

This guide to Shagadelic Myrtle Beach was brought to you by W.H. Garcia

Note to self: The shag is like the jitterbug. Not like the Hokey Pokey. Next time, save self embarrassment and practice dancing in the confines of the beautiful Myrtle Beach rental home.

Galveston Island Attractions--You'll Never Run Out of Things to Do!

Jennifer — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:26:00 GMT

Mention Galveston, Texas and many people would remember the name from one of the classic rock songs where it appeared. Mention that it's actually an island and some people may do a double take. Yes, Galveston is in fact an island, and not just that but an island with literally thousands of things to see and do.

Start with The Strand. The Strand is one of the area's oldest attractions, and one of the only areas that managed to survive the 1900 storm that took out most of the city. This historic district is full of so many different things that you might find yourself extending your trip by a few extra days just to see everything there. Plus, if you spend a few nights on their local bar/club scene, you may even forget about heading home!

The Strand is the place to go if you're an architecture buff, or if you just like people watching. Yes you'll see thousands of tourists swimming around, but you'll also be face to face with locals and local shops. The one store you have to visit is the Peanut Butter Warehouse on 20th Street. Don't worry if you find yourself spending a few hours wandering around the store, picking up homemade fudge and taking home a prehistoric kitchen gadget from their antiques shop, now you're acting more like a local and less like a tourist.

While in The Strand you also have to hit the Pier 21 Theater. Pier 21 shows two different movies every hour: The Great Storm, which details the devastating effects of the 1900 hurricane, and The Pirate Island of Jean Lafitte. If seeing those flicks puts you in the mood for some more history, head to the Elissa. This tall ship is one of the only objects listed with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. You can also head over to the Texas Seaport Museum where you can find information on nearly every immigrant who came through Galveston to the US.

When in Galveston, make sure to hit one of the historic house tours. The Michael B. Menard Home on 33rd Street is the oldest building there, built in 1938. You'll also find the 1839 Samuel May Williams House, former home of the man who once owned the island.

Moody Gardens is another must see in Galveston. This is the perfect place to visit with kids, and the perfect place to see if you love nature. You can see the 10 story rain forest pyramid with birds and plants that are usually only found in the rain forest, and go swimming in the aquarium. Or just hit the IMAX theater, and 4D theater. Better yet, grab one of their two day passes and see every attraction they have to offer, and as many times as you want.

The only limits to what you can do in Galveston is how much time you can spend there!

This guide to Galveston Island was brought to you by Jennifer Eblin

Everything You Need for a Successful Galveston Island Fishing Expedition

Jennifer — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 05:25:00 GMT

I remember going fishing in Galveston with my dad when I was just a kid. Traveling south on 61st Street, that last hill you have to drive over just before you could see the beach was more suspenseful than any roller coaster drop. I knew full well that there were two things to expect- choppy water that resembled frothing chocolate milk, or the placidity of a warm, green gulf, more closely resembling the Caribbean.

Whether you're fishing live bait or plastics, wading in the surf or fishing the lights at night, when fishing Galveston Island, water clarity and conditions are the first two things to consider. Getting up at 5 a.m. to stare down muddy water with a vicious chop just isn't worth the sleep you give up- go back to bed. The perfect conditions are low winds from the west/ southwest, a brisk incoming tide and the ability to, at the very least, see your feet in thigh deep water. If all of these factors fall into place you are in for a treat.

Under good conditions, almost anywhere on the island can produce fish. The beach front at 8 Mile Road and directly off the seawall at 14th Street can be super hot spots, and the piers will always let you know how the fishing is. Just give the 61st Street fishing pier a call at (409) 744-8365, or the Galveston Fishing Pier at (409) 744-2273, and remember the three key questions to ask these guys: when the next high tide is, what the water conditions are and "how's the fishin'?".

Just remember though, their job is to get you on their pier, so always take their advice with a grain of salt. A report of "fishing's great!" usually translates into pretty darn good fishing, but a response of "eh...it's doin' ok", well, that may be a red flag to try another approach- especially if it coincides with a low tide and choppy waters. However, never let a mediocre report spoil a long-planned and anticipated trip to the island. Texas winds and weather can change on a dime, and so can the fishing conditions.

When that water's just right, you can throw anything short of a paper clip into it and catch something. A medium- action 6' to 7'5'' rod with a reel capable of handling about 175 yards of 14 # test is the typical weapon of choice. Leaders are optional, but a stainless steel snap swivel might come in handy. As far as bait and lures go, silver spoons do the trick, as do plastics that match the water color, the occasional topwater and live or dead shad, shrimp or squid. Just ask an outfitter at your neighborhood sporting goods behemoth. Most of the guys working there are seasoned fishermen and love it when you spend your money before a big fishing trip.

As far as fishing in the bays and wading in the surf go, you stand a good chance of catching speckled trout, redfish, Spanish mackerel, drum, whiting, croaker, sheepshead, gafftop, ray, shark...well, you get the point- the list is long, when the water is right. On occasion, even tarpon, pompano, cobia, snapper and jack creville are snagged in the surf or from the jetties; at which point just enjoy the ride- even hooking a fish of this caliber is a victory onto itself.

If you are looking for a change of pace, or maybe you're just sick of being slammed and soaked by waves and being burnt to jerky-like consistency by that relentless Texas sun, there are alternatives. Night fishing has a devoted cult following all over the Texas coast, and Galveston Island and the surrounding area offers some of the best. It can get a bit crowded during peak season, but the atmosphere remains family-friendly, and better still, dry and cool. The same rules apply as far as water conditions go, but night owls stick to smaller lures like speck rigs or live shrimp. Other than that, all you need are lights, camera, action.

Another way to get onto some good fishing on your next Galveston expedition is to take an offshore trip. Maybe you're a seasoned maritime navigator and mechanic, familiar with the ins and outs of equipment used to catch fish up to 8 feet long. Good for you. If you aren't however, stick to a guide. These guys have been fishing the Galveston offshore scene since birth, and if there are fish to be taken, they'll get you to them.

Galveston guides can get you hooked up with kingfish, snapper, jack, tuna, mahi-mahi, shark, grouper and more. For the most part, one guide tends to be as good as another, simply because they all rely on word of mouth and happy customers to fuel their bizz. However, don't think you're going to get in on deeply guarded fishing secrets just because you hop on a leaky boat named the "Shark Attack", skippered by a rum-scented old salt with a beard and a patch on his left eye. Spend the extra 50 to 100 dollars and hop on a larger, cleaner boat with satellite radio, a cooler full of beer and soda, bottled water, snacks and a friendly, knowledgeable crew. If you want to spend a little more, you can sometimes even find a boat with a restroom and an air-conditioned cabin and small kitchen. Visit Captain Elliott Charters for a comfortable, action-packed party boat outing, or inquire them about private charters. Those guys have been getting people hooked up with fish for a long time now, and they are always willing to help veterans and newbies alike.

Remember though- as great as Galveston fishing can be, nothing in fishing is ever certain. So go out for the experience of it all, and always tip the guys who are there trying to provide an enjoyable time for you and your buddies or family. Trust me, they'll remember the generosity, and the next time around, they might just show you a spot or two that they've never shared before.

Well, if you're still looking for a reason to make a Galveston Island fishing trip, you might want to get your summertime head check. Things get hot in a hurry down that way, and I know where I'll be- catching fish and catching memories on Galveston Island. Good luck and good fishing!

This guide to fabulous Galveston Island fishing was brought to you by Travis Jones