Earlier this year we launched a podcast network, adding the Manifesto hosted by Gideon the Free-quent Flyer to the Patreon Feed.
In this episode Gideon sits down with Kelly de Schaun, Chief Executive Officer of the Galveston Park Board.
Enjoy this special episode, and if you’re interested in even more great podcast content, check us out on Patreon.
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[0:00] Intro
- Original Galveston post: https://freequentflyerbook.com/blog/2015/6/14/galveston-tx-is-a-weird-place-to-take-a-vacation
- Galveston Park Board: https://www.galvestonparkboard.org/
- Beach and Park Operations: https://www.galvestonparkboard.org/157/Beach-and-Park-Operations
- Galveston Island Convention Center: https://www.galvestonislandconventioncenter.com/
[2:37] Beach nourishment and replenishment
- Galveston Island geography
- Beach recreational opportunities and economics
- Relationship with Army Corps of Engineers
- Dredging of Galveston Channel
- Hurricanes!
[8:07] VisitGalveston.com
[9:07] Galveston’s history
- Indigenous population
- Pirates!
- Pelican Island Immigration Station (https://www.texascooppower.com/texas-stories/history/galvestons-immigration-station)
- African American history (https://www.galvestonhistorycenter.org/research/african-american-history)
- The 1900 Storm (https://www.1900storm.com/)
- Natural and economic history
- Bootlegging and bordellos
- Cruise port
[18:37] Tourism breakdown
- Summer is high season
- Second homes
- Extended stays (work from home, remote schooling)
- Dune bashing and tailgating
- Public alcohol consumption (no glass!)
- Special events
- Lone Star Rally: https://lonestarrally.com/
- Mardi Gras: https://www.galveston.com/calendarofevents/mardi-gras-2021/
[23:37] Status of AirBNB/VRBO
- Registration requirements
- Local contact (noise complaints)
- Compliance program
[26:37] Seasons
- Make summer reservations early
- Haunted Mayfield Manor: https://www.galveston.com/whattodo/attractions/thrill/mayfieldmanor/
- Pier 21: http://www.pier21galveston.com/
- Galveston Historical Foundation: https://www.galvestonhistory.org/
- Beach weather through November
[30:37] Fishing
- Shore fishing and charter fishing
- Deep sea: Marlin, Tuna
- Fishing licenses (Academy: https://stores.academy.com/tx/galveston.html)
[32:37] Current Events: COVID-19
- COVID-19 Shut down during Spring Break. Beaches, state parks, recreational areas
- Re-opened June 1
- Closed again July 4 and Memorial Day
[35:37] Current Events: Hurricanes
- Had to “decamp” twice
- Tourism revenue has held up
- San Luis hotel: https://www.sanluisresort.com/
[40:47 Dickens On the Squares: https://www.galvestonhistory.org/events/dickens-on-the-strand
[41:07] Capacity restrictions
- Restaurant occupancy 75%
- Meetings and conventions 50%
- No out-door capacity restrictions
- Bars closed (if they don’t serve food)
[42:07] Juneteenth and Race Relations
[45:17] Transportation
- Rent a car (45 minutes from HOU, 1:15 from IAH)
- Shuttles (Galveston Limousine: https://galvestonlimo.com/)
- Lyft and Uber (now legal for pickup in Galveston)
- Segways
- “Surries”
[47:47] Lodging
- Stay near Moody Gardens for kids and families
- Wyndham: Hotel Galvez, Tremont
- Commodore, Gaido’s (https://www.gaidosseaside.com/) on the seawall
[49:27] Neighborhoods
[51:47] Eating
- Local delicacy: “Devil’s Kiss”/”Shrimp Kiss”
- Fish tacos (BLVD Seafood: http://blvdseafood.com/, Fish Company Taco: https://fishcotaco.com/)
- Gaido’s (http://www.gaidos.com/)
- Maceo Spice & Import Company: https://maceospice.com/