Galveston’s historic Strand began as just one humble street, formerly known as Avenue B according the city’s original 1830’s plat. The name change, a switch from the mundane to the fanciful, occurred when local German jeweler Michael William Shaw adopted “Strand” as his Avenue B address, hoping to imbue his location with a little more prestige. “Strand” means beach in German (an appropriate substitute for an avenue that parallels Galveston Bay) and was a popular term in Victorian England for suggesting a more “top drawer” location. Today, however, the Strand stands for a lot more than just old Avenue B. The Strand National Historic District encompasses a five-block area of downtown Galveston. Iron-fronted brick buildings, more resistant to fire than the community’s earliest lumber structures, line the main avenue and Victorian homes and commercial buildings (at least those that survived the devastating hurricane of 1900) comprise the surrounding blocks. Today, visitors enjoy shopping, eating, touring museums and art galleries, and night clubbing up and down the Strand and throughout its neighborhood. Annual festivals include Galveston’s own Mardi Gras and “Dickens on the Strand”, a popular Christmas event with volunteers in period dress walking the Strand and celebrating its Victorian heritage.

502 20th St, Galveston, TX 77550

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A Self Guided Tour
Set your own pace……
and make sure to see the sights that are important to you and your group.  The team at Zipp E-Bikes will show you how easy it is to use one of our bikes with a quick step by step lesson (it wont take you long, it’s just a bicycle that helps you pedal) and make sure you are comfortable and safe before you set out on your journey. They will also answer any questions you might have about Galveston Island and point you towards some cool and interesting destinations to see while you are out on an E-bike. So what are you waiting for…………

Zipp E-Bikes is located in the heart of Galveston’s historic district. Only one block from the Strand and a short walk from the Galveston Cruise Ship terminal we are in the perfect location to begin and end an E-bike adventure. Our shop sits across from the Tremont Hotel at 2311 Mechanic st.

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Visitors always say it’s the most fun and memorable activity of their trip. And locals are surprised to find such an amazing experience right in their own backyard.

Wherever you’re from, we’ll bend over backwards to make sure you leave with a giant smile on your face!

Locks and helmets are included with every rental.

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SUP Gulf Coast wants to introduce you to the world’s fastest growing sport, stand up paddle boarding. We currently offer stand up paddle board rentals and surf board rentals in Galveston at two locations a well as mobile delivery! Millions of people have taken up the sport as it provides a great opportunity to enjoy the water, get a great workout and relax all at the same time. No experience is required to rent and operate a paddle board. We have paddle boards that will accommodate all levels from beginners looking for a relaxing stroll on a bayou to the avid paddle border looking to catch some waves on the coast. We provide a brief but thorough instruction with each rental.

SUP Gulf Coast understands it can sometimes be intimidating trying something new.  We are located right on the beach and also offer mobile deliveries.  We will walk through everything you need to know and if at all possible, get out there with you. We’ve got you covered. Lessons are also available for more guaranteed one on one instruction. Our goal is to get you paddling in a safe and fun environment.

Our paddle boards  are designed to be  used in flat water and in surf.  Which works well with Galveston’s ever changing beach conditions. No day is ever the same but you can use your paddle board every day.

Paddle boarding/Paddle surfing is perfect for Galveston Island surfers as it gives the extra push needed when waves are small and slow. Paddle surfing makes catching waves a bit easier. You will see many of the locals out daily with their paddle boards on the seawall.

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In 2004, Jack left Galveston for a position in the corporate world, but, he never lost his love of art and Galveston Island. So, in 2013, Third Coast Gallery was reborn at 2413 Mechanic Street in the Downtown Historic District of Galveston. Jack’s partner in this venture is his younger son, Charles.  There are about 2,500 sf within the building, with over 2,200 sf of exhibition area. From the stained and polished concrete floors, to the high ceilings and the original brick walls, it is an elegant space. The building was originally erected in 1874, and has housed many diverse activities in the past almost 140 years. It is a wonderful old building, complete with New Orléans style courtyards and a marvelous ambiance.

The goal of Third Coast Gallery is to exhibit a variety of artistic media and styles; Abstract paintings, Sculpture, Assemblages, wood turnings and sculpture, and of course, representational paintings in both oil and watercolor.

The gallery also serves as the studio for Jack Morris. Jack is noted for his photo representational oils of Galveston, New Orleans and other locales. He refers to his work as “photo derivative”, a form of photorealism that stops short of being hyperrealism. He is also noted for his commission pieces, both of portraits as well as paintings of the historical homes here on the Island City. On most days, he can be found at his large studio easel working on a new painting. Stop by and chat, and learn more about this Island institution.

The exhibits will change with the schedule of the Galveston ArtWalk, but the gallery artists will still be shown both within the gallery and on the website. Please come and visit us, both in person in Galveston, and here on the Third Coast Gallery website.  We may be reached by telephone by dialing 409-974-4661, or through the email on this website. The Gallery Hours are Mondays, Wednesday thru Saturday, 10am until 6pm & Sundays, Noon until 4pm (closed Tuesdays) or call to make an appointment.    If you need to speak with someone during off-hours, please feel free to call Betsy Campbell at 773-727-4204.

Photos Courtesy of Third Coast Gallery

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Tangerine is a family run boutique founded in Galveston Island, Texas in 2009 by Kim Cherryhomes. Her brick and mortar store is a mix of elegant and casual West Coast couture for the Galveston and Houston area. Kim’s artistic background comes to life in Tangerine as soon as you walk in. Shopping with us is an experience.

We are very thankful for our loyal customer and designer base who feel like family and stretches far beyond the island. Kim has cultivated strong relationships with designs such as Natalie Martin, The Odells, Cleobella, Nightcap, Tysa, Corey Lyn Calter, Chan Luu, Natalie B Jewelry, Heather Benjamin Jewelry, Mother Denim, Bed Stu Shoes, among others.

No matter what you are looking for whether it be for day to day life, the office, dates, girls night out, your best friends wedding, it can be found at Tangerine. We offer attractive options for all women

Kim, as well as her loving staff, aim to bring you low key, fun, and a sophisticated style to your wardrobe.

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The original founders of Southern Spears hail from Australia and Texas.  With extensive experiences traveling and surfing around the world in locations such as Australia,  Indonesia,  Mexico,  Costa Rica,  Hawaii,  California and Fiji, they bring their global surfing experience to your local surf shop.

“Spear” is Australian slang for surfboard.  Southern Spears carries a large selection of surfboards from shapers in Australia and Texas – both southern in their own right.  If you want to talk about any of the boards we have in stock,  or take a demo out for a few waves,  please call us at 409.744.2772

LEARN TO SURF

*beginner surf lessons for all ages
*2 hour lessons
*all equipment provided
*small classes
*wetsuits available

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From 1971 to 1986 the Galveston Arts Center, under the Galveston County Cultural Arts Council, Inc., grew to offer quality programs in the form of exhibitions, art education and public festivals for all the Galveston County area. In 1986, The Galveston Arts Center became a separate non-profit organization.

Due to damage incurred by Hurricane Ike in 2008, GAC was forced to move temporarily to a nearby location on the corner 25th and Market Streets in Galveston. For the initial renovation of the building on the Strand, and in support of continued programming, the Moody Foundation committed funds along with other organizations including the Harris and Eliza Kempner Foundation, Houston Endowment Inc., the Brown Foundation and individual donors. Through this support and the dedication of our board members, staff, and independent artists and teachers, GAC was able to continue nearly all of the pre-Ike programming and events from the temporary location while simultaneously running a years-long capital campaign to restore the damaged historic building. Restoration was completed in 2015, and today GAC is back and the building is more beautiful than ever.

For 34 years, Galveston Arts Center has organized ArtWalk every 6-8 weeks. Presented in partnership with downtown galleries, artist studios, nonprofit arts spaces, and other local businesses, this popular event is a major economic driver for the cultural and tourism sectors of Galveston’s economy.

We take pride in this tradition and remain committed to promoting the business of artists and galleries through good times and challenging ones. It is in this spirit of solidarity that GAC presents, in lieu of ArtWalk, this new Galveston Gallery Guide to help art lovers connect with galleries, find virtual shopping options, and support working artists any day of the year.

VISIT US:

2127 Strand
Galveston, TX 77550

Photos Courtesy of Galveston Art Center

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The history of the art groups in Galveston must recognize the efforts of Mrs. Marie Kimball, a pioneer of the city’s art world. She formed the earliest group of Galveston art lovers. No permanent organization functioned until the present Galveston Art League was founded on June 12, 1914, how. The group was composed of Mrs. I.H. Kempner, Mrs. Boyer Gonzales, Miss Frances Kirk, Miss Hattie Wittig, Miss Angela McDonald, Mrs. W. F. Beers, and Miss Alice Black. Throughout its years of existence, the Galveston Art League has continued to promote the goals and purposes set forth in the League’s first constitution:

• To foster worthwhile art in the schools and homes of the city
• To solicit the cooperation of public and private groups in support of art
• To encourage the artist of the city and state
• To hold exhibitions

The Art League continues to:
• Welcome visiting artists.
• Sponsor art instruction by well-known artist.
• Present their works in exhibition.
• Introduce artists to Galvestonians in open-house receptions.
• Bring art shows to the island.
• Present outstanding lectures at regular meetings.
• Organize art functions.

The Galveston Art League continues to support the philosophy of the National Endowment for the Arts, “A great Nation Deserves Great Art” and works to bring that philosophy to the community.

Visit the Gallery:

2117A Post Office Street, Galveston, Texas

Directions To The Galveston Art League
From Houston to Postoffice Street:
Travel Interstate 45 South (Gulf Freeway) to the Galveston Causeway. Soon after crossing the Causeway, I-45 becomes Broadway (SR-87, Ave. J). Continue traveling along Broadway for approximately 2.8 miles. Turn left on 23rd St. (Tremont St.) and travel north approximately .3 miles to Postoffice St. (Ave. E).

From Bolivar Peninsula to Postoffice Street:
Starting from Crystal Beach, travel approximately 10.7 miles to the Bolivar Ferry. Upon exiting the Ferry, take Ferry Road (SR-87) and head southeast approximately .9 miles. Turn right (west) onto Harborside Drive. Travel approximately 1.4 miles along Harborside Dr. Turn left (south) onto 23rd Street (Tremont St.) and travel approximately .3 miles to Postoffice St. (Ave. E).

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Affaire d’Art is a fine art gallery located in downtown Galveston. The gallery, opened in 2011, showcases a diverse selection of original works in fine art mediums including painting, drawing, photography, mixed media and sculpture. Affaire d’ Art also showcases a collection of jewelry and you’ll find over 20 artisans within the 1500 square feet. In 2019, the gallery was acquired by Scott & Samitha Edwards, owners of From the HeART Gallery. The gallery is located at 2227 Postoffice Street and is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 12p until 6p.

From the HeART Gallery, established in 2016, is a unique blend of fine arts and home decor representing a variety of local and national artisans, photographers, jewelry designers, sculptors, floral design, furniture and mixed media. The gallery represents over 50 artisans and, within its 3000 square feet, has a full classroom with a calendar full of events including art classes, paint parties and custom events. The classroom also serves as a studio for photographers. From the HeART gallery offers you a one-of-a-kind creative space…where Island meets HeART. The gallery is located at 2111 Postoffice and is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 12p until 8p.

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Join us for our two hour sunset tour of Galveston’s Harbor.  Guests are welcome to bring snacks and beverages aboard to make the trip more enjoyable.  Perfect for couples that want to sip champagne and watch the sunset or a group of friends just looking for something different to do, the trip will not disappoint.  The tour is aboard Cruise-N-Time, our twin engine open-air tour boat

JET BOAT THRILL RIDE

The entire family will enjoy the thrill and excitement of right angle turns, accelerated speeds, and “The Hamilton Spin”, a maneuver that spins the boat 360° on its axis throwing a head high wall of water into the air.

DOLPHIN SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Join us for our one hour tour of Galveston’s Harbor to see birds and marine life.  We are usually able to get a close up view of playful dolphins jumping.  The tour is aboard Cruise-N-Time, our twin engine open-air tour boat

BOOK A TRIP

Reservations can be made online, by calling 409.276.6116, or by visiting our kiosk on Pier 21

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Today’s guests enjoy amenities such as customizable event space – ideal for both meetings and special celebrations. Access to the outdoor pool, fitness center, and day spa at their sister hotel, Hotel Galvez & Spa, are wonderful ways to relax and rejuvenate. Onsite dining options include the Tremont Café, Rooftop Bar, and Toujouse Bar. The Tremont Houses’s 133 sophisticated guest rooms and suites blend 19th Century charm with contemporary conveniences such as 42” LCD TVs and free WiFi.

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