If you are looking for Santa Claus in Galveston - he's at the Hotel Galvez every Sunday before Christmas.  Yesterday, Santa Claus took photos with children and guests during Sunday Brunch with Santa.  The Hotel Galvez has invited this special guest to add to the holiday spirit this season.  Santa is seated in the Terrace Ballroom and ready for photos during brunch which is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Meet Santa on Sunday, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21.  Make sure you stop by to see Executive Chef Jerry Helminski's gingerbread version of the Hotel Galvez.  It's on display next to the concierge's desk.  Reservations are recommended for brunch, email bernardos@wyndham.com or call (409) 765-7721.  Happy Holidays.   

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It's time to celebrate the holiday season in Galveston. It's going to be a great night at the Hotel Galvez tonight.  We are hosting the City of Galveston Official Holiday Tree Lighting.  Bagpipes, Santa Claus, Queen Victoria, Temple High School Choir and singers from Moody Gardens Christmas Show will add to the fun.  The event begins at 6 p.m.  Channel 2 Weatherman Frank Billingsley will emcee the event.  The hotel has a Christmas tree on the front lawn and a beautiful tree in the lobby and holiday decorations throughout the public areas.  Santa Claus will take his seat in the Music Room shortly after the event begins for photos.  Guests will hear from Queen Victoria about Dickens on The Strand, Santa Claus and Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas tonight. We also have volunteers from Help4Galveston who will take donations next to the cookie decorating station. Please join us if you are in town. 

Make sure that you check out Executive Chef Jerry Helminski's gingerbread creation of the Hotel Galvez.  It will be on display during the month of December.

I can't believe that next week is already Thanksgiving. Galveston is looking much better.  Broadway has finally been cleared of much of the debris.  Yesterday, I saw people cleaning windows downtown and touching up paint in preparation for Dickens on The Strand.  

On Friday, Nov. 28, the Hotel Galvez will be the site of the City of Galveston's Official Tree Lighting Holiday Event.  Festivities begin at 6 p.m. It's free and we encourage people to come out and get into the holiday spirit.  Santa Claus will arrive by firetruck along with Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas. I think people want some fun and remember the holidays.  Our Executive Chef Jerry Helminski also has plans to create a gingerbread replica of the Hotel Galvez.  This should be great fun.  The event is sponsored by Mitchell Historic Properties, Hotel Galvez, the Historic Downtown Galveston Partnership and the City of Galveston. 

On Saturday, Nov. 29, the City of Galveston, Clean Galveston, AmeriCorps, Impact and Help4Galveston is hosting the Great Galveston Garbage Gobble.  Registration begins at 8 a.m. at Alamo School, 53rd & Avenue N 1/2.  Work begins at 9 a.m. and a volunteer appreciation lunch is scheduled at 1 p.m.  Call 409-797-3710 for information or email volunteer@cityofgalveston.org 

The weather has been beautiful and the beaches look great.

I can't believe that it's almost November.  Time has flown.  If you plan to be in Galveston for Thanksgiving - don't wait to make reservations at the Hotel Galvez Thanksgiving Day Brunch.  As you know or should know, the Hotel Galvez is known for its long-standing Sunday brunch and the Thanksgiving Day Brunch is even grander.  Below are some details on the menu.  To make reservations, please call (409) 515-2117 or call the main hotel number at (409) 765-7721 and they will transfer you.

This menu makes me hungry just reading it and I can personally attest that brunch is sure to please...   

Brunch will feature freshly prepared breads and pastries, assorted fruits and cheeses, and vegetable crudités for starters.  Guests can enjoy seafood gumbo and roasted winter squash soup or choose from sliced beef sirloin with roasted potato salad, marinated artichokes with pesto chicken and assorted chef salads at the salad station.  Seafood entrees include smoked salmon, canapés, Gulf shrimp, oysters on the half shell, cocktail shrimp and crab claws served with spicy remoulade and cocktail sauce. 

Featured Thanksgiving favorites include sliced roast turkey breast, fresh cranberry sauce, traditional and cornbread stuffing, home-style mashed potatoes, candied yams, green bean casserole and natural turkey gravy. In addition to Thanksgiving favorites, brunch will also include apple smoked bacon and country sausage, eggs benedict, cheese blintz with marion berry sauce, seared salmon with creamy polenta and shiitake mushrooms, rice pilaf and a vegetable medley.

Guests can choose omelets made to order or design their own pasta dish with a selection of pastas, sauces and other options such as chicken, shrimp and vegetables.  The carving station will feature prime rib, bourbon glazed ham and sage rubbed turkey.  The hotel also features an impressive assortment of desserts in a separate dessert room. Complimentary champagne and mimosas are included.

Thanksgiving Day Brunch is $39 for adults, $30 for seniors and $20 for children ages 6 to 12. Children aged six and under are complimentary. Reservations are required and seating times are at 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2 p.m.

The Hotel Galvez, rated four diamonds by AAA, is a member in the National Trust Historic Hotels of America.  The Hotel Galvez is owned by Galveston preservationists Cynthia and George Mitchell and is part of Mitchell Historic Properties.  For brunch reservations, please call (409) 515-2117. 

In case you haven't heard, the Galveston Historical Foundation is hosting its 35th Annual Dickens on the Strand on December 6 & 7.  This year it will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  You can go to www.galvestonhistory.org for information.  Although there is still work to be done in downtown Galveston this is a great opportunity for people to see that our beautiful historic buildings are still standing proud.  Dickens started as a way to bring exposure to downtown Galveston and I applaud GHF for committing to hold this important event.  I attended Ike's Overfest, also known as Oktoberfest, last weekend and it was great.  I think people want to see Galveston recover and this community appreciates any support.  This weekend, the Beach Boys are playing a Moody Gardens.  I can't wait.  I think residents want some normalcy, visitors want to support Galveston and, frankly, local businesses who are open appreciate the revenue. 

I have heard concerns that there is nothing to do in Galveston right now and that is not true.  Actually the beachfront is beautiful right now - perfect for a bike ride, run or restful walk.  I have noticed that Island Bicycle Company on 18th & Seawall is open.  Their phone number is 409-762-2453.  Plus I think we are a hurricane tourist sight with many people stopping to take pictures of Murdock's and the Flagship.  Don't forget Moody Gardens is open as well as The Tall Ship Elissa at Pier 21 and Bishop's Palace.  Elissa and Bishop's Palace are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sundays.  Moody Mansion is opening Thanksgiving Weekend.  Moody Mansion will be open on Fridays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 3 p.m.  Off the top of my head, Marios, Saltgrass, Bernardo's at the Hotel Galvez, FishTales, Olympia Grill, Float, Los Compas, the Spot, Salsa's, Landry's, IHOP, Rainforest Cafe, McAlister's Deli and Casey's are all open.  And yes, gas stations, drugstores, grocery stores, Walmart and Target are open.     

Golfers will also be happy to know that Moody Gardens Golf Course, Galveston's new premier public course, is open for business.  Their website requests that people come by to set their tee times because their phones are still down.  Of course, the Hotel Galvez reopened Oct. 15 and Harbor House will reopen in time for Dickens on The Strand.  Remember to book your rooms early.      

While people will still see debris that needs to be picked up, especially on Broadway, much progress has been made.  I encourage you to get out and enjoy this beautiful weather and support Galveston as we continue to recover.  Tourism has been a major part of Galveston Island for more than 100 years and many people's livelihood relies on our visitors.  Check out Galveston.com's webcams to see Galveston for yourself.   

Great News.. Galveston’s historic Hotel Galvez, which sustained minimal damage from Hurricane Ike, is now scheduled to reopen to the public Wednesday, Oct. 15. 

Here's a little history. The Hotel Galvez was built as a symbol of Galveston’s resilience following the Great Storm of 1900.  A group of businessmen pulled their resources and raised $1 million to open the hotel on June 10, 1911 at 6 p.m.  This elegant beachfront hotel was immediately proclaimed “Queen of the Gulf.”

The hotel has a colorful history from serving as a temporary White House for President Teddy Roosevelt to serving as a working facility for the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II and as a headquarters for the Pageants of Pulchritude, the beauty pageants that were predecessors to the Miss America Pageant.  The Hotel Galvez is now one of the most popular choices for brides, hosting an average of 120 weddings every year. 

In 1937, President Teddy Roosevelt spent ten days at the hotel and held a meeting with newly elected Congressman and future president, Lyndon B. Johnson. In the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, the Hotel Galvez was the social hub of Galveston then known as the “Playground of the Southwest.” Bandleader Phil Harris and actress Alice Faye married at Hotel Galvez and hundreds of celebrities including Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra and Jimmy Stewart stayed at the hotel. 

Like many historic hotels, the Hotel Galvez has a resident ghost.  Legend has it that the fiancée of a seaman checked in to Room 501 while her love was away at sea. She discovered that his ship had sunk and she took her own life in desperation.  Her spirit haunts Hotel Galvez to this day.

The Hotel Galvez remains the only historic beachfront hotel in Galveston.  It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of Historic Hotels of America.  The Hotel Galvez, a Wyndham Historic Hotel, is owned by Galveston preservationists Cynthia and George Mitchell and is part of Mitchell Historic Properties.

I'm excited to share some positive news... Bernardo's Restaurant at the Hotel Galvez reopens today with a breakfast buffet from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and a lunch/dinner buffet from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.  The full ala carte menu will return on Saturday.  The hotels longstanding Sunday champagne brunch returns this Sunday, Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Brunch is $32 for adults, $28 for seniors and $19 for children. 

As I drive around town more restaurants are opening daily  Last night, we had dinner at Fish Tales and it offered a very tranquil view (aside from the Flagship Hotel - which is now a photo stop for people).  Ironically, Galveston's beach is really beautiful right now - the water is crystal blue, the weather is cool.  It's a nice break from seeing all the damage from Hurricane Ike.  So far, Chili's, Saltgrass, Fish Tales, Landry's, The Spot, Caseys, and Sonic are open.  I'm sure that I've missed some.  Galveston.com and the Galveston County Daily News are posting a list.

Also, Moody Gardens is reopening most of its attractions in October and the Galveston Historical Foundation is planning to hosts Dickens on The Strand.  I really encourage people to come out and support these businesses, attractions and events.  All are so important to Galveston and its ongoing success.  More news to come.

This has been a very emotional time for those of us who love Galveston. While the media tends to focus on the devastation - there is also much progress being made daily.

I have this update to share... Apparently, our Oct. 15 reopening date for our hotels was too optimistic. Currently, the Hotel Galvez currently has electricity, water and elevator service and a full restoration is underway. The hotel plans to welcome guests in early November. The Tremont House sustained relatively minor damage from Hurricane Ike but the restoration process is expected to continue until early 2009. Lastly, Harbor House also sustained relatively minor damage but the hotel will not be available to the public until early 2009. The hotel is currently housing those assisting in the island’s restoration efforts.

If you booked a group or a wedding at one of these hotels, a sales manager should have or will be contacting you. More news to come.

Just before Hurricane Ike I purchased a replica of a calendar printed by the Galveston Tribune in 1901.  Right now it's at a framer in downtown Galveston possibly damaged.  After I return to Galveston I plan to hang it in my office.  It reads "Galveston was not born to die - Greater and Grander than Ever."  This message still stands true for Galveston.  Although there is a great amount of damage to our Island, our community will rebuild and Galvestonians continue to be resilient. 

I'm happy to report that the Hotel Galvez continues to grace the Seawall on 21st Street.  The hotel had a couple of feet of water in the lower level and staff is working diligently to clean up the mess.  The Hotel Galvez was built to show Galveston had recovered after the 1900 Storm and it still continues to stand after 97 years.  I hope that at some point, we will see media coverage from our hotel when it reopens.

The Tremont House sustained flooding on the first floor but no serious damage.  The Tremont House is located in the 1879 Leon H. Blum Building and this historic building still stands after 129 years.  I have seen lots of photos of downtown Galveston but none that show the hotel.  Hopefully we will be able to post photos soon.  Lastly, Harbor House at Pier 21 sustained water damage due to high waters.  Some aerial photos actually show a boat in the parking lot next to Harborside Drive and in the hotel's adjacent parking lot.  Mother Nature is truly amazing.  The hotels are planning to reopen Oct. 15 pending reinstatement of utilities and completion of repairs.

My plan is to keep you posted as we restore our hotels and properties. 

Casablanca was absolutely great on Saturday.  The weather was comfortable and breezy and there was a probably 200 to 250 people in attendance.  For all those people who complain that there is nothing to do - if you haven't ventured to Movie Nite - you are really missing out.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, Oct. 4 for Psycho shown during the last Movie Nite on The Strand event in 2008.  We received a great response to our survey which will help in planning the movie schedule for 2009.  Top votes included The Wizard of Oz, Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Graduate, Footloose, Forrest Gump and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.  We also had some requests to show a movie in November and continue the movies in the winter months.  Stay tuned.  Movie Nite on The Strand is sponsored by the Mitchell Historic Properties, Galveston Park Board of Trustees, and the Historic Downtown Galveston Partnership. 

The weather should be perfect this weekend for Movie Nite on The Strand.  Pack a picnic basket, pull out your lawn chairs, get out the wine and enjoy Casablanca on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 pm.  This event really draws a crowd so come early and snag your spot.  This weekend we are going to pass out a survey to get input from the crowd on what movies they would like to see during the 2009 season.  The 2009 season begin in March and end in October.  Movies will be scheduled on the first Saturday of the month. 

Next month, the movie is Psycho on October 4 - keep in mind that this is the last movie of the season.  Movie Nite is sponsored by the Galveston Park Board, Mitchell Historic Properties and the Historic Downtown Galveston Partnership. 

One of my favorite places to go when I was a child was Rosenberg Library.  If you haven't been lately I encourage you to drop by.  They have several wonderful exhibits and it's a great way to spend the afternoon.  Currently, there is a exhibit on Texas A&M University at Galveston - A Celebration of the Past 50 Years, The World at War - Memories of World War I and World War II, and a Sacred Spaces of Churches exhibit.  The Texas History Center also has a history of tourism exhibit featuring enlarged vintage postcards and images from the 1900 storm.  There is another exhibit that reviews a little history of Galveston too.  Due to an impatient 9-year-old I didn't get to read everything but I plan to viist again soon. 

I was also thrilled to order a copy of a calendar cover from the Galveston Tribune dating back to 1901 from the Texas History Center.  It reads "Galveston was not born to die - Greater and Grander than Ever."  I first saw this calendar cover while watching "The Great Storm" documentary at Pier 21 Theater and I have always wanted a copy.  It shows the resilence of Galvestonians and it makes me proud to be a resident.

Stay cool and get out and enjoy Galveston.       

I was thrilled to learn that we can enjoy going to a Farmer's Market every Saturday in downtown Galveston.  Every second Saturday the Historic Downtown Partnership hosts its Downtown Galveston Farmer's Market at Saengerfest Park, 23rd & Strand.  Beginning in September their market will be scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  They also set up tables and chairs so guests can enjoy their coffee, fresh bread or breakfast in the park.  Last weekend, we shopped at the Downtown Galveston Farmer's Market and we bought fresh bread from two vendors as well as burritos, and tortillas from Star Bakery as well as food from YaBon.  The Ball High School Tornettes were arriving as we were leaving to perform.  They occassionally schedule student groups to provide entertainment.  Future dates include Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8 and Dec. 13.

But you don't have to wait until next month to enjoy a farmer's market in Galveston.  LeCroy's Saturday Market is held every Saturday, except the second Saturday of the month so it won't conflict with Downtown Galveston Farmer's Market.  You will see familiar vendors at both markets.  The LeCroy's Saturday Market is from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Bistro LeCroy, 2021 Strand.  Check our their website at www.lecroyssaturdaymarket.com.  We have also shopped at this market and it offers great food, fresh flowers and more.  One of my favorite restaurants, EatCetera, offered samples of their gazpacho recently.  It was delicious.  We also love the veggie chips.     

Get out and enjoy Galveston! 

One of the great things about Galveston is that almost everywhere you go you will run into someone that you know.  Especially if you grew up in Galveston like I did.  While running I ran into a girl I went to high school with that I hadn't seen in years.  She was spending the week here visiting family.  She mentioned how she forgot how great Galveston was and how she would love to live here again.  I have to agree.  Most people take for granted what a great place Galveston is.  You have to think that if millions of people visit every year - there is definitely an appeal.

Last Sunday, we took a bike ride along the Seawall, rode through the East End Neighborhood District then made it to The Strand District.  While cruising down the street, I saw an old friend with her husband and new baby boy.  What a surprise... Several of us have been emailing back and forth in preparation for our 20th high school reunion but I actually hadn't seen her in several years.  We ended up spending hours at Mo Bettah Market catching up and people watching.  She said that she never realized what a family friendly spot The Strand was.  She and her husband had found the perfect table and enjoyed playing tourist for the day.  Of course my husband and I constantly play tourist so this is no surprise to us.    

If you haven't been - make sure you check out the season at The Grand 1894 Opera House.  They just added Tony Bennett to their season.  We plan to get tickets. 

Stay cool and enjoy Galveston.