Whether one lives here on weekends or full time, more and more people are choosing to live in Downtown Galveston.
They are attracted by the great restaurants, bars, boutiques and other entertainment options which are a step above most cities of our size. In terms of dining, our choices are varied with many diferent styles of restaurants. Whether you want a fancy, casual or an ethnic night out you will find it in Downtown Galveston.
Our downtown live theater options include the Grand 1894 Opera House under Maureen Patton’s tutelage, an Equity theater, and community-based Island ETC East End theater, run by founder Kim Mytelka.
We have a regularly scheduled Art Walk which highlights all the wonderful galleries. There is a wonderful range of gift shops, clothing boutiques and specialty shops available for even the most discerning shopper.
With everyone talking about Mardi Gras during this time of year, it’s worth remembering if you have an apartment or loft downtown you have a front row seat to all the fun. Many residents tell me that they love being able to enjoy Mardi Gras, food festivals and Dickens on The Strand right from their front door – and our balcony parties are legendary!
We all owe George and Cynthia Mitchell a debt of gratitude for their foresight in saving many of our downtown historic buildings. Their visionary development really did lead the way for others to follow. It gave people conidence that our beautiful historic buildings could be preserved and updated for modern living. Thankfully, his work is being continued through Mitchell Historic Properties.
As a real estate agent and the President of the Galveston Association of Realtors I am thrilled whenever a developer provides new downtown apartments or lots in our historic buildings.
As the V.P. of the Galveston Downtown Partnership, I am proud of the work this group is doing, which includes the addition of improved signage, allowing one to navigate much easier throughout downtown. The green spaces project will include planting more trees in the neighborhood. These are quality of life benefits for everyone who visits or makes downtown their home or place of business.
Want to learn more? Save the date for the very popular Lots Tour on April 18. It’s a great way to get a taste of downtown living. Tickets are on sale already. For more information check out www.downtowngalveston.org.
Many of Galveston’s downtown events are managed by Yaga’s Entertainment with Mike Dean as its president. They bring people to Galveston, and add to the living experience of our residents. Yaga’s Wild Game BBQ Cook Off is an event that attracts a ton of people and benefits the Yaga’s Children’s Fund.
With the help of the volunteers from Lighthouse Charity, this fund has raised $940,000 for Galveston County children’s charities including Gulf Coast Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Family Service Center, Advocacy Center for Children, and the Ronald McDonald House of Galveston.
You get to eat great food AND you are helping those in need — what a great combination. Downtown living is another reason why those of us lucky enough to live by the sea are lucky enough!