Sandfest

Ahhh, The Redneck Riviera.

On occasion, the gray waters of the Texas Gulf Coast call to us (see Galveston ) and despite oil platforms clearly visible from our beach chairs, we can't seem to resist its lure of sandy beaches, the sound of waves crashing ashore and seagulls cawing. So when we heard about an annual sand sculpture competition - Texas Sandfest - being hosted in one of our favorite seaside communities, Port Aransas, we were all over it.

Sandfest draws nationally known artists, amateur sculptors and over 100,000 visitors to this sleepy beach town just outside of Corpus Christi. They come in RV's, tents and teepees for the three day festival. Who knew?

The sand-sculptors are given a specific time frame in order to complete their work. Forms, molds or stamps are not allowed and the only 'adhesive' they can use is a spray sealant provided by the Sandfest organizers. 

This sculptor won first place in the amateur division last year - which gave him an invitation to compete with the pro's this year.

Our favorite

"Monsters Under My Bed"

"Blockhead"

"Horny Toads" - sunbathing

1st Place Winner - People's Choice Winner

We stayed at The Sandcastle Condominiums while in Port A. A great, reasonably-priced spot on the beach and just steps from the festival.

 Sandcastle lessons were offered and an amateur-class competition was included.

Castle building lessons

Oh, and if you're into great seafood, you've got to check out Beach Street & Station Grill. Very Casual but everything is casual in Port A.

A close 'second' (across the street) is La Playa - Mexican - don't miss the bacon wrapped, jalapeno-stuffed grilled shrimp.

Back to Texas Sandfest...

This guy's home-made wind generator peaked Mr. Something's interest...something to do with a car alternator...

 I got a kick out of Johnsonville's World's Largest Grill...Where the Truck Driver (Mark) is also the Grill-Master...

My new BFF, Grill Master Mark

We stayed for a few days of beach-time after the competition was over and reflected on the artistry, eye and creativity that was involved in sculpting these pieces...only to wistfully witness bulldozers scooping them up and pushing them back into the sea.

Sigh.

Galveston, Texas: More than it's cracked up to be...

Our view from The Galvez Hotel

Granted, it's no secret that the Texas Gulf Coast will never be mistaken for Palm Beach, but if the sound of the sea beckons you - and you live in Texas - Galveston is not so bad. A five-hour drive from Dallas (and only 45 minutes from Houston) means your basic Texan can pack up a couple of beach chairs, an umbrella, some sunscreen and before long you're listening to the sound of waves crashing ashore.  Sure, the horizon may be obscured by a cruise-ship or oil-tanker on occasion but again, it's no Palm Beach.

On the Galveston Beach

We stayed at The Galvez, a historic old hotel on Seawall Boulevard. Built in 1911, it has been refurbished and is just lovely now.  Very reminiscent of The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island albeit on a much smaller scale, The Galvez is not only beautifully decorated with classical music piped in the common areas of the first floor but it as an added extra...it's reportedly haunted.

'Word' has it that there has been a whole lot of Paranormal Activity going on at The Galvez, including a well-known haunting by the “Ghost Bride” of Room 501 who will spook the entire 5th floor on occasion.

As far as we could tell...we were all alone in Room 611.

The Galvez Pool

Next year, I plan on returning in October when for the low, low price of $35, you can participate in The Galvez' Ghost Tour and Dinner package. The tour-guide just happens to be the hotel's Concierge, who brings along an electromagnetic field detector and infrared thermometer - just in case.   

Historically, if ever there was a reason to be haunted, Galveston has every right to be. In 1900 Galveston was prospering as a major US port. Sadly, it was struck by a devastating Hurricane that year, killing up to 8,000 residents. Eventually rebuilding, Galveston bounced back in the 1920-1930's but gained a reputation for gambling, alcohol and prostitution and became known as "Sin-city of the Gulf". 

Galveston Beach

Remnants of Galveston's colorful history can be seen through the beautiful Victorian architecture of The Strand, the vibrant art scene, the funky un-Starbucks coffee shops and most importantly, the residents of the city.


Thanks Galveston.

We'll be back.