With its deep-water port and sandy beaches, Galveston’s maritime- and tourism-based economy is strongly supported by its health care, governmental, educational, insurance, financial and technology sectors. The barrier island, 50 miles south of Houston, is also a multifaceted force for meetings and conventions, with a diverse portfolio of assets for planners and groups.
“The great thing about Galveston is that you can’t define it by just one personality,” says Meg Winchester, director of the Galveston Island CVB. “It is a beach destination, a historical destination, a food destination, an art and culture destination, and much more all wrapped up on a charming little island.
“And there is never a lack for things to do,” she adds, “from outdoor adventures tied to our 32-mile coastline to exploring one of the largest collections of Victorian architecture in the country, and taking advantage of world-class attractions and museums that make great off-site venues or group experiences.”
Across a range of categories, resilient, resourceful Galveston is the definitive complete package for groups.
History for the Taking
First discovered by Europeans five centuries ago, Galveston’s lineage is unrivalled in North America. Not surprisingly, the city boasts powerhouse heritage credentials, inclding four districts and some 1,500 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, and three National Historic Landmarks.
Part of the national landmark East End Historic District, Bishop’s Palace is regarded by architectural historians as one of the nation’s most significant Victorian-era residences. Featuring towers and turrets, intricate cast iron work, and colorful granite and sandstone walls, this French medieval-style charmer from 1892 is now run by the Galveston Historical Foundation as a house museum. While not available for functions, programs include private guided tours for up to six people.
The foundation’s rental portfolio also includes the 1880 Garten Verein, originally a German garden club featuring a restored pavilion for functions, and the 1859 Ashton Villa, accommodating receptions for up to 250 guests in its grand ballroom and first floor.
Their name long synonymous with Galveston, the Moody family of Texas built a financial empire first on cotton and then banking, ranching, insurance and hotels. (Moody Gardens Hotel is one of the destination’s favorites for meetings.) Completed in 1895, the Moody Mansion was the family home until 1986. Restored to its original splendor, this 20-room time capsule offers hosted tours and private event spaces, including the ballroom.
Artful Presentations
Coastal destinations tend to stimulate the creative juices, and Galveston is no exception, offering a range of inspiring options for groups.
Devoted to promoting and preserving Galveston’s rich coastal and marine environments, Artist Boat offers public and private programs that combine kayaking with hands-on art and science instruction. Ideal for groups of up to 25, custom kayak adventures include explorations of Galveston Island State Park, Christmas Bay, Cypress Swamps and other ecological gems.
In the East End, the Tree Sculptures Tour is a memorable off-agenda activity for groups. Bring your camera or sketchbook to record dozens of century-old trees damaged by Hurricane Ike in 2008 that artists have subsequently transformed into animals, birds and other figures. Examples include the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz; Crane, Pelican Diving Into a School of Fish; and Birds of Galveston, a large oak tree with 17 birds sculpted on the branches and small plants and animals carved around the trunk.
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Founded in 1986, the nonprofit Galveston Arts Center offers a range of art-themed classes and workshops, both in-house and off-site at venues like Moody Mansion. Presently in temporary space, the center expects to move back into its headquarters, the 1878 First National Bank Building, this fall. Located in the Strand National Historic Landmark District, the building, itself a national landmark, was damaged by Hurricane Ike in 2008. The center also produces the popular long-running ArtWalk, which takes place roughly every six weeks in the Strand’s art galleries, cafes, boutiques and other spaces.
Hooks, Lines and Sink ’Em
In Galveston, it’s all hands on deck for invigorating outdoor activities, starting of course with fishing. Whether looking to book deep sea excursions or simply drop lines in the bay or off the jetty, groups can choose from multiple local boat operators and guides.
The Galveston Historical Foundation is also a resource for seagoing adventures, offering harbor tours, dolphin watching and private charters aboard the Seagull II, the Texas Seaport Museum’s 50-foot, twin-engine motor vessel. Plus, groups of up to 500 can combine the museum with functions utilizing the decks, galleries, officers’ quarters and galley of the national historic landmark 1877 Tall Ship Elissa, with seated dinners for 300 available on the museum’s pier.
At Moody Gardens, delegates can hit the links at the famed resort’s golf course, which offers packages for customized group outings and tournaments, including banquet space for awards ceremonies. Adrenaline-seekers, meanwhile, can test their agility and balancing skills (and nerves) at the resort’s Ropes Course & Zip Line. The five-tier Sky Trail present 48 different obstacles to master, while the zipline experience sends riders flying 60 feet in the air over a panorama of Moody Gardens’ sights.
Menu Masters
The action continues with Galveston’s food and beverage operators, which go full steam ahead to satisfy hungry and thirsty groups.
In May 2014, after three years of ferrying workers, steel and equipment for the construction of the Galveston Causeway railroad lift bridge, tugboat captain Mark Dell’Osso changed course and opened Galveston Island Brewery Co.
With amenities including outdoor games and bleacher seating for catching Gulf sunsets, his convivial operation is a great place for groups to mix it up with locals.
“With private space for between 30 and 50 guests, we have already hosted a number of convention and business groups, including partnering with our friends Shrimp ‘N Stuff to serve their local seafood,” Dell’Osso says. “Our patrons can explore the facility, meet with the brewer and of course enjoy our hand-crafted beer.”
With nine area venues in its portfolio, the Galveston Restaurant Group is a versatile one-stop shop for planners looking to arrange dining experiences, private functions or catering for 2 to 2,000 people. Recently added to the fold is Nonno Tony’s World Kitchen (www.nonnotonys.com) at Pier 21, serving Italian, Asian fusion, Creole and traditional American fare. Other spots include Saltwater Grill (www.saltwatergrill.com), specializing in seafood, and for steak and sushi, Sky Bar.
Longtime Meetings Focus contributor Jeff Heilman will cover Galveston again this summer when writing his eighth consecutive Meetings Texas supplement.
