Here are 101 things to love about Galveston County | Editorials
If you’re reading this newspaper, chances are you’re already a Galveston County fan. The mixture of breathtaking nature, diverse cultures, unique people, strong industry and downright kind-hearted community is unparalleled. I challenge you to find a comparably small tract of land (just 873 square miles in total) anywhere in the world.
And to top it off, we’re just a stone’s throw from Houston, the fourth largest metropolitan area in the United States and truly one of the greatest cities in the world.
Yes, Galveston County is a very special place to live, work and raise a family.
As is a long tradition here at The Daily News, as the editor, I want to share some popular talking points about our community. Enjoy.
1. The sound of the surf and how it speaks directly to your soul.
2. Spectacular sunsets – there aren’t enough colored pencils to describe them accurately.
3. Sitting on the dike with a cup of coffee and witnessing the daily arrival of the sun.
4. The Seawall – a marvel of engineering and community foresight.
5. Empowering Young Entrepreneurs through Lemonade Day in Galveston County.
6. You can get by with just a pair of flip flops and a pair of cowboy boots.
7. The commitment of our local fire brigade, police and rescue workers.
8th. How so many religions and interests coexist peacefully and respectfully.
9. June 16th, our newest national holiday, started here.
10 The University of Texas Medical Department and the Resources It Brings to Galveston County.
11. The Ronald McDonald House and those who serve those in need.
12. Shriners Hospitals for Children-Galveston and the professionals who work there make burn sacrifices.
13. People watching at the dike… and you thought airports were fun.
14 Beaches, beaches and more beaches.
fifteen. The peaceful, wide open lands of the Santa Fe region remind us that we are still in the great state of Texas.
16 The pride of knowing the important role that Texas City’s industry plays in our national economy.
17 The vital role our residents play in supporting NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
18 Galveston County Chambers of Commerce – each works to support and grow local businesses.
19 BBQ facilities galore – all different, all wonderful.
20 The dolphin escorts while cruising across the Channel on the Galveston-Port Bolivar ferry.
21 MOD Coffee House in Galveston – a coffee shop that doubles as a heartbeat for the community.
22 The historic Port Bolivar Lighthouse and the dedicated team trying to restore it.
23 Hometown Heroes Park in League City – what a wonderful community facility.
24 The glowing silhouette of the pyramids at Moody Gardens at sunset.
25 Dogs chase seagulls into the water – but never catch one.
26 The picturesque and romantic bays of Dickinson.
27 The quietly majestic oak trees of League City.
28 The Grand Opera House of 1894 – from Tony Bennett to Broadway, all under one roof.
29 Mardi Gras and the wonderful (and colorful) energy it brings to the community most years.
30 The abundance of fresh fish in local restaurants – most of them were caught on the same day.
31 The Bryan Museum – bring your cowboy with the largest collection you will ever see.
32 The rustle of a gentle breeze blowing through palm trees.
33 The new Dog Recreation Area on 83rd Street in Galveston – a perfect place to “let the dogs out”.
34 View of a cruise ship looming over downtown Galveston.
35 Friendswood’s Fourth of July Parade – an example of small town America preserved in the postmodern world.
36 A handshake is still a valid form of currency.
37 The feeling of leaving the world behind as you cross the causeway from Galveston onto the island.
38 The fact that it can rain in Texas City and clear skies on Galveston Island at the same time—and vice versa.
39 Gina Spagnola and the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce – a vocal supporter of local businesses and young entrepreneurs.
40 The expansive salt marshes greet visitors to the island both visually and aromatically.
41 The booming cruise industry in the Port of Galveston.
42 The annual migration of grackles and the eerie memory of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds.
43 The Rosenberg Library’s Texas history archive – the largest in the state.
44 The friendly clerk sitting in the little tollbooth at the foot of the San Luis Pass Bridge.
45 That Galveston County has a locally owned and operated newspaper.
46 The Kemah Boardwalk – so much fun in a small space.
47 Blue Santa Programs Across Galveston County – Police and Law Enforcement Officials Delivering Gifts to Children in Need for the Holidays.
48 How people proudly (and rightly) claim The Daily News as their newspaper.
49 Peter Davis and the remarkable work the Galveston Island Beach Patrol is doing for our community.
50 Texas beaches belong to the people, not the corporations.
51. The number of public parks per capita in Texas City – simply amazing.
52 The Texas City Seawall – nearly 5 miles of fun, fishing and storm shelter.
53 Like everyone in Galveston County (figuratively) keeps sand between their toes.
54 Galveston’s trolleys; the new rubber-tired ones cruising along the levee and the old steel wheels rattling through the East End.
55 I’m learning that I can be pretty much anywhere I need to go in just a few minutes.
56 The mesmerizing kamikaze practice of the brown pelican dives into the water.
57 How people really participate in the politics of their community – they hold elected officials accountable.
58 Drive on the Bolivar Peninsula in a rented convertible.
59 That anyone in Galveston County can stick their toes in a body of water at any time.
60 The millions of visitors each year and the opportunities they provide for our local businesses to grow and thrive.
61 Families making memories on the Gulf beaches all year round.
62 People taking selfies against the backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico.
63 The Lighthouse Charity Team – cooking with love for the needy.
64 The unmistakable taste of salt water on your lips.
65 Watch a Mardi Gras parade from beautiful balconies along The Strand.
66 Real pirate history – and the tales of buried treasure on the island.
67 The beautifully restored streets of downtown Texas City.
68 Watch ships line up on the horizon to enter the ship channel.
69 Climb through a real submarine at Seawolf Park.
70 The lights of Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier through a winter fog.
71 Dozens of surfers splash around in the water in search of “one more wave.”
72 Paddle Boarding – from waves to calm backwaters.
73 The unmistakable sound of the mosquito truck driving down your street.
74 The local section of the Boys and Girls Club and the many volunteers who help create a young and impressive life.
75 People whose families have subscribed to The Daily News for generations.
76 This good-natured debate between BOI and IBC residents on Galveston Island.
77 The faces of small children feeding a flock of soaring seagulls.
78 The faces of adults telling children not to feed the seagulls.
79 Head to League City and discover another new store opening.
80 A last minute chance to board a cruise ship for a getaway.
81 The Galveston County Fair & Rodeo, a true Texas tradition.
82 Waking up to discover an unexpected moisture-free day.
83 Learning there are different types of palm trees.
84 View the pyramids from Moody Gardens while crossing the causeway at night.
85 Knowing you can watch an Astros game an hour up the road.
86 Afternoon rainbows over the Gulf after a rainstorm.
87 Experience 99.9 percent humidity and live to tell the story.
88 Street names with a letter followed by a number 1/2.
89 How neat and clean the streets are in downtown Texas City.
90 Knowing that there is a place of worship for practically everyone in Galveston County.
91 The organizations Salvation Army, United Way and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
92 Driving on the beaches – that, my friends, is rare these days.
93 The Lone Star Rally – everyone should experience it at least once in their life.
94 The good restaurants are usually within a mile of where you are.
95 The growing selection of restaurants and shops along the Interstate 45 corridor.
96 Live oaks dripping with Spanish moss hang over a local bayou.
97 The bird-watching platforms are hidden within Galveston Island State Park.
98 The annual winter migration of out-of-state RVs in Galveston County.
99 Accept that tuxedos are a necessary part of your wardrobe.
100 The mountain bike trails at Jack Brooks Park are among the best in Houston.
101 Knowing that Galveston County’s best days are yet to come.
