Galvestonian |
Apr 9th, 2002 03:20 PM |
Hi,<BR><BR> As a Galvestonian for the past two years (lived in Houston before that) and as someone who just very recently made two long-weekend trips to Corpus Christi, I thought I'd add my $0.02. <BR><BR> To me, the clear winner is Corpus Christi. Why? I love scenery and Corpus is just so much more beautiful than Galveston. White sand vs. brown sand. Clear-blue water vs. brown water. Get the picture? The city of Galveston does not demolish buildings when they've outlived any useful purpose, and as a result there are old dilapidated buildings all over the island. The place looks trashy. The traffic you'll encounter to get here should be taken into consideration as well. Also, they are building a new bridge over I-45 at NASA Road One, although hopefully that will be finished by Memorial Day Weekend. If you want a relaxing, leisurely weekend you should go to CC. Galveston has maybe a FEW more "touristy" sites to visit and some good restaurants, but I'd still go to CC. The battleship there is a blast to tour (I say that as someone who does NOT have children.) The aquarium in CC is ok, if a bit over-priced for what it offers. Take a drive out over the causeway onto Padre Island (the north part). It loops around so you don't have to come back to CC the same way. There's a Landry's that sits out over the waterfront in CC. I didn't eat there, but it looks to have a great view. Corpus is not Hawaii, but it is way more beautiful than Galveston. If your plans don't include sitiing on the beach and you like to always be "doing something" I guess then I'd at least CONSIDER Galveston. Lots of old homes to tour (I toured Ashton Villa which was rather intersting.) There's the Strand area (lots of little shops, etc), although I can't see spending more than a couple hours over there. Skip the horrid train museum, which used to be one of my "Top 3" places to visit in Galveston. The place ran short of funds (didn't help that someone bilked them out of a bunch of money) and the place is a dive now. Moody Gardens is ok, but over-priced; I must add though that I think it's a better "value" than the aquarium in CC. Moody Gardens is comprised of an IMAX, aquarium, rainforest pyramid, and a few other things. You can take your car on a free ferry from the island over to Bolivar Peninsula and back, although I'd be reluctant to do it on a weekend when the traffic there gets really backed up. If you insist on coming to Galveston, whatever you do don't stay at the Flagship Hotel. Yes, it sits out over the water, but the place is a dive. The city owns it and has been trying to unload it forever, but nobody wants it. That should tell you something. :) Whatver you do, have a great time. Since it's your first time to either place, you probably can't go wrong either way. At least you'll know if Galveston or Corpus Christi would be someplace you'd like to return to. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. As I eat out all the time, I think I can provide some good restaurant recommendations if you end up making Galveston your destination. <BR><BR>
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