View video of Avenue O B&B

A European Flair With Spacious Rooms
by Carl Burnham

Located conveniently near the Strand and historic areas in the Silk Stocking District, the Avenue O provides a romantic setting to enjoy the island. Built in a Mediterranean style in 1923, the house has been operated as a B&B by Connie and Jim Porter since 2002. Besides offering numerous romantic packages, the spacious shaded backyard area with covered tent and gazebo is a popular setting for weddings and outdoor functions.

The four guest bedrooms available each have a unique style, from the European Room (with two hot tubs), the Safari Room (with draping canopy from the ceiling and painted Bengal tiger in the bathroom), the South Pacific Room, and the Sunshine Room.

Each guest room has high speed wireless Internet access, with each having their own air conditioning and bathroom (except for the Sunshine Room).

The European Room

The European Room (upstairs) and Safari Room (downstairs) are in a separate building from the main house, and offer complete privacy. As we made our way to our room (the European Room) through the yard we were greeted by Concierge, the Porter's friendly cat.

The European Room is spacious, and decorated in a French European style. The front sitting room included an armoire, with sofa, and corner chairs and marble top table, where a vintage 1919 issue of Illustration magazine and a chess set caught my eye, as did the freshly made cookies. The queen-sized bed with half canopy was very plush and comfortable. The bathroom includes a shower/bath with jets, with an adjacent double sized Jacuzzi hot tub with entrance from the bedroom. The room also includes a corner TV/VCR and CD player, with kitchen (hidden behind drapes) that includes microwave, refrigerator, coffee/tea and coffee maker, plates, and silverware.

The Safari Room

The Safari Room is most unique, with fabric draping canopy from the ceiling giving a tent effect. The queen-sized bed, furniture and surroundings exude an African mystique, with stereo sounds of birds and cascading waterfall. A life-like Bengal tiger painting (view our video at top of page) makes you look twice before entering the private bathroom with shower. The room includes a TV/VCR and CD player, refrigerator, and coffee maker, with a private deck.

The South Pacific Room

This popular room includes a king-sized canopy bed, fireplace, cable TV/VCR/DVD and CD player, refrigerator, coffee maker, with private balcony that overlooks the garden grounds. Artwork from the South Pacific and an umbrella covered reclining chair add to the overall island charm. The private bathroom includes a double Jacuzzi hot tub.

The Sunshine Room

The Sunshine Room is appointed with a double bed with antique quilt (made by the owner's grandmother), and can be reserved only as an additional guest room to the South Pacific Room, and shares the bathroom.

Breakfast at Avenue O B&B

Our morning breakfast was decorated in holiday fanfare, with our dining chairs as Santa, a reindeer, and snowman. Fresh blueberries were served with coffee and orange juice in champagne glasses. A delicious banana nut bread followed, which was drizzled with caramel, with our breakfast then topped off with Eggs Benedict and bacon.

Landscaped Gardens

The large backyard area includes a covered tent and gazebo, a popular venue for weddings, social functions, or just relaxing. Besides oak, pecan, and magnolias, there is a Norfolk Island Pine, with distinctive shape of branches that point upwards. Although the Norfolk Island Pine grows along the Texas coast, it is native to the South Pacific. There is no smoking indoors or pets.

Free parking for cruise guests is available, as well as bicycles for exploring the island.
View here for cruise ship departure schedules for Galveston.

We would like to thank the Porters and the Galveston Bed & Breakfast Association for assisting with our feature and accommodating us.

Directions:
I-45 becomes Highway 87, then Broadway once in Galveston. From Broadway, you will turn right onto 25th Street (also Rosenberg St.) and travel 5 blocks, where you will turn left onto Avenue O and the b&b will be 2 blocks further at 2323 Avenue O.

Avenue O Bed & Breakfast
2323 Avenue O
Galveston, Texas 77550
(409) 762-2868
Toll Free: (866) 762-2868

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