Feature Destinations - Galveston, Texas
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by Carl Burnham

The Strand was long known to be a central hub for bustling business and industry, where cotton was first exported around the world. It has been 20 years since my last visit to the Strand , and the change is dramatic.
The area has witnessed a revival in recent years through the efforts of preservationists, with many buildings occupied once again. The Strand contains numerous trendy shops, restaurants, art galleries, museums, including historic gems such as the Grand 1894 Opera House and the Railroad Museum, which houses the most extensive range of vintage railcars in the Southwest.

The Star Drug Store dates all the way back to 1867, and was the first drug store in Texas. The Coca Cola sign in front of the store is one of the oldest porcelain neon signs that still exist. The store has been fully renovated after a damaging fire a few years ago, and makes sodas from the fountain just like the old days. The store was unique in having valet parking way back in the early 1900s.
Read about our recent visit to Star Drug Store.

Speaking of parking, there are eleven parking lots for parking your car around the Strand area. If parking on the street in the Strand area, parking meters are enforced from 10 am - 5 pm from Monday thru Saturday. You can also catch a trolley every 20 minutes at designated stops, which services destinations that cover the Strand , the Seawall, and Pier 21 areas. An expansion is underway to extend the route to other sections of the city.