The morning of Saturday, September 8, 1900 began like most others. Beautiful little Galveston Island, dubbed the “Oleander City” was waking to barking dogs, ice and milk wagons wandering up and down the oak-lined streets, children venturing outside to play after a hearty breakfast with the family and others preparing to go downtown.   This Saturday

By Forest Riggs For years now, Galveston residents have been dealing with a unique problem. It seems that with all the construction, new developments into previously untouched green spaces, road work and removal of densely wooded thickets, coyotes have made their way into the quaint neighborhoods of the island.   From the historic East End to

| NO RICE-A-RONI NEEDED   By Forest Riggs  Unlike New Orleans or San Francisco, in Galveston, you won’t find any streetcar named “Desire” or hear the clanging bells of vintage cars laboring to get up and down steep hills. What you will find, however, is a great Island adventure — one that is inexpensive, fun

Be prepared for the ’23 hurricane season By Forest Riggs It’s that time of year again. June has arrived and with it comes another dreaded Hurricane season and all the fear and anxiety that return with the summer months. The Texas Gulf Coast, no stranger to major weather disturbances, is preparing for yet another several

By Forest Riggs As the song says, “April Showers bring the flowers that bloom in May.” Though April brought very few showers, Galveston Island is ready for the flowers to bloom. May is a big month on the island as tourism really kicks off and several annual events welcome visitors and locals alike.   A drive

By Forest Riggs  Did you ever know a person whom everybody knows and loves — a good friend to one and all?   Galveston is full of characters, and they come in all ages, sizes, colors and a variety of lifestyles. This diversity is what makes the island so charming and welcoming. One does not have

By Forest Riggs I have always enjoyed telling stories and tales. Many a time, while telling a good one, I will say, “…to make a long story short….” Some long-winded, rambling reminiscence or a re-telling of some adventure or story about something I experienced usually followed this catchphrase.  Storytelling is as old as humankind and

Forget New Orleans. We’ve got it here!  By Forest Riggs  Once again, Galveston Island is offering two weeks of Mardi Gras celebration. The island festival ranks second to New Orleans and there are those that say Galveston is now Number One.   Regardless of the ranking, rest assured the isle celebration is one not to miss.

By Forest Riggs  Do you ever think about the old treasures that are stored in dusty attics around the country? Folks like to hang on to things, especially keepsakes that contain a story or hold great value and meaning, all tucked away in the quiet darkness of an attic space or unused closet.  One of

By Forest Riggs  As one holiday song laments someone wanting only their two front teeth for Christmas, I personally want a good, old-fashioned Christmas drag show!   It seems the more popular mainstream America has gotten into drag (thank you, RuPaul), the less old-fashioned drag shows are around. There was a time when drag was really