Where to go in Galveston?    

Dear Aggie, 

I came to TAMUG from El Paso, and I barely know anything about Galveston. What are some important places I should go to if I need food or something?

-El Pasoan

Dear El Pasoan, 

Life on Pelican Island can be jarring for freshmen, not only from TAMUG’s relative isolation to Galveston, but that many new students know nothing about the city at all. 

The idea of living in a place with so much going on, yet being unaware of its happenings is bewildering at first, but this place doesn’t have to remain alien to you.

 Of course, the biggest obstacle for students is the lack of transport; many of us don’t have our own cars, and typically have to ride with our roommates or friends to go places. In that case, when you are able to get out at some point, here’s some nearby places that are essential for student life here.

The closest commercial retail spaces aside from the corner store next to campus are off Broadway Avenue and Downtown, which you can get to by exiting Pelican Island then driving a couple blocks straight or taking a left down Harborside. 

Admittedly, Galveston can be a bit scary and even dangerous at night, so if you find yourself going out at night or are scared to go out. It’s best to go with a friend.

 The most important place on Broadway is the Target you’ll find on the right side of the street. It’s by far the biggest and most stocked store closest to TAMUG, and while they don’t offer students discounts, you’ll likely find all of the school and living supplies you need there.

 Aside from those places, there’s a lot of cool local restaurants and fast food joints like Maceo’s, Henry’s, Koops BBQ, or even Marmo Cafe. Be wary of the fact that a couple places like Bison Burritos, Maceo’s, and Koops BBQ have weird business hours, so make sure to check them before you go, and Koops BBQ typically sells out by 1:30  PM so get there early!

Now, if you take east Broadway and go pretty far, you’ll eventually merge onto the Seawall, which is where the majority of the tourist activity happens in Galveston.

 Like I said, it is a little far, but if you can make it there, I highly suggest going. There’s so many restaurants, fancy shopping areas, and of course the beach for your leisure. 

Not to mention, several places like Salsa’s Mexican Restaurant and Marble Slab give students a 10 to 20% discount on purchases, and there's even a Walmart and Kroger if Target isn’t your style, they’re just farther than Target.

Overall, there are four main areas you will spend your time in Galveston: Campus, Seawall, Downtown, and somewhere off Broadway or in between all the others. So get out there and enjoy this bustling coastal town and be on the lookout for cool things to do downtown, there is almost always something unique going on there.

The Dear Aggie column will answer questions on all matters of interest to students at TAMUG. Submit a query by emailing tamugnautilus@gmail.com. Names will be kept confidential.