Home Care In Galveston, TX

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Galveston, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

Home Care Services

Home Care in Galveston, TX
The Always Best Care Difference
Types of In-home Care in Galveston, TX
Benefits of Home Care in Galveston, TX
Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors
Affordable Care Plans
Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers
Assisted Living Referral Services
Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

Service Areas

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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Elderly Care for John Y.

“Thank you for all you and your company has done for my family. Everyone that”

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In-home Care for Gary Z.

“Thank you for all you and your company has done for my family. Everyone that”

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Home Care Services for James B.

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Elderly Care for Roger H.

“There's one thing I look for in an Agency and that's Communication, Communication covers a”

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In-home Care for Kasey H.

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Home Care Services for joel W.

“Kathy and her caretakers made our difficult situation less difficult. They were warm , accommodating”

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John Y.

Gary Z.

James B.

Roger H.

Kasey H.

joel W.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Galveston, TX?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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Types of Elderly Care in Galveston, TX

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

Eating
Mobility Issues
Incontinence

Bathing
Dressing
Grooming

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Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

Medication Reminders
Meal Preparation
Pet Care
Prescription Refills

Morning Wake-Up
Walking
Reading

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Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.

Common companionship services include:

Grocery Shopping
Transportation to Appointments
Nutritional Assistance
Conversation

Planning Outings
Completing Errands
Transportation to Community
Events and Social Outings

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Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

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Benefits of Home Care in Galveston, TX

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Age in Place

According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.

Peace of Mind

If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.

Socialization

Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.

Personalized Care Plan

No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Galveston, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your TX's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.

Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.

Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.

Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Galveston, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

Housekeeping
Laundry
Recreational Activities
Social Outings
Emergency Medical Response
Medication Monitoring
Family Visitation
Personal Care

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Galveston, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

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Three posh Houston hotels and one in Galveston awarded coveted MICHELIN Keys

HOUSTON — Texas now has bragging rights to 20 hotels awarded the coveted MICHELIN Keys in 2024, including three in Houston and one in Galveston.The MICHELIN Keys are awarded to hotels that stand out for their unique hospitality concept, distinctive character, warm welcome and extremely high level of service. They're the hotel equivalent of MICHELIN Stars in the restaurant industry.It's the first time the MICHELIN Guide highlighted only hotels in North America with 168 new additions in the U.S., 87 in Mexico and 33 in Cana...

HOUSTON — Texas now has bragging rights to 20 hotels awarded the coveted MICHELIN Keys in 2024, including three in Houston and one in Galveston.

The MICHELIN Keys are awarded to hotels that stand out for their unique hospitality concept, distinctive character, warm welcome and extremely high level of service. They're the hotel equivalent of MICHELIN Stars in the restaurant industry.

It's the first time the MICHELIN Guide highlighted only hotels in North America with 168 new additions in the U.S., 87 in Mexico and 33 in Canada.

"This selection brings together a wide range of concepts and accommodations, from hotels in historic buildings, to trendy urban boutiques, relaxing and intimate hideaways, and spectacular design and architecture jewels," Michelin said.

Houston hotels awarded one MICHELIN Key

Hotel Zaza Houston in the Museum District: "In Texas everything really is a little bit bigger, a little bit bolder. And the boutique hotels are no exception," Michelin says. "Standard rooms are deluxe, but not as overtly hedonistic as the Magnificent Seven, the eight—yes, eight—luxury suites, each featuring an entirely different theme, played out in the fabrics, furniture, extras, and amenities like whirlpool hot tubs and plasma screens."

Hotel Zaza Memorial City: "Where the Museum District edition is ornate and almost Baroque, the Memorial City version is clean-lined and bright, inspired in part by the mid-century modernism of Palm Springs," Michelin says. "The idea is luxury-hotel plushness with boutique-hotel personality, and on that score they deliver."

The Post Oak Hotel in the Galleria area: "Houston has no shortage of high-end hotels from the big luxury chains, but the swankiest hotel in town might just be an independent. The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston’s lobby features an enormous Swarovski crystal chandelier and a number of Frank Stella originals," Michelin says. "And this no-expense-spared philosophy extends to the rooms, which start out at 500 square feet and include lavish marble bathrooms with Acqua di Parma bath products and even a small set of in-room dumbbells."

Galveston hotel awarded one MICHELIN Key

Carr Mansion on 33rd St. near Broadway: "There’s no place, in Texas or anywhere else, quite like Galveston — and the same can be said of the Carr Mansion, an 1866 Greek Revival mansion that’s lived several lives before its most recent transformation into an adults-only boutique bed and breakfast," Michelin says. "The house is fantastically well-preserved and beautifully updated."

Other Texas hotels awarded one MICHELIN Key

Texas hotels awarded two MICHELIN Keys

Photos: Inside Houston's posh Post Oak Hotel

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‘You might want to relocate,’ Galveston County preparing as Francine expects to strengthen into Cat. 1 hurricane

GALVESTON, Texas – As Tropical Storm Francine inches closer to Louisiana, expecting to make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane, areas along SE Texas...

GALVESTON, Texas – As Tropical Storm Francine inches closer to Louisiana, expecting to make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane, areas along SE Texas coasts are not taking any chances and preparing for the worst.

As of Tuesday morning, a Tropical Storm Alert had been issued for coastal cities, including Galveston Bay.

Galveston County Judge Mark Henry says Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula are two areas of major concern because of the storm track.

Experts with the National Weather Service say Francine’s cone of uncertainty is very wide, meaning SE Texas could still see some impact including strong winds and storm surges. The storm surge is expected to peak between one and three feet Wednesday morning, creating some coastal flooding that can impact roadways.

Another concern for residents along the coast is keeping the lights on.

During Hurricane Beryl, more than two million CenterPoint Energy customers in SE Texas were without power for days. Three electric companies service electricity for Galveston County: CenterPoint Energy, Entergy, and Texas/New Mexico Power. In the case areas lose power and is a threat to personal property, Judge Henry says they will deploy law enforcement officials.

“We expect that for Bolivar especially, there might be water coming over the top of [highway] 87. So if that’s going to be inconvenient or certainly life threatening for you, you might want to relocate for a day or two. We’ll get you back as quick as we can,” Judge Henry said in a news conference. “At this point, we only activate some road bridge crews to be out there to able to clear the road as quickly as possible.”

As Galveston County braces for Francine, here are other reminders to stay prepared:

For more information on hurricane readiness, check out the KPRC 2′s 2024 Hurricane & Flood Survival Guide.

This Island In Texas Has Tons Of Family-Friendly Attractions In Every Season

When it comes to family-friendly destinations in Texas, it's hard to beat Galveston. This island city is just a stone's throw from Houston, but instead of a bustling metropolis, it's a relaxed beach town with tons of attractions for all ages. I've been coming here for as long as I can remember - my hometown is about an hour away, so it's a quick and easy day trip. For old times' sake, my sister and I recently visited to enjoy all the activities we used to love as kids. It was the most nostalgic, fun-filled day either of us have had in a long while! Here are some of the best things to do in Galveston.

My name is Katie, and I write and edit for Only In Your State. I'm a born and bred Texan, and proudly so. From the mountains and deserts out west to the forests and wetlands of the east, the Lone Star State never ceases to amaze me. I love to just get in the car and set off on the open road - in Texas, you always end up somewhere beautiful. I'm so excited to take you along on my expeditions, so without further adieu, welcome to the Only In Your State Everyday Explorers!

Do you know those towns that have a certain movie magic about them where nothing seems real? Galveston, TX is one of them.

Between its laid-back beachfront lifestyle and historic charm, this island city captures the hearts of all who visit its shores. Let’s get down to exploring, shall we?

In terms of getting to the island, you can either take the ferry from Bolivar Peninsula or go through Houston on I-45.

We opted to take the ferry since it was a weekday, and we were able to board immediately. If your trip falls on a weekend, however, you may want to consider the alternative route, as the wait time can be several hours.

Once we got off the ferry, we decided to make a quick pit stop at the beach to stretch our legs. There’s plenty of free beach access along the seawall - you just have to pay for parking, which is only a few dollars even if you plan on staying all day.

It wasn’t very crowded since we went during the week, but if you visit on the weekend, keep in mind it can be difficult to find a spot. You can rent an umbrella and chairs (or bring your own) if you’re planning to stay awhile, but we opted not to since we only had a few minutes to spare. With our toes in the sand and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing onto the shore, it’s safe to say the trip was off to a great start already. Next stop: Moody Gardens!

The highlight of our trip - and our first real destination - was Moody Gardens.

Recognizable by its three signature pyramids that threaten to pierce the clouds with their towering peaks, Moody Gardens is an aquarium, zoo, and interactive museum all in one. Plus, they’re constantly working to save the oceans and rainforests, so you know your money is going to a good cause. Ticket prices vary based on age and the attraction(s) you'd like to do, so visit the official Moody Gardens website for details.

We decided to check out the Aquarium pyramid first. It was our favorite as kids, and we were excited to see what has changed (and what hasn’t).

If you’ve never been before, prepare to be amazed. This is no ordinary aquarium - it holds more than a million gallons of water and spans multiple levels, featuring marine life from all the world’s oceans.

You’ll see sharks, all sorts of tropical fish, and every species of penguin you could imagine.

The penguins stole our hearts right away - we probably spent a good 30 minutes watching their habitat alone!

Watching how they interact with one another and their surroundings is such a unique and incredible experience.

There are also a variety of interactive exhibits, including up-close-and-personal encounters with penguins and a few other animals. You’ll have to shell out a little extra cash for the animal encounters, but if you’re willing and able, they’re totally worth it.

Unfortunately, the rainforest pyramid was closed for renovations when we went, but it’s back and better than ever! You’ll feel like you’ve taken a trip to the tropics - there are all sorts of colorful birds, monkeys, and even a butterfly garden.

If you’re lucky, maybe one will land on your finger! The third pyramid, the Discovery Museum, features hands-on exhibits covering a wide range of topics, from space flight to anatomy and everything in between. Moody Gardens also has a splash pad, 4D movie theater, old-fashioned paddleboat, and a resort hotel, plus seasonal attractions like their famous Festival of Lights at Christmastime You could easily make a whole trip out of it alone!

After Moody Gardens, we headed over to the west side of the island for one of our other all-time favorite attractions: mini-golf. Magic Carpet Golf isn’t your average miniature golf course - it’s entirely ocean-themed and boasts sweeping, unparalleled views of the Gulf.

The obstacles are so fun and creative, too. One of them requires you to hit the ball through a pirate ship, and another is a giant seashell. There are two courses: one faces the water, while the other is behind it towards the back of the grounds. Either way, it's one of the most family-friendly destinations in Texas, and everyone is sure to have a blast. Plus, it only costs $10 per person, so you’ll have plenty left over for other activities on the island.

For an early dinner, we enjoyed delicious Thai peanut salads with tofu from EATcetera. I highly recommend eating here at least once during your trip - especially if anyone in your family has special dietary needs. They're easily the most accommodating restaurant on the island for vegans/vegetarians and gluten-free folks!

The vibe is so quaint and cozy, and you'll feel like you're dining in your own home.

If you don't have any sort of dietary restrictions, Gaido's is easily the most iconic restaurant on the island.

Situated directly on the seawall, this longstanding eatery has been serving up the freshest Gulf seafood around since 1911. It's truly impossible to have a bad meal here.

We wrapped up our trip with a heaping scoop of nostalgia at La King's Confectionery on The Strand (Galveston's historic downtown district.)

This ice cream shop and candy counter is a recreation of an old-fashioned candy store, with a working soda fountain and vintage parlor chairs that will whisk you back to yesteryear. Candy making has been the King family business since the 1920s, and their recipes haven't changed a bit. Make sure to try their saltwater taffy - it's made right before your eyes!

Have you ever been to Galveston? If so, was it a day trip or an extended vacation? Do you agree that it's one of the best cities in Texas? We'd love to hear all about your experience - what are some of your favorite things to do in Galveston? Tell us in the comments! Don't forget to check out our previous article for another family-friendly trip that leads to some of the best places to visit in Texas.

To discover more incredible boots-on-the-ground adventures across America from our team of local travel experts, check out all of the articles in OnlyInYourState’s Everyday Explorers series. What destinations would you like to see featured next? Tell us where we should go on our nominations page.

If you're looking for another small town in Texas that's perfect for a getaway, check out this YouTube video by us at Only In Your State to learn all about the charming community of Fredericksburg:

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Galveston Island Wine Festival Returns

Vino lovers are invited to a weekend of fun activities featuring a wonderful array of wines, amazing cuisine, fireworks and live music to create a memorable weekend as the Galveston Island Wine Festival returns to Moody Gardens, Labor Day weekend, August 30 to September 1.Attendees can choose from a variety of wine festival activities in addition to the Moody Gardens attractions to plan their itinerary each day, maximizing the fun. From poolside island cocktails to chef presentations to the Penguins & Pinot: Grand Tasting event at...

Attendees can choose from a variety of wine festival activities in addition to the Moody Gardens attractions to plan their itinerary each day, maximizing the fun. From poolside island cocktails to chef presentations to the Penguins & Pinot: Grand Tasting event at the Aquarium Pyramid, there are options and hotel packages to provide an enjoyable experience for everyone.

New This Year: Childcare Available Snacks, drinks, and fun activities provided! Sign your kiddos up and take advantage of a state-certified childcare team while you enjoy the Wine Fest festivities. Click here to register.

For more details and tickets, visit galvestonislandwinefestival.com

Galveston Island Wine Festival

Friday, August 30, 2024:

11AM-5PM: Official Wine Store Hours Take your favorite bottle of wine home! Featuring participating festival wines. Located in the Moody Gardens Hotel Lobby.

4-6PM: Welcome Reception Start your weekend off right with complimentary beverages from sampling activations by our event sponsors. (Moody Gardens Hotel Guest Exclusive)

6-8PM: Seven on Seven Seafood Extravaganza Sample varietals from participating wineries.

This event is a unique stand and taste experience in which seven top-tier chefs, including Chef David Cordúa, Chef Bryan Caswell, Chef Dominick Lee, Restaurateur Paul Miller and Chef James Lundy, and more will duel to create sensational dishes, each paired with a choice from seven of the world’s finest wine regions.

Galveston Island Wine Festival

Saturday, August 31, 2024

8:30AM: Restorative Yoga A Moody Gardens Hotel Guest Exclusive.

10AM-12PM: Beck Brunch & Bubbles Featuring a complimentary Graham Beck mimosa! Brunch reservations recommended. (Moody Gardens Hotel Guest Exclusive)

11AM-5PM: Official Wine Store Hours Take your favorite bottle of wine home! Featuring participating festival wines. Located in the Moody Gardens Hotel Lobby.

3-4:30PM: Vineyards Around the World Luxury Wine Tasting Sample varietals from participating wineries.

Exclusive! Available only to the first 200 Moody Gardens Hotel guests who purchase the Saturday experience.

3-4:30PM: Billiards & Beer Exclusive! Available only to the first 200 Moody Gardens Hotel guests who purchase the Saturday experience.

5-10PM: GIWF Childcare Available by pre-registration only! Snacks, drinks, and fun activities provided! Sign your kiddos up and take advantage of a state-certified childcare team while you enjoy the Wine Fest festivities. Click here to register.

6-9PM: Penguins & Pinot: Grand Tasting at the Aquarium Sample varietals from participating wineries.

A delightful evening awaits at this stand-and-taste event as you tour the Oceans of the World with wine and spirit tastings, food bites from Gulf Coast restaurants, and marine animal encounters. This experience will take you to new depths!

9-10PM: Wine’d Down After Hours at Palm Beach Enjoy fantastic live entertainment with the opportunity to relax, chill out or kick up your heels and dance! The evening wraps up with a spectacular fireworks show over Offatts Bayou.

Sunday, September 1, 2024

8:30AM: Morning Yoga A Moody Gardens Hotel Guest Exclusive.

10AM-12PM: Brunch & Bubbles Featuring a complimentary mimosa! Brunch reservations recommended. (Moody Gardens Hotel Guest Exclusive)

11AM-3PM: Official Wine Store Hours Take your favorite bottle of wine home! Featuring participating festival wines. Located in the Moody Gardens Hotel Lobby.

3PM: Regular Guy Wine Seminar Hosted by Level 2 Sommelier Paul Miller from Gr8 Plate Hospitality. Featuring Graham Beck and Lange Twins Winery. (Moody Gardens Hotel Guest Exclusive)

5-7PM: Bourbon Dinner Sample exclusive Bourbons!

Enjoy an exceptional Bourbon tasting inside Shearn’s Seafood & Prime Steaks.

For more details and tickets, visit galvestonislandwinefestival.com

A variety of hotel packages bundle these experiences for options with one, two or three nights for a complete Wine Festival experience.

For Moody Gardens and hotel package info, visit moodygardens.org

Spongebob, Sandy Cheeks journey to Galveston in new movie

Move over Bikini Bottom. The newest Spongebob Squarepants movie, which stars animated semi-aquatic squirrel Sandy Cheeks, takes place partially in Galveston, Texas.Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie, which begins streaming on Netflix Aug. 2, follows Sandy and Spongebob as they embark on a cross-country roadtrip to save Bikini Bottom (Spongebob's home) from an evil CEO who wants to clone every sea creature...

Move over Bikini Bottom. The newest Spongebob Squarepants movie, which stars animated semi-aquatic squirrel Sandy Cheeks, takes place partially in Galveston, Texas.

Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie, which begins streaming on Netflix Aug. 2, follows Sandy and Spongebob as they embark on a cross-country roadtrip to save Bikini Bottom (Spongebob's home) from an evil CEO who wants to clone every sea creature and turn them into pets. The destination for that road trip? The beaches of Galveston.

The vacation town's official visitor's bureau posted about the film to its Facebook account on Friday, along with some screenshots. The delightfully psychedelic movie mixes animation with live action, and includes voice acting performances and appearances from stars including comedian Wanda Sykes, Matt Berry from What We Do In The Shadows (as a majestic dolphin) and David Hasselhoff, who reprises his iconic Baywatch role as a lifeguard (and who also appeared in 2004's The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie).

While it's long been canon that Sandy Cheeks is originally from Texas, exactly where she's from has been up for debate. A 2023 Texas Monthly investigation posited that she was from Conroe, but Spongebob creator Stephen Hillenburg has repeatedly said she is from Houston—she is, after all, a scientist who was sent to Bikini Bottom to study underwater life.

The new film hints that her actual home is a little closer to the coast, in Galveston, where she is employed at the B.O.O.T.S. Marine Biology Lab, or the Bureau Of Official Texas Science. Together with Spongebob, Patrick and other friends, Sandy must work to save the denizens of Bikini Bottom from a scientist named Sue Nahmee (get it?).

Sandy and Spongebob are not the first animated duo to find themselves on the shores of Galveston in recent years. In the 2022 film Beavis and Butthead Do The Universe, the title characters are spit out onto a beach after being swallowed up by a black hole. Behind them? The iconic Galveston Pleasure Pier.

No word yet on if any other Galveston landmarks make an appearance in Saving Bikini Bottom. But as one reviewer put it on Rotten Tomatoes, the film, like Spongebob himself, is "thoroughly absorbing."

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