Sunday, November 30, 2014

It's Christmas Time in Galveston!! Check here for Holiday Events and Attractions on the Island

December in Galveston starts with our Victorian Christmas Festival, "Dickens on the Strand".  Moody Gardens' continues the Ice Land Sculptures and Festival of Lights.  December 13th and 14th - Galveston Holiday in the Park at Saengerfest Park is chock full of Christmas music, the Holiday Market, and Santa Claus.  Santa has quite a busy schedule on the Island, and is making the rounds to get everyone's Christmas Wish Lists.  See more events here

What will you do on your next visit to Galveston Island?

Galveston Island offers over 30 miles of beaches, and all varieties of nature's beauty.  If you are looking for other areas of interest, the Island has Amusement Parks, World-class dining, and Museums where you can learn about Galveston's dynamic history with the Pirate Jean Lafitte at the Pirate Museum on the Strand, or the Island's founding families at the Moody Mansion and the Bishop's Palace.  Visit the Moody Gardens Rainforest  and Aquarium.  Our customers have given raving review for the current Iceland Sculpture exhibit and the Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens, as well.  During the Christmas Season, Galveston has over 1,000 Holiday Events & Attractions. There is something fun for everyone to find in Galveston all year long.


Thursday, November 20, 2014

New Feature: Schedule your Airport Transportation


Pink Taxi Schedule Transportation Newest Feature on the PINK TAXI web page SCHEDULE YOUR AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION ONLINE.


Our Airport flat rates are an approximate 10% Discount off of the meter rate. The flat rates are for exclusive use, and we have a capacity of one to six passengers. Travel time from Galveston: To Bush 1 1/2 Hours, To Hobby 50 Minutes. The time blocked out on Calendar is total driver time. Flat Rates do not include tolls or tip.

Our service is for exclusive use during your trip.  We have two Pink Taxis with 6 passenger capacity each.

Flat Rates
Hobby (HOU) $95.00 (1 -6 passengers)
Bush (IAH) $95.00 (1 - 6 passengers)
Schedule your transportation with the Pink Taxis here

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Galveston's Holiday Event Schedule is packed with family fun

November 2014

Galveston, Texas Special Events

November in Galveston starts with the continuation of Oni-Con at the Galveston Island Convention Center.

We will have the 31st Annual Greek Festival on November 1st - 2nd at the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 19th and Ball Street.

November 6th - 9th brings the rumble of 500,000 motorcycle enthusiast who will come to the Island for the Lone Star Biker Rally. Vroom, vroom!!!

Fun events, Holiday events, and Theater at The Grand 1894 Opera House -

Galveston's Winter Holiday Event Schedule is packed with excitement.  See More

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Touring Galveston: Baywatch Dolphin Tour, Bishop's Palace, East End Historic Tour

By: Tate McIntyre

This week John and I experienced a few of Galveston's fun tours.  The Baywatch Dolphin Tour, the Bishop's Palace, the East End Historic Tour, and the Antique Warehouse (formerly The Oleander Hotel).

BAYWATCH DOLPHIN TOUR GALVESTON


Shrimp boat in the Galveston Harbor
We went on the Baywatch Dolphin Tour on Sunday afternoon after the Cruise Ship passengers and crew were settled in.  This is one of our favorite inexpensive excursions, and we highly recommend it to our customers.  The Captain offers a lively commentary, spiced with family friendly humor, on Galveston's history, and current areas of interest, such as the UTMB Hospital complex, Pelican Island, and the Cruise Ship Terminals.  The dolphin's seem to know we were there for them, and provided a very nice show for us.  A word of advice, bring a good quality camera with video capability as the dolphins move far too quickly for a cell phone camera capture.


The 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA  and Fisherman's Wharf seen from the Baywatch Dolphin Tour boat.  The tall white building seen in the back is the American National Insurance Company headquarters building.





The Carnival Cruise Ship, Magic, sailed by near us, making its way from the Galveston Cruise Terminal for a 7 day Caribbean cruise.

The Baywatch Dolphin Tour is offered daily on the hour from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, and tickets can be purchased at their booth located at Pier 21.  Tickets are $10 adult and $5 child



GALVESTON HISTORIC TOUR & BISHOP'S PALACE

We took the Galveston Historic Tour with tour guide, Joseph Pellerin, at the Ashton Villa Visitor's Center located at 2328 Broadway.  The Visitor's Center is an excellent resource for Galveston attractions:  The Visitor's Center representatives are true Ambassadors of Galveston and provide knowledgeable recommendations for all areas of interest.

The Historic Tour was an enjoyable hour narration by our guide covering an overview of the Downtown/Strand area and a more in depth tour of the Historical East End homes and tree carvings.  I  drive this area frequently, and Mr. Pellerin pointed out several tree carvings I have never noticed before.  This alone made the $12.00 tour fee worth every penny.

Since we have lived in Galveston over three years, we decided that it is past time we visit the Bishop's Palace located at 1402 Broadway Street.  I am a huge fan of historic architecture, and am always fascinated by the detail accomplished by builders, woodworkers, and artisans working without our modern conveniences.  In this area, the Bishop's Palace did not disappoint; the woodwork, stained glass, and architectural design are astounding.




The domed ceiling of the main stairway is beautiful with stained glass windows, and portraits featuring members of the Gresham family, the original owners of the home.   

Recommendations - If one is solely interested in the architectural design, the Bishop's Palace is a fascinating specimen to see.  The property is sparsely furnished, and I was disappointed that it did not display a better representation of late 19th century life in one of Galveston's grand homes.



If you are making an exhaustive tour of Galveston's history, then a visit to the Bishop's Palace must be on your list.

The Bishop's Palace is open 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Self-guided Tour Tickets are $10.00 adult and $7.00 child.  The Visitor's Center has coupons for $1.00 off


The Sacred Heart Catholic Church situated across the street from the Bishop's Palace at 1302 Broadway.  This is another lovely example of Galveston's resilience and turn of the century architecture.

From Galveston.com - "Before the turn of the century, on June 21, 1884, Bishop Nicholas A. Gallagher created a new parish and established Sacred Heart to serve the east end of Galveston. However, Sacred Heart had its beginnings in 1854 when land was donated for a boy's educational institution. The University Chapel of this institution was the location where the Jesuits held Sacred Heart Parish Mass from 1884-1892. An impressive structure for the parish was built during this time only to be destroyed by the 1900 storm. It was rebuilt and reopened in 1904." 

ANTIQUE WAREHOUSE (FORMERLY THE OLEANDER HOTEL)

While not technically a museum, The Antique Warehouse, located at 423 25th Street, is one of my favorite stops in Galveston.  Visiting the Antique Warehouse is truly a tour through history with the building, itself, as a point of interest.  The odd architectural pieces, doors, and windows stacked in the far back, vintage furniture and household decor found throughout, all add to the adventure. 


See the Houston Chronicle Article about the history of the Oleander Hotel and its new owners, Scott and Holly Hanson.  They have successfully taken a 100 year old property with quite a shady past as part of Galveston's red-light district, and turned it into a engrossing trek through history.




The upstairs hallway and rooms are chock full of items to discover, such as a room stuffed with bed headboards and parts, a plethora of furniture, lighting fixtures, hats and clothing all ranging in time from the Victorian era through the 1960s. 





Some of the upstairs rooms are set with historic pieces as if they are ready to use and enjoy, while most of the rooms are a hodgepodge of items covering many decades .

Another view of the upstairs hallway full of miscellaneous furniture and decor pieces.

The Antique Warehouse is the essence of a rummage sale.  There is no exact order or arrangement, which, for me, adds to its charm.  If you are visiting Galveston, I highly recommend a trip to the Antique Warehouse.



We love living in Galveston, and, literally, learn new points of area history and interest on a daily basis.  Perhaps our next excursions will be to the Tall Ship ELISSA and the Pier 21 Theater.  Whatever we choose, I'll let you know.







Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Lone Star Biker Rally Taxi Stand at the Strand

Lone Star Biker Rally - November 6th through 9th

Downtown/Strand Area TAXI STAND
Located at Market Street & 23rd (aka Tremont)
No Parking Downtown? No worries. Take a Taxi



Saturday, October 18, 2014

Plan Your Wedding Party Transportation with the Pink Taxi






Are you planning a wedding in Galveston, Texas?  You will probably put a great deal of thought into the type of transportation the Bride and Groom will be making their grand exit in after the ceremony, but have you thought about transportation for your wedding party and guest?  Let the Pink Taxis assist you with your wedding parties' transportation needs.





We have two Pink Taxis, each with six passenger capacity, available for your transportation needs. We can transport you and your party for your Bachelor and Bachelorette parties.  We can, also,
transport your wedding guest to the rehearsal dinner and wedding venue when your wedding day arrives.  Your guest won't need to worry about directions or parking, and will be able to relax while enjoying your special day.

We would be happy to show your guest who arrive early. or stay after the wedding. the best of Galveston's restaurants and attractions. Taxi fares around Galveston average $6.00 to $20.00 depending on distance.  Fares from the farthest West side of the Island at Point West average $60.00 to $75.00 depending on destination.  Contact us information and form




If you have guest flying into Houston who will need transportation from Galveston, we can help you with that. too.  Our airport rates are very reasonable, and we work with our customers' schedules.  Our Hobby airport rate is $95.00 for one to six passengers, and our Bush IAH airport rate is $160.00 for one to six passengers.







Do you need a White, Stretch Limousine for the Bride and Groom? Contact Sandra Daniels at 832-703-6999 or by Email at SDaniels@IslandAutoWash.com.  Limo Service Be sure to tell her the Pink Taxi referred you.




View the Pink Taxi Wedding Brochure below