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.

Visit Galveston from GalvestonTaxi

New Feature: Schedule your Airport 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

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

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

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.

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

See the Pink Taxi Guide to Getting a Taxi during Biker Rally

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

Mini Monster Bash at Saengerfest Park

ATTENTION EVERYONE!! We have a ton of spook-tacular things in the works for this year 4th Annual Saengerfest Park Mini Monster Bash! Mark your calendar now for Saturday, October 25th from 1p.m. To 4 p.m. The festival is completely free to the public and will include assorted games and prizes, trick-or-treating at participating downtown businesses, face painting and a costume contest for children ages 0-11!

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Pink Taxi Marine Vessels' Guide to Galveston Brouchure

Marine Vessel Guide to Galveston Island and Surrounding Area

Galveston Island is a small community with a big heart.  In addition to shopping trips for essentials, Galveston offers visitors a wide variety of outings.  The Historic Strand area is a mere 1.3 miles from the Port, and is a great place for Mariners to stroll, dine, and do some tourist shopping (and watching).  The Seawall overlooks the Gulf of Mexico, and is another favorite area to relax with many restaurants offering ocean side patios.

Off the Island excursions begin a short 17 miles away.  There are several shopping malls, Johnson Space Center/NASA, and the Kemah Boardwalk for more water side amusement.

The Pink Taxis provide transportation services for all of your vessel's needs:

• Two Pink Taxis, each with 6 passenger capacity
• Corporate Invoicing via Paypal available
• Local Cell Phone provided to Mariner customers when on shopping trips and fun excursions
• Discounted Flat Rate Fares for trips off the Island

We are TWIC Escorts for the Port of Galveston, and are able to pick up vessel crew members at their gangway.  

Double click images to enlarge

We have a new Web Page

We now have a new web page at www.galvestonpinktaxi.com.  Some of the information is the same that you will find here on Blogger, but there are some new features.

The main feature is an Event Calendar where we attempt to keep up with the many great activities going on here in Galveston.

Stop by and see our new site GalvestonPinkTaxi, and let us know what you think of our features and layout.

Thank you,
Tate and John

Save the date! Mustang Club of Houston at the Lone Star Flight Museum

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October Events in Galveston

October 2014

Galveston, Texas Special Events

October in Galveston is the beginning of a festive Winter Season.  The air begins to feel cool and crisp, and, as usual, we have a great line up of events.

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

October 1st begins with the Hotel Galvez Ghost Tour Dinner. Next up is the 21st Annual Fall Car Show by the Mustang Club of Houston at the Lone Star Flight Museum, and the Miss Galveston Pageant.  Mid-month events include Artwalk, D'Feet Breast Cancer "Family Celebration of Life" and ArtOberFest, and The Witches Ball.  End the month of October with The First Luthern Church Oktoberfest!!! and Oni-Con. See more

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It's Sunday Morning, I'm Going On A Cruise, and Where Is My Taxi?

Taxis lined up at Cruise Terminal 2 

Tate McIntyre

Every Sunday at the Port of Galveston we have two Cruise Ships demanding the attention of transportation providers:  The Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas and the Carnival Magic.  The Navigator of the Seas has a total capacity of 5020, guest and crew members, and the Carnival Magic has a total capacity of 5057, guest and crew members.

Both of these ships arrive on Sunday morning around 7:00 AM, and began debarking passengers around 8:00 AM.   From 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM is our busiest time period as passengers are departing, passengers are arriving, crew members from both ships are taking advantage of a few hours off time, and local Galveston residents are going about routine business. Both ships disembark a combined 7000 + passengers, take care of reloading supplies and cleaning, check-in a combined 7000+ arriving passengers, and pull away from the docks around 4:30 PM on the same day.  This is an incredibly fast, and hectic operation.

The Taxis start the morning lined up at the Taxi Stands waiting for passengers

The Cruise ships attempt to alleviate congestion by staggering passenger arrival times.  However, the reality is passengers are departing and arriving at the same time, and there is considerable traffic congestion at the Cruise Terminal.  The Taxis start the morning lined up at the Taxi Stands waiting for departing passengers.  As we begin dropping off the departing passengers to their destinations, we begin picking up Cruise passengers heading to the Cruise Terminal, as well as Galveston residents who are going about their own routine and need transportation.  It takes about 20 to 30 minutes for a taxi to pick up passengers, travel to the Cruise Terminal, unload, and depart the Terminal.  On average, each taxi can make two trips to the Terminal an hour.

This past Sunday during the 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM time, I noticed there were over 30 calls holding on our computer dispatch board.  For hotel guests, this time period may coincide with the hotels' check out policies, and they are left to wait for transportation in the hotel lobby.  This is understandably frustrating for vacationers who are ready to get on to the next step of their trip, and find themselves facing an unexpected delay.  During this most hectic time period, it is my experience to pick up passengers who have been waiting for one hour since their original call to Yellow Cab dispatch.  I know this can seem like an incredibly long wait.

You will get to the Cruise terminal well before departure time

There is no simple, perfect solution for the Sunday rush.  Not every Sunday is as hectic as this past Sunday, which makes planning difficult.  I ask for your patience, and assure you that you will get to the Cruise Terminal well before departure time.

TIPS ON CRUISE DAY

When you do call for your taxi, be sure you are ready to go whenever your driver arrives.  One might think, "Well, we'll just call an hour ahead" to plan for the wait time.  There is no guarantee this plan will work out, as your Taxi could arrive within a few minutes.  There is probably a Murphy's Law for this.

Be sure the Taxi company has your contact phone number.  Be prepared to answer a call from an unfamiliar number, probably with a 409 or 832 area code.  Speaking for the Pink Taxis, John and I call our customers directly as soon as we receive your dispatched call.  We inform our customers that their call has been received, let them know we are dedicated to that call, and give an estimated time of arrival.  Our phone number is 832-409-7960.

Use the Yellow Cab Hail-a-Cab app.  You are not required to enter any credit card information to use the app.  If you do enter credit card information, you are NEVER charged a cancellation fee, and your card is not charged without your signature authorization.

The Dispatch call takers are very busy, and it may be difficult to get through on the Dispatch phone number.

With the app, you can order your taxi.
Once a taxi has accepted your trip, you can track your taxi via GPS.

If you do get other transportation, you can easily cancel your trip via the app.

If you came to Galveston in a personal vehicle - Many passenger parties will take their check in luggage to the Cruise Terminal in their personal vehicle.  By doing this, you can take some time to relax, have breakfast, see a little bit of our Historic Downtown Strand area, then park at your hotel and call your taxi.  Some drop off luggage and other members of their party so they will already be in the Check-in line while the driver parks at the hotel and returns to the Cruise Terminal via Taxi.

Relax, be sure all of your boarding documents are handy, and ENJOY THE TRAVEL

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Galveston September 2014 Events

September in Galveston starts off with a great list of events.  Saturday, September 6th at the Galveston Convention Center Dash Beardsley's Wake the Dead Show and the NRG Games.  Saturday night catch The Battle of the Badges at the Moody Garden Convention Center.  Mix in some great shows at The 1894 Grand Opera, and end the month with The Galveston Island Shrimp Cookoff. SEPTEMBER EVENTS

Stay in touch because you won't want to miss anything.

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Galveston Cruise Passenger Transportation to Houston Airports

Take a Pink Ride from Galveston, Texas to Houston Airports for reasonable Flat Rates.  Galveston Taxi Flat Rates are approximately a 10% Discount off of the metered fare.

The Flat Rate is the total price of the trip for 1 to 6 passengers

Going to Hobby Airport?  Flat Rate $95.00

Going to Bush Intercontinental? Flat Rate $160.00

John and Tate are owners of the only two Pink Taxis in Galveston, Texas.  As Independent Contractor Drivers with Yellow Cab Galveston, the Pink Taxis offer private transportation to the airports on your schedule.  Our Dodge Grand Caravans are always smoke free and clean.  Call John and Tate directly at 832-409-7960 to schedule your airport transportation.

KNOW WHO YOU ARE RIDING WITH
We came to the Taxi Business after long careers in professional positions.  This has given us opportunities to experience traveling and has given us a unique understanding of our customers' needs.  John's background is Petrochemical Industry Operations, and he has a degree in Education.  Tate worked in Human Resources and Administration in the Emergency Medical Services Industry, and majored in Accounting.

The City of Galveston requires all Taxi Drivers to pass annual background checks, physicals, and drug screening.  All Taxis in Galveston are inspected annually, and randomly by the City of Galveston Taxi Inspector.

WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF TAKING A TAXI?
Taxis are available immediately to accommodate your schedule
If your flight is later in the day, a Taxi can take you to excursions such as the Tanger Outlet Mall or Johnson Space Center.  At a Standby rate of $30/hour, your driver stays with vehicle, and your luggage is secure.

Most Buses, Shuttles, and Limo Services require pre-scheduling, pre-payment, charge per person at a rate of $40 to $50 each, and you are subject to their schedule

August 2014 Galveston Events

Fall and Winter events in Galveston

Fall is just around the corner, and Galveston, Texas is the place to be.  Galveston is a family friendly town with year round fun for everyone.  

Galveston's Fall and Winter Event Schedule is packed with excitement.  We have everything from the theater at The Grand 1894 Opera House to the rumble of motorcycles during the upcoming LoneStar Bike Rally. 

Stay in touch because you won't want to miss anything.

See the August Event Schedule

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Eating in Galveston - So many delicious choices

We enjoy living right in the heart of downtown Galveston, and all of the local restaurants offering great atmosphere, good friends, and some of the most delicious eating we have ever experienced.  These are just a sampling of our favorite great eats and treats in Galveston.  There are just too many on our little island to name them all.

Where is your favorite place to eat and relax in Galveston?

Just opened on July 4th, 2014 - Stuttgarden Tavern on the Strand - 2110 The Strand, Galveston.

These guys have done a great job with design and menu.  Relaxing outdoor garden area with a flowing water wall in the background.  Full beer menu, awesome bartenders, and a delicious menu highlighting a Build Your Own Burger, sausages made in house, and waffle cut potato nachos.  Stop by the Stuttgarden.  You won't 

be disappointed.

Cowboy's Cajun Kitchen - 1919 The Strand, Galveston

Another one of our favorites.  Cowboy's Cajun serves up some home-cooking that I would have found in my Cajun Grandma's kitchen.  One of my favorites on their menu is the Roast Beef Po-Boy.  Actually any of their Po-Boys are my favorites.  You might see the owner on his logo'd golf cart making deliveries in The Strand area.

Little Daddy's Gumbo Bar - 2107 Postoffice, Galveston.  

Famous for their gumbo, of course.  A must try on the menu is the Grilled Oysters.  The Gumbo Bar also offers a delicious hamburger on the menu.  Actually, I haven't found anything on this menu that I did not like.

Star Drug Store - 510 23rd Street, Galveston

Weekend Brunch - the Star Drug Store is the place to be.  Live music entertainment, indoor and outdoor service.  Try their Galvestonian Omelet and Old Fashion Soda Fountain with malts, shakes, banana splits and more.

Jack's Pub on Post Office - 2406 Postoffice, Galveston

Jack's Pub is the quintessential neighborhood bar.  You will find Jack, the owner, personally greeting anyone new, and making sure all of his customers are taken care of.

You will find a tempting bar menu with a little something for every taste.  Their pizza pies are large and incredible.  Everything is delicious from the Catfish Plate to the Bar-B-Q sliders.

The Old Strand Emporium - 2112 The Strand, Galveston

A neat little Galveston souvenir shop offering a selection of 100s of beers.  Tucked upstairs is a deli with yummy, fresh made sandwiches, house made fudge, and Blue Bell ice cream.

The M&M Restaurant & Bar - 2401 Church, Galveston

Our first summer in Galveston we spent every Tuesday and Wednesday on the M&Ms dog friendly patio.  They have a wonderful daily lunch special with portions so large it is easy to share with a friend.  The owner/chef seems to always come up with something new and delicious.  One of my favorites is the Avocado Pancake appetizer.

Happy hour offerings of Hamburgers, Shrimp Quesadillas, and 20oz Frozen Margaritas

Brews Brothers, Galveston - 2404 The Strand, Galveston and Yaga's Cafe  - 2314 The Strand, Galveston

Brews Brothers and Yaga's Cafe offer great day time eating for families enjoying The Strand, with delicious menus and outside dining areas to keep up with The Strand activities.  On Weekend nights, these two venues bring in live music and turn into Galveston's hot spots.

Board Game Island - 213 23rd Street, Galveston

Put down the cell phones and enjoy some old fashion board game fun with family and friends.  Board Game Island offers a deli menu and adult beverages.  

Riondo's Ristorante - 2328 The Strand, Galveston

I just spied this brand new Italian restaurant on The Strand earlier this week, and I can't wait to give them a try.

Don't forget desert.  Nestle Toll House, Galveston 126 23rd St, Galveston.

My favorite - Keylime Cookie Pie

La King's Confectionery  2323 The Strand, Galveston 

Probably the best Iced Coffee Frappuccino I have ever had.  Ice Cream shop, Taffy pullers are quite a crowd pleaser, and so many wonderful chocolate candies and fudges.