Uncommonly Coastal

Galveston TX Is FULL of Hidden Gems: Here Are 50 of The Best!

At first glance, Galveston may not dazzle you with its tired exterior. The beaches might not boast the powdery sands of the Caribbean, and, yes, as Charles Barkley recently stated, the water might not win any awards for its clarity. But don’t let those initial impressions fool you. There’s so much more to Galveston, TX than meets the eye. It’s a place where hidden gems are all around, just waiting to be uncovered by those willing to scratch beneath the surface.

Barbados Tropical Christmas:Unwrapping Joy in the Caribbean Sun

The small package appeared mysteriously under the Christmas tree.  It’s gift-wrapped differently than the other presents, and it’s topped with a velvet red bow tied by hand with a tiny tag.  The message reads:  Open me first!  You can’t believe your eyes- Two tickets to paradise!  You’re going on American Airlines for a Barbados Tropical Christmas!

Dive into Pumpkin Week: A Sea of Unique Pumpkin Ideas

Have you ever wondered how to take your pumpkin carving ideas to a whole new level? As Pumpkin Week (Day 2) rolls in, we’re diving into the depths of creativity, quite literally! Forget the traditional pumpkin patch; we’re carving pumpkins a WHOLE new way this year.  Join us for a splash of inspiration, a touch of whimsy, and a sea of innovative pumpkin carvings that will leave you breathless – in more ways than one. 

Yes – we are going UNDERWATER!

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice: Autumn on the Coast

Pumpkin Week at the coast is HERE!   For the next 7 days, we are blending the charm of the coast with the cozy delights of fall.  Join us as we begin a journey filled with pumpkin recipes and autumn fun. This is a taste of coastal fall that you won’t want to miss!

Fall Picnic at the Beach – How to Say Goodbye to Summer

Many of us are mourning the rapidly approaching end to summer weather. Soon, our lazy afternoons will be occupied by visits to a theater or museum rather than seaside. Long walks in the sand become time on the treadmill, and novels will be read cozied up by the fireplace instead of under the warm rays.  I do experience a sense of melancholy reminiscing about vacations and lazy afternoons spent on the beach.  However, as the vibrant colors of summer transition to the warm, earthy tones of autumn, there’s an enchanting allure to a beach picnic during this season. For me, there’s only one solution –  a fall picnic at the beach is how to say goodbye to summer.

Cannes, France – A Spectacular Beachside Affair for Bastille Day

Arriving into France on Bastille Day or “le Quatorze Juillet” – was perfect timing for us to celebrate with the locals in Cannes.  Each year on July 1, the glamorous city on the French Rivera transforms into a vibrant hub of celebration as it commemorates “le fête nationale” (National Day). This day, one of the most important national holidays in France, marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, which led to the French Revolution and the establishment of the modern French nation.

Call of the Ocean – Vacation Time

Sometimes I just NEED the beach.

Seeing the coast relaxes my mind and heals my soul. There’s just something about it – something calming about the ocean.

In our area, most people we know go to the same beach – Destin, Orange, Rosemary – somewhere around the corridor of 30A. Many of our friends are drawn back to the same place year after year – and it becomes a tradition and a way to connect with extended family and friends.

I grew up going to those same beaches, in the summers and around Easter. We enjoyed it and made cherished memories with our family. As a college student, we visited Florida beaches and had a great time with friends.