< Previous10 | The Daily News | Live. Work. Play. Galveston County | 2022 Friendswood was founded in 1895 by Quaker families who valued faith, family and education. During the 1960s, it grew from a population of 1,000 to more than 5,000, as Johnson Space Center employees chose Friendswood as their home. Aerospace and aviation continued to grow and since then, the workforce has diversified into medical, information technology, specialty chemical and maritime businesses. Friendswood is conveniently located between downtown Houston and Galveston and has developed into an area with fine homes, parks, churches, businesses, schools and volunteer organizations. Friendswood regularly ranks high on lists of “Best Places to Live in Texas” because of the low crime rate and cost of living, exceptional job opportunities and schools. The city provides recreation, educational and cultural activities for all ages, including the nation’s longest continuous annual Fourth of July Celebration, concerts and movies in the parks and sports programs. Population: 39,688* Area: 21.2 square miles Website: www.ci.friends wood.tx.us Quick Facts Our Cities: Friendswood STUART VILLANUEVA/The Daily News file photos Not to miss Friendswood Fourth of July celebration July 4, 2022 Stevenson and Centennial parks www.ci.friendswood.tx.us/july4th This day-long celebration kicks off with a parade featuring more than 100 entries followed by games, food and live entertainment in Stevenson Park. The party moves to Centennial Park in the evening with live entertainment and a fireworks display. *2019 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau Parkwood Ave 45 528 35 Friendswood DrEatcetera is a Local Family Eatery for diners looking to enjoy a casual atmosphere and tasty fare, while staying healthy. Menu highlights include gooey paninis, hearty sandwiches, crisp salads with flavorful toppings, soups and burgers to satisfy even the hungriest appetites, and decadent desserts. (vegan too!) Having trouble satisfying everyone in your group? Special diets and special requests are normal for the staff here. No matter what you eat, Everyone Eats Together! The restaurant also features free coloring sheets of Turtle Chef M for children and board games for the family to enjoy while waiting. At night, this casual space transforms to an elegant setting for private events. Perfect for rehearsal dinners, graduation parties, bridal showers, baby showers, and private corporate evenings. Let Eatcetera plan your next event. Main: 409-762-0803 Events: 409-939-9403 www.eatceteratx.com 408 25th Street Chef Alena Pyles and her dog, Burt, enjoy lunch with friend Calley Brewer on the EATcetera sidewalk cafe.12 | The Daily News | Live. Work. Play. Galveston County | 2022 The city of Galveston was chartered in 1839. In 1836, Michael Menard bought “one league and a labor of land” from the Republic of Texas. He helped organize the Galveston City Company in 1838. The city was a major immigration port for more than a quarter million Europeans. The mid-1870s to the mid-1890s was the apex of Galveston’s prosperity. The Strand area became the “Wall Street of the Southwest.” Fortunes were made in cotton, mercantile houses, banks, publishing and printing, flour and grain mills, railroads, land development and shipping. In 1891, the University of Texas Medical Branch was established. The boom period of the “Queen City of the Gulf” ended with the 1900 Storm, which killed at least 6,000 and left 8,000 homeless. To protect the city from future storms, the 16-foot-high, 17-foot-wide seawall was built. Galveston was primarily known as a wide-open port city where gambling and all sorts of amusements could be found. During World War II, the island had an air base where crews of B-17s received their final briefing before leaving for the Pacific. In the 1960s and 1970s, there were many innovations in Galveston. A council-manager form of government was adopted. The Texas Maritime Academy, Galveston College and the Marine Biomedical Institute were established. The first container terminal opened, Rosenberg Library expanded and the Galveston County Cultural Arts Council was founded. The principal economic support is provided by the Port of Galveston and related interests, UTMB and other health institutions, financial institutions, tourism, shrimping and fishing. Galveston on average sees 19,150 visitors daily and has 24,000 daily commuters working on the island. West Bay Gulf of Mexico 45 6 146 87 3005 Population: 50,241* Area: 264.66 square miles, including water. There are 47.26 square miles of land within the city limits. (This figure in- cludes both Pelican Island and Galveston Island, which is 32 miles long). Website: www.galveston tx.gov Quick Facts Our Cities: Galveston STUART VILLANUEVA/The Daily News file photo Did You Know? Galveston is home to many firsts for Texas, including the first telegraph, grocery store, medical college, national bank, gas lights, insurance company, opera house and golf course. *2019 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News file photoLive your passion. Beaches. Fishing. Shipping. Water Sports. Dining. • RV Sites • RV Rentals • Complimentary WiFi • Restroom/shower facility • Laundry • Fishing • Boat ramp • Swimming in the Bayou • Kayak rentals • Bicycle rentals • Crabbing • Close to restaurants and shopping • Minutes from Moody Garden/Schlitterbahn Our amenities include: 409.744.2837 mgmt@galvestonrvresortandmarina.com 6310 Heards Lane, Galveston, TX 7755114 | The Daily News | Live. Work. Play. Galveston County | 2022 Hitchcock was settled in 1845. Located on state Highway 6 just south of Interstate 45, it is only 20 minutes to Galveston Island and 35 minutes to Houston. The city has many business opportunities with railway, water way and main road accessibility. Hitchcock is a friendly city and prides itself on hometown citizens and the ability for growth. Many of its citizens were born and raised here and have remained here raising their families and having their children continue to call Hitchcock their hometown and are proud to be raising their families where they grew up. The community was incorporated in 1960 with a city commissioner and strong mayor form of government, which it still has. Population: 7,800* Area: 71.44 square miles Website: www.cityof hitchcock.org Quick Facts Our Cities: Hitchcock JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News file photos Not to miss Galveston County Fair & Rodeo April 2023 Jack Brooks Park, 5012 Jack Brooks Road www.galvestoncountyfair.com In addition to the livestock show and a full lineup of rodeo action, there are cook-offs, carnival rides and concerts, mutton bustin’ and a petting zoo. Good Ole Days Festival August 2022 8300 state Highway 6 www.hitchcockchamber.com The Good Ole Days Festival is a family- friendly weekend of fun featuring a parade, talent show, beauty pageants, carnival, entertainment, kids booth with face painting and food and beverage booths. *2019 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau West Bay 45 6 146 20042022 | Live. Work. Play. Galveston County | The Daily News | 15 www.clearlakeshores-tx.gov/visitcls Read.Winprizes.Joinourevents! rosenberg-library.org/2022Summer Readingisforeveryone! Thissummer,wehaveprogramsforadults,teens,kids andevenbabies!Whetheryousignupforaprogram ornot,RosenbergLibraryinvitesallfamiliestoenjoy ourevents,allsummerlong! rosenberg-library.org 409.763.8854 ROSENBERGLIBRARY SUMMERREADING PROGRAMS16 | The Daily News | Live. Work. Play. Galveston County | 2022 In 1956, Jamaica Beach was considered a weekend playground on the west end of Galveston Island. Jamaica Beach prospered during the booming economy of its early years to officially incorporate and become the city of Jamaica Beach in 1975. The city has evolved from being home to weekenders to having more full-time residents. Jamaica Beach has its own police and fire department, provides beach and bay access, and offers homes on the beach front, dry lots and canals. As the motto says, “Jamaica Beach is a great place to visit … an even better place to live.” Kemah is a small town nestled in a half- moon pocket on Galveston Bay. It was founded in 1898 by John Henry Kipp, a veteran of the Magnolia Rangers. Kemah is home to the Kemah Waterfront, Boardwalk, Lighthouse Shopping District, a marina complex, day-sailing and fishing expeditions, restaurants serving fresh seafood, overnight accommodations and retail shops. Gulf-related businesses and tourism helped Kemah grow into a town of 1,300 by 1922. A large shrimping fleet located in Kemah after the Clear Creek Channel opened in the 1950s. Kemah was formally incorporated in 1965. Population: 1,117* Area: 2 square miles Website: www.ci.jamaica beach.tx.us Quick Facts Our Cities: Jamaica Beach Population: 3,057* Area: 2 square miles Website: www.kemah- tx.gov Quick Facts Our Cities: Kemah STUART VILLANUEVA /The Daily News file photo Marina Bay Dr Galveston Bay 146 518 96 *2019 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau *2019 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau Termini-San Luis Pass Road West Bay 3005 The Daily News file photoAir Conditioning & Heating Servicing Galveston & Surrounding Cities Since 1975 409-744-0774 Energy Efficient Saves Money! CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE! 24/7 Service Credit Cards ACCEPTED RELIABLE & EFFICIENT New Construction Remodel & Old Homes Licensed & Insured TACLB009653E 3614 Yale St, Galveston GALVESTON NAVAL MUSEUM Follow Us to Freedom OPEN 9am, Everyday GalvestonNavalMuseum.com | 409-770-3196 A Salute to 80 Years of Service USS STEWART (DE-238) LaunchedNovember 22,1942 2022 | Live. Work. Play. Galveston County | The Daily News | 1718 | The Daily News | Live. Work. Play. Galveston County | 2022 The city of La Marque is strategically situated in Galveston County about 15 miles from the southern city limit of Houston and 4 miles north of Galveston Island. Residents enjoy coastal living with the security of a hurricane protection levee system. The city of La Marque boasts easy access to world-class medical, travel and entertainment options. For business, La Marque offers developmental incentives, an abundance of commercial property and build-to-suit opportunities. In addition to Carbide Park, which is managed by Galveston County, La Marque residents enjoy eight city parks. The crown jewel of La Marque’s parks is the Mac McGaffey Highland Bayou Park. The 230-acre nature park is home to La Marque Bayou Fest, the city’s annual family festival, and a haven for canoeing, kayaking, crabbing, paddle boarding, saltwater fishing and family gatherings. Since 2010, La Marque has had the second-highest growth rate in Galveston County. La Marque will continue its steady residential growth as the neighborhoods of Painted Meadow, Saltgrass Crossing and Delany Cove add new homes. The charming historic homes on the east side of La Marque offer options for professionals, young families and seniors. La Marque is the Gateway to the Gulf. EF Lowry Expy 45 3 6 2004 146 25th Ave 197 Population: 16,627* Area: 14.3 square miles Website: www.cityof lamarque.org Quick Facts Our Cities: La Marque STUART VILLANUEVA /The Daily News file photos Not to miss La Marque Bayou Fest Oct. 15, 2022 Mac McGaffey Highland Bayou Park, 1991 Getty Road, La Marque lamarquebayoufest.com The annual Bayou Fest features a barbecue cook-off, live entertainment, arts and crafts, food, children’s fishing tournament, children’s activities, pumpkin patch and carving, car and truck show and fireworks display. *2019 population estimates, U.S. Census BureauFresh Gulf Seafood & Prime Steaks with a Latin American Sabor! For 24 years, Rudy & Paco's has delighted guests with its innovative, yet classic cuisine. Conveniently located next to the 1894 Grand Opera House, Rudy & Paco’s is perfect for your pre-show dinner or any occasion. Lunch Hours: Monday - Friday 11am to 2pm Dinner Hours: Monday - Thursday 5pm to 9pm; Friday & Saturday 5pmto 10pm For Reservations pleasecall 409.762.3696 or visit rudyandpaco.com Proper attire required. Vargas Cut and Catch features Prime Steaks, Texas Wagyu and the Freshest Seafood available. Set in a beautiful mid- century setting, Vargas Cut and Catch transports you to the golden era of fine dining. Private Room available for your special occasion or next company meeting. Tuesday -Thursday 5pm to 9pm Friday & Saturday 5pm to 10pm For Reservations please call 409.762.2101 or visit vargascutandcatch.com In Independent Living you can be who you were meant to be.... It’s never too late to discover new hobbies, start an exercise program, and make new life-long friends. Choose The Meridian Independent Living and let us take care of the little things ~ so you can live big! Enjoy our fine dining, coffee bar, on-site library, fitness room and movie theater. Spend some quiet time in our chapel. Participate in scheduled activities. Take a walk on the beach. Your days can be filled with all of this and more! The Beach House Assisted Living & Memory Care gives the residents the support they need while they maintain their dignity and independence. On our Post-Acute Skilled Unit we provide Skilled Nursing and Therapy after a hospital stay where Medicare and Insurance will often cover your stay. We also offer Long-Term Care. At The Meridian, we are not just community... we are Family. Call us today or Book a Tour here! We can’t wait to meet you! www.themeridian-galveston.com Call today 409.763.6437 2228 Seawall Boulevard, Galveston Island, TX 77550 The Meridian is a Senior Living Community 2022 | Live. Work. Play. Galveston County | The Daily News | 19Next >