Offatts Bayou - Galveston, TX

Explore Galveston's rich history from your base at Offatt's Bayou. Galveston island was the probable landing site for some of history's most intrepid explorers. Cabeza de Vaca was shipwrecked here in 1528, calling it "the island of misfortune." The fortunate Spaniards were eventually rescued by the fierce Karankawa Indians, notorious for their alleged cannibalism. In 1817, the famous pirate Jean Lafitte established a base on eastern Galveston Island for slave trading.

Within walking distance of Offatt's Bayou is the original location of historic Fort Crockett, constructed in 1897. This storied fort housed the primary shore based defenses against prowling U-boats during the Second World War. It also served as a POW camp for captured Germans.

Every 6 weeks, the Galveston Arts Center on Market Street hosts a monthly ArtWalk viewing local galleries and other selected visual attractions. Each ArtWalk event also includes a sampling of different craft beers.

A favorite with both native islanders and visitors from the mainland is Cajun Greek restaurant on 61st Street. As the name suggests the menu provides an excitingly eclectic blend. Like most Galveston eateries, Cajun Greek serves high-quality, fresh seafood from local suppliers. Most items have a spicy Cajun twist, including the blackened red snapper seasoned just right. The Greek lollipops are a zesty interpretation of tender succulent lamb chops, and you really should give them a try. Los Molcas on Stewart Road serves Offatt's Bayou denizens some of the best authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes found anywhere in a state known for its Mexican food. This informal eatery gives patrons a wide choice of spicy and not so spicy specialties. With enchiladas and burritos big enough to satisfy the heartiest appetites, diners can relax and fill up after a day enjoying the many nearby recreational sites. Fresh ingredients and homemade tortillas remain part of the secret. Wash it all down with a Mexican Coke made with real cane sugar.

Lucky Lounge, located a bit further down Stewart Road, provides the Offat's Bayou district with drink specials every day. The tavern claims to have the best margaritas in Galveston. Stop in on Margarita Mondays to test for yourself. With over 38,000 songs on the jukebox, there's never a quite moment in the lounge. Pool tables and a big screen TV provide plenty of entertainment options in this local favorite.

Well paved roads crisscross Galveston Island itself, with easy access to the Gulf Freeway —also known as Interstate 45 — for motorists travelling across the bridge to Houston and other mainland destinations. Don't rely on finding public parking except at Park and Ride locations and along Seawall Boulevard. You will find several paid parking lots near Galveston Pier on the south side of the island off Seawall Boulevard.

Although the streets can get congested at times and bike lanes are few, most of the island, especially the Offatt's Bayou region, can be easily traveled by bicycle. The neighborhood has sidewalks on most streets, and the scenic surroundings also make it a pedestrian's dream. Most of the neighborhood sits within easy walking distance of the beach.

Island Transit, the Galveston public bus service, can be accessed from 61st Street, which constitutes the easternmost boundary of Offatt's Bayou neighborhood. From there, travellers can transfer to other routes covering most of Galveston Island as well as Victory Lakes in nearby League City and the Mall of the Mainland in Dickenson. With Galveston Island served by no less than five taxi companies, the Yellow Cab on Stewart Road being the closest to Offatt's Bayou, you can always find a cab. Uber also offers service through ride-sharing from the island to the mainland.

Galveston is filled with parks, recreation areas and amusement parks, aside from the beautiful beaches with two of the best located within walking distance of Offatt's Bayou. Jones Park is a neighborhood recreation area owned by the city of Galveston. An excellent spot for fishing or bird watching, it is located at the southernmost end of the Offatt's Bayou subdivision. The park sits among the incredible natural beauty of the wetlands surrounding Galveston Bay, and includes a playground area and outdoor basketball court. Bring along your dog provided you've also brought a leash.

Just across Jones Road, Schrieber Park permits fishing and picnicking in an uncrowded and relaxed environment. Come enjoy the nature trails and experience the unique wetlands surroundings. Both parks are well maintained by Galveston County and neither park charges admission.

Every year, Galveston hosts its own Mardi Gras celebration along The Strand, the main steet that runs through town. You won't want to miss it as several vendors set up their wares and the balconies remained lined with revelers through the day and into the night. For a quieter time, head down to the cruise ship docks and wave goodbye as the liners head out to sea.

With the average rental cost for a one bedroom apartment on Offatt's Bayou at $952 a month, the cost of living in Offatt's Bayou is 10.2% lower than Texas as a whole.

Domestic bottled beers at Lucky's Lounge cost around $3. Regular unleaded gasoline in the Offatt's Bayou area is 10 percent lower than the national average and 1 percent higher than the Texas mainland. A one-way trip on Island Transit buses and trolleys will cost you $1.

For a break from big, impersonal shopping malls, the Galveston area provides quirky little shops to buy antiques and knick-knacks. Historic Hendley Market was built in 1858, and visitors can find vintage books, curios, and objets d'art at this charming spot. Try one of their Cider Beetles to spice apple juice or red wine at your next soiree.

For wave riders, Southern Spears Surf Shop rents or sells "spears" — an Australian colloquialism for surf boards — as well as paddle boards and short boards for the less adventurous. In addition to gnarly beach clothes and board wax, pick up a copy of the "Surf Food Cookbook" for your next outdoor cookout.

Most locals get their groceries and essentials at either the Randalls, Kroger, or Walmart locations right in the community. For all of your Latin and Mexican themed goods head on over to Merco Supermarket on 45th Street for a great selection.