New Podcast Shares Treasures of County Museum
A fun and educational new podcast that features exhibits in the Galveston County Museum debuted in February. “Unboxing History” takes listeners on a journey through the museum’s collection of historic items, sharing fascinating stories and insights into the rich history of Galveston County. Each month, a new exhibit will be celebrated in an episode that will run no longer than 20 minutes.
Hosted by Museum Director Jodi Wright-Gidley and local author Christine Hopkins, "Unboxing History" will delve into the treasures of the Galveston County Museum, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the artifact collection and exhibits.
The first episode was released in February and featured the significance of ermine fur in European royalty and its connection to Galveston Mardi Gras, as well as the history and traditions of Mardi Gras in Galveston. The March episode will focus on the vanishing world of corner stores.
“We hope the podcast will inspire listeners to learn more and to come visit the museum,” Wright-Gidley said. “Our collection of exhibits is filled with curious and unique stories. Nobody else has this collection or can tell these stories.”
"We are thrilled to bring the stories behind the museum's collection to a wider audience," said Hopkins, who was born in Galveston and is co-author of 100 Things to Do in Galveston Before You Die.
"With the rise in popularity of podcasts, this is an opportunity to expand the museum’s audience. Now that the museum has opened its doors, we hope people who live and work in Galveston County will pop in during their lunch hour or day off to explore,” Ruiz said.
Wright-Gidley and Ruiz encourage readers to look through their attic and old trunks to see if they have any items of “treasure” for the Galveston County Museum.
“Who knows, maybe it’ll be featured on a future episode of “Unboxing History,” Ruiz said.
"Unboxing History" will release a new episode every month, featuring a different artifact from the museum's collection. The podcast is available on major platforms including Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google, and YouTube.
For more information about the Galveston County Museum and its new podcast, visit the museum's website at www.galvestoncountyhistory.org. The link to the podcast is posted on the website, in the blog section.
The Galveston County Museum is located inside the former courthouse at 722 Moody/21st Street. The museum is free and open to the public on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10am to 4pm.
New Craft Gallery Highlights Unique Merch
You’ll find one-of-a-kind, handmade merchandise in this new craft gallery whose artists combine traditional skills with unique techniques like beading or quilling, among others. The majority of merchandise on display at Handcrafted Treasures from the Heart has been created by local artisans, with a few featured art pieces from Colorado.
Owners Mimi and Don Ritter relocated from the mountains of Colorado to Galveston in 2023. The Ritters fell in love with island life after visiting here on many vacations throughout the years.
“The island is perfect for the kind of craft gallery we wanted to open,” Mimi said. “We sell many items that you will not find in any other store. Our spotlight is on unique merchandise and in allowing folks to sell and craft artwork in different mediums.”
Merchandise is rotated seasonally and includes fine paintings, jewelry, metalwork, macrame, souvenirs, quilling, beading, and many other creative and whimsical items. They also put on sip and paint events and other fun activities as well as an array of classes, held mostly on Saturday mornings, are offered. Check their Facebook page for a full schedule of events and classes.
Beginning in March, readers are encouraged to find painted rocks that have been placed around Galveston Island with a 15-percent-off special on the underside. Bring them to the gallery to receive your discount.
Handcrafted Treasures from the Heart is located at 1115 23rd Street in Galveston, across the street from Galveston Bagel Company. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday, from 10am until 3pm, with an extension of hours coming in Spring/Summer. For more information call 409.500.4830.
Galveston Moke Rentals & Sales
Mokes, also known as beach buggies, are small, open-air vehicles that are perfect for cruising around the island and taking in all of the sights and sounds. Created by British Motor Company as a lightweight military vehicle in the early 1960s, the original Mini Moke was designed by the same person who designed the original Austin Mini, Alec Issigonis.
While its life as a military vehicle didn’t last too long, the car became beloved by celebrities, surfers, and beach travelers. After a nearly 30-year run, production of the Mini Moke ended in 1993.
In 2013, a joint venture between Jaguar Land Rover and Chinese automaker Cheryl Automotive started production of a new version of the car simply named Moke. The new American version switched out the gas engine for an electric battery and now the newest little electric vehicle can be found in beach towns across America.
Galveston Moke Rentals & Sales opened on the island recently and provides residents and visitors with top-quality Mokes that are safe, reliable, and easy to operate. All of their Mokes are street-legal for driving around Galveston, wherever golf carts are allowed.
Whether you're looking to explore the beaches, take in the historic architecture, or simply enjoy the warm Texas sun, a rental from Galveston Moke Rental is a fun and adventurous way to do it.
Owners Stephanie and Anthony Jennings are committed to giving back to their community. They co-founded the Flower Child Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for underprivileged students. They sharpened their business skills while running two successful businesses in Houston: S and T’s Party Bus and S&R Industrial Contract Consulting.
“Our Mokes are for those who want to experience Galveston by golf cart, but with a little bit more flair,” Stephanie said. She suggests booking early for spring break or summer vacations because they will be in high demand [during those times].”
Galveston Moke Rentals & Sales is located at 4619 Fort Crockett Boulevard, Suite A. Their hours of operation are Monday through Sunday, from 10am to 7pm. For more information, call 409.261.4227 or visit http://www.galvestonmokerental.com.
New hours and menus at café lounge
The MarMo Café & Lounge is now open for breakfast and lunch as well as their usual dinner hours with expanded menus for each meal. New items include breakfast bowls, sandwiches, and tacos in the morning, sandwiches and plated specials in the afternoon, in addition to hardy comfort food and casseroles for dinner.
Daily and weekly specials have also been added to the menu. Breakfast is available from 9am to 3pm and specialty coffees will be offered during all hours of operation.
Choose a brew from the newly installed tap cooler that will only feature beers from local breweries. Selections from Naked Iguana Brewery are currently on tap and beers from Galveston Island Brewing are coming soon. You can also enjoy a craft cocktail from their full bar menu.
Partners in business and life, owners Dasha and Yarik Golobokov are Ukrainian ex-pats who moved here in 2011 and now live in Galveston’s Historic Downtown District. Yarik attended the Galveston College of Culinary Arts and now sits on its advisory board. He worked as head chef at the West End Marina & Restaurants and Jimmy’s on the Pier before opening MarMo in September of 2022.
Customers can eat on the outdoor patio equipped with firepits or sit at one of the indoor café tables, soon to be replaced with roomy booths. Enjoy live music outside during all Galveston ArtWalks (they are official participants, hanging the work of local artists year ‘round) and in the warmer weather.
MarMo Café & Lounge is located at 2121 Market Street in downtown Galveston. The kitchen closes at 10pm and the bar is open until midnight. For more information call 409.888.1832.