As summer arrives and the island’s weather warms, Galveston comes to life. Full-time residents, second-home owners, and visitors alike fill the streets, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, bustling restaurants, and lively shopping district - ready to embrace the season. 

 Just in time for summer, two new eateries have opened - a neighborhood sweet shop and café bar, along with a restaurant specializing in Indo-Chinese fusion cuisine, offering fresh flavors for locals and tourists alike. 

 Meanwhile, Galveston’s art district continues to flourish with the addition of a new gallery on the east end of Postoffice Street, and a popular antique store has expanded its space and selection, making them must-visit spots during Galveston’s new monthly ArtWalks. 

 There’s also new ownership at Galveston Moke Rentals, bringing a renewed commitment to providing a safe, fun, and unique way to explore the island. 

 With summer just around the corner, Galveston is open for business and ready for adventure. 

 ANCHORED ANTIQUES Alex Castro and Todd Weaver opened Anchored Antiques last summer at 2002 Strand Street, Suite 103, in the Hendley Building in the downtown Galveston business district. 

 Last month, the duo acquired a second location to include additional space in Suite 102. The entrance for the first location is on 20th Street, across from the Peanut Butter Warehouse. The entrance for the new space is on the corner of Strand and 20th Street. 

 Both locations offer an assortment of antiques and gifts for people of all ages and walks of life. Customers will find vintage LPs, bar signs for the ‘man cave,’ clocks, dolls, furniture, custom jewelry, organic oils, and many more unique items in a welcoming space. 

 Castro and Weaver are island residents who have worked in the antique and gift business for several years. 

 “Galveston has always been a place we wanted to call home. When the opportunity presented itself to move here and open a business, we took the leap of faith,” Castro said. "And when the chance to expand into an additional suite arose, we seized the opportunity without hesitation." 

 Castro emphasized that their offerings are thoughtfully chosen to cater to every member of the family, offering something for all ages and lifestyles - ensuring quality, versatility, and enjoyment for everyone. 

 “After six months of carefully selecting vendors and curating new items for the space, we’re thrilled with the outcome and hope our customers will be as well. We know our primary clientele will be locals, and we wanted to provide a place for them to shop for affordable items,” he said. 

 "We also want to enhance the tourism experience and encourage visitors to return to our beautiful city time and again." 

 Castro and Weaver are grateful for their overwhelming support in Galveston and are excited about the new expansion. 

 Anchored Antiques welcomes visitors Monday and Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm (or until the music stops) and Sundays from 12pm to 6pm. They are closed on Tuesdays. 

 

 For details on upcoming special events - like Ladies’ Night Out - and the latest updates, follow them on Facebook and Instagram. 

 CURRY LOUNGE INDO CHINESE CUISINE A vibrant new restaurant has arrived on Ferry Road at the island’s far east end, offering a bold and flavorful fusion of Indian and Chinese cuisines.

 “At Curry Lounge, we bring a truly unique dining experience to Galveston Island,” owner and island resident Videsh Kinalekar said. 

 “While we pride ourselves on offering authentic Indo-Chinese dishes like Gobi Manchurian, Veg Hakka Noodles, and Chicken Tikka Masala, what really sets us apart is our Indian fusion menu, which features wraps and burgers, crafted with traditional Indian flavors,” he said. 

 To that end, Kinalekar and his team have created bold fusion dishes like the Spicy Chicken Tikka Burger and Paneer Tikka Wrap, blending traditional Indian spices with the comfort and ease of Western favorites. 

 “Our menu allows guests to experience the best of both worlds,” Kinalekar said. “We are excited to add a vibrant new option to the Galveston culinary scene. 

Curry Lounge’s menu features an array of flavorful dishes, from enticing appetizers like Vegetarian Spring Rolls and Paneer Chili to satisfying main courses such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken, and Vegetable Hakka Noodles. 

 Guests can also enjoy a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, along with handcrafted breads like Malabar Paratha and Butter Naan, perfect for pairing with rich, aromatic flavors. 

 Head Chef Sachin Bhandari brings a wealth of experience from prestigious kitchens across India and beyond. His impressive culinary journey includes working in five-star hotels and luxury cruise ships, where he honed his expertise in global flavors, techniques, and fine dining traditions. 

 Curry Lounge offers a relaxed atmosphere with sleek, contemporary décor, welcoming both small and large groups. Guests can also unwind on the cozy outdoor seating deck - an ideal spot to savor delicious flavors in the fresh air. 

 For those on the go, a convenient pickup option ensures you can enjoy your favorite dishes anywhere. 

 Curry Lounge Indo-Chinese Cuisine is in the Ferry Food Mart at 502 Ferry Road, welcoming guests Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 9pm and Monday from 11am to 8:30pm. 

 For more details or updates on specials, call 281.697.6398 or follow them on social media. 

 GALVESTON MOKE RENTALS Mark Harrill is the new owner of Galveston Moke Rentals, offering open-air vehicles perfect for exploring the island’s sights and sounds. 

 In March of this year, Harrill took over operations, embarking on his first owner-operator venture. Excited to serve the community, he’s eager to provide visitors and locals with a fun, unique way to experience Galveston. 

 

 Originally designed for the British Army by Sir Alec Issigonis - the legendary "father of the Mini" - the Moke was conceived as a lightweight, air-transportable utility vehicle, even capable of being parachuted into combat zones. While its military service was short-lived, the Moke quickly found a new identity as a beloved beach cruiser, embraced by celebrities, surfers, and travelers seeking fun and adventure on the open road. 

 The American version replaces the gas engine with an electric battery, transforming the Moke into a modern, eco-friendly ride. Today, this stylish little electric vehicle is a favorite in beach towns across the country. 

 Galveston Moke Rentals offers residents and visitors high-quality Mokes that are safe, reliable, and easy to drive. Whether you’re cruising around downtown, admiring historic architecture, or soaking up the Texas sun along the seawall, these open-air vehicles provide a fun and adventurous way to explore the island. 

Plus, their Mokes are fully street-legal and can be driven anywhere golf carts are permitted on Galveston Island. 

 "Mokes are a stylish and fun way to experience the best of Galveston," Harrill said. "You can cruise from the Gulf to the Strand, exploring the island’s historic charm along the way." 

 Mokes come in bold, vibrant colors and are equipped with light packages and sound systems, making every ride an experience. Galveston Moke Rentals offers tailored packages to suit any occasion, whether it's a girls' weekend, bachelor/bachelorette party, wedding, or family event - even including chauffeur services for added convenience.

 While Harrill is passionate about providing visitors with a memorable island adventure, he’s equally committed to serving Galveston’s residents and businesses. He encourages booking early for holiday weekends and summer vacations, as demand is typically high during those peak season.   

Galveston Moke Rentals is located at 4619 Fort Crockett Boulevard, Suite A. Operating by appointment based on reservations, they ensure a personalized experience for every rider. 

 For more details or to book your Moke adventure, call 409.261.4227. 

 

 NIFANY´S SWEET STORE CAFÉ BAR A new sweet shop and café bar has opened in a Galveston midtown neighborhood, just a few blocks off the Seawall. The café offers espresso drinks, pastries, sandwiches, popcorn, cotton candy, warm waffles, slushies, ice cream milkshakes, and more in a family-friendly and fun atmosphere. 

 Nifany’s Sweet Store Café Bar is owned and operated by Rebecca Frank. She and her family emigrated to Texas from Germany and settled here shortly after visiting the island. 

 Rebecca and her family visited Austin, Waco, and Dallas before eventually settling in Galveston. 

 “We came to the island to spend a few days on the beach and loved it. When you cross the bridge, you feel like you've entered another world,” she said. “We immediately felt at home.” 

 Nifany’s opened in March in the building that formerly housed Anne Lane Art Gallery on Avenue S near 39th Street. The space has undergone a complete renovation. 

 "We had to plan for a full kitchen from the ground up since there wasn’t one before," Frank explained. "On top of that, we navigated local zoning challenges and the logistics of moving from overseas." 

 What sets Nifany’s Sweet Store Café Bar apart is its inclusive atmosphere, offering something for everyone.

 "We’re a bar that doesn’t sell alcohol. Instead, we serve handcrafted mocktails and provide a welcoming space where young people can comfortably gather on weekends," Frank shared. 

 Opening a small café has long been a dream for Frank, one she was able to bring to life with the support of her husband, Dirk, and their children. 

 "The warm reactions to our establishment have been truly heartening. Seeing my vision embraced by the community brings me so much joy," she said. Nifany’s Sweet Store Café Bar is located at 3818 Avenue S. For more details or hours of operation, visit www.sweetstorecafebar.com. 

 

 TEN THOUSAND EYES STUDIO/GALLERY In April, founding partners Sigita Monika Sulaitye and Wade Roberts launched Ten Thousand Eyes Studio/Gallery, a nonprofit, open artists' studio in Galveston's East End Historical District, at the corner of 12th Street and Postoffice. Their vision was to create "a vibrant, creative, and contemplative hub for the community." 

 As artists-in-residence, Sulaitye and Roberts will showcase their own work alongside exhibitions from other artists, hosting a diverse range of readings, performances, concerts, lectures, conversations, classes, workshops, and other immersive creative experiences. 

 Born in Lithuania during the Soviet occupation, Sulaitye displayed artistic talent at an early age, leading to her acceptance into an arts boarding school. She later studied in Moscow and earned a master’s degree from what is now the Vilnius Academy of the Arts, excelling in painting, drawing, and stained-glass design. 

 Her work has been widely published, with illustrations featured in books and magazines, and her paintings exhibited in galleries across Europe and the United States. A dedicated educator, Sulaitye previously served on the arts faculty at Columbia College Chicago and has taught at numerous colleges and universities. 

Roberts, a seventh-generation Texan, was born and raised in Houston’s historic Third Ward. Over the years, he has held roles as a newspaper and magazine writer/editor, comic book editorial director, photographer, and he is an accomplished blues slide-guitar player. 

 A seasoned educator, Roberts was a tenured faculty member and department head at Columbia College Chicago and has pursued a wide range of artistic endeavors. He remains deeply involved in the community, serving on the Galveston Cultural Arts Commission and the board of directors for the East End Historic District Association. 

 For Sulaitye and Roberts, Galveston feels like destiny - a place where their creative visions and artistic passions have truly found a home. 

 "We embrace the island’s rhythm, warmth, open-minded spirit, rich history, and vibrant creative community," Roberts said. 

 "From its historic buildings to its cultural institutions, Galveston has an energy like no other. When we discovered this location, we knew we had found our creative, spiritual, and forever home." 

 Ten Thousand Eyes Studio/Gallery, located at 1201 Postoffice Street, welcomes the public to experience art in action. Visitors are invited to watch artists at work, engage in meaningful conversations, and immerse themselves in the creative process. 

 For more information or to inquire about hours of operation, call 773.771.8180 or 312.806.8928.