Galveston’s got a bustling business community and GM is pleased to be able to keep its readers up to date on what’s new and cool around the island. Whether you are looking for a sassy boutique or a bite to eat, a family-friendly activity or a unique service you can only find here, be sure to check What’s New before planning your day. 

 Haunted Mayfield Manor and Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast Museums and Escape Rooms Galveston business owner Craig Corbell was looking for family-oriented activities to recommend to his Baywatch Dolphin Tour customers and found the existing choices limited. An entrepreneur whose family has owned homes on island for generations, Corbell decided to buy and reinvent existing Galveston businesses and create a few others to fill the gap. 

 “We were looking for activities that would appeal to all ages, from two to 92, and my staff recommended the Haunted Mayfield Manor and the Pirates Museum. To my surprise, I found out they were both for sale,” said Corbell. He purchased, revamped, and rebranded the businesses and added escape room attractions to both, reopening just before the 2023 summer season. 

 It’s no surprise that USA Today rated the Haunted Mayfield Manor the third spookiest haunted house in America as it once acted as a temporary morgue for the victims of the 1900 Storm.

 “The most impactful photograph I’ve seen on the aftermath of the Great Storm is the photo we installed of bodies laid out for identification. I think that’s why there has been so much paranormal activity recorded in the building,” Corbell said. Corbell regularly changes up the exhibits so return visits include something new and, as far as he knows, it's the only haunted house that is open year ‘round in Texas. 

 Corbell hired a custom designer to build a haunted escape room in the front area of the haunted house. “Our design team had a lot of experience in building escape rooms and creating special layouts and clues according to themes,” he said. “We believe we’ve come up with great interactive family activities in downtown Galveston.” 

 The objective is simple: groups of up to eight people must figure out clues, with the help of a Ouija board, that will solve riddles in order to escape the room. The group is given 25 minutes to complete the task. 

 Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast is an interactive museum and the pirate-themed escape room is a fun time for friends or families to participate together. Read about the infamous pirate captain John Lafitte or listen to the pre-recorded audio tapes highlighting his history in Galveston on a self-guided tour.

 Learn about female pirates of the Gulf Coast or the Karankawa Indians that were native to the island. Kids will love exploring the custom-built pirate ship, the talking parrot, the firing cannon, or rifling through the loot from a treasure chest. The pirate-themed escape room holds six people and allows participants 25 minutes to escape through a replica of the infamous Resolute Desk. The original desk was made from timbers salvaged from the HMS Resolute and was gifted from the Queen of England to the President of the United States and sits in the Oval Office today. 

 The Haunted Mayfield Manor and Pirates! Legends of the Gulf Coast Museums and Escape Rooms are open seven days a week, from 10am until 7pm, with extended hours in summer and on Halloween. Admission to each museum and escape room is $15 per person, per exhibit/activity. 

 The museums and escape rooms are all housed in the same building at 2313 Harborside Drive. Folks should note that the physical address will take you to the back of the building and Corbell recommends you enter on 23rd Street, behind Saengerfest Park, in downtown Galveston. Look for signage. 

 To purchase tickets, or for more information, call 409.762.6677 or visit www.hauntedmayfieldmanor.com or www.galvestonpiratemuseum.com. 

  Galveston Burial at Sea
When Craig Corbell’s grandfather passed away, his family was at a loss as to how to treat his loved one’s ashes. He believed other families would face the same dilemma, so he created a business that offers a unique solution. “My grandparents owned a home on the west end of Galveston while I was growing up and our family spent many years enjoying the island,” Corbell said.

 “We spent so much time in and on the water here, I thought an interesting send-off would be to bury him at sea. His final resting place is a spot that brought him so much joy in life and he is forever a part of his beloved island.” 

 Most commercial vessels are only allowed six passengers for burials at sea and must operate under strict guidelines from the US Coast Guard, according to Corbell. With more than 55,000 people being cremated in the Houston metropolitan area annually, and strict guidelines under which their remains could be put to rest, Corbell felt there was a large underserved population. 

 Galveston Burial at Sea is a privately-chartered memorial service for dignified and memorable water burial ceremonies. An experienced and compassionate team provides a deeply personal experience, ensuring that your loved one’s final journey is peaceful and unforgettable. 

 “Our experienced crew understands the delicate nature of these moments. We offer compassionate support during a sensitive time. We will give the utmost attention to detail and create a memorial service that reflects your loved one’s individuality,” Corbell said. 

Personalized services take approximately 90 minutes and can be customized to include military and/or religious celebrations aboard one of three vessels. Each boat can accommodate up to 49 people, including your personal officiant, if you desire to bring one. Galveston Burial at Sea is operated in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Remains must be distributed in biodegradable urns. Flowers are allowed for scattering, but open-flame candles, balloons, and confetti are not permitted. 

 Galveston Burial at Sea vessels depart from, and return to, Pier 21 in historic downtown Galveston. To book a memorial service at sea, please call 832.322.9507, or visit www.galvestonburialatsea.com.