Spook-tacular Galveston Getaway Ideas

Spook-tacular Galveston Getaway Ideas

The site of epidemics, wars, fires, merciless pirates and the nation's deadliest natural disaster, Galveston is believed by many to be inhabited by restless souls. If you dare to head down to the Island this month, don't miss these Halloween-savvy “haunted" attractions.


Haunted Mayfield Manor

Located in the heart of the Strand, Mayfield Manor once served as a morgue after the historic Great Storm of 1990, the deadliest storm in the U.S., having killed an estimated 8,000 Galveston residents. Now a haunted house, it offers 12 rooms of terror that will have everyone screaming for a $10 admission fee.

Room 501 at Hotel Galvez

With a history spanning more than 100 years, it's no wonder people believe the hotel to be haunted. Room 501 is said to be the spookiest room: Legend has it, a bride staying in this room hanged herself in the west turret during the mid-1900s, after hearing reports that her fiance had died at sea. Tragically, her fiance returned to the hotel to discover that his marriage would never be. Hotel Galvez also offers a dinner tour and abbreviated ghost tours for hotel guests every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 2pm ($15/person).

Haunted Harbor Tour

On this 90-minute tour aboard Galveston Historical Foundation's Seagull II, you can hear the haunted history of Galveston's harborside — such as the mysterious image of a face on the exterior of UTMB's Ewing Hall. The face is said to belong to a former landowner who pleaded with his family not to sell the property, but once they did, he made sure his displeasure was clear by appearing on a building constructed on the site. Tours take place Oct. 23-24 and Oct. 30-31 from 4:30-6 p.m. Adult admission is $20, and children 5 and under are free.

Old City CemeteryOld City Cemetery

Ghost Tours of Galveston

Galveston is also home to nationally recognized paranormal expert Dash Beardsley, who offers ghost tours of the island's cemeteries, downtown district, and more in his Restless Spirits Tour (from $20/person). All stories are infused with researched historical evidence and personal accounts of the supernatural from local residents.

Ghost City Tours

This national ghost tour company offers a few Galveston excursions, such as the adults-only Shadows of Revelry Tour and more. Visitors learn the haunted history of The Moody Mansion, the Broadway Cemetery, Bishop's Palace and more. Tickets are $30.

AT TOP: Bishop's Palace in Galveston

Dispatches
Fried Chicken, Fancy Bubbles, and a Side of Glamour: Sundays at The Marigold Club Just Got Fun

Chef-owner Austin Waiter of The Marigold Club, now serving fried chicken and Champagne on Sunday nights.


IF YOUR SUNDAY nights could use a little sparkle—and a lot of fried chicken—The Marigold Club has just the thing. Starting May 25 at 5pm, the Montrose hotspot known for its playful mix of Southern charm and London polish is rolling out a new weekly tradition: Fried Chicken & Champagne Sundays.

This isn’t your average comfort food situation. We're talking a shareable fried chicken dinner for two, made with farm-raised birds from Deeply Rooted Ranch, and served alongside buttery whipped potatoes, minted peas, aged cheddar scones, and some over-the-top sauces — including a foie gras sauce supreme that’s as extra as it sounds.

Keep ReadingShow less
Food

Kristi Ison, Rebecca Pritchard, Nora Jarrard, Katie Tsuru, Ronda Carman

H-TOWN FOOTBALL JUST got a fashion upgrade. The Texans teamed up with Houston’s own Christy Lynn to debut a first-ever capsule collection that swaps jerseys and hoodies for silk sets, chic dresses, and elevated knitwear — all in the team’s signature colors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Style

Sonja Kostich, Margaret Alkek Williams, and Jim Nelson

HOUSTON BALLET’S 2025–2026 season opened in high style with a double celebration. After the curtain fell on Onegin — John Cranko’s tale of love and rejection — more than 220 patrons gathered on stage at the Wortham for the annual Opening Night Onstage Dinner, one of the company’s most anticipated traditions.

The evening paid special tribute to Jim Nelson. Nelson, who took the helm as Executive Director in 2012, guided the Ballet through the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and the challenges of COVID. During dinner, Nelson was honored with a proclamation from the City of Houston. Even Nelson’s mother attended and received a special shout-out during his dinner toast.

Keep ReadingShow less
Parties