Galveston

What kind of crazy people go to the beach when it’s cold? We do. Welcome to Galveston in winter, the side of the island most Texans never see.

Here’s the thing: the off-season is when Galveston gets real.

We eat muffulettas and meatballs at a Sicilian family spice shop, hold the sword that captured Santa Ana, chase pink birds at Galveston Island State Park, and take a January swim that I do not recommend.

Then it’s oysters at 115-year-old Gaido’s, a ghost tour with a buried mummy, and a night in the most haunted hotel on the island. Someone screams. It might be me.

Set your watch to island time and grab a jacket. You ready for this?