Destinations

Galveston’s Rosenberg Library Museum

: Destinations, Galleries & Museums : Written by Troy Broussard : 08-23-2014

The Rosenberg Library, Galveston, a TroysArt photo

It’s no secret that Galveston Island is rich in history. The best known cultural attractions are without a doubt architectural—such as The Bishop’s Palace. And for connoisseurs of fine art there is a multitude of art galleries downtown. But I must admit that I had no idea that there is actually fine art available for viewing in a museum setting. The Rosenberg Library isn’t just a repository for books. Born in Switzerland, Henry Rosenberg immigrated to Galveston in the 1840s and got crazy rich. When he died in 1893 he left almost a million dollars to charity, including $400,000 to …continue reading

The Bishop’s Palace

: Destinations : Written by Troy Broussard : 08-06-2014

The crown jewel of the Galveston Historical Foundation is undoubtedly the Bishop’s Palace, also known as Gresham’s Castle. Located at Broadway and 14th Street in Galveston’s historic East End, the fabulous high Victorian style house is considered by the American Institute of Architects as one of the 100 most significant buildings in the USA. Built by crazy rich Colonel Walter Gresham in 1892, it was designed by Galveston starchitect Nicolas Clayton. Constructed of stone, it withstood the great hurricane of 1900 and was refuge for hundreds of survivors after that disaster. In the 1920s it was purchased by the Roman …continue reading

Magnolia Mound Plantation

: Destinations : Written by Troy Broussard : 07-29-2014

If you expect a plantation house tour to conjure visions of Scarlett O’Hara descending a sweeping stair, try Nottoway or Madewood; but for the true culture and architecture enthusiast, Magnolia Mound is a gem. Built in 1781, it is the oldest wooden structure in Baton Rouge. Sitting on a high ridge facing the Mississippi River and once the center of a 900-acre indigo and sugar farm, it is a rare example of the architectural vernacular adopted by the earliest Louisiana settlers. The other day I toured Magnolia Mound for the second time—the first time being approximately 25 years ago. The house is …continue reading

The Art of Escape: Hotel Galvez

: Destinations : Written by Troy Broussard :

Galveston is a short drive from Houston—in less than an hour a city weary soul can be transported to another realm. Sadly, because of its brown water and toothless underbelly, not many people I know share my enthusiasm for the convenient island retreat. A few days back I made one of my regular trips. When I stepped out of my car at the Galvez’s valet stand a pungent stench affronted my nostrils—like being slapped in the face with a spoiled trout. One look at the beaches and the reason is obvious. Galveston is experiencing one of the worst red seaweed …continue reading

Oak Alley Plantation

: Destinations : Written by Troy Broussard : 07-11-2014

If you can tour only one antebellum plantation, make it Oak Alley. I’ve seen almost every Louisiana plantation that is open to the public and Oak Alley is definitely the queen of them all! The mansion itself is magnificent but it’s the alley of trees that is not duplicated anywhere in the world. Established as a sugarcane plantation in 1830 by crazy rich Valcour Aime, the land was traded to his brother-in-law Jacques Roman who in 1839 built a house impressive enough to lure his sweetie from New Orleans to the country. For more history, take the tour… Most house …continue reading