We’re just connecting the dots
WINTER TEXAN Volume 11 • Issue 4 November 19, 2025
Sarah Denzer, Tour Manager
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Hello Travel Friends Galveston’s Ghosts Didn’t See Us Coming
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As the season ramps up, the calendar seems to shift from, “What should we do today?” to “How on earth do we choose?” It’s a good problem to have--and one of my favorites. I hope you’ll consider joining us on one of our many adventures this season…or even next summer or fall. Our Travel Team has put together an incredible lineup, and in the pages ahead, you’ll get a glimpse of the fun (and shenanigans!) from our most recent Haunted Halloween Galveston tour. I wasn’t able to attend that trip myself, but from everything I’ve heard, the consensus was clear: the perfect mix of tricks, treats, laughter, and new friendships. And, honestly, that’s what a Texas winter is all about—having a great time, reconnecting with old friends, and meeting a few new ones along the way. You’ll probably get tired of hearing me say group travel is the best way to see the world, but it’s the truth. Whether you want to hop on one of our tours or have us help you plan your own custom adventure, we’d love to be part of your journey. From day trips to short overnights, landand-sea escapes and even Ireland next fall, we’ve got plenty of fun ahead. Come join us!
Thank You
SEASON SPONSORS 2025-2026
Dear Travel Friends,
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here was something strange in the neighborhood, and who better to investigate than my travel friends? In October, I took a group of 25 on a spooky trip to Galveston. We hunted for ghosts while learning all about the rich history of this vibrant city. Complete with glow-in-the-dark shirts, blinky Halloween necklaces, and spooky ghost cookies, we had a boo-tiful adventure in Galveston. I’ve been wanting to do this tour for a few years now, and it finally came together. If you’re unfamiliar, Galveston has quite the history of destruction and rebuilding. A past full of tragedy and struggle means it’s left behind some ghosts! Don’t worry; they were all friendly, and we didn’t add any to the count before we left. The cemetery tour
was one of our biggest hits. Kathleen Maca met us to explain the history of the 17-foot seawall added after the
devastation of the 1900 storm that hit Galveston. We learned how the people who could afford to raise their loved ones each time the fill was added were able to keep visiting their loved ones. Meanwhile, those who couldn’t are hidden below and some forgotten. Our group also had a spooky evening aboard a haunted harbor cruise, where we learned about the ghost on the 1877 Tall Ship ELISSA, saw the USS Selma remains, and heard a spooky story about William Wallace. In fact, I took some photos of William Wallace, and the tour guide told us if we did that, he may follow us home. I’m not a huge ghost believer, but all I’m saying is, at 4 a.m., the TV in my hotel room turned on out of nowhere. So William may have wanted a little more attention from our group! When you travel with me, I always make sure we’re eating good food! Just ask anyone who has come along. This trip was no different. We had an upscale fancy dinner at Hearsay on the Strand that featured options like braised short ribs, espresso rubbed pork chops, delicious seafood gumbo, and even a caramel bread pudding. We never skip dessert! When asked, CONTINUED ON PAGE 2