Darlene's Shrimp

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Earlier this month, my son, Matt, spent a weekend in Galveston with me. His plan was to enjoy the slow pace of the island a bit and help me take care of a few minor projects around The Bungalow.

One day, he volunteered to run out and pick up some fresh seafood for lunch. His destination of choice was Darlene’s Shrimp Shack.

Matt had discovered Darlene’s on his last visit to the island and was eager to return and introduce me to the “best fried shrimp he’d ever eaten.” As it turned out, I couldn’t be happier. The fried shrimp were huge and beautiful and so, so good. Indeed, Darlene’s shrimp is, indeed, worthy of high praise!

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What you must know upfront: Darlene’s Shrimp Shack is not a restaurant; it’s a food truck. It sits on the west side of 61st Street, just steps away from Galveston Bay. It sells fresh jumbo shrimp caught daily by fishermen on its own shrimp boat. Darlene’s offers battered shrimp and “naked” shrimp (no batter), french fries, hush puppies. and canned drinks. That’s it!

The shrimp platters feature 10 gigantic shrimp, available in 10 delicious flavors. Already, I have my favorites: the Coconut Fried Shrimp and the Lemon-Pepper Shrimp top my list, but Darlene’s Garlic Parmesan Fried Shrimp and Barbecue Fried Shrimp are great too. And, I have no doubt the other flavors are just as amazing! (I’m eager to try them all.)

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Most customers drive up, place their orders at the window of the food truck and, in short order, take away to eat at home or at the beach. That is what I did the first time I went over there by myself. But, since then, I’ve gone back several more times and enjoyed dining out right there, sitting under the shady pavilion and on one of the picnic tables provided. The close-up view of Galveston Bay makes the experience all the more perfect.

Darlene’s Shrimp Shack is open Monday-Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Hours are extended to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays.

Festival of Lights

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My children and grandkids were in town this past weekend, and we exhausted ourselves checking out many of Galveston’s annual holiday events. And, as you might assume, Moody Gardens’ Festival of Lights was at the top of our list of must-do activities.

The Festival of Lights takes visitors around the Moody Gardens property and by the shores of Galveston Bay on a one-mile trail. The pathway features festive holiday scenes at each and every turn - all brilliantly illuminated with more than one million lights and accented by the delightful sounds of holiday music.

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The Festival of Lights also features Galveston’s only outdoor ice skating rink, food and drink vendors , and live music on multiple stages.

The weather on the night we went to see the lights was perfect. Skies were clear, and the temps were only slightly chilly. Like many others, we donned our “ugly” Christmas sweaters and left the winter coats, hats and gloves at home!