Three Great Spots for Gifts
Galveston’s retail landscape runneth over with quirky, one-of-a-kind shops offering specialty items that will surprise and delight even the most hard to please person on your gift list. Here’s a sampling of some uniquely Galveston shopping options.
La King's Confectionery
The candy makers and sugar-inspired artists at this iconic shop create some of the most delectable treats this side of Hershey, Pa. Nestled inside a 150-year-old Strand District building, their pecan logs are to die for. The seemingly endless candy counter is where you’ll find delights such as the peanut patties, vast varieties of rock candy pecan pralines, all the stuff of legend. But for a truly unforgettable gift, buy the candy aficionado on your list some of La King’s world famous salt water taffy. With flavors running the gamut from traditional licorice to pina colada, this is the candy that’s made La King’s famous. On weekends and throughout the summer, be sure to join the crowd gathered to see taffy being “pulled” in the old school method.
Hendley Market Cider Beetle
The outrageously delicious cider beetle traces its history back over 35 years to a pair of Katy-area women who sold them under the banner of “Katy Creations.” Originally crafted as holiday gifts for their neighbors, the shop’s proprietors eventually started selling them at a booth at Houston’s hugely popular Nutcracker Market. Hendley Market began selling the cider beetle in 2005, and it quickly became one of the eclectic shop\’s calling cards. The cider beetle and deer beetle, also known as wassail, transform apple juice or cider into a wonderfully festive beverage with unforgettable brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg infused flavors. Located in The Strand District, the dog-friendly Hendley Market also has an array of gifts, including vintage pictures and posters, original artwork from local artists, cookbooks and Victorian-era items of all kinds.
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Tina's on The Strand
Once you step inside this cool boutique, your senses are greeted by the amazing aromas of Tina’s hand-made candles, but you\\’ll quickly realize that this shop has so much to offer. With a bevy of merchandise, such as women’s clothing, handbags, jewelry, shoes and home décor gifts, Tina’s is a uniquely Galveston shop. The candles come in 15- and 50-hour varieties that feature a specially crafted blend of cinnamon, amaretto, vanilla and almond. Voted “Best Boutique” several times by Galveston Daily News readers, Tina’s product lines include Johnny Was Clothing, Brighton jewelry and handbags and Mary Frances handbags.
Rod Evans
Rod Evans is a Houston freelance writer who enjoys getting down to the island as often as he possibly can. He has focused primarily on sports, music, fitness, cars and food during his career in print, broadcast and online media. He's the co-author with Houston blues legend Grady Gaines on the book, "I've Been Out There: On the Road with Legends of Rock 'n Roll."
