WTx

I'm not one that subscribes to tallest is always best. Nobody can argue that Houston has some really nice towers and the Bank of America is a jewel among the newer buildings. However, I have always been a fan on the 10's, 20's, and 30's buildings. The Gulf Building is one of my Houston favs. Anybody have any day and night pics of the building??

A lot of Galveston bears a resemblance to Kingston, Jamaica in terms of run-down housing and crime-ridden streets.

I have to agree here. Last time I went to Galveston I tended to like the southern end of the island on the Gulf side. However, I don't think Galveston's bad areas are any worse than any Texas city its size.

Galveston has one thing, and has always had one thing: a beach

Not necessarily IMO. I like the architecture which you also mentioned. Galveston also has a great, although sad, history that should be marketed more effectively. Would marketing the big hurricane in bad taste? Maybe or maybe not. Dallas has the Sixth Floor Museum and that was a pretty bad situation. OKC puts the OKC Bombing Memorial on their tourism commercials and has a museum to boot.

Just started a new comprehensive Texas metro forum. Come visit!!