Imagine a touristy island

The readers of Texas Highways have named Galveston one of the state's top five vacation destinations — barely. The city ranked fifth on the magazine's list of local getaways, after San Antonio, the Hill Country, Big Bend and South Padre Island. Don't feel bad, little sandbar. It's hard to compete with the Riverwalk, beautiful natural scenery and silicone-filled bikinis. According to KTRK, readers said they like Galveston because it's inexpensive and has "famous landmarks like the Bishop's Palace." And the beach, too, we assume. We admit Galveston has its charms: In places, it looks a lot like New Orleans or Key West (sometimes those comparisons do require good lighting and a slight squint), and it has more humid decay than you can shake a stick at for when you're feeling gothic.

There's more to the Texas Highways poll than just vacation destinations, though. Galveston's Dickens on the Strand and RodeoHouston tied for 10th favorite annual festival (behind the ultra-general "4th of July (parades, fireworks, Willie's picnic, et al)," which Houstonist thinks is a pretty lousy No. 3). Galveston came in fifth in the list of best places to watch a sunset (Lake Travis in Austin was first, which we can't argue with), and the Bolivar Ferry inexplicably placed third on the list of cheap tourist thrills. Cheap, yes, but thrill? Whatever floats your boat. (rim shot)

Where Houston really cleaned up was on the list of best upscale restaurants. Gaido's in Galveston placed third, Brennan's tied for fourth, Taste of Texas came in fifth, Tony's (the fancy one, not the Mexican one) tied for sixth, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse and the Rainbow Lodge tied for ninth and Mark's tied for 10th. We're not one of the fattest cities in the U.S. for nothin', folks.

More local favorites: Goode Co. Barbeque (No. 6 on the list of favorite BBQ restaurant); Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (No. 6 on list of favorite museums); the Orange Show (No. 3 in "favorite wacky attraction") and the Art Car Parade (No. 4 on the same list); the Breakfast Klub (No. 10 in best breakfast); Prince's (No. 8 in favorite hamburgers); Ninfa's (No. 7 for best Mexican food); Sudie's (No. 4 in best catfish); and the Bishop's Palace (No. 1 on the list of beautiful buildings).