Welcome aboard the new Coast Monthly, a magazine celebrating the sea, salt air and a culture that’s distinctly our own. No other publication so fully covers lifestyles from the beaches of Galveston to the shores of Clear Lake.

Laura Elder

As our team gathered to re-imagine the magazine, we thought hard about what we wanted to achieve, which is to capture the culture of boats, beaches, bays and life on and off the water.

We’ve kept the favorites — beautiful homes, Closet Confidential, Shutterbugs — and added many more.

Sometimes, for example, a person’s boat tell us a lot about its owner. That’s why I love the new monthly feature Stem to Stern.

Coastal living is about enjoying life, good friends, good food and good drink. Creative director/food stylist Alicia Cahill each month will whip up recipes with her feature The Galley. Another new monthly feature is Table Surfing, which focuses on a restaurant owner, chef or foodie. Writer Mark G. Hanna has joined the crew to bring us Down The Hatch, which is a lively and informative take on adult beverages. We’ve also added an educational and unpretentious wine column each month called The Tasting Room.

Meanwhile, we’ve updated the design and typography and upgraded the paper to give Coast Monthly a better look and feel and to make it easier to read.

With the launching of this issue, we’re committed to giving you more — more beautiful photos, more engaging stories and more interaction with us through social media, including Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. And check out our new website, www.coastmonthly.com.

As I’ve said before, the best part of this magazine is the interaction with readers. Please stay in touch and offer feedback by emailing me at editor@coastmonthly.com.

Laura Elder
Coast Monthly editor