There’s something about the New Year that compels people to make lists. Perhaps that’s because it’s a time to stop, take stock and reflect on what we have.

Laura Elder

Coast Monthly is no different. We asked our correspondents to help us compile a list of 25 things we love about the upper Texas Coast. Our only rules were that the correspondents had to live on the Texas Coast and they had to love it.

Some of their reasons were obvious, others less so. Correspondent David Canright’s suggestion we include coyotes gave us pause. And it never would have occurred to me to include olive trees. But they are part of the coastal scenery, and it was important to us that the list be authentic and an honest reflection of what the correspondents loved about these parts. While not comprehensive, and very subjective, the list is an interesting one. We hope you agree. Let us know at feedback@coastmonthly.com.

We start 2016 by answering requests by readers to add more food features. You’ll find this issue filled with tasty recipes. You’ll also see more features about conservation efforts, starting with this issue and an article about Artist Boat in Galveston. We’re also working to add more features about fishing, including one in these pages about a day on an offshore charter boat. And don’t worry; we haven’t put the brakes on Nice Rides, our monthly focus on classic cars. That feature will return next month.

Our New Year’s resolution is to continue listening to readers, who help shape this magazine.

Happy New Year.

On the cover: Christine LaFoy sits by a campfire on the beach on Bolivar Peninsula. Makeup by Desa Polivka, a Mary Kay independent sales director, 409.682.1113, www.marykay.com/desa. Hair by Karolina Kilbergerova, of Hair Tech Beauty Salon, 16510 Termini-San Luis Pass Road, Galveston, 409.737.4247. Photo by Stuart Villanueva

Special Thanks

Coast Monthly would like to thank Bolivar Peninsula resident and artist Charlotte Stirling and her family and friends for helping us choose the best spot to build a campfire on Bolivar Peninsula and for being a part of our cover shoot. We’d also like to thank them for gathering the day before Thanksgiving and building the fire. Special credit goes to fire masters Tom Stirling and Chris Lehmann. They built the perfect fire and kept it going throughout the shoot.