Whenever I visit friends who live in canal communities, I feel like I’m on vacation. The boats, the golf carts, the beautiful views, the fishing for dinner just steps away from home — it doesn’t get more coastal than that.

Laura Elder

Turns out, even people who live year-round in such picturesque communities along the upper Texas coast feel like they’re on perpetual vacation. That’s sort of the point.

Although some started out as fish camps or second-home communities, many have become close-knit neighborhoods where residents stay in touch through get-togethers and wave as they pass by on boats.

In many ways, the pandemic has enhanced that neighborly camaraderie. Consider Tiki Island, where residents early in the pandemic soaked up the sun, exercised and participated in nightly boat parades to keep up spirits.

I’ve said before, and I’m sticking with it, the upper Texas coast isn’t a shabby place to be during a pandemic.

On the cover: The canal community of Sunset Cove on Galveston’s West End. Photo by Joey Quiroga

In this issue, you’ll also meet Alex McLeod, who, caught up in a travel ban, found herself back in her hometown. In characteristic style, the TV talent, chef and consummate entertainer makes the best of it and shares her ideas with Coast Monthly.

You’ll also find in this issue plenty of refreshing coastal cuisine to help beat the heat.

We hope you enjoy this edition as much as we do.