Galveston's not a big island, it's true, but inasmuch as any place out West can emulate New York City, it sure is putting up a rousing effort. Houston may be the biggest city in Texas per capita, but Galveston is where the business is.

Kate listens with fascination to each one of Amanda's stories, grinning broadly at how much history she's seen with her own eyes.

"I think the founders were tryin' awful hard t'turn Galveston into somethin' special, like New York. They brought in all kinds of artists for their buildin's. An' y'know somethin'? A lotta famous folk come 'round here."

So it must be working.