Texas Coastal Bend

TEXAS COASTAL BEND REGIONAL TOURISM COUNCIL 2017 TOURISM GUIDE

www.txcoastalbend.org

© 2017 Texas Coastal Bend

361-241-7323; email at info@txcoastalbend.org

2016 Barbara Sheppard Award Winner - Nancy Deviney, Executive Director of the Texas Tropical Trail Region; award presented by Bart Wales of the Refugio County Museum 2017 TCBRTC OFFICERS President - Sandy Jumper (center left) Director of Tourism & Events, Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce Vice President - Tracy Florence (center right) President/CEO Bee County Chamber of Commerce

Secretary - Claire Barnhart Korth (left) Owner of Barnhart Q5 Ranch & Retreat in Goliad County Executive Director - Ann Neese (right) of Corpus Christi

2016 Kay Wolf/Rob Early Award Winner - Victoria Convention & Visitors Bureau represented by Joel Novosad and Nancy Brittain

Boots to Beaches is produced annually by Nicole Perez Morris on behalf of the Texas Coastal Bend Regional Tourism Council. You may contact her via email at nperez@alice24-7.com or call 361-207-6361 Custom cover design by Daniel Charles; email: skullsessiontattoos13@gmail.com or call 361-207-4584

More to Explore!

Beaches and birds, science and museums, art and history, shopping, and more. visitrockportfulton 1-800-242-0071

www.rockport-fulton.org

community members

4 • Boots to Beaches • txcoastalbend.org

Alice Chamber of Commerce

Ingleside Chamber of Commerce

Refugio County Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 1609, Alice, TX, 78333,

P.O. Box 686, Ingleside, TX,

301 N. Alamo St., Refugio, TX,

361-664-3454

78362, 361-389-5558

78377, 361-526-2835

www.alicetxchamber.org

www.inglesidetxchamber.com

refugiocountytx.org

Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce

Jackson Co. Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture

Robstown Area Development Commission

130 W. Goodnight, Aransas Pass,

P.O. Box 788, Edna, TX, 77957

P. O. Box 111, Robstown, TX,

TX, 78336; 1-800-633-3028

361-782-7146

78380, 361-387-3933

www.aransaspass.org

jacksoncountytexas.com

www.robstownadc.com

Bee County Chamber of Commerce

Kenedy Chamber of Commerce

Rockport-Fulton Area Chamber of Commerce

1705 N. St. Mary’s, Beeville, TX,

P. O. Box 570, Kenedy, TX, 78119

319 Broadway, Rockport, TX,

78102, 361-358-3267

830-583-3223

78382, 361-729-6445

www.beecountychamber.org

kenedychamber.org

www.rockport-fulton.org

City of Kingsville 200 E. Kleberg Ave.,

Palacios Chamber of Commerce

San Patricio EDC P.O. Box 238, Hwy. 361

Kingsville, TX, 78363

420 Main, Palacios, TX, 77465

Gregory, TX, 78359

361-592-8516

361-972-2615

361-643-4744

cityofkingsville.com

www.palacioschamber.com

sanpatricioedc.com

500 N. Shoreline, Ste. 420,

Corpus Christi CVB

Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce/Tourist Bureau

Corpus Christi, TX, 78401,

403 W Cotter, Port Aransas, TX,

P. O. Box 1648, Three Rivers, TX,

361-881-1820

78373, 361-749-5919

78071, 361-786-4330

www.visitcorpuschristitx.org

www.portaransas.org

threeriverstx.org

Cuero Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture

Port Lavaca Chamber of Commerce

Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce

Victoria Convention & Visitors Bureau

124 E. Church, Cuero, TX, 77954

2300 Highway 35 North,

P. O. Box 1758, Victoria, TX,

361-275-2112 - www.cuero.org

Port Lavaca, TX, 77979

77902, 361-485-3116

361-552-2959

www.visitvictoriatexas.com

George West Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 359, George West, TX, 78022 361-449-2033 www.georgewest.org

Goliad Co. Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 606, Goliad, TX, 77963, 361-645-3563 - www.goliadcc.org

www.portlavacainfo.com

Portland Chamber of Commerce

Yorktown Economic Development Corp.

141 S. Riedel, Yorktown, TX, 78164

P.O. Box 388, Portland, TX,

361-564-2661

78374, 361-643-2475

www.yorktowntx.com

www.portlandtx.org

5 • Boots to Beaches • txcoastalbend.org

Several museums share historical artifacts of Alice and South Texas. The 6RXWK 7H[DV 0XVHXP RͿHUV DQ RYHUYLHZ of the early days in the Hub City. The Tejano R.O.O.T.S. Museum showcases Tejano artists and legends in the Birthplace of Tejano’s music museum.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Alice and its surrounding areas have

an abundance of wildlife. Hunting, ÀVKLQJ DQG ELUG ZDWFKLQJ DUH IDYRULWH activities. A variety of wild game hunting opportunities are available from Texas Parks and Wildlife. Lined with mesquite trees, the Alice Municipal Golf Course is the largest of the city’s two golf courses, with 18 holes on 5,911 yards of long fairways and greens. The $OLFH &RXQWU\ &OXE *ROI &RXUVH RͿHUV 9 holes, with special rates available for Winter Texans. South Texas and Jim :HOOV &RXQW\ RͿHU DQ HQGOHVV YDFDWLRQ climate with the amenities of a worldclass resort nearby.

ALICE

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ALICE WAS ESTABLISHED in 1888 and named after the daughter of Captain Richard King, who established the King Ranch. Historically, the community is associated with cattle, the vaquero and the American cowboy. Alice was noted as the world’s largest cattle shipping point from 1888 to 1895. The richness of the area’s history is displayed in the South Texas Museum near downtown.

We enjoy year-round outdoor activities LQFOXGLQJ JROÀQJ KLNLQJ FDPSLQJ and boating. Saltwater and freshwater ÀVKLQJ FRPELQHG ZLWK D WKULYLQJ wildlife population all await the outdoor enthusiast. For those who

Make the Coastal Bend Your Forever Home

“We don’t build houses, we build dreams�

JIM DEAN HOMES

361-460-0457 • WWW.JIMDEANHOMES.COM

alice

6 • Boots to Beaches • txcoastalbend.org

prefer their entertainment indoors, there are a variety of theater groups, symphonies, art galleries and dance companies nearby. Museums, zoos, aquariums and historic sites abound, DGGLQJ D 7H[DV Ă DLU WR \RXU HGXFDWLRQDO outings. And with Old Mexico right next door, international excursions are a short drive away.

Alice, Texas, the county seat of Jim Wells County, is centrally located in South Texas, making it a commercial center for the petroleum industry, tourism, healthcare, agribusiness and distribution to surrounding areas.

aransas pass

The combination of a growing industry, an outstanding education system, an abundance of wildlife, and economic activity for the region makes Alice a favorite among residents and visitors alike.

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ARANSAS PASS OFFERS cool breezes and unique, crystal clear waters, beautiful VHD JUDVV DQG WKH EHVW ED\ ÀVKLQJ LQ the State of Texas. Aransas Pass prides itself on maintaining its charming small town atmosphere while hosting many SURIHVVLRQDO ÀVKLQJ JXLGHV ND\DN IDFLOLWLHV ELUGLQJ DUHDV SDUNV D WHUULÀF aquatic center, wonderful downtown shops, restaurants, historic live theatre, and the most state-of-the-art Civic Center in the entire region.

SHRIMPOREE Aransas Pass is known for its shrimping KHULWDJH DQG LWV UHFUHDWLRQDO ÀVKLQJ (DFK year, Aransas Pass celebrates its shrimping heritage in June with the Shrimporee with live entertainment, a carnival, arts and crafts booths and shrimp cooked in a

Call the Alice Convention & Visitors Bureau/Chamber of Commerce at 877-9925423 or visit www.alicetxchamber.org.

variety of ways.

BOATING There are many marinas and boat ramps available, with the largest at the historic Conn Brown Harbor. This picturesque harbor setting is a favorite spot for photographers and is a preferred location WR SXUFKDVH IUHVK VHDIRRGULJKW RͿ WKH boat. While at the Harbor, pay a visit to the Seaman’s Memorial Tower. The beautiful memorial is dedicated to those who have lost their lives at sea. Coastal ED\ DQG JXOI ÀVKLQJ DUH DPRQJ WKH EHVW in Texas. Take advantage of our bay V\VWHPV ZKLFK RͿHU \HDU URXQG SOHDVXUH ZLWK D YDULHW\ RI ÀVK LQFOXGLQJ WKH SUROLÀF 5HGÀVK -RLQ D GHHS VHD FKDUWHU KLUH D guide, or launch your own boat.

7 • Boots to Beaches • txcoastalbend.org

)RXUWHHQ GLÍżHUHQW VSHFLHV RI GXFNV IUHTXHQW RXU KXQWLQJ UHJLRQ 2XU YDVW VKDOORZ ED\V RÍżHU KXQWHUV EDJ OLPLWV RI GXFN DQG JHHVH &UDEELQJ EHDFKFRPELQJ GROSKLQ DQG ELUG ZDWFKLQJ DUH TXLHW SXUVXLWV GHVLJQHG WR JHW \RX RXWGRRUV LQ WKH IUHVK DLU DQG VXQVKLQH 1HDUO\ VSHFLHV RI ELUGV WUDYHO WKURXJK $UDQVDV 3DVV 6RPH RI WKH EHVW ELUG ZDWFKLQJ LQ WKH 8 6 LV IRXQG LQ WKH $UDQVDV 3DVV 1DWXUH 3DUN ZLWKLQ WKH DFUH $UDQVDV 3DVV &RPPXQLW\ 3DUN

ERUGHULQJ 5HGÀVK %D\ 7KLV DUHD LV D KDYHQ IRU UHJLRQDO DQG PLJUDWLQJ ELUGV 0DUVK\ DQG VSRWWHG ZLWK PDQ\ ÀVK EUHHGLQJ SRQGV WKH DUHD LV DEXQGDQW LQ VSHFLHV RI ZDWHUIRZO 2QH ORFDO IDYRULWH VLWH LV 1HZEHUU\ 3DUN 7KH DFUH VPDOO FHQWUDO FLW\ SDUN LV ODQGVFDSHG WR DWWUDFW ELUGV KXPPLQJELUGV DQG EXWWHUà LHV DV WKH\ SDVV WKURXJK For more information, contact the Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce at 361-758-2750/1-800-633-3028 or visit www.aransaspass.org.

Stay & Play in Aransas Pass Red sh Bay Conn Brown Harbor Aransas Pass Civic Center Seaman Memorial Tower Lighthouse Lake Trails Shrimporee Aransas Pass Aquatic Center Check us out for upcoming events:

www.aransaspass.org

• Custom & Classic Car Show • Hotties on the Harbor • Taste of Aransas Pass

Visit us online @ AransasPass.org or phone 361-758-2750

aransas pass

NATURE

beeiille

bee Co. - historical society

bayside - fennessey ranch

8 • Boots to Beaches • txcoastalbend.org

WE ARE 3,500 ACRES of richly diverse habitat such as fresh water marshes, upland woodlands and 9 miles of Mission River with incredible riparian habitat. We are located in Refugio &RXQW\ ZLWKLQ WKH FHQWUDO Ă \DZD\ where we have recorded over 400 species of birds.

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We have 30 miles of hiking and biking trails and gravel roads for you to record your sightings on one of our legendary hayrides tours. We call these our Bird Watching Tours, they include a guide and unlimited time and access to the most primitive areas of the ranch.

Among our more popular attractions are the Wildlife Photography Blinds that are available for daily rentals and are also utilized for our Sharpshooters Photography Club.

The Fennessey Ranch is privately owned by Brien O’Connor Dunn and the property has been a part of his family’s holdings for more than 200 years. All tours and visits to the ranch are by reservation only.

All tours employ a ranch guide and/or an expert birding guide. Call (361) 5296600.

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THE BEE COUNTY Historical Society was organized to discover, procure and preserve whatever may relate to the natural, civil, literary and ecclesiastical history of the United States of America in general and to the State of Texas and County of Bee, in particular, and to establish and maintain collections in art, history, crafts and archeology.

The Historic McClanahan House is open WKH ÀUVW 6XQGD\ RI HYHU\ PRQWK 7KH house was constructed in 1867 and is the oldest business structure still standing in our county.

Check the Bee County Historical Society

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IF YOU ARE interested in spending time with the birds of south Texas, there is hardly a better place to start than Bee County. Arriving in south Texas from the north, Bee County is where you are OLNHO\ WR PDNH ÀUVW FRQWDFW ZLWK ELUGV that make you feel you are visiting the tropics. You will encounter Green Jays, Audubon’s Orioles, Long-billed and &XUYH ELOOHG 7KUDVKHUV %XͿ EHOOLHG

on Facebook for up-to-date information. “LIKE� the page as we post timeline updates.

We will be posting dates and times of more events to come. We love our county and want to share its wealth of history.

Hummingbirds, Olive Sparrows, and Common Pauraques among many other Brush Country specialties. Sought after species like Harris’s Hawk, Groovebilled Ani, Great Kiskadee and Green .LQJÀVKHU UHDFK WKHLU QRUWKHUQ OLPLW in or near Bee County. The Texas Brush Country has the most diverse bird population north of Mexico. It is no surprise that Bee County has

9 • Boots to Beaches • txcoastalbend.org

Grebes and other wetland species, including ducks.

Several locations within the city of Beeville provide close viewing of area specialties. Veteran’s Memorial Park spans a portion of Poesta Creek. This woody little creek is a good spot to locate the Great Kiskadee.

Goldenfronted Woodpeckers, Eastern Bluebirds and Green Jays are regulars. You may be UHZDUGHG ZLWK JOLPSVHV RI %XÍż EHOOLHG Hummingbirds, a year-round resident.

Spectacular Vermilion Flycatchers are known to breed in the park.

Drive the smaller country roads just after dark and you may spot glowing rosy-red eyes along the road edge. These eyes belong to Common Pauraques, nocturnal goatsuckers (yes, they really DUH FDOOHG WKDW WKDW IHHG E\ Ă XWWHULQJ up from the ground to catch insects.

The 1-1/2 mile paved walking trail adjoining the campus of Coastal Bend College in Beeville is a great place for birders to catch sight of Loggerhead Shrikes, Long-billed Thrashers and sometimes Cactus Wrens. A small pond provides water and attracts Pied-billed

beeville

documented more than 288 species so far.

Take it slow and spend a few days here.

The people are friendly and the birding is good, especially during the fall and winter. You are likely to be thrilled with excellent looks at many of our amazing south Texas birds. Pack a jacket. Carry water. Wear sensible shoes. And expect to be delighted! There are so many special species to see!

For more information, visit www. experiencebeecounty.org

EXPERIENCE BEE COUNTY Cultural Arts * Shopping Hunting * Birding

www.experiencebeecounty.org

Bee County Chamber of Commerce 361-358-3267

barhar q5 ranch & nature retreat

10 • Boots to Beaches • txcoastalbend.orG

IF YOUR GOAL IS spectacular birding or you just want to get away from the crowds, the Barnhart Q5 Ranch & Nature Retreat - www.barnhartranchretreat. com - on the Northwestern side RI *ROLDG &RXQW\ RÍżHUV D SHUIHFW combination of housing and nature retreat in a private environment. The ranch is a TPWD Land Steward Award winner, striving to balance ranching with ongoing conservation and enhancement of native habitat with an emphasis on birding.

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Guest housing is comfortable and reasonable with all the amenities of home. You can sit on the front porch in a rocker and enjoy the birds as they surround the houses - more than 183 species have been documented here - or, hike, bike or rent a golf cart and cruise the miles of trails scattered throughout the 706-acre property.

Guests comment on the peace and quiet and how renewing it is. Many couples have spent their anniversaries on the UDQFK ÀQGLQJ LW SURYLGHV WKHP WLPH together without all the interruptions of the world. The ranch has one of the darkest skies in the region, so guests can enjoy stargazing from a platform built on one of the ranch’s highest hills.

Children and adults are always invited to participate in a nature hike, cattle roundup, or grooming a Mediterranean miniature donkey or two when they’re ready for a new experience!

cinnamon shore

Top pic, 1877 Restored Maetze Guest House. Left, Claire Barnhart with some of the ranch’s miniature donkey gals.

Submitted

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CINNAMON SHORE IS a pedestrianfriendly planned community located RQ 0XVWDQJ ,VODQG MXVW RͿ WKH FRDVW of Corpus Christi and nestled behind 300 feet of protective dunes. Designed in the tradition of yesterday’s classic neighborhoods, but with all the amenities including: beautiful beaches; pools and parks; paved sidewalks along palm-lined streets; stocked lakes; ÀVKLQJ SDYLOLRQ DQG ERDUGZDON WRZQ

center is comprised of a restaurant, an entertainment stage and Town Center Residences.

Cinnamon Shore will have approximately 300 homes and Town Center Residences, as well as a retail plaza boasting additional restaurants, shops and a spa. Cinnamon Shore also is a vacation rental community.

11 • Boots to Beaches • txcoastalbend.orG

corpus christi

North Padre and Mustang Islands

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LOCATED ON THE central Texas coast of the Gulf of Mexico, North Padre Island is located within Corpus Christi and is the gateway to Padre Island National Seashore, the world’s longest barrier island. Just a 30-minute drive from downtown, Padre Island National Seashore is one of only a few nesting grounds in the world for the endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles.

Separating North Padre Island from mainland Corpus Christi is the Laguna Madre, one of only six hypersaline lagoons in the world. Within these waters, visitors can experience not RQO\ DZDUG ZLQQLQJ ÀVKLQJ HDFK \HDU but also world-class conditions for NLWHERDUGLQJ ZLQGVXUÀQJ ND\DNLQJ and paddleboarding.

With miles upon miles of Gulf beaches available to choose from, visitors won’t KDYH DQ\ WURXEOH ÀQGLQJ D VSRW WR have a little beachside fun. Both North Padre Island and Mustang Island ERDVW IDQWDVWLF *XOI EHDFKHV WR ÀW \RXU preference, whether you’re looking for relaxing solitude or playful groups. 2017 will also be a great year to experience the all-new Schlitterbahn Corpus Christi! Opened in 2015, the most recent destination to join the Schlitterbahn IDPLO\ RͿHUV IDPLO\ ZDWHUSDUN IXQ dining and a golf club.

S.E.A. District The S.E.A. District (Sport, Entertainment and Arts) is located in downtown Corpus Christi, shouldering the Corpus Christi Bay and Port of Corpus Christi.

Comprised of several key attractions, this area is a hub of activity for visitors

and locals with cultural, entertainment, VSRUWV DQG EXVLQHVV RÍżHULQJV (OHPHQWV within the district include: The Art Museum of South Texas, Asian Cultures Museum, Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, Hurricane Alley Waterpark, Whataburger Field, Brewster Street Icehouse, Concrete Street Amphitheater and the American Bank Center. For more information, please visit SEADistrictCC.com.

Marina Arts District The District and Greater Downtown Area are anchored by a bayfront, beach and marina, parks and culture, and sports, convention, and hospitality venues. It is the government, corporate DQG R΀FH FHQWHU RI WKH UHJLRQ 5HVLGHQWV R΀FH ZRUNHUV DQG YLVLWRUV HQMR\ ORFDO restaurants, vibrant night life and music scene, art galleries and museums, and many water activities. Special events and cultural festivals draw thousands annually. Its central location with easy access by highway or local streets and close proximity to the airport make it easy for residents and visitors alike to access. For more information, please visit MarinaArts.com.

Brooks Brothers Factory Store | Guess Factory Store H&M | Express | Toys “R” Us | SKECHERS … and many more!

Hello

fabulous brands.

Goodbye full prices.

SAVE U P TO 65% OPENING MARCH 2017

CorpusChristiOutlets.com

13 • Boots to Beaches • txcoastalbend.orG

South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

Texas State Aquarium Discover the amazing underwater world of the Texas State Aquarium on an aquatic journey from the shore to the depths of the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy daily shows, interactive exhibits and live animal feedings. Be sure to pack swimsuits for the little ones and take a lunch break in the HEB Splash Park (open for Summer). Coming up for

BUTTERFLIES, REPTILES & PARROTS — Oh, My! Corpus Christi’s South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center treats visitors to Flora, Fauna and Fun! One of the Coastal Bend’s major visitor destinations and leading nature tourism facilities, the 182-acre venue showcases WKH VTXDUH IRRW VFUHHQHG %XWWHUà \ House, new Samuel Jones Orchid Conservatory with 22-foot roof peak, Anderson Bromeliad Conservatory, seasonal Plumeria Garden with viewing platform, plus Rose Garden and massive Rose Pavilion. The delightful

corpus christi

2017: completion of the new Caribbean Journey wing! Prepare to be immersed LQ KDELWDWV à RUD DQG IDXQD WKDW celebrate the ecological diversity of the Caribbean‌..right here in South Texas!

corpus christi

14 • Boots to Beaches • txcoastalbend.orG

Hummingbird Garden, desert-like Arid Garden, “artscapedâ€? Sensory Garden, new Tropical Garden, and educational EarthKind Demonstration Trial Gardens URXQG RXW \RXU Ă RUDO H[SHULHQFH 0HHW RXU 5HVLGHQW 5HSWLOHV DQG ([RWLF 3DUURWV 7KHQ H[SORUH WKH VKDGHG 0DU\ Hope Brennecke Nature Trail with two Kent Ullberg bronze wildlife sculptures, which leads you to the Birding Tower and Palapa Grande on Gator Lake, wetlands boardwalk and newly HQKDQFHG 2VR &UHHN /RRS 7UDLO %DFN LQ the Visitors Center, shop the remodeled DQG H[SDQGHG 1DWXUH¡V %RXWLTXH IRU D YDULHW\ RI XQLTXH UHDVRQDEO\ SULFHG merchandise, while enjoying a snack DQG FROG GULQN /RFDWHG DW 6 6WDSOHV 6W WKH Botanical Gardens & Nature Center RÍżHUV \HDU URXQG HQYLURQPHQWDO

horticultural education programming, birding classes, special events, memberships with Reciprocal garden privileges, docent-guided group tours, DQG IDFLOLWLHV UHQWDOV 2SHQ GDLO\ DP WR S P H[FHSW 7KDQNVJLYLQJ 'D\ &KULVWPDV (YH DQG &KULVWPDV 'D\ ,QIRUPDWLRQ stxbot.org.

Pucker up, folks! We can’t promise you’ll get quite as lucky as Nena did on her ďŹ shing trip o the Corpus Christi Gulf Coast, but you’ll certainly get close. Memories are most deďŹ nitely made here in the Texas Coastal Bend, and it’s your turn to experience the fun.

Whether you spend the day tubing at Schlitterbahn, giggin for ounder under the stars, or exploring the Texas State Aquarium’s stunning (and massive!) new Caribbean exhibit, it’s high time for drive time to Corpus Christi, where salty breezes and sunny beaches await.

Plan your trip online and don’t forget your tackle box and a camera, because memories are made here.

VisitCorpusChristiTX.org or 800.766.BEACH (2322)

15 • Boots to Beaches • txcoastalbend.orG

Corpus Christi is home to many wonderful retailers. Make La Palmera Mall your shopping destination for “ordinary turned extraordinary.� For a unique experience, browse the shops at Lamar Park, The Village, Water Street Market, Antique Row or Bleu Frog Mercantile.

Natural Assets If you’re looking for a trail to jog, hike, bike or paddle on, Corpus Christi has you covered.

From urban landscapes to stunning natural habitat, the numerous nature trails found within Corpus Christi contain adventures waiting to happen.

Lace up your tennies, hop on a bike, or

slip into a kayak today to experience VRPH RI QDWXUH¡V ÀQHVW ZRUN It’s For the Birds!

Perfectly positioned at the cross roads RI WZR PDMRU Ă \ZD\V &RUSXV &KULVWL is “America’s Birdiest Cityâ€? for the last decade. Hundreds of bird species stop to rest during Spring and Fall migrations.

Blucher Park, known worldwide, is a four-acre pocket park attracting bird watchers year round in VHDUFK RI Ă \FDWFKHUV WKUXVKHV YLUHRV warblers, chimney swifts and dozens more species. The Hans and Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge is often crowded with VKRUHELUGV ZDWHUIRZO DQG EXWWHUĂ LHV Land birds and raptors occur in surprising numbers, as well. Corpus Christi is home to the largest and most diverse raptor migration platform

corpus christi

Shopping

8545 S. Staples St. Corpus Christi TX 78413 361-852-2100 stxbot.org

Flora, Fauna, FUN! Open 9 to 6 Daily!

free parking

free inner tubes picnics welcome

www.schlitterbahn.com/corpus-christi rp pus-ch chri hristi isti

corpus christi

16 • Boots to Beaches • txcoastalbend.orG

in the U.S., averaging over 730,000 hawks and falcons each year. Hazel Bazemore County Park is famous for its internationally-known hawk migration each Fall, ‘Celebration of Flight’, peaking in late September and early October.

USS Lexington If the sheer size of the aircraft carrier USS LEXINGTON doesn’t drop your MDZ WKH DGYHQWXUH LQVLGH GHÀQLWHO\ ZLOO She’s a National Historic Landmark and one of the top attractions in Texas.

And at 910 feet, 33,000 tons and 16 decks, she’s colossal and a mammoth experience. Speaking of Giant, the threestory tall 3D MEGA Theater makes jets roar louder, helicopters loom larger and à \LQJ HQRUPRXVO\ UHDOLVWLF Even the Scale Model Gallery is National landmark

huge, with more than 370 handmade miniature replicas on display. The Virtual Battle Stations are an interactive experience that puts you behind the controls. The Flight Simulator launches you into real combat; and around every corner, up every ladder and down every passageway, a story unfolds.

It’s a complete interactive experience for the entire family. LEX is open daily at 9 a.m. (closed Christmas and Thanksgiving Days) with all areas except à LJKW DQG KDQJDU GHFNV DLU FRQGLWLRQHG $ERDUG VKLS \RX¡OO ÀQG WKH 0HVV 'HFN and Ship’s Store. Available for private functions as well as overnight youth camp-outs. www.usslexington.com.

For more information, please visit VisitCorpusChristiTX.org.

Photos via CCCVB. Open Daily On NORTH BEACH 1- 800 - LA DY- LEX USSLEXINGTON.COM

WWII Aircraft Carrier • WWII Planes • Jets • Mess Deck Over 250,000 Sq. Ft. & 11 Decks to Explore • Huge Battle Guns Virtual Battle Stations • Scale Model Exhibit • Flight Simulator Behind The Scenes Hard Hat To Tour • Ship’s Store • 3D MEGA Theater 1 on

#

cuero

18 • Boots to Beaches • txcoastalbend.orG

CUERO’S STORY BEGINS when it was founded in 1873, an unruly place until the arrival of Indianola residents following the devastating hurricanes of 1875 and 1886. Many Indianola homes and businesses were disassembled and moved inland to Cuero, which became a bustling city by the turn of the century.

Much of the beautiful architecture from that era still remains. More than 50 buildings and homes, most notably the DeWitt County Courthouse, are registered on the state and national registers of historic places.

Driving tours of historic structures and unique murals sprinkled throughout local businesses are available at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center.

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Cuero is a community full of annual events. Beginning in the spring, Cuero and DeWitt County celebrate the QDWXUDO EHDXW\ RI 7H[DV ZLOGĂ RZHUV 0RUH WKDQ GLÍżHUHQW Ă RUD VSHFLHV have been catalogued in the county.

The community celebrates with many activities that educate and inform YLVLWRUV RI WKH ZLOGà RZHUV (DFK $SULO color-coded route maps that help visitors ÀQG WKH EHVW YLHZV RI ZLOGà RZHUV DUH DYDLODEOH DW WKH :LOGà RZHU Headquarters located at the Cuero &KDPEHU RI &RPPHUFH $JULFXOWXUH 9LVLWRU¡V &HQWHU $GGLWLRQDOO\ D IHDWXUHG photography exhibit is also displayed in the Cuero Heritage Museum - which is also located in the same historic building DV WKH &KDPEHU ,Q -XO\ WKH $QQXDO Fourth of July Celebration, held at the Cuero Park Pavilion and sponsored by Grace Episcopal Church, is a wholesome FRPPXQLW\ ZLGH HYHQW ÀOOHG ZLWK ROG fashioned booths and activities such as a dunking booth, watermelon seed spitting contest and hula hoop contests to keep everyone - no matter what their age - busy and entertained. End your

evening with the highlight of the day, a EHDXWLIXO ÀUHZRUNV GLVSOD\ KHOG DW GXVN at the City Park.

Cuero’s major festival is the Turkeyfest Celebration. Held the second full weekend of October, it celebrates Cuero’s designation as “Turkey Capital of the World,� acheived when many of the farmers produced turkeys over 50 years ago. Diverse entertainment includes a giant parade, arts and crafts booths, food booths, carnival, street dances, and fun for the whole family.

During the holidays bring your family and friends and experience Cuero’s “Christmas in the Parkâ€? lighted driving tour. The mile-long tour includes more than 150 hand-painted and lighted Christmas displays, a twinkling trail of VQRZĂ DNHV JLQJHUEUHDG KRXVHV DQG animated silhouette scenes all sponsored by local businesses, schools, community organizations and individuals of Cuero. “Christmas in the Parkâ€? begins the fourth Monday of November and continues throughout the holiday season with Thursday nights designated as free hot chocolate nights for visitors and a live Nativity nightly in mid-December.

Christmas in the Park is located on Highway 87 South in Cuero’s Municipal Park. The Guadalupe River provides DFWLYLWLHV IRU WKH DYLG ULYHU ÀVKHUPDQ RU WKH H[SHULHQFHG ULYHU SDGGOHU $Q DQQXDO 45-mile canoe race is held in Cuero. This race is the preliminary race of the Texas Water Safari, a 260-mile canoe race which is held in June and runs from San Marcos WR 6HDGULIW 7H[DV $V D ELUGLQJ ERQXV Cuero is site #28 on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. Come visit DeWitt County with its rolling hills and prairies.

Its natural beauty makes it one of the gems of South Texas anytime of the year.

Come to enjoy Cuero, but stay to enjoy the stories. Visit www.cuero.org

19 • Boots to Beaches • txcoastalbend.orG

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generosity and farsightedness of its founder, George Washington West.

After building a courthouse, school and a hotel, he sold thousands of acres to farmers, ranchers and businessmen.

Many of these original settlers’ families still live here. George Washington West (at left with wife, Kittie) gave land for WKH WRZQ RI *HRUJH :HVW DQG ÀOHG D SODW for the town on September 22, 1914.

Begin your visit to George West with a stop at the historic Buck West House, home to our Chamber of Commerce R΀FH DQG LQIRUPDWLRQ FHQWHU )URP there, visit the Grace Armantrout Museum, which houses memorabilia from the past.

The City of George West, County Seat of Live Oak County, is a tribute to the

Next stop, the Live Oak County Courthouse, home of Geronimo. A short drive out of town, visit Choke Canyon

george west

WELCOME TO THE serenity of the South Texas Brush Country, renowned for its trophy game and outstanding native habitat. Visit for a day, a weekend hunt or make this your new home.

George West is located midway between Choke Canyon Reservoir and Lake Corpus Christi where hunting and ÀVKLQJ DERXQG

george west

20 • Boots to Beaches • txcoastalbend.orG

Reservoir for excellent viewing of native ZLOGOLIH RU D GD\ RI ÀVKLQJ +XQWHUV EH DVVXUHG ZH KDYH VRPH RI WKH EHVW KXQWLQJ LQ 6RXWK 7H[DV Storyfest 6LQFH SHRSOH KDYH FRPH IURP QHDU DQG IDU RQ WKH À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³FRXQWU\ JRVSHO EOXHV DQG 7HMDQR WR QDPH D IHZ³DV ZHOO DV FORJJHUV DQG RWKHU GDQFH JURXSV DOWHUQDWLQJ ZLWK WKH VWRU\WHOOHUV RQ WKUHH RXWGRRU VWDJHV /LYLQJ KLVWRU\ JURXSV VHW XS RQ WKH FRXUWKRXVH ODZQ DQG VKDUH WKH VWRULHV RI SDUWLFXODU WLPH SHULRGV DQG KLVWRULFDO JURXSV 6WRULHV FDQ EH KHDUG³DQG FUHDWHG³DW WKH &ODVVLF &DU 6KRZ LQ WKH &KLOGUHQ·V $UHD DQG DURXQG WKH

IRRG DQG DUWV DQG FUDIWV ERRWKV $OVR QHZ WR RXU HYHQW LV WKH QHZ 0RWRUF\FOH VKRZ 2I FRXUVH WKH WDOHV VSXQ GXULQJ WKH 7H[DV 6WDWH /LDUV· &RQWHVW© generate XSURDULRXV ODXJKWHU IURP WKH DXGLHQFH $QG DOO RI WKH HQWHUWDLQPHQW GXULQJ WKH day is FREE! -RLQ XV RQ 6DWXUGD\ 1RYHPEHU IRU WKH WK DQQXDO *HRUJH :HVW 6WRU\IHVW 7R OHDUQ PRUH DERXW *HRUJH :HVW 6WRU\IHVW YLVLW WKH ZHEVLWH DW www. georgeweststoryfest.com DQG IROORZ XV RQ )DFHERRN Call the George West Chamber of Commerce at 361-449-2033 or visit us at www.georgewest.org.

I G George West I Winterfest George G Geo eeo org o rg r rge g gee West Weeessst W Wes t 15 - 16, 2017 SSt Sto toryfest toryfes t to or oryfe o ry ryfes r ryfest yfffees y esst t G IceDec. skating, snow slides, 2299th 29th 9th th Annual Annu A An nnua nn n nu ual ua al I carriage rides and more al No N Nov. ov ov v.. 44,, 20 2017 2201 017 G I G I G I Call

361

449-2033 FMI

21 • Boots to Beaches • txcoastalbend.orG

Many of the buildings on the Courthouse Square date back to the early 1800s.

They now house an assortment of shops, restaurants and bars.

Presidio La Bahia’s Program Reenactment

Living

History

First weekend in April • 361-645-3752.

Provides the public with an accurate reenactment of the famous massacre of Colonel Fannin and his men.

Cinco de Mayo 1st weekend in May • 361-564-5727.

Enjoy music, food, bands, arts, crafts, ,%&$ %%4 FRRNRͿ DQG 025( Fall Flotilla 1st Saturday in November • 361-5756366. Paddle down 6.6 miles of the San Antonio River in 2.5-4 hours.

Downtown Walking Tour Missions Tour de Goliad Bike Ride Visitors are invited to take the Downtown Walking Tour, which features, among others, the sites below: Fannin Plaza Park, Goliad County Courthouse, Hanging Tree (Cart War Oak), Masonic Temple, Baptist Oak Tree, and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. Plan to visit anytime during the year as almost all sites are open. If time is limited, attend the following: Goliad Market Days 2nd Saturday Every Month • 361-6453563. Market Days combines arts, crafts, food and fun into one of the largest and most popular street markets in Texas! Come out, rain or shine.

3rd Saturday in October • 361-6453563. The Missions Tour de Goliad RͿHUV WKH XQLTXH FKDUP DQG FKDOOHQJHV of the South Texas countryside to its riders. Whether you choose the 10, 30, 50 or 65 mile tour, you will pedal past history, live oaks and gentle hills.

Goliad Brewing Company www.goliadbrewing.com or visit Facebook The Beer Garden is now open every second and fourth Saturday from 12 to 7 p.m. Listen to live music, eat delicious food and tour the brewery. You can even bring your dog! We’re pet-friendly and kid-friendly - games for all ages.

Visit www.goliadcc.org for more information.

PRCA Rodeo and Goliad County Fair 3rd weekend in March • 361-645-8204.

Enjoy a parade, PRCA rodeos, carnival, food, dances and so much more!

goliad

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GOLIAD IS ONE OF the oldest municipalities in Texas. In 1749, the Spanish government transferred Mission Espiritu Santo and its royal protector, Presidio La Bahia, to the site of a small Aranama Indian village. A small villa grew up around the walls of the Presidio. It was called La Bahia.The ÀUVW JUHDW FDWWOH UDQFK LQ 7H[DV LV VDLG WR have its beginnings at Mission Espiritu Santo. Mission Espiritu Santo possessed the largest longhorn herds in the state, at times owning more than 40,000 head.

coleto creek park & Reservoir kenedy

23 • Boots to Beaches • txcoastalbend.orG

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THE COLETO CREEK Park and Reservoir located near Goliad is a popular 6RXWK 7H[DV JHWDZD\ DQG ÀVKLQJ KROH Coleto is well known across the state IRU LWV ÀVKLQJ EXW LW LV PRUH WKDQ MXVW D JUHDW ÀVKLQJ KROH &ROHWR·V DFUH SDUN ZKLFK SURYLGHV WKH RQO\ SXEOLF DFFHVV WR WKH DFUH UHVHUYRLU RͿHUV VKDGHG SLFQLF WDEOHV ZLWK %%4 JULOOV VZLPPLQJ DUHD SOD\JURXQGV DQG VDQG YROOH\EDOO FRXUWV SOXV WZR 3DYLOLRQV IRU JURXS HYHQWV )RU RYHUQLJKW VWD\V WKHUH DUH PXOWL XVH FDPSVLWHV IRXU FDPSLQJ FDELQV DQG IRXU UHQWDO WUDYHO WUDLOHUV 7KH FDPSJURXQG DOVR KDV D RQH PLOH QDWXUH WUDLO DQG HLJKW PLOHV RI VLQJOH WUDFN PRXQWDLQ ELNH WUDLO 2Q WKH UHVHUYRLU \RX FDQ VSRW SOHDVXUH ERDWHUV MHW VNLHUV ZDWHU VNLHUV ND\DNHUV DQG VDLOERDWV TXLHWO\ VOLSSLQJ DORQJ &ROHWR DWWUDFWV WKLV YDULHW\ RI ERDWHUV EHFDXVH RI

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.(1('< 21&( .12:1 as the “Six 6KRRWHU -XQFWLRQ µ LV QRZ WKH ´-XQFWLRQ :KHUH *RRG )ULHQGV 0HHW µ )RONV FDQ FRPH WR H[SORUH WKH ULFK KHULWDJH RI WKH DUHD YLVLW WKH PXVHXPV DQG SDUNV DV ZHOO DV H[SHULHQFH 7UXH 7H[DV +RVSLWDOLW\

LWV PDQ\ FRYHV ZKLFK FDQ SURYLGH FDOP ZDWHUV RXW RI WKH VRPHWLPHV ZLQG\ PDLQ UHVHUYRLU DQG ORQJ DUPV RI WKH UHVHUYRLU ZKLFK SURYLGH ORQJ VNL UXQV &ROHWR LV D SULPH PLJUDWRU\ ZLQWHU VLWH for a wide variety of waterfowl and ELUGV LQFOXGLQJ %DOG (DJOHV 2VSUH\ +XPPLQJELUGV 5RVHDWH 6SRRQELOOV DQG :KLWH 3HOLFDQV &ROHWR KDV UHFRUGHG RYHU GLͿHUHQW ELUG VSHFLHV 3OXV WKH DUHD RͿHUV DQ DEXQGDQFH RI ZLOGOLIH LQFOXGLQJ GHHU VTXLUUHOV WXUNH\ IR[HV EREFDWV UDFFRRQV DQG RWKHUV So consider a visit to the Coleto Creek 3DUN DQG 5HVHUYRLU DQG ´&RPH 0DNH D 0HPRU\ :LWK 8V µ Visit our website at www.coletocreekpark. com for more details.

EDOO ÀHOGV 6SULQJ :LOGÁRZHUV LQFOXGH .HQHG\ DQG WKH VXUURXQGLQJ DUHD RQ WKLV DGYHQWXUH 7KH UROOLQJ KLOOVLGHV DUH YLEUDQW ZLWK DQ DEXQGDQFH RI ZLOGÁRZHUV 'ULYLQJ WKH EDFN URDGV FDQ EH D SHUIHFW GD\ WULS RU ZHHNHQG JHW DZD\

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([SORUH WKH +HULWDJH +LVWRULFDO 0DUNHUV that are placed around Kenedy to give YLVLWRUV D JOLPSVH RI WKH WRZQ·V FRORUIXO SDVW 6WRS E\ WKH &KDPEHU RU FKHFN RXW WKH ZHE VLWH IRU D OLVW RI WKH PDUNHUV DQG WKHQ VHW RͿ RQ DQ DGYHQWXUH WR ÀQG WKHP

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%H VXUH WR LQFOXGH D VWRS DW WKH ORFDO 3RVW 2΀FH WR HQMR\ ´7KH *ULVW 0LOO µ painted during the Great Depression ,W ZDV SDUW RI D SURJUDP FDOOHG WKH 1HZ 'HDO $UW 0XUDOV

KENEDY, TEXAS

WƌŽŵŽƟŶŐ dŽƵƌŝƐŵ͕ ƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŐƌŝĐƵůƚƵƌĞ Historical Sites—Shopping—Golfing—Hunting—Antiques Parks—Restaurants—RV Parks—Motels/Hotels—Airport W͘K͘ Ždž ϱϳϬ ϮϬϱ ^͘ ϮŶĚ͘ ^ƚ͘ <ĞŶĞĚLJ͕ dĞdžĂƐ ϳϴϭϭϵ

ǁǁǁ͘ŬĞŶĞĚLJĐŚĂŵďĞƌ͘ŽƌŐ ǁǁǁ͘ĨĂĐĞŬ͘ĐŽŵͬŬĞŶĞĚLJĐŚĂŵďĞƌ ŬĞŶĞĚLJĐĐΛŽƵƚůŽŽŬ͘ĐŽŵ

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kenedy

25 â&#x20AC;˘ Boots to Beaches â&#x20AC;˘ txcoastalbend.orG

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Horned Lizard Capital of Texasâ&#x20AC;? as proclaimed in 2000 by the Texas Legislature, is another claim to fame for Kenedy.

1854, the buildings and museum house artifacts of several generations, which SUHVHUYH WKH KHULWDJH DQG FXOWXUH www. pannamariatexas.com.

Kenedy is located a short distance from D YDULHW\ RI Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ ODNHV DQG ED\ Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ opportunities.

The golf enthusiast LV LQYLWHG WR FKHFN RXW WKH KROH JROI course just south of Kenedy.

Helena Court House Museum is located between Kenedy and Panna Maria. It RÍżHUV D YLHZ LQWR ZKDW OLIH ZDV OLNH LQ South Texas during the 1800s. www. karnesmuseum.com

Downtown Kenedy is enjoying a rebirth with the restoration and remodeling of many historic buildings. There are VHYHUDO EHG DQG EUHDNIDVWV ORFDWHG LQ the downtown area which provide a unique getaway experience. The Hwy. FRUULGRU RÍżHUV JLIW DQG Ă RZHU VKRSV UHVWDXUDQWV PRWHOV 59 SDUNV DQG LV WKH JDWHZD\ WR -RH *XOOH\ 3DUN

Everyone is invited to come, visit and VWD\ D ZKLOH (QMR\ WKH EOXH VNLHV IUHVK DLU DQG IULHQGO\ IRONV .HQHG\ LV D wonderful place to visit, raise a family or spend your retirement years.

kingsville

Panna Maria is the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oldest Permanent Polish Settlementâ&#x20AC;? in the USA and the Cradle of Polish Culture. Established in

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KINGSVILLE, HOME OF WKH ZRUOG famous King RanchÂŽ, is a vibrant city WKDW RÍżHUV D P\ULDG RI UHFUHDWLRQ FKRLFHV 7KH UDQFK RÍżHUV JXLGHG ZLOGOLIH ELUGLQJ DQG VSHFLDO LQWHUHVW WRXUV )RU D WDVWH of ranching in the Wild Horse Desert, the King Ranch Museum in historic GRZQWRZQ .LQJVYLOOH RÍżHUV YLGHRV DQG exhibits of ranch life and history. (kingranch.com) 7KHUH LV DQ HFOHFWLF FROOHFWLRQ RI Ă&#x20AC;QH shops downtown. Cowboy boots, Western apparel, Southwestern jewelry, fashionable clothing, furniture, art, and XQLTXH JLIWV DUH DYDLODEOH 7KH Ă DJVKLS store of the worldwide catalog business, WKH .LQJ 5DQFKÂ&#x160; 6DGGOH 6KRS LV D PXVW visit.

Kenedy Chamber of Commerce; 205 S. 2nd Street; P.O. Box 570; Kenedy, TX 78119; Phone: 830.583.3223 Fax: 830.583.9166; kenedycc@outlook.com; www.kenedychamber.org; facebook.com/ kenedychamber

$OVR RQ .OHEHUJ $YHQXH WKH 7UDLQ Depot Museum displays artifacts of 6RXWK 7H[DV UDLOURDGLQJ DQ LPSRUWDQW facet of the history and heritage of the area.

There are a variety of restaurants in .LQJVYLOOH 'LQHUV ZLOO Ă&#x20AC;QG PHVTXLWH EDUEHFXH VWHDN VHDIRRG -DOLVFR 0H[LFDQ food, Middle Eastern, Italian and much more.

Form its beginnings as a teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; college, 7H[DV $ 0 8QLYHUVLW\ .LQJVYLOOH has grown into a major academic and athletic center, with programs including engineering, wildlife research, and ranch management (tamuk.edu) The John E. Conner Museum on campus celebrates the natural history of the

28 â&#x20AC;˘ Boots to Beaches â&#x20AC;˘ txcoastalbend.orG

For visitors interested in birdwatching, there are hotspots for South Texas specialties from within the city to %DÎ&#x20AC;Q %D\ D SULPH Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ GHVWLQDWLRQ

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It continues to operate today as one of the oldest and largest cattle ranches in the U.S. Richard and his wife, Henrietta Chamberlain King, continually acquired land, and by the time of Henriettaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death in 1925, the Ranch consisted of well over 1.25 million acres. King Ranch, Inc. was organized as a private corporation under the laws of Texas in 1934 and is still owned by the descendants of its founder.

Among its numerous accolades, the Ranch has made its name in animal

Visitors will hear, then see, orange-andZKLWH MHWV Ă RZQ E\ SLORWV EHLQJ WUDLQHG here. Kingsville loves jet noise and is also the proud home of Naval Air Station-Kingsville. (cnic.navy.mil)

husbandry by producing the Santa *HUWUXGLV EUHHG WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW $PHULFDQ breed of beef cattle recognized by the 86'$ LQ DQG Ă&#x20AC;UVW QHZ EUHHG WR EH recognized in the world in more than a century. In 1994, the Ranch introduced the King Ranch Santa Cruz, a composite breed that was developed to meet the modern consumersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; beef expectations.

King Ranch also has a legacy with both Thoroughbred and Quarter horses.

By acquiring and breeding superior foundation stallions, the King Ranch Quarter Horse program produced Wimpy, which was awarded the number one registration in the American Quarter Horse Association Stud Book and Registry, as well as Mr. San Peppy and Peppy San Badger, two of the alltime leading money making sires in the National Cutting Horse Association.

king ranch

FOUNDED IN 1853 as the Santa Gertrudis Ranch by Captain Richard .LQJ D OHJHQGDU\ Ă&#x20AC;JXUH in the history of the ranching and livestock industry in the United States, King Ranch is recognized as one of the birthplaces of the American ranching industry.

The Cowboy Coast is also rich in photographic opportunities.

kinsville

region and, along with TAMUKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ben Bailey Gallery, regularly host art exhibits.(KingsvilleTexas.com)

king ranch

29 • Boots to Beaches • txcoastalbend.orG

In addition to its Quarter Horse lineage, the Ranch went on to produce numerous prized Thoroughbreds, including Assault, the 1946 Triple Crown winner (the only Texas horse to win the Triple Crown), and Middleground, the 1950 winner of the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. Recognizing its place in history, in 1961, the United States Department of the Interior designated the King Ranch land in South Texas, located near Kingsville, as a National Historic Landmark.

Today, these properties sprawl across 825,000 acres with terrain that varies from fertile black farmland to lowlying coastal marshes with oak mottes to mesquite pastures that mark the beginning of the Texas brush country.

Covering nearly 1,300 square miles on

four separate divisions of land known as Santa Gertrudis, Laureles, Norias, and Encino, it is larger than the entire state of Rhode Island. These four Divisions are located in six counties: Brooks, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Nueces, and Willacy. .LQJ 5DQFK KDV GLYHUVLÀHG DQG JURZQ into a major agribusiness corporation, with interests in cattle ranching and feedlot operations, farming (cotton, milo, sugar cane, and turfgrass), citrus groves, commodity marketing and processing, and recreational hunting in Texas and Florida.

Its retail operations include luggage, leather goods, home furnishings, farm equipment, commercial printing and ecotourism.

palacios

30 â&#x20AC;˘ Boots to Beaches â&#x20AC;˘ txcoastalbend.orG

PALACIOS IS THE ideal place to leave the urban crowds behind and enjoy some small town southern hospitality.

Experience the quiet beauty of water and sky on Matagorda Bay. Enjoy a picnic in one of the bayfront parks, complete with BBQ pits, covered tables and familyfriendly playgrounds.

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Stop by the museum to learn about LaSalle and the French explorers who landed here in the 17th century, then head over to the marina to see a beautifully restored replica of their sunken ship. Discover 20 local historical sites on a self-guided tour.

The Palacios area is home to more bird species than anywhere else in the United States, with seven local birding sites along the Tres Palacios Loop of the Texas Coastal Birding Trail where you can explore pristine wetlands and capture amazing wildlife photos. )LVK RÍż RQH RI WKH IUHH SXEOLF SLHUV JUDE VRPH IULHQGV IRU D FKDUWHUHG Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ adventure or take a kayak out for a lazy afternoon on the water. In the evening, try out one of the local dinner spots, watch the shrimp boats sail into port and enjoy a perfect sunset in this charming city by the sea.

31 â&#x20AC;˘ Boots to Beaches â&#x20AC;˘ txcoastalbend.orG

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Points of Interest â&#x20AC;˘ Great Texas Birding Trail sites â&#x20AC;˘ Joan & Scott Holt Paradise Pond â&#x20AC;&#x201C; This freshwater pond is a haven for resident and migratory birds. â&#x20AC;˘ Kayak Trails â&#x20AC;˘ Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Novices to experts can discover new species every Wednesday at 9 am, during â&#x20AC;&#x153;Birding on the Boardwalk,â&#x20AC;? a free, guided public tour. â&#x20AC;˘ Lydia Ann Lighthouse â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Privately owned and operated, the lighthouse has been in existence since the 1800s. It is the only lighthouse on the Texas Gulf Coast with 24-hour caretakers. It is not open to the public, but visitors may view it from the water.

port aransas

WELCOME TO PORT Aransas, an island getaway for beach, sun and family fun! Nestled between the dunes of Mustang Island and the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, Port Aransasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; picturesque shoreline is the perfect place to beachcomb, frolic in the waves, bask beneath the sun, and relax in the gentle gulf breezes. Mustang Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natureUHODWHG VLWHV DERXQG RÍżHULQJ RSWLPXP opportunities for birding, kayaking, Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ VXUĂ&#x20AC;QJ DQG VZLPPLQJ 5HĂ HFWLQJ D XQLTXH ODLG EDFN DWWLWXGH the intimate coastal community of Port Aransas brims with eclectic boutiques, shops, art galleries, cafes, and exceptional restaurants and lodging. Escape to Port Aransas to experience family fun ~ ,VODQG 6W\OH $ÍżHFWLRQDWHO\ UHIHUUHG WR as Port â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, the term â&#x20AC;&#x153;extended familyâ&#x20AC;? applies to this island community, as locals eagerly anticipate the return of visitors throughout the year.

port aransas

32 â&#x20AC;˘ Boots to Beaches â&#x20AC;˘ txcoastalbend.orG

â&#x20AC;˘ Mustang Island State Park â&#x20AC;˘ Port Aransas Nature Preserve â&#x20AC;&#x201C; This 1,217 acre preserve encompasses over 3 miles of hiking and bicycle trails, a SDYLOLRQ ERDUGZDONV RYHU ZHWODQG Ă DWV covered seating areas, and two overlook towers. â&#x20AC;˘ Port Aransas Wetlands Park â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The ZHWODQG OLHV RQ D QDWXUDO WLGDO Ă DW and attracts a number of resident and migratory birds. â&#x20AC;˘ South Jetty â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Granite jetties form the pathway to the Gulf of Mexico. â&#x20AC;˘ Spoil islands in the bays and ZDWHUZD\V VXUURXQGLQJ WKH LVODQG RÍżHU fantastic birding and wildlife viewing opportunities.

â&#x20AC;˘ St. Joâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Island â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A privately owned island across the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. Vehicles are not allowed on the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 21 miles of undisturbed beach, providing excellent opportunities for EHDFKFRPELQJ DQG VXUI Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ â&#x20AC;˘ The University of Texas Marine Science Institute Wetlands Education Center â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Visitors will discover the value of wetlands at this educational UHVRXUFH ZKLFK RÍżHUV LQGRRU DQG outdoor interpretive exhibits. The site features an extensive boardwalk system and several observation platforms for viewing resident and migratory ELUGV )UHH JXLGHG WRXUV DUH RÍżHUHG each Tuesday and Thursday. The indoor Estuary Explorium provides a unique opportunity to learn about local estuaries through interactive exhibits.

33 â&#x20AC;˘ Boots to Beaches â&#x20AC;˘ txcoastalbend.orG

Dining

Shopping

1XPHURXV UHVWDXUDQWV RÍżHU KXQJU\ diners everything from local seafood, fresh from the docks; to authentic Italian and Mexican fare; fresh soups and salads; and some of the best burgers and pizza around. Whatever your choice, fabulous coastal cuisine will satisfy every palate.

Numerous unique shops, galleries and boutiques appeal to the casual browser and shopaholic. Island treasures for home dĂŠcor, fashion statements, and gifts from the heart bring lasting memories of Port Aransas.

Birding Located in the heart of the Central Flyway, Port Aransas and Mustang Island are a birderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise. Hundreds of species of resident birds and thousands of migrants can be found KHUH :LWK Ă&#x20AC;YH VLWHV RQ WKH *UHDW 7H[DV Birding Trail, Mustang Island is the optimal spot for bird watching.

Tee Time

Fishing Known as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fishing Capital of Texas,â&#x20AC;? Port Aransas boasts the best in DOO DUHDV RI WKH VSRUW 'HHS VHD Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ is big in the waters of this small coastal WRZQ 2ÍżVKRUH H[FXUVLRQV UDQJLQJ IURP 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 56 hours depart from Port Aransas

3DOPLOOD %HDFK 5HVRUW *ROI &OXE LV the only ocean-side golf course along WKH *XOI RI 0H[LFR 7KLV $UQROG 3DOPHU 6LJQDWXUH FRXUVH LV D FKDOOHQJH IRU HYHQ the most expert golfer, with the steady gulf breeze, strategically arranged fairways, fast and true greens, and native coastal grasses waiting to catch missed shots.

Arts and Heritage Choose from numerous settings to view works of island art, ranging from casual home studios to galleries and interior

port aransas

The beaches of Mustang Island cover 18 miles of uninterrupted public shoreline and are open to vehicles. Pets are welcome, but they must remain leashed at all times. A parking permit for a minimal fee is required.

GRFNV %D\ Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ LV DOVR RXWVWDQGLQJ in the waterways surrounding Mustang ,VODQG ZKHUH OLPLWV RI UHGĂ&#x20AC;VK Ă RXQGHU black drum and trout are commonplace.

For those that prefer to keep their feet dry, Port Aransas has four public, OLJKWHG Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ SLHUV DQG WKH 6RXWK -HWW\ for around-the-clock casting.

Beaches

port aransas

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decorators. The Port Aransas Art Center is a local hub for artists and is host to numerous year-round events.

Local talent will entertain the entire family at the Port Aransas Community Theatre. Sunset Sounds concerts are held the second Friday of each month, April thru October, and feature area musicians.

The Port Aransas Museum features exhibits that showcase early island living to the present day. The Farley Boat Works showcases the history of ERDW EXLOGLQJ LQ 3RUW $UDQVDV DQG RͿHUV a working boat shop where visitors can watch or participate in building a boat.

Events Whooping Crane Festival - February 2326, 2017 (always the last full weekend in Feb.). This annual event fosters awareness of the endangered Whooping Cranes that winter at the Aransas

National Wildlife Refuge. Festival events include world-renowned speakers, guided boat trips, workshops, bus tours, and a nature-related trade show. www. whoopingcranefestival.org.

Texas SandFest – April 21-23, 2017.

Beautiful works of sand art are created during one of the largest sand sculpting events in the United States. Sandcastle OHVVRQV DUH RͿHUHG $ JUHDW IDPLO\ HYHQW www.texassandfest.org.

Deep Sea Roundup – July 6-9, 2017.

Celebrating its 82nd year, this event is WKH ROGHVW VDOWZDWHU ÀVKLQJ WRXUQDPHQW on the Texas Gulf Coast. www. deepsearoundup.com.

Harvest Moon Regatta – October 5-8, 2017. The largest point-to-point sailing regatta in U.S. coastal waters. Sailors travel 150 nautical miles from Galveston Island to Port Aransas during this annual event. www.harvestmoonregatta.com.

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&DOKRXQ &RXQW\¡V H[WHQVLYH ED\ V\VWHP SURYLGHV H[FHOOHQW Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ DQG DFFHVV WR *XOI ZDWHUV :LWK WKH ODUJHVW DQG GHHSHVW ED\ V\VWHP RQ WKH 7H[DV *XOI &RDVW &DOKRXQ &RXQW\ KDV PXFK WR RÍżHU WKH DYLG VSRUWV Ă&#x20AC;VKHUPDQ Matagorda Bay, Espiritu Santo Bay, San Antonio Bay, Lavaca Bay and &DUDQFKXD %D\ DUH IXOO RI UHGĂ&#x20AC;VK VKDUN WURXW Ă RXQGHU SRPSDQR JDÍżWRSV whiting, croakers, sheepsheads, drum, MDFN FUHYDOOH 6SDQLVK PDFNHUHO DQG WKH ´VLOYHU NLQJÂľ RI JDPH Ă&#x20AC;VK WDUSRQ &DOKRXQ &RXQW\ DOVR RÍżHUV WKH EHVW QDWXUDO SDVVHV RU HQWULHV WR WKH *XOI RQ WKH 7H[DV *XOI &RDVW

/LJKW +RXVH %HDFK (QMR\ WKH WURSLFDO FRPIRUWV WKLV 59 VLWH KDV WR RͿHU :LWK IXOO KRRN XS VLWHV LQFOXGLQJ FDEOH 79 DQG QHZ IDPLO\ DUHD ZLWK VSODVK SDG \RX¡OO DJUHH WKLV LV WKH EHVW RI OLYLQJ RQ WKH *XOI &RDVW &KHFN RXW WKHVH RWKHU DPHQLWLHV IRRW ERDUG ZDON IURP EHDFK WR ELUG WRZHU PDGH IURP UHF\FOHG PDWHULDOV SLFQLF DUHD DQG SOD\JURXQG ZKLWH VDQG\ EHDFK ODUJH ¡ E\ ¡ FRYHUHG SDYLOLRQ IRRW ZDONLQJ SDWK FDPSHUV RQO\ UHVWURRP IDFLOLW\ ZDVKHUV DQG GU\HUV IRU FDPSHUV DQG UHFUHDWLRQ FHQWHU

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WHETHER YOU ARE interested in birding, history, shopping, hiking, VZLPPLQJ ERDWLQJ Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ RU VLPSO\ watching the sunset, Port Lavaca has it DOO

'LVFRYHU DQWLTXHV DQG JLIW VKRSV LQ 2OGH 7RZQ 3RUW /DYDFD 6KRS IRU XQH[SHFWHG WUHDVXUHV DW RXU PRQWKO\ 0DUNHW 'D\V RU HQMR\ PDQ\ IHVWLYDOV DQG HYHQWV WKURXJKRXW WKH \HDU )RU D FXUUHQW OLVW RI HYHQWV YLVLW RXU ZHEVLWH www.portlavacachamber.org

www.visitportlavaca.com

portland

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LOCATED ACROSS THE bridge from &RUSXV &KULVWL 3RUWODQG RÍżHUV WKH EHVW of the Texas Coastal Bend area making it the perfect base for all your coastal adventures. The city overlooks both the Corpus Christi Bay and the Nueces %D\ SRSXODU SODFHV IRU Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ VDLOLQJ VZLPPLQJ DQG NLWH VXUĂ&#x20AC;QJ $QG LWV proximity to everything in the area, from the Texas State Aquarium to the beaches of Port Aransas and Rockport, coupled with family-friendly hotels in one of the safest cities on the Texas coast, makes Portland a natural choice for a family shoreline stay.

The city is home to Sunset Lake Park, a 333-acre ecologically rich wetland that extends into Corpus Christi Bay, providing a nesting ground for migratory birdsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;drawing both local and visiting birding enthusiasts. Nearby Indian Point Pier, a favorite recreation spot for locals,

is a top choice of area anglers. And a hike and bike trail traversing the perimeter of the park gives visitors a birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye YLHZ RI WKH ED\ $ IDYRULWH Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ VSRW for more than a century, Indian Point got its name from the Indians who once camped on the sandy shore to do their Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ 3LRQHHUV XVHG ,QGLDQ 3RLQW DV a means of marking the beginning of the reef road that once snaked its way across Nueces Bay. At one time, wagons

and buggies could be driven across the bay at low tide by following a series of shallow oyster reefs.

Violet Andrews Park situated along Corpus Christi Bay, has been developed as a wildlife and birding sanctuary, and features a hike and bike trail along the edge of the bay. The park is also a favored location for kite surfers and wind surfers—not only for locals but for enthusiasts from around the country.

Throughout the year, the brightly colored NLWHV GRW WKH VNLHV DERYH WKH ED\ DQG ÀOO WKH VKRUHV ZLWK VXUÀQJ HQWKXVLDVWV DQG spectators. Two observation decks in the park provide prime opportunities for viewing the Coastal Bend shoreline from Ingleside to Corpus Christi.

Portland’s newest attraction honors fallen veterans. Located behind Portland City Hall, the Portland Veterans Memorial features a series of

Many Indigenous tribes roamed the land of South Texas before the area was settled

by Spanish and Mexican rancheros, followed by Irish Empresarios, famously, James Power from Ballygarrett, Ireland. On May 19, 1996 the Town of Ballygarrett dedicated a memorial acknowledging the connection between the two cities. Ballygarrett and Refugio R΀FLDOO\ WZLQQHG IRU FXOWXUDO HFRQRPLF and tourism purposes.

One major historic feature Refugio &RXQW\ KDV WR RͿHU LV WKH PLVVLRQ WKDW used to stand on the south end of town The Nuestra Señora Del RefugioMission.

The city’s community center—featuring a walking and jogging track, racquetball courts, weight and exercise facilities, as well as volleybal and basketball courts—welcomes visitors. As does the city’s aquatic center with a recreation pool with age-appropriate amenities for kids from toddlers to teenagers.

Portland is your home away from home on the Texas Coastal Bend. It’s accessible from two major highways: U.S. Highway 181 and State Highway 35, and its only minutes away from Corpus Christi International Airport.

Refugio was named after the mission, EXLOW LQ DQG ZDV WKH ÀQDO 6SDQLVK mission constructed in the State of Texas.

The mission served as a church to spread Catholicism as well as a refuge to the indigenous tribes for the years that it stood. It was abandoned around 1830 and was the site of The Battle of Refugio in 1836 during the Texas Revolution. It eventually crumbled due to the type of stone material used to construct it.

Townspeople contributed to its demise by taking rocks and repurposing them for other things around town.

In the days after Nuestra Señora Del Refugio was abandoned, it was described by travelers going through

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REFUGIO COUNTY HOLDS a very culturally diverse rich history that many are unaware of.

unique monoliths which, when viewed together display the words—E Pluribus Unum—which translates to “Out of Many, One.” The memorial is situated in a contemplative garden with a quiet water feature, creating a unique space for remembrance and contemplation.

portland

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Refugio as â&#x20AC;&#x153;one of the most beautiful missions, even in ruin.â&#x20AC;?

Plans to build a replica of the mission DUH LQ ZRUNV E\ D 1RQ SURĂ&#x20AC;W *URXS called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Los Amigos de Nuestra SeĂąora Del Refugio,â&#x20AC;? which translates to The Friends of Our Lady of Refuge. The goal of Los Amigos is to build, promote and maintain a full size replica of Nuestra SeĂąora Del Refugio, also to educate and tell the story of life in early South Texas.

tropical trail region

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The Texas Tropical Trail Region encompasses 20 counties, 23,000 square miles and is home to 1.7 million residents. The Regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Border Byway skirts the nation of Mexico and the Gulf Coast Byway runs along the Texas Gulf Coast. The rich landscapes in between are called the Brush Country Byway and the Wild Horse Desert Byway.

Historical sites include battlegrounds, architecture, historical markers, courthouses, museums, lighthouses and landmarks. For the adventurous, WKH UHJLRQ RÍżHUV EHDFKFRPELQJ KLNLQJ KXQWLQJ FDPSLQJ JROĂ&#x20AC;QJ ERDWLQJ Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ DQG D ZLGH YDULHW\ RI ZDWHU sports and eco-tourism opportunities.

The Tropical Trail has produced a full color Map & Guide Book of our 20-county region retailing for $19.95 containing 175 pages and over 900 QR codes and information about the rich history that our small towns and communities bring to our regional story.

The Map & Guide Book is available at the Corpus Christi Visitor Information Center, King Ranch Museum, the

Texas history; Remember the Alamo!

Remember Goliad! The aspiration is to remind everyone: Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Forget Refugio!

Refugio County Museum, the Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum and other retail locations across the region. Call 361-701-0555 for a location near you.

robstown

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Welcome to Robstown, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Biggest Little Town in Texas!â&#x20AC;? Founded in 1907, Robstown is literally at the â&#x20AC;&#x153;crossroads of opportunityâ&#x20AC;? since it is at the center of a strategically located transportation infrastructure that includes access to rail, highway and a water shipping port to move products internationally. The 1RUWK 6RXWK 8QLRQ 3DFLĂ&#x20AC;F 5DLOURDG crosses the Kansas City Southern Railroad.

This makes possible the transportation of products to and from Canada to Mexico and other parts of the world via the Port of Corpus Christi.

The more rapidly developing NorthSouth I-69 facilitates the ground transportation of products from the tip of South Texas to the northeastern Michigan border with Canada.

It crosses the East-West State Hwy. 44 in Robstown that connects Laredo, Texas to Corpus Christi and other key highway, rail and port facilities. It is conveniently located nine miles from the Corpus Christi International Airport and 15 miles from Downtown Corpus Christi and its beautiful Gulf of Mexico Coastal beaches. All terminals at the Port of Corpus Christi can be reached in less than 20 minutes.

Robstown is also fortunate in being surrounded by several accredited and well known educational institutions WKDW RÍżHU DVVRFLDWH XQGHUJUDGXDWH DQG graduate degrees. To its south just 20 minutes away is Texas A&M UniversityKingsville and to the east just about the same time is Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi and one of the best community colleges in the country, Del Mar College as well as other YRFDWLRQDO WUDLQLQJ SURJUDPV RÍżHUHG LQ collaboration with the areas petroleum industry. All these institutions combined RÍżHU DQ DUUD\ RI DVVRFLDWH EDFKHORU

masters and doctorate degrees in a variety of disciplines such as liberal arts, engineering, health sciences, pharmacy, education, business, health professions, music, theatre and the sciences.

Within a few minutesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; drive are a variety of amenities such as the famous King Ranch, Lake Corpus Christi, the Texas State Aquarium, the Nueces County Keach Library, North and South Padre ,VODQG 6HDVKRUHV VHYHUDO Ă&#x20AC;UVW FODVV DUW DQG history museums, night entertainment and an abundance of restaurants to suit your menu preferences. To obtain Ă&#x20AC;UVWKDQG NQRZOHGJH RI WKH DUHDV¡ cultural and historical heritage visit the Robstown Area Historical Museum and several historical markers in the town.

If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s authentic Mexican food you are looking for, you need go no further than the various Mexican food restaurants â&#x20AC;&#x153;taqueriasâ&#x20AC;? in town. The highlight of events in town primarily center on the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Richard M Borchard Regional Fairgrounds in a state of the art facility.

Hardly a day goes by that some event is not taking place at the facility which RÍżHUV ERWK LQGRRU DQG RXWGRRU HYHQWV To name a few, concerts, banquets, weddings, regional training meetings, carnivals, gun shows, antique car shows, arts and crafts sales, livestock shows, music festivals, rodeos, community IHVWLYDOV DQG FRRN RÍżV 7KH \HDU promises to be an even greater attraction with the opening of the new Corpus Christi Bay Outlet Mall located adjacent WR WKH 50% )DLUJURXQGV ,WV Ă&#x20AC;UVW SKDVH is expected to open with over 65 new businesses of well-known name brands and a variety of commodities that are favored by its shoppers.

Call the Robstown Area Development Commission at 361-387-3933 or visit us at www.robstownadc.com

41 â&#x20AC;˘ Boots to Beaches â&#x20AC;˘ txcoastalbend.orG

rockport-fulton

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SURROUNDED BY THE sparkling waters of Copano and Aransas Bays and bathed year-round by soothing Gulf breezes, nestled among ancient windswept oaks and steeped in a colorful community of cultures, recently selected as one of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Smallest Cool Towns in Americaâ&#x20AC;? and Best Places to Visit in Texas, Rockport-Fulton is in a class of its own...

5RFNSRUW DQG )XOWRQ RÍżHU VRPH RI WKH EHVW Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ RQ WKH FRDVW ELUGLQJ opportunities, art galleries, shopping and enjoying the beautiful â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blue Waveâ&#x20AC;? beach. Vacation time is a year-round DÍżDLU Artists Galore Named a Cultural Arts Community in 2016! The towns of Rockport and Fulton RÍżHU D VSHFLDO FKDUP WKH NLQG RI FKDUP that has led many prominent artists to make this area their home. Named one of the top 10 Coastal Artist Communities in the U.S., the area boasts one of the best collections of art galleries anywhere.

Birding 2YHU GLÍżHUHQW ELUG VSHFLHV FDQ EH spotted in the marshes and along the sandy beach throughout the year. The Whooping Crane is an endangered

species and the nearby Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, which was named the #5 Birding Spot in the USA, is their winter home. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the HummerBird Celebration held the third weekend in September.

Points of Interest â&#x20AC;˘ Rockport Center for the Arts - Sculpture garden and exhibits in three galleries.

Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Free admission. â&#x20AC;˘ Texas Maritime Museum - The

Whooping Crane Tours Coastal Birding

November to April, Fulton Harbor, Rockport-Fulton, TX

877-TXBIRDS (892-4737) www.rockportadventures.com

See 30 to 60 different species of animals on this 3-hour Texas safari by boat.

rockport-fulton

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Sandollar RESORT HOTEL - CONDOMINIUMS - RV PARK

“The Complete Seaside Resort”

- 700-foot lighted fishing pier - Restaurant over the water serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and your favorite drinks

Call: 361729-2381 877 463-4747

919 Fulton Beach Road, Rockport, Texas, 78382

www.sandollar-resort.com

Email:

sandollar.resort@gmail.com

43 • Boots to Beaches • txcoastalbend.orG

rockport-fulton The newest attraction to Aransas County, “Aransas Pathways,” is a venue project adding new visitor attractions to the area. The four major areas are: Hike/ Bike, History, Birding, and Kayaking. Sites now open include: Linda S. Castro Birding and Nature Site, History Center for Aransas County, Airport Road Kayak Site, and many more. Pathways Center Pavilion and Bridge, is the central information center for the project, a place to relax while studying maps, photos and information on existing and future sites.

Pathways Center is adjacent to the City Hike and Bike trail and has its own birding and nature site.

Call the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce for information at 800242-0071. Visit www. rockport-fulton.org; email tourism@1rockport.org or download our RockportFulton mobi-app on Android or iPhone.

2491 Hwy. 35 North, Rockport, TX

• Open Air Pavilion • Information and Maps for More than 100 sites • Excellent Views of Tule Creek and Nature Sanctuary

sarita - kenedy rancy museum

44 â&#x20AC;˘ Boots to Beaches â&#x20AC;˘ txcoastalbend.orG

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THE KENEDY RANCH Museum of South Texas opened its doors on October 25, 2003. The museum is located at 200 E. La Parra Ave. in Sarita, Texas, county seat of Kenedy County. It is about 20 PLOHV VRXWK RI .LQJVYLOOH RÍż RI +LJKZD\ 77. The museum is housed in the former Kenedy Pasture Company building ZKLFK ZDV EXLOW LQ DQG LV D SURJUDP of the John G. and Marie Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation of Corpus Christi.

In a separate building, the Carriage +RXVH ZKLFK LV WKH PXVHXP¡V PHGLD center, a short documentary on the lives of the Kenedeùos, the vaqueros and their IDPLOLHV RI WKH .HQHG\ 5DQFK LV VKRZQ LQ D QLFH WKHDWHU VHWWLQJ ZLWK VRPH YHU\ comfortable rocking chairs to sit in.

See the fascinating history of South Texas come alive in vibrant murals and learn about the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cultural, economic and religious development. View â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vaquero,â&#x20AC;? a video describing cowboy life in the Wild Horse Desert.

Open Tues.-Sat. 10am - 4pm â&#x20AC;˘ Sunday Noon to 4pm Admission: $3 Adults, $2 Seniors and Teens 13-18, Children 12 and under & organized school groups are free.

san patricio county

The hours of the museum are: Tues. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sat. D P ² S P 6XQGD\ ² 1RRQ ² S P Closed on Mondays and major holidays.

LaLa Parra Ave., Sarita, Texas, 78385 East Parra Ave., Sarita, Texas 78385 Admission is: $2 for Seniors, $3 for 200200 (361)294-5751 â&#x20AC;˘ www.kenedymuseum.org $GXOWV IRU <RXQJ DGXOWV \HDUV (361)294-5751 â&#x20AC;˘ www.kenedymuseum.org &KLOGUHQ XQGHU \HDUV DQG RUJDQL]HG school groups are free.

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SAN PATRICIO COUNTY ZLWK LWV LQFRUSRUDWHG WRZQV VWUHWFKHV IURP WKH IUHVK ZDWHU /DNH &RUSXV &KULVWL DW 0DWKLV WR WKH VDOW ZDWHU ED\V RI Portland, Ingleside and Aransas Pass.

Three museums tell the history of the area, the one in San Patricio City, the Taft Blackland Museum, and the recently opened Sinton Museum.

7KLV RULJLQDO 7H[DV &RXQW\ ZLOO GHOLJKW KLVWRU\ EXÍżV JHR FDFKHUV ELUG ZDWFKHUV ND\DNHUV 59HUV ZLQG VXUIHUV JROIHUV Ă&#x20AC;VKHUPDQ VNDWHERDUGHUV ZDWHU VNLHUV hunters, shoppers and disc golfers.

1XPHURXV DTXDWLF FHQWHUV ZHOFRPH families and several are handicapped

accessible.

7KH FRXQW\ RÍżHUV UHDG\ DFFHVV WR WKH Texas State Aquarium, the Lexington, and the beaches of Mustang and Padre Island.

Festivals abound from the Rattlesnake Races at San Patricio, Odem Jubilee, Taft Tamale Eating Contest and Windfest in Portland, to the Round UP Days and Renaissance Festival in Ingleside, and Shrimporee in Aransas 3DVV WR QDPH D IHZ Call the San Patricio Economic 'HYHORSPHQW &RUSRUDWLRQ DW RU YLVLW www.sanpatricioedc.com.

Visit the calendar for our many festivals.

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Choke Canyon Reservoir is the destination in Texas for numerous Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ WRXUQDPHQWV DQG DWWUDFWV thousands of people monthly who enjoy WKH DEXQGDQFH RI Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ RSSRUWXQLWLHV available. If you are a hunter, the area is home to deer, quail, dove, turkey, javelina and wild hogs.

Three Rivers is what small town America is all about - pride in our schools,

Yorktown is located conveniently close to San Antonio, Austin, Houston and Corpus Christi. Yorktown, Texas is nationally recognized for the annual Western Days Texas Music Festival.

Unique businesses, numerous motels and food establishments and a wide variety of professional services are available.

Three Rivers hosts the best Salsa Festival in Texas. It is held annually during Fourth of July weekend; with free admission, two music stages, unique vendors, salsa contests and so much more.

To learn more and see current activities, visit www.threeriverstx.org.

Yorktown is a rural community with charm, a strong historical perspective, rich in tradition and proud of its heritage.

Yorktown was founded in 1848 on the banks of the Coleto Creek and is among the oldest communities in DeWitt County. DeWitt County is "The :LOGĂ RZHU &DSLWRO RI 7H[DV Âľ Visit www.yorktowntx.com

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MORE THAN A century ago Yorktown, which is DeWitt Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest incorporated town, was founded by Captain John York and Charles Eckhardt, during the administration of Governor G. L. Wood.

churches and diversity of citizens. The town square is the gathering point for town government, and weekly events.

three rivers

THREE RIVERS IS the Gateway to Choke Canyon and the center of activity for the Eagle Ford Shale Discovery.

Three Rivers is located midway between San Antonio and Corpus Christi and sits at the crossroads where the Atascosa, Frio and Nueces Rivers meet.

victoria

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EXPLORE VICTORIA - Founded in 1824

by Spanish Empresario Don Martin de Leon, Victoria is one of the oldest cities in Texas. With its rich history, beautiful architecture, outdoor adventures and unique festivals, Victoria is the perfect spot for making memories in the Texas Coastal Bend.

Where to Eat Victoria has more than 50 locally owned HDWHULHV LQFOXGLQJ EDNHULHV DQG FRÍżHH shops. A few â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Missâ&#x20AC;? spots are:

What to Explore

+XYDU¡V $UWLVDQ 0DUNHW RͿHUV IUHVK unique food in downtown Victoria.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss Pizza Night on Friday and Saturdays! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the best in town.

Take the Old Victoria Driving Tour, featuring more than 80 historic homes and buildings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; many listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Includes the 1892 Courthouse. Take a peek inside some of the homes at Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Historic Homes Tour held April 1-2, 2017.

Open for lunch and dinner, The Pump House Riverside Restaurant & Bar is located on the banks of the Guadalupe River. Dine on the patio and enjoy live music, or bring the kids â&#x20AC;&#x201C; theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love the fried mac & cheese. The Sunday brunch is a must do! The atmosphere is as good as the food.

The Museum of the Coastal Bend showcases the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich multicultural heritage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Where Texas History Began,â&#x20AC;? tells the story of early Coastal Bend pre-history and European colonization.

Includes an expanded La Salle Odyssey exhibit. Learn to throw an ancient spear with an atlatl.

Fossatiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Delicatessen is the oldest deli in Texas and a part of the Old Victoria Driving Tour. Family owned for generations, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gotta catch this one for lunch, Monday through Friday only.

The Nave Museum - This art museum houses the collection of Royston Nave and features 5 or 6 rotating exhibits throughout the year. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss their gift shop! Lots of fun, artsy items and handmade jewelry.

Riverside Park spans 562 acres, and includes a rose garden, duck pond, and Riverside Golf Course. Go birding or take a stroll on the Athey Nature Trail.

Float down the Guadalupe River with kayak, paddle board, and tube rentals from Gerryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kayaks. While in the park, check out the animals at The Texas Zoo.

Have dinner and drinks along with 12-story views of Victoria at The Sendera!

Their impressive tequila bar features PRUH WKDQ GLÍżHUHQW YDULHWLHV The Great Coastal Texas Barbecue Trail features eight BBQ joints in and just outside of Victoria. Pick up a brochure and learn all about them or visit CoastalTexasBBQTrail.com.

Where to Stay Victoria has a variety of overnight accommodations for your weekend getaway - from new hotels to historic bed & breakfasts and guest houses. Plan your visit at ExploreVictoriaTexas.com.

47 • Boots to Beaches • txcoastalbend.orG

Deep Sea Headquarters

Maxine Flournoy 3rd Coast Squadron

919 N. Fulton Beach Rd.

Sandollar Resort

1902 N. Shoreline Blvd.,

440 W. Cotter Ave., Port

3201 FM 3512 Hangar H11,

Drop 98, Rockport, TX,

Corpus Christi, TX, 78401,

Aransas, TX, 78373,

Aransas Pass, TX, 78336,

78382, 361-729-2381

361-825-3500

361-749-5997

361-813-6551

Sandollar-resort.com

www.thirdcoastcaf.org

Barnhart Q5 Ranch & Retreat

Emerge Destination Marketing Concepts

Seabreeze RV Park

P.O. Box 626, Berclair,

5801 Aava Dr., Corpus

Northshore Country Club

TX, 78107,

Christi, TX, 78414,

801 E. Broadway Ave.,

361-375-2824

281-799-7226

Portland, TX, 78374;

barnhartranchretreat.

emergemarkingconcepts.

361-643-1546.

com

com

www.northshoretx.com

Bee County Historical Society

Fennessey Ranch P O Box 99, Bayside, TX,

Padre Island National Seashore

6014 HWY 59W, Beeville,

78340, 361-529-6600,

20420 Park Road 22,

TX, 78102, 361-343-3119

fennesseyranch.com

Corpus Christi, TX, 78418, 361-949-8068

Brackenridge Recreation Complex

GBRA-Coleto Creek P.O. Box 68, Fannin, TX,

P.O. Box 429, Edna, TX,

77960, 361-575-6366

77957, 361-782-5456

coletocreekpark.com

brackenridgepark.com

Gatsy Bay Cruises CCMS, Inc.

Red Dragon Pirate Cruises

1026 Seabreeze Lane,

643-0744

Portland, TX, 78374, 361-

So Tx Botanical Gardens & Nature Center 8545 So. Staples, Corpus Christi, TX, 78413, 361-8522100, www.stxbot.org

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 6300 Ocean Drive, NRC 2200, Corpus Christi, TX,

440 W. Cotter Ave., Port

78412, 361-825-5966

Aransas, TX, 78373,

outreach.tamucc.edu

361-749-2469

14130 West Cabana #201,

Refugio Co. Museum

Texas State Aquarium

200 S. Alister, Suite C.

Corpus Christi, TX, 78418,

Port Aransas, TX, 78373,

940-704-1005

102 W. West Street

2710 N. Shoreline, Corpus

361-749-4141

gatsbybaycruises.com

Refugio, TX, 78377

Christi, TX, 78402;

361-526-5555,

361-881-1225

refugiocountytx.org

texasstateaquarium.org

Cinnamon Shore 5009 Highway 361, Port

Kenedy Ranch Museum

Aransas, TX, 78373, 361-

P. O. Box 7, Sarita, TX,

749-0422

78385, 361-294-5751

cinnamonshore.com

kenedymuseum.org

Coastal Bend COG

King Ranch Visitor Center

Refugio Travel Center

Texas Tropical Trail P.O. Box 1538, Freer,

720 Victoria Highway,

TX., 78357; 361-547-8033,

Refugio, TX, 7878377

texastropicaltrail.com

Christi, TX, 78469,

P.O. Box 1090, Kingsville,

Rockport Birding & Kayaking Adventures

P. O. Box 3027, Corpus

361-883-5743, cbcog98.org

TX, 78364; 361-592-8055

P.O. Box 65, Fulton, TX,

Christi, TX 78463

www.king-ranch.com

78382, 361-463-5003

361-883-6277

P O. Box 9909, Corpus

Daisy Charters & Shuttles 602 North Tancahua

Los Amigos de Nuestra Senora Del Refugio

Rockport Net 6424 Hickory Forrest Dr.

TexMaps

USS Lexington Museum on the Bay

Seguin, TX, 78155,

P.O. Box 23076, Corpus

78401, 361-883-8876

P.O. Box 129, Refugio, TX,

361-727-1753,

Christi, TX. 78403, 361-

www.daisycharters.com

78377, 361-543-9124

www.rockportnet.com

888-4873; usslexington.com

Street, Corpus Christi, TX

business members

Art Museum of South Texas

annual events

48 â&#x20AC;˘ Boots to Beaches â&#x20AC;˘ txcoastalbend.orG January 2017 Alice: Tejano ROOTS Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, 1st weekend of January Aransas Banquet

Pass:

Chamber

Palacios: Winter Texan Chili Dinner at KC Hall, Jan. 12; Deutschburg Seafood Dinner/ Supper Fundraiser, Jan. 28; Wild Game & Wine Camofest (Bay City), Jan. 28

Parade, Feb. 18; 6th Annual Winter Gala St. Anthonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic Church, Feb. 18.

Port Aransas: Whooping Crane Festival, Feb. 23-26, www. whoopingcranefestival.org Portland: Portland Opry, 2nd Thursday, Portland Community Center, www.portlandtx.com March 2017

Port Aransas: Port â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Dine Around, Jan. 26

Beeville: Annual Bee County Living History Celebration. www.facebook.com/ BeeCounty HistoricalSociety

Portland: Portland Opry, 2nd Thursday, Portland Community Center, www.portlandtx.com;

Fennessey Ranch: Wild Boar Hunts, call 261-529-6600 for reservations.

Robstown: 82nd Annual Jr. Livestock Show, Jan. 14

George West: Live Oak County Fair

Rockport-Fulton: Jan. 5-8 Gospel Musical Festival at Martha Luigi Auditoriam. Call 361-205-2789; Fulton Market Days Debut Jan. 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Fulton Festival Grounds.

Call 361-463-0125; www.tom@ texasnowmag.com

Goliad: PRCA Rodeo and Goliad County Fair, 3rd weekend in March, call 361645-8204; Kenedy

February 2017

Rockport-Fulton: Fulton Oysterfest, March 2-5, Fulton Harbor Navigation Park, call 361-463-9955, visit www. fultonoysterfest.org; Whooping Crane Strut, March 11, Tule Hike & Bike Trail, two-mile walk, 5K and 10K run, call 361727-2158

Rockport-Fulton: Bountiful Bowl, Feb. 4; Rockport-Fulton High School; FMI call 361-7295353.â&#x20AC;˘ Clay Expo, Feb. 4-5; Rockport Center for the Arts.â&#x20AC;˘ LaMardi Gras festivalon the Lamar Peninsula, Feb. 10-11; www.lamarvfd.com

Portland: Portland Opry, 2nd Thursday, Portland Community Center, www.portlandtx.com

April 2017 Fennessey Ranch: Whooping Crane Festival Board Tours, Make reservations at 1-800-45-COAST; Wild Boar Hunts, call 261-529-6600 for reservations.

Palacios: Harmonie Club Valentine Parade & Dance, Feb. 11; Chamber Banquet, Feb. 16; African American Heritage Day, Feb. 18; Bird

Aransas Pass: Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Style Show, Miss Shrimporee Pageant, Rock the Dock Inwater Boat Show Fennessey Ranch: Spring Migration Bird Tours. Call 361529-6600; Wild Boar Hunt, call 261-529-6600 for reservations.

Goliad:

Presidio

La

Bahiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Living History Program Reenactment, 1st weekend in April, call 361-6453752.

Kenedy: Miss Bluebonnet Days Pageant, April 29 Palacios: Colorful 5K by the Bay, April 1; Patchwork of Life Christian Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Conference, April 29; Palacios Rotary Golf Tournament, April 8; Chamber Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, April 18; Trail Riders Annual Trail Ride, April 22-23; Denim & Diamonds-Beneath the Oaks, April 27 Port Aransas: Texas Sand Fest, Mustang Island, April 22-23, www.texassandfest.org Portland: Portland Opry, 2nd Thursday, Portland Community Center, www.portlandtx.com; Portland Windfest, www. windfest.org Rockport-Fulton: Tour of Homes/Boats, Apirl 8-9; call Rockport Center for the Arts at 361-729-5519 Corpus Christi: BIG BLOOM Mega Plant Sale & Garden Festival; Dollar Day; So. Tx. Botanic Gardens & Nature Center, April 1; April 20-23 Birdiest Festival in N. America, So. Tx. Botanical Gardens; stx. bot.org May 2017 Alice: Tejano ROOTS Cinco de 0D\R FHOHEUDWLRQ ÂżUVW ZHHNHQG of May Fennessey Ranch: Wild Boar Hunts, call 261-529-6600 for reservations.

Goliad: Cinco de Mayo, 1st weekend in May, call 361-5645727.

Kenedy:

Bluebonnet

Days,

May 5&6 Palacios: Palacios Historical Association Chicken Dinner, May 28 Portland: Portland Opry, 2nd Thursday, Portland Community Center, www.portlandtx.com; Rockport-Fulton: Nautical Flea Market, May 6-7, hosted by Rockport Yacht Club, call 361-729-3115; Babes on Bay, 18th annual, womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s angler tournament, www.babesonthebay.com; May 19-20; 21st Annual Festival of Wines, Texas Maritime Museum, www. texasmaritimemuseum.org, 0D\ &UDZÂżVK %RLO Coastal Bend Troop Support at VFW June 2017 Aransas Pass: Great Outhouse Race, Shrimporee Parade, Shrimporee Festival Coleto Creek: Annual Kids Fishing Tournament, 1st Saturday in June, www. coletocreekpark.com Goliad: 1st Saturday in June, Annual Summer Flotilla, www. canoetrailgoliad.com Palacios: Palacios Community Hub Pirate Festival, June 23-24 Portland: Portland Opry, 2nd Thursday, Portland Community Center, www.portlandtx.com Rockport-Fulton: June 2-3 LAC Attack â&#x20AC;&#x153;CPRâ&#x20AC;? Kayak Fishing Tournament; FMI 361-729-6445; June 16-17 Texas Game Warden Assoc.

DQQXDO ÂżVKLQJ WRXUQDPHQW www.twgajustgofishin.com; June 17-18, 2nd TSA Youth Sailing Rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Rockport, www. rockportyachtclub.org

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annual events

49 â&#x20AC;¢ Boots to Beaches â&#x20AC;¢ txcoastalbend.orG July 2017

Come visit our quaint downtown, filled with unique gift shops, clothing stores and more!

For more information on the City of Alice, contact the Alice Chamber of Commerce/Alice Convention Visitors Bureau at (361) 664-3454 or online at www.alicetxchamber.org