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FALL/WINTER 2013

101 FUN THINGS TO DO IN CORPUS CHRISTI

101 FUN THINGS TO DO IN CORPUS CHRISTI

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4 — 101CorpusChristi.com H Fall/Winter edition

8 Activities

11 Kite Flying

14 Beach Volleyball

15 Disc Golf

16 Scuba Diving

18 Horseback Riding

20 Dolphins

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ON THE COVER

FALL WINTER

2013

EXPERIENCE THE FINEST IN FISHING 22

26 Walk The Harbor Bridge

26 Take a Scenic Drive

27 Ride A Buggy

28 Travel Downtown

31 Shopping

32 Antique Shopping

34 Best BeachesTEE OFF AT A PREMIER

GOLF COURSE 42

WINDSURF WITH THE WORLD’S BEST 12-13

P.O. Box 10 1007 Ave. K, Marble Falls, TX 78654(830) 693-7152 (830) 693-3085 fax

Beaches in the Coastal Bend region are open and enjoyable all year-round.

Cook up your own catch or find the freshest seafood and veggies at local markets for a bountiful and delicious beach-side banquet.

101 .com

101CorpusChristi.com H Fall/Winter edition — 5


Some call Corpus Christi the Sparkling City by the Sea. Some 300,000 people call it home. Another 5 million visitors a year call it one of the best vacation spots in the world.

Home to pristine beaches, nature reserves, numerous museums and art galleries, the ballet, the symphony, professional baseball and hockey, Corpus Christi has it all.

How many cities do you know with two ma-rinas, one that can host 150-foot yachts along-side 23-foot sailboats? How many cities do you know where two-thirds of its square-miles are

underwater — and that’s a good thing? Or cities that can claim world class fishing, boating, surf boarding, kite surfing, parasailing and, well, you name the favorite water sport. You’ll find it in the Corpus Christi metropolitan area, along with restaurants for every tastebud and pocketbook and shopping from seasonal fashions to seashells and flip-flops.

The best feature, however, is without question the water.

“We have marvelous beaches that are safe. We have all these great opportunities,” says the city’s Marina Director Peter Davidson. “We’ve hosted world regattas and Olympic swim events. The water here is absolutely marvelous.”

Welcome.


Davidson may be one of the city’s biggest boosters. When describing the marina, he nat-urally slips into a recital of all the best features of the city: the consistent winds that lure sailors and regattas, the pristine, pol-lution-free bay that’s home to prolific schools of fish and pods of dolphins, the wildlife that draws birdwatchers and sea turtle enthu-siasts, the sunshine, the waves, the people.

And with about a dozen beaches, you’ll find the one to suit your needs whether you’re look-

ing for the best fishing (Padre Balli Beach), surfing (J.P. Luby), kayak fishing (Mustang Island State Park), sun bathing and swimming (North Beach), beach combing (San Jose Island), sand-castle building and relaxing (all of them!).

Want to know more fun things you can do on your visit to the Sparkling City by the Sea? Just type this simple url into

your laptop or handheld device to keep up to date on what’s happening in and around Corpus Chris-ti: 101corpuschristi.com.

We have all these great opportunities,.

We’ve hosted world regattas and Olympic swim events. The water here is absolutely marvelous.”

— Peter Davidson, marina director


Grab a board and hit the waves, surfing USA!

Surfers love Corpus Christi and Port Aran-sas beaches, among the windiest places on the

Texas Gulf Coast.If you’re looking for a local hot spot

for surfing and kite boarding, try J.P. Luby Surf Park at 101 N. Shoreline Blvd. in Corpus Christi. Entrance to the beach is free. The Gulf waters grab a consistent offshore wind from the west/northwest, which always promis-es for good surf.

Bob Hall Pier, which is perhaps the most crowded surf spot in the area, offers fishing and surfing accommo-dations. Surfboards can be rented for $20 per day until 8 p.m. Bob Hall Pier is located at 15820 Park Road 22 in

Corpus Christi.Look at swell reports and keep track

of the best waves by logging on to swellinfo.com. The site tracks hurri-canes and provides live video cams and the latest in surf action all along the Coastal Bend region.

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101 .com


Hike historic seawall, or just relax and enjoy

The Corpus Christi Seawall is not just a great place to enjoy the bay. The historic — and pro-

tective — seawall is a symbol of a city rich in history.

Plans for the seawall date to the 1890s when the Corpus Christi Call-er-Times featured an article about how the Sparkling City by the Sea would look in the 20th century. Plans included a seawall along its downtown shoreline.

But it wasn’t until a Category 4 hurricane devastated the area in September 1919 that people decided something needed to be done to better protect the city. The 1919 hurricane, which happened before hurricanes were named, hit the city with 110-mph winds and 16-foot storm surges, killing hundreds of people and sinking 10 major vessels.

The seawall you see and enjoy today wasn’t completed until 1941. It covers almost two miles between the Amer-ican Bank Convention Center and McGee Beach and raises the shoreline elevation to 14 feet above sea level.

The steps are a great place to lounge, walk, roller blade, bicycle, jog or ex-plore with eight gazebos overlooking the bay. You’ll find the Selena Memorial in one of the gazebos. Also nearby is the Corpus Christi Marina and a num-ber of restaurants and shops.

Get married on the beach

One of the most ro-mantic places to ask your sweetheart to be yours forever — and even tie

the knot — is right on the beach. You could pop the question while sitting on the seawall at sunset or strolling

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along the beach at sunrise. Maybe you could woo your loved one atop Bob Hall Pier or at the botanical gardens among the fresh flowers.

And once the date is set, check out these popular locations to tie the knot: the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, the Corpus Christi Water Gardens, the Art Museum of South Texas, the beach and many more.

After the wedding, spend your

honeymoon relaxing by the beach, dolphin-watching on a cruise, wind-surfing or gathering seashells. You can find 101 ideas right here!

Pick a park for wildlife, beaches, skating and play

Cole Park is perhaps the most popular and, arguably, the best, park in the area for families.

The beautiful 43-acre park is situated along the shoreline of Corpus Christi Bay. Cole Park features a huge, interac-tive playground that includes, swings, monkey bars, bridges, tunnels, picnic benches and loads of fun.

Adjacent to the park is a lighted fishing pier as well as an outdoor am-phitheater used for special events year-round. Additionally, a 10,000-square-foot skate park built in 2008 provides a place for visitors and locals to practice their tricks.

To enjoy Cole Park and all it has to offer, head down to 1900 Ocean Drive, just a hop, skip and jump from down-town.

Hans A. Suter Wildlife Park is considered by many to be a haven for watching migratory, coastal and sea-faring birds. This 72-acre park has a viewing pier as well as a hike-and-bike trail that runs along the water. Grills and picnic tables are available for those who fancy spending the afternoon in the company of pelicans, seagulls, egrets and ducks. The park is located off Ennis Joslin Road on the western side of Oso Bay.

Padre Balli Beach Park is located at 15820 South Padre Island Drive. This beach provides 12 hardtop camping sites with electrical and water hookups for the ultimate camping experience. Other conveniences include a bath-house, cabanas and picnic tables. The park is located next to local landmark Bob Hall Pier, a-favorite spot for anglers.

Port Aransas Community Park has something for everyone. The commu-nity park is complete with a heated swimming pool, senior and Little League-sized baseball fields, soccer field, sport court, hiking trail, sand volleyball court and putting green.

Located at 700 Clark Parkway off Ross Avenue, Port Aransas Communi-ty Park is more like an outdoor athletic club than a county park. The pool has a number of programs and classes to join, including swimming lessons for

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adults and children, synchronized swimming classes, a lifeguard train-ing class and kayaking and canoeing lessons. There is a concession stand onsite. Admission is free, but pool entry is $2 for ages 19-59 and $1 for ages 2-18 and 60 and older. The pool is closed Sundays and Mondays.

Go fly a kite in the Gulf Coast winds

Chicago has nothing on the Gulf Coast winds of Corpus Christi, labeled appropriately as the Real

Windy City. Put those winds to work by taking your kite to one of the many beaches or parks around the city.

Cole Park on Ocean Drive is probably the most ideal (and the most popular) spot to toss your kite in the air and let the wind take it away.

National Kite Month is usually in

April, but you don’t need a national cele-bration of kite flying to take to the Corpus Christi beaches for a fun run in the sun. Wind that is too light or too strong is hard to handle, but along the Texas Gulf beaches, the breezes are almost always perfect.

For winds 6-15 miles per hour, you can fly a delta, diamond or dragon kite easily. Box kites and stickless Parafoil kites are best for winds of 8-25 miles per hour. Add a light weight tail to your kite for stronger winds. The tail will help keep the

kite stable.To fly a single line kite, stand with your

back to the wind. Hold up the kite by the bottom and let out some string. With a good wind, the kite will take off without much work. Let it fly away from you just a little before pulling gently on the line. Your tugs will help it climb higher into the sky. When it reaches a steady wind it will stay up. On a Coastal Bend beach, keeping your kite aloft is a snap!

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With a business goal of “to have fun,” WorldWinds Windsurfing owner Don Jackson can’t help but be suc-cessful at water sports in Corpus

Christi. WorldWinds has no address, but its lo-cation on the Padre Island National Seashore at Bird Island Basin off South Padre Island Drive/Park Road 22 is world renowned as one of the top three places on the globe to windsurf. The site offers consistent wind patterns, shallow and protected waters and a long season from March to November.

“We have the largest rigged and ready rental facility in the country, with availability of begin-ner to high-advanced performance gear for all levels of windsurfers,” Jackson says.

Using all of the equipment available, world-class instructors — including a Canadian Na-tional Champion — teach lessons seven days a week. People ages 7 to 70 who are physically fit

and enjoy the water can participate in a $65 class that lasts three hours — one of instruction and two of assisted practice. The three components taught in this water sport are balance, wind sense and steering. Once a person has experience, more advanced classes and private lessons are avail-able.

WorldWinds is Corpus Christi’s best-kept se-cret. With the accessibility of the national park and the fascinating wildlife there, the link to the mainland of restaurants and entertainment and the one-stop shopping at WorldWinds to plan a trip and rent equipment, it is certainly a “desti-nation vacation” for windsurfers from around the globe.

Jackson, who has been in In the business of windsurfing for more than 22 years, truly enjoys his job. He has owned and operated World-Winds for 11 years.

“Friends come to windsurf every day, and we all have fun doing it,” he says.

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Serve for the win playing beach volleyball

You always can find a friendly game of vol-leyball on the beaches around Corpus Christi

just about any day of the week. Sand courts are located at nearly every Sonic Drive-in in town, so you can practice in between trips to the shore. Sonic courts can be reserved in advance if you want to schedule a game.

You’ll need to conserve your energy to play such a high action game on the hot sand. Take small steps which will give you more power than longer strides. To keep your bare feet from getting scorched, dig your toes (and feet!) a few inches under the top layer of sand. One good thing about the sand — it’s easy on your joints!

You’ll need to drink lots of water to keep hydrated! It’s hot on those beach-es, despite the cool breezes. There’s not much more to it than that, so SERVE!

Take the leap at Cor-pus Christi’s skate park

Whether you can nollie, ollie or railstand, or are just looking for a place to watch those who

can, Corpus Christi’s 10,000-square-foot skate park is the place to go.

Located right on the bay in the city’s Cole Park at 1526 Ocean Drive, the skating arena is a concrete sanctuary for skaters with a drive to challenge gravity. For everyone else, Cole Park includes a large playground, fishing pier, picnic areas and an amphitheater.

Helmets are required for all skat-ers whether on rollerblades, skates or boards. The park is open from dusk to dawn, 365 days of the year.


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Flip your Frisbee in a game of disc golf

What was once played at Rice University in Houston by students using trees as targets,

disc golf now has its own international federation, standard equipment and courses. Five of these courses can be found in the Corpus Christi-Coastal Bend region.

To win a game of disc golf, all you have to do is fling a Frisbee-like disc through the air and into a chain basket in the fewest number of tries. You only need one disc to play, but the truly dedi-cated discman often has drivers, putters and mid-range discs at hand as well.

The secret is all in the wrist, enthu-siasts say, but much of the mystery — and fun — also is in the course. And as use of most of the disc courses in the United States is free, the game is

relatively cheap to play. Discs usually cost less than $10.

All four of these Corpus Christi courses are free:· Lamar Park, nine baskets, 4231 Sante Fe· West Guth Park, 11 baskets (#5 is miss-ing), 9700 Up River Road· Waldron Park, nine baskets, St. Peter and St. Francis intersection· Billish Park, nine baskets, 15601 Gypsy St.Also free is this park in Ingleside:· Live Oak Park, 12 baskets, Port Avenue and Vera Lane

Time to let your Frisbee freak flag fly!

Hold your next family reunion at the beach!

There’s no better place to hold your next family reunion than anywhere in and around Corpus Christi,

which features a wide variety of places to stay and play.

Take the gang down to the Family Fun Center at Funtrackers! Race go-karts, play video games, bump around in bumper boats. You also can play some putt-putt golf, all at the same place. Funtrackers offers group packages and reservations for special events like family reunions.

There’s always the beach, a great place to relax and reconnect. Bring the cooler, a football and some tools for building sandcastles. At night, you can snuggle up in front of a bonfire and roast hot dogs and marshmallows to the sound of the waves kissing the shoreline.

Fishing, frisbee golf, kayaking, ferry rides, dolphin watching … the pos-sibilities are endless when you bring together the family in Corpus Christi.

Whether you rent a hotel or condo, camp in an recreational vehicle or a tent, or maybe even book a room in a bed-and-breakfast, Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend region is ready to welcome you and your family!


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Rent a Harley for the ride of your life

Rent a Harley on your next beach vacation in Corpus Christi. Har-ley-Davidson of Corpus

Christi is open Monday through Satur-day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A number of models are available from which to choose, and every rental includes two helmets, luggage storage, rain gear and 24/7 roadside assistance during the rental period. The sense of freedom and power you’ll feel on the road is also included in the package!

To rent, you must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid motorcycle op-erator’s license, possess a major credit card and have the knowledge and skills needed to operate and handle a heavyweight motorcycle. For rates and reservations, call (361) 854-3146. For more, visit www.corpuschristiharley.com.

Go under the sea scuba diving in Corpus Christi

From June to Septem-ber, scuba diving condi-tions in the Coastal Bend region are optimal, says

Jim Copeland, owner of Copeland’s Inc, the oldest dive shop in Texas.

When it’s not hot, Copeland makes group trips to the tropics, diving the waters around Cozumel, Belize, Hon-duras and Lesser Antilles, to name a few.

For more, visit copelandsdiveski.com, call (361) 854-1135 or just drop by to inquire about scuba-diving classes, certification, rates or any other queries. Store hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat-urday. The shop is closed on Sunday. Copeland’s also rents, sells, repairs and services scuba gear.

Go kayaking or canoeing on the ocean waves

Two convenient Cor-pus Christi locations cater to your water-adventure dreams of kayaking or

canoeing — or even paddle boating — the ocean waters of the Gulf.

If you are in the downtown area, Fun Time Rentals can get you on your way in a kayak or canoe for $15 per


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hour, $25 per two hours or $50 per eight hours.

If a more leisurely paddle is your thing, they can rent you a paddleboat for $15 per hour or $10 per every half hour. Fun Time Rentals is located in the heart of the bay front at 600 N. Shoreline Blvd. and is open March 10-Labor Day weekend from 10:30 a.m. until dark.

If you are a bit farther up the high-way, Wind and Wave Watersports is a full-line Ocean Kayak dealer with all the latest in kayaking or canoeing equipment and more. They can set you up for $50 per day for a single-seat-er and $60 for a double-seater. Early pick-ups are available 5-7 p.m. the day before. The rental fee includes tie-downs for your car, paddle, kayak and personal-flotation device.

Search for seashells in the sand

Sand dollars, seashells and even shark teeth all are common finds that wash up on the sands

of Corpus Christi area beaches. For opportune results, immediately hit the beach after a heavy rain or wind storm.

If you’re hunting shark teeth, the Port Aransas South Jetty is especially renowned for its finds.

San Jose Island, which is only reach-able by ferry, and Mustang Island State Park also are known for the tons of treasure you will find at your feet as you stroll the sand and the surf.

Dive into the public swimming pools

Feel like taking a non-salty dip away from the dunes? Corpus Christi has several great swim-

ming pools for year-round dips and dives.

Collier Pool, 3801 Harris Drive, is open seven days a week. Lap-swim hours are 5-7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 4:30-7 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays, lap hours are noon-3 p.m. General swimming fun occurs 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wednes-day-Friday and noon-3 p.m. Satur-days and Sundays.

The Corpus Christi Natatorium is an indoor pool located at 3202 Cabaniss Parkway off Saratoga. Lap-swim hours are 5 a.m.-7 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Monday-Friday. General swim-

ming is offered 3-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Both pools have the same admis-sion fees: $3 for adults, $1 for kids (ages 3-17) and $1.25 for seniors (60 and older).

Five other public swimming pools — Oso Pool, Joe Garza Pool, Green-wood Pool, Parker Memorial Pool and West Guth Pool — also are available for use during the summer.


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Achieve the power of flight parasailing

Parasailing grants the power of flight to those of us without wings and feathers. The experienced

staff at Chute’em Up Parasailing (pre-viously Port A Parasail) has 12 years experience taking even the most earth bound humans high above the waters of the Coastal Bend.

While soaring with the birds, flyers ascend to heights of over 300 feet above the Gulf of Mexico and the Lyd-ia Ann Channel.

Parasailers report spotting schools of dolphins jumping beneath them. You’ll also see spectacular views of the Aransas Pass Lighthouse, not to mention the coast line. The parasailing experts at Chute’em Up Parasailing promise that on especially beauti-

ful days, a flyer can see the mystery shipwreck discovered by their own Captain Bryan Evans in the Lydia Ann Channel.

The flight lasts around 10 minutes and costs $70 per rider. Come glide with the gulls over the gulf for the experience of a lifetime! For more info or to book a reservation, visit chuteemupparasail.com.

Rustle up a pardner for horseback riding

Horses on the Beach can comfortably and safely sit anyone over the age of 6 for an hour-long

trek with professional trail bosses. Rides start at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. and cost $45 per person. Horses On The Beach also offers a picturesque sunset ride that begins at 4 p.m., lasts an hour and a half and costs $65 per person.

Hayrides are available at varying

costs for special occasions. Horses On The Beach is open seven days a week except for Thanksgiving and Christ-mas. To make a reservation, call (361) 949-4944. For more visit horsesonthe-beach.com.


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Ride a ferry to watch the dolphins

The ferries of Corpus Christi and Port Aran-sas are known for dol-phin watching. Atlantic

bottle-nose dolphins ride the waves near the front of a ferry to get a boost of speed as they travel through area waters.

In Corpus Christi, the 90-foot Har-bor Ferry is a pedestrian ferry that traverses the waters from the T-heads at Peoples Street in downtown to North Beach, next to the Texas State Aquarium. Even though these loca-tions are connected by land, taking the ferry is always more enjoyable and relaxing.

The Harbor Ferry closes for the winter. Daily service begins in 2013 on March 9 and runs until March 17 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Weekend-only ser-vice runs March 30-May 19 and Sep-tember 7-29, also between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Daily service is available May 24-Sept. 2, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The cost for a round-trip pass is $3. Reduced fare

passes cost $1.50. The ferry is operated by the Corpus Christi Regional Trans-portation Authority.

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Texas 361 and operated by the Texas Department of Transportation, carry about 20 passenger vehicles each and run about every 20-30 minutes, de-pending on traffic.

During the summer and holiday seasons, more ferries are utilized to speed your trip to the beaches. The fer-ries operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, weather permitting. The best part about riding this ferry: It’s free!

Cruise the bay from Harrison’s Landing

Sail, shop, dine, all in one shaded location. Harrison’s Landing is

ready to take you on a voyage of the bay. Whether you want a romantic sunset cruise with your sweetheart, to celebrate with friends on a party boat or go on an hour-long tour of local

sites, Harrison’s Landing is ready to accommodate.

One of the most popular tours at Harrison’s Landing is the one-hour Bay Tour on Japonica, the 50-foot touring cruiser. You will see the sights and sounds of downtown and enjoy the beauty of the Sparkling City by the Sea. After your adventure, step on the only floating bar in the city for a snack and a drink. Also at the landing, Cathy’s Boutique and Gift Shop is a

great place to browse for souvenirs, a beautiful dress or some beach decora-tions for your home.

For a more intimate gathering with your close friends and family, bring some cheese and wine for a two-hour sailing journey by the bay.

Visit the Harrison’s Landing website at harrisonslanding.net or call (361) 881-8503 to learn more about yacht rentals, cruise prices and packages for your next party.

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Experience the finest in

fishing.

From bay, surf, pier or spear

The Texas coast is the place to be for bay, surf, pier, deep sea, and spear fishing. And while anyone with a fishing license

can throw a line from a pier, bay fishing requires a boat. Charter companies and guides abound in the area and can lead to the best fishing and best catches.

“I like to bay fish Laguna Madre,” says fishing enthusiast Louis Rogers, who uses soft plastic lures with wet head jigs. “I usually use my boat to get to places where I can get out and wade, and I look for an area where bait fish are con-gregated.”

Surf fishing can be a bit more challenging. Wading into the surf with all your equipment, especially in rough waters, can be tough. The basic idea of most surf casting is to throw your bait or lure as far into the water as possible to reach your target from shore.

“You have to be careful,” Sifford says. “If it’s rough out there, you can get yourself into trouble. Unless you’re in pretty good shape, I’d only wade out there on calm days.”

Deep sea fishing offers the greatest access to different species of fish. Chartered boats can lead to bigger prizes, too, such as sharks, tuna and King Mackerel.

Spear fishing is an increasing-ly popular way to fish the Texas coast — a method of hunting that humans have used for ages. Guides take divers to to oil plat-forms for the best fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. The platforms provide an underwater struc-ture that many species consider home, including tropical fish, snapper, spade fish, barracuda, ling, sheepshead, grouper and cobia.

Paul Hensley owns Canyon Lake Divers, a dive shop that specializes

in scuba diving and spear fish-ing instruction and certification. Hensley has been spear fishing for over 18 years along the Texas coast. The shop is based out of Canyon Lake, but offers weekly trips out of Corpus and Port Aransas.

“Corpus is the ideal location for spear fishing because of the convenience factor,” he says. “There are an abundance of oil rigs off the coast, and international waters are just 12 to 18 miles off shore.”

The summer months, from June to September, are the best time to spear fish for the ease of access and the sheer amount of fish. Hensley warns, however, that spear fishing is not a beginner’s sport.

“We only take divers who are certified open-water hunters or certified in spear fishing,” he says. “Spear fishing in the ocean is dangerous, and divers need to be experienced.”

Fishermen of all skill levels agree that Corpus Christi and the surrounding area offer a unique fishing environment.

Sifford pointed out the abun-dance of deep channels where fish migrate and an upper lagoon loaded with grass and sand pockets with good habitats for spawning fish.

“It’s a good system for bait fish and fin fish and shrimp,” he says. “Corpus Christi Bay is a big bay system, and you have an influence from Port Aransas and jetties. Nueces Bay is just a jump away.”

Rogers says he fishes because he loves nature and the Laguna Madre is where you’ll find nature and the best fishing.

“There’s 1,000 acres of water there to fish,” he says. “It’s like a hunter hunting on a ranch, except I’m fishing. There’s all kinds of nature to see and experience. In the water and above the water, the birds. It’s just beautiful.”

Have your best fishing adventure

with the right guideWhether you’re a novice fisherman or an

expert angler, you can have the best fishing adventure of a lifetime with the right Gulf Coast fishing guides.

Captain Allen Sifford has been a fishing guide for 20 years. His dad introduced him to fishing when he was just 3 years old. He bought his first boat at age 18. When looking for a guide, he recommends word of mouth.

“A good way to find a good guide would be to contact a marina and ask them for a recommendation,” he says.

Sifford suggests looking for a guide who has a fairly new boat, and someone who has written articles on the sport. Someone who is good with kids and patient with amateurs is also a plus.

Corpus Christi Fishing Guides

Captain Len’s Fishing Guide Service14130 Bounty Ave.Corpus Christi(361) 563-9806www.captainlensfishing.comCaptain Len is located on North Padre

Island, and offers private fishing charters from bay fishing the Laguna Madre to deep sea fishing off the shores of Corpus Christi in the Gulf of Mexico, and south to Baffin Bay. The guides have a “no fish, no pay” policy, and fish from dawn until you’re done!

Captain Carl Wentrcek Fishing247 Rayfish St.Corpus Christi(361) 937-0868www.captaincarl.comCaptain Carl is a full-time, licensed

saltwater fishing guide, fishing the flats of the Laguna Madre, Baffin Bay and the Land




Cut Area. He also offers the unique experience of fishing on floating cabins!

Fish On Guide Services

218 Portsmouth Dr.Corpus Christi(361) 939-8787www.fishonpro.comThis service is led by Captain Allen

Sifford and offers year-round adven-tures. The guides specialize in fishing for trophy speckled trout and trophy redfish. They have a “no fish, no pay” policy and welcome everyone from kids to experts.

Blue Heron Adventures6050 Orms Dr.Corpus Christi(361) 334-2336www.blueheronadventures.comCaptain Steve Utley specializes

in shallow water kayak fishing and scenic kayak trips based out of Cor-pus. He guides clients in fishing for redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in the shallow waters from Bird Island Basin to Shamrock Cove.

Rusty Texan Fishing Guide7421 Brush Creek Dr.Corpus Christi(361) 815-6812www.rustytexan.comFishers will be on board the “Rusty

Texan,” run by Captain Chris James and Captain Gus Lopez. The guides fish from Aransas Pass to Baffin Bay and offer deep sea fishing and state water fishing. Trips focus on catching billfish, Mahi Mahi, grouper, and am-berjack, as well as year-round snapper trips in state waters.

Laguna Madre Sightcasters419 University Dr.Corpus Christi(361) 533-2058www.lagunamadresightcasters.comCaptain Randy Best leads trips from

Mesquite Bay, Fence Lake and Cedar Bayou all the way to Baffin Bay and Nine Mile Hole. Enjoy catching sea-sonal flounder and black drum, as well as trophy-sized redfish and trout.

Port AransasFishing Guides

C&T Bay Charters1025 S. 10th St.Port Aransas(361) 946-5290www.ctbaycharters.comThis company offers saltwater fish-

ing charters to anglers of all ages and skill levels. Charters leave daily for the waters surrounding Port Aran-sas, Corpus Christi and Rockport for Texas-sized redfish, trout, drum and flounder. The guides guarantee fish and kids under 12 fish free!

Dolphin Docks Deep Sea Fishing300 W. Cotter Ave.Port Aransas(800) 393-3474Located in Port Aransas on the

Gulf of Mexico, this outfit offers a variety of trips for all ages and skill levels. Fishers may enjoy deep sea fishing or bay fishing, and embark on trips that last anywhere from 4 to 80 hours.

Rebel Fishing Charters819 6th St.Port Aransas(361) 749-7330www.rebelfishingcharters.comThis outfit offers incredible offshore

and bay fishing opportunities for all skill levels. It’s a family-owned business. Trips are guided by Captain Charlie Kahn and his son Captain Travis Kahn.

Fisherman’s Wharf

900 Tarpon St.Port Aransas(361) 749-5760Enjoy an exciting fishing trip on a cat-

amaran! The Wharf Cat and Scat Cat are comfortable catamarans that offer hot and cold food, snacks and beverages served by a friendly crew. Guides offer half- and full-day trips aboard the Wharf Cat for deep sea, bay and jetty fishing.


Corpus Christi Fishing Guides

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Take a scenic drive along the bay

Take a scenic drive along the beautiful bay front avenue in down-town Corpus Christi for

a true sense of this coastal community. The roughly 10-mile stretch of road begins at Shoreline Boulevard near the American Bank Center and extends south all the way to the Naval Air Station.

Shoreline Blvd. is a section of about four miles in downtown Corpus Chris-ti. Driving south, it becomes Ocean Drive as it enters the most scenic part of the city. Cruising along the bay front, you’ll soon see why this route is known as one of the loveliest drives in Texas. Ocean Drive showcases the beautiful waters of Corpus Christi Bay surrounded by both historic and contemporary homes.

Early birds almost always take in breathtaking panoramic views of the sunrise, while night owls can capture the lighted downtown skyline. The boulevard also offers plenty of activi-ties if you want to pull over and linger a while. The bay front is home to pristine parks, prime fishing spots and perfect picnic areas.

Walk the Harbor Bridge for scenic adventure

Join a group of bridge enthusiasts on the first Sunday of each month to walk the Harbor Bridge

in Corpus Christi. The walks are part of the Corpus Christi First Initiative, an organization that plans events on first weekends. Other events include BeachWalk, ArtWalk, MusicWalk and Market Days.

The BridgeWalk begins at around 7:30 a.m. on the first Sunday of each month. Registration is not required but requested on the website so orga-nizers can have an idea of the number of people. Around 200 usually take part.

Beginning in Heritage Park, the route travels along Resaca to Broadway then on to the Power St US181 access ramp. Once over the bridge north-wards, walkers cross under the bridge on the north side and then back over the bridge southwards. The final stages are down the off ramp to Belden St, left onto Broadway, right to Resaca and back to Heritage Park. Check out the website at bridgewalkcc.com.

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1956 and was completed in Septem-ber 1959. At the time, the project was the largest ever tackled by the Texas Highway Commission. It cost $9 million and included five construction contracts. Four men died building the bridge.

Hop aboard a buggy rental by the beach

Buggy rentals, whether battery- or self-powered are the way to go on the beach.

Don’t take a leisurely bike ride alone. Grab a friend to ride beside you on a four-wheeled surrey! These bright red bikes are a common way for tourist and locals alike to soak up the Cor-pus Christi Bay next to the T-heads. The surreys have a canopy above that provides shade. The basket up front is designed to hold a kiddo or two.

Fun Time Rentals can put you in a surrey for $15 per hour or $10 for half an hour. You’ll find them at the inter-section of Peoples Street and Shoreline Boulevard in Corpus Christi. Rentals are available March 10 through Labor Day from 10:30 a.m. until dark.

For more, call (361) 443-0707 or check out the Fun Time Rentals web-site at funtimerental.tripod.com.

In Port Aransas, you’ll need a little more get-up in your bike to get across the sand. Rent a beach-cruiser bicycle from Nautical Wheelers for fun and easy traveling along the shore. You even can get one with tandem seats or rent children’s bikes for the little ones.

An easier way to traverse the beach is in a rented electric dune buggy. These eco-friendly buggies top out at 25 mph and are favorites among locals and tourists alike.

Nautical Wheelers is located at 428 S. Alister in Port Aransas. Visit the Nautical Wheelers website or call

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(361) 749-3003 for rates and reserva-tions.

Wind and Wave Watersports is located at 10721 South Padre Island Drive. Call (361) 937-9283 to reserve your kayak today!

Take the trolley for downtown travels

Hop aboard the B Trolley, Corpus Christi’s downtown transportation system. The Regional

Transportation Authority — or the RTA, as the locals call it — makes enjoying the sights, restaurants, enter-tainment venues and hotels of down-town extremely easy and affordable to traverse. Transportation on the trolley can be as much fun as one of the city’s many attractions.

Just look for signs around town with the red, blue and orange stripes behind the letter “B” — that’s your trolley stop. The waits shouldn’t be too long as a trolley makes its rounds every 10 to 15 minutes.

And if you’re in Port Aransas and want to make your way to Corpus Christi for a day’s adventure, you can hop aboard the Flexi-B trolley, which provides daily express transportation between the two communities Mon-day through Friday. For fares and passes, as well as bus schedules for the B Trolley and the Flexi-B trolley, visit ccrta.org.

See the Selena hometown memorials

Take a day to remem-ber Selena, the Queen of Tejano music. She rocked the world with

her chart-topping tunes and her con-

tagious spirit and her hometown has done her proud. From a downtown statue to the gravesite to a memorial museum, Corpus Christi pays tribute to the late singing sensation. Selena was only 23 when she was murdered in 1995, just as her fame was taking off.

Sculptor H.W. “Buddy” Tatum’s life-sized bronze statue honors young Selena with a monument against the beautiful backdrop of the seawall on Shoreline Drive. Called “Mirador de la Flor” (View of the Flower), the Selena statue is one of the city’s most popular attractions.

The Selena gravesite at Seaside Me-morial Park also is a must-see. As you drive into the cemetery at 4357 Ocean Drive, turn left at the first road and follow it almost to the end. The grave is located on the right-hand side. You can usually tell it by the flowers left year-round by her fans.

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Madonna” prompted her adoring fans to also request a memorial museum in her honor. In response, Selena Quintanilla’s family transformed their recording studio into a memorial that honors her life and accomplishments.

Tour exquisite architecture from museums to skyscrapers

Much time and con-sideration has gone into planning the architec-ture of Corpus Christi,

also known as the Real Windy City. Whether tall, short or in-between, the buildings here have to withstand the elements when a violent storm threat-ens. Corpus Christi has managed to mix durability, function and beauty in

its city planning.A few standouts among the city’s

architecture include:• The Art Museum of South Texas, designed by world-famed architect Phillip John-son. The museum is located at 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd.• One Shoreline Plaza, the tallest building south of San Antonio. The address is actually two side-by-side skyscrapers considered the central focus of Corpus Christi’s skyline. The view from the 28th floor of the south tower at 800 N. Shoreline Blvd. is one you won’t forget.• Wynne Seal Academy of Fine Arts, located at 1707 Ayers St., is designed with classical style architecture embellished with cast stonework.• The Old Nueces County Courthouse, built in 1914. Located at Highway 37 and North Mesquite Street, the courthouse is a classical revival-style structure. The building has been closed since 1977 but has withstood the test of time. It will mark its centennial in 2014. And just as a side note, many

people believe the old courthouse is haunted!

Slide smoothly on a Segway in downtown Corpus Christi

Take in the views of downtown Corpus Christi on the latest in person-al transportation: the

Segway. These two-wheeled, electric transporters effortlessly balance you as they glide over almost any surface.

SegCity tours in downtown Corpus Christi offers guided excursions in four different price ranges to view the sparkling city by the sea.

The two-hour Premiere City Tour takes you down Shoreline Boulevard and through the city’s historic district.

The Executive Tour is a one-hour glide around the seafront and T-heads — perfect for some leisurely fun!

The Beat the Heat Tour is an hour-long sunset tour that begins at 7 p.m. This tour is perfect for a date before dinner or if you are just looking to keep out of the blazing Texas sun.

Last, SegCity offers the Ride It! Experience Tour for those who want to learn how to ride and experience the feeling of a Segway.

For prices and times, give SegCity Tours a visit at 403 N. Shoreline Blvd. or call (361) 563-4050.

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SHOPPINGMake it to the mall for magnificant shopping at La Palmera

A newly redesigned indoor mall, La Palmera has more than 100 shops and restaurants in a fami-

ly-friendly atmosphere that reflects the flavor of the seaside.

New additions to the mall include retailers such as Forever 21 (two sto-ries), Charming Charlie, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Southern Swag, Pandora and eateries such as P.F. Chang’s, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria and Longhorn Steakhouse.

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The Tide Turners Kids Club for ages 5 and under holds events on the first Tuesday of the month. Both clubs offer exclusive discount incentives and special offers at particular retailers in the mall.

Put on some comfy shoes, grab your friends and family and come enjoy the lovely shops and eateries at La Palmera.

Seek seaside souvenirs as you make memories

Locating a souvenir shop in Corpus Christi is easier than digging your toes in the sand.

Well, maybe not that easy, but there are quite a few of them and the unique design of most makes them simple to spot!

The downtown area located be-tween the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington has a surplus of souvenir shops filled with mementos that mimic the beach theme of Corpus Christi.

Right past the JFK Causeway, and just before you hit the beaches, the Pa-dre Island area also teems with stores filled with shells, bathing suits, beach wear and even live hermit crabs with a choice of decorated shells for homes.

Once you get past the Corpus Christi beaches and mosey into Port Aransas, finding a souvenir shop is literally a hop, skip and jump away, as one is located on just about every corner.

Look for giant sharks, neon octopi, flags and enormous sand mermaids. That’s where you’ll find a souvenir shop and a quirky fun photo op to boot (or should it be flip-flop!).

Shop antiques in the Coastal Bend

Whether you are look-ing for a rare collectable or simply enjoy antiques, try browsing the selec-

tions at any of the antique stores in Corpus Christi:

• Deluxe Antiques821 S. Staples• Bleu Frog Mercantile1710 S. Alameda• Third Coast Antiques4325 S. Alameda• Codi’s Crafts & Collectibles5428 McArdle Lane• Baba One of A Kind2756 Santa Fe St.• Renaissance Shop4317 S. Alameda


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30 31Shop in Sinton

No antique shopping is complete without a stop in Sinton, which is about 28 miles from Corpus

Christi. Sinton is known as the An-tique Capital of South Texas. The main street — Sinton Street — is chock full of quaint antique stores, specialty shops and some of the best antique dealers in South Texas.

To get to this antique haven, just head north over the Harbor Bridge and pass through Portland. Within 30 minutes, you’ll reach Sinton and some sensational shopping.

Shop Marina Market Day first Saturdays!

Mark your calendar for the first Saturday of every month for Marina Market Day in Corpus Christi. The

city gathers at the downtown T-heads on

Lawrence Street to celebrate life by the waterfront. You’ll find food, live music and a variety of unique art vendors.

Shopping bags made from T-shirts, jewelry made from silverware, hand-blown glass, hula hoops and barnacle bracelets are just a sample of the unique items vendors showcase and sell at this monthly festival.

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BEST BEACHESGalavant with ghosts on San Jose Islands

Karankawa Indians first claimed San Jose Island as their home, fol-lowed by pirates. In fact,

legend has it that pirate Jean Lafitte’s ghost still guards a buried treasure on this barrier island across the bay from Port Aransas.

Although privately owned, “Saint Joe,” as the locals call it, is open to the public. It is undeveloped — there are no bathrooms, bait stands or beer — so you have to come prepared.

The folks at Jetty Boat on Fisher-man’s Wharf in Port Aransas can help you with that. They run the only ferry boat to the island and back. The boat can carry 45 passengers at a time, but they’re happy to make multiple trips if

needed.Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for

kids ages 2-10. The boat runs daily from 7 a.m. to noon and then at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. You can stay as long as you like — even overnight.

You’ll need to rent a cart to haul your fishing gear and umbrellas. There

are only a few palm trees on the island — no real shade. No reservations are needed, but if you want more informa-tion about availability, call (361) 749-5448. Fisherman’s Wharf is located at 900 N. Tarpon St. in Port Aransas.

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Make your way to popular J.P. Luby Beach

Without a doubt, the most popular beach in Corpus Christi is J.P. Luby Beach. It’s the

hotspot for teens and young adults for surfing, kiteboarding and skimboard-ing. This is where you’ll find pick-up sand games of football and soccer. And it’s the ideal spot for beach volleyball players to set up their nets and serve.

If you didn’t bring your own beach equipment, you’ll find vendors up and down J.P. Luby with boogie boards, surfboards and personal watercraft for rent.

Entrance to the beach is free, and there are public restrooms year-round. Also, located just a few miles down J.P. Luby Beach is Bob Hall Pier — the largest pier in Corpus Christi and a landmark for locals.

You are almost always guaranteed warm waters for good fishing and a constant wind for surfing.

So, gather your friends and family for a day of building sandcastles, bar-becuing and boogie boarding! You’ll find J.P. Luby Beach on Texas 361 near Access Road 3A-1 in Corpus Christi.

Padre Balli Beach Padre Balli Beach is a

beloved local landmark known for its surfing, shore fishing and the

popular Bob Hall — an esteemed sanc-tuary for anglers.

The beach includes 54 paved camp-sites and 12 hardtop areas for tents with electrical and water hookups for the ultimate camping experience. Other conveniences include a bath-house, cabanas and picnic tables. You

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also can opt for primitive camping on the beach.

Padre Balli Beach is a popular beach for bonfire building. After a full day under the sun, prepare a cozy fire by your campsite. Now you’ll have a place to cook your marshmallows and char your hotdogs, tell scary stories or just watch the driftwood blaze.

To find Padre Balli Beach, take Texas 358 from Corpus Christi across the JFK Causeway. Keep going straight until the road ends at Park Road 22. Drive down Park Road 22 until you see the pier.

Find perfection at Mustang Island Beach and State Park

The barrier island that stretches from Corpus Christi north to Port

Aransas is known as Mustang Island Beach. Mustang Island State Park is a five-mile expanse of open beach in the southern third of Mustang Island and requires a beach-parking permit.

Mustang Island is an exquisite stretch of beach perfect for swimming, fishing, skimboarding, bodysurfing, boogie boarding and surfing. Or, you can just hang out on the sand for some sun-bathing, picnicking, camping, hiking,

running, biking or birding. Birding is especially excellent during the fall and spring when birds migrate to South Texas.

For the kayakers and fishermen, the park also offers the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail, which follows the west shoreline of Mustang Island and features top-notch shal-


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low-water fishing spots.Entrance into this protected part of

the beach is available year-round, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $5 per person and free for children 12 and under. Mustang Island access outside the state park is free.

Hit the waves on Relax at family friendly North Beach

Located on a man-made island in Corpus Christi Bay, North Beach (also known as Corpus

Christi Beach), is one of the top five urban beaches in America. In 2012, it received the Best Restored Beach award from the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association.

A family-friendly beach, North Beach is located just across the Harbor Bridge with great access to both the USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium. A recreational-vehicle campground is located right on the beach!

Many great seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, hotels, condos and viewpoints can be found within walk-ing distance of this particular sandy shore. You can expect super-fine sand and calm waters at this beach. Waves don’t wander over to this side of the bay, so this seaside is best for families with children or those who just want to do a bit of sunbathing. No driving is allowed on the beach.

Fish, eat, watch the waves from Bob Hall Pier

For great fishing, seafood eating and ocean watching, head to Bob Hall Pier in Padre Balli

Park. Surfers compete with fisherman

for the best catch, whether waves or wildlife, along this perfect stretch of South Padre Island beach.

The pier is 1,240 feet long and 15.5 feet wide with a T-head at the end spanning 165 feet. Once a wooden pier that fell victim to several hurricanes, the most recent structure uses gravity instead of bolts and nails to hold it together. The construction has now lasted 30 years.

Offering daily weather and surf reports as well as a record of the daily catch, Bob Hall Pier welcomes fish-ermen from the professional to the amateur. You don’t even need to bring your poles or bait. Rent a pole at the pier for $12.95 per day until 10 p.m. Surfboards are also available for rent for $20 per day until 8 p.m.

After all that fishing and surfing, the pier is a great place to sample the area’s sensational seafood cuisine at Barnacle Bill’s Pier-House and Grill. The restau-rant is open Sunday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m to 11 p.m.

To keep this historic landmark in tip-top shape, the pier charges $2 per person and $1 for seniors (65+). The money goes toward maintenance and upkeep. Bob Hall Pier is located at 15820 Park Road 22 and is open Sun-day through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Check out the website at bobhallpier.org.

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