Port Aransas Visitors' Guide

City Map

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SPRING

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Island Snapshots

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Port Aransas by the Numbers

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SandFest is a ‘must do’

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A portion of Port Aransas beach will be transformed into a virtual fairyland of giant sand sculptures the weekend of April 20-22.

SandFest, celebrating its 16th year, will draw some 100,000 visitors to the beach to view magnificent, largerthan life sculptures created from little more than sand, and the imagination of the artists.

Birding festival draws nature lovers

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The 16th annual Whooping Crane Festival is set for Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 23-26, in Port Aransas.

U.S.S. Lexington is floating museum

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At three stories high, the movie screen at the USS Lexington Museum in Corpus Christi is already big. And the theater is about to get an upgrade that will give screenings even more impact.

Starting this May, the retired aircraft carrier’s theater will be converted to a Dolby 3D theater.

Tourist Bureau has answers for visitors

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The Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce-Tourist Bureau is ready and willing to give visitors a quick primer on what’s going on in our town.

SPRING REGULAR EVENTS

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FEBRUARY

24 ......................................... Beachwalk Adventure

9 a.m. at purple flag by Horace Caldwell Pier, 749-4158 29 ...................................... Birding on the Boardwalk

Guided birding tour, 9 a.m., Birding Center, 749-4158

SPRING SPECIAL EVENTS

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FEBRUARY

23-26 ...................................Whooping Crane Festival

Civic Center, UTMSI, 749-5919 25 ................................ Kiwanis Foundation Beach Dash www.poraransasbeachdash.com

MARCH

Legendary Farley Boat Works is being revitalized

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:37:04 +0000

By John Guthrie Ford and Rick Pratt

The formula for a successful business is the capacity to supply the circumstance of demand. About 100 years ago in Port Aransas, Charles Frederick “Fred” Farley found himself blessed with that combination. The business was boat building.

Beach big attraction for Spring Breakers

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:37:09 +0000

Spring Break is one of the biggest visitor events that Port Aransas experiences each year.

With good weather, as many as 100,000 revelers might descend on Mustang Island, according to the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce-Tourist Bureau. This, in a town that has an official population of only 3,480, according to the 2010 census.

Roberts Point Park: Outdoor fun with a view

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If it’s an outdoor event and it’s in Port Aransas, chances are it is at Roberts Point Park, alongside the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. A variety of events, including fishing tournament weigh-ins, picnics and festivals, are held at the park, one of the first sights to greet visitors arriving in Port Aransas by ferry.

Swim, hike, play ball, skate board at city park

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If you’re looking for skateboarding, hiking, swimming, jogging, baseball, soccer or picnicking, the Port Aransas Community Park is the place to be.

Newport Dunes Golf Club features links-style course

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Fore!

Located south of Beach Access Road 1A along State Hwy. 361, the Newport Dunes Golf Club is an Arnold Palmer Signature course. That means the pro golf legend kept an eye on the project throughout design and construction.

The course is open 364 days a year, closed only on Christmas Day.

Community theatre alive, well in Port Aransas

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An active ommunity theatre sets Port Aransas apart from other small communities.

The Port Aransas Community Theatre, located at 2327 State Hwy. 361 at Sea Isle Drive, is the creative outlet for many island resident thespians and some visitors, too.

Live adult and youth productions are performed onstage year round at the theatre.

New boat museum is now open to public

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:37:24 +0000

Restoration of Port Aransas Museum property that once housed the Farley boat works is open to the public, according to museum director Rick Pratt. The Farleys operated from 1916 to 1970, and ran the longestlasting major boat building business in Port Aransas history, Pratt said. The museum bought the property on Avenue C near Cut-off Road early in 2011.

Birding spots abound around town

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Port Aransas is home to another variety of two-legged creatures, besides humans. A large variety of birds reside on the island and a slew of migratory birds stop here during spring and fall seasonal migrations, a vacation stop so to speak.

Golf carts required to follow street laws

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Golf carts are fun and legal to drive on most Port Aransas roadways. But drivers should familiarize themselves with laws that regulate carts.

Golf carts must have up-todate registrations with the City of Port Aransas. City hall issues license plates for a $50 fee. If you are renting, rental businesses probably have already taken care of that for you.

Trolley shuttles near and far

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The Port Aransas trolley travels through most parts of Port Aransas, including Horace Caldwell Pier on the beach.

Signs mark the route, and riders can flag down the trolley at any location.

The price of a trolley ride is a bargain, at 25 cents per passenger.

The trolley begins making its daily circuits around town just before 10 a.m. Rides end just before 6 p.m.

Paddle till your heart’s content in kayak trails

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The Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trails, the first such trails established by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), wind across shallow waters and flats northwest of Port Aransas. There are four trails along the South Bay side of Lydia Ann Channel, all accessible from the Lighthouse Trails Park along the State Hwy. 361 causeway.

JELM center offers an array of activities

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A number of classes and events are offered throughout the year at the JELM (Joint Effort Leisure Ministry) Center.

The JELM offers an everchanging schedule of exercise classes, art workshops, socials, excursions and more, mostly through the winter season but with many continuing into summer.

Exhibit gives insight to life in Port Aransas

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Head down to the Port Aransas Civic Center’s foyer to see multi-media presentations on some of the most significant institutions in town.

Airport soon to get upgrades

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Improvement plans for Mustang Beach Airport are clear for take-off.

The Port Aransas City Council in January approved a plan to replace the airport’s AWOS – automatic weather observation system. The gadgetry helps pilots learn about local weather conditions with a quick phone call.

AREA ATTRACTIONS

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BAYSIDE

Fennessey Ranch Highway 2678, Bayside (361) 529-6600 www.fennesseyranch.com Custom birding trips, photography seminars, photo blinds for day leases, Russian boar hunting, country hayrides, hummingbird tours, educational programs

CORPUS CHRISTI

Aquarium houses more than fish

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You can get close-up looks at everything from hermit crabs to dolphins at the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi.

Visitors welcome at UTMSI

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The University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) hosts many interesting things to do for the visitor to Port Aransas. The visitors’ center hosts more than 35,000 visitors a year. Its seven aquaria display marine animals from various habitats around Port Aransas.

Getting Around

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BY WATER

Ferryboats run 24 hours a day, seven days a week all year long crossing the Corpus Christi Ship Channel to and from Port Aransas and Harbor Island. Free.

Where to Worship

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Church of Christ, 205 Brundrett St., 749-5498. James Bruster, Minister. Sun. Bible class 9 a.m.; worship services 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wed. class, 7 p.m. Community Presbyterian, 113 S. Alister St., 749- 5319. Interim pastor Tricia Tedrow. Worship services 8:30 and 11 a.m.; Sunday school 11 a.m.

Tennis is fun and free

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Tennis players will find no court fees, no league fees and lots of tennis in Port Aransas. Just show up ready to play and have some fun on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Guided beach walks held monthly for free

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Ever wonder what all those shells and other items that wash ashore on area beaches are?

Beachcombers are invited to gather on the fourth Friday of each month to learn about some of the usual, and not so usual, “treasures” commonly found on Port Aransas beaches.

New ferries make for faster entry to island

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:37:40 +0000

The Port Aransas ferry system recently got two new ferries, and construction of a new headquarters is under way.

The new vessels, called the Charles W. Heald and the Michael W. Behrens, began operating last summer. The fleet previously consisted of six vessels.

While the older ferries carry 20 cars each, the new ones can hold up to 28 vehicles apiece.

Botanical gardens display area’s flora

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Learn about Coastal Bend plants and animals at the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, located at 8545 S. Staples St. in Corpus Christi.

Library has books, DVDs, more

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Curl up with a good book. Or an audio book. Or a DVD.

Bill Ellis Memorial Library houses about 25,000 items in its collection. That includes adult, junior and children’s books, a paperbacks section, audio books on cassette and CD, DVDs and more than 70 magazine subscriptions.

The institution’s history collection includes a variety of volumes on Port Aransas.

Need-to-know information helps newcomers

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New to town? The following is a list of utilities and city services you may find helpful to get settled into the island life.

Water:

Nature preserve is growing

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New facilities recently opened at the Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture.

City officials held a ribbon cutting in December on Phase Two of improvements at the preserve.

Need some online time? Visit computer center

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The Port Aransas Computer Center, 430 N. Alister St., has 26 computers for public use, recently upgraded and updated, and all connected to the Internet and to a laser printer. A scanner and plug-in photo card readers also are available.

Wetland Education Center is window to marine habitat

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Salt marshes are some of the most ecologically productive habitats on the planet, and that is just one of the facts visitors learn when they walk through the Wetlands Education Center just 50 yards from the University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute’s visitors’ center.

May is art month for Port Aransas Art Center

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Art lovers will find plenty to please them at the Port Aransas Art Center’s celebration held each year in May.

Three big art events begin with Fiesta de Mayo, a benefit dinner and dance for the art center, on Tuesday, May 15. Festivities get underway beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Sandcastle Condominiums Conference Center, 800 Sandcastle Drive. Tickets will go on sale in April.

Spring waves make good playground for surfers

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:37:50 +0000

Spring is one of the best times of the year to go surfing in Port Aransas.

You probably will have to wear a full wetsuit to stay warm at first, but by April or May, a thin one should suffice.

Several beach-oriented businesses in Port Aransas rent and sell surfboards. Surfing lessons also are available, for a fee.

Out on the Town

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Back Porch Bar, 132 W. Cotter, on the harbor, next to Woody’s Sports Center, 749-2800. Open-air hang-out where you can watch anglers return with the day’s catch while sipping a margarita or ice-cold longnecks, from March through October. Live music on weekends.www.pabackporchbar.com. H, V, MC, AE, D.

Magee Beach Park offers amenities to visitors

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The I.B. Magee Beach Park sits right on the beach between Cotter Avenue and Beach Street. It offers camping, beachfront bathrooms and showers and a wetland pond for bird watching

‘Fashions, Flip Flops is style show theme

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:37:56 +0000

Check out the latest island fashions at the Port Aransas Garden Club’s annual Style Show on Thursday, March 8.

Models sporting attire from area boutiques will display island chic attitude.

Port Aransas: Village to vibrant resort

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:38:00 +0000

From a vast expanse of sand dotted with sea oats and meandering vines over sand dunes, a small village known as Tarpon, Texas, barely made a mark on the horizon. Today, that village, now called Port Aransas, is home to multi-story condominiums, restaurants and retail shops, canal-front subdivisions, a network of paved streets and sidewalks, and an airport.

Want to fish?

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:38:03 +0000

Let’s relax and go fishing, but let’s not get relaxed about the rules involved.

New fishing and hunting licenses are required each year by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Annual such licenses (except for the year-to-date fishing license) expire every Aug. 31.

Beach yoga is free

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Yoga on the Beach is offered each month for free.

The City of Port Aransas Parks and Recreation Department invites the public to the class led by instructor Nancy Myers. Myers teaches basic yoga moves geared toward all ages and fitness levels.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Fish Bag & Possession Limits

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Dining Out in Port A

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Restaurant listings are free, and are not published in consideration for advertising. Restaurant management is responsible for notifying the South Jetty of changes or updates by calling (361) 749-5131 or e-mail southjetty@centurytel.net.To advertise, contact Lisa Shelton at (361) 749- 5131 or e-mail her at ads@portasouthjetty.com

Things to do in Port A

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FISHING

CHARTERS

Port Aransas Art Center holds classes, exhibits, much more

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The Port Aransas Art Center is the center of art activities in Port Aransas.

Formerly named the Art Center for the Islands, the center changed its name in January to better reflect the island community.

First Friday

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Feb. 15-26

International Crane Foundation Children’s Traveling Exhibit, “Crane Bird of Peace”

March 2

5:30-7:30 p.m. Annual all-member show Sponsor is Guy Carnathan of The Pelican Club and Beulah’s.

April 6

Rules help to keep folks safe on beach

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Our beach is a place for fun, but everyone has to follow certain rules there to keep the shore clean and safe.