From the Waco Tribune-Herald
September Issue of "Waco Today"
Food Options
The seafood is the best. You might find a restaurant similar to Latitude in the ritzy parts of Houston or Dallas, but enjoy this fine dining in Rockport. Enjoy the gallery of artists’ work on the walls as you wait for marvelous meals. The crab and blackened fish are surprisingly affordable.
Around the corner from Latitude, Apple Dumpling Deli, offers mammoth, tasty deli sandwiches to eat on site or take out. You won’t have any trouble finding other extraordinary restaurants along the road between Rockport and Fulton and in the neighboring downtowns, along with fast food restaurants. But don’t miss the vast number of attractions.
History
Historians are a stalwart group at the History Center for Aransas County with heritage that makes them proud. Gary and Rita Gilbert, Rockport citizens, donated property for the history buffs in 2012. The house was moved to 801 E. Cedar Street in Rockport. It’s worth the effort. Many old photos and artifacts are attractively displayed. A library of books about the area lines a wall in this handsome, old home. They invite speakers and hold other programs on a regular basis.
Rockport became incorporated in 1871 as a fishing and packing port. It grew when the railroad arrived in 1886, affecting the town in positive ways. Then they could ship their food and products several ways. Boatbuilding, fishing, and tourism added more incentive for people to relocate. The Railroad Depot still exists with hope that someone adopts it.
Rockport, like other seaside towns, was devastated by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The town still has open fields near downtown where all the homes and business were wiped off the earth in the 13 hours of the storm, instead of a usual two-hour storm.
Six weeks later, a giant fundraiser brought the community together. A group of strong-willed citizens banded together and found funding for many projects that cost millions of dollars. Rockport became a destination, rather than “just a little seaside village.”
The town changed from dusty, crusty old buildings to become stronger than ever. Their courthouse-gone! It’s being rebuilt, along with improved and new parks. Where are they finding funding? They are creative giants: Grants, FEMA, Foundations. The stories I heard from the Chamber of Commerce President/CEO convinced me that the townspeople realized quickly that the hurricane offered an opportunity to make their town a show place.
One person called Ellen Degeneres three times before she and Lowe’s donated $1 Million towards a new gym for the high school. Funding comes from more than twenty different sources. The citizens contribute to the festivity travelers love.
The hummers’ celebration entices people from around the world to travel to see the birds, hear the speakers, and enjoy meeting new friends. From serious hummingbird enthusiasts to the novice birder, they will “flock” to Rockport. The new buildings and remodeled condos are an added plus for places to stay.
The Maritime Museum sits close to the Bay, as it wasn’t destroyed, but repaired after the Hurricane. Built in 1989, tourists from all over the world come to visit. Learn more about ship building, the shrimp boats, and the oil industry at this must-see venue.
Art
I picked up a bookmark at the Rockport Art Center, currently at 401 S. Austin Street (the most travelled street), titled “A Gallery Every 750 Feet.” It lists 10 places to enjoy various types of artwork. I’ve heard it said that 200 artists reside in Rockport.
After spending time looking at their displays at the Art Center, we wandered along Austin Street. My husband gazed at the amazing artistry of John Martell Photography at 302 S. Austin, while I devoted time to looking at a high-end jewelry boutique, and sipping hot coffee. All three businesses reside in one spot. Mr. Martell is one of the photography instructors for the Hummingbird Celebration.
Next door we met Stan Irvin, of Unique Clay works. Everyone has a story about arriving in Rockport. Stan taught art at St. Edwards University in Austin for thirty-seven years. When he and his wife retired, they travelled to Rockport, sleeping in their new sailboat those weekends. A home in Rockport they liked became available. “We loved the cultural atmosphere, and after debate, we sold our home in Austin to live and work full time in Rockport. I’ve been a potter all my life, and continue to win prizes and accolades for creativity.” If you like emerging and popular artwork, Rockport offers from simple to sophisticated.
Three Businesses in One Building:Coffee, Photography, and Jewelry
Shops
Charming retail establishments are crowded with cute styles and chic gifts. The Dish House, which features colorful, everyday tableware at reasonable prices, caught my eye. The lady at the counter is the mother of the owner, Carman Michael-Goodgion. Mom is a natural for retail sales.
Antiques stores are spread throughout the town. You can find everything from shabby chic, tired furniture, and rusty items to render into splendid works for yard art or home decor. My favorite purchase was a coffee cup with a photo of a cliff in Yosemite Nation Park for my rock-climbing-granddaughter. You never know what you’ll find.
Festivals
Rockport festivals with themes happen regularly. I loved the tented fairs with everything imaginable the weekend we visited. Read about the HummerBird Festival and return for the Whooping Crane Tours which are available November to March.
Every month brings fun and festivities. If you like to plan, contact the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce. They will send you a boatload of information. Any time you visit, you’ll find progress happening. Let’s see, do you want fishing, hunting, seafood, art work, clay pots, cute outfits, antiques OR the HummerBird Celebration in September?
Nearby Cities
Fulton’s claim to fame is the Fulton Mansion, only three miles east from Rockport. Walk around the historic mansion to visit, although it was devastated during Hurricane Harvey. Grants and loyal fans came together to work to bring this treasure, built in 1877, back to what it looked like before August of 2017.
An education and history building, plus a museum store at the rear offer unique gifts and an opportunity to help with the ongoing remodeling of what was damaged.
Aransas Pass, 10 miles west from Rockport, has its share of restaurants, little shops, a Walmart and an HEB grocery.
Port Aransas is better known for its sandy, firm beach where you can camp (with a permit) or drive. The ferry that runs back and forth daily shortens the trip from Corpus Christi.
A huge oil rig with a history looms over the harbor where the ferry crosses. The Port Aransas Beach is eight miles farther. We parked along the water near the ferries to watch the porpoises play. Later we sat in the car to enjoy the Port Aransas sandy beach and listen to the ocean waves. The seagulls have regular reunions and fill the air with their squawking.
Be sure to ride the ferry. It’s fun and quick, especially on a slow day without cars and trucks parked in a long line waiting to cross. Sometimes it takes an hour and sometimes, no one is waiting.
Visit the nearby cities, if possible, or come back later. You won’t be sorry for spending time in these venues. Explore until your feet hurt. You will make memories for sure. Where else can you see hummingbirds and learn more about our ecosystem? I may see you there!
By Ruth Glover
Freelance Writer and Travel