THE COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE • Winter 2018-19 33 TheCoastalBend.com Winter Texan Activities Abound More than wonderful weather and beautiful beaches, the Coastal Bend offers dozens of activities that our Winter guests can enjoy during their time with us. Birdwatching The Coastal Bend is one of the top birding destina- tions in the world, with hundreds of North American species stopping over or staying for the winter. Whooping Cranes at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge have been the top birding attraction in Texas for decades as this endangered species has made its comeback with the help of hundreds of conserva- tionists in the United States and Canada. The refuge is a federal park located near the town of Austwell, about 90 minutes north of Corpus Christi. While the Whoopers are considered the top celebrity avian in our region, the Padre Island National Seashore, locat- ed at the southernmost end of North Padre Island, is where over half of all known North American bird species have been officially spotted. In February, the Port Aransas Whooping Crane Festival brings together birders, guides and professional photogra- phers from around the country together in celebra- tion of birding in Texas. For all the birding info, see our Annual Winter Birding Guide on the next page. Fishing Our islands in inland waterways provide some of the best year-round fishing waters in the United States, and winter fishing provides angling opportunities unlike at any other time of year. With the rapid de- scent of strong cold fronts during the winter months comes active migration activity of many fish species through dozens of channels and passes between the Gulf of Mexico and the bays. What’s really great about fishing in the Coastal Bend is the number of options for those with any budget, or no budget, in mind. Party boats and private charters for both bay and offshore fishing are based at the Port Aransas Marina. Bottom fishing prevails for Gulf of Mexico trips in the winter, and includes Red Snapper trips in Texas state waters. Most winter anglers will find themselves utilizing low cost and free public piers on the gulf, in the Port Aransas Ship Channel, and in the northern Laguna Madre. See our detailed fishing maps starting on page 112. Port Aransas Shopping Once a sleeping fishing and cattle raising village, Port Aransas (“Port A”to locals) is now one of the top island vacation destination on the Gulf of Mexico, and is home to a wonderfully unique and grow- ing collection of unique shops, and shop owners. Some of these one-of-a-kind retailers are not only unique to the area, but to the entire state of Texas! Lone Star Taste carries what is, without a doubt, the largest selection of Texas-made food products you will find anywhere, including both well known labels and high quality house brands. Fly It! Port A is one of the most complete kite shops in the state, and specializes in professional kiting gear plus kites for beginners, wind socks, games and more. Port A Glass Gallery & Studio is the South Texas home for professionally designed and produced glass art and jewelry, and offers classes and workshops for aspir- ing glass artists. The Port Aransas Art Center is a bustling center of activity all winter long, with daily events that include classes and seminars, special exhibits, social gatherings and more. North Beach In a long-gone era, Corpus Christi’s North Beach, the peninsula located on the north side of the Harbor Bridge across the ship channel from downtown, was the center of beach fun and entertainment for all of South Texas. Today it is home to the city’s two major visitor attractions, the U.S.S. Lexington Museum on the Bay, the legendary World War II aircraft carrier turned war museum, and the Texas State Aquarium, which is fast becoming one of the top marine aquarium facilities in the United States. On North Beach you will also find terrific seafood at Pier 99 Restaurant, Blackbeard’s on the Beach, Yo Philly Cheesesteaks and Fajitaville. 1940’S NORTH BEACH DEPICTED IN THE FILM “RAGGEDY MAN” Coastal Bend Day Trips The King Ranch is one of the largest working cattle ranches in the world, and embodies South Texas his- tory and culture. Tours are available starting at the King Ranch Visitors Center. The recently-renovated Fulton Mansion Museum in Rockport takes visitors back to the Victorian era on the Texas Gulf Coast. Built in 1877 by George Fulton for his large family, the contents and furnishings of the mansion depict the life of a prominent South Texas family of the time, and tell the history of how the area developed in the late 19th Century. An hour or so north of Corpus Christi is one of the most significant towns in the rich history of Texas. Goliad was established by the Spanish throne in 1747 as Presidio la Bahia, which included the Catholic Mission Nuestra Señora del Espíritu Santo de Zúñiga, which survives today at Goliad State Park. Goliad is also the site of the most significant events of the Texas Revolution, including the signing of the Texas declaration on indepen- dence and the Goliad Massacre of 1836.