Rockin’ in Rockport, Texas
Thought long and hard about that catchy title, I did.
Rockport, Texas is one of the most beautiful places I’ve yet seen on my travels. That short list includes the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, and Monterey, California. It’s full of palm and oak trees, and bordered by miles of coastline. It’s one of the top fishing and birdwatching places in the nation.
Rockport, population 8,700, is about a hour northeast of Corpus Christi on the Texas coast. Barrier islands protect the length of the coastal bend area leaving long, shallow bays full of warm water. It is a favorite spot for snowbirds, aka “Winter Texans” as they’re called when in Texas. The pace is slow and leisurely, like living on island time.
And it is very much like living on an island… the town is on a long peninsula that extends into the many bays. There’s one grocery store (H.E.B.) and the ubiquitous WalMart. Cellular service is limited to say the least. I happen to have Verizon for phone and internet. If you look at a Verizon “coverage” map, it indicates the area is completely covered.
Umm, wrong.
In fact, Verizon will even let you out of your contract if you live in Rockport because it’s a ‘known issue’. Verizon, don’t you think you should take it off your damn coverage map?? Just a thought. Or would taking off places you don’t actually cover make your map look like AT&T’s?
If you want a lot of excitement, just wait for some of the storms. Big winds, lots of rain, some tornadoes. It should be noted the Texans seem mostly unfazed by these events. And then there are the bugs… lots of bugs. In fact, the mosquitoes are so prolific the City takes care of spraying your property. It’s included in the taxes.
If you want a little less excitement, there are a few little night clubs/bars in Fulton, an even smaller town that sort of fits into Rockport like a doughnut hole. Fulton is where all the action is, and most of the restaurants.
Now you can probably see why I stayed so long in Rockport. It’s really hard to leave when you’re in a place that feels like an island. Even if there are a lot of scary (to this once-Californian) storms and monster bugs. (Little did I know, Bugzilla the Giant Cockroach was nothing compared to the 9″ – yes, nine inch – walking stick currently hanging on my door in Bandera, Texas.)
You can see photos of a couple of the goofy sites around Rockport in this post.
Is that where Rockport shoes come from?
Ooh, good question. I hadn’t thought of that. My guess is they don’t only because there is no real industry in Rockport, other than fishing.
Love watching the dolphins… hope you took the ferry at Aransas Pass… also little Mexican food restaraunt there that serves stuffed/fried avacado. Amazing stuff! Also, the T head at Corpus just watching the pelicans. They crack me up!
I did go over to Port A a couple times. Will post about that, soonish. 🙂 Stuffed/fried avocado?? Is that on Port A or in Rockport? Do you remember the name? I think I need some fried avocado!
What no Verizon? Are you living in the outback?
One would think. I just spent the long weekend in the country – and had great service there, a spot 8 miles from town.
Rockport? No Verizon love here. We all bitch about it. It’s just somewhat remote with all the water surrounding it.
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