Six Port Aransas Treasures

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Eleanor, Beverly, Parsons, and Sadie watch for enemies aboard the Red Dragon Pirate Cruise.

Even though we are all in the throes of back-to-school mania, guess what? Here in San Antonio, we still have plenty of summertime left in spite of the fact that the kids will be back in the classroom during the week! And Labor Day is just around the corner. If you’re looking for something fun to do Labor Day weekend (or any weekend, for that matter), make the 2.5 hour drive south to Port Aransas. Taylor posted a gem of a blog with some great travel recommendations earlier this year, and I urge you to check it out. Here are even more things to see and do with your family in the charming coastal town just a stone’s throw from San Antonio.

Party with Pirates

My friend Megan and I took our kids (ages 6, 8 and 10) aboard the Red Dragon Pirate Cruise this summer and had a swashbuckling good time! Make sure to order (and print) your tickets in advance on their handy website. You will definitely want to arrive in time for the pre-show. I don’t want to give away any of the fun surprises on the boat, but just know that it’s jam-packed with action, music and entertainment for your little pirates. And–BONUS–there is a bar on the ship! Something for everyone! I highly recommend the sunset cruise. While our little mateys were hunting for treasure, Megan and I sipped Michelob Ultras and watched the sun set behind the Lydia Ann Lighthouse. Beautiful!

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The Red Dragon, sailing by Fin’s Grill & Ice House, a great spot for lunch on the water.

Saddle Up at Horses on the Beach

True confession: I was NOT expecting to enjoy this and I almost didn’t go. I am not a “horse person.” I had only been horseback riding one other time in my entire life, which is almost sacrilegious for a Texas girl. When I woke up at 6am on the day of our scheduled 10am ride and rain was pouring down, I thought my prayers had been answered and we would not be riding that day. But, as luck would have it, the rain subsided and our ride was on. The Horses on the Beach staff did a great job of matching each member our group (six of us, ages 6 to 41!) up with a horse that fit each rider’s experience level. (I swear, riding Cash, my horse, was like driving a car!) We thoroughly enjoyed the hour-long ride on the beach, and the staff provided little surprises and entertainment along the way and back. Horses on the Beach, only about 30 minutes from Port A, is a neat family outing and would be especially nice when the weather is cooler. The post-storm, overcast weather we experienced made for a fun and beautiful ride. Call in advance for reservations.

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Sadie riding Gandolf on the beach.

Learn Something New at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute Visitor Center

If you’re looking for a fun and educational break from the heat, you can’t go wrong here. While it’s obviously not the same caliber as a day trip to the nearby (and wonderful) Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, this little spot houses several large aquariums highlighting local sea life and a new hands-on area where kids can “fish,” measure their catch, and see what the world looks like from inside a blue crab egg.  On a recent visit, we observed a student feeding sea horses and learned a lot in the process. Educational movies about marine biology are often offered, free of charge. The newly renovated Visitor Center now boasts a really nice little gift shop, too. Check the website for hours. Admission is free.

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The girls check out one of many aquariums at the UT Marine Science Institute Visitor’s Center.

Celebrate a Turtle Release

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An ARK volunteer shows the crowd a sea turtle before releasing it into the Gulf.

On Memorial Day weekend this year, we took our kids down to Mile Marker 35 to watch a group of volunteers release several sea turtles into the Gulf. It’s awe-inspiring to see these rescued and rehabilitated large turtles slowly make their way into the open water. These turtles (as well as other injured island birds and animals) are rescued and cared for at the Animal Rehabilitation Keep (ARK) at the UT Marine Science Institute. Turtle releases are generally held around Memorial Day every year, but sometimes there are additional releases. Check out the ARK’s website for information.

Eat on the Water

We usually dine in when we go coastal. My husband and I love to cook, and on our first night in Port A during a recent trip we asked our kids, “Do y’all want to go out to dinner tonight?” We expected a resounding “YES!” but Eleanor responded, “No way! Let’s make paella!” So we did, buying fresh fish at our favorite local fish market, Port A Seafood Co., and other necessary ingredients at the Family Center IGA. (By the way, our favorite paella cookbook is Penelope Casas’ classic “Paella!: Spectacular Rice Dishes from Spain.”) But when we are too waterlogged to cook and hungry for tried-and-true fried seafood goodness, we head to Snoopy’s Pier. After feasting by the water on fried fish, shrimp, oysters and maybe a burger or chicken tenders for our youngest, we hand the kids some cash and watch them head up to Scoopy’s for Blue Bell ice cream. Tip: this restaurant is cash-only, but they have an ATM inside if you’re only carrying plastic.

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Amazingly, Sadie’s favorite treat at Scoopy’s, Blue Bell Krazy Kookie Dough, did not stain her clothes!

Sharpen Your Sandcastle Building Skills

If you’re tired of the typical bucket-and-shovel/drippy castle approach to sandcastle building, give the Port A sandcastle guy a call and book some time with him on the beach. The first time we arranged for Dan Landrum to meet us in front of our condo was seven years ago! He showed us some great techniques for building an out-of-this-world sand masterpiece. And the photo ops are priceless, to boot.

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The Anderson family, summer of 2007, in front of our sensational sand castle.

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The Anderson family, summer of 2014, on the same stretch of beach. (As usual, I’m behind the camera!)

Kelly
Kelly lives in Terrell Hills and is a full-time working mom of 4 in a never-a-dull-moment blended family. Her twin stepsons, Eric & Grant, are high school juniors. Her daughters, Eleanor and Sadie, are in junior high and elementary school. She and her husband, Ryan, are both attorneys. When she is not working and "air-traffic controlling" her busy brood, she and her family enjoy exploring San Antonio and the surrounding area.

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