WELCOME to the Texas Gulf Coast

Port Aransas

Port Aransas is an island getaway for the whole family. With beaches and loads of sun, Port Aransas is perfectly located to meet your relaxation and adventure needs. Located between the dunes of Mustang Island and the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, its lovely shoreline is a great place to wander among the seashells, frolic in the waves, soak in the sun, and relax in the breezes. Just next door, the rest of Mustang Island o ers a number of nature related places, which provide fabulous opportunities for birding, kayaking, shing, sur ng and swimming. With a laid back attitude unique to this area, the intimate community of Port Aransas has many boutiques, shops and galleries, cafes, exceptional restaurants. ere is also ample lodging in the area, ranging from cozy cottages, conventional motel rooms, and RV parks to high rise condos and upscale private homes.

Port Aransas is located on the northern tip of Mustang Island. Take your choice of two ways to access the island. From Corpus Christi, the island is linked by the JFK Causeway, which climbs high above the Laguna Madre making a direct line to SH 361 and Port A. Alternately, you can take the ‘scenic route.’ e free ferry system brings visitors to the island across the Corpus Christi Ship Channel via car ferries, which operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Delightfully o en, bottlenose dolphins accompany the ferries back and forth. Seagulls and pelicans are frequent yers along the short trip too! e beaches of Mustang Island are incredibly unique. ere are eighteen miles of uninterrupted public shoreline which is open to those on foot or in a vehicle. e shoreline includes: the Horace Caldwell Pier, open 24/7, which extends from the beach into the Gulf of Mexico; certi ed lifeguards to watch over the crowds in designated areas during peak season; and outdoor showers and bathrooms. Pets are welcome, but they must remain leashed at all times.

ings to Do in Port Aransas

Lighthouse Lakes Trail e Lighthouse Lakes Trails are located in an area called North Harbor Island, just west of Port Aransas and north of the Highway 361 Causeway. ere are a series of three individual, but interconnected, trails that can be accessed by launching from the north side of the causeway and by following a series of trail markers. Fishing in these areas can be excellent, as is bird watching and just general paddling around. Your ability to access some of these areas is dependent upon tidal level, so it is a good idea to check before you go. Higher tides make for much easier access. Also, these trails can be pretty tough paddling in winds greater than 20 mph. Much of the bottom is easily waded, but there are numerous oyster reefs in the area, so sturdy shoes are a must. You must cross a deep shipping channel to access the trails, but the channel is not excessively wide and you can cross it in less than ve minutes with moderate paddling.

Mustang Island State Park

Located just south of Port Aransas on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, this area covers more than 3,900 acres and has a 5-mile beachfront for visitors to enjoy. e land was acquired from private owners in 1972 and opened to the public in 1979.

Fisherman’s Wharf

900 Tarpon Street

Port Aransas, TX 78373

At Fisherman’s Wharf, our deep sea shing schedule is based on the seasonal migrations and availability of various species of sh in the Gulf of Mexico. We o er half and full day dri shing trips aboard the Wharf Cat for king mackerel, ling, dolphin, bonito, shark, etc., from mid-May through Labor Day. Year round, the Scat Cat, equipped with “electric tackle” makes 12 hour and special extended trips to far o shore banks (coral and rock formations) for red snapper, grouper, amber jack and other highly prized bottom sh. Bait, tackle, rods and reels are included and no shing license is required on deep sea shing charters. e Wharf

Cat and Scat Cat o er a full concession on board serving hot and cold foods, snacks and beverages served by friendly, helpful crews. Both “Cats” are comfortable, smooth riding catamarans for deep sea shing at its nest.

e University of Texas

Marine Science Institute

750 Channel View Drive

Port Aransas, TX 78373

Phone: (361) 749-6729

Interest in Marine Science is promoted by the Visitor Center where self guided tours and educational movies are among the attractions o ered. Seven aquaria display typical Texas coastal habitats and the organisms that live in them, including Spartina, black mangrove marsh, oyster reef, open bay bottom, rock jetty and oshore arti cial reefs. Other displays in the main building highlight current and past research projects and feature representative specimens or photographs of local plants and animals. Over 40,000 visitors have tour the facility annually.

Rockport

e City of Rockport, located 30 miles northeast of Corpus Christi on Texas Highway 35, is the County Seat of Aransas County. Rockport was incorporated by a Special Act of the Legislature of Texas Charter granted on May 29, 1871. Surrounded on three sides by the waters of Aransas, Copano and Port bays, the sheer variety of outdoor activities are what makes Rockport appeal to the many tourists as well as local citizens.

e shing village of Rockport has been a favorite coastal hideaway for wealthy Texans since the 1800s. Rockport is located along the Texas Tropical Trail and is a noteworthy stop along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. Other points of interest such as Texas Maritime Museum, Fulton Mansion, Rockport Center for the Arts, Connie Hagar Wildlife Sanctuary and e TX Dot Demonstration Gardens and Wetlands Ponds draw tourists and “Winter Texans” alike to Rockport.

ings to Do in Rockport

Rockport is a popular tourist destination because of its beach, ski basin, and the sport shing available there. ere are also various historic sites such as the Fulton Mansion and a Heritage district. e historical downtown area o ers a great shopping environment with its friendly attitude. Key Allegro Marina is also a popular attraction, especially during e Rockport O shore Challenge. Goose Island State Park, 321.4 acres, is located north of Rockport in Aransas County. e area is also the home of “ e Big Tree”, named State Champion Coastal Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) in 1969. It is thought to be one of the largest in the nation including the Redwoods on the nation’s west coast. Estimated to be over 1000 years old, the “Big Tree” has a circumference of 35 feet, is 44 feet in height and has a crown spread of 90 feet.

Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi o ers some of the best beaches in Texas. So come dance on the beach, run in the surf, and make a splash in sunny Corpus Christi, Texas! ere are miles of beaches for shing, boating and oating. Additionally, there are multiple historic and fun attractions like the USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium just waiting to be explored. Music, art festivals and sporting events are held in Corpus Christi year round.

Located on the Gulf of Mexico, about halfway between Houston and the U.S.Mexico border, Corpus Christi has the same latitude as Tampa, Florida and has the same tropical weather. Situated on a bay and surrounded by islands and hundreds of miles of beaches. Corpus Christi is a popular spot for family vacations and provides endless recreational opportunities for visitors of all types.

e Corpus Christi Municipal Marina is at the center of it all, and boasts many of the amenities and services Corpus Christi Bay has to o er. e marina is protected from the Gulf of Mexico by scenic barrier islands o the Texas Coast, so the water is calm and the beaches are expansive. Come enjoy the waterfront and see the sailboats!

Come and see the Victorian charm in South Texas! Heritage Park and Cultural Center holds eleven historic homes, each of which is unique. One such home, the 100 year old Galván House is an award- winning center that hosts artistic cultural programs showcasing the diverse culture of Corpus Christi and South Texas. For cultural education and historical knowledge, the Heritage Park and Cultural Center is the best place to be!

For military history, you can step aboard the U.S.S. Lexington, a famous naval aircra carrier from World War II. e Lexington features incredible rides in a ight simulator, a chance to climb behind the controls of a jet ghter, or preview a movie in the mega theatre, which is also located on board. e museum is open seven days a week, so no matter when you visit Corpus Christi, you can see this historic treasure.

Travel on an ocean adventure deep into the Gulf of Mexico without ever leaving the shore at the Texas State Aquarium. Observe aquatic life from dolphins to jelly sh, and learn about environmental conservation and wildlife rehabilitation. e Padre Island National Seashore covers 130,000 acres of pristine barrier island, providing a safe haven for sea turtles and many birds. e barrier island o ers spectacular bird watching and is a focal point for bird enthusiasts throughout Texas. In addition, bird and animal enthusiasts can explore a coastal highway dedicated to bird and wildlife watching on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. e trail surrounding Corpus Christi has observation platforms and kiosks with helpful information about the environment and all of its natural inhabitants.

You can also visit the largest remaining natural barrier island in the world.

If you’ve had enough of wildlife, you can nd a peaceful and relaxing nook at the gorgeous Corpus Christi Botanical Garden. e garden features walking trails surrounded by roses, desert and tropical owers, and 2,500 varieties of orchids. So whether your taste runs to pristine nature or man-made beauty,

Corpus Christi has the right place for you. e Botanical Garden o ers tours of the facilities and grounds.

When the day is done, you can enjoy an entertaining evening of music, comedy, or drama at Corpus Christi’s outstanding non-pro t Harbor Playhouse community theatre. All productions at the community theater are family-friendly, so no matter your age, you will nd evening entertainment from the local talent.

Whether you’re planning a relaxing weekend escape or an extended stay, Corpus Christi and the surrounding area o ers a wide assortment of hotels to choose from. Regardless of your budget or no matter if you are looking for the perfect golf getaway, fun- lled family adventure, romantic getaway or corporate meeting venue, Corpus Christi has the perfect place for you!

You can nd additional information, hotels in the area, and locally scheduled events at www.visitcorpuschrisitx.org.

Texas Gulf Coast

ings to Do in Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History

1900 North Chaparral Street

Corpus Christi, TX 78402

Phone: (361) 826-4667 www.ccmuseum.com

Featuring History, Archeology, and Natural History Exhibits, the Corpus Christi Museum o ers hours of fun for everyone in the family.

Take a journey back in time on a tour of the replica of Columbus’s ship, Pinta. Discover alligators, snakes, and turtles in our live animal exhibits. Explore guns and gold from the oldest scientically excavated shipwreck in the Western Hemisphere. With all this and so much more, you never know what you’ll nd around the corner.

Funtabulous Family Entertainment Center

5858 South Padre Island Drive #21

Corpus Christi, TX 78412

Phone: (361) 994-1111 www.funtabulous.us is center features a laser maze, human spheres, human foosball, bazooka ball, ice skating, and a play zone. e play zone includes an in atable obstacle course, kiddie area, giant checkers, X-Box Kinect (Dance Central/River Adventure), ping pong, air hockey, and table games.

South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

8545 South Staples Street

Corpus Christi, TX 78413

Phone: (361) 852-2100 www.stxbot.org

One of the Coastal Bend’s major visitor destinations and leading nature tourism facilities, the 180-acre South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center showcases nine uniquely-designed oral exhibits and gardens, including the acclaimed Orchid House and Plumeria Garden-plus the Bromeliad Conservatory and Butter y House.

South Texas Institute for the Arts –

Art Museum of South Texas

1902 North Shoreline Boulevard

Corpus Christi, TX 78402

Phone: (361) 825-3500 www.stia.org

In 1997 the Art Museum of South Texas, Creative Arts Center, and Center for Hispanic Arts came together to form the South Texas Institute for the Arts (STIA). is organization continues the Art Museum’s a liation with Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. As a result of this merger, art outreach capabilities were increased tremendously and almost 50 years of arts programming experience was brought together.

Texas State Aquarium

2710 North Shoreline Boulevard

Corpus Christi, TX 78402

Phone: (361) 881-1200 www.texasstateaquarium.org e Texas State Aquarium is a private, not-for-pro t organization that receives no city, state or federal funding for its operations. e Aquarium relies on general admissions, memberships, retail sales, event rentals and the generous support from donors to maintain its operations.

Texas Surf Museum

309 North Water Street

Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Phone: (361) 888-7873 www.texassurfmuseum.com is museum is housed in a 3,000 square-foot building and boasts hundreds of pieced of sur ng memorabilia. ese include several surf boards.

USS Lexington

2914 North Shoreline Boulevard

Corpus Christi, TX 78403

Phone: (361) 888-4873 www.usslexington.com

In January of 1992, the USS Lexington arrived at Naval Station Ingleside and became a permanent Texas resident. In June of that year, the United States Navy o cially signed over the ship to city ocials and she was towed to her nal berth on North Beach. e USS Lexington was opened to the public in October of 1992 and in November was dedicated in a formal ceremony attended by representatives of the City, State and Federal governments, as well as former crew members and members of numerous veterans organizations.

South Padre Island

South Padre Island lies on the southernmost tip of Texas and is situated on the south end of Padre Island, the longest Barrier Island in the world and the largest stretch of undeveloped ocean beach in North America. It sits just 30 miles north of Mexico and is linked to the mainland by the Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway, a two and a half mile long bridge. e Town of South Padre Island is called home by an estimated 5,000 people, giving the place a small-town, friendly feel. However, over one million people visit the island every year according to the Convention and Visitors Bureau. It is a hotspot for retirees from northern regions to stay throughout the winter months. ese residents are known throughout the Rio Grande Valley as “Winter Texans.”

South Padre Island is one of the best kept secrets in Texas, but the value of the place has nally been discovered by the world. O ering a unique setting, South Padre Island lures people to return again and again to enjoy the spirit of adventure and relaxation that can be found there. South Padre Island is a year-round vacation destination located at the same latitude as Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and it enjoys a sub-topical environment with mild, dry winters, and warm breezy summers. With a winter average temperature of 65 degrees, a summer average temperature of 82 degrees and an average of 253 days of beautiful sunshine, it’s no wonder why so many people love South Padre Island.

South Padre Island has a councilmanager form of government. e City Council, consisting of the Mayor and ve city council members, has three-year staggered terms. e City Manager is the chief executive o cer of the city.

New Braunfels

eep in the heart of the Texas Hill Country just 25 miles from the big city lies beautiful New Braunfels, Texas. New Bruanfels is an easy drive from major Texas cit-ies. San Antonio is a mere 25 miles to the south on I-35 and Austin is only 40 miles to the north. Founded in 1845 by German settlers, Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels region of Germany and a group of Ger-man farmers and craftsmen settled in New Braunfels, Texas. German names can be seen on the billboards and street names though t the city. New Braunfels has a population of over ,000 and is growing at a nice pace. You can take a walking tour of the city, visit the many fantastic museums and historic district. New Braunfels is also home to Texas’ oldest bakery, oldest dance hall and WURSTFEST, an annual 10-day salute to sausage. There are also many

RECREATION / LEISURE

Guadalupe and Comal Rivers

Join in on the many water activities this beautiful city has to o er such as: Tube, swim, ra , or kayak the rivers. Sail, boat, water ski or fish in the Canyon ake, or ly fish in the Guadalupe River. Thousands of tourist and locals will gather together and enjoy some fun in the sun in one of two rivers that run through this great city.

Animal

World & Snake Farm

5640 South IH 35 New Bra nfels, TX. 78132

(830) - www. com

Animal World & Snake Farm is located at exit 182 on IH 35 in New Brnfels, Texas. A 3-acre park with over 500 animals from around the world, Animal World and Snake Farm has reptiles, birds, tortoises, alligators & crocodiles, primates & lemurs, hoof stock, warthogs & hyenas, a rattle snake pit, a petting zoo and much, much more.

Natural Bridge Caverns

26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road Natural Bridge Caverns, TX. 78266 Phone: (210) 651-6101 www.naturalbridgecaverns.com

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Road Natual Bridge Caverns, TX. 78266 Phone: (830) 438-7400 www.wildliferanchtexas.com

Schlitterbahn Water Park

Main Castle Entrance – Schlitterbahn West 400 North Liberty Avenue New Bruanfels, TX. 78130 www.schlitterbahn.com/nb

DEMOGRAPHICS:

EDUCATION:

Comal County and the City of New Braunfels have two school districts: New Braunfels ISD is primarily within the city limits and Comal Independent School District which spans 589 miles of Central Texas, including parts of five central Texas counties: Comal, Bexar, Hays, Kendall, and Guadalupe. CISD has 12 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 3 thigh schools in the district and is rated as a

Recognized school district by the Texas Education Agency. NBISD has 11 total schools within the district and rated as an academically accepted school district. To keep pace with the explosive population growth in the area, both CISD and NBISD have passed bond issues to build and expand schools, upgrade technology and purchase land for future schools. On May 9, 2015 voters in the Comal Independent School District approved a nearly $150 million bond package. e $147.7 million bond is based on the district’s plan to address growing enrollment in middle schools, along with capital projects at existing facilities and student safety and security. An estimated $94 million of the bond package will go toward the construction of two new middle schools. For additional information please visit www.innewbruanfels.com.

QUALITY OF LIFE:

e Mayor is elected at large by the citizens of New Bruanfels. e city has an updated comprehensive city master plan supervised by a Planning and Zoning Commission. e commission also oversees the application and enforcement of the City Zoning Ordinance. e city has 122 police personnel with 66 patrol cars; the Fire department has 103 remen, 5 stations, and 5 fully equipped ambulances. Because of the e ciency of the Fire Department, New Braunfels has the state’s maximum good re record credit of 20% with a key rate of fourteen cents. e City operates ambulance service with Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics. As of 1990, 911 service has been a part of New Bruanfels and Comal County.

e New Braunfels area continues to experience growth in the healthcare sector and provides a variety of medical facilities and professionals who o er full-service, state-of-the-art healthcare right here, locally. Everything from a skinned knee to open-heart surgery can be accessed here with highlyskilled and compassionate healthcare professionals who will be with you every step of the way. ese comprehensive services minimize the need to travel to Austin or San Antonio. e community provides the latest in diagnostic, treatment, rehabilitation and specialized care. Enjoy the convenience of shorter travel distances, reduced wait times and the support of your friends, family and community. According to Texas Comptroller’s O ce, it is estimated that prior to the multi-million dollar investments brought to the area by heath providers since 2008, more than $125 million (60%) of medical services were outsourced to San Antonio or Austin. A healthcare economic impact reported in 2011 that for every $1-million increase in demand for healthcare services would result in more that //44 billion dollars in direct income and produce 180 direct and indirect healthcare jobs.

Real Estate

Whether you are interested in owning or leasing, the New Braunfels housing market offers a variety of choices. Texas continues to lead the country in the economic recovery with the real estate industry being the key factor. Texas has the most affordable housing in the country. And considering the housing growth in New Braunfels and Comal County is amongst the highest in the state, these components make New Braunfels not only a great place to live but a good investment. Residential neighborhoods range from conventional subdivisions to gated communities. New Braunfels Housing will vary from garden home lots to standard size city lots. Or if acreage is your preference, the New Braunfels Housing Market area offers several acreage subdivisions. If being on or close to the water is in your desire, then consider the opportunities available on one of our two rivers or many of our area lakes.