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Contents MAY | The Travel Issue
Monthly | Departments
Features Features
Around the Bend 14 Currents 16 Conversation 18 Style 22 5 Best 24 Giving Back
Destinations 28 Quick Trip 30 Local Discovery
Health 68 Fitness 72 Be Well
Home & Garden
46
78 Open House 82 Spaces 86 Gardening
Out & About
Summertime Road Trips
90 Arts & Culture 92 Date Book 94 Social Hour
Cuisine 102 Farm to Table 105 The Dish 106 The Dining Guide 110 The Drink
Column
32 6 The Bend
Herb Lancaster
Agape Ranch
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114 Looking Back
BRING YOUR LIVING ROOM
OUTDOORS! More Outdoor Living Options with Your New Home CONTACT US TODAY! Angela Long angela@hoganhomestexas.com 361-443-0440
find yours.
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PUBLISHER: Jordan Regas ART DIRECTOR: Julio Studios PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Kaley Regas BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Chris Knapick MANAGING EDITOR: Whitney Noble AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT: Stefanie DeWaters
MARKETING DESIGN: Ensemble Group LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER: Rachel Durrent PHOTOGRAPHY: Dustin Ashcraft (cover) Jason Page Renée C. Gage Kateri Reyes DISTRIBUTION: Produce Couriers Renée C. Gage Kevin Kusenberger SUBMISSIONS: jordan@thebendmag.com
STYLE EDITOR: Candace Reichert
ADVERTISING: chris@thebendmag.com
CONTRIBUTORS: Sharla Wilkins Cissy Tabor Justin & Kayla Butts Robert Breedlove Jimmy Willden Jeff King Dayna Worchel Sadique Dabale Kateri Reyes
Luxury Service. island Style.
309 N. Water Street Corpus Christi, TX 78401 Phone: 361.792.3606
SUBSCRIPTIONS: THEBENDMAG.COM
Copyright © 2016 Gemstone Media, LLC. The Bend: Coastal Life Magazine is published by Gemstone Media, LLC. No portion may be reproduced without express written consent. Editorial or advertising does not constitute advice, but is rather considered informative. Expressed opinions are thos e of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ownership.
Finding your island lifestyle shoudn’t be difficult.
Let me make it a breeze.
Whitney Noble
On the Cover Move on down, move on down the road! Are we there yet? Check out the best road trips to take with your family this summer! Photo by: Dustin Ashcraft
COASTLINE PROPERTIES R E A L E STAT E
ComeCoastAwhile@gmail.com 847.830.2087
8 The Bend
THE BEND OFFICE:
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got zoe?
May | Meet The Staff
Sweet Bay Ranch 4146 Flour Bluff Dr. Approx 80 acres - $1,999,000
8002 El Chiflon - $439,000
A little about:
Chris Knapick Director of Business Development Chris, a native of Houston, has lived in the Coastal Bend for the majority of his adult life. His move to the Coastal Bend in ’88 was through a company transfer, but after finding what Corpus Christi offered, the temporary move turned into a permanent stay. His background has always been in sales and business development. Successfully selling copiers, IT services, Financial Services, as well as having the privilege of building several businesses from the ground up has helped him develop a deep understanding of the challenges business owners face every day. Chris is passionate about our mission to empower and connect our community and he truly cares more about helping business owners than making a sale. As our go-to office comedian, he could have pursued a career in stand up comedy. Instead, he chooses to use his wit and humor to lighten up stressful days at the office. When he is not working, he enjoys keeping in touch with his 4 adult children, working out, being outdoors, cooking and playing piano. He has also been a part of Corpus Christi Christian Fellowship for the better part of 18 years where he plays keyboards for the worship team, runs a coffee café and leads a singles group. He and his fiancé, Rosana Sargent, love trying out all the local eateries for their favorite fried shrimp and sushi, spending time at the beach, cooking great meals and finding time to work-out together.
CONNECT WITH US @ thebendmag.com @thebendmag on Instagram and Twitter #CBLife
11 Great Lakes - $799,900
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7 consecutive years (2009-15)
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What’s your favorite pit stop? Share you favorite place to stop along the road! Buc-ee’s? The road-side fruit stand? Cleanest rest area? #TBPitStops [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]
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May | Letter From The Publisher
Arriving Where We Started From
B
ack in December, our family loaded up our SUV and journeyed halfway across the country to the magical land of Disney World. It was our first family vacation. The last time my wife and I traveled that far was for our honey moon. I was a bit nervous about the trip. It’s been difficult for my wife and I to get away since launching the magazine.
I have always been a fan of road trips. They are a time of introspection and discovery; a time to separate from the mundane. However, as I confidently backed out of the driveway with a little more elegance than Clark Griswold, I had no idea that traveling 17 hours with our two-year-old daughter would be a completely different experience. About an hour into the trip, our daughter, Gemma, was asking if we were there yet. My wife tried her best to explain the longevity of the journey in the language a youngster could comprehend. We purchased every Disney princess movie we could on our tablet to help pass the time. Consequently, I’m proud to say I now know every song by heart to the hit movie Frozen after playing the film on repeat. Our first pit stop was at my parent’s home in Houston. We learned that multiple stops were necessary when traveling with small kids, and you gain more ground while they sleep. We did our best to plan the trip accordingly. Just when we thought everything was under control, (about five hours in) we discovered our daughter had a stomach bug. I won’t get into the details, as I’m sure your imagination can take you there. As trusting of Siri and Google Maps as we are, an exit was missed, time was added, and we eventually found a hotel in Alabama. We had Chinese food delivered to the room and ate it in bed. We were all worn down and exhausted, but we were together. We did eventually make it to Disney World, and the trip was unforgettable. T.S. Elliot wrote, “We will not cease from exploration, and the end of our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” I never understood this until we made it back from our epic family vacation. No matter what we faced, we made it through together. They say the journey is more important than the final destination, and that puts it all into perspective. Sometimes it’s the act of getting away that allows us to realize how good we have it at home. At the end, what’s important, is right here in front of us. This issue is full of journeys. We offer some great road trip ideas that all start right here in the Coastal Bend! You will also meet one family who is on a figurative journey to find land for a new orphan community here in Corpus Christi. It’s good to have somewhat of a plan before starting a trip. But don’t plan too much – you want to leave some room for discovery. May God bless you and your family and keep you safe in all your journeys this summer. And remember, as fun as your adventures may be, there’s nothing better than coming back home.
Jordan Regas
jordan@thebendmag.com
Favorite Page
All of us can get a little star struck sometimes. Some people become office celebrities after we meet them and cover their story. But no name has been tossed around here as much as Herb Lancaster’s. He might be the best kept secret in the Coastal Bend. Herb is kind of a legend in the furniture world, and anyone who meets him is blown away by his craftsmanship and portfolio. Although, his humility is really what makes him shine. Herb’s mission is to bring back “Made in America,” and he is making it happen right here in the Coastal Bend.
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Around the Bend MAY 2016
CURRENTS 14 CONVERSATION 16 STYLE 19 5 BEST 20 GIVING BACK 22
What’s Inside Many one-man shows pop up along the roadside selling goods of all sorts. Produce, handcrafts, and jerky! This is a fun way for families to grab some local goodies and turn a long drive into an adventure!
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(361) 994-7500 www.tvvmedispa.com
The coolest way to lose fat
FREEZE YOUR FAT AWAY. NO NEEDLES. NO INJECTIONS. NO DOWNTIME. ONE HOUR. IN AS LITTLE AS ONE SESSION.
5242 Holly Rd. Corpus Christi, TX Dr.[theJavier Alonso PhD lifestyle magazine of the coastal MD, bend]
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Around the Bend | Currents
Currents GLO Launches New Beach Safety Web-App Texas Beach Watch helps families make sure the water at their beach is clean by launching a new app! Commissioner Bush called on the Texas General Land Office (GLO) to update methods of sharing this important information and create a web-based app to help Texans get all the information they need wherever they are. It monitors water cleanliness all along the Texas coastline. Its responsive design fully integrates across all platforms for an easy user experience. Whether you’re using a desktop, laptop, tablet or smart phone, this app is for you. Texas Beach Watch also allows a search by geographic region and monitoring station, and displays the most up-to-date information available on water conditions up and down Texas’ 300-mile coastline.
KEDT New Space Corpus Christi’s public broadcasting station has a new home! They’ve moved to a 16,000-square foot building at the Del Mar Center for Economic Development. Since 1973, KEDT has operated from a one-story office building on S. Padre Island Drive. The new building has indoor and outdoor performance areas where live concerts can be broadcasted. The $4.8 million project began in 2013, and the grand opening event was just last month!
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Cinco de Mayo Longboard Pro It’s back and it’s bigger, May 5-8! The Cinco de Mayo Longboard Pro is presented by Atomic Omelette and Grill and the Texas Gulf Surfing Association (TGSA). Located on-site at the North Packery Channel, this is a Pro event with a cash purse. Now in their third year, The Cinco de Mayo Pro has the only Texas multi-cash payouts for several events including: Surfing, SUP, Wave-Riding and Beach Horseshoes. Proceeds benefit the TGSA and the James Greer Surfer Scholarship Fund. The James Greer Foundation was formed in 2014 to give back to local communities in the form of student scholarships. The foundation’s mission is to give back to the surfing community for which late Greer loved so much. The foundation is honored to give back in Greer’s name to local surfers to help further their education for the future. cincodemayopro.com
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7 IS YOUR H OME WORT H 7 ¢ SQUARE F PER OOT?
¢
Ask your agent which photographer they use for their #listingfotos If your agent doesn’t have a good answer, have them call Sell your home, leave the photography to me.
361-589-9050 | JASONDAVIDPAGE.COM 234 Leming Avenue as photographed for The Bend
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Around the Bend | Person of Interest
bit. Although Jerky is so popular, I sell other items such as high-end hunting knives and homemade slingshots that I make myself. You never know what you may need on the road! What’s the crowd favorite? Smokehouse original is the best seller. But Teriyaki, Pepper, Hot, and Sweet & Hot also fly off the shelves. But I also sell outside-the-box Jerky such as Elk and Buffalo for those adventurous types with curious palettes. Why did you choose to sell here on the side of the highway?
Conversation with
Rocky’s Killer Jerky Located off the highway in Victoria, TX, you’ll WANT to stop for some true Texan jerky. By: Whitney Noble Photo: Renée C. Gage
What’s your background? What did you do prior to making jerky??
How did you get into making jerky? Do you sell anything else?
I am originally from St. Louis, Missouri, lived in Daytona Beach, Florida, then Alice, Texas for the past 25 years. I did carpenter work for most of my life. But over time, my bad back wouldn’t allow me to do it very well anymore. My family has always been in construction, but I needed something new.
I’ve always loved jerky, and I thought this could be my next venture! I get the jerky shipped in from a father and two sons who make it, and all I know is that everyone says it’s the best out there. A winter Texan, Tony Langford from California, taught me how to get set up. I took his model and tweaked it a
16 The Bend
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I know that Jerky seems to be on the menu for travelers so that’s why I set up shop on the highway! Considering most of my clients are travelers, I am only open on Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays, weather permitting. For four years I’ve bounced around from Victoria, Beeville, Goliad, Green Lake, and currently Rockport. I seem to do better when I move from spot to spot, that way, people don’t get tired of me! What are some of your most memorable customers? The most memorable customers and travelers are the little kids. There’s nothing more special than seeing the smile on their faces when I joke around with them. I work hard at making it a great experience when people stop at my stand, and it allows me to show the power of God through me. I work at letting my light shine. Sometimes I want to paint on my signs “Jerky, tourist information, and counseling.” Ha! For More Info: P.O. Box 4475 Victoria, TX 77901 361-960-0566
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Around the Bend | Style
Shoppin’ Seaside in Style
Flowy fabrics and styles make every day a breeze. By: Candace Reichert Photos: Dustin Ashcraft Models: Courtney Pollard & Courtney Bruun Hair & Make Up: James Stanley Salon
18 The Bend
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Whether you’re strolling the pristine beaches of the Mediterranean or shopping your local downtown farmers’ market, one thing is for certain: staying fresh and cool this summer does not mean sacrificing your style. Shop these coastal chic looks at Cathy’s Boutique & Gifts inside Harrison’s Landing.
Cathy’s Boutique & Gifts in Harrison’s Landing T-Head, 108 Peoples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 881-8503
Keep your style hip this summer with simple and comfortable flowy clothing, bright and light accessories, and always a floppy hat! [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]
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Seed beads are strung together to make colorful long necklaces with tassel accents. They are all the rage. 20 The Bend
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Mix and match beach-inspired • Shannon’s was the first business to move in jewelry, yet keepto The Market ing it classy in shopping center 8 years ago white and black. • Popular lines that Popular straw Shannon’s hats keep thecarries sun include: Krazy Larry outpants, of your eyes JoyJoy, Jade, andFinley allowBlouses, you to Jude peruse around Conally Dresses and Sportswear, town in style. Veronica M
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Around the Bend | 5 Best
Summer Camps
5
Best
By: Sharla Wilkins Photo: Rachel Durrent
How to keep your kids busy & entertained this summer.
Pick one (or more!) of these fabulous summer camps to ensure your kids have fun, learn something new, remain active, and stay away from the television.
1
Sea Camp: Texas State Aquarium School-aged campers from Pre-K through high school spend a week receiving a fun education focusing on marine life at one of the aquarium’s many summer camps. Handson projects, storytelling, field trips and water activities are just a few of the many experiences students enjoy. Camps are divided by grade. texasstateaquarium.org (361) 881-1200
2
Surf Camp: Texas Surf Camps or Padre Island Surf Camp Sign your little surfer up to hang ten for one day or up to a week. Both camps offer surfing lessons on the island, with Texas Surf Camps also teaching in Port A. Kids start their days with a warm-up before hitting the water with provided boards for their supervised lessons. texassurfcamps.com padreislandsurfcamp.com
3
ESA Summer Camp: Early Scholars Academy Choose from a variety of camps, focusing on everything from animals and healthful eating to STEAM (STEM plus Art!). Pre-K through eighth grade can enjoy week-long camps, and
22 The Bend
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those with children aged four through twelve are invited to experience the shorter family camps, held six times throughout the summer. esa.esc2.net (361) 452-4600
4
Youth Camps & Academies: Del Mar College Del Mar College offers a wide variety of summer camps for children five years old through high school. Aquatics, academics, continuing education, choir, orchestra, band, public service and engineering are all available. Times and lengths of camps vary, and children may attend more than one. Registration must be completed in person. delmar.edu (361) 698-2122
5
Summer Art Camps: Art Museum of South Texas Seven different sessions will be held for students ages five through twelve, each with a focus on art. Themes include Star Wars, under the sea, Minecraft, cartoons, dinosaurs and more. A special five-day camp for tots ages two to five accompanied by a parent will be held in July. artmuseumofsouthtexas.org (361) 825-3504
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Around the Bend | Giving Back
Rescue Story While we have treated hundreds of animals for countless medical issues over the years, we were recently able to nurse a kitten back from the brink of death. On a cold day in February, our staff discovered that a kitten had been abandoned on our property. She was weak, dehydrated, and had severely infected bite wounds on her back. This little girl, whom we named Tuesday, could barely hold her head up. With hours of hydrotherapy and close monitoring over the next several weeks, Tuesday began to perk up and play. As of March 23rd, Tuesday is healthy, happy, and waiting for her forever home!
The Gulf Coast Humane Society Pets are Priorities
By: Kaitlin Calk Photos: Courtesy of Gulf Coast Humane Society
Humane Societies are one of the largest and more effective animal protection groups. Not only do they rescue our community's strays, but they also provide food, shelter, medical care, and attention for them while they wait for their forever home. Donations keep this mission afloat.
T
he Gulf Coast Humane Society was founded in 1945 by a group of animal lovers in Corpus Christi, Texas, with the prevention of animal cruelty as our mission. As the years progressed, the mission of the Gulf Coast Humane Society shifted to caring for and finding loving forever homes for homeless cats and dogs, spreading the message of proper pet care and guardianship, and educating on the importance of spaying and neutering. In addition to reducing the over population of stray dogs and cats by promoting adoption, we also provide the community with spay and neuter services with our Community Outreach program. It is only through donations; item, in kind, and monetary, that
24 The Bend
we are able to keep our doors open to save an estimated 1,800 animals a year. This includes working with Animal Care and Control Services to pull animals directly from their euthanasia lists on a regular basis. These donations also allow us to operate with a full veterinary clinic that includes an in-house Veterinarian, thus allowing us to provide our animals with access to quality, immediate medical care. All of our animals are vaccinated and sterilized before adoption. They are also micro-chipped, behaviorally assessed, and given a full physical examination before they go into their new homes. Each adopter goes home with a bag of food, and all dogs go home with their first six months of heart worm preven-
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tion. When heart worm positive dogs are adopted, we provide the treatment at no extra cost to the adopter.
NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR
2016
Donations also allow us to have a successful Foster Care program. This program has saved hundreds of infant puppies and kittens, as well as giving senior animals an opportunity to live out their golden years in a foster home. Our foster parents are provided with all food, supplies, and medical care at no cost to them. All they need to give in return is excellent care to the animals that they are fostering as well as a loving, temporary home. As a No-Kill shelter, our staff strongly believes that every animal deserves an equal chance at adoption. All animals that come in with behavior or health problems are attended to by a caring, dedicated group of staff members and volunteers to properly socialize the animal and provide any medical care necessary. The Gulf Coast Humane Society has served the community for over 70 years, and will continue to do so until every homeless animal in our city has a loving family to call their own.
DO YOU KNOW A LOCAL WOMAN WHO IS BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUT?
Share their story with us at thebendmag.com/contact or email stefanie@thebendmag.com!
3118 Cabaniss Rd. Corpus Christi, TX 78415 (361) 225-0845
Looking for the best deal on insurance? Let us search for you! HOMEOWNER ▪ RENTER ▪ LANDLORD AUTO ▪ BOAT ▪ JET SKI ▪ ATV WINDSTORM ▪ FLOOD COASTAL HOMES & CONDOS BUSINESS & COMMERCIAL
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Destinations MAY 2016
There are approximately 440 known species of sharks...but who knows what may also lurk below!
QUICK TRIP 28 LOCAL DISCOVERY 30
What’s Inside Living in the Coastal Bend exposes us to some of the coolest marine life under the sea! View these magnificent wonders up close at the Texas State Aquarium.
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Destinations | Quick Trip
Gotta go to Goliad By: Whitney Noble Photos: Courtesy Goliad Chamber of Commerce and Friends
Goliad is the third oldest municipality and is rich in Texas history. Where to Drink:
Where to Stay: Stay at Presidio la Bahía. This restored fort, established in 1749 at its present location, constitutes a catalog of major battles in the area. Explore the grounds and the forts. Now a museum with artifacts from the battles, it is the only fully restored Spanish presidio that has guest quarters available for rental, so you can stay the night in this “haunted” fort. They’ll even give guests a guided tour if requested! reservations.presidiolabahia.org Where to Eat: Dine at Empresario on the square, where you can eat like the cattle barons, ranch hands and cowpokes of historic Goliad. The menu is influenced by the ranchhouse cooking and the many ethnic flavors brought to our region by early settlers and natives. Historic comfort dishes with uptown flavors, here you can relive the past and taste the future. The Kolb family’s goal is for Goliad to have one of the finest restaurants in South Texas on its historic courthouse square.
A Little History It is the County Seat of Goliad County, one of the oldest counties of Texas. First named Santa Dorotea by the Span-
28 The Bend
Commercial Street Bar is where everyone knows your name. At first a sleepy mission town, Goliad is as much a part of Texas history as the longhorn. Between shouts of “Remember the Alamo,” soldiers yelled “Remember Goliad!” It wouldn’t be Texas without draft beer, fine wine, and Goliad. There isn’t another bar like this one in Goliad. Check it out, drink it up. What to Explore: Market House Museum, constructed in 1886, is a quaint former firehouse building that boasts a notable bell tower. It’s situated on the historic Goliad town square and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The exhibits here include machinery from an 1896 broom factory, branding irons, and a large photo archive tracing the history of the Goliad community. It’s free, however, donations are welcome! goliadcc.org/museums Where to Learn: The Hanging Tree, an official Texas Historic Landmark, is a symbol to many of justice, Texas-style. For 24 years, the court trials of Goliad County were held under this big oak tree. This tree was the
iards in the 16th century, its name was changed February 4, 1829 to Goliad. The name is an anagram derived from the last name of a Spanish missionary priest,
Father Hidalgo. Following the Texas Revolution of 1836, General Sam Houston, then the Governor of the Republic of Texas, granted four
site of judicial proceedings, lynchings and hangings, especially during the 1857 “Cart War” between Texans and Mexicans. Many come to the tree to pay homage to history, justice, and lives lost. Where to Play: Each year, Goliad hosts the Goliad County Fair & Rodeo. It’s been nominated as one of the top five small-town rodeos. This event features a county fair, downtown parade, PRCA rodeo, contests, and music. Round ‘em up for some country fair fun! goliad.agrilife.org Where to Shop: Shop around Goliad Market Days on the second Saturday of each month. The city hosts one of the largest and most popular street markets in South Texas. Vendors sell arts and crafts, jewelry, collectibles, and more. goliadcc.org
leagues of land to Goliad on October 25, 1844. Goliad is the smallest town in Texas to be selected for the Main Street Program in 1984 and the Courthouse
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Square Historic District is one of the most complete examples of early Texas Settlements.
Helping you turn resolutions into reality
MEDICAL AND SURGICAL WEIGHT LOSS SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE LOCALLY
The Better Weigh Center welcomes our newest member, Dr. Jegan Gopal. A recent graduate of the prestigious Duke University Bariatric Surgery Fellowship, Dr. Gopal is excited to bring his passion for bariatric surgery to the Coastal Bend. New patient appointments are now being scheduled.
Restoring hope and health in the Coastal Bend 361-500-2898
5826 Esplanade Dr. • Suite 102 • Corpus Christi www.BetterWeighCenter.com
Destinations | Local Discovery
Dive Deep into the Texas State Aquarium By: Robert Breedlove Photos: Rachel Durrent
The ever expanding aquarium offers fun and fascination for all ages. Sitting on the edge of Corpus Christi Bay, the Texas State Aquarium has dazzled and educated both locals and tourists for over 25 years.
S
itting on the edge of Corpus Christi Bay, the Texas State Aquarium has dazzled and educated both locals and tourists for over 25 years. From the literal hands-on experiences of the Living Shores and Stingray Lagoon to the reclaimed pipelines of the Islands of Steel exhibit to the showmanship of the hawks and dolphins outside, the Aquarium displays the many diverse ecosystems found right in our backyard. Beginning your tour, you’ll come across a familiar sight in the Coastal Bend: a beach, a large piece of driftwood surrounded by vibrant pink roseate spoonbills, and a shallow pool of water filled with seagrass and various fish. The Nearshore exhibit is a distilled version of an ecosystem one could find on South Padre Island, or even in the murky shores of the Laguna Madre. However, you don’t need to get your boots muddy in this exhibit. Moving into the next room, the Aquarium’s emphasis on interactivity is on full display in the Living Shores touch tank exhibit. There are six small tanks, computer kiosks, and the centerpiece, a large touch tank that allows visitors to safely handle various hermit crabs and whelks. The kiosks go into detail about the Aquarium’s local conservation efforts such as their Second Chances Wildlife Rehabilitation program where injured marine mammals, reptiles, and shorebirds are brought in and nursed back to health. “The goal is always to release them back into the wild,” 30 The Bend
Communications Assistant Andrea Bolt explained, “but if we can’t, we will find homes for them” As you wander deeper through the Aquarium, you might recognize that the exhibits take you farther and farther out to sea, first to the coastal jetties and finally the crown jewel of the Texas State Aquarium, Islands of Steel. In this 125,000 gallon exhibit you can find various sharks, sportfish, and even barracuda mingling among the coral encrusted remains of a decommissioned oil rig. It is perhaps the most fascinating of all the exhibits, demonstrating how man’s presence in the marine environment is not always harmful to wildlife but can actually become the kernel in which a thriving and diverse ecosystem can be built upon. Stepping out of the Aquarium’s oldest exhibit, visitors will be greeted by the latest exhibit: Saving Sharks. As the name suggests, the exhibit focuses on the conservation of the sea’s apex predator. The Texas State Aquarium partnered with OCEARCH, a research organization dedicated to tagging and tracking various sharks around the world. The kiosks feature a map of the world marking in real time the locations of every shark they’re tracking. In addition there’s also a diving cage, a replica jaw of the mighty extinct megalodon and even a touch tank where visitors can get up close and personal with cat sharks. The indoor exhibits conclude with the beautiful and ethereal jellyfish. The tanks are lit much differently than the rest [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]
A Comeback Story Unfortunately, tragedy struck last year when an anti-parasitic drug was introduced into the Islands of Steel and Flower Gardens tanks, which killed nearly every fish in the exhibits. The cause was later determined to be from a labeling error by the manufacturer of the drug. The results were devastating: all but two of the fish died, including Hans, a 25-year-old Tiger Shark who had been swimming in the waters of the exhibit since the Aquarium opened in 1990. The aquarists spent nights and days trying to reverse the adverse effects of the drugs, but to no avail. Bolt explained that to the aquarist their job is not just a job, but a passion that they pour their heart and soul into. “As cliché as it sounds, these fish were like family to us. They were like pets. We interacted with them on a daily basis and even gave them names.” Now, a year later, both exhibits are back running at full capacity with new fish. But they still keep the same awe and wonder they held before the tragic event. When asked about how the Aquarium has recovered a year later, Bolt simply responded “We have over-recovered.”
Quick Facts
Create a
• The Texas State Aquarium opened July 6, 1990. • There are thousands of specimens representing over 300 species.
Event!
• The Aquarium will open a new 65,000 square foot Caribbean exhibit next Spring.
of the exhibits, with a pitch black background and a singular light source that glimmer up the vibrating contours of these strange creatures. But soon they’ll be joined by some cephalopod neighbors in the Tentacles exhibit. “Tentacles is awesome, and we are really excited about it,” Bolt said. “We have cuttlefish, species of squid, and a giant Pacific octopus.” Even after walking through the indoor exhibits, you will have only scratched the surface of what the Texas State Aquarium has to offer. Outside there are a number of marine mammals and reptiles and even fearsome birds of prey. The fun-loving otters of Otter Creek and the gliding and graceful Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles of Tortuga Cay have been mainstays for decades. But next to them are probably the most unexpected exhibit in the Aquarium, the birds of prey in Eagle Pass and the Hawn Wild Flight Theater. Eagle Pass is a special home to raptors who have been rehabilitated after injury but cannot be released back into the wild. The main attraction is the regal bald eagle, Grace. She was recovered from Alaska and now stands upon her perch looking out toward the bay with her literal eagle eyes, a stoic symbol of our nation. The birds of the Hawn Wild Flight Theater have a bit more of a showman flair. During their shows various raptors, hawks, falcons, and owls swoop within inches of spectators heads, demonstrating their pinpoint precision. Finally, but certainly not least, are the energetic and peppy dolphins of Dolphin Bay, Shadow and Kai. The rambunctious duo perform various tricks and jumps. Soon they will have another pair join their pod. Born in SeaWorld San Antonio, Liko and Schooner arrived in Corpus in January. It’ll take a while for the new pair to adjust to their surroundings and trainers, but Bolt
hopes to add Liko and Schooner to Shadow and Kai’s ‘bachelor pod’ sometime this year. What does the future hold? As some may have noticed, the Texas State Aquarium has a massive concrete structure emerging from its side. This structure is the single largest addition to the Aquarium in its 25-year history, 65,000 square feet, more than double the size of the original Aquarium building, it will house a brand new tropical Caribbean exhibit. The building will be designed almost as a greenhouse to simulate the climate of a tropical Mexican rain forest. “It’ll be a multi-taxus species exhibit,” Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Jesse Gilbert. “We’ll have sloths, toucans, lizards, snakes, tarantulas, and scorpions.” In total, there will be about 400 to 500 species and 3,000 to 4,000 specimen housed in this new all-encompassing exhibit. That number doesn’t take into account the 400-500 species of flora that will grow along the paths. “Our goal is that when you walk into the space you will feel like you’re in the Yucatan jungle,” Gilbert said.
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In addition to the animal and botanical space, there will be event areas overlooking the bay and the exhibits as well as Corpus Christi’s first 4-D theater. It will provide a movie experience that will overwhelm the senses. Gilbert says their target for the grand opening of this new addition is set for Spring or Summer of 2017. The Texas State Aquarium has always been a main attraction on North Beach. With the unprecedented expansion coming soon, the Aquarium adds more incentive for return visits. Whether it be the water park, the family time, or the shared experiences of interacting with the natural world like never before, the Texas State Aquarium offers fun to every age and any family. [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]
Boutique Showroom! 5826 Wooldridge Rd.
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H LANCASTER CO. IS NOT ONLY BUILDING FURNITURE WITH THEIR HANDS, THEY ARE BUILDING IT WITH THEIR HEARTS.
By: Sadique Dabale Photos: Jason Page
32 The Bend
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Trademark!
‘Bringing Back Made in America’ Lancaster believes so much in keeping business in America and in this phrase, that he trademarked the phrase itself!
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Herb History Herb Lancaster owned two factories in Cuero, Texas, before the recession forced him to close his doors. Lancaster moved to the Coastal Bend and started H Lancaster Co. four years ago in Aransas Pass. He has spent many years helping other companies build their brand and now he is building his.
FURNISHINGS OF COMFORT, FUNCTIONALITY, AND MASTER CRAFTSMANSHIP.
B
eneath a water tower, parallel to a gas station, one would never guess that inside this unassuming warehouse sitting at 260 E. Goodnight in Aransas Pass would house some of the most exquisite, and distinctive handmade furniture in all of Texas. There is something exceedingly idealistic yet sensible about the furniture company Herb Lancaster has built. But, who is the man behind the brand? Herb Lancaster is a renowned career furniture designer. His company, H Lancaster Co., is “Bringing Back Made in America.” These words might seem audacious to some, but the philosophy behind the phrase is the direct impact Lancaster desires to have on the economy; with the Coastal Bend as his focal point. It is about teaching independence as opposed to dependency - helping people build something with their own two hands. “Six months after moving to Cuero, Texas, I walked into a grocery store. A woman began
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crying. She approached me and said, ‘Sir, thank you so much. You do not know the impact you have had on my family by giving my husband a job. Thank you.’ This was not what I had set out to do. It was a byproduct. I had not thought about it that way until that day. Creating jobs and having the ability to provide people with job opportunities is a great blessing. My dream is, in the future, to have people lining up outside wanting an opportunity,” Lancaster shares. This man is the prime example of traditional American exceptionalism. Ten years ago, he owned two factories under the imprint Lancaster Furniture and employed over 150 people. “Due to the downturn of the economy, I had to let almost all of my employees go. It was one of the most difficult times in my life.” His affinity for re-purposing furniture has been an ever present companion. “I remember when my mother, Solveig (who was from Sweden), and her friends would go the market and buy used furniture. We lived
[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]
in Houston at that time, and Houston is a port city, so all this furniture would come in from Europe. She asked me to put the pieces she purchased in the back of my truck and keep it in my garage wood shop so my father wouldn't see it. My father found out one day and he said, ‘Get it out of the house.’ So we took it to a shoe store and sold it there. We doubled what we originally paid. My father saw this, and suddenly, he started going to the market with my mother. They would bring in furniture, I would restore it, then we would resell it. I’d go out and help them select the furniture that I could refinish. We did this while I was in college. Eventually, we had the largest antique store around.” There lies the bold and ambitious nature Lancaster possesses. It is not far-fetched to see the immediate impact of imported goods. Most of the furniture market, and other markets, are saturated with foreign manufactured goods. This could be attributed to the low cost of labor in those countries as opposed to in the United States. Admittedly, “The furniture business is a hard business to make a profit,” but this does not deter Lancaster to venture out in this realm. His creativity and innovative ideas are embedded in his company's practice as every piece of furniture is striking and unique with a price tag that rivals any competition. It also stems from the idealism that is exemplified in a personalized design, which functionality is never forgotten. Displayed in the middle of the showroom is a 3 inch thick 10 ft. x 4 ft. piece of mahogany resting on a re-purposed industrial machine. The marriage between both worlds of machine and mahogany meet in flawless unity and birth a concept only Lancaster could have seen. “In our previous factory in Cuero, this piece of machinery was used to build furniture. We decided to keep it, and now it’s the base of a new piece. It’s funny because the machine that used to build furniture is now a piece of furniture.” “I have always enjoyed visualizing something in my mind, drawing it and then watching the people that I work with turn it into reality. That’s what I still do today. I mean, all my life I have been blessed with the ability of seeing things spatially and proportionally and then presenting it to someone who has furniture-making experience to bring it to life.”
Contact: H Lancaster Co 260 E. Goodnight, Aransas Pass, TX 78336
Lancaster previously held production contracts with several department stores, including Dillard’s, on nationwide collections. “Back in the 80s, Dillards furniture was, very mundane. They wanted me to bring more of a residential flair and incorporate my antique feel.” Lancaster has worked with famous designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, personally, on numerous shows, and has served as Chairman of the Workforce South Texas Division. Lancaster’s portfolio is impressive. It not only includes acclaimed designer Tommy Hilfiger, but also skin care business tycoon Estée Lauder, and the luxurious Houstonian Hotel as clients. On the local commercial scene, numerous restaurants in Port Aransas have H Lancaster Co. furniture. His talent has been noticed by many for years. He has worked on a number of courthouse renovations across Texas, and was honored by Dewitt County for exceptional work on their County Courthouse. On the state level, Lancaster’s work is seen by anyone who walks into the State Capitol building in Austin, Texas. Lancaster is also one to share his knowledge. “I want to help someone build something with their hands. It helps create independence and self-confidence for individuals. This is the idea behind ‘Bringing Back Made in America.’ When George W. Bush was governor, he dissolved the Texas employment commission. His administration created the Texas Workforce commissions. There were seven regions, and I was chosen to Chair the seventh, which was the Golden Crescent region and Victoria was our central point. The Victoria College system was our physical agent for continuing education teaching mothers with dependent children and vocational studies,” Lancaster said. For all of Lancaster’s successes, he’s remained incredibly humble and offers credit to the company, not himself. He surrounds himself with talented craftsmen who carry out his style. He has been designing furniture for a long time, with plans to expand in to the fabric business in the future. Lancaster is a man with strong convictions who decides to apply his beliefs in a more practical way. “I am a very pragmatic man. I do what I do for very pragmatic reasons. If a piece is functional and looks good, it sells and people love it.”
361 459 2009 office@hlancaster.com
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Combining functionality and beauty, this granite topped credenza was created to fit foyer space in The Houstonian’s Grande Ballroom. For over 20 years, Lancaster has been the preferred furniture designer and manufacturer for the luxurious Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, creating an array of custom furniture to fit unique and functional spaces. He “steps into the world of the property” and brings his influence to items such as rich and rustic conference furniture, Grande Ballroom statement pieces, and lockers, spa treatment room millwork and public area accents for the award-winning Trellis Spa. The distinctive property calls for timeless, impactful pieces that Lancaster says he finds by balancing space, the customer’s needs and his own concepts.
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Cultivating Agape Agape means “Love, the highest form of love, charity; the love of God, for man, and of man for God.� One local couple is stepping up to offer Agape, support for our foster care system and orphans around the Coastal Bend. Tim and Susan Klaus share a passion and a dream - they want a place to show children in the Coastal Bend what life with a loving and caring family in a supportive community is like. By: Dayna Worchel Photos: Rachel Durrent
There were 447
children under the legal guardianship of the State of Texas in Nueces County at the end of February 2016. 36 The Bend
[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]
magine a beautiful piece of property, where wildflowers grow and billowing clouds beg for daydreaming. It’s scattered with cottages, playgrounds, basketball courts, swimming pools and a community center. Children of all ages are running, laughing. They are safe, loved.
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This the Klaus' dream, and they have set in motion a plan to make it a reality in the form of a special place called Agape Ranch, a 501c3 nonprofit organization formed in 2014, where state-licensed foster families will live in a neighborhood setting and support each other with respite care and encouragement. The word “Agape” is Greek for unconditional, brotherly love. “Our dream is to show foster kids what a family looks like,” Susan Klaus said. They practice what they preach. Three of their five children are adopted, two are biological and they have fostered seven children during a 7-year period over their 12 years of marriage. Their oldest is Paul, 9, followed by James and David, both 8, then Berea, 6 and Josiah, 4. “I wanted to adopt before I got married, and I asked Tim about the possibility of it. It was such an important thing for me,” Susan Klaus said. The Klaus’, who met at church when they each lived in Illinois, had gone on mission trips to Haiti, Mexico and Ecuador and worked in orphanages in those countries. But it was on a trip to Thailand with Compassion International, working with children in poverty who were at risk of being sold into the sex slave trade, that they fell in love and realized they shared the same innate need to help children.
“It was the first time he said he loved me. And we realized that our personalities meshed,” she said. After they married, the two prayed together and asked what the main focus in their lives would be. “We needed to find out what to do for God’s kingdom and decided on orphan care,” Susan Klaus recalls. Tim Klaus came from a large family and now works as an assistant professor at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi where he teaches Management Information Systems. It was this job at the University that brought the family to Texas. Susan Klaus has worked as a teacher, but currently serves as the Executive Director for the Agape Ranch and works on the Mission Team at the couple’s church, Fellowship of Oso Creek in Corpus Christi. Their first order of business is to obtain land, about 10 to 15 acres. In the best case scenario, they hope it will be donated. But if they could purchase it at a reduced rate, that would also be helpful. The Agape Ranch would own the homes, mostly four and five bedrooms each and would rent them out to licensed foster families at a reduced rate so that one parent could commit to being at home with the children full time. The other parent would work a paying job outside the home. There will be some cottages for retired seniors, along with homes especially licensed to provide respite care. The goal is for the community to be self-sustaining, Susan Klaus said. They will not accept government funds. Their dream will eventually include 18 homes on this piece of land, built over a 15 year period, within the Corpus Christi Independent School District, to house families with at least three foster children and a maximum of eight. Three of the homes would provide
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“We want to be able to minister to these kids, and Agape Ranch will be a place for these kids to have their needs met. Well-trained foster parents are needed to understand what’s going on in the child’s life.”
-Matt Brennan
Agape Ranch will be a place for these kids to have their needs met. Well-trained foster parents are needed to understand what’s going on in the child’s life,” Brennan explains. He said although not everyone may be in a position to foster children, there may be another way to make a contribution, such as donating land for the Agape Ranch. Another supporter is Nueces County Commissioner, Brent Chesney, who presided over the adoption of two of the Klaus’ children when he was a County Court-At-Law Judge. He calls the couple “amazing” and says there is nothing like the Agape Ranch in existence in the area. “It’s a Herculean effort to have undertaken. So many families could benefit, and it’s a great concept,” Chesney said. Anson Nash, Executive Director of the Corpus Christi Baptist Association, said he was excited to hear about the Klaus’ vision in Agape Ranch. He said he and his organization are helping to network them in hopes of obtaining some financial help for their ranch. “It’s a very ambitious program, and it’s a God thing. We’ve been praying with them, and we are moving forward,” Nash said. Georgina Morales is the Regional Director for Child Protective Services and sees many benefits to an organization such as the Agape Ranch, especially not having to send children away from a familiar area where they have access to relatives. These children are a large part of the future of the Coastal Bend. At Agape Ranch, the goal is to keep them strong, healthy, together, and loved.
respite care for the foster children so the foster parents could have a date night or some time for themselves. The other three would be reserved for retirees or widowers, who are also available to care for foster children, Susan Klaus explained.
youngsters and who have aged out of the foster care system. “This would allow them to come back and go to trade school or college and live with a family. At 18, they often aren’t ready to be on their own,” Susan Klaus said.
The couple originally thought they might look for an opportunity to live in another country and provide care for orphan children, but the right situation didn’t materialize. It was then that they saw the need in the Coastal Bend area and decided they could do the same thing for children here, and the feedback has been phenomenal.
The behavioral problems that foster children may have aren’t necessarily their fault, because often, they have been abused and neglected. “They are ripped from their homes and put in foster care. They have behavioral issues, and they are struggling to figure out who they are,” Tim Klaus said.
Community support from elected official Brent Chesney, the state of Texas, and the spiritual community in Corpus Christi has been instrumental. Local businesses are offering support once the land is obtained, Susan Klaus said. About $4 million will need to be raised by private donations to have the Agape Ranch fully functional. Fundraising will need to be done for land, development and homes. The operational costs will come from the reduced rents people will pay, Susan Klaus said. “They see we are investing in the future by helping children. The conversations have been positive,” she said of the supporters. The Klaus’ also want to include a program at Agape Ranch for 18 year olds who lived there as
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The biggest goal of the Agape Ranch will be to keep sibling groups together and to keep Coastal Bend children in the area rather than placing them in a home in another area of the state. This can be difficult because there are not enough licensed foster care homes to go around. “There is a significant part of our future being shipped off because of a lack of space,” Susan Klaus said. Matt Brennan, pastor of the Fellowship of Oso Creek, where the Klaus’ attend church, agrees that there is such a need for foster parents and respite care providers for foster parents. And the separation of sibling groups is a problem. “I wanted to make a bigger impact and provide counselors and a safe and loving environment,” Tim Klaus said. “We want to be able to minister to these kids, and
[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]
THINKING ABOUT FOSTERING? The Texas Department Of Family and Protective Services are holding information classes for people who want to adopt or be foster parents. Monday, May 23rd, 11:00 AM DFPS Office 4201 Greenwood Drive Corpus Christi, TX Contact: Cornelia Garza (361) 516-094 Monday, May 23rd, 6:00 PM Owen R. Hopkins Public Library Northwest Library 3202 McKinzie Road Corpus Christi, TX 78410 Contact: Cornelia Garza (361) 516-0943 Monday, June 20th, 11:00 AM DFPS Office 4201 Greenwood Drive Corpus Christi, TX Contact: Cornelia Garza (361) 516-0943 Monday, June 20th, 6:00 PM Owen R. Hopkins Public Library Northwest Library
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40 The Bend
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We have reeled in 10 of the best! From the luxury beach bungalow, to the lively resort, your options are as endless as the sea. By: Sharla Wilkins Photos: Rachel Durrent [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]
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T
he gulf cart lanes are bustling, the ice cream trucks are sounding their familiar jingle, and the gas station’s ice inventory is low. This can only mean one thing…summer is here! Grab your family, grab your friends, and take advantage of the island air, island fare, and island accommodations! Wake up to the brilliant sunrises, and sip your evening cocktail overlooking the fiery sunset – all from the perfect rental. But deciding where to stay during vacation can be stressful. So allow our guide to help you pick the beach destination that fits your every need! All our top selections come fully furnished with either a kitchen or kitchenette, pool, and close proximity to the beach. Your ideal home away from home starts here.
SECRETS FOR TAKING AMAZING VACATION PHOTOS: •
Try and keep the sun behind you while photographing.
•
Take pictures on the beach at sunrise and sunset to add astounding colors to your photos.
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Light will be reflected in the water, so be mindful of proximity to water when shooting.
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Use the best camera you have.
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Keep a balance of people to the surroundings.
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Be present – capture the moment, then enjoy the moment!
PADRE ISLAND Nemo Cay Tucked away, off the main road of the island, this quiet townhouse community welcomes you with its soft, beachy colors. This cozy complex has a fencedin playground for the kids, with shaded seating nearby. The kid’s splash pool is adjacent to the main saltwater pool. Located minutes from Schlitterbahn and close to local restaurants, you will have zero complaints at this complex! www.padreescapes.com (888) 316-7182
El Constante Wake to the sounds of the waves. Select a unit with an ocean view and let your first steps of the day be sandy. This family oriented beachfront condo is a home away from home. Upper units have multiple balconies with a variety of views. You won’t believe the sunrises! www.elconstante.com (800) 365-7693
Beach Club This apartment-style complex houses a fitness center, fenced-in pool, hot tub, and business center. BBQ facilities and seating are available right by the pool.
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Choose from four different floor plans. These sunshine-colored condos are located right down the road from Whitecap Beach. www.padrebeachclub.com (361) 949-7577
Village by the Beach These welcoming, newly opened condos are steps from the beach. When taking a break from sand, enjoy the heated saltwater pool. A unique trellis spans the center of the pool, complete with cooling water sprayers. Relax inside with an open floor plan that includes a breakfast bar in the kitchen. www.padreescapes.com (888) 316-7182
Padre Beach View Located across the street from the Gulf of Mexico, this vacation destination boasts a direct view of the water. These spacious townhomes sleep anywhere from 10 to 14 guests and have private balconies and patios. Picnic tables and grills are located poolside. Reserved parking is provided right in front of the unit. Just bring your toothbrush! www.padreescapes.com (888) 316-7182
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WHAT TO PACK: •
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PORT ARANSAS Port Royal Sit back, relax, and lounge by the largest resort pool in Texas, complete with two slides, a splash area, and waterfalls. Dine on property at Restaurant 361, or order cafe-style from the Bistro. Relax on the balcony while viewing the water or pool. Enjoy quality adult time, hang at the swim-up bar, while kids thirteen and younger have a blast at Kid’s Klub. www.port-royal.com (800) 242-1034
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Here, you’re treated like the prince and princess that you are! On-site activities include sand volleyball, three pools, and a hot tub. Take advantage of the boardwalk for easy access to the beach, and rinse off at the outdoor shower sprayers. Create a feast in the fully-equipped kitchen. This beachfront destination requires at least one guest be 25. www.themayanprincess.com (800) 662-8907
Cinnamon Shores Rent a golf cart and cruise down the picturesque boardwalk to the rolling sea. Take a stroll through the neighborhoods of this family-friendly community. A large lawn plays host to movie nights and outdoor concerts. Lakes are on property for fishing or kayaking. Both houses and condos are available for rent. Pleasantville, here you come! www.cinnamonshore.com (888) 893-0656
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Need to sleep the masses? Want some exclusive privacy? Beachy Keen has just that! Located in the beachfront community of Mustang Royale, this double-level vacation home features two separate living quarters, one with a kitchen, the other, a kitchenette. Landscaped with palm trees, the back porch faces a manmade lagoon. The house is directly across from the community pool. www.portabeachhouse.com (361) 749-0027
A Laughing Horse Lodge A retreat for dog lovers, woof is the word at this funky complex, located blocks from the beach. The lodge has both an on-site dog walk and a dog wash area. Dogs are treated as valued guests and given their own dishes, towels, and treats. Choose from either a stand-alone cottage or duplex. It’s paw-fect. www.alaughinghorselodge.com (361) 749-5513
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Special Promotion
ASK AMY & JEFF WILLIS Q: What are some things I should consider before selling my house? A:Any time is a great time to sell a home, but Summer is the best
season for getting your home sold quickly! It takes four things to sell a house. The house has to be marketable, marketed well, priced correctly and accessible. If you can figure out those four things, you will have no problem selling your house. First off, It’s your responsibility to get the house ready. You should depersonalize, but not over do it. The walls don’t need to be empty; you want it to feel like a family lives there. Buyers need to feel comfortable when they walk in and potentially see themselves living in the home. Make a note to avoid using strong odors. You wouldn’t want buyers to think there is something to hide. When selling a home, you need to create a feeling of being drawn into a house. If you can create excitement, people will be lined up to buy your house, bringing you the highest sales price in the shortest time. Figure out how to make mom and dad happy. If the kids love it – you just hit a grand slam. It is crucial to have a marketing plan in place. You should be looking for every avenue you can to get your home in front of buyers. Your listing agent should tirelessly be working to better market your home. The photography should be phenomenal to properly showcase the
home. Your MLS listing and verbiage needs to be stellar. The home should be properly featured on all internet outlets and even printed media. You never know where your buyer will be looking. Pricing is extremely important. The house needs to be priced according to the direction of the market. Your real estate professional should have a solid understanding of the current state of real estate in your market. It is important to price your home right in the beginning, because reducing the price of your home is not a great spot to be in. All of these key aspects to selling a home can be perfect, but if you can’t get the buyer in the house when they want to, you can’t sell it. Buyers need accessibility to the home. Most buyers don’t know what they want until they see it. You need to do everything you can to get the buyer in when they want in. It is important to come up with a strategy to sell your home in the shortest period of time for the most money. It is important to find a real estate professional who specializes in listing homes. An agent with the right negotiating skills who can set up sellers for success and turn the process from painful to profitable.
ABOUT AMY & JEFF Amy and Jeff are both long time Corpus Christi residents. Amy received her undergraduate degree from Texas A&M Corpus Christi and a master’s degree from Sam Houston State University. Amy’s clients find that her experience, fun loving personality and positive attitude are contagious and the perfect match for her Real Estate career.
a firefighter taught him how to handle stressful situations, negotiation skills, interpersonal skills and how to work in a challenging and fast paced environment. His background in construction and remodeling began when he and Amy built a custom home together in 1996. Clients benefit from Jeff’s business experience and his knowledge of home construction.
Jeff graduated from a local high school and attended college locally. In 1988, Jeff began his first career as a Corpus Christi firefighter for twenty-six years. During that time, he rose to the rank of Battalion Chief. His experience as
The couples combined experiences led them to their real estate partnership, a true team effort that provides their clients with two realtors and one-of-a-kind results.
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Amy Willis and Associates 7602 S Staples Corpus Christi Texas 78413 Office 361-993-7653 Toll Free 877-515-0009 Cell 361-947-9635 Fax 361-993-9633
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Pull up your GPS and head for the waterparks, swimming holes and the river. Ready to get your game back on? Practice your putting, chipping and driving at some of Texas’ best golf courses. Hit the road in search of diamonds, baseball diamonds of course, where you’re sure to see a big-hitter knock it out of the park! Discover the history of the cowboy, a president, and a Texas town as you visit several terrific Texas museums. Start your fun with a day or weekend of entertainment right here in the Coastal Bend before hitting the road for some exciting SUMMER FUN!
*Mileage given is from downtown Corpus Christi to destination By: Cissy Tabor Photo: Dustin Ashcraft
46 The Bend
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Photo Courtesy Rachel Durrent
Take the entire family out to the ballpark and buy them some peanuts and cracker jack...er...Whataburgers. Kick off this road trip by rooting on the Hooks. It will be a huge hit!
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Whataburger Field not only features special kid zones, but children ages 4-14 can sign up for Rusty’s Kids Club and receive free admission to Sunday home games.
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Photo Courtesy Corpus Christi Hooks
Start Here What’s not to love about Whataburger Field and Hooks baseball, the Astros’ double-A affiliate. This first class facility is part amusement park, history museum, part ballpark. The cotton-presses towering over the ship channel since the early 20’s,create the backdrop for the children’s climbing wall and trampoline. The lush Bermuda turf runs deep green on the newly excavated field. Also new, 3000 seats, and exciting food additions: roasted ears of corn and a baked potato bar. Listen for the smack of the bat; GO HOOKS! 734 E. Port Ave., Corpus Christi
SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS
149 Miles Away (2.07 hr. drive) Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium is home to this double-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres. This ball club is jammed pack with fun. Used cars line-up on the berm to be given away July 15th, four nights for MLB player jersey giveaways and $2 Tuesdays for parking, beer, sausage or tacos. Look for Wade Bowen to take the stage, Sunday May 29th for Mission Mitsubishi’s Memorial Day Weekend Celebration. Lots of great causes to support: Autism Night, Alzheimer’s Night, Military Appreciation Night and come enjoy Missions baseball! 5757 US-90, San Antonio
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CORPUS CHRISTI HOOKS
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The San Antonio Missions are famous for their entertaining Ballapeno and Henry the Puffy Taco Mascot, who once made national television; however, be sure to shout for the Hooks if you go!
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ROUND ROCK EXPRESS
225 Miles Away (3.30 hr. drive)
Photo Courtesy Greaseman Photography
Head to Dell Diamond for triple-A baseball. Under the golden summer sun, watch the TX Ranger minor leaguers hit one out of the park. On May 28th, Nolan Ryan Bobbleheads will be given away and May 30 the Express will be wearing special jerseys to honor those killed in action on Military Appreciation Day. Every Sunday kids get special H-E-B giveaways and can run the bases after the game. 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock
Globe Life Park in Arlington neighbors with the Dallas Cowboys AT&T stadium. Although the NFL regular season doesn’t kick off until September, Jerry World is worth a tour.
Brew at the Rock Beer Garden at the Dell Diamond features 15 assorted craft beers and loads of popcorn to enjoy. Every Monday night is $1 Nolan Ryan Beef Franks!
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TEXAS RANGERS
420 Miles Away (6.04 hr. drive) A close run to the AL West title in 2015 has the Rangers fired-up for another chance for the Pennant. Bring your kids (13 and under) for $1 on Blue Bell Ice Cream Sunday, May 15th, when the Rangers take on the Toronto Blue Jays. Stay after and enjoy the Toby Mac Post-Game Concert. Always wanted to sit where the Rangers sit, take a ballpark tour and see the behind-the-scenes areas such as the dugout and press box. Satisfy your hotdog craving with a 2-foot long hot dog in its’ own carrying case! Global Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington
HOUSTON ASTROS
209 Miles Away (3.13 hr. drive) The 242-foot high, retractable roof allows for open air baseball. This season brings new LED lighting and amped up Wi-Fi for higher capacity. If you don’t yet have the vintage style orange & blue, star ball cap be sure to stop in at the Astros Team Store.
Photo credit Houston Astros
Kids, ages 4-12 can test their speed and hitting in the Kid’s Zone. Seeking an autograph, arrive early for the ballpark opening (2 hours prior to game time) and find your favorite player, then settle in for Astros baseball! Minute Maid Park, 501 Crawford St., Houston Cheer on former Hooks players like Jose Altuvé, George Springer, and Carlos Correa right up the road in Houston at Minute Maid Park. This is the last year the park will feature Tal’s Hill in center field. [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]
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PALMILLA BEACH GOLF CLUB
Start Here Meandering through natural dunes, lined with native grasses, this par 71 golf course creates challenges in its’ changing elements of coastal surroundings. Similar to the links courses of Scotland, golfers enjoy ocean and bay breezes along the wind swept fairways. Keeping a harmonious co-existence with the environment, 120 acres were converted to native vegetation providing habitat for wildlife. Seagulls squawking overhead as you tee off will put you in that beach vacation frame of mind. Be sure to stop in at the 19th hole, the Black Marlin Bar and Grill for their delicious mahi-mahi grilled tacos. Enjoy a cold one while dining inside or on the patio, or high above the dunes on the third story elevated bar.
Photo Courtesy Palmilla Beach Golf Club
TX-358 E, Hwy 361 132 Palmilla Beach Drive, Port Aransas
You don’t need your caddie to tell you that it’s time to dust off those old clubs. Perfect your swing on this journey to some of the most prestigious courses in Texas, including our own Palmilla Beach.
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THE GOLF CLUB FOSSIL CREEK
414 Miles Away (5.57 hr. drive)
Photo Courtesy Aidan Bradley
Personally designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, this 18-hole Championship course has water on 15 of 18 holes. Have a challenging hole? The Visage GPS on each golf cart provides useful information for crucial decision-making such as club selection, pin placement and yardage. Still puzzled, call for a Guest Assistant. Warm-up on the large practice range or one of the two putting greens and finish a great round with a stop at Arnie’s Pub. Open for breakfast and lunch served 7 days a week. (15 minutes north of downtown Ft. Worth) 3401 Clubgate Dr., Ft. Worth
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Photo Courtesy Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa
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157 Miles Away (2.17 hr. drive) Voted ‘Best Golf Course’ by readers of San Antonio Magazine, the resort’s 27- hole championship course displays the beauty of the hill country with rolling hills and tree-shaded plateaus. The Family Express 9-hole course is perfect for those of differing abilities or beginner golfers. The shorter distances allow the whole family to enjoy a round. The golf resort prides itself on having that ‘home away from home’ feeling with tranquil landscapes, country cottages and windmills. Be sure to get a windmill-logoed shirt from the pro-shop. 9800 Hyatt Resort Dr., San Antonio
OMNI BARTON CREEK RESORT-FAZIO CANYON GOLF COURSE
225 Miles Away (3.14 hrs. dive) Barton Creek is a golfer’s paradise with four 18-hole golf courses designed by three famous professional golfers. Stunning vistas, cliff lined fairways, waterfalls, natural limestone caves, creeks, and hillsides overlooking Lake Travis. It has it all. The Fazio Foothills Golf Course has five sets of tees with the back tees at 7,125 yards. Fazio Canyons Golf Course’s finishing hole is a 561-yard, par-5. The traditional layout of the Coore Crenshaw Golf Course is dictated by the natural terrain with broad, rolling fairways and widely varied green sizes. Palmer Lakeside Golf Course’s signature hole highlights a cascading waterfall.
Groups are charged by the hour, so don’t spend too much time practicing your swing. It’s all about having a good time with the golfers and non-golfers in your group
Photo Courtesy TopGolf
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HYATT HILL COUNTRY GOLF CLUB
I-35 N, 290W, TX-360 8212 Barton Club Dr., Austin
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TOPGOLF
Photo Courtesy Omni Barton Creek Resort
196 Miles Away (3.16 hrs. drive)
Did you know? Golf is one of the only two sports that has been played on the moon – no carts allowed.
A new experience in golf; fun for all ages, skilled or non-golfers. You’re escorted to your own hitting bay area, complete with comfy seating, men and women’s clubs and electronic game selections. Think 3- story open building overlooking 240-yard green field, scattered giant bulls-eye targets that light up yellow, red, blue. Hit away with the micro-chipped golf balls for competitive point scoring games. Waiting your turn to chip one in, enjoy the tasty Mushi from the varied food items and a specialty drink delivered right to your table. More fun and entertainment: pool table, giant Jenga, interactive video games and ample TV watching. 2700 Esperanza Crossing, Austin
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KRAUSE SPRINGS
231 Miles Away (3 hr. drive) This beautiful 115-acre property is privately owned by the Krause Family but open to the public. A swimmer’s delight with 32 springs, a manmade spring-fed pool, waterfalls and grottos. Practice your Tarzan by swinging from the tree rope and dropping into the cool water. No glass containers, no life guard, no pets. Open year round. Cash only. $7 adults 12+, $5 children 4-11.
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Grab your buddy and hop into the two-person tube for a thrilling 6-story slide on the CAT 5 or race your friends on the 4-lane Storm Chaser. Parents relax at the swim-up bar with a cold beverage. Swimming and movies: Tuesday Night Dive-In Movie and Friday Night Flicks. On June 24th The World’s Largest Swim Lesson. Open weekends in May, and 7 days a week starting May 30 June-August 22, 11 am – 6 & 8 pm. 702 E. Port Ave, Corpus Christi
The Riptide Hideaway Bar is the perfect place for mom and dad to swim up, relax and find some shelter. They also serve kid-friendly beverages!
Photo Courtesy Hurricane Alley Waterpark
What screams summer louder than fun in the water? Texas is home to some of the biggest water parks, tallest water slides, and largest lakes. Soak it up.
HURRICANE ALLEY
424 CR 404, Spicewood
SIX FLAGS HURRICANE HARBOR
397 Miles Away (6.07 hr. drive) A fun-filled waterpark next to Six Flags Over Texas has relaxation and thrills. Lounge in a Cabana or at the Beachside Grill or take a 7-story free fall slide (Dive Bomber). Whether you’re on a toboggan slide (Banzai Boggan), tube or chute, you’ll be sure to be thrilled. To quench your thirst during the summer heat, purchase a Park sport bottle for unlimited free refills. 1800 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington
52 The Bend
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Photo Courtesy Hurricane Alley Waterpark
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Photo Courtesy Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa
5 Flowboarding resembles surfing, but is a combination of skateboarding, wakeboarding, boogie boarding, snowboarding and surfing. It simulates a “barrel-less” wave; complete with a sloped wave surface featuring 40,000 gallons of water being driven up at a rate of about 18,000 gallons per minute.
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HYATT REGENCY HILL COUNTRY RESORT
157 Miels Away (2.17 hour drive) Whether you want romance or family fun, Hyatt Hill Country is the place! Grab a tube and float the lazy river or maneuver the 22-foot waterslide, all part of the 5-acre waterpark, complete with several pools, water volleyball & basketball, wave machine and a zero entry wading pool. This resort has earned the Parent Tested Seal of Approval and voted “Best Place for Family Fun” by San Antonio Magazine readers. Want to bring along your pooch, 3-days advance reservation. 9800 Hyatt Resort Dr., San Antonio
PANTHER ISLAND PAVILLION
393 Miles Away (6 hr. drive) Texas’s Premiere Waterfront, on the banks of the Trinity River. Enjoy the sandy beach and the many water sports: paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, tubing, pedal boats and swimming. ‘Rockin the River’ entertains guests with fireworks over the river and live music every Thursday night from the only waterfront stage in the state.
Photos Courtesy Trinity River Vision Authority
Fort Worth’s Fourth of July event has the largest fireworks show on July 4th in North Texas.
Photo CourtesySchlitterbahn Waterpark
395 Purcey St., Ft. Worth
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SCHLITTERBAHN WATERPARK
172 Miles Away (2.35 hr. drive) Chill on a tube floatin’ the river or be daring and ride the Master Blaster, voted the best water ride in the nation. Hold tight as you’re plunged down three stories, catapulted up three stories, ending in a twisting, spiral tunnel of non-stop action. American Heroes Week (May 30-June 5) salutes members of the Military, Police, Firefighters &EMTs with FREE admittance and 50% off for family members. On Saturday, June 11th listen to live contemporary Christian music all day for ‘Lifted Up: Faith & Family Day’. 400 N. Liberty Ave., New Braunfels
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CORPUS CHRISTI MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY
Start Here
1900 N. Chaparral, Corpus Christi
Photos Courtesy La Salle Odyssey
From science to saddles, who knows what you will discover on this educational tour of Texas. Don’t miss the new H-E-B Science Center at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History.
Climb the 3-story DNA model in the new 5000 sq. ft. H-E-B Science Center. Explore the giant animal cell, infinity mirror and the musical piano stairway. Step outside to beat the giant steel drum in the Music Garden. Open Mon.-Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. 12-5pm.
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LBJ PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY
220 Miles Away (3.16 hr. drive) Pick up a phone and listen to the 36th U.S. President in a conversation with Martin Luther King, or talking to his wife, Lady Bird Johnson, or a member of the U.S. Senate. A life-size animatronic President Johnson, moves and talks, telling humorous stories from past speeches. The museum houses a presidential limousine and a reproduction of the Oval Office with the actual furniture from LBJ’s presidency. Open 9pm-5am every day.
The Cultural Encounters, Shipwreck, and Corpus Christi History exhibits are just a few places you will discover the hundreds of thousands of artifacts and historically significant items in the museum.
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SAN ANTONIO FIRE MUSEUM
144 Miles Away (2 hr. drive) Once a functioning fire station, built in 1938, this historical building houses antique fire engines, artifacts and photographs from the 1850’s. Run by fire fighters who volunteer their time to help welcome you into the fun. Suit up in firemen’s bunker gear to clang the bell and ring the siren, atop a fire engine. Free admission, open Tues.-Sat. 10am-4pm. 801 E. Houston St., San Antonio
2313 Red River St., Austin
STOCKYARDS MUSEUM
Located in the National Historic District, the museum’s artifacts tell the story of ‘Cowtown”, the the Stockyards and the Swift and Armour Packing Plants. Vintage saddles, cowboy western artifacts antique firearms and John Wayne’s 1949 Silver Spur Award spark visitors’ interest as well as a light bulb whose birthday is celebrated. It’s the second longest burning light bulb, burning now for 107 years. Don’t miss the ‘Bad Luck Wedding Dress’ enclosed behind Plexiglas that has bestowed ill upon four generations of brides. Open 10-5, M-Sat, 12-5 summer Sundays, $2. 131 E. Exchange Ave., Ft. Worth
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Photos CourLonghorn Museum
396 Miles Away (6 hr. drive)
Photos Courtesy San Antonio Fire Museum
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361.992.3501 | 5420 McArdle Rd, Corpus Christi [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]
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Special Promotion
COASTAL SMILES DENTAL PROFILES Meet nine Coastal Bend dentists who are worth knowing. Choosing a dentist, oral surgeon or orthodontist shouldn’t be a painful experience and neither should your dental visit. If you are due for an exam or considering a new dentist, then we offer nine reasons for you to start smiling again.
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[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]
DENTAL PROFILES ALLEN DENTAL GROUP Nancy Coll, D.M.D Dr. Coll studied dentistry at a French University in Montreal Canada. She graduated in 1999 and spent the past 12 years working in Northern Canada. She finally moved to Corpus Christi a year and a half ago to enjoy warm weather and her love for kite surfing.
SERVICES
Family Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry
Restorative Dentistry
Whitening
Implants
Crown, Bridge and Veneers
Dentures
TMJ Evaluation and Treatment
Oral Sedation
Dental Emergencies
Extractions
She feels so thankful for the opportunity to work with the Allen Dental Group. She says, “It feels good to be part of a team that is so compassionate and devoted to give the best services to their patients.” She is keen on treating each patient with kindness and respect and helping them to get the knowledge they need to make the best dental choice. Making patients feel comfortable and relaxed is what Dr. Coll prides herself in. Her best reward is a happy patient who returns to see her. Her commitment is providing information that will help her patients to make more informed decisions about their oral health needs. She’s truly grateful that her path has led her to Corpus Christi. “I adore this city, and I think I found my true home.”
Office Address: 6200 Saratoga #102 [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]Christi, TX 78414 Corpus
Contact: allendentalgroup.co thebendmag.com 361-992-8900 57
DENTAL PROFILES DEREK J. CHANG, DDS FAMILY DENTISTRY Derek J. Chang, D.D.S.
Texas A&M University
Baylor College of Dentistry
Born and Raised in Corpus Christi, Dr. Chang attended Carroll High School and since graduating from Texas A&M and Baylor College of Dentsitry, he has completed over 300 hours of continuing education towards receiving a fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. He has already passed the rigorous exam needed to qualify for the fellowship and needs only a handful more hours to be inducted. Services that Dr. Chang offers are preventive services such as cleanings and comprehensive exams, crowns, bridges, implant crowns, fillings, TMJ, pain, and veneers, and invisible braces. His staff consists of a full-time Hygienist, Elizabeth, part-time Hygienist, Lizbett, Dental Assistant, Nannette, Appointment/Financial Coordinator, Dashia, and Hygiene Coordinator/ Dental Assistant, Michele. Together they pride themselves on personal and friendly service - the patient comes first! The team does their best to provide modern and comprehensive dental care by working with the highest quality materials, labs, and specialists.
SERVICES
Cleanings and Comprehensive Exams
Restorative Dentistry
TMJ and Tooth Pain
Cosmetic Services
Enteral Sedation
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Their favorite part of their jobs are the people and the relationships with their patients. They love being able to help relieve dental pain and create healthy beautiful smiles. Dr. Chang is also currently working on a new office build and relocation to be able to further modernize the office and meet the needs of their growing patient base. Aside from being part of the Executive Committee in the Nueces Valley District Dental Society, a member of the South Texas Academy of General Dentistry, and on the board for the Corpus Christi Dental Study Club, Dr. Chang has been involved heavily in the Nueces County A&M club, currently serving as President. He also does some volunteering at Timon’s Ministries providing dental work for the underserved in our community.
Office Address: 737 Everhart, Suite B, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
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Contact: derekjchangdds.com 361-992-7631
DENTAL PROFILES DELAINE R. FARIAS D.D.S.
University of Texas at Austin University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School at San Antonio
Dr. Delaine R. Farias has a unique, extensive educational background addressing and focusing on the complex medical management of TMD/TMJ disorders, sleep disordered breathing like Sleep Apnea, and craniofacial pain conditions, which consist of a broader set of conditions within the head, neck and shoulders that sometimes manifests as facial pain. Dr. Farias has completed numerous Hands-on TMD and Dental Sleep Medicine miniresidencies. In collaboration with your medical provider, Dr. Farias is in the position to help save lives and improve the quality of life for you and your loved ones by screening for and addressing the potentially deadly disease of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and the debilitating condition of TMD and craniofacial pain. She is a Medicare approved DME provider for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and will personally help with your medical insurance verification and filing, and reimbursements.
SERVICES
Oral Appliance Therapy for Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (a potentially deadly disease if not treated)
TMD/TMJ Therapy (disorders within the jaw system)
Craniofacial pain disorders
Medicare DME provider
General Dentistry
If you want something done, they promise dedicated time just for you before, during, and after your treatment. The receptionists, hygienists and assistants have a great heart and compassionately care for their patients. They are committed to continual education and learning so as to give you the best possible service and results. Dr. Farias is grateful for the opportunity to change the direction of her patient’s health for the better and create a brighter future for her patients and their loved ones. She previously was a member on the Board of Directors for the Non-profit Youth Odyssey and March of Dimes, assisting with the prematurity campaign volunteering as a local coordinator for the “Start-Healthy Stay-Healthy” Gerber campaign. She has volunteered as a lecturer for the March of Dimes and Driscoll Children’s Hospital 2005 perinatal conference and is currently an AtLarge Board Member of the Nueces Valley Dental Society.
Office Address: 7426 S. Staples St., Ste. 101 Corpus Christi, TX 78413 [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]
Contact: (361) 452-7267 thebendmag.com
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DENTAL PROFILES
Kenneth Gonzales, D.D.S., P.L.L.C. Kenneth Gonzales, D.D.S.
University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School
Dr. Gonzales graduated from Texas A&M, College Station with a B.S. in Biology, and then proceeded to receive a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School, San Antonio. Dr. Gonzales is continually updating his advanced training in cosmetic dentistry, implant restorations, and general dentistry. Currently, Dr. Gonzales holds the position as President of the Nueces Valley District Dental Society, and he is the Immediate Past President of the Corpus Christi Dental Study Club. Visit Dr. Gonzales for CEramic REConstruction (CEREC) and Invisalign, too! He has a highly qualified, friendly and caring staff, who understands and follows the doctor’s philosophy of practice and delivery of dental care with compassion. They continue their dental education with Dr. Gonzales for the advancement of dentistry and to benefit the patients. His practice maintains their commitment to excellence, which is what drives them all to continue to give the office a caring, relaxed, environment, while at the same time making available the latest in technology and dental materials the industry has to offer. Located in a highly visible spot in the new growing area of the South Side of Corpus Christi, there is ease of access and exit to and from the facility.
SERVICES
Invisalign
CEREC
Cosmetic Dentistry Restorations
Family Dentistry
Implant Restorations
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Dr. Gonzales shares that, “What I find most rewarding about my work is that I get to do what I love and say with modesty that I’m really good at doing it. Myself and my staff enjoy when we get to change the lives of people by giving them the beautiful smile they’ve always yearned for.” Through their delivery of care, they pride themselves on also being a large part of their patient’s overall health. The future for Dr. Gonzales is bright! He is in the process of implementing the latest technology in CEREC dentistry, which allows a short time between delivery of ceramic restorations and crowns, and some on the same day. He’s always striving to maintain a positive force and example for the dental profession. As a family man, Dr. Gonzales, is an assistant ScoutMaster with his son’s Boy Scout troop and involved father with his son’s activities. He is also involved with the dental society and dental study club. Dr. Gonzales enjoys attending church each week, and he is always willing to give and volunteer to local charities and schools.
Office Address: 7426 S. Staples St., Ste.101, [the lifestyle magazine of theCorpus coastal bend] Christi, TX 78413
Contact: gonzalessmiles.com 361-992-2421
DENTAL PROFILES Brent L. Phelps D.D.S. Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry
Dr. Brent Phelps has practiced dentistry in Corpus Christi for the past 25 years. He obtained his Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 1990 from Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry. He is board certified by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. Dr. Phelps also maintains professional memberships in the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. He is committed to enhancing his skills through continuing education and cosmetic seminars. His focus of study has been on cosmetic restorations and smile design. His practice provides quality dentistry in a relaxed atmosphere with results that patients are proud to show off. The professional staff offers a warm welcome to every patient who walks in the door. Helping people solve their dental issues is really what drives Dr. Phelps and his entire staff. Dr. Phelps enjoys volunteering his time with the local Timon’s Ministries. He is also a big supporter of the Hill Country Youth Ranch. When Dr. Phelps is not restoring beautiful smiles, he enjoys fishing and RVing with his wife Nancy.
SERVICES
Brent L. Phelps D.D.S.
General Dentistry (Focus on Preventative)
Cosmetic
Snoring Cessation
Office Address: 1200 Santa Fe Corpus [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend] Christi, TX 78404
Contact: corpusfamilydental.com (361) 887-6093 61 thebendmag.com
DENTAL PROFILES
INGRAHAM ORTHODONTICS Richard L. Ingraham, D.D.S, M.S Board Certified Orthodontist
Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry University of Missouri - Kansas City Dental School
Throughout his professional career, Dr. Richard L. Ingraham, a Board Certified Orthodontist, has earned the reputation of being one of the finest orthodontists in the area. His unique combination of experience, technical expertise and warm, personal approach to care has attracted people of all ages. Dr. Ingraham’s treatment philosophy is patient-centered, and he understands the importance of his responsibility to every patient, whether child, teen or adult. Dr. Ingraham received his undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona. He then attended Baylor University where he attained his Doctor of Dental Surgery and a Master of Science in Orthodontics from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Dental School, two of the most prestigious colleges of dentistry in the nation. Dr. Ingraham is a Board Certified Orthodontist, a distinction accorded only to 25% of American orthodontists after a rigorous examination process. All orthodontist are dentist, but only about 6% of dentists are orthodontists. Being Board Certified is a mark of excellence! He served in the United States Navy as a general dentist in Rota, Spain and served on the faculty in the Department of Orthodontics at The University of Missouri-Kansas City Dental School prior to establishing his private practice in Corpus Christi, Texas. He is active in professional and civic organizations, such as the American Board of Orthodontics, American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, and Southwest Society of Orthodontics. In 2013, he received the Health Care Hero Award for Dental Excellence.
SERVICES
Complimentary exam and consultation for all patients. No referral is required
1st free smile exam for children by age 7 and over as recommended by the American Association of Orthodontist
Early orthodontic guidance program called the Incredible Kids Club with no-charge visits every 6-8 months for orthodontic guidance
Specialist in Adult Treatment
Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, SureSmile, Damon System Braces, Clear Aligners, and AcceleDent
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Choosing a Board Certified Orthodontist is choosing a mark of Excellence! The team of professionals at Ingraham Orthodontics has been creating beautiful, healthy smiles in the Corpus Christi area for over three decades. Team members are committed to developing great patient relationships with patients and their families. When choosing an orthodontist for you or your child’s treatment know that Dr. Ingraham will be the only doctor involved in your orthodontic care from start to finish. He enjoys working with patients and getting to know them as individuals - meeting their needs to not only have straight teeth and a healthy bite but also giving them that confident smile that lights up their face and reflects their personality. “My profession as an orthodontist has given me a special gift of making a difference in my patient’s lives through creating their healthy, beautiful smiles for a lifetime. Being an orthodontist is not work for me, it is doing something I love,” says Dr. Ingraham. Dr. Ingraham is active in his local church as well as serving on the board of South Texas School of Christian Studies. Other community donations and involvement include: Ronald McDonald House, Metro Ministries, Timmon’s Ministries, Corpus Christi Food Bank, Corpus Christi Ballet, Harbor Playhouse and local school athletics.
Office Address: Calallen Office Enclave Office Five Points Center 5525 S. Staples Blvd. C Across from Hobby Lobby [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend] Corpus Christi, TX 78411. 4101 IH 69, Suite L-3
Contacts: ingrahamsmiles.com 361-992-4746
DENTAL PROFILES KENNEDY DENTAL CARE – ORAL SURGERY OFFICE
Jia-Woei Wang, D.D.S., M.D.
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Dr. Wang was born in Taiwan and immigrated to Houston, Texas when he was seven years old. Dr. Wang graduated from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York City after completing his undergraduate studies from the University of Texas at Austin. While in NYC, he longed to return home to Texas after dental school and was fortunate to have this opportunity when he entered the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. During the course of residency, Dr. Wang graduated from the School of Medicine with an M.D. from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, as well as completing rotations in general surgery and anesthesia. He is a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, San Antonio Christian Medical and Dental Associations, and the Nueces Valley District Dental Society.
SERVICES
Extraction of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Dental Implants
Bone Grafting
Benign Pathology
Expose/Bond of Impacted Canine Teeth
Cosmetic Injectables (Botox®, Dysport®)
Dr. Wang and the incredible Kennedy Dental Care – Oral Surgery staff is dedicated to patient comfort. Heavy emphasis is put on helping every patient feel at ease throughout the entire process. Each staff member is well trained to calm anxious patients. Everyone in the office has the ability to empathize with patients, because they have been in their shoes. The practice is blessed to have a very experienced CRNA, Mr. Joe Pierce, who handles sedation. The Kennedy Dental Care family offers a robust support system amongst their team of doctors and specialists. The comradery amongst the Kennedy Dental Care doctors is supported by their “team first” approach. Oral Surgery, Pediatric Dentistry, and Orthodontics are offered at their four different locations around the Coastal Bend. Typically, once or twice a month, Dr. Wang and Mr. Joe Pierce volunteer their time at the Timon’s Ministries in Flour Bluff. In his spare time, Dr. Wang spends his time at the gym, deep water fishing, and cooking Taiwanese food.
Office Address: Enclave 5525 S. Staples, Suite A-4 Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Conatcts: PaulKennedydds.com (361) 992-9500
DENTAL PROFILES
O2 DENTAL Christopher Kight, D.M.D.
Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine
After growing up in the blistery northern suburbs near Chicago and attending Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Kight knew he needed to move south and be a part of a coastal community. He began his career working for a corporate dental operation in Lufkin, Texas. However, he craved a more personalized interaction with his patients. In late 2012, he and his wife moved to the Coastal Bend and bought the only dental practice in Port Aransas. The citizens of Port Aransas have been fantastic, and Dr. Kight says, “I truly felt accepted as a part of the community the day I began working.” As if operating the practice in Port Aransas were not enough, he decided to build his “dream office” in Flour Bluff. With some of the most technologically advanced dental equipment currently available, the Flour Bluff office provides a dental experience that is unmatched in the Coastal Bend. To Dr. Kight, his patients and staff alike are salient. A few years back, he spent some time at the Kaplan School of Dental Assisting, which provided him with the chance to meet and simultaneously train many of his assistants. He loves learning together and growing closer as a work family. His patients can attest that his staff is compromised of the most energetic, smart, friendly, comforting, and compassionate dental team in the Coastal Bend. They make it their priority to keep each patient laughing, comfortable, at ease, all while providing the personalized, gentle care that they all deserve.
SERVICES
Implants
Crown and Bridge
Impacted Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Pediatric Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry
As a practice, he believes that preventative care and education are the keys to optimal dental health. They strive to provide “dental health care” vs. “disease care.” The office knows that staying on the cusp of the latest in technology is incredibly important. But, even more important than that, is to ensure that each patient is treated with the utmost of respect. When you visit O2 Dental, the smile on their patients’ face when they walk out the door is priceless. The most rewarding part, says Dr. Kight, “Is going to sleep exhausted each night knowing that I did everything in my power to make the community I live in have a little less pain, little less dental anxiety, a little better oral health, and a lot more knowledge about the art and science of the dental profession and the oral cavity.” Dr. Kight knows it is important to be an instrumental part of the community. He will continue expanding the services they offer (such as Invisalign orthodontic treatment) to make his offices a “One-Stop Dental Shop.” A wise man once said, “Only floss the teeth you want to keep.”
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Office Address: 9929 S. Padre Island Dr. Suite 119, Corpusof Christi, TX 78418 [the lifestyle magazine the coastal bend]
Contact: texaso2dental.com 361-YER-TEEF (361.937.8333)
DENTAL PROFILES STAR ORTHODONTICS Roxanne G. Robertson, D.D.S., M.S.
Doctor of Dental Surgery – University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Valedictorian, Accumulative GPA 4.0
Orthodontic Certification and Master of Science, Division of Craniofacial Growth and Development – University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Dr. Robertson was born and raised in Three Rivers, Texas and has lived her entire life in the Coastal Bend. She loves her community and is passionate about serving the families of Corpus Christi and the surrounding area. When she opened Star Orthodontics, her vision was to build an orthodontic practice that focused on providing excellent patient care and outstanding customer service. Everything about Star Orthodontics is designed with the patient experience in mind – from the extended operating hours (open Saturdays!), cutting-edge technology used to diagnose and treat, onsite inhouse lab, flexible payment options, the spacious and comfortable office décor, and the many entertainment amenities offered to patients and their families when they visit. Dr. Robertson and her highly trained team are committed to providing quality orthodontic care to every patient and promise to make it a friendly, fun experience along the way.
SERVICES
Dental Braces for Children and Adults
Invisalign® and Invisalign Teen® Complimentary Initial Consultation
Flexible Payment Options
Open every Saturday
The team at Star Orthodontics has changed over 25,000 lives by creating healthy, beautiful smiles. Ask any one of them, and they’ll tell you their favorite part of the job is the lasting relationships and treasured friendships they create with patients and their families…and that is something to smile about!
Office Address: 4750 S. Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi, TX 78411
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Contact: starbraces.com 361.992.2483
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Located in Portland’s Exclusive Northshore Community...
倀愀洀 䴀漀爀椀渀 ⼀⼀ ㌀㘀ⴀ㠀 㠀ⴀ㜀㐀 ⼀⼀ 䈀甀搀最攀琀䈀氀椀渀搀猀⸀挀漀洀
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[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]
Health MAY 2016
Yoga blocks can help beginners with their flexibility!.
FITNESS 68 BE WELL 72
What’s Inside “Cleaning Breath” is a breathing technique used by many who practice yoga that consists of short, powerful exhales and passive inhales. It will help purify the lungs and nasal passages. It’s overall good for the whole body!
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Health | Fitness
For More on Island Yoga
Yoga Around the Island By: Erica Rose Bertero Photos: Renée C. Gage
On the beach, in a restaurant, on a deck, in a local’s home…. yoga isn’t just in the studio anymore! “Yoga works on each individual for his or her growth and betterment, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It is meant for the whole of humanity.” B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga is considered the science of life, as it creates an opportunity for one to focus upon the body, mind, breath, and soul. From beginners to advanced students, yoga is fully accessible through the use of props, modifications of the poses, and practice. The expectation and/or belief may be that the practice of yoga happens exclusively in yoga studios. However, the thriving and growing yoga community on the Island and its surrounding areas are finding that classes can happen in nontraditional and creative spaces, too! “Yoga & Wine Night” at Island Time Sushi Bar & Grill takes place every Monday evening. Formed through a partnership and friendship, owner Romeo “Sonny” Galindo opened the lounge space of the restaurant to yoga instructor Leah Bess Murray. She began to offer a donation-based class, and invited those taking the class to stick around for a glass of wine, appetizers and/or dinner. It has since been quite the success, as it offers an inviting space for the practice alongside support for local business. The class is comprised of all levels of students,
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regulars and new faces alike. Utilizing yet another local restaurant, also offered on a weekly basis is “Sunset Yoga” at Doc’s Seafood and Steaks. On Sunday evenings, you can join Erica Rose Bertero of BGB Yoga in this outdoor, donation-based class. Working with the idea of yoga in nontraditional spaces on the Island, as a long-term substitute for Murray’s “Yoga & Wine Night,” Erica modeled and formed a partnership with another local Island business. She worked with Roberta and Fred Soward, owners of Doc’s, to bring yoga to the outdoor deck, overlooking the gorgeous Intracoastal Waterway. If you have a love for sand, sea and yoga, this class offers an opportunity for all to practice. Stick around after the class for a cold brew and/or delicious items from Doc’s menu. Although yoga is happening in public spaces on the island through partnerships with local businesses, it’s also being practiced in private spaces. Bertero also teaches private classes for individuals, small groups, and larger groups in a workshop setting. Teaching in a private setting allows for the personalization of an individual’s needs and goals. Group workshops can be designed according to the level of practice or with a theme in mind. For example, in March Bertero hosted a yoga workshop for women,
[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]
BGB YOGA Erica Rose Bertero, RYT 200
beachgalbared.com/bgb-yoga beachgalbared@gmail.com 361.876.1291
In Green Peace Leah Bess Murray, RYT 200 surfyogafestival.com 512.506.0801
Nadine Bartelli, RYT 200
nadinebartelliyoga.com nadinebartelliyoga@gmail.com 361.816.8291
Whitecap Crossfit Kim Onufrak, RYT 200 whitecap-crossfit.com 361.960.6027
Padre Island Farmers’ Market
facebook.com/IslandFarmersMarket PadreIslandFarmersMarket@ gmail.com
Island Fitness
facebook.com/islandfitnesscc islandfitnesscc.com 361.949.3298
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“The Flawless Feminine,” which included the practice, a group meditation and reflection in the privacy of a patron’s Island home.
on the beach underneath Bob Hall Pier. Families find this class convenient; parents can work out while the kids play on the beach!
“I enjoyed it very much. I especially liked the journaling and reflection aspect of it. Yoga is good not just for physical wellness, but also for mental health,” shared Loreal Robertson, a workshop attendee and local yoga student.
If you head over to Island Fitness, while it may seem like a traditional gym, a small studio space can be found in which yoga takes place throughout the week. Though not an official yoga studio, yogis have made it their time and space to practice. Relax and rejuvenate in gentle yoga with Jan Freeman, or challenge yourself in an intermediate-level class with Murray, Bertero and/or Bunny Chumski.
The Island is home to a number of certified yoga instructors who also teach in a private setting. Consider joining Nadine, of Nadine Bartelli Yoga. She transformed her private, personal home’s outdoor deck into a mini-studio space situated on the canal. Offering donation-based public classes four days a week, from gentle to beginner, she offers instruction for all levels of practice. Bartelli also incorporates meditation and aromatherapy, to provide a well-rounded experience for the body, mind and soul. As an added bonus, the beach happens to be another creative location for yoga classes. You can join Kim Onufrak, yoga instructor at Whitecap Crossfit, every Sunday afternoon at 1 pm for a power vinyasa flow. The class is free for members of Crossfit, and donation-based for nonmembers. When the weather allows, the class meets
The future of yoga on the Island can be seen through the growth and inclusion of the practice at upcoming events. The Island Farmers Market is held every other Thursday, which features a donation-based yoga class taught by Island yoga instructors such as Onufrak, Bertero and Bartelli. With an amazing array of indoor and outdoor locations, the Island is home to a growing number of yoga students and teachers alike. Whether you live on the Island or in the city, a beginner or advanced, male or female, there is a yoga class for everyone. Choose a place and time – and we’ll see you on the mat!
Discover why over 17 million homeowners trust us. Mark Silva, Agent 5515 Saratoga Blvd, Suite A Corpus Christi, TX 78413 Bus: 361-992-3341 www.marksilvainsurance.com
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Coming Up... May 13-15 New to Corpus Christi, interested women can attend the first ever “Yoga & Surf Retreat for Women” led by Sally Martin, adventure life coach, yoga instructor and massage therapist. Registered attendees will enjoy a weekend of yoga, surfing lessons, life coaching sessions, lodging and food at the Dancing Dunes beach resort in Port Aransas, Texas. Encouraging one to live their fullest life, embracing the outdoors and connecting within a small group makes this retreat an undoubtedly fantastic opportunity for women who are interested in yoga, surfing and more! The Wild Woman Surfing & Yoga Retreat with Sally M. Martin
wildwomanranch.com adventurecoachsally@gmail.com
June 3-5 Locally created, the 2nd “Surf & Yoga Festival” will be held at Port Royal Ocean Resort. Hosted and headed up by Leah Bess Murray of In Green Peace Inc., it features an exciting list of yoga classes, surf lessons, a local music line-up and a variety of Corpus Christi vendors. The festival highlights the surf, yoga and music culture of South coastal Texas! A weekend pass grants you unlimited access to multiple festival activities, resort pools and outdoor play, all on a stretch of the pristine beaches of Port Aransas. Meet yoga teachers from all of Corpus Christi’s yoga studios, instructors from various health and wellness centers, local surf guides and more at this family friendly event!
Featuring brands like... Miss Me, Mia & Liv Banana Split, Tea, Deux Par Deux...& more!
...into reality
Aide Saenz
[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]
361-688-8956 | ASaenz@wbm.com www.mortgagesbyaide.com 5026 Holly Road, CC TX 78411 NMLS 197464 | NMLS 117371
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Health | Be Well
Above all, Dr. Brodeur considers herself an advocate for empowered motherhood, encouraging her clients to always follow their gut instincts and pursue their child’s health needs to the fullest.
Tackling Ankyloglossia {A condition that restricts the tongue’s range of motion.}
Local Doctor, Marilyn Brodeur, is revolutionizing the tongue tied. By: Kateri Reyes Photos: Kateri Reyes
T
ongue tie refers to a condition present from birth. A short tight band of tissue tethers the tongue or lip, restricting oral movement and can affect how a child eats, speaks, and initially can present as a challenging interference with breastfeeding. For a breastfeeding mother, the struggle is an exhausting one. It can affect sleep, leave the baby fussy and the struggling mom can end up in a world of pain, making bonding difficult and limit breastfeeding success. Long considered by physicians to be a minor complication that requires no action, the tides are turning as breastfeeding advocacy increases, and functional medicine takes center stage. Corpus Christi is blessed to have a physician devoted to tongue and lip ties and whose practice revolves on simple reversals with a small hand-held laser. For Dr. Brodeur, forming her revolutionary practice was a daunting one. As a new mom herself, married to an Emergency Department Resident, she knew that this was her true calling. Through persistence and her own passion, Infant Dental Center opened its doors in November of 2014. Since then, over 250 babies have enjoyed the freedom of a tongue tie reversal. This education and empowerment of the mother is the heart of Dr. Brodeur’s practice. As a graduate of University of Maryland, and in dental residency at John’s Hopkins, Dr. Brodeur discovered an intriguing draw to the medically complex patients with oral complications due to cardiac health, trauma, and oral cancers. As a dental medical student, she foresaw that she might not find true fulfillment in a traditional dental practice for the next
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Symptoms: • Reflux or colic • Clicking noise while sucking • Gassy • Irritable • Poor weight gain • Difficulty latching
40 years. It was her experience with tongue tie in her firstborn son, Gabriel, that gave her personal insight into the true pain and emotional distress that such a simple condition caused. During an evaluation of a breastfeeding support group she found more than half of the babies had tongue ties. It was that group’s lactation consultant who first planted the seed for a dental practice devoted to tie-reversal. In forming Infant Dental Center, Dr. Brodeur had a very specific vision in mind. Her primary goal was to make the experience as personal as possible. Her office suite speaks to airy comfort with its trendy décor and soothing aromatherapy. This intentionally calms her clients and allows them to focus on their baby. Parents are invited to be a part of the 4-minute-long procedure if they choose. Baby is swaddled immobile and fitted with cute little protective goggles before the laser treatment; a topical analgesic is administered. Dr. Brodeur gently talks each tiny patient through the short 4-minute procedure with a soft, motherly tone. A small spoon-like instrument holds the tongue or lips back for the laser. Recovery is typically a week’s time before fully healing. Dr. Brodeur hopes to begin expanding the practice to older patients over time, especially children or even adults in speech therapies or who have ties that could lead to breathing complications. Low brain oxygenation can lead to ADHD, focus issues, nutrition issues, and a host of health issues. Research is growing in how vast the effects of tongue tie reversals are in shifting each patient’s future quality of life. All in all, Dr. Brodeur’s main concern is in educating families and especially local physicians.
[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]
Statistics and Facts: There are over 3 million cases a year in the United States It’s commonly self-diagnosed Lab tests or imaging is not required Symptoms include: difficulty sticking out the tongue past the lower front teeth, lifting it to the upper teeth, OR there are no symptoms at all!
Dr. Marilyn Brodeur 101 N Shoreline Blvd, Ste 607 (361) 434-0312 infantdentalcenter.com
ᰠ ㌀㘀ⴀ㠀㔀㐀ⴀ㘀㔀㔀 眀眀眀⸀愀氀戀愀椀渀猀甀爀愀渀挀攀⸀挀漀洀
䌀愀爀氀 䠀攀氀氀甀洀猀
吀䄀匀䄀䐀伀刀 䄀倀倀刀䄀䤀匀䄀䰀匀
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Special Promotion
Affordable Housing in The Bend
H
ome ownership is one of the elemental and enduring aspirations that most of us have in our lifetime; it is the epitome of the American Dream. From the time that our children first start to consider what their adult lives will be like, what home they will live in is always a cornerstone of those imaginings. In the United States, the largest investment most family’s ever make is the purchase of their own home. Owning your own home is the path to amassing personal wealth As a Homebuilder, I am blessed that my job is to help fulfill the American Dream. Our company’s mission is to house families, and one of the best things about coming to work every day is knowing that we will spend the day fulfilling that dream for our friends and neighbors. However, as real estate prices in the Coastal Bend continue to skyrocket, that dream is becoming more and more challenging, and our Mission has become that much harder. For the last few years, we have been working to fulfill our mission… to house families, by exploring all aspects of The Bend’s Housing needs. Chief among them is the demand for Affordable Housing. Affordable Housing may mean different things to different people, but the generally accepted definition is that an affordable Home is a home that’s cost consumes no more than 30% of a family’s income. Over the last few years, as the Median price of a home has climbed from $139,000 to over $200,000, few, if any, Corpus Christi Bay area family incomes have been able to keep up. Over the last few years, I have had the opportunity to work and interact with, and serve on the Boards of, several organizations dedicated to Affordable Housing; these include the Community Development Corporation, the Corpus Christi Jobs and Economic
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Development Board, Habitat for Humanity, Bay Area Smart Growth, the Housing Opportunity Council, and the Corpus Christi Housing Authority. These organizations have helped open my eyes to the full spectrum of Affordable Housing concerns, spanning the gap from the Homeless to affordable starter homes. In this and future articles, I am going to explore this wide range of Affordable Housing issues, and hope to shed some light on the housing problems faced by families in The Bend As I first did, you may ask how the homeless situation in our area is related to Affordable Housing. The relationship becomes much more clear when you realize as prices of homes in our area go up, the price of rent, citywide, increases. In this way, many families are often “priced out “of their present home, and have to search for a new place to live. This “price increase” works it way throughout the system, leaving some people with no place to go. As we began to fully understand the impact of this, it became
[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]
Special Promotion
clear to us that Braselton needed to help find solutions…after all, our mission is to house families. And, regardless of their ability to pay, every family deserves a good, clean home to live in. So, it seemed logical to begin working for a solution by starting at the first step…the families that can least afford a home. This ultimately led to our introduction to the Salvation Army, and their Transitional Housing mission. I had always known of the great work done by the Salvation Army, including the feeding of and caring for those in our city who most need help. And I knew of their fundraising missions, especially the Red Kettle giving at Christmas time. But when I learned that one of the primary missions of the organization was to help families transition from Homelessness to home ownership, and that they were preparing to raise funds for the construction of a new Center of Hope built specifically for this, it was clear our company had to get involved. I guess it should have been obvious that the Salvation Army was in the “Housing Business,” after all… Jesus was a carpenter!
With a few short meetings, we learned that this great Christian organization was looking for funding partners for their new facility; a brand new headquarters, to carry on all the missions of the Army, including housing families. Braselton Homes was honored to get to sign on as the sponsor for the Women and Children’s residences. These brand new homes will be life-changing havens for those families who need the help the most. The Army will not only house the families, and offer them the hope that Jesus provides, they will also provide counseling, education and training. I hope you will join us in this effort, and give generously to the Salvation Army’s Center for Hope. You can visit them at tsacenterofhope. com, where you can give, and learn more about the Salvations Army’s mission and plan. I have never been more proud to be in the “Housing Business” See you in the Neighborhood, Bart braselton
BART BRASELTON Bart Braselton is the Executive Vice President of Braselton Homes, the Coastal Bend’s oldest and largest Homebuilder and Neighborhood Developer. Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Bart is the third generation of The Braselton family building in the Bay Area. Returning to Corpus Christi after earning a BBA in Finance, as well as a second degree in Real Estate, from the University of Texas, at Austin, Braselton began working in the family business as a construction superintendent. Since then, Braselton Homes has won numerous local, state, and national awards, including the Energy Star Leadership in Housing Award, as well as the Environments for Living Diamond Award for Energy Efficiency. And, the company has grown into one of the Nation’s Largest Homebuilders, earning consistent rankings in the annual lists compiled by both Professional Builder, as well as Builder Magazine. Bart, a graduate of Leadership Corpus Christi Class 18, has served on numerous local community and business boards, including the Coastal Bend GreenBuilt Initiative, Bay Area Smart Growth, and the Police Foundation. Presently, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Development Corporation, the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, the Builders Association and the Corpus Christi Business and Job Development Corporation. Braselton and his wife, Michelle have 2 young children at home, and are active, with Braselton Homes, in community and church organizations throughout the city, including the American Heart Association, the Food Bank, and CASA of the Coastal Bend.
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76 The Bend
[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]
Home & Garden MAY 2016
OPEN HOUSE 78 SPACES 82 GARDENING 86
What’s Inside With all sorts of different places to stay while on vacation, from motels, hotels, and resorts, sometimes the most comforting can be a home that you and your family can have all to yourself.
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Home and Garden | Open House
Dining table is by H Lancaster Co. and one of the largest tables the furniture maker has ever created.
The Paradisal Purple Crash Pad Vibrantly violet, funky and fun, this rental home feels far from a place you’d want to leave. Vacationing doesn’t mean you and your family have to stay in a stuffy space. Clean and carefree are the ticket to a relaxing getaway – everything down to the cups provided. By: Whitney Noble Photos: Jason Page
P
alm trees are about to be grounded around this charismatic home. Bought by Tom and Beth Wheeling just last year, the palms are the final addition to the renovations that have transformed this home from the bleak and needy blank slate that it was, to the punch bowl property it is today – soon to be officially named PA Purple Palm in the rental market. From Weatherford, the Wheeling family has traveled to Port Aransas for nearly 20 years now. In 2015, they thought it was finally time to find the proper investment opportunity so they could use the home when they came to town, but put it into a rental pool to make money and to
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make others feel at home while on vacation. For their own personal needs, they wanted a ranch-style home to benefit their parent’s mobility and to also make activities such as lugging coolers, luggage, groceries, etc. up and down stairs. Leasing in Port Aransas for the past two decades really helped the Wheelings know exactly where they wanted their investment property to be located. They were keen on this home’s proximity to the lively downtown area but also that it is very close to the beach. It’s a quiet, peaceful, area that is clean and has a lot of new construction popping up around. Since purchasing the home, Tom and Beth have trans-
[the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]
formed the home into what it is today. “The décor that we went with is not ‘traditional Port Aransas’ décor. We wanted something different and fun, and absolutely striking,” Tom said. “My wife has an eye for the vibrant colors. She and her girlfriends got together and were really the creative eyes for the vision. It was important to us to use a lot of local vendors. As a matter of fact, our vanities, armoire, and dining room table are all Herb Lancaster pieces. The dining room table is one of the largest that Lancaster has ever done, which is pretty cool,” he explained. The property management company currently markets the home as a “Beachside Haven, Newly Renovated”! So what makes this one of their top rentals? The unbeatable in-town location provides vacationers quick access to the top attractions of Port Aransas. The marketing for the home tells prospects they can “Take a slow stroll to the beach or a short drive to the golf course. Spend the morning fishing or sightseeing and shopping around town. In the evenings, meander to a local eatery and tuck into fresh seafood as the sun dips behind the horizon.” Certainly is enticing!
Make it easy for guests to find the things they’ll need: • Extra towels, pillows and blankets in the linen closet • Light switches in findable spots • Think outside the silverware: renters want a wine opener, dish detergent, cream and sugar, coffee filters, booster seats, board games… • Keep a hair dryer and extra toilet paper in each bathroom • Ensure Wi-Fi and Netflix passwords are on the counter • Keep remote controls near the TVs
What’s fun about a vacation home is that it allows you to stay in a home that’s likely much different than yours - the more colors, the more flair, the more exciting!
• Create a binder of local attractions, restaurants, grocery store, medical needs for guests’ convenience
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When families are looking for the perfect rental, it’s important to be able to sleep and house big groups. The Wheelings were careful to ensure that the three large bedrooms could sleep up to 12 people, with multiple beds in many of the rooms, and lots of couch space. And that aforementioned enormous dining table seats ten! Vacationers will love the sense of space and style in the light-filled living and dining space with large windows, 60-inch television, high-speed internet, and fully-equipped kitchen. The cheerful and motley home has proved to be quite multifunctional. It’s emblematic enough for personal use, magnetic enough for business use, and fun and encompassing enough to be providing very good rental traction in just the few months it’s been in the pool. What’s advertised is what you get. There are no surprises, aside from pleasant ones when you step into this splendid splash pad. Hang inside, hang on the screened-in patio, or hang by the beach. There’s no wrong way to hang here, as long as you’re hangin’ loose and relaxin’ in the vacation home you and your family are sure to reminisce about for years. Memories are made when your vacation and rental were mesmerizing.
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Having a screened in space allows you to be outside but away from the bugs. This is crucial to enjoying a fun game of cards or sipping on something chilled to the summer breezes.
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The savings you want, the coverage you deserve. Choose the coverage that’s right for you at a price that fits your budget. Making an informed decision when selecting coverage for you, your family, and your home is important. Call me today to loearn how much you can save by combining auto, home, and life.
YOUR LOCAL FARMERS AGENT CURRENTLY OFFERS SAVINGS FOR:
“Iʼm your local Farmers agent.”
JACK ALSPAUGH
• AUTO • HOME • LIFE • COLLECTABLE AUTO
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• MOTORCYCLE • CONDO • MOBILE HOMES • RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
361.232.4717 5922 YORKTOWN BLVD, BLDG 2 • CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78414
jalspaugh@farmersagent.com
Proud to be the only store in South Texas with a Hot Stamp Machine!
Shop it. Stamp it. Show it off. Same Day.
705 Highway 35 N. Rockport, TX | 361.790.8340 Facebook.com/TheBayWindowRockport Instagram.com/BayWindow_
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Home and Garden | Spaces
Mi Casa es Su Casa By: Candace Reichert Photos: Rachel Durrent
Travel to an eclectic, worldly guest room that most can only dream about.
S
ummer vacation is almost here, and for most that means a home filled with family, friends, and laughter. Although the memories created during this time are precious, preparing your home for visitors can be a bit overwhelming. Need some inspiration to liven up your dull spare bedroom? Here’s a look into one local’s guest room that’s so unique and cheerful your guest will never want to leave
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For those guests that enjoy a late-night read to drift off to sleep, set out a few light-hearted inspirational stories, and a city guide to everything they want to know. It’s probably best to include a copy of The Bend Magazine’s latest issue, too. A cheerful colorful room boasts a welcoming esthetic. Don’t worry if décor doesn’t exactly match. Mismatched style lends a worldly, collected-over-time feeling that’s sure to brighten your guests’ stay.
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Distinctive Landscapes Start Here... Wondering where to start is where we love to start!
We offer professional landscape design services to help you plan before you plant. Nothing is more important than the design itself. Call us today for a free consultation.
Landscape Design & Installation, Stonework & Hardscapes, Outdoor Kitchens, Poolscapes & Patios, Sprinkler Systems & Drainage Systems, Nursery, Stone & Boulder Yard
(361) 438-8281
Expert
stone m as on staf ons Call fo f ra free es timate
| 160 U.S. Highway 181 West Taft, TX 78390 | www.mcnameelandscapesandnursery.com Revision #:
Scale:
Landscape Plan: 1
Landscape Design by: Donna Mazzola
Date: 3/24/2015
1" = 10'
Schade
McNamee Landscapes
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“Jaw Dropping”
Shannon’s
Distinctive Fashion
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84 The Bend
6646 S. Staples St. 126 Corpus Christi, 78413 [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]
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This Summer! For students entering 3rd-8th grade Campers can take up to four courses per day.
KIDS CAMP
Algebra • American Sign Language • Art Chess • Computer Programming • Spanish Mathematics • Photography • Photoshop Science • Tae Kwon Do and more. • Offered June 6-17, June 20-July 1 and July 5-15 • Each Camp 2 weeks, runs Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. • $50 per course (fees for supplies may apply depending on course). Lunch is $5 per day. REGISTRATION IS UNDERWAY. For more information, visit www.delmar.edu/ce. To register your youth for the Vikings Kids Camp, contact DMC Continuing Education at 361-698-2122 or ce@delmar.edu.
Don’t make your guests feel uncomfortable and left to search through cabinets and drawers. Be sure to leave out plenty of towels and a few extra toiletries they may have forgotten. A few empty shelves or drawer space is always a nice gesture to ensure your house guests aren’t living out of their luggage.
Also! - DMC SUMMER MUSIC PROGRAMS Summer Orchestra Program (June 2, 9, 16 and 23-24): Email tehle@delmar.edu Viking Band Camp (June 13-17): Email aramirez136@delmar.edu All-State Choir Preparatory Camp (June 27-30): Email drichardson@delmar.edu Del Mar College is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution.
Nothing is more welcoming then a bed tray put together especially for your guests. Fill it with fresh flowers and a variety of snacks to enjoy after a long day of travel. Offer a notepad and pen so that your guests can jot down any important notes, and be sure to leave any notes you think your guest might need to know, like Wi-Fi passwords.
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Home and Garden | Gardening
The Essential Element in Your Garden Cut water use in your garden by eighty percent, and never weed again, by following this essential step! By: Justin and Kayla Butts Photos: Rachel Durrent
Mulching is one of the most important elements of gardening in The Bend, but it is also often the most overlooked.
A
well-mulched garden is lush, healthy, vibrant, and waterefficient. A poorly mulched garden is naked, dry, thin, and soon to be covered with weeds.
Mulch serves as a protective blanket over the soil. Mulch prevents weeds, stabilizes soil temperature, and helps retain moisture in the soil. Good mulching can reduce the amount of water required for the garden by as much as fifty to eighty percent. Mulch also prevents the top layer of soil from drying out in our relentless Gulf winds. Ninety percent of the microbial activity of the soil is found in the top four inches, the layer that dries out the fastest. Mulching protects this delicate and crucial layer of topsoil. The best mulch material is always the most native, and the very best mulch of all is raked-up leaves from the trees on your own property. Native leaves have a special relationship with your soil. The leaves and soil have lived together in biological harmony for thousands of years. Their chemistry is highly adapted and they are perfectly matched for growing vegetables, fruit, and flowers in your soil. Native leaf mulch is available in vast quantities, usually right in your own yard. What’s better? These leaves don’t cost you a penny. Every year, millions of bags of freshly raked-up leaves are sent to landfills and transfer stations; leaves that would have made the perfect mulch for backyard gardens. Some folks even rake up and bag their leaves, drive them to the landfill, pay to dump them, and then stop at the store on the way home to buy bags of mulch for the garden! And this foreign mulch, such as cedar and other non-native materials, can actually stress your soil and hurt your plants rather than helping them. Save yourself from the expensive round trip, and use your own leaves as mulch.
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YOU NEED THE BEST TRAINED AND EQUIPPED HOME INSPECTOR TO SPOT MOISTURE PROBLEMS.
Moisture does more damage each year to homes in the US than everything else combined. What your inspector can’t see can hurt you. At Signature Inspection Services we are trained and equipped to spot expensive potential problems, including moisture problems, from top to bottom, that other inspectors can’t “see”.
Nifty Lift. While other inspection services may be content to use binoculars from across
Infrared Camera spots moisture problems invisible to the naked eye. We are trained on and deploy a state-of-the-art infrared camera on all inspections. We routinely spot moisture intrusion issues around windows, doors, flashing and plumbing using this special camera. The sooner moisture issues are discovered the easier they are to repair.
the street to “inspect” your roof, we deploy our lift to get “up close and personal” with every roof we can’t safely walk. Moisture problems often start at to top and work their way down.
Invisible Moisture Problems with Siding. Any type of home
siding, from stucco to brick, can allow significant structural damage if not properly installed. We have the training and equipment to provide certified stucco and siding inspections that discover hidden problems from moisture. The photos show some of the damage we’ve discovered that was invisible until revealed by our testing and inspection. Left un repaired, moisture problems with siding can, and have, turned beautiful and expensive homes in to “tear-downs”.
Signature inspection Services is ready to help ensure that your home purchase doesn’t come with expensive, undiscovered moisture problems. Call for your moisture scan home inspection or our more in-depth moisture analysis inspection.
INSPECTION SERVICES TREC License # 10330 Call Anytime 361-230-2312 www.signaturehomeinspectors.com [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]
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DENTAL SERVICES: • PREVENTIVE • RESTORATIVE • COSMETIC • TMJ PAIN • ENTERAL SEDATION
COMPASSIONATE MODERN DENTISTRY
for the entire family
737 EVERHART RD. CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78414 | 361.992.7631 | DEREKJCHANGDDS.COM 88 The Bend
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Out & About MAY 2016
ARTS & CULTURE 90 DATE BOOK 92 SOCIAL HOUR 94
What’s Inside A Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting for a local business is not only an exciting day for the business, but it brings the community together and shows our residents that our city is growing and thriving!
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Out and About | Arts & Culture
Ty Dietz South Texas Troubadour By: Jimmy Willden Photos: Dustin Ashcraft
Local singer-songwriter is hitting the right chords, the right stages, and a huge following. 90 The Bend
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T
y Dietz is one of the few local songwriters to tell it how it is. No fluff about him, Dietz is a straight shooter all his own in a modern local music scene that is ripe with originality.
Born in Corpus Christi, Dietz found his appreciation for music from his father, who introduced him to 1960s Rock ‘n’ Roll as a child. But it was Dietz’ natural curiosity that took him the rest of the way. “When I researched where some of those songs came from, I found the old troubadours, and I really got into that; the whole singer-songwriter, Texas thing. From there, it kind of evolved just by digging deeper into the artists themselves,” Dietz divulges. In high school, Dietz met a friend who played guitar, and after countless afternoons hanging out and jamming the two chords his friend taught him, it was inevitable; Dietz needed a guitar of his own. “My parents actually bought me one, an old Ventura from a pawn shop; the action was way off the fretboard, so my fingers were bleeding for a while,” Dietz said. “But I took those two chords I learned, G and D, and I don’t think I’ve learned another chord since.” After graduating from Tuloso-Midway High School in 1998, Dietz briefly moved to Austin to attend MediaTech Institute-Austin for audio engineering. His experiences while in the capital city ultimately led Dietz to become the songwriter he is today. “When I moved to Austin, I ended up finding my ex-wife, we got married, and we had Faith, my daughter,” said Dietz. “And that’s when I seriously started writing songs, when Faith was born.” And talk about inspiration! To date, Dietz has written over 200 songs. But he promises he doesn’t have a songwriting process, nor does he force the songs to come. He just waits for that ever-elusive muse.
“Usually, my songs come out all at once, they come out quick, and if I think too much on them, I pick them to death and I’ll end up not messing with them,” said Dietz. “In the end, it comes down to if I’m sitting in the right chair.” Dietz must have been sitting in the right chair while writing the songs featured on his debut album, Closer To Town (2011). Featuring such popular songs as ‘Army Green’ and storybook tracks as ‘Emery’ and ‘Doesn’t Matter Now’, the album gives a raw energy, allowing the songs to speak for themselves - and that’s exactly what Dietz was searching for. “We kept the wood in it,” Dietz said. “I didn’t play to a click track, or anything. There’s a lot of natural falling and rising of tempo and they kept asking if I wanted to fix it and I was like, nah - just keep it in there. It sounds like music to me.” After releasing Closer To Town, Dietz has been on a nonstop performing streak for several years, becoming one of the most seasoned and appreciated musicians in Corpus Christi. Though he admits he still gets nervous before each performance, he always gives his best - no matter the show, and no matter the crowd. Through it all, Dietz has remained humble, and for him, that’s the point. “I think that we, as artists, are really doing something cool here. There’s a lot of good songwriters and great singers coming up here. And the Corpus Christi Songwriters group is inspiring us to keep together, which is what we want. Sticking together is better than pulling each other apart,” Dietz said. “We’re all in it for the music.” Later this year, Dietz will be going back into the studio to record a brand new album full of original songs, undoubtedly written while sitting in the right chair, at the right time. tydietzmusic.com reverbnation.com/TyDietz
“Usually, my songs come out all at once, they come out quick, and if I think too much on them, I pick them to death and I’ll end up not messing with them.” [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]
Ty Dietz plays throughout the year at Black Monk Tavern and The House of Rock in Corpus Christi; Shorty’s and The Wildhorse Saloon in Port Aransas.
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Out & About | Date Book
May
Mark Your Calendar FESTIVAL Fiesta de la Flor May 6th – 7th Presented by Citgo, Fiesta de la Flor is a 2-day festival that will celebrate the life & legacy of Selena Quintanilla Perez, known to her many admirers as the “Queen of Tejano”. Selena’s impact on the hearts & lives of so many has been immeasurable and this annual event will serve as a tribute to her, as well as the cultural contributions of Tejano music worldwide. North Bayfront Park, (361) 881-1888, fiestadelaflor.com
BENEFIT Go Red for Women Luncheon May 13th The luncheon empowers women to take charge of their heart health and raises funds to fight cardiovascular diseases and stroke, which claim more women’s lives than all forms of cancer combined. American Bank Center, (361) 445-3190, corpuschristigored.heart.org
FAMILY
BENEFIT
COMMUNITY
Whoop-It-Up
Rockport Market Days
May 14th
May 21st
Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Island Foundation and Seashore Charter Schools, all proceeds go towards continued development and improvements at our Seashore facilities. Schlitterbahn Corpus Christi, (361) 949-0076, seashorecharterschools.com
Held monthly, come on out and enjoy “A Day By The Bay” shopping, listening to great music, and eating at the delicious food court. You’ll find over 100 booths filled with quality merchandise, arts and crafts, plants and produce, jams, jellies, salsa and other canned products, national distributors, handmade clothing, woodworkers, yard art, all types of jewelry, pottery, and more. Rockport Festival Grounds, (361) 557-7575, rockportmarketdays.com
FESTIVAL Art Fiesta Weekend May 14th Spend the whole weekend in Port Aransas! Friday: The 9th Annual Fiesta de Mayo Dinner & Fundraising Auctions at Civic Center. Saturday: 11th Annual Artfest at Robert’s Point Park. Sunday: the 33rd Annual Songwriter’s Showcase at Robert’s Point Park. Robert’s Point Park, (361) 749-7334, portaransasartcenter.org
COMMUNITY Lemonade Day Coastal Bend May 14th Kids ages 5-18 all over the Coastal Bend will set up their very own business, a Lemonade Stand!!! Lemonade Day is a fun and refreshing community event that teaches kids the skills they need to be successful in the future! Heritage Park, (361) 8811800, coastalbend.lemonadeday.org
Sea Stories May 14th and 20th
COMMUNITY ArtWalk May 6th
These 30 minute, monthly programs combine reading and wildlife as a way to build early language skills, peak curiosity for nature and support ‘family learning time’ in a safe and exciting environment. Texas State Aquarium, (361) 881-1204, texasstateaquarium.org
On the first Friday of every month you’ll find artists, musicians and all things creative converge in the Marina Arts District. It’s where Downtown comes alive with bands on every block, food trucks serving up South Texas fare, and art galleries featuring local and national artists. Marina Arts District, (361) 882-2363, marinaarts.com
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MUSIC Bash at the Beach May 29th Featuring Josh Abbott Band with Pat Green, Stoney LaRue, & friends on the main stage! Concrete Street Amphitheater, (361) 884-8085, concretestreet.net
editor’s pick
FAMILY
Mother’s Day Weekend at the Botanical Gardens May 6th – 8th
Instead of giving flowers for Mothers’ Day, bring Mom to the flowers, lots of flowers! Celebrating May 6th, National Public Gardens Day with Free admission for moms all Mothers’ Day weekend, May 6th through 8th, and an Orchid Show, May 7th and 8th; “Nature’s ‘Brush Strokes” art exhibition on the Brennecke Nature Trail; and Parrot Talk at 1:30 pm, May 6, 7, 8! National Public Gardens Day is sponsored by the American Public Gardens Association.
The South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center (361) 852-2100, stxbot.org
COMMUNITY Splash into Summer! Jun. 4th
FESTIVAL Rockport Festival of Wine & Food
The kids are out of school and ready to play, which means you should be ready too! Join the Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau to officially kick off the summer season. From 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., head to North Bayfront Park to experience live music, nine local food trucks and interactive, hands-on exhibits from Corpus Christi’s local attractions. Discover what Corpus Christi has to offer for visitors and locals alike! North Bayfront Park, (361) 826-0624, visitcorpuschristitx.org
May 28th – 29th This festival helps raise needed operational funds for the Museum but also provides a venue for entertainment and fun. Over 2,500 visitors from 26 plus states are welcomed on the grounds of the Museum to experience wine, VIP wine tasting, lectures, food vendors, live bands, shopping vendors and beer booths. Wine may be purchased by the taste, glass, bottle or case and this is the only festival of its kind that allows you to try expensive vintage wines by the glass. Texas Maritime Museum, (361) 729-1271, texasfestivalofwines.com
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Out & About | Social Hour
2.
Cattle Baron’s Ball Photos by: Rachel Durrent
1. Julia Powers, Veronica Hudlow, Jordan Michael 2. Tracy & Mike Pierce 3. Lauren Warren,
1.
Dane Bruun, Sarah Brown 4. Laura Quinones, Alan Clower, Jenesis Shaw 5. Rhonda Harrison, Kristi & Jeff Gleinig, Jennifer Spencer
3. 4.
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! g n i l i a s o g Let’s ents v E l s a Specis Reunionies Clasate Part rties Priv stmas Pa tings Chri ness Meenners Busi arsal Di tering Rehe ption Ca arties Recerement Pciation Reti t Appre Clien
• • • •
BayBay Cruises Cruises - 2 to - 28tohours 8 hours • Sunset Sunset Cruise Cruise • Cruise Cruise & Dinner & Dinner Package Package • Intro Intro to Sailing to Sailing Course Course •
Engagements Engagements Charter Charter to Port to Port Aransas Aransas Family Family Outing Outing Guys Guys / Girls / Girls DayDay OutOut
Open for Lunch Mon - Fri (11a-3p)
After Hours & Weekends available for Private Parties & Events
Home of 9 All-You-Care to Eat Sides & Homemade Cobbler (while it lasts)
(361)884-4BBQ or hoegemeyers.com
95 The Bend
For Charter Reservations Call 361.881.8503 ext. 2
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Out & About | Social Hour
NASCC 75th Anniversary Gala
1.
2.
Photos by: Gabriel Mancha
1. Chris & Tammy Edwards, Walter & Judy Crawford 2. Reinaldo & Tisha Morillo, Angela & Mike Luce 3. Jennifer Rodela, Ruth Bennett, Lisa Bennett, Amanda Barber 4. Janie Hoskins & Wes Hoskins,
3.
Sean Strawbridge, Gina De Le贸n 5. Cye Lloyd, Erica Allen, Mai Sultenfuss, Mimi Gayler
4.
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Out & About | Social Hour
The Bend Magazine Ribbon Cutting Photos by: Rachel Durrent
1.
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Happy Kids Happy Parents
Pediatric Dentistry
paulkennedydds.com
361-992-9500
Saratoga Office:
6200 Saratoga Blvd., Bldg. 1 Corpus Christi, TX 78414
Orthodontics Alameda Office:
3435 S. Alameda, Ste. A Corpus Christi, TX 78411
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Oral Surgery Calallen Office:
13725 Northwest Blvd., Ste. 270 Corpus Christi, TX 78410
Enclave Office:
5525 S. Staples, Ste. A4 Corpus Christi, TX 78411
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DILLARD’S MACY’S JCPENNEY ULTA MICHAEL KORS WHITE HOUSE | BLACK MARKET MAC COSMETICS FRANCESCA’S ALDO PANDORA PINK COACH OAKLEY DSW
More than 130 of the finest names in summer style, services & cuisine BUCKLE FOREVER 21 VICTORIA’S SECRET SOMA INTIMATES P.F. CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO GRIMALDI'S PIZZERIA LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL PACSUN EXPRESS | EXPRESS MEN GRUB BURGER BAR CORNER BAKERY CAFE
5488 S. Padre Island Drive, Corpus Christi lapalmera.com 100 The Bend
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Cuisine MAY 2016
FARM TO TABLE 102 THE DISH 105 DINING GUIDE 106 THE DRINK 110
What’s Inside Mexican influences have given our cuisine a taste and category all it’s own! The best dishes come together when classics are perfected, and chocolate is involved!
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Cuisine | Farm to Table
Mole Poblano with Roast Chicken By: Justin & Kayla Butts Photos: Rachel Durrent
Pan-Fried Pastured Pork Chops with Radish Leaf Pesto, Roasted Radishes, & Nasturtium Salad with Dill Vinaigrette
M
ole poblano is one of the oldest dishes in all of the Americas, and when done right, it is one of the best.
The Cinco de Mayo celebration honors the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862, when the Mexican army served up a stunning defeat to the French. But the city of Puebla is even more famous for its mild chili pepper, the poblano, the key ingredient to mole poblano. Really good mole, like an exceptionally fine wine, offers a complex array of flavors. Mole poblano is a little sweet, a little smoky, a little spicy, with a lot of fabulous flavors that you may not imagine would work together, but blend perfectly. These flavors roll across your palette in wave after wave with a nice finish, just like a fine wine. If you have never prepared homemade mole 102 The Bend
poblano, get ready for an exciting new experience. This sauce contains chocolate, pecans, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, lard, anise, a cinnamon stick, stale bread, plus dried peppers and many other fun ingredients you almost never get to use in the kitchen. This dish recalls the long ago days of Mexico when the abuelitas foraged the landscape for anything and everything with flavor and brought it all back to the mortar and pestle. Don’t let the number of ingredients scare you; everything you need for your mole poblano can be found in a quick pass through the supermarket. And with the cooking shortcuts we suggest, making your mole at home will be simple and fun - especially if you have a margarita in hand! The mole poblano will only achieve its perfection if it has an exceptional chicken to grace. For this recipe, we recommend a pastured chicken from a [the lifestyle magazine of the coastal bend]
local farm. Pastured chickens are raised in the fields and forests of The Bend. They are fattened on bugs, garden produce, and native forage, for an incredible flavor. We don’t recommend cooking your chicken in the mole poblano, as many recipes suggest. We find that chicken cooked in the sauce can become tough and rubbery. Roast your chicken in the oven, and finish it with the mole poblano as you present the dish. The chicken will stay moist and tender, with a nice crisp skin. The sause will transform the chicken into a culinary masterpiece. Great food traditions are handed down for a reason. Just as the Mexican army liberated Mexico, liberate your kitchen from the ordinary, and celebrate this Cinco de Mayo with flavor!
Mole Poblano Traditional mole can take all day to prepare, but our version includes a few shortcuts that don’t sacrifice flavor. Ingredients: 8 ancho peppers (name for dried poblano), stems removed with seeds reserved 4 pasilla peppers, stems removed with seeds reserved 5 guajillo peppers, stems removed with seeds reserved 1 cup lard (preferably from pastured, hormoneand antibiotic-free porkers) 1 sweet onion, chopped 6 tomatillos (may substitute 6 tomatoes and the juice of two limes), coarsely chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced ¾ cup nuts (pecans, hazelnuts, almonds, or your favorite raw, unsalted nuts) ¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds 2 oz sesame seeds 1 cinnamon stick (canela) ½ tsp anise seeds ½ tsp cumin seeds ½ tsp black peppercorns ¼ cup raisins
Roast Chicken Serves 4-6 Prep time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes Ingredients: One 3-5 lb whole chicken with skin on (pastured from a local farm) 2-3 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Preheat oven with the roasting pan inside to 375°F. Brush olive oil on chicken and season generously with salt and pepper. Place chicken on roasting pan breast side up. Cook for 30 minutes. Flip chicken so that the backbone is facing up. Cook an additional 30 minutes. Check to ensure internal temperature of the meatiest part of one leg has reached 165°F. If chicken has not reached proper internal temperature, rotate chicken so that breast side is up and return it to the oven for up to 30 minutes or until temperature is reached. Let chicken rest for 10-15 minutes. Mole Poblano: While oven preheats, place your prepared peppers in a large cast iron skillet. Roast peppers for two minutes on each side, until skin starts to brown and peppers become fragrant. Remove peppers from skillet and place in a large bowl with hot water. Let peppers reconstitute for ten minutes. Set aside.
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2 corn tortillas, torn into pieces 2 French rolls (bolillos), 2-3 days old, torn into pieces 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth 1 ½ oz Mexican chocolate, chopped (may substitute dark, bittersweet chocolate) 2 tbsp sugar Salt, to taste Directions: Heat ½ cup lard in skillet over medium heat. Add onion, tomatillos, and garlic, cooking them for three minutes, until translucent and fragrant. Add nuts and pumpkin seeds to vegetables and cook for two-three minutes, stirring frequently. If ingredients begin to stick, add remaining lard to pan. Add seeds (including one tbs reserved pepper seeds, or more if you like it spicy), cinnamon stick, and peppercorns to nut mixture and cook one minute, stirring constantly to ensure seeds and nuts don’t overbrown. Add tortillas and bolillos to mixture, stirring to incorporate well. Finally, add the remaining ingredients, including reserved peppers, to your skillet and let simmer on low heat for 15-30 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove mixture from heat and let stand for 10 minutes. Purée mole mixture until smooth. If your food processor doesn’t break up the many fine seeds, try running the mixture through the blender in batches. Smother chicken in mole and enjoy!
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REAL ESTATE TEAM
361-949-0101
Cuisine | The Dish
About:
Craig’s first job in the restaurant industry was as a busboy and dish washer at the age of 15, and Ramona’s was as a dish washer in grade school.
Happy Hour:
Monday-Friday in the bar area 4:30-6:30 pm
Must Try!
Seared Farm Raised Duck Breast in a Red Wine Raspberry Reduction 105 North Austin St. Rockport, Texas 78382 (361) 727-9009
LATITUDE 28º02’ By: Whitney Noble Photos: Rachel Durrent
Eat, drink, and gallery shop all in one special spot with two special locals and countless special memories. Conveniently located in the heart of Historic Downtown Rockport, Craig and Ramona Day have been attracting locals and visitors alike to their restaurant, Latitude, for over a decade. Born and raised in the Coastal Bend, both Craig and Ramona Day have been in the restaurant business nearly all their lives. This husband and wife duo have provided a contemporary dining experience in Rockport for 16 years. Specializing in seafood, Latitude 28°02’ has come to be known as a culinary treat and favored drinkery among the locals. Craig has been working in restaurants around Corpus since he was 15 years old. After jumping around and working nearly every job in the business, he found he loved the encouragement and camaraderie he received from customers and co-workers and knew this is what he wanted to do. Romona’s mother owned a catering business in Portland that was run out of her childhood home, where Ramona washed dishes and helped her mom bake cakes. When in college in Corpus Christi, Ro-
mana waited tables and thrived off her many local connections in the business. After graduating, Ramona taught school in Rockport, but she decided to take up a weekend waitressing job at an Italian restaurant named Valenari’s. Eventually, the Days had the opportunity to take over the lease. They changed the name, the concept, and over the years, they’ve gradually taken over the entire building and now own it! Open since December 1, 2000, the Days knew they wanted to serve seafood. Latitude got its name due to its location, across from Rockport Harbor. After brainstorming several names, they landed on Latitude 28.02 since that is the exact latitude to the entrance to Rockport Harbor. Local ingredients, sustainable food, and the love of seafood is what has formed the menu. Over the
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years, Craig saved recipes and has developed others due to local availability. Their formative years led to their affinity for fresh, regional seafood, and allowed the couple to develop their own unique culinary style. You’ll always see a fresh catch of the day on the menu. Love Black Drum? It’s a staple, as it’s abundant, local, and available fresh year round. Go for the food, and stay for the arts! Latitude 28°02’s Fine Art Gallery provides a venue for over 70 of Texas’ most accomplished artists to showcase their art. The extensive art collection extends the gallery, providing the perfect backdrop to the elegant, intimate dining area. The art gallery is combined with the restaurant and Ramona procures and sells the art. Cheers to Rockport’s splendid food scene and its wonderful art community - all in perfect harmony.
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Dining Guide Corpus Christi Padre Island Port Aransas Rockport Outdoor dining Live music
$ = Under $10 $$ = Mostly $10 - $20 $$$ = $20 and up The Bend Magazine Dining Guide is a select list of restaurants around the Coastal Bend. Implicitly, the magazine’s editors recommend all of these restaurants and they are not advertisements. Listings are updated monthly and appear based on space availability. Reviews and articles are written by our editors as a service to readers.
Restaurant owners: If you have news about your restaurant or a correction to our listing, we’re all ears! Send an email to editor@thebendmag.com or call (361) 792-3606
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Cuisine | Dining Guide
American 8te $ A shabby chic interior feel with classic comfort dishes that have a simple twist. They have it all breakfast, lunch, and dinner! 1220 Airline #250, (361) 723-0261, Facebook.com/8tecctx Andy’s Country Kitchen $ You will feel right at home just like eat’n in mom’s kitchen. Great southern comfort food that gets back to the basics! 5802 S Staples St, (361) 993-0251, Andyskitchen.com Atomic Omelette& Grill $ Omelettes are just the beginning here! Comfortable atmosphere, with a flavor for casual dining and handmade family recipes. 6313 Wooldridge Rd #10, (361) 334-3942, Atomicomelette.com Citrus Bayfront Bistro $ Enjoy everything homemade, even down to the pie crusts with a gorgeous view of the marina. 100 N Shoreline Blvd, (361) 882-2047, Citrusbistro.com The Groove $$ A little something for every discriminating craving with an eclectic dining experience. Nothing is ever frozen or put in a fryer! 2001 N Hwy 35, (361) 729-3663, Thegrooverockport.com Irie’s Island Food $ With bold purpose and flavor craving taste buds, they set forth a new twist on local fare and many culinary delights from islands around the globe. 503 N Alister St, (361) 749-2310, Iriesislandfood.com The Grille $ Ensures you’ll always have the variety that is the spice of life! With ingredients sourced from Texas, Burger patties and soups are all made from scratch. 3063 Main St, (361) 775-1000, Facebook.com/thegrillingleside The Post $$ Enjoy this pub in a communal setting with dishes that are meant to be shared, all alongside a cocktail or beer of course! 3850 S Alameda, (361)452-0907, Facebook.com/postcc Town & Country Café $ Down-to-earth this diner next door serves the best in homestyle American comfort food for breakfast and lunch. 4228 S Alameda St, (361) 992-0360, Facebook.com/town-country-cafe
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Asian Aka Sushi $$ Creative and daring rolls that work well together. The authentic Asian cuisine made with the Chef’s homemade recipe will be sure to surprise you. 415 N Water St, (361) 882-8885 Sang’s Imperial Café $$ Culturally dynamic décor brings an international ambiance to the atmosphere. Their commitment to the healthiest and freshest food shows through from the dishes to the sushi bar. 4650 Corona Dr, (361) 8088881, Facebook.com/imperialcafe TakeNiwa $$$ Sit in Hibachi and watch their talented chefs prepare your dinner. Or dine yourself to juicy steak and full sushi bar, your choice! 5216 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 356-6888, takeniwa.com
Café BonnA-Petit $ Chef Sophie will always make you feel warmly welcomed, just as her gourmet dishes do. And don’t forget to grab a to-go dinner! 4301 S Alameda St, (361) 334-2579, Bonna-petit.com Daily Grind $ A coffee bar with personality, they offer the finest in gourmet, rustic, or straight-up coffee favorites. Hungry? Stick around for their daily quiche specials, scones, and sandwiches. 302 S Austin St, (361) 790-8745, Rockportdailygrind.com Hester’s Café and Coffee Bar $ Looking for a true family experience where love is the number one ingredient, along with the simple but important concept of quality and the healing powers of good food 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd, (361) 885-0151, 1714 S Alameda St, (361) 885-0558, 3812 S Alameda St, (361) 855-1892, Hesterscafe.com
Barbeque Hoegemeyer’s BBQ $$ Smoked freshbarbecue on a strong German heritage background and a satisfaction for something unique. South Texas barbecue that comes from the heart. 711 Concrete St, (361) 884-4227, Hoegemeyers.com
UNLIKE A N Y OT H E R SHOULD HAPPEN
A DAY
AT A PL AC E U N LI K E A N Y OT HER.
Bring your dream wedding to life with Omni. From sunset ceremonies with views of the bay to ballroom parties featuring delectable cuisine, the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel is committed to giving you a day nothing short of spectacular. Leave the details to us while you relax and enjoy the perfect destination for your perfect day.
O M N I H O TE L S . C O M / C O R P U S C H R I S T I 361-887-1600
Cuisine | Dining Guide
French Bleu Bistro $$$ True playful twists to classic French bistro dishes. The chef’s commitment to the use of fresh, local, peak of the season products is evident in the quality of each dish. 500 N Water St, (361) 887-2121, Bleubistrocc.com Dragonfly $$$ A fine multitude of international backgrounds to the cuisine prepared entirely from scratch daily by the owner and culinary artist. The menu is full of unforgettable flavor profiles to satisfy any craving. 14701 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-2224, Facebook.com/dragonfly-restaurant Grill
Bar & Grill Brewster Street Ice House $$ Who says that you can’t have 4-Star food in a casual environment? Not the Brewster Street Grill! Bring your kids or stay for concert, they have it all. 1724 N Tancahua, (361) 884-2739, Brewsterstreet.net
Executive Surf Club $$ The perfect casual family dining spot. All the while supplying the most beer on tap in the city. 309 N Water St, (361) 884-7873, Waterstreetmarketcc. com/executive-surf-club Stingray’s Taphouse and Grill $$ Anindustrial-chic elite sports bar that provides you ‘raving fans’ a unique dining and entertaining experience, right around the corner from the beach! 401 Beach St, (361)749-2287, Stingraystaphouse.com
Italian Authentic New York Pizza $$ True, authentic New York Pizza right in your hands in Corpus Christi, complete with red-checkered tablecloths. 5838 S Staples St, (361) 986-1151, Eatmorepizza.cc Bellino’s $$ Comfortable and welcoming with a trattoria style authentic cuisine. You won’t find these dishes anywhere else in Corpus Christi! 3815 S Alameda St, (361) 814-8998, 523 S. Fulton Beach Rd, (361) 729-9003, Bellinotexas.com
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Brooklyn Pie Co. $ Enjoy a slice or indulge a whole “pie” of their delicious secret pizza tradition. 15326 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-1100, Brooklynpie.com Grimaldi’s Pizzeria $$ Distinctive and authentic pizza baked to perfection in a signature coal burning oven you can see right from your seat, offers a unique crisp flavor. 5488 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 980-8600, Grimaldispizzeria.com House of Rock $ Great pizza and appetizers, cold beer, and live entertainment! Does it get any better? $$ 511 Starr St, (361) 882-7625, Texashouseofrock.ticketfly.com Mamma Mia’s $$$ Warm and cozy mom and pop Italian experience will make you feel like family. Entrees are delicious Italian culture on a plate. 128 N Mesquite St, (361) 8833773, Facebook.com/mamma-mias Mesquite St. Pizza and Pasta Co. $$ Their 60 year old pizza oven brought in straight from Brooklyn New York, makes for the perfect pizza, as well asall the crusts and sauces are made in house. 617 Mesquite St, (361) 882-7499, Eatpizzadowntown.com Panjo’s Pizza & Pasta $ Ditch the pomp and circumstance, and eat the way your Italian Grandma intended. Fuss free and real, classic, and a true local secret! 2744 Highway 35 N, (361) 729-1411 Russo’s Coal Fired Italian Kitchen $$ Brick-oven-fired Italian entrees and New York style pizza down south. The simplicity of a causal Pizzeria with the freshness of a fine Italian restaurant. 6418 S Staples St, (361) 986-0620, Nypizzeria.com Venetian Hot Plate $$$ Quality cuisine and a quaint, yet energetic atmosphere, giving a real touch of Italy. 232 Beach St, (361) 749-7617, Venetianhotplate.com Bella Luna Downtown $$ Authentic gourmet Italian cuisine always made fresh to order in the heart of The Marina Arts District. 429 Schatzell St, (361) 887-4777, Bellalunadowntown.com
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Port “A” Pizzeria $$ Bring the kids, as this family-friendly pizzeria offers an all-day buffet, video games and draft beer. Or, order straight off the menu! 407 E Avenue G, (361) 749-5226, Portapizzeria.com,
Mediterranean Ginger Café and Grill $$ Eastern hospitality and authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, there’s so much to love about these Persian, Turkish, Lebanese, and IndoPakistani specialties. 7009 S Staples, 103, (361) 946-9834, Gingercafecc.com
Mexican Molé $$ The vision lies in freshness, tradition and distinction; Mole’ is where true Central Mexican Cuisine can be enjoyed. 6042 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 334-6081, Molerestaurant.com
Per uvian Costa Sur Wok & Ceviche Bar $$ This cevicheria is a true Peruvian party on your palette. The dishes are fresh takes on traditional originals from Peru. 15113 S Padre Island Dr #101, (361) 945-8303, Costasurcc.com
Seafood Black Marlin Bar & Grill $$$ Sit indoors, sit outdoors, see the Gulf Coast from any seat in the house while diving into top-quality coastal cuisine, live music and the best views around. 258 Snapdragon, (361) 749-4653, Blackmarlinbarandgrill.com Black Sheep Bistro $$ A unique, trendy atmosphere that transcends age and style with a menu full of foods rich, colorful, and full of flavor. 15201 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 9494819, Blacksheepbistro.net Doc’s Seafood and Steaks $$ Lively and enjoyable selection for surf ‘n’ turf in an open-air setting overlooking the water, plus live music. 13309 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-6744, Docseafoodandsteaks.com
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from
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Cuisine | The Drink
Summer by the Scoop I scream! You scream! We ALL scream for Scoopy’s ice cream milkshakes! By: Whitney Noble Photo: Rachel Durrent
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hat is summer without a few special outings to the ice cream parlor? Scoopy’s Veranda, which is Snoopy’s Pier’s little sister next door, was added in 1993 to give Snoopy’s customers a choice of tasty treats. They specialize in fresh sandwiches, salads, and Blue Bell ice cream! This summer, indulge in that sweet, cold beverage that brings you back to your childhood. Pick your ice cream flavor, and allow one of Scoopy’s trained scoopers to prepare and mix the shake from adding scoops of ice
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cream and milk in their drink mixer using the quintessential stainless steel cup. Add some malt powder to really punch up any regular shake. Choose Strawberry, and you’ll get your fruit and dairy all in one tall glass. Sip on a chilled ice cream beverage while the seagulls fly above and the fish splash below. It’s the cherry on top! 3313 S. Padre Island Dr. Corpus Christi, TX 78418 (361) 949-8815
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Milkshake History! In 1885, the term “milkshake” was first used in reference to an alcoholic whiskey drink that was described as being “sturdy, a healthful eggnog type of drink, with eggs, whiskey, etc.” By 1900, “milkshake” had transformed into a “wholesome drink made with chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla syrups.”
Glow $$ From a renovated boathouse, offers a simply cooked bistro fare using the best local seafood and produce. Bright, relaxed atmosphere with white-washes ship lap wood walls and a full bar. 1815 Broadway St, (361) 727-2644, Glowrockport.com Harrison’s Landing $$ Tavern on the Bay at Harrison’s Landing is Corpus Christi’s newest outdoor restaurant & bar located in the heart of the city’s marina, and is the only place in town with a floating bar! 108 Peoples St, (361) 8818503, Harrisonslanding.net Island Time Sushi Bar and Seafood Grill $$ Stop in for fresh and inventive sushi, seafood, appetizers and desserts! Check out the weekday specials! 14225 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 9493046, Facebook.com/islandtimesushi Latitude 28˚02’ $$$ Contemporary dining experience specializing in tasty fresh, local seafood. Eye-catching walls that serve as a gallery space, holding colorful works by local artists. 105 N Austin St, (361) 727-9009, Latituderockport.com Lisabella’s Bistro $$$ Casually coastal elegance yet, family-friendly setting. Remarkable gourmet twist to the lunch fare, a poolside eatery, and a full bar that goes beyond just ordinary. 5009 Hwy 361, (361) 749-4222, Cinnamonshore.com Rock & Rolls Sushi Lounge $$ At Rock & Roll, they’re dishing out the most delectable and delicate fish from islands all over the world. Delight in a “sound check” or cold appetizer, an “opening act” or hot appetizer, then “plug in” for some rolls and sashimi! 15121 S Padre Island Dr #101, (361) 949-1110, Rockandrollssushi.com Roosevelt’s at the Tarpon Inn $$$ Gourmet dining at its finest in a beautiful Louisiana style home that sets the perfect tone for a taste of luxury. Historic background gives a unique sense of its famous visitors. 200 E Cotter Ave, (361)749-1540, Rooseveltsatthetarponinn.com Saltwater Grill $$ Unique family atmosphere with fresh and tasty seafood that will leave you coming back for more. 2401 Cimarron Blvd, (361) 993-7258, Saltwatergrillcc.com Scuttlebutt’s Bar & Grill $$ Extensive menu, makes sure to have something for everyone. Foods made from scratch from the dressings to the burger patties14254 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-6769, Scuttlebuttsbarandgrill.com Seafood & Spaghetti Works $$ A unique dining experience, you’ll find the very best in seafood, steak, Italian dishes, pizza, soups, and desserts all made from scratch. 901 S Alister St, (361) 749-5666, Seafoodandspaghetti.com
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Cuisine | Dining Guide
2016 READER’S CHOICE POLL:
Shells $$ Warm, inviting neighborhood restaurant offers a creative and far ranging menu that reflects a variety of world cuisines. Shakes off the old and tired and gets down to real good food. 522 E Avenue G, (361) 749-7621, Eatatshells.com Shempy’s Grill $$ Laid back setting with a variety of delightfully cooked fish will turn anyone into a seafood lover. 3913 Highway 35 S, (361) 727-0019, Facebook.com/Shempys
WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE LOCAL’S OF THE COASTAL BEND LOVE! VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITES TODAY: Food Drink Nightlife Art & Culture Shopping Health Beauty Family & Amusement
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Steakhouse Katz 21 $$$ Sets the standard for premier fine dining experience. Prime steakhouse specializes in dry-aged prime beef and fresh gulf coast seafood. 5702 Spohn Dr, (361) 884-1221, Katz21.com
Snoopy’s Pier $$ Outdoor dining experience and Local harvested quality with an on-site fish house and shrimp breading facility that enables the freshness. 13313 S Padre Island Dr, (361) 949-8815, Snoopyspier.com
Niko’s Steakhouse $$$ Committed to the motto “Great food, Great times, Great experience.” Casual and elegant atmosphere that will exceed any steak lover’s expectations. 5409 Saratoga Blvd, (361) 992-2333, Nikossteakhouse.com
The Boiling Pot $$ Roll up your sleeves and take manners to a new level for a great Cajun experience. 201 S Fulton Beach Rd, (361) 729-6972
Republic of Texas $$$$ One of the top dining destinations. A multi-level steakhouse offers diners beautiful panoramic views of the CC Bay. All the ingredients for the perfect experience! 900 N Shoreline Blvd, (361) 887-1600, Omnihotels.com
The Pheonix $$ This international bistro/nouveau American fine-quality cuisine is prepared daily using many ingredients from the Corpus Christi Farmer’s Market creating a constantly eclectic seasonal menu, where guests can choose to sit indoor and outdoor. 337 N Alister St, (361) 749-9277, Facebook.com/The-Phoenix-Restaurant-and-Bar
Trout Street Bar & Grill $$$ Cajun-inspired seafood in an airy environs is a wondrous way to enjoy food and cocktails inside the nautical themed restaurant or on the outdoor deck offering marina views. 104 West Cotter, (361) 749-7800, Tsbag.com Water Street Oyster Bar $$ Long-standing, well-known Corpus Christi landmark operation serving oysters, sushi rolls & Gulf seafood in a historic, brick-walled space. 309 N Water St, (361) 881-9448, Waterstreetmarketcc.com Water Street Seafood Company $$$ Locally owned and operated and voted “Best of the Best” seafood. Fish is fresh never frozen, while sauces and dressings are all made in house from scratch. 309 N Water St, (361) 882-8683, Waterstreetmarketcc.com
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Yardarm $$$ Savory seafood dishes with great bay view seating. Family owned gives off a special ambiance in the atmosphere as well as the entrees. 4310 Ocean Dr, (361) 855-8157
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Thai Thai Cottage $$ Unique and refreshing, Thai curries meet teriyaki and Chinese dishes in a cozy red cottage. 5830 McArdle Rd, (361) 993-0777, Thai-cottage.com
Vietnamese Vietnam Restaurant $$$ Local fine dining with an extensive menu and eye catching Vietnamese culture spread throughout the dining area. 701 N Water St, (361) 853-2682, Vietnam-restaurant.com
Improving the Quality of Life in the Coastal Bend since 1981 For over 35 years, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation has helped area residents achieve their charitable goals. During this time over $93 million in non-profit grants and student scholarships have been made. For the past seven years, the Foundation has organized the Coastal Bend Day of Giving which last year topped $1.9 million for charities providing needs of the most vulnerable in the Coastal Bend. If you would like to join with us please call 361.882.9745.
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Out & About | Looking Back
Island Bound: Overpass of the Past By: Jeff King Photo: Traces of Texas
A family photo during a trip across the Don Patricio Causeway to Padre Island in 1927.
P
icture driving onto the dreaded, narrow tracks that lead to an automatic carwash. Now imagine that instead of throwing the car into neutral and letting the rollers guide the car along, the car has to be driven down those tracks a few miles with no power steering. Not to mention that any over steering leads to a plunge into the Laguna Madre. This is what it was like to drive a Model-T across the first causeway that ran from Flour Bluff to Padre Island. In 1925, Sam Robertson, an engineer from Missouri, purchased Padre Island from the causeway’s namesake Patrick Dunn, a cattle rancher who had owned the island for a half century and earned the nickname Don Patricio. The causeway was part of Sam Robertson’s grand plan to develop the island into a resort, complete with a 110-mile toll road
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that would stretch the entire length of the island. Robertson managed to build three hotels, a few beach cottages, 17 miles of his planned toll road, and opened the Don Patricio Causeway on July 4th, 1927, as a toll way that cost drivers $3 for a round-trip. Sam Robertson knew Padre Island had the potential to be a premier resort destination along the Texas Riviera. Proof was already in the steady traffic seen by the causeway as 1,800 cars crossed in July, and 2,500 crossed in August. Unfortunately, Robertson’s dream was short-lived. The Great Depression crumbled his grand plan, and a hurricane destroyed the Don Patricio Causeway in 1933. Robertson would not live to see the next causeway built, but his vision lingers into the present day as our Coastal Bend islands thrive in the heart of the Texas Riviera.
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Life doesn’t warn you like this.
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