Relaxing in Rockport
Grandpa and I traveled to Rockport the weekend of June 9 -11 for the Austin Street Art Walk. It’s held on the second Saturday of each month from April through December in the Rockport Cultural Arts District.
We haven’t been to Rockport in almost 20 years and it dramatically changed. Rockport took a direct hit from Hurricane Harvey in August 2017 causing major damage. They have rebuilt and it is beautiful.
On our way to Rockport, Friday morning, we stopped at Prasek’s Smokehouse for lunch in El Campo. Afterward, we drove on to our camp site Rockport KOA Holiday park. It’s one of the nicest RV parks with good amenities.
After setting up our trailer, we drove to Goose Island State Park to see the “Big Tree.” It’s one of the most famous and largest live oak specimens in the United States. We rode around to explore the park. They have camping along the shore near shaded spots under the trees and a nice long fishing pier. We will definitely be back for fishing. You can also rent kayaks for 2 hours using a self-serve machine and a credit card.
We had an early dinner at Pier 77. The food was good and portions hearty. Thankfully Grandpa carried cash, as the restaurant only takes cash or you have to get it from the onsite ATM. When we left there was a line to get in. – We spent the remaining of the evening relaxing in our trailer.
Saturday morning, we took a drive by the waterfront homes. They’re beautiful. Some of the trees have a lean from the constant winds blowing.
Next, we went to the Austin Street Art Walk. There was art, music, food, and shopping. I could tell Grandpa wasn’t really into it so I told him to head back to the trailer and check on our dog Sabrina. I would continue to shop and let him know when I was finished.Some of the shops were expensive but not all. This would make for a wonderful girl’s weekend trip.
Later, we went to the Texas Maritime Museum. Grandpa and I both enjoyed it. We learned about the Texas Navy which I never knew existed. We learned about the Karankawa people who lived along the coast of Texas for centuries. We found the offshore rigs exhibits interesting since we both worked on off-shore projects. From the Maritime Lighthouse upstairs, we caught a beautiful aerial view of Rockport and it’s packed beach.
We had a delicious lunch at Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill. I devoured an amazing crab cake. Grandpa had shrimp, hush puppies and fries.
Afterward, we drove to Mustang Island State Park but unfortunately had to move on because it was already full. We discovered a public beach down the street and stopped by for a few minutes to put our feet in. The beach was lined with parked vehicles from beach-goers, so it was difficult to exit the beach area. Initially we didn’t u-turn because we were certain we’d find an opening any moment. But it didn’t. We drove and drove for a while before we finally got out. It was back to our campsite for R&R the remaining of the evening.
We enjoyed our Saturday evening relaxing at the KOA pool, viewing the gorgeous sunset while a singer sang tunes by request of the fellow campers.
Grandpa and I met a sweet couple who enjoys camping as much as we do. We shared our favorite camping locations and activities. One of theirs was Lost Lagoon RV Resort in El Campo and they told us “Freedom Fest” in September is a must. I questioned El Campo since I never heard of a resort there. In researching, I found they host quite a number of events which can be viewed at Lost Lagoon Events. The resort rates are pricey but could be worth it for a special trip including all the amenities and activities offered.
The couple also suggested Camp Fimfo – Hill Country on the Guadalupe River which has an expansive list of amenities. Both of these RV resorts are now on our bucket list.
We departed Sunday morning to return home. We wanted to stop at Prasek’s Smokehouse again for lunch but it was packed with the Sunday travelers crowd. We settled for a fast food option down the road.
I would recommend visiting Rockport if you have never been or haven’t been in years. Next time, we would like to visit Texas Only Blue Wave Beach, The Fulton Mansion in Fulton and Chapel on the Dunes in Port Aransas.