Ed Hicks Nissan

If you're looking for a classic Americana experience, a visit to a small town's Rialto Theater is a must-do. The name itself, meaning the theater district, is steeped in history and tradition. And if you're in the Texas Coastal Bend, you're in luck, Aransas Pass has its very own Rialto, right in the heart of downtown. It's one of the few remaining Rialtos in the country, and it's just a short drive from downtown Corpus Christi. The Rialto Theater in Aransas Pass is a hub for visual arts, music, and live theater performances. The original building has been renovated and reborn, offering a year-round event schedule packed with traditional and eclectic performances. You can catch a show in the 100-seat theater auditorium, grab a drink at the 40-seat beer/wine bar, or check out the art exhibits in the gallery and lobby.

South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center showcases colorful and unusual plants, including cacti, hibiscus, roses, plumeria, and orchids. Explore the Arid Garden, Water Garden, Sensory Garden, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, and the shaded Bird & Butterfly Trail. Take the opportunity to mingle with fluttering butterflies, who will often stop and rest on an available arm or shoulder. Be adventurous and hike the nature trail through 30 acres of native brush to see native plants, deer, javelina, and coyotes.