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.
Take a trip through Asia and learn about ancient customs while gazing at the artistry of Japanese kimonos, porcelains, and even a rickshaw. Admire the beauty of artifacts from India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Thailand, The Philippines, Korea, Taiwan, and Laos. The treasures, stories, and richness of each country’s people await you at the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures & Education Center. Beautiful Asian artifacts and a collection of intricately-carved pieces are sure to be among the high points of your visit. The Museum also offers many educational classes for students and the general public each year and is open to gatherings and special events with an Asian flair.
If you're craving authentic Italian cuisine with a strong Sicilian touch, Bellino Ristorante is the place to go. This restaurant in Corpus Christi has a well-deserved reputation for offering classic dishes that reflect the rich traditions of Sicilian culture. And if you're into sustainable eating, you'll be glad to know that Bellino Ristorante is a member of GrowLocal South Texas and uses locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. The menu at Bellino Ristorante has something for everyone, whether you're a meat lover, a fish lover, or a vegetarian. They offer traditional Sicilian meat, fish, vegetable dishes, and freshly-prepared pasta dishes, with vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options. Also, everything from the bread and pasta to the sauces and desserts is made in-house daily, so you can expect to enjoy the freshest ingredients possible.
Get to shuckin' at the Fulton Oysterfest, where you can enjoy the carnival rides, games, food, an oyster eating contest, live music, and unique vendor booths, all on the beautiful Rockport-Fulton bayfront. Oysterfest officials have been working with seafood sources along the Texas Gulf Coast to locate the freshest oysters and other seafood for the event as well as the most popular entertainment.