Southwest Photographics

Did you know that The Ritz Theatre is one of the last historic buildings remaining in Corpus Christi? It was built in 1929 and was the first talking movie theater in the area. The Ritz was one of the finest theaters in Texas and is now best known as The Ritz Music Hall, which housed a great range of artists from Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and Stevie Ray Vaughn to Metallica and Def Leppard in the 70s. Recently, PATCH, the non-profit organization behind the restoration of The Ritz, has launched a dynamic new action plan. They have published a manifesto about Corpus Christi, a "State of The Ritz" document, and a call to the community for help.

Join Aransas Pass Shrimporee's yearly grand festival, where you get to devour some of the best shrimp dishes South Texas has to offer, leaving your tastebuds happy. As you roam the grounds, try out the Shrimp Eating Contest, enjoy the Folklorico Dancers, Mariachis, and Belly Dancers, and take your kiddos to the Kidz Zone, Magic Show, Pony Rides, Arts & Crafts, and check out the Culinary Stage, Games, Carnival, and the Exotic Animal Exhibit. Relax a bit from the recreations and check out the 80-plus vendors, where you can enjoy shopping and a large variety of food from gumbo to funnel cakes and shrimp. Visitors can also expect to enjoy a wide variety of music that will provide continuous entertainment that should appeal to young and old alike.

Venture over to Bien Mérité Cafe, Bakery, and Restaurant, where they are passionate about French pastries and take pride in using the finest and freshest ingredients in the croissants, cakes, and beverages. They proudly serve a menu that includes a variety of classic and sweet coffee drinks, so there's something for everyone. Their specialty coffee is locally roasted, ensuring you get quality coffee in every cup. In addition to pastries and beverages, they offer a delicious selection of toast, sweet and savory sandwiches. Every pastry is baked fresh daily, guaranteeing the best quality product that you deserve.

Padre Island National Seashore, the longest undeveloped stretch of a barrier island in the world, has more than 133,000 acres of protected, natural beaches, white dunes, thriving grassland, saltwater marshes, and a host of untouched wildlife. Experience the island in its natural state with primitive camping, which is allowed in any spot along the entire length of the beach. Year-round inhabitants include coyotes, white-tail deer, peregrine falcons, kangaroo rats, and jackrabbits.