After what might have been a soul-crushing hurricane (thanks for nothing, Harvey), the South Texas shore has proven its resilience in remarkable ways. Rockport’s businesses, residents, and homes have shown incredible elasticity and spirit, determined to not only rebuild in the wake of the hurricane but also to improve.
Despite the storm of the century, hundreds of businesses are up and running. (The Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce created a list of Open Businesses, updated daily!)
In Rockport, maritime culture meets trendy entrepreneurial spirit in a town that has long been home to some of the wealthiest and most diverse Texas residents and vacationers. Actors, musicians, fishermen, and young professionals alike call Rockport home (or “vacation home”).
So what is it about Rockport that has attracted vacationers and transplants for years, and keeps locals firmly rooted in the wake of a hurricane? We’ve created a list of the homes, businesses, art, and people who make up the uniquely alluring town of Rockport, TX.
Foodie Heaven
Small as it looks on the map, Rockport actually boasts the trendy dining scene of a much bigger city. The town’s small-business focus and entrepreneurial spirit is evident as culinary creatives put fresh spins on old favorites. With a commitment to local suppliers and products, Rockport is a hot spot for foodies.
Located on Little Bay, GLOW is a tiny rustic bistro with a dreamy atmosphere. Guests can enjoy vantage points from the dining room, bar, or covered porch and garden while tasting mouthwatering dishes featuring Texas seafood and game. Occupying a former sailboat repair shop, this little restaurant is the perfect setting for parties and events.
For those with dietary restrictions, the menu includes gluten-free and vegetarian options. And here’s the cherry on top of this already delicious treat: GLOW is open for Brunch every Sunday at 11 am. (Mimosa, please!)
Image courtesy of Winery on the Bay Facebook page.Rockport also offers award-winning wine tasting! Head downtown to Winery on the Bay, a family-owned boutique winery that produces over thirty varieties of wine from around the world. Stop by for a glass or a bottle and relax on the patio (complete with porch swing!) as you sip some of Texas’ finest wines.
Inspired Architecture
Prepare to fall in love! Given the unique diversity of the landscape and local flair for aesthetics, it’s unsurprising that there truly is no “typical” Rockport home. Neighborhoods display a wonderland of architectural class and creativity, showcasing many homes designed by famed Texas architects.
Whether you dream of life in a charming bungalow, waterfront Cape Cod style house, or dazzling Mediterranean-style villa, Rockport real estate offers street upon street of the stunning (and stunningly affordable) homes and vacation homes.
A drive along Estes Cove can double as a DIY house tour. The coastline boasts mansions and villas so grand so they could be the set for Downton Abbey South Texas. The interior architecture of this luxury Rockport home (click the link to see more!) has us swooning!
Houses in Rockport come in all styles and sizes. One look at this charming 2-bedroom waterfront cottage, and we were packing our bags for the beach!
Outdoor and Indoor Adventures
The best way to experience Rockport? Get outside and let that warm South Texas breeze run through your hair. Sitting directly on Aransas Bay, Rockport offers a bevy of outdoor, maritime, and historical activities.
Image courtesy of Rockport Texas Instagram page.
Head out to Rockport Beach Park or Key Allegro for fishing and views that will make your Instagram followers green with envy.
Image courtesy of Fulton Mansion Historic Site Facebook page.
History buffs will appreciate Rockport’s preservation of historic sites. Spend a day at the Texas Maritime Museum (reopening early 2018), or drive down the road to tour the Fulton Mansion Historic Site, a grand Victorian villa built in the late 1800s.
A Thriving Arts Scene
Hundreds of artists find inspiration in the natural beauty of Rockport. If you walk along the streets downtown, you’ll find gallery after gallery of museum-worthy artwork. Local photographers capture landscapes, wildlife, and scenes that tell the story of Rockport.
Image courtesy of John Martell Photography Facebook page.
Photographer John Martell, who often photographs landscapes, wildlife, and local scenes, used his lens to capture the story of Harvey and Rockport’s strength during and after the storm. Open daily, his gallery on Austin Street features evocative images on canvas, watercolor paper, and metal.
Image courtesy of Wind Way Gallery website.
The Wind Way Gallery showcases local professional artists and emerging talent with monthly featured artists, receptions, and classes and workshops. The gallery emphasizes community engagement with art, and for those looking to add to their personal collections, all pieces – from sculptures to canvases to handcrafted jewelry – are available for purchase.
A Sense of Community
In Rockport, residents love to get together, and vacationers are always welcome! The community calendar is always full, with events like Rockport Fulton Market Days, a monthly weekend event that attracts residents and visitors alike. With over one hundred booths, live music, and more food options than you’ll know what to do with, this event is a fantastic family outing or weekend date…and it’s Fido-friendly, too!
Image courtesy of Rockport Fulton Market Days Facebook page.
Rife with visionary artists, restaurateurs, and small-business owners, Rockport offers an array of cultural and entertainment experiences to choose from. After Harvey brought his worst, the people of Rockport brought their best, attracting new residents and vacationers to explore the diverse activities and astonishing coastal landscapes. Keller William Coastal Bend is proud to join forces with Rockport as it rebuilds and welcomes folks from far and wide to bask in the laid-back, sunny beauty of South Texas living.
This is a town of adventure, creativity, and strength. We are #RockportStrong.
