Now’s a great time to be at the beach
I just returned from an action-packed, three-day trip to South Padre Island, and wow–the beginning of fall is a fantastic time to be at the beach. Not only is it “off” season right now (meaning that hotel rates are low–my room at the Palms Hotel–a place right on the beach, with a restaurant & bar, plus a fridge in the room–ran around 75 bucks a night), but you won’t have to wrestle for space on the beach, in restaurants, on snorkeling boats, or dolphin-watching tours. Vacationing families leave in August, and the Winter Texans typically start arriving in November, so during September and October, island merchants are extra-glad to see us.
Same is true for other Texas coastal destinations, like Port Aransas–one of my favorite spots in Texas. In fact, a group of friends and I have rented a large house in Port A for a Thanksgiving celebration this year. We found a 5-bedroom place with multiple porches, a full cook’s kitchen–just a few blocks from the ocean–that will cost us each about 70 bucks a night. Even accepts pets! I found the listing on a link from the Port Aransas Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site–just google Port Aransas, and you’re golden.
We’re talking about abandoning the turkey tradition this year and going for paella instead.