Talk:Rockport, Texas

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Rockport Texas is a charming coastal community of approximately 8000 friendly citizens. Much of the town's charm comes from the fact that civic minded locals have helped preserve the town's "small town" feel while at the same time welcoming responsible development. Large windswept live oaks are a dominate feature of the area and the state's oldest live oak, "Big Tree" resides on nearby Lamar Penninsula. The towns of Rockport and Fulton intermingle and many refer to the combined communities as "Rockport - Fulton". The community boasts a unique Maritime Museum, The Fulton Mansion State Historic Park, numerous art galleries and unique shops. Rockport is widely known as an artist's haven and many styles and disciplines are represented. Birders will find more opportunities to add to their life lists here than almost anywhere else in North America. Local operators offer wintertime tours of nesting Whooping Cranes in the large Aransas Wildlife Sanctuary located nearby. Local birders and organizations such as the Aransas Bird and Nature Club have helped preserve unique bird watching such as the Connie Hagar sanctuary and Aransas Woods that are easily accessible. Located along the migration route of several species of hummingbird, the city hosts an annual "Hummer and Birding Expo" which includes tours of local residents where hundreds of ruby throated hummingbirds can be viewed at feeders. The city's beachfront park has won awards for "The Nations's Cleanest Beach" and the whole Aransas Bay beckonds the sportsman, sailor and power boater with miles of uncrowded waters. The city hosts several fairs and expostions each year including the Fiesta De La Playa, Seafair and a Wine Festival. Rockport boasts a mild winter climate and although summers can be hot a cooling sea breeze is usually blowing. Many winter residents have returned to live year round. Challenges to the town are the same as those faced by many other small, growing coastal communities such as the ability to preserve local character, nature and wetlands, and keep city infrastructure growing at a pace with community needs.

Recent business activity of note includes a proposed 75 bed hospital by Christus Spohn located on the 35 bypass, a new Starbucks Coffee franchise, and the proposal of a major downtown marina and shopping development on land owned by the Bass family. Nearby, also in Aransas county a large, upscale RV park and professional golf course, Iron Gator, is scheduled to open in 2007. New condominium construction as well as single family housing continues on the upswing.