December in Aransas County — Where Community Shines Brightest
December in Aransas County is more than a calendar full of events — it’s a living reminder of our resilience, togetherness, and small-town charm. From shoreline lights to historic streets, every corner of Rockport–Fulton shines with community spirit all month long. December has arrived, and with it comes a season of celebrations across Rockport–Fulton and Aransas County. Our partners have lined up a full month of events that reflect who we are as a community — resilient, welcoming, and grounded in the spirit of togetherness. From Tropical Christmas and Christmas on the Beach, to historic home tours, art walks, concerts, markets, and holiday nights in the District — every corner of our county is alive with small-town charm and big-hearted energy. It’s a reminder that after everything this community has weathered, especially since Hurricane Harvey, Aransas County continues to rise with strength, creativity, and purpose. These festivities are more than events — they are proof of our shared resilience, our deep community roots, and the warmth that draws visitors, Winter Texans, and sojourners back year after year. As Aransas Pathways, we are grateful to stand alongside our partners in celebrating what makes this county extraordinary. And through our own Christmas on the Beach Volunteer Appreciation Night we want to kick off the month by inviting everyone to explore, support, and participate in the many holiday events happening throughout December. Every gathering, every stroll, every shared moment helps strengthen our community spirit — and that is the heart of our advocacy. Become Part of the Pathways Story If you believe in what we do, and if you want to be part of the small-but-mighty movement that keeps our trails, kayak sites, birding spots, and heritage venues thriving, we invite you to join us as a volunteer. Be part of the Pathways story. Become a Steward or Ambassador this season. Sign Up as a Volunteer: https://aransaspathways.com/volunteer-december Aransas Pathways Birding. History. Kayaking. Trails.One County, Countless Adventures. Photo Courtesy of Rockport-Fulton Chamber & Rockport Cultural Arts District
Healing Hands of Aransas County – Grand Opening
The Friends of the History Center are pleased to announce the grand opening of the “Healing Hands of Aransas County” exhibit. When: January 20, 2024 @ 10:00 o’clock in the morning. Where: The Aransas County History Center, 801 E Cedar St, Rockport, TX 78382
NEWS RELEASE: Aransas Pathways Volunteer Training Day
We are so thankful for our Volunteers! Come hep us restore our Aransas County Pathways. Bring your garden gloves, wear good shoes and work clothes. Aransas Pathways invite you to help restore our natural gardens. When: November 2, 2023 from 9am to 10:30 am. Where: Tule East Demo Garden (across the Street from Walmart) – 2010 Tule Park Dr.
BIRDING WITH BOB in October 2023
Friday, October 20, 20238:30 to 11:00 a.m. Meet at the parking lot behind the “Rockport Beach” sign, just before entering Rockport Beach Park, 210 Seabreeze Drive, Rockport, TX 78382 Celebrate the birds of the Rockport area! Join volunteer (and retired park ranger and bird guide) Bob Showler to look for birds at Aransas Pathways sites and other points of interest. Be prepared to drive your own car up to 20 miles round-trip and bring water, sun & insect protection, and binoculars (if you have them; loaner binoculars also available). We may be walking up to 1/4 mile at certain stops. Beginning birders welcome!! Access to most sites is free, but there is a $10 fee to enter Rockport Beach Park (free to annual passholders; visit Rockport Beach (rockportbeach-texas.com) for more information on purchasing an annual pass). Contact Jennifer Heard jheard@aransascounty.org 361-556-5308
Volunteer Day at Castro Nature Sanctuary
Volunteer Day at Castro tomorrow 5/10/2023 and Thursday 5/11/2023 9:30-11:30 planting day. Thank you. Linda S. Castro Nature Sanctuary 4140 Hwy 35 N., Rockport, TX 78382 (map below)
Coffee with Connie
Aransas Pathways Birding Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary Please join us for “Coffee with Connie” on May 13th, 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Location: Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary, 1401-1499 S. Church St., Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) Folks will be on hand to answer plant questions or provide information about the Sanctuary.
Our Heritage: Ranching & Farming
An opening you will not want to miss! Bluegrass music, Dutch oven demonstrations, branding and more! Printable Flyer Dutch-oven cooking by Edwin Quintero and Sara Rock from TPWD – Goose Island State ParkWatch as local brands are burned into commemorative tiles. Waymon & Brenda Williams, will tell stories and play bluegrass. At the C801 E. Cedar St.Rockport, TX 78382
Celebrate the birds of the Rockport area!
Aransas Pathways Birding Field Trip – March Schedule Meet at the parking lot behind the “Rockport Beach” sign, just before entering Rockport Beach Park, 210 Seabreeze Drive, Rockport, TX 78382 Celebrate the birds of the Rockport area! Join volunteer (and retired park ranger and bird guide) Bob Showler to look for birds at Aransas Pathways sites and other points of interest. Be prepared to drive your own car up to 20 miles round-trip and bring water, sun & insect protection, and binoculars (if you have them; loaner binoculars also available). We may be walking up to 1/4 mile at certain stops. Access to most sites is free, but there is a $10 fee to enter Rockport Beach Park (free to annual passholders; visit Rockport Beach (rockportbeach-texas.com) for more information on purchasing an annual pass). Printable flyer for Pathways Birding Field Trip Flyer – Bob Showler
Adventure of learning and sightseeing aboard The Skimmer.
Join us as we take you back in time to the abundant history in the settlement of Copano Bay aboard the Skimmer captained by Tommy Moore & Historical guide Pam Stranahan. This is an adventure of learning and sightseeing you will not want to miss! This will be a 3 hour trip aboard the flagship Skimmer. Tour time 9am – 12pm. There will be light finger foods and drinks provided. Please keep in mind this is an outdoor event and nature governs the trip. If forced to postpone, March 31 is the alternate date. Tickets are available via www.theachistorycenter.com/events-1 or at the History Center, 801 E. Cedar St. Sailing: March 29, 9:00 AM at Fulton Harbor on the Skimmer Tix $50 available via FHC only. Printable Flyer for sharing about this adventure of learning and sightseeing aboard The Skimmer.
“Quilting in the New Normal” – Open Jan. 14 at the History Ctr.
The Piecemakers-by-the-Bay and The Friends of the History Center will present a show titled ”Quilting in the New Normal.” Coffee and pastries will be served at the opening on Saturday, January 14, 10 AM. Opening remarks will be made by Susie Black. Mimi Braniff will present a traditional Bed Turning program where quilts will be shown with the patterns and stitching described. The main galleries at the History Center will be filled with needlework from guild members and Fourth Graders from Sacred Heart School. Programs will be featured on Sunday afternoons at 2:00 PM. A beautiful quilt created by the Piecemakers will be raffled at the close of the exhibit. Tickets ($1 each or 6 for $5) will be available at the History Center. The drawing for a winner will be held Sunday, April 2 at 4:00 PM. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the History Center.