DON'T WASTE A MINUTE ON FRANDOLIG ISLAND!

Rockport really does rock! The sheltered harbor, established over a century and a half ago, sits atop a shelf of solid rock underlying its shoreline. Although the port's "foundation" is hidden beneath the sands of time, the lively history built upon it is evident everywhere along Rockport's avenues. The Hoopes-Smith House, a turn-of-the-century bed and breakfast located on North Broadway Street, offers a glimpse of gulf coast gentility (and modern overnight accommodations!). Across Little Bay on Rockport's island community of Key Allegro, Bayshore Drive's Historical Marker captures the islet's unusual past. Once known as Frandolig, the island was home to a large fig orchard, a vineyard, and homesteader Franz Joseph Frandolig who produced wine by the barrel. In nearby Fulton, the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site highlights the French Second Empire Mansion "Oakhurst," built by entrepreneur George W. Fulton.

Rockport boasts a state cultural district designated by the Texas Commission on the Arts. Downtown along South Austin Street is sampling of Rockport's thriving arts community. Rockport Center for the arts has a new State of the art gallery and an adjoining convention center called the ROC. More art can be found along Austin Street. You'll also find the Texas Maritime Museum, the official maritime museum of Texas, in Rockport. Celebrate the harbor's seafaring past and natural setting on the Aransas Pathway where you can hike it or bike it, with 64 miles of trail leading to 50 historic sites and 45 birding sites, Rockport-Fulton helps us all "use it so we don't lose it"!