Life on Paws and Wheels

Simba and I visited the Friendship Monument in Corpus Christi, Texas — a historic landmark honoring Blas de la Garza Falcón , an early Spanish settler and founder of the predecessor settlement that would eventually evolve into the Corpus Christi region. The monument celebrates the spirit of cooperation and the deep historical ties between Corpus Christi and the Spanish colonial era, reflecting relationships that helped shape South Texas over centuries. The word Friendship in the monument’s name goes beyond a single individual. It represents shared history, cultural exchange, and the blending of communities that influenced this part of the Gulf Coast. Standing near downtown, the monument serves as a quiet reminder that modern Corpus Christi grew from layered stories of exploration, settlement, and cooperation. If you enjoy historical landmarks, cultural history, and the lesser-told stories that connect people and place, the Friendship Monument is a meaningful stop in Corpus Christi. ...

Simba and I visited the Queen of the Sea sculpture in Corpus Christi, Texas — a striking piece of public art that celebrates the city’s deep connection to the Gulf of Mexico and the people who live, work, and build their lives along the coast. Positioned with views of both water and city, the sculpture carries a strong sense of presence that feels perfectly suited to this coastal setting. Created as a tribute to maritime culture and coastal spirit, the Queen of the Sea reflects strength, grace, and resilience — qualities closely tied to life along the Gulf. As part of Corpus Christi’s growing public art landscape, the sculpture transforms an everyday waterfront space into a place of reflection and inspiration. If you enjoy public art, coastal culture, and discovering places where creativity and community intersect, the Queen of the Sea sculpture is a beautiful and memorable stop. 🌬️ A Tribute to Coastal Life The Queen of the Sea feels grounded in its environment. With open views of t...

Simba and I visited the Selena Memorial (Mirador de la Flor) in Corpus Christi, Texas — a waterfront monument honoring Selena Quintanilla , the beloved artist known worldwide as the Queen of Tejano Music . Set along Corpus Christi Bay, the memorial stands as a place where music, culture, and community continue to meet. Unveiled in the late 1990s, the site features a life-size bronze statue of Selena gazing out toward the bay. The pose symbolizes remembrance and her enduring connection to the city she called home. For fans from around the world, this has become a space for tribute, reflection, and celebration of Selena’s influence on Latin music and pop culture. If you appreciate music history, cultural landmarks, and places that honor influential figures, the Selena Memorial is a powerful and meaningful stop in Corpus Christi. 🌊 A Waterfront Tribute with Heart Positioned along the bay, the memorial’s setting adds to its emotional impact. The water, breeze, and open horizon create a c...

Simba and I visited Mustang Island State Park near Corpus Christi, Texas — a protected stretch of barrier island coastline where the Gulf of Mexico, rolling dunes, and coastal grasslands come together. Mustang Island carries a long and layered history shaped by Indigenous peoples, Spanish exploration, shipwrecks, and centuries of coastal change driven by wind and water. Today, the state park preserves a more natural version of the island, offering wide beaches, undeveloped shoreline, and access to sensitive dune ecosystems. It’s a place where the Texas coast still feels raw and open, allowing you to experience the landscape much as it has existed for generations. If you enjoy scenic drives, coastal nature, and places where the land feels untamed, Mustang Island State Park is a must-visit stop along the Texas Gulf Coast. 🌾 A Barrier Island Shaped by Time Barrier islands like Mustang Island are constantly evolving. Wind, waves, and storms reshape the shoreline, while dunes and grasses ...

Simba and I visited the Chapel on the Dunes in Port Aransas, Texas — the oldest consecrated church on the Texas Gulf Coast . Built in the mid-1930s by local residents, the chapel was created to serve fishermen, ranchers, and early island settlers who needed a permanent place of worship on what was then a remote barrier island. Over the decades, the chapel has endured hurricanes, shifting sands, and the constant forces of wind and salt air. Its simple wooden construction and location near the dunes reflect both the resilience of the building and the determination of the coastal community that built it. Today, the Chapel on the Dunes remains an active place of worship and a cherished historic landmark symbolizing faith, perseverance, and island life. If you enjoy historic churches, coastal history, and places shaped by community and survival, this chapel is a meaningful stop in Port Aransas. 🌊 Built by Community, Shaped by the Coast When the chapel was constructed, Port Aransas was far...

Simba and I visited the Seaman’s Memorial Tower in Aransas Pass, Texas — a striking waterfront monument dedicated to sailors and seafarers who lost their lives at sea. Rising prominently along the coast, the tower resembles a lighthouse in both form and symbolism, standing as a beacon of remembrance for those whose lives were forever tied to the Gulf waters. Aransas Pass has deep maritime roots, shaped by fishing, shipping, and offshore industries. This memorial reflects the community’s respect for the risks faced by those who worked on the water and honors the sacrifices made in pursuit of livelihood and duty. If you enjoy coastal landmarks, memorials with purpose, and places rooted in local history, the Seaman’s Memorial Tower is a meaningful stop in Aransas Pass. 🌊 Honoring Lives Shaped by the Sea The Seaman’s Memorial Tower is more than a visual landmark — it’s a symbol of gratitude and remembrance. Positioned along the waterfront, it overlooks the same waters that provided oppor...