During the height of Covid, there really wasn’t much traveling you could do where restaurants/shops/etc were open. We had a trip planned for Curacao that year but we had to cancel as leaving the country during that time wasn’t something we were willing to do. Personal reasons, mostly…a story for another time.
So knowing we all needed a trip to SOMEWHERE, I looked for warm weather locations and last minute deals. We ended up that year on South Padre Island, Texas. Despite the last minute planning and some hiccups upon arrival (“our apologies for your car reservation, sir, we just don’t any cars”. For the record, you don’t need a car in SPI anyway), we had a great time and made some great memories.
I wouldn’t say it was crowded during that time, but it definitely wasn’t overly busy. We got into restaurants without a wait, were able to book activities with no restrictions, and the beach was so wide open myself and the kids were able to have a baseball catch without any danger of hitting someone with an errant throw.
When I look back on certain trips, there are things that we pull from them that we continue to remember or try to replicate. Of all the things in SPI, there are two things that stand out for me. 1. The kids (especially Emily) developed a love for riding horses. Who couldn’t love the freedom of riding a horse through the surf on the beach? 2. Chicken and Waffles. No…this wasn’t the first time I’ve ever had them, but it may have been the first time for the kids. Well, the Grapevine Cafe in SPI does it fantastic!! (https://gvcafe.com/). To this day, when I have time on the weekends, I try to make them and do justice to that wonderful little cafe.
What memories stand out to you from the trips you have taken? Feel free to share….I’d love to hear!
