Views of the Neighborhood

This week I thought it would be fun to take photos of those things around town that tourists take tend to take photos of too. I know, sounds a little nuts but bear with me. I also have to explain that there were no tourists in town yesterday so I couldn’t hoodwink a few into having a picture taken with their head inside these items. I would have put me in the photos, but since my producer is out of town for a week, there was no one to snap the photo. Sad right?

The first photo is a group cutout in front of Winton’s candy store. It has nothing to do with the beach or candy but does provide a pretty accurate depiction of a Port A Saturday night.

Photos to take in Port A

This next one is in front of Wintons as well. Clearly, this is a  Rattlesnake dressed as a cowperson shooting of guns while happy candy cane cactus stands by. Woo yeah.

Where to take photos in Port A

The next one is in front Stingrays Taphouse and Grill and is obviously a stingray dressed in a 40’s zoot suit playing a guitar. I would want this one on my holiday card

The next is an extra. We have a sand festival called SandFest, and this gold cart will be raffled off.

Now we are at The Gaff, and since there are pirates everywhere, it is no surprise that the cutouts are of pirates. Of course given some of the others and the fact that The Gaff is the Sandbelt racing capital of Texas one never knows.

For bad pirates, there is the stockade

Y’all have been here before but here is another shot of the Gaff sign. I didn’t stay for the races. There is only so much excitement an old guy can take in one day.

Here is an interesting tent. You can see this is a place that you can have photos converted to shirts, shoes and it appears by the photo blankets as well.

Here is another shot of the outside. I think I would love to have a poster that big. Maybe one of my books and it could fly from the porch.

Here is a shot inside the mysterious tent. The first thing you should notice there are no photographs allowed. (Oh sir, I didn’t see the sign or signs.) Notice also the parrots. They are live and were yelling “no photos,” as I was setting up the shot. The third thing to notice is the tourist (yes, there is one) dressed in the blue shirt with a depiction of cocktails on the back.  In case you miss the subtlety the word “cocktails” is stitched above them

Here is the granddaddy of all photo ops. Imagine yourself inside the shark’s mouth. Don’t forget to look horrified so that folks back home will be fooled into thinking you are in the mouth of a shark.

I love this little sidewalk painting. This shows you where to put your feet to get the best shot of……

These two old fisherman. I did stand where I was told by the street painting and by gumbo I got the best shot.

Thanks, for joining me on this little walk around the neighborhood.

62 comments

  1. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen Plano · ·

    I always enjoy the morning chuckle, John. What would we do without Best Photo feet? Just curious, what are the words next to the feet…Dump no……? 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ah. There is a painting of a fish and Dump No Hazardous Waste. The storm sewers eventually make it to the bay. Thanks, Gwen.

      Like

  2. kethuprofumo's avatar

    Dear John, photos are jolly! 🙂 They pass a true pirate spirit! Are parrots real at one of them?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes. They are all real. The pirate spirit is alive and well here. Thanks Maria. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. kethuprofumo's avatar

        Any time! Oh-ho-ho & a bottle of rum, :-)! What a nice place is your neighborhood, dear John!

        Liked by 1 person

  3. patriciaruthsusan's avatar

    Good pictures of the attractions for tourists, John. I love the shark. 🙂 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      The shark is the best. Thanks, Suzanne. 🙂

      Like

  4. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    That’s hilarious the parrot was yelling “no photos.” You must have been driving him crazy. I loved all of the photos, John. Your town is so colorful. Happy Sunday!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Jill. I just read a piece that said Port Aransas was like the Hemingway Key West of the 50’s. I think that is pretty accurate. 🙂

      Like

      1. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

        Definitely! You’re blessed to live in such cheerful surrounding.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I think so too! 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

  5. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    That ‘best photo’ spot is great. So simple and hilarious. Wonder how long it took to train the parrots.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’ll have to ask next time. (I’ll wear a disguise) 😀

      Like

      1. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

        Don’t forget the mustache. Nobody ever sees through those.

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Dan Antion's avatar

    Great photos, John. It’s good to see so much effort put in to helping people have silly fun. We need more of that in our lives. Do you know brand machine won the belt sander contest? I’ve always preferred Porter-Cable 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. I’ll have to pay more attention. I saw a Craftsman sitting there but that was it. It would be a shame to see a Craftsman win. It would be like a Henry J taking the Monte Carlo. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    John, I always suspected you were a rebel, and now you’ve given proof — taking a photo where none were allowed. 😉 I think you secretly had fun playing tourist for a day.
    I agree about the huge picture of one’s book! Thanks for another happy stroll around the neighborhood. Have a sublime Sunday. Mega hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’ll be honest. I never saw the signs until I got home. I was so interested in the parrots and tourist I never even noticed. Thanks for doing me Teagan. Super Sunday to you.

      Like

      1. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

        Erm… what? 😉

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Ha ha ha. I just re-read my response. There is a whole line missing. Thanks for doing the walk with me, Teagan. Ha ha ha.

          Like

      2. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

        LOL. I always enjoy our Sunday strolls.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I wish I knew what happened to that line. 🙂

          Like

  8. macjam47's avatar

    I love these walks around town with you. That last photo even has a Farley boat.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes it does. If you stand where directed you ge the whole sot. Thanks, Michelle. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  9. John Fioravanti's avatar
    John Fioravanti · ·

    Super collection, good sir. How about a big picture with you and the two dogs – that would be sweet! Run it up the flagpole and see who barks!

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Jan Hawke's avatar

    Port A is a hoopy place for everyone – for sharks too! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think our mayor is a shark. Thanks, Jan

      Like

  11. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Awesome stuff this week. I wonder how many people would bid on a gigantic Lisa Burton poster…

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      it would draw a lot of interest for sure.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Hugh W. Roberts's avatar

    You live in such an interesting place, John. You’re a great tour guide. Now, kindly place yourself in the mouth of the shark so we can take some pictures. 😀
    Thanks for the tour.

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m thinking the shark might be allergic. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Almost Iowa's avatar

    I am intrigued by this sandbelt racing thing. I belong to the school that says one never has enough horsepower where tools are concerned.

    Absolutely LOVE the pictures. Views of the neighborhood is always a favorite.

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Greg. You mean you never went to the races when you visited here? Might be worth a special trip.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Almost Iowa's avatar

        It would definitely warrant a trip. I have a kick-ass sander.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Bring a long extension cord the course is 100 feet

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Almost Iowa's avatar

          Oh I wouldn’t worry about that my sander has skidded that far that fast on

          Liked by 1 person

  14. C.E.Robinson's avatar

    Fun stroll through your colorful neighborhood, John. Lucky you living there! Happy Sunday! 🎶 Christine

    Like

  15. Debbie's avatar

    John, I’d have listened to the parrots, photo op or not. Then again, I’ve always felt birds belong outside, not in, and inside birds should be in a cage. What do I know?? Great views of the neighborhood today — are you going to try for the gold cart?!?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      No I have a cart Debbie. No need for two. (Besides not my style)

      Like

  16. The Hook's avatar

    You play tourist well, John.
    And you’re waaaay less annoying.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Hook. 🙂

      Like

  17. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    Ah, the island life!

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Teri Polen's avatar

    I’d have to get my picture inside the shark – couldn’t turn that one down.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So true. Be sure to be holding a big sandwich as well. Always a crowd pleaser. 😀

      Like

  19. Audrey Dawn - Oldest Daughter Redheaded Sister's avatar

    I adore that best photo painting. If only every picture I took had a spot with instructions. This was so fun. Loved the fisherman.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Audrey. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  20. circadianreflections's avatar

    There are a lot cool signs around town. That Shark head would be pretty awesome here too in Sharks territory. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I can hear the theme from Jaws now. Thanks, Deborah.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Lennon Carlyle's avatar
    Lennon Carlyle · ·

    Love that shark! I would totally have my picture made in the mouth of it! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I can see you now. (Is that a drink in your hand?)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lennon Carlyle's avatar
        Lennon Carlyle · ·

        A nice fruity drink with an umbrella!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Yes. Melting in the sun.

          Like

  22. Ann GrubbsnCritters's avatar

    The painted boards are awesome! The shark is actually more to pretty than scary! Nice neighbourhood walk, John!

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think pretty is a good description. Thanks, Ann

      Liked by 1 person