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

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Liked by 1 person

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

        Liked by 1 person

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The shark is the best. Thanks, Suzanne. 🙂

      Like

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

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I think so too! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

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

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Like

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

        Liked by 1 person

  6. 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. 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. 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. 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. Erm… what? 😉

        Liked by 1 person

      2. 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

      3. LOL. I always enjoy our Sunday strolls.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. I wish I knew what happened to that line. 🙂

        Like

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

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Liked by 1 person

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think our mayor is a shark. Thanks, Jan

      Like

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

    Like

    1. it would draw a lot of interest for sure.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. 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. I’m thinking the shark might be allergic. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

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

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Bring a long extension cord the course is 100 feet

        Liked by 1 person

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

        Liked by 1 person

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

    Like

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

      Like

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Hook. 🙂

      Like

  17. Ah, the island life!

    Liked by 1 person

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

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Like

  19. 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. Thanks, Audrey. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Lennon Carlyle · ·

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

    Liked by 1 person

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

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lennon Carlyle · ·

        A nice fruity drink with an umbrella!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Yes. Melting in the sun.

        Like

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

    Like

    1. I think pretty is a good description. Thanks, Ann

      Liked by 1 person