By DINA ARÉVALO
Port Isabel-South Padre Press
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
The rains have come and cooled things down a small amount, the sun is setting earlier in the evenings and we’re midway through the high school football regular season. That can only mean one thing: autumn is here.
Now is the time for mugs filled with beverages aromatic with the spicy scents of cinnamon and nutmeg or the warmth of steamed milk, like apple cider or the pumpkin spice lattes from a certain well-known coffee shop chain. Strange sounds are just now starting to fill the air as the literal early birds of the annual fall migration have begun trickling into the area. Soon we’ll see a different sort of migration as snow birds, or Winter Texans, start arriving here to escape the harsher climates further north.
Though fall traditionally represents a transition to winter where life in the natural world takes a pause to slumber its way through cold and snow until spring re-emerges, we here in the Valley are fortunate to experience fall as something else entirely: as a new beginning for new life. Birds and butterflies come here, and people, too. The region’s second growing season kicks off this month as the searing heat of summer gives way to weather perfect for tomatoes, broccoli, strawberries, cabbage, peppers, peas and a whole host of others.
And just as the plants and animals come forth to enjoy this oasis, so, too do we. The events calendar is full of things to do. The early migratory bird arrivals can be seen during the sixth anniversary open house celebration at the South Padre Island Birding Center on Saturday. Next weekend folks are invited to the beach to watch world-famous artists build stunning sand castles during SandCastle Days.
Those whose feet tend to tap out a rhythm can put those twinkle toes to use at Port Isabel’s upcoming Pachanga in the Park early next month. Fleet footed individuals need not look far to see a bevy of marathons scheduled all over the Valley, including South Padre Island’s own Run SPI Marathon in November. And for those who enjoy the quietude of nature, area state and national wildlife parks are gearing up to host guided walks, tram tours, public hunts, hikes, geocaching and other activities.
But there’s more than just outdoor fun to be had. Patrons of the arts will find themselves with an abundance of things to enjoy as the El Paseo Arts League hosts several plays and events through the fall and into the winter.
There’s something for everyone, so how are you going to spend your fall? Let us know online at www.portisabelsouthpadre.com.
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