Most people know Portland, Texas for its kiteboarding and birding. Fair enough, given the town's position between Corpus Christi Bay and Nueces Bay. But the fall and winter calendar is what turns a coastal day trip into a weekend worth booking a hotel for. A Halloween festival with a costume contest and trick-or-treat trail. A triathlon that welcomes first-timers. A kids' fishing competition off Indian Point Pier. Then on top of all that, a December lineup that somehow fits a parade of lights, an ice rink, a night race in tinsel, and Breakfast with Santa into one month. Portland doesn't slow down when the temperature drops; it just moves the party inland.
What’s a little bit spooky, a little bit creepy and a whole lotta fun? Portland’s annual Boo Bash Festival, a Halloween gathering complete with thrills, activities and some chills. This old-fashioned community festival features a wide variety of outdoor Halloween activities, including a Trick-or-Treat trail with plenty of candy, games, a Halloween costume contest, live music, food trucks, arts and crafts and ghouls, goblins and ghosts galore. All ages are sure to have a spook-tastic good time.
Triathlons aren’t scary! Well…maybe just a little. Portland’s festive and fun Boo Bash Triathlon combines the magic of autumn with the satisfaction of completing a triathlon. The event is open to athletes 15 and older of any ability level. The Newbie category is just right for first-timers, with a 200-yard swim, 6-mile bike and 1-mile run. Meanwhile, the Sprint group welcomes seasoned participants eager to take on a 400-yard swim, 12-mile bike and 5K run. Groups of 2-3 can also participate as a relay team. The festivities begin at the Portland Aquatic Center for the swim leg. Following the event, pat yourself on the back and enjoy food, drinks and live music.
Young anglers will love a chance to reel in the big one at Portland’s annual Kid Katch a free gathering at the iconic Indian Point Pier. Young people 17 and under participate in three different age categories, with prizes awarded for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place biggest fish in each age group. Feel the cool breeze and enjoy the warm sun as kids drop a line into the glistening bay and wait for a nibble. Clean your catch at the newly upgraded fish cleaning stations along the pier. Be sure to also enjoy adjacent Indian Point Park, where a sail shade structure makes a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch.
Ho! Ho! Ho! Christmas in Portland brings glad tidings to the Portland community and its many visitors. Christmas on the Coast starts with the Christmas in Portland festival featuring the city’s official tree lighting and the illumination of twinkling lights downtown. The holly jolly kick-off event also includes the opening of Portland’s annual ice-skating rink where friends and families strap on the blades and enjoy a turn on the ice—no experience necessary! Santa is on site to hear Christmas wishes from the young and young-at-heart. Kids will have a ball making Christmas crafts—and Christmas snowballs from the real snow brought in for the event’s super fun snow slide.
Christmas in Portland is just part of what’s in store for visitors throughout the rest of December. Enjoy a classic small town parade with the Christmas Parade of Lights, featuring a caravan of illuminated floats—one of which hosts Santa!
Runners and walkers love the Illuminated Tinsel Trot + Concert, offering 10K, 5K and 1-mile race options. The races take place in the evening and runners are encouraged to make it festive by wearing lights. Afterwards, enjoy mouth-watering local eats from food trucks and kick up your heels to live music!
Oh, and we can't forget about the free Christmas Tree Forest, a showcase of trees decorated by volunteer organizations and donated to disadvantaged families. Take a tour and vote for your favorite.
Christmas is all about anticipation, and kids can’t wait for Breakfast with Santa. Create Christmas crafts to bring home, savor fluffy pancakes and, of course, nab a photo op with jolly ol’ St. Nick. Meanwhile, pet lovers won’t want to miss Pooch-a-Palooza at the Portland Farmers Market, a chance for your fur baby to pose with Mr. Claus himself.
Throughout the month, each event features opportunities to drop off toys for local families in need.
With mild weather, friendly people and lots of good fun, Portland is a terrific spot for a fall or winter getaway. Select from a variety of places to stay, including national chain hotels that offer free breakfasts and welcome pets. Book your stay in Portland today.
About the Author: A lover of all things Lone Star, Maggie is an award-winning features writer covering the Gulf South and the author of Hungry for Louisiana, An Omnivore’s Journey.
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