By the Bay in Corpus Christi, Texas

Located on Corpus Christi’s Bayfront, the Holiday Inn Emerald Beach, steps from downtown, is convenient for the business traveler. Families–traveling with kids–will also appreciate the indoor swimming pool, ping pong tables and play area.

A recent renovation has spruced up the accommodations which have new carpeting, furniture and flat screen televisions. Guest rooms are furnished with a mini fridge, microwave and coffeemaker. The on-site self-parking is free, as is WiFi.

One of the best reasons to stay in the Holiday Inn is the Bay. Taking a stroll by the Lawrence Street T-head admiring the boats, we spotted Christopher Columbus’s ship the Nina. The government of Spain had the life-size replica built to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ epic voyage to the New World and to promote closer relations between Spain and the United States of America. If you visit the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History (www.ccmuseumdres.com) you’ll see the dry-docked Pinta and Santa Marie.

Eight miradores–that’s the Spanish name for the gazebo-like structures lining the Bayfront provide a shady spot for watching the boats. Inside each one is a plaque describing some aspect of Corpus Christi history.

When it comes to dining, our favorite downtown restaurant is Water Street Oyster Bar (www.waterstreetrestauarnts.com) with Gulf Coast fresh seafood and a Happy Hour with half-priced boiled shrimp–yum.

For more information about Corpus, go to (www.visitcorpuschristitx.org/).

The Holiday Inn Emerald Beach
1102 Shoreline Drive
361.883.5731
Reservations and information:
www.holidayinn.com