Back in early March, the four month endeavor that is Local’s List, kicked off. 93 categories were set up and the rest was up to the public. Nominations flooded in across all categories and, once vetted, were put up for a vote. Over 122,000 votes came in this year – a record breaking number for us. This is the fourth year we have put on the Local’s List and our staff was blown away by the amount of support. This list truly has one purpose. We aim to shine a light on all things local with every single one of our issues, but this one is different. It comes from you, our readers. So, we dedicate this list to all of the hard working individuals who, day in and day out, strive to make the Coastal Bend an even better place to work, play, live, and visit. The locals have spoke, and the winners are…
ARTS & CULTURE:
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-3D Artist: AlexbrChapa, Moonstone’d Pottery
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Three Facts AboutbrPottery from Alex Chapa:
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– If you create something you’re not happybrwith, you can destroy it and work with the same clay again.
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– Ceramics takes about four to six weeksbr(sometimes longer) and goes through a multi-step process.
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– The word ceramics comes from a Greek wordbrfor “burned earth.”
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@moonstonepottery
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-Art Gallery: K Space Contemporary
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Did you know K Space Contemporary is the oldest alternative artbrspace in the Coastal Bend region? Yup! This non-profit organization has beenbrhosting exhibits featuring emerging and mid-career artists whose works arebrexperimental, non-commercial, or difficult to exhibit due to unusualbrinstallation requirements or site-specific ideas since 1995. kspacecontemporary.org
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-Arts Theatre: Harbor Playhouse
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“I have been taking my kids to performances at the HarborbrPlayhouse since they were itty bitty (they are 21 and 26 now). It has alwaysbrbeen a staple tradition in our family, one I hope my kids pass on to their ownbrchildren one day.” –Kathy Melendez. harborplayhouse.com
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-Dance Studio: Avant Dance
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Whether your kids are aspiring dancers or just want to pick up abrnew after-school activity, Avant Dance has a class for them. Founded in 2002,brthe dance company offers classes from beginner to pre-professional in sixbrdifferent dance styles. avantdance.com
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-Event Photographer: Twins Media
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It’s all in the name: Twins Media is a twin brother duo, andbrthey make for the perfect pair. Aaron and Andrew Medina have been behind thebrlens of so many local events, capturing every memorable moment. From BarbarabrCanales’ County Judge Campaign’s digital needs to countless weddings, concerts,brand galas, these guys aren’t messing around. twinsmedia.info
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-Family Attraction: Texas State Aquarium
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“The Texas State Aquarium defies the ‘typical’ aquarium/zoobrstereotypes. I encourage everyone to visit the Texas State Aquarium! Also, didbryou know this is the official aquarium of Texas? Designated by the TexasbrLegislature in 1985!” – Shelby O’Brien. texasstateaquarium.org
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-Fashion Designer: Nick Perez
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Who says Corpus is no place for couture? Certainly not NickbrPerez, that’s for sure. Perez is the self-taught mastermind behind NICÓ – abrcustom, high-quality womenswear line ranging from evening wear to bridal. Hisbrdesigns, much like his mind, are different, fresh, and one-of-a-kind. nicocollective.com
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-Festival: Dia De Los Muertos
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“Every year, the Dia de los Muertos Festival brings the CoastalbrBend’s entire creative community together for a bright, beautiful, festive timebrfor the whole family. The music, the dancing, the costumes, the culturalbrsignificance, and the loving, respectful crowd create a beautiful energy thatbrflows throughout downtown Corpus Christi. That it supports one of the mostbrcreative organizations in town, K Space Contemporary, is just the icing on thebrcake. It’s simply one my favorite nights of the year.” – Aisylnn Campbell. kspacecontemporary.org
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-Graphic Designer: Tracy Benck, Iconic Sign Group
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Tracy Benck, with Iconic Sign Group, knows a thing or two aboutbrgraphic design! As a designer for one of the biggest sign companies in SouthbrTexas, she whips out new and innovative designs for companies and brands on abrdaily business! iconicsg.com
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-Interior Designer: Buck Mathews, Chic to Chic
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Design Tips from BuckbrMatthews:
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-Foundation is key. When designing a room Ibrlike to start from the ground up. Selecting just the right area rug for a spacebrprovides the inspiration for the other elements in a room.
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-Scale is ‘almost’ everything. The scale orbrsize of a piece of furniture, are, or mirror is as important as the style ofbrthe particular object.
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-Clear out the clutter…I see many rooms whichbrcontain too many small objects. Concentrating on displaying fewer meaningfulbrlarger objects and mixing in few smaller ones, a space will feel larger andbrmore welcoming.
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chictochicfurniture.com
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-Painter: Noel Stephenson
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Noel Stephenson is a coastal gal through and through. Her workbrdepicts boldly rendered native animals and plants, and whether she is paintingbra creature from the sea or a beautiful bird boasting colorful feathers, her artbrgives off a feeling of familiarity and a sense of home. @noeliasfineartandjewelry
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-Portrait Photographer: Karen Dominguez Photography
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Senior photos, engagement sessions, and pregnancy photos galore.brKaren Dominguez has a goal of capturing some of life’s sweetest moments. Herbrportrait work is simply excellent! @karendominguezphotography
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-Tattoo Artist: Chris Lain, Pinnacle Tattoo
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25 years of experience is what awaits you when you schedule anbrappointment with Chris Lain. If you browse through his portfolio, you’ll findbrtons and tons of images depicting his unique style, which combines classicallybrillustrated Americana as well as large scale Japanese influenced work. pinnacletatto.net
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-Wildlife/Nature Photographer: Lu Ann Kingsbury
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Beaches, birds, and beautiful sunrises – those are just some ofbrthe picturesque compositions you’ll find when browsing through Lu Ann’sbrInstagram page. Seriously, go to her page and try not to scroll for hours. Ibrdare you. @coastalrazzi
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EDITORS’ PICKS:
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-Community Advocate: Barbara Canales
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-Best Way to SupportbrLocal Artists: Loca for Local Pop-UpbrMarket Events
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-Best Mural: Sandra Gonzalez and Monica Marie Garcia’s “Strong Alone, FearlessbrTogether” mural on the YWCA building
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-Best Art Exhibition: Los Tejanos: Chicano Art from the Cheech Marin Collection – ThebrArt Museum of South Texas
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HEALTH, SHOPPING &brBEAUTY:
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-Aesthetician: Ciara Page, Beauty Dungeon
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Ciara Page isn’t just the official local’s pick for favoritebrAesthetician; she’s also the owner of the newest day spa and salon in thebrCoastal Bend, The Beauty Dungeon! @ReVampYourBeauty
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-Antique Shop: Renaissance Antiques
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Renaissance Antiques has been the haven for all things thriftedbrfor the past 20 years. Their two-story building allows for quite the perusebramong a variety of local vendors to shop from, and it’s almost guaranteed youbrwon’t walk out of there without finding some kind of treasure. @renaissanceantiquescc
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-Barber Shop: Hey Handsome Men’s Studio
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Okay, but seriously, if you are looking for a fresh cut, HeybrHandsome is where it’s at. The sister duo, made up of Michelle Scallorn andbrNina McDermott, opened up shop just over a year ago and are clearly a fanbrfavorite! @heyhandsomemensstudio
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-Beauty/Cosmetic: Tina Lain, Gold Dust Cosmetic Tattooing
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Tina Lain and her talented staff are dedicated tobrenhancing their clients’ natural beauty, and committed to providing bothbrquality work and experiences for all who enter. Brow artistry, microblading,brfeathering, and so many other awesome services are provided here. golddustcc.com
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-Children’s Clothing: Four Chicks in the Park
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“Before I even had kids, I always loved looking at all thebradorable children’s clothing Four Chicks in the Park had. I remember seeing anbrInstagram post of my friend’s daughter with the cutest little paper crown and Ibrfell in love. Sure enough, once my baby girl was born, they became my go-tobrspot for all of her fun outfits.” -Michela Gray. fourchicksinthepark.com
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-Consignment Store: Threads
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“Let’s just say, if I had a nickel for every time someonebrcomplimented my ensemble when I was rocking Threads head-to-toe, I’d be abrfreakin’ millionaire. Whether I’m a baller on a budget in search of some newbrpieces that won’t break my bank or I’m pinching pennies and need to part withbrsome of my wardrobe’s favorite styles, Threads is my first and only stop. Mybrwallet may be empty 97% of the time but you’ll always find my Threads punchcardbrstamped and ready.” – Korbin Boomer Matthews. threadscorpuschristi.com
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-Day Spa: Beauty Dungeon
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Beauty Dungeon’s new location has been opened all too long andbrsnagged not one, but two categories this year. Clearly they must be doingbrsomething right! They’re revamping the traditional ideas of beauty and, withbrtheir team of passionate and creative artists, they’re providing locals withbrtop-notch services. @revampyourbeauty
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-Eyewear: Visionworks
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On the bottom floor at La Palmera, you’ll find Visionworks. Inside,brthere are hundreds of styles to choose from to discover your next pair ofbrframes. The staff is helpful and friendly, and will always steer you in thebrright direction. visionworks.com
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-Farmer’s Market Vendor and Handcrafted Product: TULA BLUE
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This isn’t the first time TULA BLUE has taken the crown forbrthese categories – which is understandable, since their beautifully handmadebrpieces adorn the necks, ankles, and wrists of almost every Coastal Bend girl.brEach of the pieces perfectly combine bohemian and minimalist vibes. @tula.blue
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-Fitness Gym: The Quad Fitness
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“My first few Quad classes (the first 10 classes, to be honest)brwere miserable. I had always exercised and thought I was in good shape, but Ibrfound out that my years of running hadn’t been of service to my entire body.brThe excellent trainers and varied workouts have made me stronger than I havebrever been. Quad is my healthy obsession and the best place in CC to get yourbrsweat on.” – Sara Morgan. quadfitnessstudio.com
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-Florist: Blossom Shop Florist
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There is a Blossom Shop floral arrangement for pretty much everybroccasion – birthday, Valentine’s Day, your wedding day, National Bosses’ Day …brthe list goes on. Family-owned and -operated, this local shop is here to suitbryour needs. blossomshoptx.net
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-Furniture: Chic To Chic
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Chic to Chic has always been my local go-to spot when it comesbrto home décor. Whether I am wanting to redo a whole room or just looking for abrnew chair for the living room, they always have the perfect pieces to completebrmy home.” – Lauren Bailey. chictochicfurniture.com
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-Gift Shop: Hamlin Fountain And Gifts
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Every Coastal Bend native has a story or a memory that liesbrwithin the walls of Hamlin Fountain and Gifts. It is a treasure hunt of sortsbronce you are inside. Whatever the occasion you are looking to find a gift for,brthere is no doubt you’ll find it there. @hamlinfountain
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-Hair Salon: The Beauty Box
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Looking at before and after photos from this salon is likebrwatching a magic trick. Their colors, cuts, and other services enhancebrcustomers’ natural beauty and allow them to feel even more comfortable in theirbrown skin! @thebeautybox.cc
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-Jewelry: Casa De Oro Jewelers
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“The vintage sterling andbrturquoise squash blossom necklace I wore in my wedding broke recently and I wasbrdevastated. I took it to Casa de Oro, and they had it back to me in basicallybrnew condition. I trust them with my vintage and antique pieces, and know theybrwill do an amazing job.” -Katy Jones-Gulsby. casadeorojewlers.com
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-Massage Therapist: Lauren Schroeter, LMT
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Lauren Schroeter has been a practicing massage therapist sincebr2015. She use a variety of modalities to totally customize every massage. Thisbrmeans each of her clients receive a service totally will come to you if neededbrand serve up some top-notch relaxation in the comfort of your home! @healing.comes.naturally
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-Medical Spa: Corpus Christi Institute Of Cosmetic & PlasticbrSurgery
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“In my 40s I decided it was time to address my rosacea andbrredness on my cheeks. I was nervous before my Laser Genesis treatment, but eachbrstep was thoroughly explained by the Licensed Medical Aestheticians. As abrperson with serious sensitivity, I was surprised with the minimal reaction.brWithin one service, I noticed my rosacea was gone! I also decided to address mybrlips – My insecurities about my thinning lips were hidden by extending my lipbrliner all day. I decided to try Restylane Silk. The precision and care Dr.brVijay takes when doing this procedure was calming and reassuring. Why didn’t Ibrdo this sooner? My lips are full and beautiful! Thank you Dr. Vijay and yourbramazing staff!” – Ondrea Tarske. corpusplasticsurgery.com
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-Nail Salon/Artist: Kosmo Nails
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If you’re looking to get more artistic with your nails, Kosmo isbrthe spot. Their artists are bursting at the seams with creative ideas, andbrtheir portfolio of work is mesmerizing. @kosmosalon08
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-Pet Boarding and Grooming: Barkaritaville Pet Resort
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“I have been taking mybrdogs to Barkaritaville for about 6 years now. Everyone that works there knowsbrthem and treats them like their own which is so important when you are droppingbroff your furbabies to be under someone else’s care. They are top notch overbrthere.” – Denise Kinnett. barkaritavillepetresort.com
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-Pop-Up Market Vendor: Sew Bonita
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“Sew Bonita encompass the beauty that is the wonders of loving,brliving, and being proud of your culture. With every stitch, Elena proudlybrshares her culture in each handmade piece. The vibrancy of our Latina culturesbris felt throughout her brand from her personality, her tees, and her Instagrambrfeed. Elena from Sew Bonita is a Mera Mera Chingona that I am proud to call anbramiga.” – Vianney Rodriguez. sewbonita.com
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-Stylist/Personal Shopper: Kimberly Rios
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If there is one thing Kim Rios knows, it is style. As thebrPersonal stylist, shopper, and wardrobe consultant behind the brand METROPLIS,brshe aims to find the perfect wardrobe for each of her clients. Her eye forbrunique vintage finds only makes her that much better at finding you the perfectbrfit. @metroplisculture
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-Vintage Retailer: Wildflowers
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Wildflowers has taken the Coastal Bend by storm since opening upbrshop in 2017. This vintage and modern shop features some of the best antiquebrfinds in a beautifully curated way. Terrie Moore is dedicated to bringing thebrabsolute best pieces into her spot for the community to fall in love with. @tmwildflowers
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-Women’s Clothing Boutique: Jewels
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“Jewels is my go-to clothing store, hands down. Anytime I havebran upcoming event, Suzy’s store is the first place I head to find the perfectbroutfit. When you walk in, you’re welcomed by the sweetest staff and a storebrfull of gorgeous, unique pieces. As a supporter of women-owned smallbrbusinesses, Jewels is a beautiful example of how service, selection, and stylebrhas made her store a success for so many years.” – Nikki Riojas. @jewels_cctx
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-Yoga Studio: Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi
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“Going to the Yoga Studio of Corpus Christi is like going to abrsecond home. Everyone is always so warm and welcoming. Michelle pours her heartbrand soul into the space and it shows.” – Ajia Fielden. yogastudioofccc.com
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EDITORS’ PICKS:
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-Best Tees thatbrCapture the Spirit of the City: Elevated ScreenbrPrinting – “Corpus Doesn’t Suck, You Do” shirts
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-Gifts You Won’t Findbron Amazon: ACouplePuns GreetingbrCards
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-Best CuratedbrSelection: Shell & Pine
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-Best Place to Shopbrfor Bathtime: Archer Soapworksbr& Apothecary
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FOOD, DRINK &brNIGHTLIFE:
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-Asian Cuisine, Date Night & New Restaurant (2 Years orbrLess) : BKK Thai Kitchen + Bar
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“There isn’t a single occasion that BKK wouldn’t be the bestbrbackdrop for. Their space is beautiful, everyone there is always so friendly,brand of course the food is incredible. I have dreams about their curry and friesbrappetizer.” – Monica Gomez. bkkthaikitchenbar.com
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-Barbeque: Salty Oak BBQ
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Salty Oak hasn’t even had its doors open for a year, and hasbralready taken the BBQ scene in the Coastal Bend by storm. Their “low and slow”brstyle makes for some of the tastiest bites; not to mention all their homemadebrfixin’s to go with it. @saltyoakbbq
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-Beer List: Lazy Beach Brewing
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Our Must Try Brews atbrLazy Beach:
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-The Kook: a refreshing andbrhydrating cucumber saison
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-Choppy Waters: brewed with Cascadebrand Ekuanot hops
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-Molinillo: a Mexican hotbrchocolate stout with cinnamon, vanilla, ancho chilis, and cayenne
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lazybeachbrewing.com
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-Best Outdoor Seating: BUS ̶ Bar Under The Sun
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BUS is hands down one of the favorite new hotspots. Theirbraddition to Downtown Corpus Christi has become a hub for all things local andbrcommunal. From hosting huge festivals, pop-up markets, and events, to theirbrweekly food trucks and live music, there is no shortage of fun to be had onbrthis patio. barunderthesun.com
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-Breakfast Tacos: Nano’s Taco Run
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“Nano’s Taco Run is my all-time favorite spot for breakfastbrtacos. They taste just like my mom made them with fresh flour tortillas,brjam-packed with the goods…and THAT SAUCE. The magical Nano’s hot sauce is sobrgood, you gotta dine-in to use the squeeze bottle.” – Emily Zertuche. nanos-tacorun.com
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-Bakery, Brunch, Catering, Health Foods, Sandwich, And Tea:brHester’s Café
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“If I wasn’t from Corpus, Hester’s is the kind of place I wouldbrhave on my must- stop list as a visitor. Friendly and smiling staff. Deliciousbrfood. Three of the best locations. Want a New Orleans courtyard feel? Eatbroutside at the Lamar Park location. Want the best views of downtown CC and thebrLexington? Eat at the museum location. And if you’re searching for the best keybrlime pie in the universe, I’ve found it for you! It’s in their bakery case.brYou’re welcome.” – Kari Perritte. hesterscafe.com
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-Burger: Padre Island Burger Company
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“Whether in a sundress or a bathing suit, Padre Island BurgerbrCompany has welcomed me with delicious food, drinks, and entertainment. On abrcasual stop, I’ve seen an Elvis impersonator, petted a goat, and watched thebrsunset. I suggest pairing a ‘water’ and the Dr. Padre Burger.” – D’Anne Buquet.brpadreislandburgercompany.com
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-Chef: Tony Posada – The Blue Clove
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Chef Tony over at Blue Clove is no joke. He whips up some of thebrfreshest and most creative seafood dishes. Plus, their new and improvedbrlocation has opened up its doors, and we can’t get enough. theblueclove.com
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-Coffee: Coffee Waves
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“Coffee Waves is thebrabsolute best! Not only do they have great coffee, but they also go above andbrbeyond for local artists.” – Mayra Zamora. coffeewaves.com
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-Cold-Pressed Juice: The VINE Juice Company
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Our Favorites at VINE:
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-The Hot Tamale: sweet peppers, bellbrpeppers, red peppers, apples and jalapeños
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-Romaine Calm: apples, carrots,brspinach, celery, romaine, and lemon
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-Heart Beet: apples, beets,brcucumber, kale, and ginger
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@thevinejuiceco
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-Craft Cocktails And Girls Night Out: The Post At Lamar Park
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“The watering hole that Corpus Christians of all ages and tastesbrcan’t get enough of. Great food? Of course. Inventive cocktails? Undoubtedly –brand award- winning, too (shout out to mixologist Michael Green)! But what keepsbrme frequently coming back for a tipple is the genuinely welcoming staff ofbrbartenders and managers that make your dining, drinking, and socializingbrexperience one of the best in Corpus Christi.” -Caitlin Shook. thepostatlamarpark.com
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-Diner/Dive: Andy’s Kitchen
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“Andy’s Kitchen has the best breakfast in Corpus Christi,brperiod. And those blueberry muffins? Yeah, I’ll take 10.” – Kate Collins. andyskithcn.com
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-Distillery: South Texas Distillery – Home of Wild Rag Vodka
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Deep down in a tiny speck of Sandia sits a distillery that is producingbrsome of the finest vodka around. Every Friday and Saturday, the tasting roomsbrat the South Texas Distillery open up, and you can try local spirits that tastebrincredible! southtexasdistillery.com
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-Donuts: Gates Donuts
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Gates Donuts has been a Coastal Bend favorite for over 75 years.brWaking up early (seriously, you have to get there before they sell out) andbrscanning the windows for your favorite sweet treat is a sacred Corpusbrtradition. gatesdonuts.com
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-Food Truck And Street Tacos: Taco Bar Street
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“Taco Bar Street is definitely my favorite food truck in Corpusbr– maybe even my favorite place to eat at in general. I swear, every time I’vebrgotten a meal from them, it’s always been delicious. Their street nachos arebramazing, their rice and beans are perfect, and I’m always craving their tacos!brAnytime there’s multiple food trucks to choose from downtown, I always eat atbrTaco Bar Street.” –Ashley Arevalo @tacobarstreet
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-Frozen Treats: Marble Slab Creamery
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Ice cream cakes, unlimited toppings, and pints to go – thisbrlocally owned and operated creamery is a one-stop shop for all things sweet andbrfrozen. With two locations in Corpus Christi, there is no reason for you tobrhave not devoured a waffle cone from them. @marbleslabalameda
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-Gourmet Dinning: Kats 21 Steak & Spirits
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Specializing in dry-age prime beef and fresh Gulf Coast seafood,brthis well-known local establishment serves up some of the finest gourmet diningbrin South Texas. Shareable appetizers, mouth-watering entrees, divine desserts,brand creative cocktails all wait for you there. katz21.com
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-Happy Hour: Scuttlebutt’s Seafood Bar & Grill
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For the second year in a row, Scuttlebutt’s has snagged thebrtitle of best happy hour ̶ and this is why: They have happy hour specialsbrevery single day starting at 3 PM. From $2 wells to $5 sangrias, you can drinkbrboth quantity and quality without breaking the bank. scuttlebuttsbarandgrill.com
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-Italian Cuisine: Bellino’s Ristorante Italiano
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With a fresh look, new menu items, and the addition of a bodega,brit’s no surprise Bellino’s snagged the win this year. Chef Francesco Inguaggiatobrbrings a fresh taste of Sicily to the Coastal Bend with every dish he puts out!brbellinostexas.com
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-Kid-Friendly Atmosphere: Brewster Street Ice House
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“I love Brewster Street Icehouse for so many reasons. Not onlybrdo they bring some of the best musical acts to our city, but they also servebrcrave-worthy food, and have an atmosphere for a variety of events. Whether Ibrwant to have my son’s birthday party, an evening out with the girls, or even abrdate night with the hubby, Brewster Street is the place to go.” ̶ AshleebrStruchen. brewsterstreet.net
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-Margarita: The Gold Fish
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Thanks to The Gold Fish, adding Topo Chico to your margarita isbrthe new standard. Their wide range of tequilas and fresh ingredients make forbrthe most refreshing margs around town…and that’s a fact. @thegold_fish
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-Mexican Restaurant: Kiko’s Mexican Food Restaurant &brCantina
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For the past 30 years, Kiko’s has been a Corpus Christi staple.brWhether you want breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they have a menu filled withbrauthentic Mexican cuisine, and offer something for everyone. kikosmexicanfood.com
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-Microbrewery: Lorelei Brewing Company
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“Lorelei has become mybrwife and I’s favorite spot to get good, quality local brews. They’ve createdbrsuch a cool atmosphere, and the way they support the local community is sobrcool. Also, the Merdude is one of the best beers I have ever had ̶ brreally, ever.” ̶ Carl Hernandez. loreleibrewing.beer
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-Mixologist: Alex Martinez, BKK Thai Kitchen + Bar & MichaelbrCantu, Republic Of Texas
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A tie is a tie is a tie, and there is no way around it! Thebrpeople have spoken and crowned not one, but two local mixologists this year.brBoth Alex and Michael take their crafts seriously and whip up some of the mostbrcreative and inventive cocktails in the Coastal Bend. Head to BKK or thebrRepublic of Texas and pull up a seat at their bars. You won’t be disappointed. bkkthaikitchenbar.com and omnihotels.com
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-Pizza: B& J’s Pizza, Brewpub
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“What I’ve always appreciated about B&J’s is the coolbratmosphere, good beer selection, and of course the top-notch pizza. Whether I’mbrgetting a pepperoni pizza or something a little crazy, like my personalbrfavorite, the California Veggie, I’m always super satisfied. Not only is B&J’sbrmy go to pizza joint, but one of my [favorite] restaurants in town generally.”br– Justin Muñiz. bandjpizza.com
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-Seafood: Water Street Oyster Bar
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“I love Water Street because it is OG Corpus Christi. The goodbrfood and open atmosphere keep it a staple of downtown. Every time we havebrfamily in town, we always get requests to return there. The quality of seafoodbrand the consistency of customer service are the reasons we love to go. Theybralso have the best Bloody Mary for brunch, hands down.” -Regina Hill. waterstmarketcc.com
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-Shaved Ice: Sno-Ball Too
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Corpus Christi’s original Sno-Ball probably has a soft spot inbrall of our hearts. Whether you remember sitting at whatever table had your highbrschool mascot on it or staring at their walls covered in framed pictures ofbrCorpus Christi’s past, this place is iconic. @snoballtoo
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-Soup: Nuevo Café
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“I remember going to Nuevo Café when I was in middle school atbrWynn Seale. My mom would have morning meetings there sometimes, and I would sitbruntil it was time for me to go to school. It has the same atmosphere now.brEclectic art on the walls and the best poblano soup you will ever eat. I havebrit at least twice a month, not sorry.” – Alexandra Scott. poblanosoup.com
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-Steak: Niko’s Steakhouse
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If you’re wondering why Niko’s has won this category for threebryears in a row, then you must have never eaten there. The smell of mesquitebrwood welcomes you upon arrival, and you’ll leave with your taste buds thankingbryou. nikossteakhouse.com
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-Sushi: Rock & Rolls Sushi Lounge
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Our Must-Try Rolls:
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-Rhapsody’s of Bohemia: Krab, cream cheese,brand avocado topped with sweet and spicy tuna tartare and strawberry, drizzledbrwith sweet chili
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-Don’t Fear the Reaper: Cream cheese, spicybrtuna tartare and jalapeños, topped with tempura fried eel, spicy mayo, and eelbrsauce and lightly sprinkled with smoked eel.
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-Pinball Wizard: Katsu soft shell crab,bravocado, and green apple, served with eel sauce.
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rockandrollssuchi.com
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-Vegan/Specialty Foods: Ginger Café & Grill
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For the past 5 years, Ginger Café & Grill has beenbrserving up delicious Mediterranean dishes; the best part about their menu isbrhow many vegan and veggie-friendly options are waiting for patrons. gingercafeandgrill.com
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-Wine Bar and Wine List: Tannins Wine Bar & Tapas Restaurant
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“Tannins is my version of ‘Cheers.’ My girl gang and I go therebrat least once a week, either on Working Women’s Wednesday (1/2 off bottles!) orbrfor live music on Thursday. The establishment nearly expects us to be therebrevery week now or else they get worried (not really, but we go a lot). We arebrthe loudest and stay the latest! Besides their selection of beers and wines, Ibrhave a deep love for their strawberry champagne ice cream. Tannins intimatebrenvironment truly makes us feel at home.” – Christina Hunter. tanninswinebar.com
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EDITORS’ PICKS:
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-Loaded French Fires: Corpitos Fries from Jefe’s Mobile Cafe
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-Best Way to SatisfybrYour Craving For Poke: Water Street SushibrRoom
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-Best Spot to Eat WithbrYour Pup: Harrison’s Landing
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-Freshest Produce: Downtown Farmer’s Market – GROW South Texas
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ENTERTAINMENT &brMEDIA:
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-Comedian: Steve Treviño
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You’re probably familiar with good ol’ Steve Treviño. He’s abrtriple threat: stand-up comedian, writer, and producer. But did you know hisbrroots are planted firmly in the Coastal Bend? You can catch him this summer onbrhis tour “America’s Favorite Husband,” or watch his one-hour stand-up specialbr“Till Death” on a variety of platforms. stevetrevino.com
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-Cover Band/Artist: Spazmatics
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Are you into ’80s cover bands? High-waisted leggings and tubebrsocks galore – The Spazmatics will serve all your ’80s fantasies on a nice neonbrplatter. Regulars at Brewster Street Ice House, these guys know how to put on abrparty. @thespazmaticstx
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-Event Venue: House Of Rock
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For the past 14 years, House of Rock has been a Downtown CorpusbrChristi staple. Their multi-functional space allows for pretty much any eventbrto be held there. Stand-up, live music, birthday parties, dance parties, zombiebrproms, the list goes on. texashouseofrock.com
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-Live Music Venue: Brewster Street Ice House
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Shows to Catch thisbrSummer:
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-Kyle Park w/ Robert Raybr– July 6th
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-Aaron Watson w/ Kevin Flower & Jon Stork ̶ July 9th
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-Whiskey Myers w/ Bones Owensbr– August 8th
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-Abbarama ̶ Augustbr23rd
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brewsterstreet.net
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-Local DJ: El Dusty
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“There’s some amazing talent repping the Coastal Bend thesebrdays, and at the clear head of that pack stands El Dusty. Bringing togetherbrinfluences ranging from Tejano to trap, his musical output is unparalleled, andbrhis dedication to Corpus through live events, fashion, and contributing to abrgeneral culture of collaboration makes him a South Texas MVP by any measure.brMay he reign long as the Mayor of Cumbia City!” – David Gurney. eldusty.com
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-Local Female Singer/Songwriter(s): Clarissa Serna
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We’d like to think Clarissa Serna is the voice of the CoastalbrBend … and not just because she was on “The Voice.” Seriously, her vocal rangebris out of this world, and if you haven’t seen her perform live yet, what havebryou been doing with yourself? clarissaserna.com
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-Local Male Singer/Songwriter(s): The Blind Owls
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Elvis, The Beatles, and the Beach Boys. Those are the musicalbracts one would compare The Blind Owls’ sound to. The four-piece ’60s-esque rockbrband has been both traveling the country and performing locally since 2015.brTheir energy is high, and their matching suits are rather dapper. @theblindowls
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-News Anchor: Katia Uriarte
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All hail the Coastal Bend news anchor queen. There is a reasonbrKatia snatches this category every year: Her infectious smile and shiningbrpersonality come through both on the evening news and in a simple conversation.br@katattackcc
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-Podcast: Sew Taco
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Two side hustles and a microphone. That is the equation thatbrperfectly adds up to create the local podcast, Sew Taco. Husband and wife duobrElena and Gerald Flores both have full time 9 to 5s, but they also have strongbrpassions and creative talents they let flow into their other brands andbrbusinesses. They talk about both the good and the bad that comes with runningbryour own business. P.S. There is also an occasional cameo from their kitty. @sewtaco.com
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-Radio Talk Show Host: CoCo
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CoCo is simply Corpus royalty. She has – deservedly – taken thebrcrown for best radio personality every year since we started the Local’s List. She just closed out an 11 year run on air after becoming a momma to twins! We will certainly miss her contagious laugh and loving encouragement on the radio every morning. @cocooutloud
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-Sports Team: Corpus Christi Hooks
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“I’ve been taking my kidsbrto see the Hooks play for a couple of years now, and it never gets old. Goingbrto Whataburger Field on a Saturday, hot dogs in hand, is definitely one of mybrchildren’s favorite ways to spend a weekend. Plus, those fireworks are nextbrlevel.” -Monica Gonzales. milb.com/corpus-christi
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EDITORS’ PICKS:
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-Social MediabrCampaign: Fiesta de la Flor –brVisit Corpus Christi
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-Best Event Calendarbrto Watch: Downtown Management’sbrMarina Arts District
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-Best Transformation: The Hooks’ Cotton Club
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-Trivia Spot: Tuesday Nights Geeks Who Drink at Tapology
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