Exploring the Renaissance 2010:
An International Conference

March 18-20, 2010

Corpus Christi, Texas

Local Arrangements: Catherine Cox
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Program Chair: Irving Kelter
University of St. Thomas, Houston

The deadline for abstracts is December 1, 2009 December 15, 2009. Click here to submit an abstract.

Travel Alert

Make flight reservations right away if you plan to fly to Corpus Christi. The conference coincides with spring break, and many college students fly into Corpus Christi on their way to South Padre Island. We would hate to lose anyone because flights are no longer available.

Register for the 2010 Conference

Registrations for the meeting in Corpus Christi are now being accepted. Please use the online registration form.

The official program is not yet complete, but in the meantime, you may review a summary of conference highlights, as compiled by our Local Arrangements Chair, Catherine Cox.

Hotel Information:

Our convention site is the elegant Omni Corpus Christi Hotel Marina Tower which overlooks sparkling Corpus Christi Bay and Ocean Drive.  Good restaurants, night spots, bay views, and even a beach are all close at hand.  Please note that there are two Omni hotels in Corpus Christi: the Marina and the Bayfront.  Be sure to book your room at the Marina.  Since our convention room rate is excellent, $85 per night + tax for single occupancy ($139 for double, $149 for triple, and $159 for quad), you may wish to extend your stay to see more of the area.  Our contract allows for the conference rate for up to three days prior to and following the meeting dates for as long as rooms are available.  If you register for the hotel online you will need to click on “More Options,” then click “Group Code.”  The code to enter is 14500809229.  If you upgrade your room, please let the Omni Marina know, so that our conference will be credited for your stay.  Our block of rooms at the special rate holds until 5:00 P.M. Thursday, February 25, 2010.  Please note that there is a substantial fee for early departures. Guests wishing to avoid an early checkout fee should advise the Omni Corpus Christi Marina Towers at or before check-in of any change in planned length of stay.

Letter from the Local Arrangements Chair

Welcome to Corpus Christi
With great pleasure I welcome the South Central Renaissance Conference to Corpus Christi, Texas.  This city with its sparkling bay, beaches, birds, and cultural attractions is one of the best kept secrets in the world.  

Conference Highlights
Our guest speakers for the conference are exceptional.  Keynote Lecturer, Barbara K. Lewalski, William R. Kenan Professor of English Literature and of History and Literature, Harvard University, will speak on Milton, Galileo and the Opening to Science; the Louis L. Martz Lecturer, Martin Dzelzainis, Royal Holloway, University of London, will discuss Andrew Marvell; and the William B. Hunter Lecturer, Sheila Rabin, Professor of History, St. Peter's College, Jersey City, NJ, will enlighten us on Giovanni Pico della Mirandola and astrology.

Getting Around
The Omni Marina offers complimentary shuttles from the Corpus Christi International Airport to and from the hotel.  How convenient this option is I cannot say, but if you are willing to wait for the shuttle to make its rounds, it may work very well for you.  The hotel is about a 20 minute drive from the airport.  Taxis are available and renting a car is a good option too.  As is typical, there is a charge for parking.  (The current parking rate at the Omni Marina is $12.00 plus tax per vehicle, per night, and $15.00 plus tax for overnight valet.  The rate charged to you will be that in effect at the time of our meeting.)
There is plenty to do and see around the city for a short stay, but if you wish to rent a car to visit Padre Island National Seashore, the King Ranch, Texas A&M University—Corpus Christi, or drive around the bay there is an Enterprise Car Rental very close to the hotel or, of course, a variety of car rentals may be booked in advance at the airport.

Natural Wonders
We have terrific bird-watching in South Texas.  In fact Corpus Christi, boasting 241 species, continues to hold its distinguished title of “Birdiest City in America.” This title established by the San Diego Audubon Society has been held by Corpus Christi since 2003.  My favorite bird is the roseate spoonbill which I look for each morning as I drive to campus.  Hans Suter Park near the campus, on Ennis Joslin Rd., is a fifteen minute drive from your hotel.  It is a great place to walk and to look for egrets, herons, pelicans, and ducks. 

Padre Island National Seashore, approximately 25 miles from the hotel, should not be crowded at this time since student breakers usually head farther south.    

Updates

I have listed below the main cultural and natural attractions of Corpus Christi and my recommendations regarding restaurants.  As the conference draws near, I will update the website with more details about events and exhibits.

Again, on behalf of the College of Liberal Arts at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, I welcome SCRC members, new and old. I’ll see you in the Coastal Bend for an intellectually rewarding and dynamic conference.

 

Sincerely,

Catherine Cox
Local Arrangements Chair

P.S.  Please don’t tell your friends about Corpus Christi.  We like to keep this place a secret.

 

Attractions

Art Museum of South Texas – Philip Johnson architecture.  Great lunches at the
Dobson Café (open Tues. – Sat. between 11:30 – 1:30).  Exhibits. 1901 N.
Shoreline.  (361) 884-7391. http://www.artmuseumofsouthtexas.org/

Asian Cultures Museum.  A highly acclaimed, small exhibit.  1809 N Chaparral
St.  (361) 882-2641
http://www.asianculturesmuseum.org/

Birdwatching
http://www.coastalbendaudubon.org/

Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.  Roses, Hisbiscus, Orchids,
and a great spot for birdwatching too.  Admission fee.  8545 S. Staples St.  (361)
852-2100.  Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History.  See the replica of a one of Christopher Columbus’s ships.  1900 N. Chaparral St. (361) 826-4650
http://www.ccmuseum.com/museum/index.cfm

King Ranch.  Home of Captain Richard King’s massive ranch, first established 1853 ,now 825,000 acres and the Santa Gertrudis, first beef cattle breed developed in the western hemisphere.  One of my friends says, “you could put those cows in your living room—they are so clean and bright.”   Visit the King Ranch Saddle shop in downtown Kingsville.   http://www.king-ranch.com/

Padre Island National Seashore.  Covers 70 miles of 120 mile Padre Island, the world’s  longest, undeveloped barrier island.  Admission.  (361) 949-8068.  http://www.nps.gov/pais/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm

Texas State Aquarium – great for adults and kids!!  Wild dolphins are
sometimes seen from the shore dancing in the bay.  2710 Shoreline Dr. 
(361)-881-1200.  http://www.texasstateaquarium.org/

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.  A beautiful island university.  Look for roseate spoonbills on the right as you cross the bridge.  I will give them a heads up too.  Be sure and see the stunning pink plaza dedicated to Héctor P. García, Mexican-American surgeon, World War II veteran, civil rights leader, and founder of the American G.I. Forum.  Also notice the beautiful new Performing Arts Center facing the bay.  This is the new home of the Corpus Christi Symphony.  6300 Ocean Dr. http://www.tamucc.edu/

USS Lexington and Museum.  Termed "The Blue Ghost" by the Japanese during WWII, this aircraft carrier now dominates the entry to the Port of Corpus Christi. At night it is shrouded in blue light. You can see it from downtown but can also visit it. 2914 North Shoreline. (361) 888-4873.  http://www.usslexington.com/

 

Moderately Priced and in Walking Distance:

Agua Java.  Coffee house, pastries, and gelaté.  320 William St. Suite C.  (361)
882-0865.

AKA Japanese Restaurant.  Excellent Sushi.  415 N  Water St. (361) 882-8885. http://local.yahoo.com/info-19319161.

City Diner and Oyster Bar.  Reasonably priced Americana.  Burgers, grilled fish, and ice cream desserts rule.  Serves breakfast. 622 N Water St.  (361) 883-1843.

Executive Surf Club.  Check out this unique restaurant for burgers and rock & roll.  It is couched between the two Water Street Restaurants.  (361) 884-7873.

Joe’s Crab Shack.  On the T-head with marina and bay views.  I enjoy their Cobb salad, but they obviously serve boiled crab, shrimp, and other seafood dishes.  Just remember that one of the operative words in the restaurant’s name is “shack.”
On the T-Head.  444 N. Shoreline Blvd. http://www.eventective.com/USA/Texas/Corpus+Christi/106491/Joe-s-Crab-Shack-Corpus-Christi-Lighthouse.html

Landry’s Seafood House.  Bay view.  A good place for lunch, dinner, or an afternoon beer.   600 N. Shoreline.  (361) 882-6666.    

Sonja’s is a good little spot for pastries and for lunch.  424 N Chaparral St.  (361) 884-7774.

Water Street Seafood Company (larger and quieter than WS Oyster Bar). 
309 North Water St.  (361) 882-8683
&
Water Street Oyster Bar and Sushi Bar. 309 North Water St.  361-881-9448
I highly recommend these two restaurants.  Both have fresh seafood and are in easy walking distance.  We always take job candidates to one of these fine Water Street restaurants.  www.waterstreetrestaurants.com

Recommended, though Expensive.  All in Walking Distance:

Katz 21 Steakhouse.  Best steaks in the Coastal Bend.  317 N Mesquite St
(361) 884-1221.  www.katz21.com

Republic of Texas Bar and Grill.  Located at the top of the Omni Bayfront Hotel.  The best restaurant view in Corpus Christi.  Expensive.  
(361) 886-3515 www.omnihotels.com

Vietnam Restaurant.  Elegant décor and great cuisine.  Service is a bit unpredictable.  701 N Water St
(361) 853-2682  Expensive.  www.vietnam-restaurant.com

Recommended Restaurants, but Transportation Needed.

Acapulco..  Great Mexican food and low, low prices.  1133 Airline Rd..  (361) 994-7274.  http://www.yelp.com/biz/acapulco

La Playa.  Several locations for this Mexican restaurant.  The atmosphere is festive and the food excellent. 
http://www.laplaya.cc/gallery/main.php

Luciano’s Italian Ristorante.  If you like Italian food, you should try this privately owned restaurant.  White table clothes and good service.  Excellent food.  Try the antipasti, grilled salmon, lamb, or pasta. Delicious!  1821 S. Alameda.  (361) 882-3191.  http://www.lucianositalian.com/Home.html

Mama Mia’s Italian Restaurant.  A somewhat long walk from the hotel for this lively restaurant.  On my last visit they only accepted cash.  Please check before you assume that a credit card will do. 128 N. Mesquite St.  (361) 883-3773.  http://www.mammamias-tx.com/home.html

Snoopy’s.  If you stay in Corpus Christi for a few extra days, try this rustic, local favorite on the intracoastal.  A blue heron sometimes sits on the Snoopy pier and pelicans can be seen on a nearby island.  My favorite is fish and chips (made with fresh amberjack).  Boiled shrimp, or shrimp and rice are also good options.  Shorts and a sun hat are in order here. 13313 SPID.  (361) 949-8815.

Yardarm.  A rustic, family owned restaurant overlooking Corpus Christi Bay.  Well worth the cab ride.  Try the whole flounder.  Tell Constantine and Diana that Catherine Cox says “hello.”  4310 Ocean Drive.  (361) 855-8157. Reservations needed.  http://www.restauranteur.com/yardarm/