By LOGAN HAWKES There’s something to be said about the great night life of South Padre Island! From catching the Latin and reggae rhythms of live bands at a half dozen popular night spots to walking along the beach on a full moon night, the Island comes alive when the sun goes down -- relaxing, exciting, and very tropicana! But a quick drive over the causeway to historic Port Isabel offers many of the same after sunset amenities, but with a few extra twists! Where the streets and alleyways of this old port city now stand conquistadores once camped for their first night in the new world, and years later famous general’s walked and famous battles were fought there. Presidents and gangsters have sought shelter in her inns and hostels and they played in the waters of the blue Laguna Madre. And where so much history abounds, so do the tales and legends of pirates and thieves, robbers and marauders, cattle barons and railroad giants, seaman from around the world and merchants that peddles their trade on the docks and wharfs that lined the water’s edge. Visitors to modern Port Isabel after sunset will find many great restaurants featuring local cuisine of the sea, and an eclectic mix of Texana, Mexican, Italian bistros that serve up plenty of great quality and taste. If you look hard, you’ll easily find a local tavern or sports bar that adds to the flavor of the community’s night life. But there is so much more for the adventurer to discover here. And much of it can only be enjoyed under the light of the stars and moon, when she occasions to hang about the city like a guardian of the night. We’ve heard it said before that Port Isabel is a sleepy little community after dark. And while locals take a great deal of pride in maintaining a peaceful and relaxing and safe environment in their historic community, nothing could be further from the truth. Where history lies, they say, so do the tales of events from the past that represent the hidden fiber that almost seems to hold the community together - it’s personality and charm combined so to speak. And when the sun goes down on Isabella and the stars come out at night, more and more are finding it is the perfect time to spend a few hours experiencing so much history and mystery in a town that many have called the “best kept secret of the Texas coast”. But don’t take our word for it. Put us to the test! Chances are, if you’re a visitor, you don’t make it down to this part of the world enough. We recommend you expand your horizons and schedule a few hours starting at sunset in a community where the history is as big as the Texas night sky. And to make it easy for you, we’ve thrown together one possible “after sunset” itinerary that will provide a little something for all ages in your traveling party. Don’t be afraid to amend the schedule to fit the purpose of your visit. Port Isabel, you see, if the perfect after dark destination for romance, fine dining, historical touring, night fishing, discovery and adventure. Follow along below! AVAST MATES! SAIL WITH THE PIRATES OF PORT ISABEL! There’s a lot to do in the old port city when the sun begins to set in the West. But youngsters and adults alike will thrill to an adventure on the water aboard the Black Dragon Pirate Ship. This fun, family-oriented tour takes you out on the waters of the Laguna Madre for a cruise as spirited pirates relive the pirate yarns of old and share a few spicy tales about the early mariner-life of the region. From flashing cannons to talented fire-breathers, these pirates will entertain and inform you of the lore and legends of the surround Gulf waters and the documented roles of privateers and pirates who plied their vessels through adventures along the Texas coast. Take a little time to sort through the gift shop for pirate memorabilia. And don’t forget to bring your camera to catch all those special Kodak moments. TROLLEY THROUGH THE HISTORIC DISTRICT Special historic tours are offered during select times and depart from the Lighthouse Square aboard an historic, open-air street trolley. Your tour guide will point out many of the famous local landmarks as they slowly pass by the community’s oldest neighborhoods draped in tropical flowers and palms. This is a good way to get a feel for the layout of the city and to spy out interesting sites you’ll want to visit later. As with everything wlse you do in this historic city, take plenty of photos to remember the occasion. SOUPS ON! Chances are good by now your inner alarm and the wafting aroma of good food drifting on the bay breeze calls you to dinner, and starting around the Lighthouse, you’ll find many choices for dining. In fact, there are so many good places to eat locally that we would recommend just about all of them. But if it’s your first visit or if you find you just can’t depart the historic Lighthouse Square area, take heart! There are a number of great eateries within walking distance of the Lighthouse. A couple of blocks West of the Square you’ll find the Lost Galleon Restraunt. Here you can dine on famous shrimp and fish dishes prepared South Texas style. Or check out the famous Pirate’s Landing Restaurant or a local’s favorite, Marcellos Italian Restaurant, both on the Square and across from the Lighthouse. Nearby on Maxan Street is Costa Del Mar offering Mexican seafood and local favorites. Pelican Station, just across Hwy. 100 on Garcia Street, offers great Texas dining in a historic atmosphere. Years ago the Railroad depot was located in the same location and the kids will enjoy taking a close look at the old rail cars out front. A short drive down Garcia Street land you at Papa’s Restaurant, a local’s favorite specialing in Mexican cuisine. A SHORT WALK THROUGH PORT ISABEL HISTORY Head back to the Lighthouse Square and take a short walk to discover some of the military giants that served in Port Isabel. Throughout the city’s historic district you will find historical markers embeded int he sidewalks, each featuring a different and famous military General who served here during both the Mexican-American and Civil Wars. You’ll find markers for General’s Zachary Taylor, Winfield Scott, Rovert E. Lee, Ulysses Grant, Stonewall Jackson, Braxton Bragg, Abner Doubleday, Jefferson Davis, John “Rip” Ford - and others. THE HISTORIC CITY CEMETERY Just a couple of blocks off the Square you will find the historic Port Isabel Cemetery. From the Lighthouise, take Maxan Street west for three blocks and turn right. One block later you’re standing on the threshold of one of the Valley’s oldest final resting places. Take the time to walk through the solemn headstones. Be respectful and quite and enjoy the various date on the many headstone markers. NIGHT FISHING FROM TEXAS’ LONGEST LIGHTED PIER Fishing in the Laguna Madre is some of thebest anywhere along the coast, and Pirate’s Landing lighted pier offers all night fishing just north of the causeway. You can find bait and equipment here as well. Discover the joys of local fishing from this historic pier. Of course, we’ve only touched the surface on the many activities you can enjoy in this historic port community. You might consider spending a few days and nights here. The historic yacht Club Hotel is just one overnight Inm that adds flavor to your stay. The Southwind Inn is slight nearer the Square, right across the street from the cemetery and is another favorite of travelers. AFTER DARK SPIRITS There are two kinds of spirits to be found in Port Isabel after dark. You might start at the Lighthouse Pub at Marcello’s Restaurant. Sip on your favorite tropical drink and build up enough nerve to walk by the haunted Champion Building on Railroad Street. There are also stories about ghostly appearances all around the historic Lighthouse and the Keeper’s Cottage. The Lighthouse once served as a mariner’s beacon to vessels in the Gulf. More than one of these ships met a terrible fate, often while trying to navigate nearby Santiago Pass that connects the Gulf to the Laguna Madre Bay. There’s more than one tale circulating that has it the spirits of some of these shipwrecked mariners make their way to shore on ocassion, usually around the Lighthouse as thewy are attracted by the beacon that “lights the way”. In addition, Old Fort Polk, at one time the military’s lrgest field hospital, was located in downtown Port Isabel - surrounding the Lighthouse. This fort was home to U.S. soldiers during the Mexican American War and also has seen both U.S. and Confederate troops during the Civil War. Confederate forces once assailed the community with the intent of detroying the Lighthouse - which served as a beacon to guide federal ships into the port during the war. The Confederate sortie was successful in that a makeshift bomb was exploded in the Lighthouse, destroying the uppermost portions of the structure. It was subsequently rebuilt. But perhaps because of the large numbers of battles fought in an around Port Isabel, there are lingering tales of ghostly soldiers who still frequent the area around the old fort. There’s a tale still circulating around town about a visitor to the Lighthouse Square who spent time conversing with “a local”. After a robust conversation with the man, who was described as wearing ‘out-of-date’ clothing and speaking with a ‘heavy southern dialect’, the man stood up frm a park bench where he was sitting and ‘disappaited’ into thin air. Some have suggested that the ghostly apparation was once a soldier who had spent time at the old fort - and apparently never left.    For more information about walking tours, hauntings, restaurants, and lodging in Port Isabel, visit the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce in the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage. Here you can also grab a map of for the historic “Walk of Generals” and inquire about other ghostly tales. Enjoy!