Port Arthur

When you talk of Port Arthur, the subject of oil companies, refineries, and oil rigs quickly comes to dominate the conversation. Oil related structures are everywhere. Somewhat depressed right now with the price of oil so low, many of the facilities are standing idle, awaiting the return of better oil prices.

Sitting along the east Texas coast of the Gulf of Mexico, Port Arthur is a city of contrasts.

Shipping terminals, beautiful scenic waterways, palm trees, and a rich history make up this area. Finding a bench along the intercoastal waterway and watching the ships going and coming is a fascinating way to spend an hour or so.

Setting a goal of finding the world’s best gumbo can keep you occupied for days. Cajun and Creole restaurants and dives dot the bayous offering the best and perhaps the worst imaginable cuisine.

We found a little spot called “Lucky’s” along a bayou and wondered which direction the name would take us. Would it be “Lucky” in that it was a fortunate find, or “Lucky” in that you might be

“Lucky” to leave alive. Turns out that “Lucky” is a robust, red-faced, jolly, friendly and welcoming Cajun, who serves up a steaming bowl of gumbo that is amazing. Today it was a shrimp, crab, oyster, chicken, andouille, concoction with just enough okra to make it interesting. There might have been some other indistinguishable ingredients as well. Lucky said he forgot whether he had put in the hot sauce, so he put in some more just to be sure. He hadn’t forgotten….!

A drive through Sea Rim State Park completed our visit to Port Arthur. Don’t expect the sand to be like Gulf Shores or the Florida panhandle. It is brown with lots of seaweed littered about. But you can’t have everything. At least there’s Lucky’s.

There’s also the Museum of the Gulf coast where you can see memorabilia from natives Janis Joplin, and the great football coach Jimmy Johnson. We are not sure, but you might also find something from the legendary Glen E. Miller, who claims Port Arthur as his childhood home.