Our native Victoria is a multicultural hub and one of Texas’ oldest cities. Here, we proudly blend rich history and tradition with plenty of modern amenities, entertainment, dining options and much more, making this a preferred home base for many generations of Texans who have happily lived, worked and retired right here.
How rich is our region’s history, you wonder? Well, there’s 13,000 (!) years of history on display at the Museum of the Coastal Bend, everything from primitive hunting tools and the Wooly Mammoth to artifacts from the French explorer La Salle’s 17th century expedition, and the early settlers that helped give rise to the Victoria we know and love today.
Along the drivable Victoria History Trail, modern-day explorers will discover 80 homes and properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Popular landmarks include The Victoria County Courthouse, whose Romanesque architecture dates back to 1892, and Fossati’s Delicatessen in Downtown Victoria. The deli opened in 1882, but to this day is still owned and operated by its founding family! Architecture buffs and the faithful will also want to visit St. Mary’s Church, the second-oldest Roman Catholic church in Texas and the first to be canonically established in the Republic of Texas.
The Nave Museum and Five Points Museum of Contemporary Art showcase some of the premier works from the Crossroads region and beyond, while fans of the performing arts can become immersed in the year-round productions from Theatre Victoria, the Victoria Symphony, and Victoria Ballet Theatre. Community events range from our annual Bootfest to the regular live music performances that grace the streets of downtown. We have 200 species on display at The Texas Zoo, plus miles of hiking and biking trails, an 18-hole golf course, watersports and more await at Riverside Park.
Hungry? Well, Victoria offers more than 125 restaurants serving everything from downhome comfort foods and Texas staples to specialty dishes from around the world. Speaking of Texas staples…Victoria is a central stop along the Coastal Texas BBQ Trail, and Frances Marie’s Restaurant and Cantina is a go-to spot for authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. We also like to enjoy relaxed, waterside dining at The Pump House, and the surf and turf (and scenic views) at the Sky Restaurant. There’s also Rosebud Records, Grill & Theater downtown, which harkens back to the 1950’s diners that still hold a special place in all of our hearts! Any would be great choices after working up an appetite bargain hunting at Victoria Mall or browsing the eclectic, family-owned boutiques of downtown.
For comfort, convenience and city living with a familiar, hometown feel, Victoria is a fine choice. And for seniors looking for a desirable, central location, high standards for resident care and service, and a community with a trusted reputation in the local area, Morada Victoria East has it all.
