Author: Danielle Dews

Community, Food

Kilates Coffee brings new roasts and blends to Padre Island 

Danielle Dews

A new coffee shop has opened giving locals and tourists another spot to enjoy high-quality coffee just off South Padre Island Drive in Loma Alta Plaza on Padre Island. Kilates Coffee officially opened its newest location in January. After seeing amazing responses to their original location at the Cabana Pantry, the company decided to open a bigger and brighter spot on the island.  “We took the leap and opened our newest and biggest location on North Padre Island,” owner Kathya Reppart said. Kilates is more unique than the typical coffee shop. The shop not only roasts its beans in-house, but…

Community

Barefoot Mardi Gras returns to the island for the 2026 parade on Saturday, Feb. 28

Danielle Dews

North Padre Island’s sand will transform into a parade route at Barefoot Mardi Gras Saturday, Feb. 28, bringing locals, Winter Texans, and visitors to one of the island’s biggest events of the year. This year’s beachfront event is anticipated to attract one of the biggest audiences ever due to record participation, an expanded route, and increasing attendance. The event, an annual fundraiser hosted by the Padre Island Business Association, supports local nonprofit organizations each year with a portion of the proceeds. “To our knowledge, we are the only parade that runs entirely on a beach in the country,” said event…