1. See where it all began (sort of)

The ultimate selfie for any diehard Whataburger fan: a snap in front of the first Whataburger restaurant! Founded in Corpus Christi, Texas by Harmon Dobson almost 70 years ago, this replica of the original humble burger stand is located on the site of an operating Whataburger restaurant at 4126 S. Staples. Be sure to use #whataburger and we might just share your photo with our fans!

2. Pay tribute at the Selena Memorial (Mirador De La Flor)

Tejano music superstar Selena Quintanilla-Perez, a native of Corpus Christi, is forever memorialized with this sculpture on the Corpus Christi Bayfront. Visitors from all over the world pay their respects. Pro tip: Walk down the steps behind the memorial and take a pic in front of “Paseo De La Flor.” The ceramic floral tile mural was made by local children and also dedicated to the “Queen of Tejano Music.”

3. Get a view from the top at Whataburger by the Bay

What can be better than enjoying a hot, fresh, made-to-order Whataburger? Enjoying a delicious Whataburger with a gorgeous view of Corpus Christi Bay! The two-story Whataburger by the Bay features an outdoor seating area with breathtaking views of the marina. Find the bronze statue of Whataburger founder Harmon Dobson and snap a quick selfie!

4. Stand out from the crowd at this street scene

This vibrant mural located on the side of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times building is "Endless Sunset: The Colors of Our City," by artist Sandra Gonzalez. Take a selfie in front of the mural and use #vivacc for a chance to see your pic in the newspaper.

5. Learn about life at the Texas State Aquarium

Open since 1990, this popular site is more than just a place to learn about marine animals. Today’s aquarium features a brand new, expansive interactive exhibit: “Caribbean Journey” and takes visitors on a trek through the underwater worlds of the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. Tours (for additional fees) include an opportunity to feed fish or get up close and personal with pink flamingos.

6. Have a Whataburger at the ballpark

If your road trip finds you in the bay city between April and September, make time to catch a baseball game at Whataburger Field, home of the double-A Corpus Christi Hooks, a Houston Astros affiliate. For the younger fans who can't go a full nine innings, Whataburger Field features a Sport Court basketball surface, a full-sized playground, a rock climbing wall, and even a swimming pool just beyond the right field fence.

With a Whataburger restaurant on site, you don't need popcorn and peanuts. Just score your favorite meal, kick back, and enjoy the game.

And on the way out, be sure to take a picture with the For the Love of the Game statue situated just outside the gates.

7. Get in touch with the great outdoors at the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center

The 182-acre nature center features floral exhibits and gardens, an Orchid Conservatory, Hummingbird Garden, “artscaped” Sensory Garden, and more. Take a walk on the wild side with hands-on programs featuring exotic birds and reptiles, and plan to take a selfie in the screened butterfly house.

8. Go deep at the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay​

Also known as “The Blue Ghost,” this World War II-era retired aircraft carrier is open year-round for public tours. Explore the flight deck, captain’s quarters, crew galley, dental clinic and dozens of other areas on the ship.Private, guided “hard hat” tours are available for an extra fee. Hard hats and flashlights provided, but bring your own sense of adventure!

1. Start the day with a serving of pride

Start off the day with some Lone Star pancakes, an HBCB, or whatever your Texan-loving heart fancies.

2. Texaccesorize!

Got some Texas apparel? Whether it’s a clever tee, a 10-gallon hat or a classic accessory (ahem, the James Avery Whataburger charm) rock it with pride this Texas Independence Day.

3. Saddle up and get some Whataburger

What’s a celebration without Whataburger? Mosey on over to your neighborhood Whataburger and get your favorite meal for convenient horseback dining.

4. Don't forget your Yeti

Celebrate the day with two Texas-born companies: Whataburger and Yeti. For one-stop pride, fill your Whataburger-branded Yeti with classic sweet tea or a Dr Pepper.

5. Enjoy the beauty of the Lone Star State

Whether it’s a scenic drive across the Devil’s Backbone, dipping your toes in the water of the Gulf of Mexico, or enjoying a quiet meal by Canyon Lake, spend some time outdoors and take in the wonder that is Texas.

The first time Kaila Ducharme’s grandfather took her to a rodeo, she knew she was born to ride.

That was at age 4.

“I told him I never wanted to come back unless I was competing,” Ducharme says.

When she was 5, she did just that – leading her horse through a barrel-racing competition.

Now 18, Ducharme loves competing in a variety of rodeo competitions, including barrel racing, pole bending, breakaway roping and goat tying.

Last summer, Ducharme and two friends went for a ride on their horses. Two hours later, they ponied up at a Whataburger drive-thru for some impromptu milkshakes, and were caught in a photo that went viral on social media.

For Ducharme, it was just another day with her friends and her horses. But it’s a day that almost didn’t happen.

Back in the saddle

On September 3, 2015, Ducharme was training a young horse when it became spooked and flipped over backwards on top of her.

“She basically folded me in half like a pretzel. I knew immediately something was terribly wrong when I couldn’t move. Everything was numb,” she recalls.

Her injuries were so severe that she was flown via Life Flight to Memorial Hermann, Houston’s trauma hospital.

“I broke my left femur, left hip and ninth rib. I also lacerated my liver, gallbladder and damaged my colon,” she says. “I spent three months in a wheelchair.”

But Ducharme was determined to compete again.

Four months after the accident, she saddled up and went for a ride on horseback. And in March 2016, six months after the accident, she competed in a rodeo competition, placing 6^th out of 100 riders.

“I was a little disappointed I didn’t place higher, but proud because it was a difficult road to get there,” Ducharme says.

And looking forward

Meeting the medical team that helped save her life inspired Ducharme. While she had been considering veterinary school, she is now studying to become a Life Flight nurse.

And, of course, she’s still riding.

After three surgeries and still battling post-traumatic stress, Ducharme rode the horse from the accident in December 2016.

Horses, she says, will always be in her life.

And Whataburger will forever be a part of that journey: from sponsoring rodeo events like the Texas High School Rodeo Association state finals, where Ducharme attempted to qualify for a spot at nationals back in June or going all the way back to those rodeos with her grandfather when she was a little girl.

“We would often stop at Whataburger for dinner before heading home. I'll never forget: the 3-piece chicken strips with gravy was always my meal of choice,” Ducharme laughs. “When I think of those post-rodeo Whataburger trips with my grandpa, it makes me nostalgic.”

Allison LaSalle Photography