JANUARY 3, 2024 www.wintertexantimes.com 18 WINTER TEXAN TIMES NOWAVAILABLE ONLINE www.WinterTexanTimes.com 2022 Park Directory 2023 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide Winter Texan TIMES Serving Winter Texans FromMission To South Padre Island Since 1987 Published By: Park Directory RIO GRANDE VALLEY D MOBILE HOME & RVV 2022-20233 EDITION E Page 3 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2023-2024 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide Vol. 26, No. 1 2023-2024 Edition Published by Nexus Publishing, LLC 1217 N. Conway Mission, Texas 78572 (956) 580-7800 www.wintertexantimes.com © Copyright 2023 by Nexus Publishing, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the express consent of the publisher. All rights reserved. WELCOME ABOUT THE COVER Top Photo: The La Lomita Chapel, the namesake for the present city of Mission, offers an important glimpse into the history of Mission and South Texas. Constructed from adobe, the chapel was built in 1865 by Rene Guyard, a French merchant and devout Roman Catholic, on the La Lomita Ranch he purchased in 1845. It continues as a religious shrine and popular site for historians. For more information about the La Lomita, read their listing on page 10. (Photo by Carina A. Brunson) Bottom Photos: Gladys Porter Zoo is one of the top zoos in the country. The zoo combines education and conservation with their displays, animals, and breeding programs. The zoo is home to over 500 species of plants and animals. This camel was born in 2021 at the zoo. (Photo courtesy of Gladys Porter Zoo) The Mission Chamber holds a Winter Texan Fiesta every year in March to show their appreciation to the Winter Texans that visit the Valley each year. The event features culture, food, a market, and entertainment. (Photo by Carina A. Brunson) The Valley has many parks to enjoy birding. This Kiskadee was spotted at the Hidalgo Pumphouse, one of the World Birding Centers and a historic landmark from 1909. (Photo by Herb Moering) Whether you prefer nature and the outdoors, historical sites, parks, fishing, boating, or parasailing over the surf at South Padre Island, the Rio Grande Valley has it all. Visitors can enjoy all the Valley has to offer year-round due to the Valley’s mild winter weather. Over 100,000 Winter Texans stay for the winter season to enjoy our warm, subtropical climate with an average temperature of 65-70 degrees. Winter Texans are not the only ones who have discovered the Rio Grande Valley. Birding, butterfly, and nature enthusiasts from all parts of the country come to the Valley every year, attracted by the 545 species of birds and 330 butterfly species that are either native to the area or that migrate through the Valley each year. Because of its neo-tropical climate, the Rio Grande Valley is home to many tropical birds that can be seen nowhere else in the United States. It is also a major bird migration corridor with two major flyways converging here. The Rio Grande Valley is also a place full of history. From battle sites to the only lighthouse on the gulf shores, to museums with artifacts, to chapels, historic homes, and old stores. Every Valley city has a story to tell. Whether you are a Winter Texan, a family with young children, or just someone that enjoys the outdoors, history and culture, the Rio Grande Valley has something to offer everyone. Inside you will find beautiful maps that pinpoint featured locations throughout the Valley. We have broken up the area into eight regions, so whatever area you are visiting, you have a map to see what is close to you. With all there is to see and do in the Rio Grande Valley, we hope you enjoy your stay! Inside this guide Points of Interest ............................................ 4 RGV Regional Map & Index ..................27-30 Golfers’Paradise ........................................... 31 World Class Birding & Nature Sites .......49-52 Valley Birding & Nature Events .................. 53 Valley Chamber Offices ............................... 54 To The Rio Grande Valley Winter Texan TIMES Serving Winter Texans FromMission To South Padre Island Since 1987 Published By: 2023-2024 Edition t Winter Texan TIMES Serving Winter Texans FromMission To South Padre Island Since 1987 Published By: 2023-2024 Editionn tion, in the RV or marine industries. Previous events have seen as many as 10,000 people come through the doors. “Free t-shirts for attendees as we have done in the past,” said Dustin. He added that he is excited about the t-shirts because it is a brand-new design this year. There will be free food and drinks, free admission, free parking, entertainment, and free fun. Dustin says, this is just one way to show his appreciation to the Winter Texan community each year – with some fun, prizes, food, and deals for everyone. There will be several tents full of vendors. Right now, there are over 50 different vendors slated for the event. So, there is sure to be something for everyone. There will also be games and door prizes. One big prize will be given away each day. Main prizes awarded will be winner’s choice of a cargo trailer, four-wheeler, or a zero-turn mower. You do need to be present to win the main prizes, but there will be plenty of opportunity to win other prizes throughout the two days. Dustin invites everyone to come out and see the enormous selection of RVs, boats, and more. On site there will be special sales, including a flea market-like sale on all the extras Ron Hoover has collected throughout the year. These items include parts, hitches, household items, and more. All items will be sold at a bargain, cash and carry style. This is your chance to get some stuff ridiculously cheap. There will also be a ton of factory reps there, said Dustin, helping with deals and trades. There will be special event pricing on items as well. This is a great opportunity for attendees to check their RV units that are in stock and see deals on 2023 inventory. As with previous years, Ron Hoover has partnered with a local organization to support. Vendors fees for the event are going entirely to the South Texas Juvenile Diabetes HOOVER From pg. 1 Association (STJDA). The association helps support children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. STJDA holds summer camps, partners with schools providing educational programs, gives bears to children in area hospitals, and more throughout the Valley. The program has reached an estimated 619 children with direct services and more than 22,000 children through prevention education. Over 750 bears have been given to newly diagnosed children, providing them and their families with hope and a direct connection to an organization made up of families just like them. Last year the event raised $27,000 during the two days. Dustin said $21,000 was raised through the vendors, another $2,600 was donations and Ron Hoover paid the difference to meet their goal. The money raised last year was used to build a pavilion. This year, Dustin will also make a Make a Wish reveal at the event. Ron Hoover RV & Marine Center is located at 101 Expressway 83 in Donna (on the south side of the expressway). Parking will be available along North Ave. behind Ron Hoover. Golf cart shuttling will be provided on both days. If you’re coming from the west, take the Main St. exit. If you’re coming from the east, take the Hutto exit. PARKS From pg. 17 Beginner Squares - Alamo Palms MH & RV Park, Noon-2pm, With Ron & Jan Betzelberger. Tampico Hall. Hearing enhancement available. Subject to change without notice. Dance - Fiesta Village, Mission, 1-4pm, Kenny & Friends, $7pp. Jam - The Grove Subdivision, San Juan, 1-3pm, Hwy. 83 & Stewart Rd. 605 E 7th St. (hall). Jam - Oleander Acres, Mission, 1-3pm. Jam Session - Lakewood RV Resort, Harlingen, 1-3pm. Plus Square Dance Review - Tropic Star RV Resort, Pharr, 1-2:30pm, With caller Joe Saltel, $5pp. Bluegrass Jam - Kenwood RV Park, La Feria, 1:30pm. PH III-IV RD Dance/WS - Alamo Palms MH & RV Park, 2-4pm, With Nancy & Dewayne Baldwin, Tampico Hall. Hearing enhancement system available. Subject to change without notice. Beginner Square Dance Lessons - Tropic Star RV Resort, Pharr, 2:304pm, $5pp. Happy Hour - Park Place Estates, Harlingen, 3-5pm, Come join us for Happy Hour full of country music with Ron & Jan Easter! We’re going to have a great time. Don’t miss out! We have a dance floor! BYOB. Our Happy Hour is free, but don’t forget cash for setups and tips for the performer. Happy Hour - Bit-O-Heaven RV Park, Donna, 3-5pm, The Lockharts, pass the hat. Jack Burrows - Split Rail RV Park, Mission, 3-4:30pm, Everyone is welcome to come and listen to Jack Burrows at this Educational Retirement Workshop where you will learn about investments. Park Hall. Sign-up sheet is in the Hall, catered by Lone Star BBQ. 513 N. Los Ebanos Rd. Entertainment - Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission, 5-7pm, Naomi Bristow, $10pp. Jam - Country Palms RV Park, San Juan, 6:30pm, Open jam night, donation. Entertainment - Palmera Heights Park, La Feria, 6:30pm, Mark Merchant comedy/ventriloquist show, $9pp in advance/$11pp at door. Call Kay at 920-650-1920 for advanced ticket info. Concessions available, doors open at 5:45 p.m. 1205 N. Palmera Dr. Evening Services - Bibleville Conference Grounds, Alamo, 7pm, With Speaker Knute Larson. Entertainment - Mission Bell Resort, Mission, 7-9pm, Ralph Kuster Neil Diamond Tribute, $9pp. Concessions available. Mission Bell Ballroom. Wednesday, January 10 Wednesday Breakfast - Bentsen Grove Resort, Palmview, 7:30am. All You Can Eat Breakfast - EnSee PARKS pg. 20
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