Winter Texan Times

FEBRUARY 28, 2024 www.wintertexantimes.com 26 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 R MOBILE HOME & RV 2022-2023 EDITION 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 Winter Texan TIMES Serving Winter Texans FromMission To South Padre Island Since 1987 Published By: 2023-2024 Edition Taco Tuesday - Sleepy Valley Ranch Resort, Mission, 11:30am1pm, All you care to eat, $8pp. Lunch - Paradise Park, McAllen, 11:30am-12:45pm, Public welcome. Beginner Squares - Alamo Palms MH & RV Park, Noon-2pm, With Ron & Jan Betzelberger. Tampico Hall. Hearing enhancement available. Subject to change without notice. Jam - Paradise Park, McAllen, 12:30-2:30pm, Blue Wolf Duo. Public welcome. Dance - Fiesta Village, Mission, 1-4pm, Jim & Tom, $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, Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the music and refreshments. Country Jam - J-5 Mobile Home Park, Mission, 1pm, 3907 N. Taylor Rd. Music Jam - Roadrunner RV Resort, Alamo, 1-3pm, Lunch 11 a.m.- 12:45 p.m. Country Jam- Paradise Resort Estates, Pharr, 1-3pm, Snack bar for lunch opens at 12. Jam begins at 1. 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, Do you love pop & rock from the 50s & 60s? How about a little country mixed in? If you answered yes, we want you to join us with Julia Lane Cooper! 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, Bruce Boudreau, pass the hat. Happy Hour - Alamo Rose RV and MH Resort, 3-5pm, Curt James, pass the hat. Happy Hour - Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission, 4-6pm, JerryCo, pass the hat. Karaoke - Victoria Palms Resort, Donna, 5-9pm, Radioactive Karaoke, free. Jam - Country Palms RV Park, San Juan, 6:30pm, Open jam night, donation. Auction - Palmera Heights Park, La Feria, 6:30pm, 920-650-1920. Bible Conference - Bibleville Conference Grounds, Alamo, 7pm, Evening Services with Speaker Larry Moyer. Entertainment - Kenwood RV Park, La Feria, 7-9:30pm, The Piano Man, $10pp. 1201 N. Main St. 956797-1851. Wednesday, March 6 Wednesday Breakfast - Bentsen Grove Resort, Palmview, 7:30am. Plus Square Dance - Tropic Star RV Resort, Pharr, 10am-Noon, With call Joe Saltel, $5pp. Burger Fry and Jam - Chimney Park, Mission, 11:30am, 1/2 lb. burgers are $7pp, homestyle baked beans, starting at 11:30 a.m. Music Jam starts at 1 p.m. 4224 S. Conway Ave. Musical Jam - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 12:30-2:30pm, Rec Hall, lunch available $. Musicians and listeners welcomed. Gate’s open. 1900 Grace Ave. Country/Variety Jam - Quiet Village II, Donna, 12:30-2:30pm, 215 S. Valley View Rd. Country Music Jam - Heritage Square, Mission, 1-3:30pm, Food served from 11:00 - 12:30 before the Jam. Participants and spectators are welcome. 300 S. Bryan Rd. Rock & Roll Jam - Wagon City North, Mission, 1-3pm, Open to everyone, contact 956-683-5888. 2905 N. Conway. Jam Music Session - Bit-O-Heaven RV Park, Donna, 1-3pm, Come to play/sing or just listen. BYOB and snacks. All welcome. Jam - Valley View Estates, Mission, 1-3pm, 2100 Vernon. Country Jam - Texas Trails RV Resort, Pharr, 1-3pm, Veteran’s Hall. Open Acoustic Jam - Park Place Estates, Harlingen, 1:30-3:30pm, Whether you love to play music, dance, or just listen, you’re invited to our Open Acoustic Jam every Wednesday afternoon. Everyone is welcome! Decorated Golf Cart Contest/Parade - Split Rail RV Park, Mission, 2pm. Karaoke - Bluebonnet RV Park, Mission, 3-6pm, Open to the public. No charge, dinner served for fee. Happy Hour - Sleepy Valley Ranch Resort, Mission, 4-6pm, Live music rotating each week. Snacks for sale as well as our homemade pizza. Biscuit/Sausage Gravy & Pancake Supper - Big Valley Trailer Park, Donna, 4:30-6pm, Serving all you care to eat: biscuits and sausage gravy, pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage patties, applesauce, and coffee. Bring your own table service. $7pp. 109 W. Bus. Hwy. 83 Spring Revival (Gospel Songs) - Alamo Palms MH & RV Park, 6:30pm, Square dance with The Baldwins on rounds. Tampico Hall. Hearing enhancement system available. Subject to change without notice. Bible Conference - Bibleville Conference Grounds, Alamo, 7pm, Evening Services with Speaker Larry Moyer. Dance - Tip O’ Texas RV Resort, Pharr, 7-10pm, Steven May and the Southern Knights, $8pp. BYOB. Main Hall. 101 E. Sioux Rd. Dance - Sunshine RV Resort, Harlingen, 7-10pm, Fabulous Cruisers, $15pp. Friendship Hall. Concessions $, park gate open. Tickets in advance and at the door. Info and tickets: Activity Office 956-4257448. 1900 Grace Ave. Entertainment - Casa del Valle Resort Park, Alamo, 7-10pm, Rewind, $10pp. Highly requested. Entertainment - Casa del Sol, Donna, 7-9pm, Rick McEwen, $8pp. Enjoy a variety of music. Concessions available. Open to the public. 400 N Val Verde Rd. Entertainment - McAllen Mobile Park, 7pm, Sandra Harmon, $9pp. 4900 N. McColl Rd. Questions, contact 810-629-4263. PARKS From pg. 25

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