Brownsville

Located in the lush, semitropical Lower Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville is the southern most City on the mainland United States. Located 23 miles from South Padre Island and directly across from Matamoros, Mexico, Brownsville dates from colonial days of Imperial Spain, covering periods of explorations, wars, revolutions, and colorful, though infamous banditry. Brownsville has a unique past as its strategic location has thrust it into the pages of history. You can still wander among the buildings of Fort Brown, established in 1846 by General Zachary Taylor. Today, Fort Brown houses University of Texas Brownsville/Texas Southmost College. The first battle of the Mexican-American War occurred here in 1846, and east of town is where the last battle of the American Civil War was fought. To learn more about the fascinating history of Brownsville, visit the Historic Brownsville Museum located at 641 E. Madison Street. The museum is housed in the historic Southern Pacific railroad passenger depot and chronicles the history of Brownsville through photo exhibits, permanent and rotating exhibits. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Saturday, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Closed Sunday, Monday and major holidays. For more information call (956) 548-1313. This history has developed a proud heritage of two cultures, which is celebrated every year at the end of February with their version of Mardi Gras. Charro Days, features carnivals, parades, dances, and cultural events to recognize the unique relationship between the United States and Mexico.

The area’s semitropical climate and proximity to both Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico make Brownsville a natural spot for a day of birding while vacationing on South Padre Island. Popular birding sites include Brownsville’s Tamaulipas Crow Park, otherwise known as the City Landfill. This is one of the best spots in the Valley to see the Tamaulipas Crow. The Sabal Palm Audubon Sanctuary, the Boca Chica dunes and wetlands, the City’s resacas and numerous other places around town provide great bird habitat for viewing venues. Birding is so popular in Brownsville the Red-crowned Parrot is named the City’s official bird. The Brownsville International Birding & Nature Festival will be held February 14-16, 2008 and features south Texas and northeast Mexico birding resources.

A must to visit while in Brownsville is the Gladys Porter Zoo, rated among the top 10 in the United States, located at 500 Ringgold Street. A 31-acre zoological preserve built on an old Rio Grande River channel, the landscape is covered with more than 250 species and subspecies of tropical and neo-tropical plants along the zoo’s paths. More than 1,600 animals representing over 460 species, 47 of which are endangered, live in open exhibits surrounded by natural flowing waterways. In order to allow visitors to see animals in their native habitat, the zoo is laid out in four geographical areas — Asia, Africa, Tropical America and Indo-Australia. The zoo includes the California sea lion exhibit, a children’s nursery, the bear grottos, a herpetarium, an aquatic wing and the free flight aviary. The zoo is open 365 days per year from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Call (956) 546-7187 for current admission fees and group discount rates. Another great stopping point is the Rio Grande Valley Wing of the Confederate Air Force (CAF), located at the Brownsville/ South Padre Island International Airport. Retired CAF Colonels will show you through the large hanger that houses flying World War II aircraft, an artifact museum, gift shop and meeting rooms. The annual Confederate Air Force Show, held the first weekend in March, is a recreation of WWII air power with demonstrations of aircraft capable of mach speeds, parachute experts, and more. The museum is open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, November through April. The museum is closed on Monday and Tuesday, May through October. Admission is $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for 65 and over, and $3.00 for children ages 12-18. Children under the age of 12 are free with a paid adult. For more information call (956) 541-8585.

Brownsville is the closest airport to South Padre Island and air travel to Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport is easy with daily jet and prop-jet service through Continental Airlines. For more information on Brownsville attractions and events, call the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce at (956) 542-4341 or visit their website or call the Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-626-2639 or visit their website.

Harlingen
Nostalgic for the good ole’ days of soda fountains, rock ‘n roll, and World War II heroes? Then, head to Harlingen, just 40 miles from South Padre Island, for a healthy dose of true Americana.

Harlingen was established in the early 1900s at the crossroads of major national rail lines. It looks and feels much like a Midwest railroad town, with the main streets laid out in a grid and named for Washington, Adams, Jefferson and other U.S. Presidents, in order, from north to south. Many commercial buildings on Jackson, Van Buren, and Harrison and “Silk Stocking” homes along East Taylor stand as a testament to the city’s prosperity in the 1920s and early 1930s, as farmers from the Midwest came south to turn the Wild Horse Desert into a Magic Valley.

You won’t find a Main Street in Harlingen, but Jackson has been the focus of community life for 100 years. Today, this picturesque, palm-lined boulevard offers great bargain shopping for those with a savvy sense of style. Enjoy browsing for treasures in antique malls and unique shops that feature funky and formal, retro and contemporary home furnishings and collectibles. Take home Texas-original paintings, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind gifts. A 60-year-old army surplus store and hobby shops specializing in comic books and vintage records add to the mix. There is ample free parking in the downtown district plus unique local eateries where you can celebrate your finds over iced cappuccino, hot enchiladas, fresh salads or juicy burgers. Jackson Street is the site of Market Days on the first Saturday of every month, annual Christmas and 4th of July Parades, outdoor movie nights, car shows, chili cook-offs, and other community events. Visit myharlingen.us/downtown.htm for information on upcoming events, places to eat, and how to get to Jackson Street.

Downtown Harlingen also boasts several larger-than-life-size murals depicting aspects of the community’s history. The Golden Age of Hollywood & Mexican Cinema is mounted on the east wall of the Rialto (Harlingen’s first movie theatre), at 101 W. Jackson. It features images of mid-century theatres and movie stars. A Tribute to Bill Haley and His Comets is at the corner of Jackson & “A” Streets. The mural honors Harlingen’s most famous resident, known as the “Grandfather of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley and his Comets in July 1955 became the first rock ‘n’ roll record to achieve Number One status on the bestseller lists. Be sure to check out the Bill Haley exhibit and all the nostalgic memorabilia inside the Main Street Grill at 105 W. Jackson. Treat your sweetie to a banana split or a chocolate shake at the old-fashioned soda fountain while you’re there. Historic Route 77, at 202 N. Commerce, captures the thrill of the American road trip, when packing the kids into the family car and heading off on the open highway was truly an adventure. Nostalgic images of Harlingen motor courts and diners that lured travelers off the road capture the bravado and panache of post-war America.

History buffs will enjoy taking a walking and driving tour of Harlingen by way of the Harlingen Heritage Trail, a free brochure that features a map, photos, thumbnail sketches of 35 historic properties, and a timeline of key dates in Harlingen history. Brochures are available at the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce (311 E. Tyler) and Harlingen Downtown Office (209 W. Jackson). Guided trolley tours of Harlingen also are available. Contact Vamonos Travel at 956- 428-1392 for more information.

Harlingen’s Marine Military Academy is home to the original working model of the famous bronze statue at Arlington National Cemetery. This stunning outdoor sculpture was donated to the school by sculptor Dr. Felix W. de Weldon. It depicts the raising of the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima during World War II. A museum features Marine Corps memorabilia, a 30-minute film describing on The Battle of Iwo Jima, and a veterans’ Hall of Fame. A variety of Texas and Marine Corps souvenirs are available in the gift shop. The monument and museum are open daily, right next to Valley International Airport, at 320 Iwo Jima Blvd. For information, call 956-412-2207 or visit mma-tx.org/museum.htm.

The Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum is where South Texas history comes alive through tours of historic Harlingen buildings. Step inside the Paso Real Stagecoach Inn, built during the Civil War. Marvel at the vintage medical equipment on display in the city’s first hospital, a 1920’s structure. Glimpse daily life inside the home of city founder Lon C. Hill. Enjoy photos from Harlingen’s heyday as an air base, plus exhibits on railroads and ranching. The Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum is on Loop 499 just two blocks from Valley International Airport. For information, call 956-216-4901 or visit their website.

Harlingen also has an extensive park system and several sites on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail co-sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Texas Department of Transportation. These include World Birding Center sites located at Ramsey Nature Park on Loop 499 and at the Harlingen Thicket Bird Sanctuary, a 40-acre tract of native brush in the city center. Pick up a free birding and butterfly guide at the Texas Travel Information Center, open seven days a week at the junction of U.S. 77 & 83 in Harlingen. See how many species you can identify, starting with Harlingen’s official bird, the Great Kiskadee. See what’s fluttering at the butterfly garden across from the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium, 1204 Fair Park Blvd. More than 40 species have been documented here. Make plans to attend Harlingen’s Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival in November, where you can rub elbows with and learn from top birding guides and birders from around the world.

For information, call or visit the Harlingen Convention and Visitors Bureau, housed at the Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce, 311 E. Tyler. Open Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., 956- 423-5440 or 1-800-531-7346. For information 24 hours a day, visit visitharlingen.net.