Weslaco has shallow lakes, woodlands and thorn forests that at ract a spectac- ular array of South Texas wildlife, in- cluding birds, to this 230-acre refuge. Visitors can sit on the covered viewing deck of the Visitor Center and watch the Ibis Pond, wander the trails to view birds and other wildlife, or head to the alligator lake to see the reptiles. Down the road at Quinta Mazatlan
in McAllen, the trill of birds upon entering the former estate leaves no question that it is a birding site. A fun place to stop is the feeding station near the amphitheater where visitors can sit and watch the birds. Other points of interest include a humming- bird garden, but erfl y garden, wooded meadow and the thorn for- est. While walking the trails, visitors will notice bronze sculptures that make up the Forest Sculpture Trail. Each sculpture has an accompany- ing marker providing information about the special creatures—both birds and other animals—that call South Texas home. Heading further west leads to Mis-
sion, home to Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park. This world-class birding destination includes a visi- tor center surrounded by but erfl y gardens and hummingbird feeders. Other highlights include the 210-foot- long, two-story high, wheelchair-ac- cessible ramp that provides views of the canopy, plus two enclosed bird blinds and a birding wall that give visitors an up-close spot to watch bird behaviors. With additional bird feeding stations and water along the trails, there are plenty of opportuni- ties to experience nature in action. Each WBC site off ers a diff erent
experience, and all should be on the must-do lists of birders and nature lov- ers. And they make up only a few of wildlife experiences in South Texas. Other spots include the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, Chaparral Wildlife Management Area, Coleto Creek Park, National But erfl y Center, Choke Canyon State Park and the Val- ley Nature Center. While birding is very popular in
the Valley, there are numerous other at ractions for visitors. Further cultural and natural experiences can be found at the Museum of South Texas, Lake El
PHOTO: MICHAEL AMADOR/TXDOT
was the capitol of the un- successful republic. The building is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and is a house museum re- fl ecting the 1830s. Both self-guided audio
tours and guided tours are available to learn more about the city’s heritage. The tours include the Re- public of the Rio Grande Museum, Border Heritage Museum, San Augustin Plaza and Casa Ortiz. Consider visiting the city
during one if its annual events. Washington’s Birth- day Celebration is a month- long event that includes the International Bridge Cere- mony, parade, jalapeño festi- val, air show and more. The Laredo International Sister Cities Festival is a three-day event in July with more than
Sal Del Ray and the Tejano Walk of Fame in Edinburg; Hidalgo Pump- house Museum at ached to the birding center in Hidalgo; International Mu- seum of Art & Science and the arts and entertainment districts in McAllen; Mission Historical Museum, National But erfl y Center and La Lomita Chapel in Mission; Roma Historic District in Roma; and the Valley Nature Center and Weslaco Museum in Weslaco.
★ Border Bliss If a traveler is taking a circular
tour of the region, the next destina- tions would be Laredo, which off ers a unique border experience. An easy drive from San Antonio or the Valley, Laredo blends the cultures, languages, culinary infl uence and ambiance of both sides of the border. Learn more about Laredo with a
visit to the Border Heritage Museum. The two-story, brick building formerly housed two early Laredo merchant families. Now visitors can explore changing exhibits on the region’s his- tory, culture, industry and populations. From there, travelers can walk to
the Republic of the Rio Grande Mu- seum. Legend has it that the building
180 exhibitors from Mexico and Cen- tral America. And bird lovers won’t want to miss the birding classics and fi eld trips of the Laredo Birding Festi- val in February Travelers who continue further north
along the border will arrive in Eagle Pass. Established as Camp Eagle Pass, later named Fort Duncan, the area has seen a lot of history. Travelers explore the history of the city and area from the colonial period to the early 1900s at the Fort Duncan Museum. The city hosts a number of festivals throughout the year and also has the state’s only casino— Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino, which is owned and operated by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas. There is so much more to experience
throughout the South Texas Plains. No mat er where travelers choose to start, they will fi nd much to enjoy. ★
getting there
SAN ANTONIO INTL. AIRPORT
www.sanantonio.gov/SAT.aspx
VALLEY INTL. AIRPORT (HARLINGEN)
www.flythevalley.com
MORE TRAVEL INFORMATION ON PAGE 7. 93
Poteet STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
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