shows images from the Hubble Space Telescope and other sources on a 3-D sphere. 1900 Nolana Ave. 956/682-0123.
www.imasonline.org.
MCA2 CREATIVE INCUBATOR —This former library features performances and exhibitions by local artists. Watch the artists creating works in studios. 601 N. Main St. 956/687-2787.
www.mcallenart.com.
QUINTA MAZATLAN —A 1930s country estate in the heart of McAllen is a World Birding Center site. This historic Spanish Revival adobe hacienda is surrounded by lush tropical landscaping and native woodland. Trails wind through more than 15 acres of bird habitat. 600 Sunset Ave. 956/688-3333.
www.quintamazatlan.com or
www.worldbirdingcenter.com.
VETERAN’S WAR MEMORIAL —Located near the convention center, the memorial honors the men and women who served their country in battles dating back to the revolutionary war. Galveston Avenue and South 29th Street. 956/631-2511.
www.mcallen.net/veterans.
MERCEDES POP. 16,556
ALT. 61
MERCEDES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 417 S. Ohio St. 956/565-2221.
Mercedes refers to itself as “Queen City of the Valley” or “La Reina del Valle.” Today, Mercedes is known for custom-made boots. On the Mercedes Civic Center grounds, 530 E. Second St., the Fleet S. Lentz Native Plant Display features native shrubs and trees. Mercedes is home to the Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlet Mall (956/565-3900 or
www.premiumoutlets. com/riograndevalley). Events include the Rio Grande Valley Livestock
Show & Rodeo held in March and Little Nashville in Mercedes once each month.
BOTAS DE MERCEDES —Twenty-five 5.5-foot tall hand- sculpted boots adorned with college logos—including University of Texas, Texas A&M, University of Texas San Antonio, Baylor, Harvard, Monterrey Tech, North Texas University,and Notre Dame—are spread throughout town in this public-art project. Free. 417 S. Ohio. All over town. Call for locations. 956/565-2230 x2.
www.mercedesedc.com.
DOLL DISPLAY —More than 500 dolls from 40 countries are displayed in the Mercedes Memorial Library. The collection includes dolls of Native Americans tribes, former presidents and movie stars. Some date to 1890. 434 S. Ohio St. 956/565-2371.
VINTAGE FARM EQUIPMENT MUSEUM —Vintage farm equipment is displayed outside the second week in March and for special events. 1000 N. Texas Ave. On the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show grounds. 956/565-2456.
MISSION POP. 81,581
ALT. 134 MAP Y-16/CC-15
GREATER MISSION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 202 W. Tom Landry. 956/585-2727.
www.missionchamber.com.
The first settlement was established by Oblate Fathers on a site three miles south of the present town. Priests are said to have planted an orange grove that was one of the first citrus experiments in the lower Rio Grande Valley. John H. Shary, known as the father of the Texas citrus industry, built his home, the Mansion on Shary in Mission. Later, the home was a residence for Gov. and Mrs. Allan Shivers. Open by appointment only. Call 956/432-8036. Mission is home to four premier golf courses:
Cimarron Country Club, Martin Valley Ranches, Meadow Creek in the Valley and Shary Municipal Golf Course. The Mission Hike and Bike Trail runs between South Conway and Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park. Contact the chamber for details. Events include the Texas Citrus Fiesta in January,
South Texas Outdoor Life Festival and the Texas Butterfly Festival in October.
PHOTO: RANDALL MAXWELL/TXDOT Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen provides a serene birdwatching atmosphere.
ANZALDUAS PARK —Hidalgo County park at Anzalduas Dam on the Rio Grande offers a covered bird- observation pier, pavilion and boat dock. Enjoy picnicking in a shady wooded area. It is an excellent spot for butterfly and bird watching. About three miles south, near La Lomita Chapel. 956/585-5311.
BENTSEN-RIO GRANDE VALLEY STATE PARK —More than 325 species of birds and more than 200 species of butterflies have been documented in this park. It offers bird walks, natural history tours, nature trails, a hawk tower, wildlife viewing blinds, primitive campsites and tram tours. Park access is on foot, by bike or by tram. It houses the World Birding Center headquarters. Admission charge. 2800 S. Bentsen Palm Drive. 956/585-1107.
http://tpwd.texas.gov/ state-parks/bentsen-rio-grande-valley.
LA LOMITA CHAPEL —Built in 1865, the tiny (12-by-25- foot) structure, rebuilt of sandstone in 1889, still has the original brick floors, heavy-beamed ceilings, outdoor oven and water well. Surrounding park provides picnic facilities, walkways and historical site signs. Three miles south of U.S. 83 on F.M. 1016. 956/580-8760.
LOS EBANOS FERRY —The only existing hand-operated ferry of its kind. Carries three cars and a limited number of passengers at a time, and riders can help pull. The ferry is recognized with a state historical marker. Call before traveling to the ferry to verify it is operating that day. Fourteen miles west on U.S. 83; three miles south on F.M. 886. 956/487-1688.
MISSION HISTORICAL MUSEUM —This museum features the history of Mission, rotating exhibits, the Hands on History area for children and the gift store. 900 Doherty Ave. Annex: 200 E. Tom Landry. 956/580-8646.
www.missiontexas.us.
NATIONAL BUTTERFLY CENTER —This site features thousands of host plants that butterflies need for nectar and caterpillar growth, as well as to sustain large populations and diverse species. Admission charge. 3333 S. Butterfly Park Drive. 956/583-5400.
www.nationalbutterflycenter.org.
TOM LANDRY MURAL —Created to honor Landry—born and raised in Mission—who led the Dallas Cowboys from rag-tag team in its inaugural 1960 season to two Super Bowl titles and “America’s Team” status. The mural depicts his life, career and legend. Landry’s handprints and footprints are below the mural. 101 E. Tom Landry Ave. In downtown Mission.
WORLD BIRDING CENTER HEADQUARTERS —Within Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, this site is
designed to educate the public about the unique wildlife within the region and promote environmental conservation. It’s headquarters to the nine World Birding Center stations in the Rio Grande Valley. 956/584-9156.
www.theworldbirdingcenter.com.
ORANGE GROVE POP. 1,366
ALT. 190 MAP U-16
ORANGE GROVE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 361/384-1300.
T he town site was was named for the lower Rio Grande Valley citrus industry. Year-round hunting opportunities abound. Nearby lakes and the Texas coast provide excellent boating and fishing facilities.
LAKE CORPUS CHRISTI STATE PARK —See MATHIS.
ORANGE GROVE AREA MUSEUM —Artifacts and memorabilia recall the history and German influence in the area. Exhibits include a replica of an early dry- goods store and the old post office front from the 1920s. 119 S. Eugenia St. 361/384-1300.
www.facebook.com/OGAreaMuseum.
PANNA MARIA POP. 96 (est.)
ALT. 175 MAP S-16
PANNA MARIA VISITORS’ CENTER: 830/780-4471.
www.pannamariatexas.com.
This town is noted in the National Register of Historic Places as the oldest permanent Polish settlement in America. Polish Catholic immigrants named the town Panna Maria, meaning Virgin Mary. Other villages like Cestohowa, Pawelekville and Kosciusko sprang from this settlement. The Panna Maria Historical Society is housed in the
1875 Pilarczyk Store. Information and guided tours are available. The Convent Inn was used by nuns teaching in the elementary school in the early 1950s. The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church is topped by a cross carried from Poland by the original colonists. The old painted ceiling has been restored. Just off Texas 123 between Stockdale and Karnes City.
ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL MUSEUM —Housed in the oldest Polish school in the U.S., artifacts (many from 19th- century Poland) depict the life of Polish pioneers. The second floor was originally a convent for the teaching nuns. The museum has been restored. Tours are available upon request from the volunteers at the Visitors Center. 830/780-4471.
239 MAP Z-17
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