A Season of Tours

The last full week in February was a true indicator that Tours by Welcome Home had hit its stride for the 202223 Winter Texan season.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2021-2022

SPONSORS

The newly created Tours Division at Welcome Home scouted, organized, and implemented a total of 70 tours, including two day trips to the King Ranch, one overnight excursion to Corpus Christi, a custom tour to the Delta Lake

It seems like only yesterday we were celebrating the long-awaited return of so many of our friends. Now, here we are bidding you farewell and safe travels. All of us at Welcome Home RGV look forward to your return. Plans are

Hotel ruins, and adventures to the Alpaquita Ranch--plus selling out tours over and over to SpaceX and the Gladys Porter Zoo.

A SEASON OF TOURS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1>>

One couple who took advantage of many of the tours offered this season, Chico and Jackie Garvis of Bentsen Grove Resort in Palmview, ventured to Corpus Christi, the King Ranch, the Alpaquita Ranch, and SpaceX. And Jackie plans to take part in a scheduled historic bus tour of Brownsville.

One of Jackie’s favorite tours of the season was to the Alpaquita Ranch near Raymondville, home to dozens of alpacas. She enjoyed the hands-on interaction with the animals and also appreciated learning about the wool, yarn, and dying processes, as well as the “wonderful soaps” available in the gift shop.

Chico and Jackie both rave about the trip to Corpus Christi, two days packed with attractions, private guides, and VIP experiences. “My favorite part was lunch on the fantail on the Lexington,” shares

Jackie. Chico chimes in, “The museum was just excellent!”

“I can’t say enough about how well it was run,” continues Chico. “Even just keeping a whole bunch of seniors together!”

“The excursions are immersive experiences with custom touches,” says Sarah Denzer, tour manager, touches like customized enamel lanyard pins for each tour--such as a giraffe for the Zoo tour, the U.S.S. Lexington representing Corpus Christi, and an alpaca for the Ranch.

The attractions and perks are complemented by the ease of travel. “All the buses have been very nice. Great buses; good drivers!” says Chico.

And don’t forget the meals. A restaurant stop was offered during the SpaceX and Alpaquita Ranch tours, a mouthwatering brisket BBQ lunch was served up at the King Ranch, and a meal was served in-

A SEASON OF TOURS

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 >>

Publisher Kristi Collier kristi@welcomehomergv.com

Administration

Amie Gray agray@welcomehomergv.com

Colette Brookins colie@welcomehomergv.com

Brandi Gatlin brandi@welcomehomergv.com

Event Manager

Anne Marie Martin events@welcomehomergv.com

Business Development

Leigh Woolridge leigh@welcomehomergv.com

Chris Leadbetter chris@welcomehomergv.com

Travel Division

Kristy Meyer travel@welcomehomergv.com

Sarah Denzer sarah@welcomehomergv.com

Accounting

Anna Talbert accounting@welcomehomergv.com

Editor Chris Ardis news@welcomehomergv.com

Graphic Design

Affinity Media Consulting LLC

Content Creator / Photographer

Eryn Reddell Wingert eryn@welcomehomergv.com

Promotional Division

Elizabeth Seal elizabeth@welcomehomergv.com

Cristi Klostermann promotions@welcomehomergv.com

Sabina Adames sabina@welcomehomergv.com

Activity Coordinator

Fran Adams fran@welcomehomergv.com

We Winter Texans!

Calendar Submissions!

For more information on submitting your events and activities, please email: calendar@welcomehomergv.com The deadline for submission is Fridays at 5:00pm. • • • •

Weekly e-Blasts

Kristi’s e-Blasts are sent weekly October - March to our subscribers. Find out what’s happening across the Valley. These e-Blasts include helpful links and fliers for “Featured Events.” Sign up today at: info@welcomehomergv.com • • •

Follow Us on Social Media!

Welcome Home RGV has several ways to join the action on social media. Our WHRGV Facebook page is dedicated to community events and information that will appeal to people of all ages. Our Winter Texan page is more specific to our Winter Texan target market.

www.facebook.com @whrgv @wintertexan www.youtube.com Find on YouTube Channel “Welcome Home Rio Grande Valley” www.instagram.com @welcomehomergv @wintertexans

Stay and save

Call

Ask how you can camp all year long with our Thousand Trails Camping Pass!

Our Thousand Trails Camping Pass is offered by MHC Thousand Trails Limited Partnership, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606. This advertising is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of resort campground memberships. This document has been filed with the Department of Licensing, State of Washington as required by Washington Law Value, quality or conditions stated and perfor mance on promises are the responsibility of the operator, not the Department. The filing does not mean the Department has approved the merits or qualifications of any registration, advertising, or any gift or item of value as part of any promotional plan. There is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 in participating in any event and there is no guarantee that you will not become infected with COVID-19. Neither the property nor any of its affiliates shall be responsible for any exposure to COVID-19, whether exposure is related to a property-sponsored event or otherwise. All participants voluntarily assume all risks related to the exposure of COVID-19, whether a COVID-19 infection occurs before, during, or after entry upon the property Subject to availability. Reservations required. Offers valid for new customers with new reservations only. $99 offer valid for reservations between December 13, 2022 through May 22, 2023 at Alamo Palms, Country Sunshine, Fun N Sun, Lakewood, Leisure World, Paradise Park, Paradise South, Souther n Comfort, Sunshine RV, Trails End, Tropic W inds or Victoria Palms. Reservation of 7 nights minimum and maximum required. $299 offer valid for reservations between December 13, 2022 through May 22, 2023 at Alamo Palms, Country Sunshine, Lakewood, Leisure World, Paradise Park, Paradise South, Souther n Comfort or Trails End. $399 offer valid for reservations between December 13, 2022 through May 22, 2023 at Fun N Sun, Sunshine RV, Tropic W inds or Victoria Palms. Reservation of 28 nights minimum and 31 nights maximum required. Offers valid on standard RV sites only. Offers valid for one week or one month only. Electric not included for stays of 28 days or longer. Rates do not include taxes. Amenities vary by resort. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotions. Book by April 30, 2023. The stated rates are for the 7 night or 31 night period. You may stay less than the entire period but the rate will not be prorated for the shorter stay

A SEASON OF TOURS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2>> house after the behind-the-scenes tour of the Gladys Porter Zoo.

Tours by Welcome Home coordinated with restaurants in advance of the large groups. After the SpaceX tour, Chico and Jackie said they stopped at Black Bear Diner, a local Brownsville restaurant. “They had all of us at one long table,” says Chico, “and they did just an amazing job. And the food was excellent!”

What the Garvises appreciate most - aside from meeting new friendsis the worry-free enjoyment. Tours by Welcome Home tackles the details and they reap the fun.

The couple are already looking forward to next year’s adventures. Denzer says, “We’re just getting started!” She says next season, Tours by Welcome Home will offer new local tours, events, and overnight destinations that include Galveston, Fredericksburg, and San Antonio, with special holiday trips planned, as well.

Tours sold out fast, says Denzer, who recommends planning ahead this summer by keeping tabs on the Welcome Home RGV website at welcomehomergv.com and booking early online.

“Grab your friends,” says Denzer. “The more, the merrier!” •