Taste of the Valley

memories and business is almost back to usual. So, let's now look forward. It is time to explore and travel as we make new memories.

Coming up soon is the annual International Quilting Festival in Houston scheduled for October 20-27. Many of our Winter Texans are Master Quilters and contribute generously with beautiful, quilted lap throws to shut ins and veterans. Watch for the local quilt show on South Padre Island to be held in mid-February.

Another wonderful experience could be a trip to the King Ranch to enjoy the Ranch Hand Breakfast. Mark November 20 on yourcalendarandbesuretoattend. You can drive up on your own or you can go on an organized tour.

Either way you are sure to enjoy the cowboy breakfast including that famous bread - pan de campo cooked in a Dutch oven over hot coals. Be sure to watch the Texas cutting horse demonstration where King Ranch cowboys demonstrate how their horse will separate a selected animal from the herd for branding, medicating, or castrating. Once the rider indicates to the horse which animal is to be separated, the horse takes over and does the work without any further direction from the cowboy.This is an educational, exciting, and fun day for young and old. Don't miss it!

For your own protection and the protection of others, please be vaccinated and wear a mask.

The Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center (EWBC) has changed to their fall operating hours. Their fall operating hours are Mondays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The park is located at 714 Raul Longoria Rd. For more information, visit their website at edinburgwbc.org or call at (956) 3819922.

FREE

CONE

OR DISH

WITH PURCHASE OF ANY COMBO MEAL

Not valid with any other offers. Limited to one single cone or dish per guest. Additional toppings and/or waffle cone available at an additional cost. Must present coupon to redeem. Dine-in-only. VALID AT PHARR, MCALLEN, HARLINGEN AND BROWNSVILLE, TX LOCATIONS ONLY. EXPIRES 04/30/2022

© 2021 DFO, LLC. Printed in the U.S.A. At participating restaurants for a limited time only. Selection and prices may vary. While supplies last.

Dining in the Valley

Taste of the Valley features local restaurants in the area that are ready to serve you; restaurants are open for dining in and take out. Please support our advertisers and all our local businesses this year, and every year.

Each issue we will feature a different restaurant we have visited and share our experience and some photos of some great food. Join us on our gastro-tour of the Valley as we hit different dining spots and tell you about all the great dining in the RGV.

If you have a favorite dining spot that we have not visited yet, that you think needs to be featured here, call us at (956) 580-7800 or email us at news@wintertexantimes.com.

Pasta Night Reboot

WINTER TEXAN SPECIAL FREE FRIES

1/2 Basket

Wednesdays from 4-7pm 10.99 plus tax

With Park Badge

NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

www.WinterTexanTimes.com

Park Directory RIO GRANDE VALLEY MOBILE HOME & RV 2021-2022 EDITION

2021 Park Directory

Winter TexanTIMES Serving Winter Texans From Mission To South Padre Island Since 1987 Published By:

2021-2022 Edition

WinterTexanTIMES Serving Winter Texans From Mission To South Padre Island Since 1987 Published By:

WELCOME

Whether you prefer nature and the out-doors, historical sites, parks, fishing, boat-ing, 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 Page 4 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide Vol. 24, No. 1 2021-2022 Edition Published by Nexus Publishing, LLC 1217 N. Conway Mission, Texas 78572 (956) 580-7800 www.wintertexantimes.com © Copyright 2021 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. Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2021-2022 ABOUT THE COVERTop Photo: SpaceX has arrived at Boca Chica. Tours are not available, but visitors can keep up to date with their launches on their Facebook, livestream videos, and website. You can find more information and links at www.sopadre.com/ spacex/. Photo download provided courtesy of SpaceX at www.flickr.com/photos/spacex/. Bottom Photos: The US-Mexican War was fought at several locations in the Rio Grande Valley. This cannon, and others, are scattered along the property at Palo Alto National Historic Park in Brownsville. When visiting the park, you can learn about the war and the role it played for the Valley, along with walking its trails and seeing some of the Valley’s natural habitat and wildlife.Dancing is a big part of the culture of the Rio Grande Valley. Events throughout the Valley highlight the varied cultures and dancing that can be found. Pictured is UTRGV’s Ballet Folklorico – Alegria.The Rio Grande Valley is a popular area for birding and Quinta Mazatlan is just one of the many birding sites open to visitors. This Pine Siskin is one of many species of birds that can be found in the Rio Grande Valley.

To The Rio Grande Valley 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, his-tory and culture, the Rio Grande Val-ley has something to offer everyone. In our Visitor’s Guide this year you will find something new. We have included beautiful maps that pinpoint featured locations through 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 en-joy your stay! Inside this guide Points of Interest ............................................6Valley Birding & Nature Events ..................31Valley Chamber Offices ...............................32Golfers’Paradise ...........................................33World Class Birding & Nature Sites .......51-54 2021 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide

Hallowings Monarch migration celebration planned

The fall season is a gorgeous time of year on South Padre Island. The weather is sweet and fall flowering nectar plants all over the island and in the gardens burst into full bloom after seasonal rains in perfect synch with the arrival of a kaleidoscope of migrating Monarch butterflies on route to wintering sites in central Mexico via the coastal flyway. Join us as we celebrate one of the wonders of nature through South Padre Island during the Hallowings Over SPI Monarch Migration Festival.

Enjoy a family-fun filled day learning about the wonders of Monarchmigrationthroughbutterflygardening presentations, nature walks, nature crafts, live music, games and more. Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase native plants that can aid the Monarch migration in the Valley. This is a great way to experience this beautiful season on South Padre Island.

Live music will be provided by Leslie Blasing, Mariachi Sol Azteca and Danica. There will be sandcastle building, face painting, local vendors and other entertainment and activities.

The event will be held on Saturday, October 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary.

RAMBLINGS

From pg. 1

We are looking forward to a great season this year. There is already plenty to do at the parks and Valley cities are ready to entertain as well. While many events were cancelled last year, it looks like everything is in full swing this year. So, it should be a fun filled year with plenty to do.

Last year, I was able to highlight the bigger Valley cities, their history, and places to visit. This year, I hope to be able to introduce you to some smaller cities, but also to highlight activities and people in the parks. I look forward to getting back out there and spending some time with you. If you have a news item, person of interest, or something else you think I should know about, please send it to me at news@wintertexantimes.com. For all your park activities, make sure your activity directors are sending the information to parkscal@wintertexantimes.com.