Featured Bloggers
McAllen, TX City Guide and Yellow PagesFind Things To Do In McAllen, TX. McAllen Attractions, McAllen Jobs, McAllen.
An air of excitement pervades McAllen, Texas, for change is in the air. Located in the heart of the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV), where agriculture and ranching reigned for decades, McAllen now commands attention as the geographical, financial, social and cultural center of the region. One of the fastest expanding population and urban areas in the United States, the area also serves as a model for other communities.
A sub tropical setting and affectionate welcomes draw hundreds of thousands of retired persons who winter in LRGV to avoid frigid winter climes. They find reasonable accommodations and year round activities for all ages. McAllen is the Square Dance Capital of the World. Nature tourism heads the list of attractions. More ... |
||||||||||
 
McAllen, TX Interest Groups
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
In McAllen Theaters Now
More About McAllen, Texas
Bird Watching is one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S. McAllen is the most popular birding and butterfly destination in the U.S., and the area attracts wildlife watchers from around the world. Since the LRGV lies on the southernmost tip of Texas, its lush flora and fauna provides an ideal habitat for both local and migrating birds. As many as 507 birds and 39 butterfly species frequent the area, in diverse wildlife refuges, parks, refuges and sanctuaries, from desert settings to beaches. McAllen partners with Mexico in order to assist in the development of that country’s nature tourism.The McAllen area lies along the Great Texas Birding Trail, and sponsors the Great Texas Birding Classic, a team competition that international wildlife teams aim to copy. The area also is home to eight annual wildlife watching festivals, including the spring Texas Tropics Nature Festival, and the world’s richest wildlife contest.
Nearby, The World Birding Center Headquarters at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park is the flagship site of nine unique birding destinations. It opened October 2004. A Butterfly Farm lies just adjacent to the Center.
A recent study by Visa, Inc. named McAllen the most visited city in the U.S. for Mexican shoppers. Only eight miles from the border, McAllen enjoys many cultural and historical ties to Mexico, and provides excursions to border towns like Reynosa and Nueva Progreso, as well as offering travel tips, money exchange, accommodations, attractions, and specific destinations.
The Museum of South Texas History presents a broad overview of regional history, from prehistoric tribes, through Spanish exploration and colonization, both Civil and Mexican American wars, and much more.
Los Ebanos Ferry, the only remaining hand drawn ferry to cross the Rio Grande, takes three cars at a time across the river. Foot passengers get to help pull the rope.
Don’t miss the Virgin de San Juan shrine, featuring full scale stations of the cross, and La Lomita Mission, the first chapel built in the area.
Today, McAllen is a retail center of South Texas and Northern Mexico. The city has more than 550 restaurants that range from McDonalds to establishments offering fine cuisine, and home town proprietors who serve food from Tex Mex to international fare. Dodge Arena, a special event center, offers ice hockey, arena football, and special concerts year round.
Accommodations range from RV parks and campgrounds, and Super 8 Motels to Marriot and Holiday Inn. Bed & Breakfast homes cater to tourists, especially to wildlife watchers, and can guide visitors to attractions and events throughout the area.
Written by: Gerry Watkins
Get information on degree programs, masters degrees and online degrees at CampusExplorer.com
Other local cities near McAllen
McAllen Facts and Places:
Newspapers are The Monitor, El Americano News
McAllen Sports teams are
Local Schools are South Texas Community College, South Texas Vocational Technical Institute
