rio grande valley Archives - Page 2 of 3

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge

August 12, 2017 by Jillian

There is so much to see and do at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge in southeast Texas! If you’re in the Rio Grande Valley or traveling through, come check out the 2,088 acre refuge in the town of Alamo. There’s 14 miles of trails, tons of species of birds, a rope bridge, tree tower, observation decks, visitor’s center, nature tram, and historic cemetery. See my favorite photos below from my past two adventures at the refuge, including how I conquered my fear of heights and also thought I got locked inside the refuge at night!

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Fridarific! Handcrafted Items at FridaFest

July 9, 2017 by Jillian Leave a Comment

When I found out that Edinburg – the town I live near in South Texas – was going to have a FridaFest, I immediately went into celebratory dance mode 💃 I LOVE Frida Kahlo and I have a feeling that I will end up being a lot like her – living somewhere warm in a bright blue house with lots of animals, an artsy husband, and wearing colorful clothing and woven braids in my hair not caring what anyone thinks. I’m totally okay with that 👍

Locals artists and vendors in the Rio Grande Valley were out in full force this past Saturday to celebrate the life and work of this very talented and interesting woman. Of course, of the three days a year the Valley actually gets rain, this had to be one of them ☔️ Luckily, it didn’t scare anyone inside and I actually remembered to bring my umbrella for the first time in my life. I basically stepped into my second version of heaven (the first version is me being surrounded by every animal that ever lived 🐯); everywhere I looked there were colorful items dedicated to Frida.

My second favorite thing about FridaFest is that it supported local businesses and artists, and enabled them to share their talents. Here are some of the cool items I came across before the weather prevented me from snapping more photos!

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The Colorful History of Downtown Harlingen

March 30, 2017 by Jillian 2 Comments

One of my favorite things about the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas is how colorful it is, literally and figuratively. From the deep blue skies to the green and purple cabbage fields, the food, the smiling faces, and the many intersecting cultures that collide down here along the border of Mexico.

I first visited the town of Harlingen about a year and a half ago to see the original Iwo Jima Monument. Check out my post Exploring the Rio Grande Valley to see the photos and learn more about other nearby towns in the area!

It wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I decided to go back and explore the historic downtown area. I was expecting the typical old brick buildings you usually encounter in small towns, but instead was greeted by a colorful array of unique buildings and murals. Downtown Harlingen really displays the color of the region, while still embracing the history and cultures. Scroll down to see what I mean 📷🎨

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Healthy Mediterranean at Greens & Lemons

January 7, 2017 by Jillian Leave a Comment

Greens & Lemons is a friendly, healthy restaurant in an unassuming strip mall in Mission, Texas. They have lots of vegan and gluten free options, as well as delicious juices made in-house. My friend and I dined there 3 times in just a week! So if you live in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas or ever find yourself traveling through, check this place out.

2707 E. Griffin Pkwy ~ Mission, TX.

956-800-1327

Open Mon-Sat 8:30 am-8 pm

Below is my experience at Greens & Lemons 🍋🍴

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La Sal del Rey & Raymondville, Texas

November 19, 2015 by Jillian Leave a Comment

It’s raining yet again down here in southeast Texas and I still don’t have an umbrella for some reason ☔️☔️ Maybe because trying to frantically open one inside my car or the doorway of a building as rain splashes down around me is like trying to solve a Chinese puzzle box. It’s more trouble than it’s worth in my world, and I’d rather be rained on for a few seconds than open an umbrella 💦😓💧

Umbrella or not, it’s really making me wish I was back in the Rio Grande Valley, where it was bright and sunny all day everyday like a tropical heaven ☀️🌴 I looooove this southernmost region of Texas almost as much as I love chocolate and puppies. I already wrote about being Vegan in the Rio Grande Valley and Exploring the Rio Grande Valley, and I have one more post in this three part series. Here are my favorite photos from my adventures to La Sal del Rey and Raymondville, Texas. [Read more…]