south texas Archives - Page 3 of 3

The Colorful History of Downtown Harlingen

March 30, 2017 by Jillian Leave a Comment

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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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…]

Exploring the Rio Grande Valley

October 16, 2015 by Jillian Leave a Comment

I recently returned from a 10 day visit to the Rio Grande Valley region of Texas, which is located in the southernmost tip of South Texas. It lies along the northern bank of the Rio Grande river, which separates Mexico from the United States. This area is known as The Valley to locals, and not only does it boast natural beauty and lively culture, but it’s quite historic as well.

Last week I wrote about my experience being Vegan in the Rio Grande Valley, but this week I wanted to share the photos I took of all the cool places there are to visit in the region. I’m only sad I couldn’t stay longer, because there was a lot I didn’t get to see.

McAllen, Texas

This is one of the largest cities in the valley, but as someone that’s lived in huge cities, McAllen is just the right size. It still has a small town feel in certain ways, but lots of modern amenities so it was easy to find everything I needed. There’s lots of local events, which provided me a good chance to immerse myself in the community and interact with the locals.

The Cine El Rey Theatre hosts lots of events, including stand up comedy, open-mic night, wrestling, and musicals. They also offer tons of free movie screenings complete with free popcorn. I decided to join the local French Club for a Sunday matinee of a French thriller and it was pretty awesome. Free popcorn, drinks, donuts, cookies, and there’s couches in the theater if you prefer that to actual chairs 🙂

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