Seeking advice on RV parks and interesting things to do near Brownsville (Spring: spring break)

[Bugqueen]

Hi, we are about to become snowbirds and visit Brownsville in Febuary in our RV. Have always hated these cold Illinois winters, and are finally retired and mobile. We have used the internet to locate RV parks, but there is nothing like talking with someone who has been there and done that.

Also besides the obvious things to do, ie; South Padre Island, Bird Watching and museums, can anyone suggest sights we should see, good places to eat, other kinds of entertainment? I would love to rent horses and ride too. Thanks so much for any replies.

Also love flea markets and art markets, are there any around?

[Spree]

There's a place at the north end of SPI that you can rent horses to take on the beach. I don't remember the name, but you'll see signs. Go and see the Turtle Lady exhibit as well. As far as birding, the Rio Grande Valley is birders paradise. Find a Wild Birds Unlimited store and go in and ask them where to go specifically. There is a quaint B&B in Los Fresnos that birders stay at Los Fresnos, Texas lodging - Inn at Chachalaca Bend Bed and Breakfast - a B&B getaway for bird-watchers A little further away from Brownsville is the World Birding Center, would make for a good day trip: World Birding Center | Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley

Here is a link to the Flea Markets in the valley: Don-Wes Flea Market, Winter Texan, Snowbirds: Rio Grande Valley

You should also cross the border at Progesso and shop in Mexico.

As far as places to eat on SPI, the Brewery is very good, as well as Dirty Al's bait shop. Louie's Back Yard bay side in the evening.

[Aquajox]

We were just there for Christmas break. We stayed at the KOA on the south end of the island. If I were a snowbirder, I would stay at Isla Blanca Park (http://www.co.cameron.tx.us/park/blanca.htm - broken link)right next door to the KOA and Slitterbaun. It is right on the beach with great views of the skyline down the shore. It's pretty popular, so you might have trouble getting in on such short notice.

[Bugqueen]

Originally Posted by Spree

There's a place at the north end of SPI that you can rent horses to take on the beach. I don't remember the name, but you'll see signs. Go and see the Turtle Lady exhibit as well. As far as birding, the Rio Grande Valley is birders paradise. Find a Wild Birds Unlimited store and go in and ask them where to go specifically. There is a quaint B&B in Los Fresnos that birders stay at Los Fresnos, Texas lodging - Inn at Chachalaca Bend Bed and Breakfast - a B&B getaway for bird-watchers A little further away from Brownsville is the World Birding Center, would make for a good day trip: World Birding Center | Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley

Here is a link to the Flea Markets in the valley: Don-Wes Flea Market, Winter Texan, Snowbirds: Rio Grande Valley

You should also cross the border at Progesso and shop in Mexico.

As far as places to eat on SPI, the Brewery is very good, as well as Dirty Al's bait shop. Louie's Back Yard bay side in the evening.

Thanks so much, those were very helpful hints and the links are just what I needed.

[carolmcb]

Don't miss the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville. It's one of the top ranked in the US.

Gladys Porter Zoo

Here's a link to information on South Padre Island:

South Padre Island

And here's a link to information on Brownsville:

Welcome to Brownsville.Org (http://www.brownsville.org/bcvborg/home.asp - broken link)

Hope you have a wonderful time in the Valley.

[Bugqueen]

Thanks, the zoo sounds like a great idea.

[KBix]

We are snowbirds currently in an RV park in Donna TX in the Rio Grande Valley. This is our first year here. We keep calling it Spring Break for Seniors. Once you are here you really won't need to worry to much about things to see or do as there are so many activities at rv parks and local communities. They say there are over 500 RV parks in the valley. February is the busiest month. I think many parks still have vacancies but they will not be the best or largest sites.

It is so much fun to see senior citizens who know how to enjoy life. The dance floors are full every night. Day trips to Mexico, pot luck dinners, jam sessions, entertainment, day trips to South Padre Island, just to name a few things. And the best part is that people are really friendly here. Not just just the Rv'ers but the locals too.

[yosoyway]

Blackbeard's and Sea Ranch are very good restaurants on SPI. I personally like Bigo's but some persons don't. In Brownsville, try going to Vermillion. I always go there for their nachos.

In late February, Brownsville/Matamoros celebrate Charro Days. There are 3 parades on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They aren't your typical big parades like in big cities but they have their own character. There is also Sombrero Festival during the week.

You could also go to Matamoros in Mexico. There is a drug war going on along the border but mostly if you're not involved then you should be Ok. When you cross the bridge, there is a bus that will take you to the Mercado Juarez. Or you could just walk along the street as you cross the bridge. Try going and eating at Garcia's. It's a little pricey but not too much. And pricey compared to places further inside Matamoros.

There is a flea market in Brownsville as you enter the city along the highway. It is open on weekends.