We’re just connecting the dots
WINTER TEXAN
Volume 11 • Issue 16 February18, 2026
Kr
isti
lo h el
fro m
If you know me, you know I’m always up for an adventure. My dad used to joke that my middle name was “Go,” and, honestly, he wasn’t wrong. I’ve always loved exploring, discovering new places, and—most of all—sharing those experiences with others. In many ways, that spirit is exactly how Welcome Home RGV came to life. Sharing my love for this area is truly my passion, especially when it comes to uncovering the hidden treasures right in our own backyard. There is something incredibly rewarding about watching someone experience a place for the very first time, whether it’s a quiet nature trail, a local café, a community event, or a scenic stretch of shoreline. It never ceases to amaze me how many longtime locals haven’t yet explored some of the wonderful things the Valley has to offer. It’s a great reminder that the work we do for our Winter Texan friends also inspires discovery within our local community. Whether your idea of adventure is supporting the arts, savoring great food, connecting with nature, feeling the sand between your toes, or shopping until you drop, the Rio Grande Valley offers endless ways to explore. So, go ahead. Say yes to the adventure. You never know what you might discover just around the corner.
Thank You
SEASON SPONSORS 2025-2026
Road Tripping Through the Rio Grande Valley The Rio Grande Valley is full of hidden treasures and unique experiences. From tequila tastings to nature preserves, historical landmarks to riverboat cruises, butterfly gardens to outdoor art exhibits, all this and more awaits. But where to start? Here are a few suggestions for day adventures from one end of the Valley to the other.
National Butterfly Center in Mission
Story and photos by Eryn Reddell Wingert
UPPER VALLEY
Nestled in South McAllen lies the jewel of the city’s park system, Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center, home to nature trails and an adobe SpanishRevival-style mansion built in the 1930s. Take your McAllen experience indoors and immerse yourself in history at the McAllen Heritage Center and culture at the International Museum of
Art and Science (IMAS). The Heritage Center offers a chronological, in-depth look at the city’s history. The IMAS offers something for all ages, with art exhibits, lectures, cultural events, and hands-on experiences. Explore the Rio Grande in nearby Mission on a guided riverboat tour, sip a cold beverage from the deck, or twostep to live music in the dance hall; it’s CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Port Isabel Lighthouse