Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas
This is the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, or as much of this wonderful corner of the world as can be squeezed into a few pages. The Valley offers the best of two worlds: the bustling newness of a rapidly growing economy, the Old-World charm that stems from its proximity to Mexico and its own rich history. Superimpose a subtropical climate with mild winters that draws "Winter Texans" from all over North America, and you have a region ripe with travel opportunities, success in business, and perfect for raising a family or retirement. The wildlife and beauty of the land are creating an "ecotourism" industry here. Because it is a flyway between North and South America, migratory birds practically get bottlenecked in the Valley, making for some of the best birding in the country.Shopping and dining in Mexico are less than an hour away, and the mountains of Mexico's interior are just a half-day's drive. The emerald surf of South Padre Island, one of the premier resorts on the Gulf of Mexico, is just two hours from the Valley's western end. While many downtowns across America have become sleepy, boarded-up reminders of yesteryear, Valley downtowns bustle with shoppers from the north and the south. Day-trippers can find dozens of points of interest from Laredo to South Padre Island. A fresh breeze is blowing through South Texas. The Valley is poised to forge ahead, building a dynamic community with an ever-richer cultural and educational foundation for the South Texans of the future.
