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Our neighboring communitites
have plenty of sights and
events to fit your every mood.

Brownsville Harlingen
Brownsville is the southern most City on the mainland United Located just 40 miles from South Padre Island, Harlingen is a great
States. Located 23 miles from South Padre Island and directly across from place for a break from the sun during your vacation. Rich in history,
Matamoros, Mexico, Brownsville dates from colonial days of Imperial there are numerous buildings on Jackson, Van Buren, Harrison, and
Spain, covering periods of exploration, wars, revolutions, and colorful, “Silk Stocking” homes along East Taylor that stand as a testament to the
though infamous banditry. To learn more about the fascinating history city’s prosperity in the 1920’s and 30’s. The Harlingen Arts and Heritage
of Brownsville visit the Historic Brownsville Museum located at 641 E. Museum is where South Texas history comes alive. The museum is locat-
Madison St. or call 956.548.1313. ed two blocks from the Valley International Airport. For more informa-
Brownsville’s history has developed a proud heritage of two cultures, tion call 956.216.4901 or go to www.harlingenmuseum.com
which is celebrated every year at the end of February with Charro Days. You will not find a “Main” Street in Harlingen, but Jackson Street
Charro Days features carnivals, parades, dances and cultural events. has been the focus of community life for over 100 years. Stroll through
Sombrero Festival throws a party for Brownsville the last weekend in antique malls, home furnishing and collectible stores, jewelry, arts and
February each year and features well-known Hispanic Artists, local music, one-of-a-kind gifts; just to name a few. Free parking and an ample num-
unique food booths, and popular events such as the Jalapeño Eating ber of restaurants and coffee shops make this a great afternoon adven-
Contest, Waiters Race, Grito Contest, Charro Days Classic Marathon, ture. Downtown also boasts several larger-than-life-size murals depicting
aspects of the community’s history. For more information and a map of
Tortilla Frisbee Toss, Hat-Stack Relay, and a Charro Bean Cook-off. the murals contact the Harlingen CVB at 956.423.5440 or 800.531.7346.
Brownsville also provides numerous birding opportunities and is The Marine Military Academy is home to the original working
home to the one of the top 10 zoos in the United States, Gladys Porter model of the famous bronze statue at Arlington National Cemetery, the
Zoo, which is a 31-acre zoological preserve build on an old Rio Grande Iwo Jima Memorial. A museum features Marine Corps memorabilia, a
River channel. The zoo features more than 1,600 animals representing 30-minute film describing the The Battle of Iwo Jima, and a veteran’s
over 460 species, 47 of which are endangered. For more information call Hall of Fame. The monument and museum are located next to Valley
956.546.7187. International Airport. For more information call 956.412.2207 or go to
While visiting the zoo do not miss the opportunity to visit the other www.mma-tx.org/museum.htm
11 cultural entities that make up the fabulous Mitte Cultural District As is most of the Rio Grande Valley, Harlingen is a paradise for bird-
- Dean Porter Park, Children’s Museum of Brownsville, Costumes of ers, and home of two World Birding sites; Ramsey Nature Park on Loop
the Americas Museum, Ringgold Civic Pavilion, Camille Playhouse, 499 and Harlingen Thicket Bird Sanctuary, a 40-acre tract of native brush
Brownsville Museum of Fine Art, Linear Park, Historic Brownsville in the center of town. Make plans to attend the annual Rio Grand Valley
Museum, Old City Cemetery, Old City Cemetery Center and Washing- Birding Festival in November, and rub elbows with and learn from top
ton Park. All are within walking distance of each other, and provide bird guides and birders from around the world.
insight into the culture and great diversity Browns ville has to offer. For For more information about Harlingen, birding, and their many
more information go to www.MitteCulturalDistrict.org, or stop by the attractions contact the Harlingen CVB at 311 E. Tyler. They are open
Visitors Center located in the district on the corner of 6th and Ringgold. Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.. Call 956.622.5053,
For more information about Brownsville call the Brownsville 800.531.7345 or go to www.visitharlingentexas.com
Chamber of Commerce at 956.542.4341 or go to www.brownsville
chamber.com, or call the Brownsville CVB at 800.626.2639 or go to
www.brownsville.org
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