Border Bargains

Brownsville and Matamoros

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Brownsville is one of the most festive border cities, with a lively atmosphere, great food, historical attractions, an innovative zoo, quick access to the beach and shopping, of course!

Oh yes, it’s also right across the border from Matamoros , a bustling metropolis where you can shop all day and relax over authentic Mexican food in the evening. Both cities offer a wealth of local artisan shops. Look for spectacular savings on colorful pottery, hand-blown glass, woven wool rugs, onyx art and hand-carved furniture. With sun, surf, shopping and entertainment close at hand, these sister cities offer all the advantages usually associated with a costly tropical getaway. Don’t let the brilliant purple and scarlet bougainvillea, blooming winter gardens, lush palm trees, and softly scented citrus groves fool you -- this tropical landscape really is Texas.

As befits sister cities, Brownsville and Matamoros hold several “family reunions” each year. The most popular is Charro Days, a bicultural “Mardi Gras” celebration that lights up both cities the last weekend in February. For the thousands of winter Texans who travel to the Rio Grande Valley each year, Charro Days is a sign that spring is coming and their time in the tropics is winding down.

Shopping opportunities extend well beyond Brownsville and Matamoros. Twenty-five miles north is Harlingen , a favorite spot for antique lovers. Dozens of unique shops and buildings dot the historic downtown district restored to its 1930s and 1940s era splendor. South Padre Island , located just across the Queen Isabella Causeway, offers abundant souvenir shopping, along with delicious, freshly caught seafood specialties. Pick up t-shirts, seashell art and jewelry.

Driving west toward McAllen provides an excellent chance to explore the culturally and agriculturally rich Rio Grande Valley. Nestled alongside the wide and lazy Rio Grande river that serves as the border between the U.S. and Mexico, the “Valley” produces some of the best citrus anywhere, including the famous Ruby Red grapefruit. In season, delicious, inexpensive citrus is available from roadside stands throughout the Valley. Several smaller toll bridges give visitors the chance to experience small town Mexico river life.

Just before reaching McAllen is the tiny town of San Juan , home to a famous shrine honoring La Virgen de San Juan de los Lagos in Mexico. The original building was reduced to ashes in 1970 after an apparently intentional plane crash, but the image of La Virgen was rescued intact and the shrine was rededicated in 1980. The shrine includes full-scale outdoor Stations of the Cross and one of the world's largest mosaics.