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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Discussions => Topic started by: LBoyd on June 10, 2014, 02:08:12 am

Title: Safety and Fun in South Padre Island and the Rio Grande Valley
Post by: LBoyd on June 10, 2014, 02:08:12 am
We have just arrived in Corpus Christi from Nac, Bastrop, San Antonio.  Staying in a nice RV park in Portland Tex called Sea Breeze which says it all.  We are on our way to South Padre Island, and the Rio Grande Valley for my first trip though Texas born. After that, next stop- Las Cruses, Four Corners, and home.
My questions:  Anything special to know or do in the south tip of Texas area given all the stories about Drug violence, Drug War, etc. Places to avoid, Places to stay, Places to not to miss. Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks,
Title: Re: Safety and Fun in South Padre Island and the Rio Grande Valley
Post by: Michelle on June 10, 2014, 07:51:26 am
given all the stories about Drug violence, Drug War, etc.

Please let's keep the discussion to where to stay/not stay/see/do.  Discussion of the quoted will be deleted.
Title: Re: Safety and Fun in South Padre Island and the Rio Grande Valley
Post by: Dan Stansel on June 10, 2014, 08:16:57 am
Larry:  I am planning a trip to San Antonio and the Hill country and CC and Padre Island.  Thinking of Big Bend but may pass as the Texas heat may be really hot in July.  Need someplace cool.  DAN
Title: Re: Safety and Fun in South Padre Island and the Rio Grande Valley
Post by: Dave Cobb on June 10, 2014, 08:37:18 am
South Padre Island only has 3 places to stay.  The huge county park with maybe 600 spaces is on the south tip of the island, and the only one with ocean views.  The KOA is just north of the country park, but on the bay side of the island.  At the north end of the developed resort areas, and just almost across the highway from the Birding Center is the very small county park with maybe 20 spaces.  It is a short walk to the beach.

From island around to Big Bend is a long ways.  Remember that some places in Big Bend close due to the heat.  They pull the help out of the Castolon general store in the summers last time we were in the park.
Title: Re: Safety and Fun in South Padre Island and the Rio Grande Valley
Post by: Bill B on June 10, 2014, 10:08:03 am
Hi Larry, Donna and I were parked next to you at FOT a couple of weeks ago.  If you were to take Hwy 90 west from the Corpus area, you might check out Seminole Canyon State Park, west of Del Rio.  A good place to spend the night and take the morning tour of the Pictographs and cave dwellings.  A little further down the road is the little town of Langtry...you can visit the Judge Roy Bean Visitors Center.  An excellent leg stretch stop with cactus garden and original Roy Bean courthouse.  And between there and Las Cruces is the Marfa Lights, the McDonald Observatory at Ft Davis, as well as the historic fort and beautiful scenery.  Donna and I very much enjoyed this route and will take it again someday. 
Safe Travels,
Title: Re: Safety and Fun in South Padre Island and the Rio Grande Valley
Post by: LBoyd on June 11, 2014, 08:43:32 am
Thanks for the info,

Dan,  Corpus is the first semi cool, semi dry place we have been in Tex. this trip. Checking the weather, So. Padre might not be too bad,
Dave, thanks for the run down on the camping.
Bill, good to hear from you again.  I made some notes last time we talked but the new list is a big help.  Are the Marfa lights worth a stop over? 

Is Larado worth a stop?
Title: Re: Safety and Fun in South Padre Island and the Rio Grande Valley
Post by: nitehawk on June 11, 2014, 10:20:46 am
Dan, we stayed two winters in Zapata area, traveled several times down to Mission and Donna area, went to Larado more than once, and had nothing but good times with everyone we met, be they Hispanic or whatever.
People respond to you the way you treat them. We loved all the Hispanic people we met. They were very pleasant, patient with us when we were trying to order Mexican items off the menus, and helped us when we needed help. Approach people  as equals and not demeaning attitudes and you will be pleasantly surprised with how nice they will be in return.
The DW and I love meeting people, even tho we are not the outgoing type.
Title: Re: Safety and Fun in South Padre Island and the Rio Grande Valley
Post by: LBoyd on June 12, 2014, 10:02:16 am
Well spoken.  That's been our experience in our travels.
Title: Re: Safety and Fun in South Padre Island and the Rio Grande Valley
Post by: Bill B on June 12, 2014, 10:16:17 am
Never been to Larado Larry.  Marfa Lights?  Take a chair and binoculars...you will be more comfortable.  Nice viewing area (like a rest stop with restrooms) east of town.  The lights are interesting and give some food for thought. Donna and I are glad we stopped.  Safe travels!
Title: Re: Safety and Fun in South Padre Island and the Rio Grande Valley
Post by: Mark and Tracy on June 14, 2014, 09:39:21 pm
Born and raised in mcallen area...47 yrs here and it is safe as long as you stay away from Mexico...KOA at island is very nice...Pay extra for the Bay view it's worth it!
Title: Re: Safety and Fun in South Padre Island and the Rio Grande Valley
Post by: D.J. Osborn on June 15, 2014, 10:06:22 am
Interesting information! Never been to that part of Texas, but it's definitely on our list of places to visit. Sounds beautiful!