by Eryn Reddell Wingert
This whimsical mural is located on the San Fernando Building in downtown Brownsville. The Brownsville Heritage Trail marker explains that one half of the building was built in 1877 for Victoriano Fernandez, a furniture dealer. Downtown Brownsville is chock full of historical sites and public art. This mural is visible from the Market Square Transit Pedestrian Plaza.
Day Three of our Activity Director Boot Camp uncovered two of the region’s standout gems: the art of agave at Ancestral Craft Spirits in Roma and the rich heritage of Rio Grande City through its historic trolley tour and museum. Our annual Boot Camp is designed to introduce RV resort Activity Directors to unique attractions…
By Eryn Reddell Wingert The Rabb House dates back to the late 1890s when Frank Rabb utilized steamboats to haul materials from Louisiana to build the Victorian-style home for himself and his new bride, Lillian Stark. The cost: $15,000. The home sits within the Sabal Palm Sanctuary in southern Brownsville, surrounded by a biodiverse landscape…
Story by Ric Cavazos Holiday Village Brownsville is whimsical with all the trappings and decorations of Christmas interspersed with historical representations of its host city. For six weeks every holiday season, Dean Porter Park comes alive with nearly three dozen cottages filling the green space between the Camille Lightner Playhouse and the Children’s Museum of…
Story and Photos by Eryn Reddell Wingert “Honestly, I never knew that Texas had shrimp!” Janette Baertsch Janette Baertsch’s upfront declaration made the recent visit to Brownsville’s Texas Gold wild-caught Gulf shrimp all the more intriguing. Baertsch is originally from the Texas Hill Country. She and her husband, Orin, moved from San Diego to the…
By Ric Cavazos The 30 handcrafted boots standing nearly six feet tall on Mercedes Street corners and roadways represent the city’s western heritage and its connection to early Rio Grande Valley history. The Mid-Valley city was founded in the early 1900s by a land company. The American Rio Grande Land & Irrigation Company in setting…
Being so close to the border, we have the opportunity to familiarize ourselves with all of the vibrant aspects of Hispanic culture. I’m fascinated by the magnificent colors and intricate designs of the garments worn for traditional ceremonies and special occasions. Did you know there is a new museum in Brownsville that highlights just that?…