How to Be a Winter Texan
by Eryn Reddell Wingert | Photos by Welcome Home RGV Team
Welcome Home RGV is all about promoting the Rio Grande Valley to Winter Texans. The RGV has been welcoming winter visitors since the 1920s. So how does one become a Winter Texan?
Dozens of cities and small towns make up the Rio Grande Valley, from the tip of Texas at Brownsville to historic Rio Grande City, all along the Rio Grande. And there are hundreds of RV parks, resorts, and communities open to seasonal visitors.
But, where to start? Our website, is a one-stop shop, if you will, to not only plan your visit but also to make the most out of your stay. Let’s take a tour.
First stop, the home page, offering quick links and visitor information. Then, check out About Us to see the faces of the Team, experts at connecting Winter Texans directly to all things RGV.
Next stop, Classifieds. Customize a search for local real estate, or click on Where to Stay to find the perfect fit to suit your lifestyle–RV park/resort, long- or short-term hotel, 55+ community, or independent living. At welcomehomergv.com/where-to-stay/ , we’ve got you covered.
Not sure what place might be right for you? Click “Complete our area information request” and, as the site indicates, “We’ll be happy to help!”
Once you have established where you will spend a few weeks–or months–next winter, it’s time to plan your activities and build an RGV Bucket List. That’s where the website’s Event Calendar and Tours & Travel sections come into play.
Welcome Home RGV’s Event Calendar is long…very long…covering seasonal and year-round activities to suit any interest.
There are yard sales galore; local museum and art gallery exhibits; a variety of speaker series; community, university, and high school theatrical productions; river and bay cruises; crafting and market days; happy hours, dances, and karaoke; 5Ks, nature walks, and better health programs; and the event list covers the 121 miles from South Padre Island to Rio Grande City.
Casually scroll for something fun and new or filter your search by category, location, cost, and/or timeframe.
If you are still left with questions–like how to stay active during your visit–that very question was posed to members of Welcome Home’s private group page: Winter Texans RGV (Welcome Home RGV).
Top answers included dancing, walking, golf, bicycling, swimming, pickleball, shuffleboard, and happy hour outside with friends. A few other responses: corn hole, 8 ball pool, playing music, water volleyball, yoga/pilates, and gym/weights.
But, there’s so much more! Many of the RV parks host a variety of clubs and groups, with various interests like geology clubs, clog dancing, and drone operating.
Welcome Home RGV recognizes that the modern-day Winter Texan wants to go, see, and do! That is why Tours & Travel offers local, regional, state, “and beyond” adventures, including cruises and vacation planning. (Of note: You don’t have to be a winter visitor to take advantage of the Land & Sea trips!)
Gain further insight into what goes on in the Valley during Winter Texan season by flipping through archived publications–available on our website–showcasing a variety of topics, such as visitor profiles and local history, culture, organizations, and events.
Bottom line: Whether you plan to be a short-term visitor or are considering spending the winter in South Texas, Welcome Home RGV takes the guess work out of planning your visit. All you have to do is hop on our website and show up!
