The Winter Texans are coming! The Winter Texans are coming! Every year at about this time, thousands of mostly retired couples (otherwise known as snowbirds) from the cold northern states swell the Rio Grande Valley of south Texas in search of a warm winter season. Many have been trekking back to the same Texas RV parks (and friends) for so long they even know that the proper Texas use of "y'all" is for one person and "all y'all" is for two or more.

It’s timely that I just returned from the valley a few days ago. I can report the only major highway construction south of San Antonio is between Robstown and Bishop on U.S. 77.  The speed limit drops to 45 mph in this area but it’s only for about 7 miles. While I-37 and U.S. Hwy 281 are the more common routes from San Antonio, one of my favorite drives EVER is State Highway 16 which heads due south through gorgeous Texas ranch land that hasn't changed in eons. You'll find longhorn steers, rural towns, roadside fruit and vegetable stands and the classic Texas 'ice-house' under bristling mesquite trees. Arriving in McAllen, one pleasant surprise is that the five-year U.S. 83/77 highway expansion to Brownsville has been completed… three lanes in both directions makes it easier to maneuver those big rig travel homes.

The variety of RV parks in south Texas is mind-boggling. Some are huge with about 800 sites and full hook-ups on paved lots. Others are more park-like, better shaded, perhaps rural and secluded. Most have social programs, activity centers and recreation halls. Pools, spas, exercise rooms, even wireless internet are generally available. Amenities can range from basic fire rings to marinas with boat slips. KOA's and Yogi Bear Jellystone Parks are great for families. They have cabins, bikes, cook-outs even theaters and many are located on or near bodies of water. AAA inspects campgrounds before they are “AAA Approved” and then lists them online and in printed AAA CampBook guides, available free to members from their local AAA club office.

Some of them have added "a 55 park" after their names, intimating retired folk only. Generally these parks are immaculate and Zen-like quiet, other than for organized activities. For retired couples, this is the life. Friends meet for morning coffee, aerobics, and a variety of classes or just pleasant walks through the valley's famous citrus orchards. Minutes away, there’s the uncrowded beaches and fishing piers of Port Isabel and South Padre Island. And don't worry about crossing the border for shopping. You can get just about everything on the U.S. side. My wife and I particularly enjoy the historic McAllen downtown shopping district as well as the mega flea markets that line U.S. 77/83 on weekends. 
 
This AAA inspector recently added two new area restaurants to AAA travel information: Ricardo's International Cuisine in Brownsville or La Playa Mexican Cafe in Harlingen.  Another recommendation is the World Birding Centers of the Rio Grande Valley at Resaca de las Palmas State Park in Brownsville or Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco. I visited both and it’s fascinating to learn how wind and weather currents from around the world converge in this area drawing species from Canada, Africa, and South America. The tram rides into the woods is another great photo op. (If it’s warm and there are mosquitoes, the park rangers have repellent.)

Here’s a tip if you’re traveling or visiting a new area: use AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner to find restaurants and attractions (and lodging if you didn’t bring it with you) by clicking the Places tab, entering your destination  and choosing those categories under the Show tab. You can also search online for AAA Approved restaurants and attractions.

Come spring, the Winter Texans will dodge our 100+ degree heat and return to their northern homes. By summer, the once bustling RV parks of south Texas will become practically ghost towns until fall when sprucing begins anew for the next winter season.

"Welcome back, all y'all”