THE MAGIC VALLEY
THE MAGIC VALLEY
We’re so excited to share the magic of the Rio Grande Valley with all of you.
Whether you’re able to spend a few days exploring or just coming for the weekend, scroll down for our recommendations on where to sightsee, shop, and eat in the southernmost region of Texas.
Why is it called The Magic Valley? Read here.
Interested in a deeper dive on the Rio Grande Valley? Danielle spent a year curating an award-winning issue of Texas Highways dedicated entirely to exploring her home region.
Activities
*Bring cash everywhere you go.
*All times listed are measured by distance from Casa de Palmas.
Outdoors
Sal del Rey, Linn
Walk on water at one of the few publicly accessible salt lakes in Texas. An easy and incredible detour, especially for those of you driving south on US 281.
Access from parking lot on Brushline Road in Linn. 26 mins.
Map it.
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park & National Butterfly Center, Mission
These nature centers are within a few minutes of each other. Take a stroll at this Texas State Park—which also serves as the headquarters for the World Birding Center. Then stop by the National Butterfly Center to experience peak butterfly migration season.
20 mins.
Map to park.
Map to butterfly center.
Santa Ana National
Wildlife Refuge, Alamo
This 2,088-acre refuge was established in 1943 and sits along the southernmost stretch of the Rio Grande.
27 mins.
Map it.
Museums
Gelman Stained Glass Museum, San Juan
This intimidating structure is home to the most comprehensive collection of stained-glass windows in the United States.
13 mins.
Map it.
Museum of South Texas History, Edinburg
Learn about live on the South Texas border in this former county jail (see photo right).
20 mins.
Map it.
Shopping
Pharr Out Records, Pharr
This is Danielle’s favorite record store in Texas. Find great deals on rare, vintage vinyl. Read more.
10 mins.
Map it.
Fiesta McAllen, McAllen
Find all kinds of ceramics, clothing, and art brought over from Mexico in this downtown McAllen shop.
3-min walk.
Map it.
Remanace Vintage, McAllen
Located above a bistro next to Casa de Palmas, this shop offers a vast and affordable array of vintage T-shirts and other clothing.
3-min walk.
Map it.
Tropicasa/El Nopalito, McAllen
If you’re looking for something funky, try Tropicasa—part convenience store, part thrift shop, and part DJ performance. It’s connected to a natural wine shop, El Nopalito.
8-min walk.
Map it.
Food and Drinks
Coffee
Nerve, McAllen
Located across the street from Casa de Palmas in a former beauty salon. .
1 min walk.
Solum Coffee Roasters, McAllen
Inspired by the owner’s years living in Japan, this coffee shop is a great place to work out of and grab an organic coffee.
1 min. Map it.
Breakfast
La Especial Bakery, San Juan
Danielle’s childhood panaderìa. It’s the best pan dulce you’ll ever eat.
12 mins. Map it.
Azteca Tortilla Factory, San Juan
Pair the best pan dulce you’ll ever have with some of the best barbacoa you’ll ever have. Order by the pound.
12 mins. Map it.
Junction Cafe, Pharr
Since 1939, this local diner has served delicious Tex-Mex. It’s open 24 hours on the weekend.
10 mins. Map it.
Birdie Bistro, McAllen
Located inside an old, quaint building next to Casa de Palmas, Birdie Bistro serves casual brunch fare.
3-min walk. Map it.
Lunch/Dinner
SALT New American Table, McAllen
For a more high end dinner, try this restaurant across Casa de Palmas owned by local chef Larry Delgado. He sources all local RGV ingredients.
2-min walk. Map it.
McAllen Food Park
Located across from Casa de Palmas, these food trucks offer a quick and authentic taste of the RGV. Recommended: Taqueria El 956.
3-min walk. Map it.
Ana Liz Taqueria, Mission
Grab a taco at the first restaurant in the Rio Grande Valley
to earn the highly coveted James Beard Award.
13 mins. Map it.
Casa Del Taco, Mission
For an RGV specialty, order a “botana”—a delicious and shareable platter of chips, refried beans, cheese, fajitas, quesadillas, jalapeños and more. (Pictured above.) Read more about the botana here.
9 mins. Map it.
Drinks
University Drafthouse, McAllen
This three-floor bar is located inside a former firehouse.
4 mins. Map it.
Roosevelt’s at 7, McAllen
A casual bar with a covered patio that serves beer and wine.
10-min walk. Map it.
Suerte Bar & Grill, McAllen
For the party people. This place offers wacky drinks that are RGV-themed. (Pictured above.) Note: Don’t go to the downtown one closer to the hotel.
8 mins. Map it.