Tag: outdoor activities

5 Things to Do in/around Weslaco, Texas

Have you heard of the 1015 onion? If you haven’t, then most likely you did not know that this  sweet, non-tearing variety was developed by a professor at Texas A&M and then cultivated in Weslaco. Of course, there’s now an annual Onion Fest held each spring here, but there’s so much more to do in Weslaco as well. First off, the winter climate is spectacular with daytime highs in the upper 70s, so outdoor activity is definitely on the to-do list. What else is there to do, you ask? Take a look at our five ideas and before you go, book a stay at Victoria Palms RV Resort or Encore Country Sunshine. 

Aerial View of Victoria Palms RV Resort
Aerial View of Victoria Palms RV Resort

1. Whether you’ve always been a bird watcher or are jumping on the bandwagon of this fast-growing pastime among the Millennial and Gen Z generation, this part of Texas is the place to be for watching our avian friends. The Estero Llano Grande State Park is home to more than 325 species of birds and there are plenty of trails to walk while checking off the birds on your list (which you can download from https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/publications/bird-checklists.) 

2. Take a day trip to nearby South Padre Island and enjoy a day at the beach or some water sport fun like swimming, fishing and surfing. Don’t miss the Sandcastle Trail, which has 30 sand sculptures, or the unique Sea Turtle Art Trail which has a variety of art formations dedicated to the sea turtle. Speaking of sea turtles, visit Sea Turtle Inc., the world’s largest enclosed sea turtle hospital, which is dedicated to rescuing, rehabbing and then releasing the turtles back to the sea.  

Vacation Cottages at Encore Country Sunshine
Vacation Cottages at Encore Country Sunshine

3. Head over to the town of McAllen (less than 15 miles) for some history, culture and a fabulous farmer’s market (held every Saturday). Learn the history of the area at the McAllen Heritage Center, explore the arts district which has more than 20 galleries and the historic Archer Park, which is home to a still-standing gazebo that dates to 1918, or enjoy the booming food scene here that includes such interesting foodie delights as Korean corn dogs, seafood tacos, wood-fired pizza and authentic chilaquiles.  

4. A great way to get to know Weslaco is to partake in the Weslaco Scavenger Hunt where you’ll see town landmarks, learn about the town’s history and get in some exercise on this great walking tour/interactive game.  Details can be found at letsroam.com/scavenger-hunt/weslaco-tx. The Weslaco Museum is also another great place to learn about this little Texas town. 

Vacation Cottage at Victoria PalmsRV Resort
Vacation Cottage at Victoria Palms RV Resort

5. The Frontera Audubon Society is a 15-acre nature preserve located in Weslaco that is home to birds, butterflies and native plants as well as the historic landmark, the Skaggs House, a Spanish Mediterranean-style home built in 1927.  To plan your visit, head to https://fronteraaudubon.org/. 

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5 Things to Do in Mesa, AZ

If you’re headed to Mesa, Arizona in the next month or so, you know there is no reason to shy away from the weather. In fact, if you’re planning a glamping trip with a stay at one of our fabulous glamping resorts, Viewpoint RV & Golf Resort or Monte Vista RV Resort, plan to spend as much time in the sun as you can. Of course, there are interesting indoor activities too. Here is a little roundup of what you can do if you’re doing a winter glamping getaway to the area. 

Glamping cottage at ViewPoint RV & Golf Resort
Glamping cottage at ViewPoint RV & Golf Resort

1. Usery Mountain Regional Park: To borrow a phrase from the film, Step Brothers, Usery Mountain Regional Park has “so much room for activities.” At over 3600 acres of desert lands, you can find just about any outdoor activity you might desire here from archery and biking to stargazing and picnicking. Hiking trails include the moderate and very popular Wind Cave Trail; the easy Merkle Trail, which can accommodate wheelchairs, strollers and other mobility equipment; and the moderate Pass Mountain trail which leads to the mountain’s summit. There are also roughly 29 miles of mountain biking trails ranging from easy to difficult; a 5-star archery range; plenty of picnic tables, a model airplane flying site, an outdoor fitness area and plenty of activities led by the park ranger staff.  

2. Fresh Foodie Trail: With all the fresh air and activity, you’ll want to eat good so why not try something unique? The Fresh Foodie Trail is a 52-mile trail that includes local farms, wineries, farmers markets, and eateries featuring some of the best of the local offerings from wines, produce and baked good to artisan olive oils. For details on the interesting way to explore the area, head to visitmesa.com/restaurants/fresh-foodie. 

Landscape view of The Apache Trail
The Apache Trail

3. The Apache Trail: How about a 65-mile round trip drive that traces the path of the Native Americans as well as early settlers to the area. The Trail includes miles and miles of desert wilderness with the rugged Superstition Mountains towering over. You can stop and visit a reconstructed ghost town (Goldfield), stop at the historic Tortilla Flat, a stagecoach stop complete with the Superstition Saloon or check out Lost Dutchman State Park to learn about the legendary lost gold mine.   

Pool at ViewPoint RV & Golf Resort
Pool at ViewPoint RV & Golf Resort

4. Taliesin West: As both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark, not to mention an architectural masterpiece by the world-renowned Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin West also served as Wright’s beloved winter home and studio. Built in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, the home was designed to incorporate local materials like desert rock and sand to stand in harmony with the landscape. There are several ways to explore this magnificent tribute to FLW from self-guided tours to hikes. To see what strikes your fancy, visit franklloydwright.org.  

5. Wild Horses: If you want to see something unique, visit the Tonto National Forest to see if you can catch a glimpse of the Salt River wild horses that roam the area and are said to be descendants of the horses brought here by Spanish settlers in the 16th and 17th century. The horses tend to gather near the water in the forest and prime viewing spots include the Blue Point and Coon Bluff Recreation areas. Go to visitmesa.com for more information and tips on how to view these magnificent creatures.  

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