Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LOWER GULF COAST
Palm trees and hot humid weather are but one sign you've hit the subtropical southern Gulf
Coast. Ribbons of traffic zipping along TX 100 to South Padre Island mean that you've
come within the gravitational pull of the state's favorite beach resort.
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Harlingen
POP 70,900
Harlingen just isn't what it used to be, and that's a good thing. In 1910 it was called Six-
Shooter Junction because of the explosive stew of lawless bands, Mexican raiders, Texas
Rangers and US National Guardsmen who prowled its streets. Today, most permanent res-
idents are more occupied with agriculture than lawlessness. Look for fields of large, spiky
aloe plants, which produce the soothing substance used in lotions, shampoos and oint-
ments. It has a couple of diversions worthy of a pit stop on your way to South Padre Island
or the Rio Grande Valley. Mostly, though, this is a land for Winter Texans (see box,
Click
Sights
Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum
MUSEUM
( 956-216-4906;
www.myharlingen.us
;
Boxwood & Raintree Sts, off Loop 499; 10am-4pm Tue-Sun)
Return to the days of Six-Shooter Junction at this modern facility which combines several
museums in one. An 1870s stagecoach inn recalls the hot, dusty conditions of the old trail,
where the only friend you were likely to make at the end of a long day was a bedbug. The
region's colorful and violent past is extensively documented. The museum is located near
the airport.
Sleeping & Eating
