Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights
US 83 passes south of the center as a freeway; the business route is more interesting. The
main retail spine is 10th St, running north and south. The downtown still has lots of little
shops and is an interesting place to stroll.
Museum of South Texas History
( 956-383-6911; 200 N Closner Blvd, Edinburg; adult/child $7/4; 10am-5pm Tue-Sat, 1-5pm Sun)
Just 7
miles north of McAllen in Edinburg, the Museum of South Texas History covers cross-
border history from the Ice Age when mammoths roamed the area to the 19th century
when soldiers and settlers fought for the region's future.
MUSEUM
Sleeping
Fast-growing McAllen has myriad chain motels along 10th St and the two iterations of US
83. For camping, try the lovely natural lands at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park.
La Copa Inn
( 956-686-1741;
www.lacopamcallen.com
;
2000 S 10t h St; r $50-90; )
A modest motel that is
part of a small local chain, the La Copa is an older 150-room motel that's had a faux-
Spanish makeover. It's clean, tidy and good value.
MOTEL
$
Alamo Inn
( 956-782-9912;
www.alamoinnsuites.com
;
801 Main St, Alamo; $60-120; )
A brilliant find for
birders and travelers of all sorts. This historic inn is lovingly operated by Keith Hackland,
who has oodles of info on local sights and attractions. A birder himself, Keith can advise
on the best sites. Many of the rooms are suites and some have kitchens. There are good
places to eat close by.
The inn is 7 miles east of McAllen on Business US 83/E Center Ave.
INN
$
Renaissance Casa de Palmas Hotel
( 956-631-1101;
www.marriott.com
;
101 N Main St; r $100-160; )
The classiest place in
town dates from 1918 and is lovingly managed by Marriott's upscale brand. Right down-
town, the restored Spanish-style hotel is perfectly elegant without being pretentious. The
165 rooms surround a beautiful central courtyard and pool.
HISTORIC HOTEL
$$
