Survey to Determine Why Winter Texan Numbers Have Declined
February 18, 2013 by Rex Vogel · Leave a Comment
The number of Winter Texans coming to the Rio Grande Valley has fallen, and folks at the University of Texas-Pan American want to know why. They’re asking Winter Texans to fill out a survey on its website. Penny Simpson, director of the Valley Markets and Tourism Research Center, said it will take about 15-20 minutes. [...]
Are You Ready for a Snowbird Tax?
February 13, 2013 by Rex Vogel · Leave a Comment
The governor of a northern state is proposing a snowbird tax on residents who live 60 days to just under six months in the state. Spend most of the year in Florida, Texas, Arizona, or another Sunbelt state, and a snowbird smack down could be your new reality. Governor Mark Dayton of Minnesota is proposing [...]
Snowbird Destinations: WHERE to ROOST?
January 15, 2013 by Rex Vogel · Leave a Comment
Snowbirds are typically retired seniors who have the desire and financial ability to be away from home for extended periods of time. As our population ages the number of people considering this lifestyle increases. Every winter, more than 1 million RV snowbirds wing south to the U.S. Sunbelt to escape the winter cold. RVers who [...]
Flip, the Stranded Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Returns to Texas
November 11, 2012 by Rex Vogel · Leave a Comment
A juvenile female Kemp’s ridley sea turtle named Flip by her rescuers will soon be returning home to the Texas coast. Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are the smallest and rarest sea turtle species and one of the most critically endangered species. Flip was found injured and cold, stranded on the shores of Monster (near The [...]
End of the Road: Assisted-living RV Park
July 7, 2012 by Rex Vogel · 2 Comments
Pearl and Bud Crispell hit the road in their recreational vehicle the day after they retired in 1976. And for decades they traveled the country at will living in their 40-foot motorhome. But, as is the eventual story of all road warriors, the day came when they hit the proverbial ‘end of the road’. Unable [...]
Indulge Mom in Nature on Mothers’ Day
May 8, 2012 by Rex Vogel · Leave a Comment
Mothers have been revered throughout history, from ancient pagan celebrations to church holidays to present-day Mother’s Day. Many countries throughout the world devote a day to honor their mothers. The tradition dates back to pagan celebrations in ancient Greece in honor of Rhea, the mother of the gods. In Rome, too, Cybele, a mother of [...]
6 Reasons to Love Texas Food
April 25, 2012 by Rex Vogel · Leave a Comment
Texans take their food as seriously as they do their football. Many Winter Texans and other visitors to the Lone Star State have the good sense to agree with them—that Texan food is that of the gods. 1. Texas Oysters Texas may be best known for beef, but its bay oysters rank second to none. [...]
What’s to Love about Texas Food
April 15, 2012 by Rex Vogel · 3 Comments
Texans take their food as seriously as they do their football. If you slander their vittles, they’re apt to defend their deep-fried passion as though you personally launched another attack on the Alamo. Necessity has frequently mothered our creations, and early Texans had to make do with meager supplies, which is how they wound up [...]
Discover San Antonio’s Mission Trail
March 18, 2012 by Rex Vogel · 1 Comment
The chain of five missions that were established along the San Antonio River during the 18th century stands as a reminder of Spain’s most successful attempt to extend its New World influence and control. Representing both church and state, these missions were charged with converting the local Native Americans, collectively called Coahuiltecans, into devout Catholics [...]
Farmers Market in Downtown McAllen
March 10, 2012 by Rex Vogel · 1 Comment
Tucked away in McAllen’s downtown entertainment district, The Market at Alhambra is a new concept in farmers markets. On a recent Saturday, we decided to check it out. It happens from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday with Alhambra, the Mediterranean restaurant and hookah lounge at 519 S. 17th Street as host. A group [...]
