McAllen Texas and the Rio Grande Valley: Birding and McAllen

Birding in Quinta Mazatlan

McAllen, Texas, nicknamed The City of Palms, located in the southern part of the state, is part of the migratory path of a multitude of fascinating and exotic birds, as well as resident species. With over 523 different species, it is here in McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley that birders (bird watchers) come from around the globe to trek through parks and trails on a treasure hunt to spot rare and elusive birds.

Quinta Mazatlan, located in McAllen, is one of the Rio Grande's nine world birding centers and is the largest remaining adobe homes built in Texas. The rather eccentric Jason Mathews, who fought alongside of Lawrence of Arabia, in the Independence from the Turks, originally built this stunning adobe home with his wife Marcia in 1935. Mathews was a composer, photographer, wrote screenplays, served in 11 countries and was truly a visionary; this is apparent in the design and construction of the adobe home.

After the Mathews and subsequent owners the Schultz's, Quinta Mazatlan is now owned by the city of McAllen and is opened to the public. The main house is 6,739 square feet and is filled with incredible art, Talavera tile (hand-made and colorful Mexican tile), furniture and ceiling beams made of Lebanese cedar. The master bathroom is truly a work of art and was created by the Mathews; the Schultz's added to it as well. The deep and long soaking tub is made of lovely blue and white Talavera tiles, with the wall and pouring spigot made from carved Cantera stone resembling a Romanesque design. In addition, the back courtyard of the house features a gorgeous water feature, an adobe block bathing pool that was originally 18-feet deep, known as a draw and fill pool. There are also several additional buildings on the property that now serve as educational and meeting facilities.

The grounds of Quinta Mazatlan are a series of lush gardens and trails that draw innumerous birds, especially in the spring and fall. With its designation as a world birding center, enthusiasts frequent the grounds to view and photograph the various species of birds, such as the colorful resident Green Jay bird with its blue head and almost lime-green body.

Exploring McAllen

In addition to world-famous birding, McAllen is recognized as one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. and has much more to offer visitors with fantastic restaurants (over 600 in this small town), shopping (24 shopping centers), arts and culture, history, music and nightlife. In fact, the shopping is so popular in McAllen that Visa, according to its credit card business, states that it is the number one shopping destination in the U.S for Mexican shoppers.

Start your visit with a stroll down 17th street in old town; it's the city's hub of entertainment with a music scene that is comparable to Austin's 6th Street. One of the coolest places to dine and enjoy music and even smoke a hookah in the captivating Alhambra. This chic establishment is much more than restaurant and lounge; it is a superb place to chill out with over 14,000 square feet featuring 10 different designed areas (teakwood balconies, archways), 600 seats, music, dancing and stellar cuisine. Its southern Granada Spanish style interior and grand casa layout is unique and affords guests quiet space or lively interaction. And, whether you want to enjoy a warm evening in their flowing and curtained cabana lounge outside to chat it up, or dance under the stars on the spacious patio, the Alhambra is an exciting destination and a must visit.

For a daytime exploration, 17th Street is home to numerous Ropa Usadas where you can purchase new and used clothing by the pound (some great deals) and Yerberias. The Yerberias are herb shops that sell healing herbs and a host of ethnic religious supplies. Most of these shops also have a Curandero (male) or Curandera (female) who is a traditional folk healer, or shaman, that work on healing physical and spiritual illnesses. The Curanderos use various methods such as healing by herbs, Catholic prayers, tarot card readings and numerous other practices.

The arts are a big part of the city's culture and the McAllen Civic Center presents top musical Broadway performances, such as the smash hit Mama Mia and musical artist Yanni. If you prefer a museum art experience, visit the acclaimed AAM International Museum of Arts and Science, located on Nolana Ave. The museum features permanent and traveling exhibitions, such as works by Ron English whose amazing contemporary character parodies include Charlie Brown and the Teletubbies. English's works provide thought-provoking insight and are displayed in a perfect atmosphere. Concert performances are also held in the exhibition halls throughout the year; check schedule for listed events.

The museum's Icons Stained Glass Windows exhibit is breath taking with religious works by Tiffany Studios and an anthology of stained glass windows originating from St. Paul's Church in Albany, New York.

IMAS has fascinating science exhibitions as well, with the Science on a Sphere. The sphere is at first a glowing orb, seemingly suspended in mid-air, but as the program continues, the globe presents changing images of climatology, atmosphere and astronomy in a visually stunning presentation. With numerous captivating galleries and educational programs, the museum is a must visit and perfect for the whole family.

For an evening of fun, art and music, visit McAllen's Archer Park Art Walk & Music After Hours. The art walk is located on Main Street and takes place the first Friday of each month, from September to May. Artists and galleries participate along the route with everything from fanciful and showy hats, to lovely paintings and unusual jewelry and scarves. In addition, the art walk runs in conjunction with Music After Hours that takes place in Archer park with free musical performances. The park is a wonderful place to unwind, listen to good music and watch kids hoola hoop or dance away on the grass.

Eating in McAllen

If you go, we recommend a visit to these excellent restaurants: The Patio On Guerra, an upscale and historical family-owned restaurant on 17th street, featuring international cuisine in a beautiful and artful setting. Try the succulent Chicken Marsala in a creamy wine sauce, delicately layered over angel hair pasta.

Capellini Ristorante Galleria, located on Main Street, is a superb Italian restaurant with tasteful decor and a lighted outdoor patio with linen clad tables and live music. Their Ravioli di Arogosta (lobster) is magnificent in butter with rich and sweet ravioli lobster bites.

McAllen is a wonderful destination that speaks to the adventurer, birder, arts lover and family. The surrounding communities are also prominent destinations with more world birding centers, fascinating museums and beach communities where parasailing and sand castle building are the daily activity. For additional information on McAllen, Texas, visit McAllenCVB