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    On the Road

    Seafood and sand await in Cameron County's Rio Grande Valley

    CultureMap Create
    Aug 25, 2022 | 12:05 pm
    Cameron County highway
    Part of the Rio Grande Valley, Cameron County is an intersection of fun things to do on a Texas road trip.
    Photo courtesy of Explore RGV

    The title for the southernmost county in Texas belongs to Cameron County, part of the Rio Grande Valley. And heading due south on a road trip pays off, with everything from sand and surf to the best local seafood — and even a taste of outer space.

    Consult this short list of not-to-be-missed attractions.

    South Padre Island
    As the Sandcastle Capital of the World, South Padre Island has the beach sculptures — and sculptors — to prove it; you can even take a lesson to work on your sand skills when you’re not swimming, snorkeling, or exploring the barrier island.

    You can also go fishing, and then have your catch cooked at a local restaurant. Or just grab a seat at one of more than 40 local dining and live music spots for amazing seafood, entertainment, and bayside views.

    For the nature tourist, the South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center boasts premier birdwatching and Sea Turtle, Inc. harbors the endangered Kemp’s Ridley species.

    Plus, there are fireworks nearly every night, all summer long.

    SpaceX
    Just across the bay from South Padre Island is the SpaceX Boca Chica launch site, where some of the most advanced rockets are being tested for everything from near orbital satellite deployments to the Mars mission.

    One of the best places to watch a launch is the Isla Blanca Park, which you’ll want to go to anyway for its mile-long pristine beach on the southernmost tip of South Padre Island.

    Gladys Porter Zoo
    The Gladys Porter Zoo is located on 31 acres in central Brownsville, where there’s a diverse ensemble of 377 species of animals and 225 species of plants.

    The park is divided into four zoogeographic areas: Africa, Asia, Tropical America, and Indo-Australia.

    There is also a herpetarium for reptiles and amphibians, a free-flight aviary, a macaw canyon, bear grottos, a Komodo dragon exhibit, and even a “small world” baby-animal nursery.

    Port Isabel
    As one of the oldest cities in South Texas, Port Isabel has a long and interesting history that dates back to 1519, when it was charted by Spanish explorer Alonzo de Pineda.

    You’ll definitely notice the historic lighthouse that’s right in the center of town, where you can climb to the top of the 70-foot tower to see the expansive view. During the summer, movies are projected on the side of the lighthouse every Thursday night, too.

    Make sure to swing by Treasures of the Gulf Museum for a fascinating look at the Spanish fleet that shipwrecked in 1554 with artifacts ranging from silver coins to ship cannons.

    Long heralded as the best seafood in Port Isabel, Pelican Station is a delicious place to grab a bite; it’s located at the historic site of the original Rio Grande Railroad. And with one of Texas’s longest lighted fishing piers, this is definitely the place to cast a line.

    Palo Alto Battlefield
    The Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park is the site of the first major battle of the U.S.-Mexican War. During the half-mile walk to the battlefield overlook, you’ll see a landscape very much like the one experienced by soldiers in 1846.

    Two additional trails lead out to the U.S. and Mexican battle lines. But Palo Alto is more than just a battlefield — the park contains an assortment of habitats and an abundance of animal life, including many species unique to the U.S-Mexico border region.

    Resaca de la Palma State Park
    An especially rich birding environment, Resaca de la Palma State Park is a great place to take in nature at every turn with three main habitats, including 60 acres of wetland, 420 acres of mature woodland with ebony trees, and 720 acres of woodland and savannah with mesquite.

    You can hike more than eight miles of trail while you’re there and then watch for wildlife from four different decks overlooking the resaca, or riverbed.

    There is a fast, convenient, and affordable way to travel on SH 550 all throughout Cameron County, even all the way to South Padre Island: Fuego Tag. Enjoy discounted toll rates, automatic toll deductions from your prepaid balance, and easy online access.

    Learn more about Cameron County and the Rio Grande Valley at ExploreRGV.com.

    South Padre Island makes a splash in Cameron County.

    South Padre Island beach
      
    Photo courtesy of Explore RGV
    South Padre Island makes a splash in Cameron County.
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    Hotel News

    City of McKinney approves funding for new Marriott luxury hotel

    Raven Jordan
    Jun 12, 2025 | 10:56 am
    JW Marriott in McKinney
    City of McKinney
    Rendering of JW Marriott in McKinney

    The McKinney City Council has approved incentives for the development of a JW Marriott resort hotel at Craig Ranch, a master-planned community, where it’s slated to go up at the northeast corner of Collin McKinney Parkway and Van Tuyl Parkway.

    Construction on the eight-acre project is set to begin December 2026.

    The city of McKinney is giving an economic development grant to Craig Ranch Luxury Hotel SPE Owner LP for the project. Under the agreement, the developer will construct and operate a luxury JW Marriott resort hotel featuring 290 guest rooms, more than 51,000 square feet of high-end hotel conference space, and resort-style amenities.

    These amenities include a pool with a lazy river, a full-service fitness center, a three-meal restaurant and specialty restaurant, a lounge with a terrace and poolside service, pickleball courts, structured and valet parking, and other conveniences such as a business center and a retail gift shop.

    Visitors to the hotel will also have access to the TPC Craig Ranch golf course and Life Time Fitness and Spa.

    The project will also include at least 45 for-sale condos, served by a dedicated amenity deck. Funding for the hotel and condos will come from grants and a loan including a $25 million grant and $10.25 million loan from the City of McKinney and a $2 million grant from the McKinney Economic Development Corporation, according to city council documents.

    According to the Mayor of McKinney, the project reflects the city’s commitment to planned growth and economic development.

    "With the airport's upcoming expansion into commercial service, our extended partnership with The CJ CUP Byron Nelson tournament, and major entertainment attractions like the VENU Sunset Amphitheater and Cannon Beach: Surf and Adventure Park, McKinney is quickly becoming a regional and national destination,” says McKinney Mayor George Fuller in a statement. “A luxury resort like JW Marriott is not just welcome, it's needed."

    This development supports the city's continued efforts to promote tourism and attract premier hospitality experiences, and this upcoming $1.3 billion mixed use development is yet another example of how serious the city is about drawing in a new crowd.

    The hotel is expected to be completed by April 2029.

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