On the Road

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

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.

Photo courtesy of Explore RGV

South Padre Island makes a splash in Cameron County.

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Checking in

Clara Hotel debuts in Plano with chef-driven dining and late-night lounge

Photo by Dan Padgett

Cocktail and food offerings at the Archer.

A newly reimagined hotel in Plano aims to be as much a dining destination for locals as it is a place for visitors to stay: The Clara Hotel has officially opened in the Legacy Corridor with a chef-driven restaurant and chic new cocktail bar - all part of a $4 million transformation of the former NYLO Dallas/Plano Hotel.

Located at 8201 Preston Rd. on the Plano-Frisco border, The Clara remains part of Hilton's Tapestry Collection but has been overhauled by Dallas-based investment firm NewcrestImage, which acquired the property in 2025. The company has refreshed nearly every guest-facing space, from the hotel's 176 guest rooms to its food and beverage offerings.

Leading the debut are Field & Vine, the hotel's signature restaurant, and Archer, a new day-to-late-night cocktail lounge.

The Clara Hotel is now open at 8201 Preston Rd., Plano.Photo by Greg Ceo Studio

"The Clara was always envisioned as more than a hotel," says Mehul Patel, managing partner at NewcrestImage, in the release. "We wanted to create a place that locals would visit whether they were staying overnight or not. Field & Vine and Archer are central to that vision. Together, they create an experience that evolves throughout the day, from breakfast meetings to date nights, celebrations and late-evening cocktails."

Field & Vine is led by executive chef Daniel Armand, whose nearly four-decade career has included restaurants in Haiti, France, New York, Nantucket, the Hamptons, and Dallas before joining The Clara.

His menu blends French technique, Haitian influences, Texas ingredients, and seasonal produce. Highlights include:

Clara Ceviche with Gulf shrimp, citrus, and coconut water
Harissa Honey Wings with Texas honey
Steak Frites with herb butter and truffle fries
Heritage Chicken with roasted root vegetable purée
French-style Braised Short Rib
Citrus Shrimp Linguine
Wild Mushroom & Truffle Risotto
Herb-Crusted Salmon with citrus-sage beurre blanc

Field & Vine, Clara Hotel Clara ceviche at Field & Vine.Photo by Dan Padgett

The all-important hotel breakfast ranges from avocado toast and smoked salmon plates to Belgian waffles, breakfast tacos, fresh-pressed juices, overnight oats, and brioche French toast.

A distinctive feature is the hotel's on-site herb garden, where rosemary, basil, sage, thyme, and other herbs are harvested for both the kitchen and bar.

"Some of my earliest memories are in the kitchen with my mother, learning that food has the power to bring people together," says Armand. "Field & Vine is a reflection of that belief. We want guests to feel welcome whether they are joining us for breakfast, a special dinner or simply gathering with friends. The menu is personal to me, but ultimately it is designed to create memorable experiences around the table."

The cocktail program incorporates fresh herbs and housemade syrups with drinks such as the Clara Bloom, Rosemary Paloma, Smoke & Sage, and Garden Spritz.

For evening drinks, Archer offers a dramatically different atmosphere.

Replacing the Library concept originally announced during the renovation, Archer is a moody cocktail lounge with dark woods, leather seating, and low lighting. The space was inspired by celestial navigation, with signature cocktails named for stars, landmarks, and journeys.

Featured drinks include:

Polaris with vodka, elderflower, lemon, and sparkling wine
The Meridian with reposado tequila, Yellow Chartreuse, lime, and honey
Clara After Dark with bourbon, Amaro Nonino, honey, lemon, and black tea
Fixed Point with bourbon, black walnut, demerara, and bitters
Western Sky with rye whiskey, amaro, sweet vermouth, and chocolate bitters
Long After Sunset with vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and vanilla

The Archer, cocktails, Clara Hotel Cocktails at The Archer.Photo by Dan Padgett

The lounge also serves shareable bites including lamb chops with mint chimichurri, tuna tartare, margherita flatbread, ancient grain hummus, and cinnamon pretzel bites.

"Archer was designed to feel like the room the evening finds after sunset," says Patel. "It offers something different from the traditional hotel bar experience. It's intimate, atmospheric and intentionally designed for guests who appreciate great cocktails, thoughtful conversation and a place that encourages them to stay awhile."

Originally opened in 2007, the property was the first hotel launched under the NYLO Hotels brand and is widely credited as the country's first loft-style lifestyle hotel. Under NewcrestImage's ownership, the hotel has introduced a warmer aesthetic with natural textures, wood finishes, greenery, and a more residential feel throughout its guestrooms and public spaces.

The renovation also refreshed the hotel's heated outdoor pool, landscaped courtyard, and meeting and event spaces, positioning the Clara for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings.

Reservations for dining and hotel stays are available through The Clara Hotel's website.

Photo by Dan Padgett

Cocktail and food offerings at the Archer.

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