Visiting Border Towns

From the cities of El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, to Brownsville and Matamoros - the best of two worlds come together in the the border towns of the United States and Mexico. Here, cultures combine influences to create a unique border-town culture of their own. Separated by the Rio Grande - as it's known in the United States, or the Rio Bravo in Mexico, millions travel back and forth across the border each year for daily business, pleasure and shopping.

Did you know that El Paso and Ciudad Juarez make up the largest international metroplex in the world? A simple and convenient way to get from the US to Mexico is the El Paso - Juarez Trolley. This shuttles takes visitors from El Paso to Juarez stopping at various attractions and points of interest. Trolleys continually navigate the route so riders can shop, eat, and sightsee at their leisure - taking the headache out of getting around. Ciudad Juarez offers abundant bargains. Don't miss the excellent Bridal District on Avenida Lerdo for savings on gowns and accessories. Or head to the City Market, and Tony's Curios, in downtown Juarez. Both are excellent shops for for silver and leather goods.

Southeast of El Paso, on the on US side of the border, the inland towns of Van Horn and Fort Stockton make nice stops for travelers heading east. Stay awhile in Fort Stockton in February for the Texas Crossroads Cowboy Poetry Gathering. This is a juried competition for cowboy entertainers featuring the best state and regional cowboy poets.

For over one hundred years the city has also hosted a Frontier Days and Rodeo celebration in June. If the kids have not seen a real rodeo, this is perfect event for the entire family to attend this spring. Fort Stockton is the finish line for April's Big Bend Open Road Race. This competitive motor sports event happens over four days and is filled with fun and entertainment. The race's challenge is due to the number of turns and elevation changes along the route. So rev your engine and check it out - at least to watch and enjoy the party.

The border towns of Del Rio Texas and its sister city Ciudad Acuna share the shores of Lake Amistad, which straddles the US Mexican border. Lake Amistad is one of the most popular lakes in Texas. Known for it's extraordinary clear and beautifully turquoise water, the lake has over 850 miles of shoreline. It boasts some of the best bass fishing in the country, and there are multiple fishing tournaments throughout the year. Check the schedule and grab your pole for a visit. Boaters can get away from the crowds in houseboats rented at the lake, but plan ahead as this is a popular get-away.

In April Del Rio hosts the George Paul Memorial Bullriding Superbull. Superbull is the largest bullriding event in the US, attracting fans and riders from all over the country. For over 25 years Del Rio has thrilled spectators with the Superbull - today a springtime tradition. There is nothing more exciting than bullriding at the rodeo, bring friends and family for the time of your life.

Eagle Pass in the US and Piedras Negras in Mexico, less recognized border town names, are equally popular towns to crisscross the border. The grass always looks greener on the other side and this is the case in these border towns. Residents of both the US and Mexico cross the border to shop, eat and dine on the other side. This border crossing is a nice place to avoid the congestion and crowds of the larger cities and still take advantage of the shopping and restaurants in Mexico.

Paranormal Fans; On the Mexico side in Piedras Negras, just across the railroad bridge that joins the cities, sits the Haunted Railroad Hotel. It is rumored to be home to the ghosts of guests past. If there is a guard there, recent sightings may be confirmed. Thankfully the old hotel is closed and there are unhaunted Best Western Hotel accommodations nearby.

Both Laredo in the US, and Nuevo Laredo in Mexico, celebrate the birthday of the first US President with festivities throughout February. Parades, parties, pageants, concerts and debutant balls are featured in the local schedules. In conjunction with the birthday celebrations, all visitors can join in Jamboozie - a Mardi Gras party that fills the streets of Laredo with food, music and dancing. Springtime is also a great time to visit these cities. In May, the Webb County Heritage Foundation sponsors a Founder's Day Celebration in Laredo, honoring contributions to the preservation of local history, along with plenty of fanfare and festivities. One thing for certain, these two cities know how to throw a party that visitors won't want to miss.

And last, but not least; just 30 miles down the border sits the town of Zapata Texas, unique for the Texas/Mexican border, it has no sister city in Mexico. Zapata is known for Falcon Lake, the second largest fresh water lake in Texas, and is home to some monster sized catfish and black bass. If fishing is your thing, Falcon Lake is definitely worth a short drive.

No matter where you travel along Mexico/US border - you'll find a comfortable, convenient Best Western hotel location waiting for you.