Seniors Nod To “The Best of the Border”

Del Rio is a city in Texas with a population of 35,000+. The Spanish established a small presidial complex near the site of present Ciudad Acuña, the Mexican sister city of Del Rio, and some Spaniards settled on what became the United States side of the Rio Grande.

Del Rio has more for seniors to do and see than any other city along the Rio Grande River. Del Rio is just a heartbeat from the crystal clear waters of Lake Amistad. Lake Amistad provides year-round, water-based recreation opportunities.

The deep, crystal clear waters of Lake Amistad beckon to fishermen, divers, sailors, swimmers, house boaters, water skiers and virtually every type of water sport enthusiast, as well as other recreational opportunities for picnicking, camping, and hunting.

The Amistad National Recreation Area is just west of Del Rio on U.S. 90.  Amistad, whose name comes from the Spanish word meaning friendship is best known for excellent water-based recreation, camping, hiking, rock art viewing and its rich cultural history.

Seniors Visit Winery, Parks and Cave Paintings

Del Rio also has an impressive Downtown Shopping District, the Val Verde Winery and several state parks, some of which are home to ancient Indian cave paintings. The area is rich in archeology and rock art, and contains a wide variety of plant and animal life.

Del Rio is home to the George Paul Memorial Bullriding, which is the oldest stand-alone bull riding event in the world. Del Rio offers unique shopping and dining experiences and the first Friday of each month senior visitors can enjoy the Art Walk sponsored by the HeART of Del Rio. There is a wide choice of accommodations so make your plans to Explore Del Rio for a week, a week-end or a day.

San Felipe del Rio was Del Rio’s “birth name” because the founding occurred on St. Phillip’s Day. Today Del Rio offers birders, boaters and fishermen plenty of options. However, Del Rio is also home to a number of top notch museums as well as the Val Verde Winery, the oldest continuously operating winery in Texas.

This winery was started in 1883 by Italian immigrants. The fourth generation is now running this family operation. The climate in southwest Texas is semiarid in moisture and subtropical in temperature. Humidity is more often high than low, with periodic morning fog due to Gulf of Mexico air masses moving northwest into the area.

The Del Rio area, in addition to cattle ranching, also has sheep, lambs and wool and mohair production from Angora goats. Del Rio is the home to Southwest Texas Junior College and Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College.

The Laughlin Air Force Base is located in Del Rio and is a major reason for its growth and population. Seniors, enjoy the city when you are in southwest Texas.  jeb