Planners who book group events in Texas’ southernmost destinations can take advantage of intriguing border-side culture that is a perfect accompaniment to meeting agendas.
Just across the Rio Grande River from Brownsville and near South Padre Island is Matamoros, Mexico, where duty-free shopping for pottery, leather goods, silver jewelry, woven rugs, hand-blown glass, and other handcrafted items keeps visitors busy.
Cuisine in the city ranges from Mexican fare to seafood, chicken and beef dishes, and prices are reasonable. Access by car is easy, driving across local international bridges, and parking is available throughout the downtown district, although some visitors prefer to walk over the border.
Matamoros has a rich history that is reflected in local museums, festivals, gift shops, markets, and eateries. The city’s historic downtown is home to an 18th century cathedral with double spires and Plaza Hidalgo, built in 1826 for Miguel Hidalgo, who orchestrated Mexico’s independence from Spain. Fort Casa Mata Museum dates to the 1840s, when Zachary Taylor (who eventually became the 12th U.S. president) led U.S. troops in the capture of Matamoros. Military artifacts and a newspaper archive in the museum document the era. Additionally, the Agriculture Museum depicts the history of the northeastern part of the state of Tamaulipas.
Located west of Brownsville, Harlingen is only a 20-minute drive from Nuevo Progreso, Mexico. Groups often visit for meals, drinks and live entertainment, ranging from mariachis to folkloric dancers—all at a fraction of what similar program accents would cost on the U.S. side.
In Laredo, traditional Mexican musical entertainment is a popular dining addition at restaurants like Mariscos El Pescador and El Rancho-Su Majestad El Taco. A “downhome” meal of rice, beans and handmade flour tortillas pairs pleasantly with an icy margarita or other cold beverage, as roving mariachi musicians provide a festive backdrop.
Laredo shops are a treasure trove for visitors seeking Mexican art and furnishings. Along San Bernardo Avenue, shops carry items made in Mexico, such as metal sculpture and talavera tile work. One popular shopping stop is Vega’s Interiores Mejicanos. The Vega Family gathers furnishings, pottery, arts, crafts, and textiles from all over Mexico for their customers. Basket and Pottery Alley is another inviting spot, where visitors are likely to find the perfect curio around any of the alcoves packed floor-to-ceiling with interesting products. Basket and Pottery Alley is an ideal place to pick up coveted items like talavera pottery and colorful papier-mache flowers to take back home.
