Rio Grande Valley highways are best described as safe, scenic, plentiful and convenient. And they’re on the verge of getting even better.

The Texas Department of Transportation is in the midst of a three-year, $220 million construction program for Valley roadways. It involves construction projects, widening of existing roads, road maintenance and traffic mobility improvement projects.

In order to see a large portion of the Texas border, try U.S. Highway 83, which connects the Valley to West Texas. It travels through Starr County, continuing through Mission, McAllen, Weslaco, Harlingen, Brownsville and points between. This well-marked four- to six-lane road is rarely more than 10 miles from the Mexican border.

Business 83 runs parallel to Expressway 83, winding through the downtown areas of all the cities on the Expressway. It is often called the “Main Street of the Valley” since many towns along the way have grown together, forming a sort of mini-metropolis.

U.S. Highway 281 from San Antonio has become more popular since it was made into four lanes. Business 281 runs through Edinburg and Pharr and will take you all the way to the Rio Grande, where it tees off east and west. Here it becomes known as Military Highway, running parallel to Expressway 83 along the river, all the way to Brownsville. This scenic route was once the lifeline to soldiers stationed at such outposts as Fort Brown (Brownsville), Fort Ringgold (Rio Grande City) and Fort McIntosh (Laredo).

U.S. Highway 77 connects the Valley to the Coastal Bend region of Texas. The flat four-lane highway runs through Willacy County to Harlingen where it joins Expressway 83. From there, 77/83 runs southeast to Brownsville.0

For the beachcomber, Highway 100 just south of Harlingen takes you from 77/83 through Los Fresnos and Port Isabel to South Padre Island.

AIR TRAVEL
Valley airports are convenient, spacious and easy to navigate. Valley International Airport in Harlingen, a beautiful, modern facility, boasts all the amenities of a big city airport without the hassles. It is served by Continental and Southwest.

Private aircraft operators are well served by the Weslaco Airport, located just north of Expressway 83 in Weslaco. With a terminal, car rentals and expanded runways, this airfield meets the needs of individual and corporate customers.

McAllen Miller International operates American and Continental flights. Downtown McAllen and most major hotels are only a short distance away.

The Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport is served by Continental. It is also home to the Valley Wing of the Commemorative Air Force.

BUS SERVICE
Valley Transit Company is just the ticket for bus service to any Valley community. The system provides service between Valley towns as well as service to San Antonio and Houston. Greyhound Bus provides connections nationwide.

MOBILE HOME PARKS
More than 500 mobile home parks line Valley roads, offering everything from simple hookups to elaborate resort living with extensive recreational facilities. Most Chambers of Commerce have complete RV park listings for their areas. (See Chambers of Commerce for addresses, phones.)

HOTELS
No matter what your lodging needs, the Valley has what you’re looking for. Brownsville, Harlingen, McAllen and Weslaco hotels can provide you with a full range of services to accommodate meetings and conventions. South Padre Island caters to the tourist industry and can provide you with a beachfront condo or bungalow. And while the view may be great from 15 stories above the surf, don’t overlook charming bayside hotels and surprisingly affordable beach house rentals. Prices can vary substantially from summer to winter. Contact the Chamber of Commerce in the city you want to visit for hotel information. (See Chambers of Commerce for addresses, phones.)

BED & BREAKFAST
Rio Grande Valley B&Bs can provide a memorable experience. Accommodations range from cozy to elegant, at the shore or on the ranch, in the city or in the country, historic or modern. And your host is always at hand, ready to advise you on local birding, fishing, outdoor activities, tours and more. Phone 1(866) 782-9912 or visit their web page at www.rgv-bedandbreakfast.com

CONDOS
There are lots of condominiums on both the island and the mainland from which to choose. Apartment complexes are plentiful as well, especially in the larger cities.

RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES
Our retirement communities specialize in making your retirement years truly golden. Most include on-site medical care, a recreational staff and a full calendar of activities.