Guest Author - Marilyn Crain

It’s not just the birds who head south as the winter gets closer. Winter Texans, retirees from colder climates, also flock to Texas, especially south Texas. Heading south as early as late October, these part-time residents make their way to Texas by train, plane, automobile and RV. Along the way they visit their favorite spots—outlet malls, family diners, local and state parks, and flea markets like First Monday in Canton. Like many states, Texas has dozens of small towns whose only claim to fame is revitalized downtown districts that offer dozens of antique stores and craft shops.

South Texas welcomes these Winter Texans with open arms. They are not just “tourists” they’re part of the Texas family. The lodging options illustrate this. There are RV parks nestled along the main roads and city streets. Many of these winter visitors arrive with their bedrooms and kitchens in tow, while others leave their trailers and RV’s parked year round. Many apartments have six-month leases to better accommodate part-time residents. Outside of Harlingen, on the highway to South Padre Island, are rows of new affordable single-family homes, catering to those wishing to buy a home away from home.

Actually the birds that also spend the winter in south Texas are one of the main attractions for those enjoying the sunny warmth of the area. The birding in south Texas is considered to be some of the best in the world. Harlingen is home to the annual Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival. This premier birding festival is popular with Winter Texas because it offers five days of guided field trips, learning about birding at several seminars and shopping for birding-related books and gear.

In addition to the Birding Festival, the cities and towns of south Texas and the Valley, offer a wide variety of events ranging from the Citrus Festival and Butterfly Festival in Mission to the Onion Festival in Westlaco, and all kinds of get-togethers in between.

Other things that Winter Texans seem to really enjoy are visiting South Padre Island and Mexico, deep sea fishing, and one of the most popular activities, heading out the many flea markets. They can also find local citrus fruits at roadside stands across the area.

So, if you’re dreading the winter and you have the means to get away from the ice and snow this year, south Texas offers an enticing climate and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Just follow the migrating birds and Winter Texans as they head out in search of sunny warmth.