| ~SINGLE TEXAS~ Population: 74 By Jessica Benavides ~It's Saturday Night In Del Rio~ |
|
| Greetings fellow Texans! Or for this excursion
I should say hola compandres de Tejas!! It was time once again to hit the road. Last month's adventure found myself and my co-pilots headed out west to the west Texas border town of Del Rio Texas. The West Texas town of Del Rio is located about 4 miles Southwest of Austin and is surprisingly lush with foliage for a West Texas town. It truly is an Oasis. After all, it is situated in Val Verde (Green Valley) county. We arrived at Bed and Breakfast Villa Del Rio, a registered Texas historical landmark, in the early afternoon hours and were immediately greeted by Villa's more than accommodating host Jay Johnson upon our arrival. The B&B is also known as the Manson-Foster home, built in 1887 by New York businessman James H. Mason. The home originally boasted a natural spring on the property where mineral baths were once offered. Don 't be surprised to find out that history will soon repeat itself. It was later purchased by Del Rio attorney and civic leader John J. Foster. Incidentally, John Foster is the Great Grandfather of Texas musician and country artist Radney Foster. In fact, Radney's parents still occupy the home next door. The home was refurbished by the Fosters and evidence of the artistic nature of their bloodline is found in the form of the original murals painted by Mrs. Foster throughout the first floor of the home. Speaking of musical roots, anyone living in anytown, USA scanning the AM radio dial on the way to the drive-in back in 1964 might recall picking up radio XERF, an astonishing 250,000 watt station broadcast from neighboring Ciudad Acuna Mexico. The transmission was so powerful it could be heard across the entire continent of North America. It was at this station the legendary DJ Wolfman Jack introduced a segregated America to the soulful sounds of rhythm and blues by evading FCC regulations while transmitting "black" music from south of the border and ultimately changing the face of radio as we know it today. Perhaps you too "Heard it on the X", along with fellow Texans, ZZTop. For his contribution to breaking down racial barriers in the 1960's using music as a platform, Wolfman Jack was recognized with a memorial resolution passed by the Texas Legislature in May 2003. A movement spear-headed by Villa Del Rio owner, Jay Johnson. And since Del Rio and Acuna are considered by their residents to be one town separated by an international bridge, living together under the principles of Amistad or "friendship", Del Rio will soon be billed as the birthplace of Wolfman Jack and will be home to an accompanying museum and annual International Blues Festival. After touring the home and talking with Jay, it was time to put down our bags and make a run for the border. Or I could say, take a stroll down the street. Jay was kind enough to escort us across the international bridge, pointing out the better places to park, eat and shop. For a higher priced meal and an upscale atmosphere, you might want to try Lando's restaurant on Hidalgo. But when you want to "Blame it on Mexico" George Strait stlye, visit the restaurant he sings about in his hit song. Check out Crosby's, a Mexican restaurant also located on the main strip on Hidalgo just a few blocks over the border. The prices were cheap, the atmosphere was authentic, the food was delicious, the staff were friendly and the grande margaritas - muy bueno! You can find so many great deals shopping in border towns and hey, where else can you be rewarded by the shop owner with a shot of tequila after completing your purchase? Our favorite shop was Acuna Curios where we found good quality silver at rock bottom prices and the mere mention that Jay referred us earned us a 10% discount. If duty free liquor is what you're looking for, there's plenty to go around. Although, the prices weren't as cheap as they should have been, one shop wanting .00 for a bottle of Bacardi Oro. Though haggling is customary just about anywhere you go, the liquor dealers aren't as anxious to engage in the bidding war, even refusing service if you insist on lower prices. That's okay - I didn't want to buy from him anyway! There's plenty more agave plants in the garden! Speaking of agave, beware of the shops that sell their "home made tequila" in a plastic water bottle! Chances are, it is precisely that - agua! The next day we had a chance to check out more sites in Del Rio. We took a 30 minute road trip to Alamo Village, where the move "Alamo!", starring John Wayne was filmed. You wont find just a replica of the Alamo here, but an entire working old west studio lot. Numerous films and television shows have been shot at this location including "Walker, Texas Ranger" and the Brooks and Dunn video "Your Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone". Down the street from the Villa is the final resting place of Judge Roy Bean, only law west of the Pecos. And just next door to the Villa is the Val Verde Winery. Where you can tour the oldest operating winery in Texas as well as participate in a wine tasting. Good thing its next door to the Villa! To make our visit complete, we headed back into Acuna for some night time action. Nighttime lends a bit of a different atmosphere - watch out for the young drinkers! They're easy to spot on the sidewalks keeled over vomiting in the streets as they realize that there is a world of difference between drinking a few margaritas in the states and having a few in Mexico! We headed for a performance by Pat Green at the Corona Club, a club that continually brings live Texas roots music to Mexican soil. You might recognize the club from the Antonio Banderas movie, "Desperado". The cover for the show was .00 at the door or .00 if you purchase tickets online prior to the show. However, it might be worth the three extra dollars as we spoke to some people who could not get in because the printed bar code showed the ticket to be invalid when scanned. But not to worry, if you can't get into the Corona Club for the show or if you prefer a little more elbow room than a room full of sticky, sweaty people crammed up against a stage. Just head next door to the Tequila Club, where a .00 cover will get you a spot on the roof over looking the show next door, a decent breeze and an open bar. That's right, open bar! After a night of partying in Mexico, the next morning at the Villa our host sent fresh hot coffee to our rooms. We then headed downstairs for fresh fruit, and crepes drizzled with jalepeno jelly, ah the breakfast of champions! So to agree with Gary P. Nunn, when you ask me what I like about Texas, "It's body surfing the Frio, its Saturday night in Del Rio! Driving across the border for some cultural exchange!" Del Rio is truly one of the most unique border towns in Texas and is worth the road trip from wherever corner of the state you might be traveling! A special thanks to Jay and his wife for opening their home to us. I highly recommend a stay at the Villa Del Rio for a truly hospitable experience! Visit their website at www.villadelrio.com . *See some of Jessicas Del Rio pics in the "Great Photos" section |
|
|
If you have taken a memorable road trip recently or in the past with your pals and have pictures or stories you would like to share, you can e-mail them to me! You can write to Jessica at: jbsingletx@yahoo.com Article copyrighted by Travel Texas Online at: www.traveltexas-online.com |
|