'''McAllen''', the ''City of Palms'', is in the southern plains of Texas, USA. It is the largest city in Hidalgo County and the second largest city in the Rio Grande Valley after Brownsville. It is near the Rio Grande River on the border with Mexico.
Understand
McAllen is a FANTASTIC city with a Dynamic Energy that people find invigorating when they visit- this vitality drives the cities business, education, shopping, and health ahead of Texas and the nation.
The first real development in the area that would later become McAllen occurred in the 1850s. That development was led by John McAllen. In 1904 he established a town site then known as West McAllen. In 1907 a separate group of developers established a town known as East McAllen. Eventually the two towns merged and the City of McAllen was incorporated in 1911.[http://www.mcallen.net/info/history.aspx]
The city has grown rapidly over the past century. In 1910 the population was about 150. As of 2008 it is estimated that the city has a population exceeding 130,000.[http://www.mcallen.net/info/default.aspx] Over 80% of the city's population is Hispanic or Latino.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mcallen]
McAllen is known for its hot weather. The summers can be really uncomfortable- Drink Water, be careful about activities out in the heat. Over 100 degree high temperatures start usually by May and lasts sometimes to October- but each year is different. Hurricane Dolly also visited in 2008- our first one since 1967- and a major reason for our many flood improvements. In the winter months large numbers of retirees from the northern United States and Canada live here. They are known as the Winter Texans. They are very good drivers- and follow all the rules- even the speed limits- this can frustrated typical drivers. Throughout the year there are large numbers of Mexican tourists and shoppers in the area largely coming from Monterrey. -However, a short glance at our Mall parking lot may reveal shoppers from almost all 37 states of Mexico- contributing to our shopping health- and vibrant #1 sales per square foot mall (well for many of the stores)
McAllen is surrounded by several medium size towns and cities. These cities are so interconnected that they sometimes appear to be one larger city. For census purposes the federal government includes all these areas under the heading McAllen?Edinburg?Mission Metropolitan Statistical Area. Our MSA has been in the top 10 for several positive categories many times- and that dynamic growth and change makes every visit unique- always some new stores opening along with new places to eat.
Get in
By plane
McAllen is serviced by the '''McAllen-Miller International Airport''' ({{IATA|MFE}}), 2500 S Bicentenial Blvd #100, tel: (956) 682-910, [http://www.mcallenairport.com/index.aspx].
It is serviced by:
'''American Airlines''', [http://www.aa.com]. (Nonstop service to Dallas)
'''Continental Airlines''', [http://www.continental.com]. (Nonstop service to Houston)
'''Allegiant Air''', [http://www.allegiantair.com] (Nonstop service to Las Vegas, NV; Orlando, FL and Los Angeles, CA).
By bus
The bus station is located at 1500 W. Highway 83 in downtown McAllen. It is serviced by Greyhound which connects McAllen to cities throughout the United States. Additionally there are several Mexican bus companies which connect McAllen to cities throughout Mexico. These carriers also create many times and opportunities to go by bus to Houston or other cities in the USA as well. In Many cases these companies cover the South Eastern USA with their schedules.[http://www.mcallen.net/bus/serviceproviders.aspx]
By car
'''US 83''' - Runs east and west connecting McAllen to Brownsville and Laredo.
'''US 281''' - Runs north to '''I-37''', which connects McAllen to Corpus Christi and San Antonio.
'''Anzalduas International Bridge''' - located in nearby Hidalgo, TX connects McAllen to Reynosa, Mexico.
'''MX 40''' -Mazatlan, Durrango, Torreon, Saltillo Monterrey- to Reynosa and McAllen
'''MX 97''' Connect to 97 from 180 leaving Victoria Mexico (or arriving from Tampico -enter the McAllen area from Reynosa
Get around
By car
The best way to get around McAllen is by car, or better yet- by Pickup Truck (yes some of the rental car companies do have pickups as well)
Rental car
There are several rental car services located in Mcallen including Hertz, Alamo, Budget, Enterprise, and others.[http://monitoryellowpages.com/search.pg?q=rental+cars&z=McAllen%2C+TX] Many of these can be found at the airport.
Taxi
There are a variety of taxi companies serving McAllen. Customers should call ahead to arrange a pick up.[http://monitoryellowpages.com/Taxis.q.html ]
By bus
McAllen Express Transit (MET) is the bus system that serves McAllen. These buses run from 6:00am to 7:00pm Monday through Saturday. Currently the bus system only covers limited routes but also interfaces with RioTransit buses. Dificult to only use the bus system at this time- the good news- it is likely to expand service as gas prices go up. [http://www.mcallen.net/bus/information.aspx]
See
Attractions
'''Basilica Of Our Lady Of San Juan Del Valle-National Shrine''' - located in nearby San Juan, TX. [http://www.sanjuanshrine.org/]
'''Klement's Grove''' - A citrus grove and country store located at 4508 N Taylor Rd. Here you can buy a wide range of citrus fruits or pick your own in their grove. You can also buy their homemade citrus juices, dressings, sauces, and more.[http://www.shopcpn.com/webpage/display.cfm?ID=14741]
'''McAllen Convention Center''' - A large convention facility that hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year. Located at 700 Convention Center Blvd on the corner of S Ware and W Expressway 83. The convention center is surrounded by a variety of shops and restaurants.[http://www.mcallenconventioncenter.net/]
'''Quinta Mazatlan''' - This is a beautiful country estate located close to the airport at 600 Sunset Avenue. Visitors can tour the home and the 15 acres of land that surround it. The property is full of plantlife native to South Texas. This is also a great location for bird watchers. [http://www.quintamazatlan.com/]
'''Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge''' - located in nearby Alamo, TX. This is a 2,088 acre wildlife refuge along the banks of the Rio Grande River. It is home to plant and animal life native to South Texas. Another great location for bird watchers.[http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texas/santana.html]
'''The Zone''' - An amusment park on 2600 W Expressway 83. Attractions include miniture golf, go carts, bumper boats, batting cages, and video games.[http://www.thezoneactionpark.com/]
'''McAllen Convention Center''' -check for current events at the convention center- the area also has many new places to eat and shop- and the outside areas have wonderful water features and seating areas.
Museums
'''Hidalgo Pumphouse Museum''' - Tour the pumphouse built in the early 20th that irrigated 70,000 acres of land in South Texas with water from the Rio Grande River. This pumphouse made the area's citrus groves possible. Located in nearby Hidalgo, TX. Great location for birdwatchers.[http://www.hidalgotexas.com/Pumphouse/default.asp]
'''International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS)''' - located at 1900 Nolana Ave.[http://www.imasonline.org/]
'''McAllen Heritage Center Historical Museum''' - 301 S. Main St.
'''Museum of South Texas History''' - located in nearby Edinburg, TX. [http://www.mosthistory.org/]
Parks
The City of McAllen has 25 city parks.[http://www.mcallen.net/parks/cityparks/default.aspx]
'''Airport Park''' - 2201 S. 26th St.
'''Archer Park''' - 101 N. Broadway
'''Balboa Park''' - 2611 Covina
'''Cascade Park''' - 1000 Bales Rd.
'''Daffodil Park''' - 4200 Daffodil
'''Doc Neuhaus Park''' - 700 Dallas
'''Escandon Park''' - 2021 S. 19th St.
'''Fireman's Park''' - 201 N. 1st St.
'''Frontage Park''' - 1901 Oakland
'''Garza Park''' - 2601 Lark
'''Hackberry Park''' - 417 Hackberry
'''Idela Park''' - 3500 Idela
'''Las Palmas Park''' - 2500 Quince
'''La Vista Park''' - 100 La Vista
'''Lions Park''' - 1201 N. 12th St.
'''Los Encinos Community Park''' - 2900 Sarah
'''Municipal Park''' - 1921 N Bicentennial Blvd.
'''Palm City Park''' - 2601 S 22nd St.
'''Palm View Park''' - 3411 Jordan
'''Retama Village Park''' - 2500 Laurel
'''Robin Park''' - 1100 Robin
'''Schupp Park''' - 1300 Zinnia
'''Springfest Park''' - 3501 S 23rd St.
'''Suarez Park''' - 409 S 27th St.
'''Western Park''' - 110 N. 16th St.
'''Westside Park''' - 1000 S Ware Rd.
Do
'''Art Walk''' - The McAllen Art Walk is a self-guided tour of art galleries along Main Street between Business 83 to the south and Pecan Avenue to the north. These events take place on the first Friday of every month from September to May from 6pm - 10pm. In addition to viewing the galleries visitors will find vendors selling food and other items, and live street performances. The Art Walk is free and open to the public.[http://www.mcallenartwalk.com/]
'''Birdwatching''' - McAllen and the entire Rio Grande Valley is a great place to enjoy birdwatching. More than 500 species of birds have been spotted in the area. Visit the World Birding Center website to find great birdwatching locations: http://www.worldbirdingcenter.org/
'''BorderFest''' - This is an annual celebration which takes place during the month of March at the Dodge Arena in nearby Hidalgo, TX. There are live performances, car shows, amusement rides, food and drinks. Each year there is a different theme for BorderFest. In 2008 the theme was 'Celebrate China.' [http://www.borderfest.org/]
'''PalmFest''' - An annual festival that celebrates the unique culture and history of Deep South Texas. Takes place every October at the McAllen Convention Center.
'''Texas Citrus Festival''' - Takes place every January in nearby Mission, TX. Celebrates the area's citrus crops. Contact the Mission Chamber of Commerce for more details (800) 580-2700
'''Valley Symphony Orchestra & Chorale''' - perform concerts throughout the year. Concerts usually held at the McAllen Convention Center, or the UTPA Fine Arts Center in Edinburg, TX.[http://www.valleyorchestra.org/]
Learn
Universities and Colleges
'''University of Texas - Pan American (UTPA)''' is located in nearby Edinburg, TX. [http://www.utpa.edu/]
'''South Texas College (STC)''' - has five campuses in the Rio Grande Valley. Three of them are located in McAllen.[http://www.southtexascollege.edu/]
Pecan Campus - 3201 W Pecan Blvd.
Dr. Ramiro R. Casso Nursing and Allied Health Campus - 1101 E. Vermont Ave.
Technology Campus - 3700 W Military Hwy.
Mid-Valley Campus - Weslaco, TX
Starr County Campus - Rio Grande City, TX
Public Libraries
McAllen has three public libraries, including the main library and two branch libraries.[http://www.mcallenlibrary.net/]
'''Main Library''' - 601 Main St.
'''Lark Branch Library''' - 2601 Lark Ave.
'''Palm View Branch Library''' - 3401 Jordan Ave.
Buy
'''Convention Center''' - Corner of Ware Rd and Expressway 83. Large number of shops and restaurants surround the convention center.
'''Downtown''' - Lots of shopping available downtown. Especially along Main Street.[http://www.mcallenheartofthecity.com/]
'''La Plaza Mall''' - located at 2200 S 10th St. This is a large mall near the airport. Department stores include Dillard's, Macy's, JCPenny, Joe Brand, and Sears.[http://www.simon.com/mall/mall_info.aspx?ID=226]
'''Rio Grande Premium Outlets''' - Outlet Mall located in nearby Mercedes, TX.[http://www.premiumoutlets.com/riograndevalley]
'''10th Street''' -10th street is a designated retail street- with many shops both near downtown, and also the North 10th area from Dove to Trenton- and surrounding area. 10th near downtown has many eclectic and locally owned stores- and as you go north these mix with more national retailers such as Lowe's Kohl's, Target, HEB, Home Depot, and so forth.
Eat
There is no shortage of places to eat in McAllen. The most common types of restaurants are Tex-Mex and Chinese buffet. Real Chinese food, and Vietnamese food is also around if you would prefer to order from actual menu's to enhance your diet.
Budget
'''Dai Tung''' - 400 E Nolana Ave. nicely priced Chinese Menu, with lunch specials mid-week.
'''El Padrino''' - 116 S Broadway St.
'''El Pollo Loco''' - (The Crazy Chicken) 601 Nolana Ave. Flame grilled Chicken with all the sides. [http://www.elpolloloco.com/index.html]
'''Le Lai Eastern Restaurant''' - 2901 N 10th St. Cheap lunches.
'''Los Cazadores''' - 901 N Main St. Breakfast, Tex-Mex, and BBQ. Great very traditional Lawyer food establishment- near the scenic Art Walk area.
'''Lotus Inn Chinese Restaurant''' - 1120 N 10th St. As close to real Chinese food as you will find short of PF Chang's -also available in McAllen.
'''Saigon''' - 1200 N 10th St. Vietnamese -large soup bowls, great sandwiches, and very strong traditional Vietnamese Coffee.
'''Taco Palenque''' - Two locations at 3020 N 10th St and 1000 S. 10th St. Great Tex-Mex food for a great price. Check out the salsa bar.[http://www.tacopalenque.com/]
'''Taco Rico''' - 3716 W Pecan Ave.[http://www.tacorico.net/index2.html]
'''Taqueria El Zarape''' - Three locations at 3420 N 10th St, 817 S 10th St, and 4401 N 23rd St.[http://taqueriaelzarape.com/] -even has locations in neighboring cities! -Traditional 6 small taco format- beer available
Mid-Range
'''B&M Bistro''' - 7017 N 10th St. Romanian food.
'''Blue Onion''' - 925 Dove Ave. Salads, soups, pizzas and more.
'''City Cafe''' - 2901 N 10th St. Sandwiches, salads, soups and more.
'''Costa Messa''' - 1621 N 11th St. Mexican and Tex-Mex food.
'''Don Pepe's''' - 306 N McColl Rd. Mexican food.
'''Fresco''' - 7017 N 10th St. Italian food.
'''Hop Tung''' - 4200 N 10th St. Chinese and Vietnamese food.
'''Korea Garden''' - 3424 N 10th St. Korean food.
'''Kumori Sushi and Teppanyaki''' - Three locations at 1424 E Ridge Rd, 400 E Nolana Ave, and 4500 N 10th St. Japanese food.
'''La Mexicana''' 4300 Col Rowe Blvd. Mexican food.
'''Mama's Pizzeria''' - 401 N 10th St. Chicago style pizza.
'''Palenque Grill''' - 606 E Expressway 83. Mexican food.
'''Peppers''' - 4620 N 10th St. - Changed menu to high end dinners only- not Burgers, steaks, pizzas any more. -nice Menu though.
'''Republic of the Rio Grande''' - 1411 S. 10th St. Diverse menu includes chicken fried steak, enchiladas suisas, and pizzas.
'''Sahadi's''' - 709 N 10th St. Greek and Mediterranean food. Wine tastings every Friday night at 7:30pm. Live music.
'''Bajio''' North 10th-steaks mid priced to higher priced- try it and post more.
'''Hibatchi''' -near Bajio on North 10th (near the Lowes) mid to higher priced- try it and post more here.
High churn rate in some locations and concepts- check for new ones for your trip.
'''PF Changs''' -frontage road Hwy 83-Chinese Food gets improvement for McAllen! nice calligraphy and artwork with modified Chinese food -not quite the real flavor- but good! near the new Convention Center.
Splurge
'''Bistro M''' - 2900 N 10th St. European cuisine.[http://www.bistrom.net/]
'''Espana''' - 701 N Main St. Mediterranean cuisine. in the Art District area- with both indoor and patio seating [http://www.espanacuisine.com/]
'''Lansky and Brats''' - 400 E Nolana Ave. Steakhouse and lounge.[http://www.lanskysandbrats.com/]
'''Santa Fe''' - 1918 S 10th St. Steakhouse and cantina.[http://www.steaksatsantafe.com/]
'''Republic of the Rio Grande''' -on 10th just north of Hwy 83 (right side) Steaks, and both indoor and outdoor seating- nice.
Drink
Entertainment District
McAllen is currently developing an entertainment district in downtown along 17th Street. Multiple bars and nightclubs have recently opened in the area. [http://www.mcallenheartofthecity.com/]
'''Bar 201''' - 201 S 17th St.
'''The Boiler Room''' - 118 S 17th St.
'''The Dive''' - 216 S 17th St.
'''Flesh''' - 200 S 17th St. not many people until after 10 pm and later. People look better at closing.
'''Rythem and Brews''' - 214 S 17th St.
'''Shine Martini Lounge''' - 100 S 17th St.
'''Speakeasy Piano Bar''' - 316 S 17th St.
'''Vicio''' - 204 S 17th St.
Other Downtown Spots
'''Club M''' - 1704 Dallas Ave.
'''Element''' - 1110 Austin Ave.
'''House. Wine.''' - 1117 W Business 83. Unique concept. One side is a wine bar, the other side is a fine furniture shop.
'''Roosevelt's at Seven''' - 821 N Main St. Specializes in a wide variety of beers from around the world.
Other Night Spots
'''Fast Eddie's''' - 400 E Nolana Ave. Large pool hall and sports bar.
'''Havana Club''' - 500 E Nolana Ave. Cuban restaurant with bar and large dance floor.
'''Hillbilly's''' [http://hillbillysmcallen.com/] - 6000 N 10th St.
'''Metropolis''' - 2021 Orchid Ave.
'''Thirsty Monkey''' - 119 W Nolana Ave. New Orleans style bar and grill.
'''Trade Bar''' - 2010 W Nolana Ave. Gay bar with drag queen shows on Thursday nights.
Sleep
Splurge
'''Marriott Renaissance Casa De Palmas Hotel''' - 101 N Main St.[http://www.renaissancemcallen.com/]
'''Embassy Suites Hotel McAllen''' - 1800 S 2nd St.[http://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_US/es/hotel/MFEMCES-Embassy-Suites-McAllen-Texas/index.do]
'''Drury Suites McAllen''' - 228 W Expressway 83 [http://www.druryhotels.com/]
Normal
Many options for hotels and motels abound in McAllen- many have opened in just the past few years. Check for local versions of all the ones you are familiar with- and add a few more here to round out the information.
The Holidome changed names recently and is now something completely different. -Frontage rd. Hwy83 and 2nd.
New hotels and suites have just opened on Ware Rd, just south of Hwy 83 (Marriot Properties)
Get out
see Get In and reverse direction....