Between Christmas and New Yr in RGV

OK, I'll do my best. From Hugo, take US 271 to Paris, TX. At Paris there is a good loop around the city. I would take it around to the West (turn R onto the Loop) then take the exit to TX 24/19 and follow 19 all the way to Athens.

Again, there is an excellent loop around Athens (Turn R around to FM 59) Take exit to FM 59 and follow it all the way to US 287 (at Cayuga) Only a short distance on 287 to FM 488 (Turn L onto 488). Follow 488 to I-45.

At Fairfield. Turn South on I-45 (yes a few miles on Interstate is the best way here.) at Buffalo take exit to US 79 So. to Hearne, TX. Stay on 79 which is also 190 from Hearne. Turn L on TX 36 to Somerville. If you are going to Somerville State Park I could give other directions.

One alternative is to stay on I-45 to TX OSR (Old San Antonio Road) then turn R for a short distance on TX 21 then L on FM 50 then R on FM 60 to TX 36 and R on 36 into Somerville. I am more familiar with the first route I've noted above.

As you may know, Texas has a systems of FM (Farm to Market) roads which I use all the time as connecting routes. They are generally with good surface, but often curvy and hilly following the old country roads.

I live in Mission in the RGV. Nice part of the world at this time of the year. Try cruising along bus 83 between Bryan Road and Shary Road. Some nice parks with easy in and out about a mile or so north of Expressway 83 west. Nice area, some really great local Mexican Restaurants and very reasonable prices. Business 83 is a nice wide road with easy entry and exits from most RV parks. The best HEB Fish Market 8 t0 10 minutes away with a very large parking area and some of the best fresh wild caught Red Snapper, Gulf Shrimp, Mahi Mahi and many other fresh fish from the Gulf including a nice selection of live lobster as well. Just love that HEB Plus Store. Place has a great bakery and super large Deli as well. Pass the White Cheddar with horseradish (in the cheese) please.

robt65

padredw wrote:

Check out the parks on Bentsen Palm Drive just west of Mission Texas, Mission West, Bentsen Grove, Green Gate Grove, Americana, Val's country Corral, or Bentsen Palm Village Resort. All will have vacancies. Near the world birding Center and the international Butterfly Park.

Bentsen Palm Village Resort.

Yes to the above. Many of these resorts will be "full" concerning long term residents, but you will find many with a week or a few days open. We often go down in February to Bentsen Palm Village and have always been able to find a place for the few days we want to stay.

And, yes, it is a two or three day trip for us to get there, even though we live in Texas (about 600 miles), so the point made above is even more true from where you start. But it would be a great place for that time of the year.

East Texas, I plan to overnight in Hugo, OK the head south and spend the night in Somerville, Wish to by-pass Bryon and College Station.
What would be the berest route?

Places We’d like to visit besides the RGV are Padre Island National Seashore and Big Bend.

Padre Island could more easily be a part of a visit to the RGV. Big Bend would be a significant drive, as I'm sure you know.

If you are going from Houston to McAllen, there are several good places for an overnight to break the trip such as Breckenridge Plantation Park near Edna, Texas or Choke Canyon State Park near Three Rivers, Texas. Another is the state park at the historic town of Goliad.

On the other hand the trip of 350 miles can be made in a day. We often prefer to make it two easy days of driving.

Once again, our favorite is Bentsen Palm Village RV Park.

Thanks for all the replies and ideas. The info will help us a lot. We’ll be in Houston for family Christmas, then some time to see a little of Texas before being back in MI around Jan. 8th. Places We’d like to visit besides the RGV are Padre Island National Seashore and Big Bend.

DallasSteve wrote:

Edd505 wrote:
RGV ?

Rio Grande Valley. It's on the border of Texas and Mexico near the Gulf Coast. It's a stretch of green in a desert area where they grow some tropical fruits like oranges. Nice area - on this side of the border.

Thanks DallasSteve. I live a mile from the Rio, and just didn't make the connection. Nice living where others vacation. :B

We haven't been to the RGV for a few years now but we have spent a few years there over the Christmas holidays. If you get there, check out the town of Hidalgo.
Their light display is unbelievable. Take the guided tour on the tram or horse drawn carriage (if they still exist). I'm sure you won't regret it.

Check out the parks on Bentsen Palm Drive just west of Mission Texas, Mission West, Bentsen Grove, Green Gate Grove, Americana, Val's country Corral, or Bentsen Palm Village Resort. All will have vacancies. Near the world birding Center and the international Butterfly Park.

Bentsen Palm Village Resort.

Yes to the above. Many of these resorts will be "full" concerning long term residents, but you will find many with a week or a few days open. We often go down in February to Bentsen Palm Village and have always been able to find a place for the few days we want to stay.

And, yes, it is a two or three day trip for us to get there, even though we live in Texas (about 600 miles), so the point made above is even more true from where you start. But it would be a great place for that time of the year.

Pawatt gave some good suggestions. Toward the west end of Mission, Texas, is Pleasant Valley which normally has vacancies as do Hidden Valley and Leisure Valley.

Dale

Not sure how much time you have but it would likely take you 4 days to get here and 4 days to get back if towing.