Texas Tropical Trail is hosting its next Partner Event on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 9 a.m. in Weslaco!
Please join us for a day of tours highlighting the history of Weslaco and its sites. Here is what we're doing (subject to change without advance notice):
Welcome and refreshments at Texas A&M Kingsville Citrus Center
- Pan dulce from Marine’s Bakery, fruit and coffee provided.
Tour Citrus Center
-The Citrus Center is a historic testament to the advancement of the citrus industry in the Rio Grande Valley. In 1948, the Citrus Center opened in Weslaco with education, research and training campuses and facilities that expanded to other sites in Harlingen. This is also the site where the Star Ruby and Rio Red grapefruits were developed. The tour will be led by Citrus Center Executive Director Dr. Mamoudou Setamou.
Tour ITheatre at the Tower
-This historic towering building was built in 1928 serving as a ground water tank for the newly founded city of Weslaco. However, it outgrew its use in 1941. Visionaries from the community saw the water tower as a potential community theater. Since 1970, the ITheatre has held performances and productions. Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look with Neil Shuford and Steve Urbina.
Tour The Weslaco Museum
-The Weslaco Museum started in a stone building but, after much community support and outgrowing its locations, it is now situated in the heart of downtown Weslaco. Permanently displayed are artifacts relating to the history of Weslaco and surrounding communities. On temporary display is a student-led exhibit titled “Thinking of Ahead: A Glimpse of Tomorrow.” Welcome by Executive Director Crystal Rodrguez.
Tour Villa de Cortez Hotel
-Previously known to the Weslaco Community as the Cortez Hotel, the Villa de Cortez Hotel was built in 1928. The hotel wasn’t just a place for lodging, but it also held spaces for a barber shop, beauty salon, post office and other amenities. Currently, it operates as a place to host weddings, quinceaneras and other community social events. Tour includes a short documentary and a look at several historic social spaces such as the ballroom.
Presentation at the Weslaco Area Chamber-Commerce & Visitors Center
-Partners will be welcomed by staff at the Weslaco Area Chamber-Commerce & Visitors Center followed by a viewing of the documentary, “1015,” highlighting the history of the 1015 onion.
Lunch at Villa de Cortez Hotel
-Partners will have a tasty meal from Cortino’s, an Italian restaurant in operation since 1966 in Weslaco.
Visit
https://thetropicaltraveler.com/partner-event-reservations/ to make your reservations today!
Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Weslaco, Workshops in Weslaco, Arts events in Weslaco.
