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The Lure of Laredo
Partying combined with power shopping lures travelers
from the Alamo City to Laredo and its Mexican sister city, Nuevo Laredo.
From San Antonio, it's a 153-mile drive down I-35 to the border. Although
a few small towns appear on this stretch, much of the area remains ranch
land and brush country.
Hit Laredo, though, and the quiet of the country
is replaced with the excitement of the city. This community pulsates with
activity, from historic tours to self-guided looks at the city's rich
history at the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum. Housed in the former
Capitol, this museum recalls the brief period when this was the Republic
of the Rio Grande, three Mexican states led by Laredo to form their own
country. The museum stands adjacent to La Posada Hotel, another piece
of Laredo history and a favorite accommodation for many visitors.
Development is underway at many Laredo businesses
such as the Texas A&M International University, which has been undergoing
a $49.5 million expansion. Already an educational center for both South
Texas and Latin America, the university offers 53 undergraduate and graduate
degree programs including the nation's first Master of Business Administration
in International Trade. The university is home to the Center for the Fine
and Performing Arts.
The arts are also the focal point of the Laredo Center
for the Arts, where several galleries showcase rotating exhibits as well
as performances, workshops, seminars, and school activities.
During February, fun takes the front seat at George
Washington's Birthday, the nation's largest observance of George Washington's
Birthday. The festival expects to draw close to 250,000 partygoers who
come to enjoy parades, carnivals, fireworks, and more.
Anytime you visit, you'll find a party atmosphere
in the shopping districts of Nuevo Laredo, a quick walk across the border.
This is the land of silver and serapes, glassware and guyaberas, pottery
and piñatas.
Crossing the border either on foot or in a car is
easy and hassle-free. On most days, it's faster to park in Texas and walk
across, but if you will be purchasing large items feel free to drive into
Mexico. (Before driving across, make sure you have insurance coverage
in Mexico.)
Just a short walk from the the Old Bridge or International
Bridge I stands Nuevo Mercado or the New Market. Don't worry about the
address -- you can't miss it. The block-long, open-air market is filled
with shoppers daily. Its two floors contain over 100 small shops selling
everything from jewelry to serapes to onyx chess sets.
Be prepared to bargain at all the market shops. Ask
dealers for their "best price," usually 60-70% of the original
quoted price. Negociacion is a friendly game here, and both merchant and
shopper usually go away happy. Almost all the merchants speak English,
and most street vendors speak enough English to sell you anything from
garlic strands to paper flowers to jewelry at low prices.
If your shopping list is long on names but short
on funds, you've come to the right place. Economical presents for both
men and women (plus the kids on your list) abound. You'll find colorful
serapes throughout the market, as well as embroidered Mexican dresses
and fringed blankets. Leather goods including belts, purses, and wallets
are sold at most of the market stores. Onyx chess sets, bookends, bowls,
and fruit are also popular Mexican souvenirs.
For more on Laredo and Nuevo Laredo, contact the
Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau, (800) 361-3360 or see the official
website, www.visitlaredo.com.
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