101 Things to Do

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    1. See the Nutcracker performed by McAllen Ballet Studio or the Rio Grande Valley Ballet in December.
    2. Visit Casa de Palmas, McAllen’s historic hotel, where presidents and other dignitaries have stayed.
    3. Walk or drive along Main Street enjoying the architecture and landscaping of several historic homes.
    4. Experience the local flavor by attending the Cultural Arts & Entertainment Series, with workshops monthly.
    5. Get lost in the Christmas Tree Forest at the International Museum of Art and Science the month of December.
    6. In the spring, drive just west of McAllen to smell the heady fragrance of thousands of orange trees in blossom.
    7. Take family & friends to “The Zone Action Park” for a fun day playing miniature golf, riding go carts, and more.
    8. Travel to a foreign country for shopping, dining or vacation.  Reynosa or Progreso, Mexico are just minutes away.
    9. On Wednesdays, have a fun-filled “Mariachi” night at “The Red Moon Lounge” inside the Holiday Inn “Holidome.”
    10. McAllen’s World Birding Center – Quinta Mazatlan.  It’s eight acres will amaze you.
    11. Check listings for entertainment and special shows at the McAllen Civic Center.
    12. Visit the McAllen Convention Center off Ware Road.
    13. Visit many of McAllen’s galleries during Artwalk-first Friday of every month.
    14. Shop to your heart’s content at La Plaza Mall, Mexico’s favorite U.S. Mall.
    15. Find contemporary art, home accessories, and clothing at The Loft.
    16. Step back in time.  See film at Cine El Rey, McAllen’s historic theatre.
    17. Walk in the American Cancer Society’s Walk for Life.
    18. Enjoy a nice breeze by taking the hike & bike trails in McAllen.
    19. Take part in the Candlelight Posada during the first weekend in December.
    20. Explore North McAllen’s new shopping area down 10th Street.
    21. Like the outdoors?  Stop by McAllen’s Nature Festival in the Spring & Fall.
    22. Show off your stuff at the roller skating rink on Jackson – Fantasy Skate Center.
    23. Try ice skating.
    24. Work out at one of McAllen’s gyms.
    25. Create your own jewelry at BeadZone.
    26. Jog on the pathways at Bill Schuppe Park.
    27. Enjoy wine tasting at Sahadi’s every Friday.
    28. Take the Family to Palmfest every October.
    29. Bowl to your heart’s content at Flamingo Bowl.
    30. Shop till you drop at Dias Festivos in December.
    31. Take in a movie.  McAllen has 24 movie screens!
    32. Enjoy a Rio Grande Valley Coyotes Baseball game.
    33. Have a pair of custom boots made in Downtown McAllen.
    34. Browse the Bargain Bazaar on the weekend.
    35. Take in a Dorado’s professional arena football game.
    36. Pick your own citrus fruit by visiting Klement’s Grove.
    37. Check out a professional Killer Bee game.
    38. Take a drive to spot as many of the historical markers as you can (with the help of the Monitor’s Historical Marker Guide.)
    39. Listen to fee live outdoor music 1st Fridays October through May in Archer Park.
    40. Check out the special entertainment including concerts, sporting and special events at State Farm Arena (http://statefarmarena.com/)
    41. Enjoy an old fashioned hamburger at Lee’s Pharmacy.
    42. Play laser tag with your friends.
    43. Enjoy the moving McAllen Christmas Pageant during December.
    44. Take Salsa, Merenque, Cha Cha, Tango, Waltz, and Belly Dancing lessons at Salsa Dance & Fitness.
    45. Check out McA2 Creative Incubator and discover local artists and performers at work.
    46. Paint/Decorate your own pottery at “Made By U,” and then take the finished product home.
    47. Bring the family to the McAllen Art & Film Festival in October.
    48. Immerse yourself in music by attending a performance of the Valley Symphony Orchestra.
    49. Relax or read a book on the patio at Moonbeans or Starbucks while sipping some yummy cappuccino.
    50. Play a round of golf at McAllen’s Palmview Golf Course with surprisingly low green fees.
    51. Have an ice cream cone and get serenaded at Marble Slab or Cold Stone Creamery.
    52. Explore McAllen’s International Museum of Arts and Science, with kid’s activities and great U.S. and Mexican art for adults.
    53. Plan a long deserved vacation by attending January’s International Travel Show at the Convention Center.
    54. Immerse yourself in music by attending a performance of the Valley Symphony Orchestra.
    55. Take a drive to the Sharyland Estate, which was the home to John Shary, developer of Texas’ citrus industry.
    56. Like antiques or folk art?  McAllen has several stores specializing in international items.
    57. Try some grapefruit pie, a surprising and delicious McAllen specialty, at Lone Star Bar-B-Que or The Garden Room.
    58. Swim a few laps at McAllen’s Municipal Pool.
    59. Relax outdoors with a picnic at McAllen’s Downtown Archer Park.
    60. Choose from one of the many specialty shops in Historic Downtown McAllen to fulfill your shopping needs.
    61. Interested in birding?  McAllen has many places to see unique and colorful birds.
    62. Try your luck by playing a game of Bingo at Bingo Gardens in McAllen.
    63. Sample the local flavors of McAllen and Mexico at the International Food Festival held in the spring.
    64. Show your patriotic side by attending the 4th of July parade in Downtown McAllen.
    65. Challenge a friend to a game of pool at one of McAllen’s many billiard locations.
    66. Like great bargains and finding treasures?  Visit one of McAllen’s Flea Markets.
    67. Enjoy free live outdoor music every 3rd Friday October through May at the new Convention Center.
    68. Visit a food processing plant.
    69. Discover Mexico’s authentic taste.  Enjoy a taco at Tacos & More.
    70. Take a stroll or a jog down our beautifully landscaped walking trails on 2nd and Bicentennial Avenue.
    71. Join one of our local tour operators for a Mexico Day Tour.
    72. Visit a local tortilla factory.  (appointment required)
    73. Cool off in the summer heat with a snow cone or “raspa” at one of our many snow cone stands. 
    74. Take yourself out to the ballpark, to enjoy McAllen Little League.
    75. Discover local landscaping by taking a McAllen Garden Tour.
    76. Cheer on the local athletes, by attending a high school sporting event.
    77. Attend the Movie in the Park Night.
    78. Read any good books lately?  Visit some of our local public libraries and book stores.
    79. Enjoy a McAllen tree tour.
    80. Take the kids to Wild Walk in October for some hands on activities and educational information on nature preservation.
    81. Amble out to the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Posse Arena for a rodeo every Saturday night.
    82. Live in the fast lane by attending auto racing at one of the local tracks.
    83. Dance your socks off at one of McAllen’s local night clubs.
    84. Get creative by taking classes in flower arranging at Hobby Lobby or Michael’s.
    85. Start your day off with the local flavors of a local favorite burrito or “pato” from El Pato.
    86. Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure at one of McAllen’s many nail salons.
    87. Roller blade on the lovely walkways in McAllen.
    88. Take part in the March of Dimes Walk for America in April.
    89. Watch the skies light up, with the 4th of July Fireworks Display.
    90. Relax and unwind at one of McAllen’s many day spas.
    91. Take a self tour of one of our many vegetable farms.
    92. Step into the past, by visiting our vintage stores in McAllen.
    93. Don’t forget the men who served our country proudly, stop by the Veteran’s War Memorial.
    94. Like Sushi.  Visit one of our many sushi bars.
    95. Get a free check-up during our Health Fair held every year in November.
    96. Catch a Broadway in McAllen show at the Civic Center Auditorium.
    97. Learn about various nature topics during one of our Great Outdoor Nature Series seminars held every Tuesday, January – March.
    98. Enjoy a professional basketball game at the Dodge Arena or at the Convention Center.
    99. Visit our new shopping center located adjacent to the New Convention Center.
    100. Sign up for a recreational class at our Parks and Recreation center.
    101. Stop by the McAllen Chamber of Commerce for more information on things to