The Friendliest Little Border Town in Texas

SISTER ACT
Where to shop: U.S. travelers may bring back $400 worth of purchases for personal use duty-free. Casa Uxmal has the best selection of Mexican pewter, Talavera pottery, and pine furniture. El Patio specializes in wrought iron furniture and home accessories. Stop by The White Horse Leather Store for cowboy boots, belts, saddles, and spurs. Don't overlook the shops in Del Rio. La Antigua and Buffalo Girls are two of our favorites. Mail Box Plus, located on Veterans Boulevard in Del Rio, will gladly ship your purchases home.

Where to stay: There are many chain motels in Del Rio, including the Ramada Inn (rates start at $55; [830] 775-1511 or 1-800-272-6232). In Ciudad Acuña, the new Best Western Villa Real (rates start at $45; 1-800-528-1234) is just minutes from the border crossing. Villa Del Rio, the area's only bed-and-breakfast, has three guestrooms and an adobe cottage set among century-old palms, magnolias, and pecan trees. Rates range $85- $195; 1-800-995-1887.

Where to eat: Long before George Strait put it on the map in his song "Blame It On Mexico," "Ma" Crosbys was serving its lethal margaritas. They serve quail, frog legs, and bass from Lake Amistad, in addition to traditional Mexican favorites. Lando's, also on Hidalgo Street, offers a more upscale menu with steaks, seafood, and Mexican specialties. At La Macarena Restaurant and Bar, located off the main street at 295 Madero, the steaks and homemade fries are wonderful, plus they're reputed to have the best margaritas in town. Restaurante Santa Marta, where the menus are burned onto plyboard, and Mi Tierra, known for its tasty salsa con crema, are also excellent for more traditional meals. If you're tired of Mexican, try Avanti Italian Restaurant in Del Rio.

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP
Renting a houseboat on Lake Amistad: From October 31 through April 30, a 56-foot houseboat costs $995 plus tax for three days, two nights on the weekend or four days, three nights on weekdays. A 59-foot boat rents for $1,495, and a 65-footer is $2,395. All of these boats sleep 10. Call Forever Resorts at (830) 774-4157 or 1-800-255-5561.

Peek at the pictographs: Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site near Comstock is the best place to view the ancient pictographs. Fate Bell Shelter contains some of North America's oldest rock paintings, carbon-dated at 4,000 years old. Tours are 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Insider's tip: Check your insurance policy before taking your car into Mexico. Some domestic policies and rental agreements don't cover accidents across the border. If you don't want to spring for the extra coverage, park your car at the border, and walk across the International Toll Bridge, or you can take a taxi or bus into Ciudad Acuña. Be sure to carry some proof of U.S. citizenship, just in case you have problems.

Del Rio Chamber of Commerce: 1915 Veterans Blvd., Del Rio, TX 78840; (830) 775-3551, 1-800-889-8149, or www.drchamber.com.

"The Friendliest Little Border Town in Texas" is from the November 2002 issue of Southern Living. Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.