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South Padre Island: A Winter’s Escape

February 11, 2019 - February 27, 2019

The winters in the Quad Cities can be cold, gray, icy, and just plain depressing. We have been getting a taste of that this last week. The way to avoid some of that bleakness is a seventeen day trip to South Padre Island in Texas!! I can guarantee the blue skies, the yellow sun, a cool breeze, and lots of water in which to play. Your Plus 60 Club has joined Tri-State Travel in bringing you this wonderful escape, right when we will want it the most. Beginning February 11, 2019, and ending February 27, are the dates for our adventure. Tri-State has told me there are are not many seats left on this very popular trip, so if you are interested, you must call right away! I will give you a shortened version of the itinerary, but you can call (563) 359-1682 for the full flyer and more information.

On Day 1 we travel to Sikeston, MO. Day 2 takes us to Dallas, TX and a tour of Dealey Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum, the location of JFK’s assassination. On Day 3 we arrive on South Padre Island and check into our local BEACHSIDE resort. Day 4 is a day of leisure where you can enjoy the amenities of the hotel, build a sand castle on the beach, play in the Gulf, or simply bask in the sun!

On Day 5 we will visit the Farmer’s Market, the Convention Centre’s Gardens and the Whaling Wall. Lunch will be enjoyed at Senor Donkey. Following lunch it is off to the South Padre Island Birding Center where we will tour the aviary before returning to the resort to rest before dinner at Blackbeard’s. On Day 6 we will again have a day of leisure. You may visit the local park and recreation center, or perhaps catch the shuttle for an additional grocery run. It is your vacation to do what you want!

Day 7 takes us to Sea Turtle, Inc., a sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates and then releases injured sea turtles. Lunch will be at Parrot Eyes (get it??) Restaurant. After lunch we are in for a surprise! Have you ever watched those competitions on tv where they build the most unbelievable sandcastles on beaches all over the world? Well, after having a lesson with a master sandcastle artist, you are guaranteed to impress your grandchildren, or any other bystanders! Each of us will learn the tools and tricks of the trade as we build our own works of art! What a fun and relaxing way to spend the afternoon. I’m pretty sure there will be a lot of laughter, too! That evening we will embark on an Osprey Dinner Cruise, all the while enjoying a fantastic meal and the sunset over the Gulf.

Day 8 begins with a tour of the UT Rio Grande Valley Coastal Studies Lab. A docent will explain the importance of the work being done there, and how the coastal habitat affects all of us. The rest of the day is free time. On Day 9 we will cross the Laguna Madre and visit the city of Port Isabel and the famous lighthouse there. Of all the 16 lighthouses constructed along the Texas coastline, this is the only one which is open to the public. Lunch will be at Pirates Landing where we will delight in the exceptional views. This afternoon we will look at sunken treasure at the Treasure of the Gulf and the Port Isabel Museum. Our day ends when we board the Black Dragon Pirate Ship for a show and cruise. Yea, Matey! Dinner tonight will be at Pier 19.

Day 10, I’m guessing, will find most people on the beach enjoying a leisure day, or perhaps making another run to the local grocery store. On Day 11 we head north to Corpus Christi, and visit King Ranch. The ranch today covers 825,000 acres. We will have a guided tour, and enjoy a hosted lunch.
Commissioned in 1943, our next stop is to the USS Lexington. This ship served the U.S. Navy longer and set more records than any other aircraft carrier! Tonight dinner will be served at Brewster Street Icehouse.

Day 12 allows us more insight into the world of birds. Nowhere else in the US will you see the famous tropical birds that are located in Bentsen. This afternoon we will go to the National Butterfly Center where over 200 species can be admired. Dinner tonight is at Saltgrass Steakhouse where I am thinking we will be able to order Texas beef! Remember, everything is bigger and better in Texas. If you like plants and gardens you will love Day 13. The Sabal Palm Sanctuary, home to native species of plants and animals seen only in southern Texas and Mexico, harbors one of the most beautiful and critical ecosystems. A guided tour will be provided, and we will lunch at The Vermillion. This afternoon will take us to the oldest home in Brownsville, and to the Old City Cemetery Center. After that we will visit the site that changed the map of North America forever, the Palo Alto Battlefield.

Day 14 is another free day of leisure to do what you want. On Day 15 we will pack our bags and head to Dallas for overnight. On Day 16 we arrive in Sikeston for the evening, and the next day we are home again.

The cost for this trip is $2749 pp double, and $3739 for a single. Included are 29 meals! This is a great deal, and a great way to see Texas and the Gulf!Call Tri-State Travel at (563) 359-1682 for this fabulous get-a-way and to make your reservations, or to get more information.

This is a Tri-State Travel Event.

Visit Tri-State Travel for more info, check availability and to purchase tickets.

Or call 1-800-779-4869 or at (563) 359-1682

Please note: Sell Outs are common so book early!

Details

Start:
February 11, 2019
End:
February 27, 2019