Mission, TX

Founded in 1907, Mission took its name from the small Catholic chapel that preceded it. Citrus culture arrived in 1910 along with new irrigation methods, and oil discoveries a couple of decades later changed the landscape even further. An Air Force base was established nearby during World War II, and thousands of pilots trained here until the base closed in 1960.

Mission's traditionally Hispanic population eventually diversified and increased to include migrants in search of work in local industry and farms. Established in 1976, the Xochil Art and Culture Center celebrates the mixed culture of the Rio Grande Valley. The Mission Historical Museum focuses on promoting the city's unique history.

Mission boasts two significant annual festivals. The Citrus Fiesta celebrates the economic engine of Mission with a parade and floats. The December Tourist Fest attracts visitors from around the country, with exhibitions of square dancing, Mexican Ballet Folklorico and mariachi.

Most restaurants in Mission cluster around the intersection of Highway 2 and North Shary Road, with a few others scatter alongside major thoroughfares East Griffin Parkway and North Conway Avenue.

Ace's BBQ serves up classic Texas fare like fried catfish, pulled pork, brisket and sausage. Its namesake sandwich combines the last three of these into a single dish, and the menu also includes a nod to Ace's border environs with a selection of Tex-Mex standards, including tacos, enchiladas and flautas. Take-out dishes by the pound make this family-owned restaurant a local favorite.

Portions at Vela's Burgers & Ribs feature similarly generous portions, with the best burgers in town weighing in at a half pound and served with heaps of homemade fries on the side. Despite the traditional atmosphere, this establishment also dresses up burgers with mushroom, avocados and bacon.

Delia's serves up just one thing — tamales that just might be the best you've ever tasted. Delia started selling tamales out of her home, and soon expanded her business into a small regional empire. With 18 varieties of tamales on the menu, this establishment give you a good excuse to go back again and again. At less than $5 for a half dozen, this place also ranks as one of the best dining bargains around.

Nightlife here centers around downtown Mission. Several places offer live music or karaoke, and a couple of sports bars provide a venue for enthusiasts, but dive bars serve as the real staple. One such dive bar, Skean-Dhu, features an unlikely Scottish theme, dart boards and friendly locals. The name Ice House advertises just what this bar stands as — a classic Texas ice house complete with outdoor picnic tables, ice cold beer out of cans and a simple, relaxed good time.

Cars, horses and tractors serve as the standard means of transportation in this agricultural town. Cabs and Uber are much rarer, but can be found in neighboring McAllen. Valley Metro operates local buses in Mission, which connect to the other towns in Hidalgo County. You can bike or walk through the quieter parts of town, though no bike lanes exist and you'll want to stay away from the major thoroughfares.

Plenty of outdoor options await residents and visitors in Mission, from exercise and nature-related activities to simple relaxation.

Bannworth Park houses an indoor pool, but call ahead to make sure it's open — like any small town, Mission affords a slow pace of life, and the pool schedule isn't always entirely reliable. For a wider variety of options, check out the parks on the outskirts of town.

Anzalduas Park sits in a bend of the Rio Grande overlooking Mexico. Kayaking and canoeing comprise regular activities as well as spotting butterflies and birds. Just a little west of Anzalduas Park sits Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, home to the World Birding Center, where more than 525 species have been documented. Bring some cash when you visit — The park charges a modest admission fee and you can also rent binoculars and bicycles. This park also features a Junior Rangers program for the kids.

Head to nearby McAllen for dog and water parks. Several RV resorts provide campgrounds, tennis courts and other amenities.

The annual Citrus Festival ranks hands down the event of the year. Established in 1932, it features beauty pageants, floats and parades, street fairs, cook offs and vendors of all sorts as well as the annual coronation of King Citrus and Queen Citrianna. Bring the whole family here for this week-long festival.

Mission's cost of living sits slightly higher than in the greater McAllen/Edinburgh/Pharr region, reflecting the developed surroundings of the town in this largely rural region. One-way fares on the Valley Metro buses cost $1, and an average one-bedroom apartment rents for $807. Beer here sets you back around $2, and gas prices dip about 12 percent less than the national average.

Shopping in Mission centers around the intersection of North Shary Road and Highway 2, with other stores located in downtown. While much of the shopping here limits customers to conventient fare such as Walmart and CVS, a couple of gems stand out against the big-box experience.

Renee's of Sharyland manages to combine boutique clothing and jewelry, a spa, salon and tea house all in one spot. Stop in for shopping and stay for a sandwich, a haircut, and friendly conversation with staff and other patrons.

For a fun boutique shopping experience, locals head to nearby McAllen. There, the stunning Maripoza Boutique sells a range of fashionable outfits and accessories. Whether you want a beaded flapper headband or a fun make-up bag with a sassy phrase printed on it, this shop needs to be on your list of destination.

Served by Texas grocery chain H.E.B., numerous smaller grocery stores and Hispanic meat markets, Mission provides something to fill every pantry. No farmers markets open for business here, but you can hop over to nearby McAllen to pick up fresher goods at Bell's Farm to Market, which sells citrus, pecans and other produce by the bushel.