Each year, thousands of retirement-age visitors spend anywhere from one to six months in the Lone Star State. This group of part-time residents has come to be known as Winter Texans. Over the years, a number of small towns across Texas, who rely heavily on the business the Winter Texans bring, have begun catering to this winter crowd.
The historic South Texas town of Mission, named for the La Lomita Mission, is home to the annual Citrus Festival, world-class birding, Winter Texan events and more.
Located on the upper edge of the Rio Grande Valley, a short drive from both Mexico and South Padre Island, Harlingen offers visitors a central location to all South Texas sites.
South Padre Island is known primarily as a Spring Break destination. However, it is truly a beach for all seasons with nature tours, fishing, surfing, dining - plan ahead so you can fit it all in and still find time to lie on the beach.
The Texas border town of Del Rio is located on the shores of Lake Amistad and the Rio Grande, offering birders, boaters and fishermen plenty of options. However, Del Rio is also home to a number of top notch museums as well as the oldest winery in Texas, the Val Verde Winery.
Wimberley is a quaint little village in the Texas Hill Country, situated within an hour's drive to either Austin or San Antonio. Additionally, Wimberley is conveniently located to many Hill Country attractions and is home to a host of specialty shops and restaurants.
Best known as a mecca for Texas artists, Rockport is also home to the Maritime Museum, prime saltwater fishing, excellent birding and lots of other activities.
Located a short drive from Austin, Bastrop is a quaint central Texas town situated right on the Colorado River. Bastrop is also home to great golfing, shopping, as well as an abundance of outdoor activities at Lake Bastrop and Bastrop State Park.
This historic border town offers a world class zoo, golf courses, top-flight birding, as well as quick access to Matamoros, Mexico and South Padre Island.
Billed as the "Home of Falcon Lake," Zapata serves as a gateway to the fabled reservoir for anglers and water sport enthusiasts. Zapata also offers a variety of outdoor activities such as birding, golf and hunting and is the winter home to throngs of "Winter Texans."
Located less than an hour from Austin, Marble Falls is right in the center of Texas' "Chain of Lakes," situated on the banks of Lake Marble Falls and minutes away from Lake LBJ.
