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Art is defined as: “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.”

With that being said, I can firmly say Laredo has very talented artists in town. These talented minds had the opportunity to showcase their skills and beautify the city with colorful murals. When you find yourself in Laredo, take a stroll and look for these hidden gems.

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Celebrating Earth Day at the El Centro de Laredo Farmers Market

By Selina Villarreal

April 10, 2018

The early bird gets the worm! This time around the early bird will be able to purchase farm fresh eggs!

Saturday, April 21^st, Laredo Main Street will host their monthly El Centro de Laredo Farmers Market from 9am – 1pm at Veterans Plaza in historical downtown Laredo. Read more

April Caminarte – Art, Food, Handmade Crafts and Selena!

By Selina Villarreal

CaminArte time! Head on down to the Laredo Center for the Arts on Friday, April 6^th for some artistic inspiration. Take in the beautiful architecture, walk the streets of Laredo and shake your Bidi Bidi Bom Bom. Read more

May the luck of the Irish be with you!

By Selina Villarreal
March 12, 2018

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner. Time to put on your most festive “Kiss me I’m Irish” gear and head out in search of four leaf clovers, leprechauns and green beer. In browsing thru the internets I came across a couple of options for you to celebrate the Feast of Saint Patrick on Saturday, March 17^th while you’re in Laredo. Enjoy, have fun and as always drink responsibly. Read more

It’s coming!

2018 Laredo International Sister Cities Festival

I Love U Chingos, Laredo!

Concerts at the Laredo Energy Arena

The Laredo Energy Arena strives to bring an array of different entertainment, from the most popular genre, Latin shows, to family oriented spectaculars like Disney on Ice.

The month of August will feature one of the best-selling Latin artists, Cristian Castro, will perform inside the Laredo Energy Arena’s Club Annex on Saturday, August 5, 2017. Castro is one of the best-selling Latin artists and has worked with renowned Latin producers including Kike Santander, Rudy Pérez, and Richard Daniel Roman. In 2005, Castro released Días Felices with "Amor Eterno" and "Sin Tu Amor."

The Max not the Minimum

XV Laredo Sister Cities Festival

It’s almost time for the 15th annual edition of the Laredo International Sister Cities Festival (LISCF) slated for July 7-9, 2017 at the Laredo Energy Arena (LEA), 6700 Arena Boulevard. More than 199 booths from Mexico and other countries will set up for the three-day event on the floor and concourse of the LEA. Read more

10 Things You Didn't Know About Laredo

Laredo offers plenty of history you might not know about the city. Like how Laredo is the largest inland port in the U.S., or every year the city holds a month-long event that celebrates George Washington's Birthday, Washington's Birthday Celebration. But what about other little-known facts the city holds? Did you know Laredo is the only city in Texas to fly under seven flags, and not the traditional six, or Casa Ortiz is more than a beautiful and historic home with gorgeous views of Mexico and the Rio Grande; it’s also the oldest continuously used residence in Texas?

Learn more about the hidden history gems in Laredo, Texas, a destination rich in both culture and history. Read more

The Laredo Water Museum

Disney's Beauty and The Beast, the Broadway Musical

By Laredo Theater Guild International

Laredo Theater Guild International presents Disney's Beauty and The Beast, the Broadway Musical live on stage at the Laredo Community College, at the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Fine Arts Center Theatre. Read More

The Early Bird Gets the Worm

Rise and shine my lovelies! Every third Saturday of the month Laredo Main Street hosts El Centro de Laredo Farmers Market at Veterans Plaza (1300 Farragut) in historical downtown Laredo from 9AM to 1PM.

Some of the goods you’ll find are locally grown fruits and veggies, organic eggs, plants, delicious food and fresh baked treats. Read More

The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo set to open March 16

Laredo welcomes visitors to arts events

LBV Environmental Science Center

Cravings. Everyone has them, right?

WBCA Carnival

WBCA Stars & Stripes Air Show Spectacular

The Amazon Kingfisher lands in Laredo

A Quick Guide to Shopping in Laredo

Second Laredo Big Bad BBQ Cook-Off

Weekend Guide to Laredo: Top Things to Do

Laredo has been often been called one of the best road trip destinations in South Texas (see this and this, for example). And we agree. If you’ve been to Laredo a dozen times or you’ve never visited before, there are some things you just shouldn’t miss. Here’s a list of some of the top things to do in Laredo on a weekend trip, and share your own ideas and photos with us on social media using the hashtag #HolaLaredo.

The Queen of Cuisine

Big cities like San Antonio pride themselves on their Mexican cuisine, but Laredo is arguably the best place to find delicious, Mexican-inspired dishes in South Texas. Bolillos is one of Laredo’s most popular Mexican spots, where the options range from fish tacos to enchiladas and Mexican hot dogs—all very authentic. On a weekend trip to Laredo, eating starts early with breakfast and brunch, so visit during breakfast hours to try out its signature bolillos—oval shaped bread with all the breakfast fixin’s on top. (The cafe is joined with a bakery, Cakeland, making it ideal for diners to grab sweets after their meals.) Read more >

Tales from the Edge: Big Bad BBQ Cookoff

El Buen Comer Restaurant – Culinary Scene

Foodie Fans: The Culinary Fun is Here! -Tales from the Edge

Things Will Be Great When You’re Downtown…

Ramada Plaza – Be Our Guest

El Capataz – Culinary Scene

By Selina Villarreal

I was surfing the net the other day. Do people still use that term… “Surfing the net?” I’m totally dating myself. Well, I came across this little diddy: http://www.texashighways.com/cuisine-confidential/item/7652-cuisine-confidential-el-capataz-roberto-gonzalez-laredo.

Something about the power of persuasion that manages to get me out of bed, pause my marathon Netflixing and venture out in to the real world and do I dare say mingle with actual real people. Well, that’s what I did, thank you Texas Highways.

I decided to stop by El Capataz and satisfy my craving of fish and chips (in my head I’m saying that in my best British accent). I need to be ready if anyone ever decides to invite me across the pond. Gotta say, I was not disappointed. Who knew yumminess like this existed if you just put some pants on and stepped away from Netflix? Why didn’t y’all let me in on this little secret sooner? Read more >

A meeting of historical characters that you can listen in on – Tales from the Edge

An Art Walk on the Edge of Texas – Tales from the Edge

“Dinner and a movie” in Laredo – Alamo Drafthouse Coming Soon!

By Selina Villarreal

“Dinner and a movie” in Laredo is about to get a makeover. Coming soon to north Laredo is the Alamo Drafthouse – San Isidro. For those that aren’t familiar with the Alamo Drafthouse concept, it’s a dinner theater. No more having to go to one place for dinner and crossing your fingers you’re out of the restaurant in a timely manner and hauling it to the movie theater.

With the Alamo Drafthouse – San Isidro, it’s all under the same roof. All you gotta do is walk up to the ticket window, purchase your tickets, find your seat and begin browsing the menu. An early arrival is key. This will ensure that you get to browse the menu and place your order while the main lights are still on. Once you’ve made your selection, jot it down on a piece of paper that is provided with the menu. A server will then swoop down and take your order. Don’t worry, during the feature you will still be able to add on to your order, all you gotta do is fill out another handy paper slip. Your check will be handed to you about thirty minutes before the movie ends to ensure a timely checkout.

If you find that you’re running ahead of schedule, there’s no need to drive around on miscellaneous errands waiting for showtime, arrive early and stop by Glass Half Full, a lounge inside the theater that will be offering an extensive menu of draft and bottled beers, wine and food. Sit back, relax and enjoy some lovely libations while you wait for your friends to arrive.

The Alamo Drafthouse doesn’t only show the latest blockbuster movies, get ready for sing-alongs, movie marathons and independent film screenings.

A golden rule that all Alamo Drafthouse properties abide by is that they don’t allow talking or texting in the middle of a movie. Always remember to double check your mobile phone that it’s in silent mode, or if you’re a little forgetful like me, you might want to leave that phone in your vehicle. This will help you avoid a tap on the shoulder from an usher asking you to step out of the theater.

Before doors open, make sure you’re signed up for their Victory program. This free rewards program is for loyal customers to rack up points with every ticket purchase to earn discounted tickets, coupons for food and beverages, get the insider info on upcoming new releases and more. It’s 100% free and you can sign up online: http://drafthouse.com/laredo/laredo

The San Isidro location is currently under construction at 11210 East Point Drive. The 32,000 square foot space will feature Sony 4k digital projection and Dolby Digital sound.

Have any questions on the Alamo Drafthouse – San Isidro? Interested in applying for a position? Visit their website http://drafthouse.com/laredo/laredo or send your resume to:jobs.laredo@rdpalamo.com.

I’ll see you at the matinee!

Courtyard by Marriott – Be Our Guest

La Laguna Mariscos & Sushi – Culinary Scene

Spas – Staff Favorites

Ever since NBC’s television show Parks and Recreation brought #TreatYoSelf back into our lives, all that’s been in my head is what can I find that will make me happy. I’ve already taken one too many shopping trips across the city this year, and have eaten my heart out at my favorite spots, so my new focus is spoiling myself with beauty and rejuvenation services. Laredo is home to some fantastic places that will leave you feeling beautiful and refreshed. So, whether you are looking for a day of solo pampering or a day out with friends and significant others, any of these places is sure to leave you coming back for more! Read more >

Laredo Tourism Ambassadors: A Texas friendly force – Tales from the Edge

Greeted with a friendly smile and welcoming attitude, a recent tour group set off on an urban adventure, walking around the streets of Laredo during CaminArte. They were helped along a special historically significant route in downtown by four outgoing, happy volunteers as they completed an evening art walk. Officially dubbed Tourism Ambassadors, this crew of four helped CVB staff welcome, greet, chat, engage, visit, orient and generally guide participants on the art walk along the designated route, ensuring that no one got lost or turned around. Read more >

Best Western San Isidro – Be Our Guest

Lolita’s Bistro – Culinary Scene

Lolita’s Bistro is one of my favorite restaurants in Laredo, their approach to the different ingredients they use is very unique. It is a combination of the old and the new, for example, their Tostaditas de Salpicon, remind me of my grandmother’s salpicon, but when I want something new and refreshing, they certainly don’t disappoint, with entrees like their Sesame Peanut Crusted Tuna.

With work from local artists hanging on the wall that adds to the ambiance, this bistro is perfect for any occasion, from a family gathering to a girls night out. Also I have to add, the staff provides great service from the moment you walk through the door. Read more >

Laredo’s Home Teams

It’s that time of the year, to get off your comfortable couch and go check out our home teams! May marks the beginning of the season for our championship winning soccer team the HEAT, and our local baseball celebrities the LEMURS. These two teams promise to give us a season full of excitement! And in September we welcome the SWARM to Laredo, bringing basketball back to the Laredo Energy Arena.

Laredo Heat starts their pre-season with a game on May 8, vs. United States Air Force National Team and their first official home game is on May 23rd, vs. Mississippi Brilla at the Texas A&M International University Soccer Complex. Laredo Heat will play a total of 7 home games so definitely make time to go support our home team. You will have a blast watching the Laredo Heat playing towards another Southern Conference Championship title. (Home games are usually played at the TAMIU Soccer Complex –Kick-Off @ 8PM) Read more >

Mexican Import Shops

When visiting Laredo you must stop and explore our many import shops around town. Whether it’s piñatas, flower pots, wrought iron or talavera, you are sure to find it here. Many of the products are handmade by artisans who still practice their art in Mexico, so you’ll know you’re purchasing something that’s different. Read more >

Boutiques – Staff Favorites

March 17, 2015
By Karen Garza

I can’t believe we are already in March! I am still thinking that the year just started. It’s been two months now that I’ve stuck to my resolutions to get healthier so I believe it’s time to go shopping for some new clothes and accessories! Even if you didn’t have any resolutions, it’s the perfect time to start planning your Spring wardrobe.

I went around the office to see what local shops offered the best in fashion and there was definitely a consensus. Here are some of the Laredo CVB’s staff favorites to shop: Read more >

SpringHill Suites – Be Our Guest

Border Olympics, A Sporting Tradition – Tales from the Edge

Border Olympics is one of the storied Laredo traditions that has lived on in the community’s lore for well over 80 years. It’s a wonderland of spectator sports including baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, golf and tennis. The most popular spring tourney, and also the oldest, is high school track and field; and college golf has garnered the most prestige over the years as the second oldest collegiate golf tournament in the nation. The likes of Baylor, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Houston, Rice, Michigan State, and Lamar have participated recently, as well as, many other recognizable NCAA division one schools. It remains a crowd favorite having been a mainstay on many collegiate golf schedules for decades and is hosted by the Laredo Country Club from March 13-14, 2015. It features 36-holes of skillful play the first day and finally 18-holes of championship play on day two. Read more >

Jett Bowl North – Culinary Scene

While many think of a bowling alley as a bowling alley… the mention of Jett Bowl sends my taste buds in to overdrive! I’m an enchilada lover and my favorite place to go and get my enchilada fix is at Jett Bowl North. Read more >

Golf on the Edge

Embassy Suites – Be Our Guest

Check-in to the full service modern Embassy Suites hotel and enjoy great facilities and excellent service that can accommodate leisure and business travelers. It is located in mid-town on 110 Calle Del Norte, just a few minutes away from Interstate 35 and approximately 5 miles from the Laredo International Airport and Texas A&M International University. Read more >

Zen Seafood & Sushi Grill – Culinary Scene

Our city is known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, but in the last couple of years we’ve seen a variety of sushi restaurants opening and making an impact in our community.

One of my favorites is Zen Seafood & Sushi Grill.. They offer a huge selection of fresh and fried rolls plus seafood. My recommendation is that you start with some edamame as your appetizer; Chef Charly created a special sauce that gets you hooked on eating all of them and craving more. Ordering an entrée will be a difficult task because when you are looking at the menu everything looks so good and trust me I pretty much tried every roll and everything is delicious. Read more >

Border Beer Fest – Tales from the Edge

TownePlace Suites by Marriott – Be our Guest

Laredo Birding Festival 2015 – Tales from the Edge

Visitors are invited to share in the passion and challenge of admiring wildlife in and around Laredo!

The Laredo Birding Festival (LBF) 2015 attendees will experience a broad range of field trips, a birding track set up with the efficacy and mobility that lends itself to small and medium-sized birding groups. Thirteen daily field trips from February 5-7, 2015, all hosted from the historic La Posada Hotel, make this event uniquely urban-based. Yet attendees also come away with a rural get-away experience included in each and every day. It comes with the exclusive opportunity to see and immortalize south Texas fowl, flora and fauna like never before! Read more >

La India Packing Company – Culinary Scene

Washington’s Birthday Celebration 2015

Hey y’all, it’s me Selina! Time for me to mesmerize you with my words and pictures and get you and your family down to Laredo, Texas.

February in Laredo means many things to me, my mom’s birthday, my dad’s birthday and Washington’s Birthday Celebration time! For now, I’ll pass on talking about how amazing, supporting and loving my parents are and instead focus on some of my favorite WBCA festivities.

There are over 25 events during the Celebration! If you’ve never been to Laredo, February is one of the best times to pack up the family and head on down I-35 South all the way to mile marker 1. For over 100 years, Laredo has played host to the Washington’s Birthday Celebration. This Texas-sized party is one for the books. You’ve got two parades, an air show, a jalapeño festival, a two week run carnival, fireworks and so much more all jam packed into four weeks of fun.

Here are some of my favorites: Read more >

Meson de San Agustin – Culinary Scene

With its classic Mexican architecture – large wrought iron window decor, bright orange colors, and beautiful wooden doors – El Meson of San Agustin will definitely catch your attention. The name “El Meson” goes all the way back to 1848. A meson was a place where travelers were welcomed to rest and eat for a certain amount of money. El Meson de San Agustin was used as such, offering their hospitality and kindness. Today we can find the same type of welcoming atmosphere. Read more >

La Quinta Inn & Suites Airport – Be Our Guest

Many reasons to visit Laredo,TX – Tales from the Edge

Holidays in Laredo, Texas

The things that Laredoans associate most with any event, memory and/or holiday are the culinary treats which are widely influenced by Laredo’s Hispanic heritage. I surveyed CVB staff to see which delicious delights they look forward to, answers included menudo (a traditional Mexican soup), tamales (corn husk wrapped dough stuffed with anything from meats or cheese to fruits or vegetables), bunuelos (deep fried dough drenched in a syrup of various ingredients), hojarascas (traditional Mexican cookies), empanadas (baked or fried pastry turnovers filled with a variety of savory ingredients), and champurrado (a chocolate based corn flour drink). Call CVB for a recommendation on where some of these goodies can be found. Read more >

Night of Lights at NavidadFest 2014

The countdown begins: 2 Days until the fun starts!

Laredo, TX Monday, December 01, 2014

Where can you get a snow slide, ice skating, train rides, cookies & cocoa, watch the tree lighting with Santa Claus all for free? At the Navidadfest 2014! Interested attendees should mark their calendars for December 3, 2014 from 6:00-9:00 p.m.

The early evening event features more child-oriented activities than even before and a stunning tree-lighting countdown complete with a color-wash display on the front of the Laredo Energy Arena that will dash away all the hum-bugs! Read more >

Obregon’s Mexican Restaurant – Culinary Scene

November 14, 2014
By Aileen Ramos

Our city is known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, and I love to find those local jewels that validate that statement.
Obregon’s Mexican Restaurant is located on Saunders Avenue, and as soon as you go in you can catch a glimpse of the kitchen and the wonders that come out of there.

My favorite thing about Obregon is being welcomed with a cup of beef or chicken soup, specially during this time of the year! While enjoying your soup you can browse their menu full of everything you expect at a good Mexican restaurant and more. Read more >

La Posada Hotel – Be Our Guest

La Posada Hotel has been welcoming guests from around the world for over 50 years. A history lesson in itself, the hotel is composed of the old High School and a 19th-century convent, located in the heart of downtown Laredo.

A few years ago the hotel underwent a $17 million renovation to improve the facilities and offers guests world-class accommodations. La Posada also features two award-winning restaurants, Zaragoza Grill in the main building and The Tack Room, located in the elegant Bruni Home, which dates from the 1800’s.

La Posada hotel has 208 guest rooms, and due to the diverse origin of the four different historic buildings there is a variety of rooms. You can choose from scenic rooms, to rooms that open out onto one of the lush courtyards. The suites are spacious, and are in various locations, from our Junior and Executive Suites, to the Vice Presidential and Presidential Suites. Read more >

Sports – Tales from the Edge

Sports is a uniquely unifying type of event that transcends all boundaries! When we have a passion for that hometown squad, nothing will stop us from coming out with team colors-ablazing! And in Laredo, we have several great ones to choose from, that offer entertainment value for the spectator, especially our visitors.

Let’s start with semipro, the Laredo Lemurs, a recent addition to the sports scene. Did you know that you can get into a game for as little as $5? This is a steal! And the quality of the game is good baseball, inside an even more outstanding venue, the Uni-Trade Stadium; a $20 million project put in place by the City of Laredo for enhancement of life in our community. So any summertime visitors should really take time to check it out. Read more >

Experience our History!

Walk down memory lane in downtown Laredo…

Residence Inn by Marriott – Be Our Guest

The newly remodeled Residence Inn by Marriott is a great option when visiting Laredo, Texas. The hotel offers an array of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, hot breakfast buffet and manager’s receptions held Monday through Thursday. Located off I-35, it provides easy access to Mall Del Norte, and other shopping areas. It is just a few miles away from the Laredo International Airport, Laredo Energy Arena, Uni-Trade Stadium, and Texas A&M International University (TAMIU). Read more >

History – Tales from the Edge

Laredo is making old things new again!

I have always said you can get your curbside history lessons on the old streets of Laredo, but maybe you don’t know just how exciting those stories are, or just how important they are to the community that is thriving today.

We have all the classic tales, there’s one legend about buried gold in our Casa Ortiz structure. Aside from the treasure and spoils story there, there is supposedly a ghost and the most outstanding fact is that it is the oldest, most continuously used residence in the State of Texas. The building is located right in the historic epi-center of our downtown in the Villa de San Agustin Historic District. Read more >

Scratch Sandwich Co. – Culinary Scene

Scratch Sandwich Co. “Scratch” is not only the name of this deli, but the way they prepare everything; located on E. Del Mar Boulevard this local eatery will not disappoint. I became an instant fan after I tried their “When Harry Met Sally” sandwich! Delicious New York pastrami, swiss cheese, scratch-made sauerkraut and thousand island dressing. My mouth is watering just writing about it! Plus their chips are the perfect pairing.

But Scratch is not only about sandwiches, they also have salads and wraps, and if you don’t see anything that grabs your attention on the menu, you can build your own. Read more >

Running in Laredo, Texas

RunStrong & Kick-Asphalt Half Marathon

Nothing can stop Laredo’s runners, not their busy schedule or 100-degree weather; you will see people going up and down different roads and enjoying the trails, like the one located inside North Central Park, at any time of the day. So it is no surprise that a group of local runners got together to form RunStrong Laredo and then established the Kick-Asphalt Half Marathon. Read more >

Sisters of Mercy Exhibit

El Centro de Laredo

One thing I look forward to each month is the Laredo Main Street El Centro de Laredo Farmers Market. This gives me the opportunity to spend a morning with my family and friends and pick up some yummy goodies such as seasonal produce, plants, herbs, organic coffee and a healthy snack.

The Market takes place every 3rd Saturday of the month at Jarvis Plaza in downtown Laredo from 9am – 1pm. Remember, the early bird gets the worm! There is free parking available (with Farmers Market purchase) at the El Metro Transit Center located just across the street from Jarvis Plaza. Read more >

Caffe Dolce – Culinary Scene

Caffe Dolce is a unique restaurant that combines exceptional food with art and music. Located in downtown Laredo this local favorite will satisfy your cravings.

Well known for paninis and sandwiches, made with fresh ingredients, some of them right from their garden, that you can pair with a cucumber or prickly pear lemonade or different teas. Read more >

A foodie’s heaven – Tales from the Edge

Motel 6 Laredo Airport – Be Our Guest

One of our newest hotels in town, the Motel 6 Laredo Airport features a new design, modern and comfortable. It will beat your expectations.

Ideally located near the Laredo International Airport, the Laredo Energy Arena, Uni-Trade Stadium, the Texas A&M International University and several popular restaurants in our fast-growing city. Read more >

It’s almost time for the Laredo International Sister Cities Festival

Max to Offer Shuttle Service

Always looking for ways to enhance their customer’s experience at the Max, the City of Laredo and Foresight Golf have added a free shuttle bus service to and from the golf course to the airport and local hotels, for golfers and customers of the Max, who book their rides in advance.

“We are excited to be able to offer another level of service to our out of town customers who are coming into our community to enjoy the competitive play that the Max offers,” said Peter Palacios, South Texas Regional Manager for Foresight Golf. “We want to make sure everyone leaves feeling as if they have just had the best golfing experience ever.” Read more >

Golfweek’s Best: Municipal Courses 2013

Less than a year after opening, the Max A. Mandel made it to Golfweek’s Best: Municipal Courses 2013 List. A Robert Trent Jones II design, the golf course ranked in number 40.

Click on the picture for the full story:

Dallas Morning News – Best new course in Texas

Best new course in Texas: The Max in Laredo tests top-flight players, novices

eSouthernGOLFzine.com

El Financiero – Mexico

Milenio Monterrey