We stopped in Del Rio, Texas for a couple of work/school days on our way to Big Bend. This was our first experience in a Texas border town. A short description of Del Rio was summed up by a local restaurant named “The Armpit of Texas”.  Unfortunately, Del Rio’s affectionate nickname is appropriate. It was dusty, brown, and forgotten. Deferred maintenance was the community standard. Some highlights included the friendly people and the beautiful Amistad National Recreation Area just outside of town. There was also a clear creek running through a local park with an amphitheater. This was the only access to public swimming in this desert town that we could find, despite the city’s namesake, the Rio Grande, that runs right on by. There were stretches along the river border that were “well secured” by patrols and walls, while other areas of the narrow Rio Grande seemed allocated to RV party decks and more forgotten properties. Unless you are a property owner, the Rio Grande appears off limits. While not all of it is fenced off, it is as if the entire town participates in a unspoken agreement that it just does not exist.

We were hopeful for some great Tex-Mex food, at least. Hopefulness is just not part of Del Rio experience. Maybe if we had eaten at the above-mentioned restaurant…but it was closed due to COVID-19. We hope it re-opens; Del Rio could only benefit from a sense of humor.

One notable thing about Del Rio was that people were taking the COVID-19 mask wearing very seriously. While shopping at the H.E.B grocery store a couple of times, 100% of people wore masks.

The Rio Grande with a ready deck

Amistad National Recreation Area

Amistad National Recreation Area

Amistad National Recreation Area

Amistad National Recreation Area

Amistad National Recreation Area

Amistad National Recreation Area

San Felipe Creek

Best Western Luxury Resort

Sudden “border wall” ending

Del Rio postcard