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JANUARY 2021

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Kingsville

WELCOME

‘The Heart and Soul of South Texas’

he story of Kingsville, Texas is one that is steeped in the history of Texas ranching, education, recreation, and aviation. We are home to the legendary King Ranch, Texas A&M-Kingsville, Naval Air Station-Kingsville (one of only two bases in the United States that train Navy and Marine jet fighter pilots), and the World Class fishing waters of Baffin Bay. Located just minutes from Baffin Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Kingsville is one of the gems of the Texas Coastal Bend. Our community is a blend of Western, Texas and Hispanic culture and is rich in its diversity. As you can imagine in a community with this much diversity, history, and culture, the local dining scene is amazing. We are home to the historic King’s Inn and Baffin Bay Seafood Company; we have some of the best Mexican restaurants in Texas; we are home to the best hamburgers on the Coastal Bend; we have great brisket and steaks, along with Indian cuisine, and Chinese, Taiwanese and Koren restaurants. Whatever your taste buds, you’ll find great tasting food In Kingsville and Kleberg County. If you are hungry when you leave Kingsville, you will have missed a great eating experience. Kingsville is also proud of its University. The University was started in 1925 as Texas A & I, then was incorporated into the A&M system. The University is home to the Javelinas, and there is much to see and do on campus. From the Conner Museum, the campus walking tours to the Jones Auditorium, there is something for everyone on campus. While in town, you’ll want to visit the King Ranch Museum and take a tour of the King Ranch. Afterwards, stroll through historic downtown Kingsville and see the historic train depot, the famous King Ranch Saddle Shop, Harrel’s Pharmacy (an old-fashioned pharmacy right out of Norman Rockwell), Real Deals, Ol’ Girls Kitchen, the decadent desserts made at the Cherry Tree Tea Room and Eve’s Heavenly Delights, and the Novel Blend coffee shop and book store. Tour our many city and county parks, and visit the Monarch Butterfly gardens that permeate our town. You can take the walking trails at Dick Kleberg Park, enjoy splash pads, dog parks, skating parks and just about anything you want to do outdoors. At Kaufer-Hubert County Park on Baffin Bay, you’ll love the fishing and the new boat ramps. We are home to professional bull riding shows, and the new rodeo arena that is being constructed will bring rodeos back to Kingsville where it all began in the 1800s. Kingsville is located just 40 minutes south of Corpus Christi and 90 minutes north of South Padre Island and the Rio Grande Valley. So what are you waiting for? Visit our historic community and you’ll have a great time! Better yet, come and plant roots in our community and enjoy history, culture, academia, jets, great ethnic food and some of the best fishing on the Gulf Coast. We’re Kingsville, Texas, and we can’t wait to meet you!

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Chamber promotes business and growth “Kingsville’s charm goes far beyond its history, though if you are a history buff you will enjoy one of many museums located in the community. You can also tour the historic King Ranch to learn more about the legacy of Captain King, advancements in agriculture and ranching, learn about the only Triple Crown Winner from Texas or enjoy the incredible wildlife that call South Texas home”. The history of Texas is filled with larger than life figures, taming the wild frontier of our great state. Captain Richard King, the namesake of the town and a pioneer of the Wild Horse Desert has certainly earned his place among the giants of Texas’ rich history. The history of the King Ranch and Kingsville are intertwined and are integral parts of creating the South Texas that we know today. Kingsville hosts a number of family friendly events

throughout the year. If you are a sports fan, you can enjoy a game in one of the 13 division II sports on the campus of Texas A&M University Kingsville. In the fall, be sure to make a trip to Javelina Stadium to watch the 7-time National Champion Fighting Javelinas take the field. The University is also home to the John Conner Museum, South Texas Archives and the Kingsville Symphony Orchestra. You can catch a performance by the Kingsville Symphony Orchestra in the

231 East Kleberg Kingsville, Tx 78363 (361)

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circulation@kingsvillerecord.com 4 KLEBERG COUNTY

beautiful new music hall on campus. The community hosts multiple events throughout the year including: Festival de la Loteria, La Posada de Kingsville Parade of Lights Ranch Hand Weekend, the Chamber’s Annual Charcuterie Challenge and many more. These events are held in historic downtown Kingsville. While you are downtown be sure to visit the incredible shops and restaurants that are just a few steps away. In even number years, you

Manny Salazar CEO of Chamber of Commerce

can join us on Naval Air Station Kingsville for the Wings over South Texas Air Show featuring the Blue Angels. If you enjoy the outdoors, Kingsville is the right place for you. Kingsville is home to world class fishing on Baffin Bay, hunting and birding. Kingsville truly is a gem in South Texas. We are excited to welcome you to our community, treat you with legendary Texas hospitality and show you what makes Kingsville such a special place.

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www.tamuk.edu/JavelinaPromise

up to

4 YEARS

tuition assistance

TUITION AND FEES WILL BE FULLY COVERED FOR ...

Ensuring a university degree is financially accessible to Texas students with a family income of $65,000 or less and demonstrated financial need as determined by FAFSA.

• First time in college (FTIC) students for up to 4 years.* • Transfer students based on credits needed to finish their degree. * Students must enroll at Texas A&M-Kingsville for a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester; up to eight consecutive fall and spring semesters.

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Texas A&M University-Kingsville launches a new tuition assistance program called The Javelina Promise Texas A&M University-Kingsville offers students robust academic programs that prepare them to impact the world around them. Degrees include well-known programs in engineering, animal and wildlife sciences, kinesiology, social work, and music, along with fast-growing bachelor’s degree programs in veterinary technology and criminal justice. This year, A&M-Kingsville officials announced the launch of a new tuition assistance program, Javelina Promise. Students whose families make $65,000 or less and meet certain qualifications may be eligible to have their tuition and fees covered for

up to four years. According to Forbes Media, Texas A&M-Kingsville is ranked among the top 25 universities in the nation based on alumni ratings. Javelina Nation ranks 21st on the list and is one of only two Texas universities included in the rankings. Texas A&M-Kingsville is a Carnegie Classified Doctoral University with High Research Activity, providing students with opportunities to conduct research and work alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields. Small class sizes and a network of support prepare students for success. With a focus on excellence, Texas A&M-Kingsville’s rep-

utation as a top-tier institution extends beyond South Texas. The university is ranked among the nation’s top institutions for awarding engineering, agriculture and communication sciences and disorders degrees to Hispanics, according to Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. Plus, graduates who earn a bachelor’s degree from A&M-Kingsville earn the highest starting salaries in South Texas, according to PayScale’s 2021 salary report. As the first institution of higher learning in South Texas, Texas A&M-Kingsville has been changing lives and impacting the region for 97 years.

POINTS OF DISTINCTION

• The Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources houses three institutes that are among the best in the world. The Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute is home to top-notch researchers who lead their field working with wild cats, white-tailed deer, quail and the Texas tortoise. The King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management offers the only master’s degree in ranch management in the world and has graduates working at some of the most prestigious ranches in the country. The Citrus Center, located in the Rio Grande Valley, developed the Rio Red variety of grapefruit and works to provide citrus growers with virus-free budwood. • The Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering is home to the first natural gas engineering degree in the world in addition to accredited bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in architectural, chemical, civil, electrical, environmental, industrial, mechanical engineering and computer science. • The College of Education earned an A in the 2020 National Council on Teacher Quality’s Teacher Prep Review and the department of kinesiology has had six Undergraduate Scholar Awards in 11 years. The College of Education also is home to the nation’s first doctoral degree in bilingual education. • The online Master’s in Business degree in the College of Business Administration is nationally recognized as one of the country’s top, most affordable online MBA programs. U.S. News and World Report ranked them 100 for online programs and 59 for online programs for veterans. • The National Natural Toxins Research Center is the only federally-funded viper research center in the United States and is one of the leading research centers in the world for discovering toxins for use in biomedical research. • The School of Music is housed in the new, state-of-the-art Music Education Complex which opened in spring 2020. KLEBERG COUNTY 7

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Howdy!

from Kingsville, home of Texas heritage & history A charming Texas city located just 33 miles south of Corpus Christi, Kingsville, Texas has a little bit of fun for everyone! Appropriately named after the founder of the famous King Ranch, Captain Richard King, our city was founded on July 4, 1904 when the first passenger train departed Kingsville headed to Brownsville. The St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway opened travel to all of South Texas. Thirty-eight years later, Naval Air Station Kingsville was born on July 4th, 1942. Today we celebrate both birthdays along with our nation’s independence with a free downtown concert on Main Street and a festive pet, bike and people parade in our Historic Downtown. Everyone is invited to celebrate, Kingsville-style. Our 1904 Historic Train Depot Museum offers guests an opportunity to take a step back in time and learn our South Texas history. Find out how Robert J. Kleberg’s persistence and Henrietta King’s generosity helped get the wheels rolling on the train tracks that run through our city. During your visit, you might just spot a freight train passing by the depot. The museum is free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday and during downtown events. Visit the Train Depot grounds anytime and find one of our city’s Monarch City USA Butterfly Buds Pollinator Gardens. There’s always something to do in Kingsville! From the National Professional Bull Riders Rodeo to our annual Festival de la Lotería; sip your way through our unique downtown shops during one of our many monthly Main Street Wine Walks and join us as we kick off the holiday season during our Ranch Hand Weekend festivities. Ranch Hand Weekend is always the weekend before Thanksgiving. Our Butterfly Blitz is the perfect time to spot Monarch Butterflies and experience a Monarch release. The event provides education and

Wine Walk

fun in Dick Kleberg Park. It pairs nicely with a Winged Wonder tour on the legendary King Ranch! Kingsville has an abundance of history and art and when you visit the Barraza Fine Arts Gallery, you’ll also get to see a remodeled Greek Revival Style home. The Ben Bailey Art Gallery is another great stop for art aficionados, and our Kingsville Symphony Orchestra performs multiple times throughout the year. While on the Texas A&M University-Kingsville campus, visit the John E. Conner Museum and explore the interactive ‘En Mi Familia’ exhibit featuring famed Chicana Artist Carmen Lomas Garza and get an up-close look at Kingsville’s own World Champion Boxer ‘Lil Oscar Cantu’s championship belts. You can also explore the Graves Peeler Hall of Horns at the museum, which also features temporary exhibits throughout the year. The Conner Museum is free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday with a number of free educational events throughout the year. Our 18-hole golf course is the perfect backdrop for a day on the greens. Some visitors go there just to spot the abundant wildlife who enjoy the nine ponds and plentiful mesquite trees that signal you are spending the day in South Texas. Visit Dick Kleberg Park, our 186-acre park with a butterfly and hummingbird garden, a wildlife outlook and many opportunities for birding or fishing along Escondido Creek. Your four-legged friends will enjoy a jaunt at the Vishal Raju Bhagat Memorial Dog Park complete with obstacle courses, water fountains and benches. Another popular park in Kingsville is Flores Park where kids enjoy cooling off at the Splash Pad during summer months. Follow us on Facebook @KingsvilleVisitorsCenter to stay up to date on events, win prizes and lock in some special hotel discounts at one of our 13 properties in town. Come on over and find out why Kingsville is a great place to hang your hat!

Butterfly Blitz

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The King Ranch T

he King Ranch story began in 1835 when an eleven-year-old boy named Richard King ran away from his apprenticeship to a jeweler in New York City and stowed on board a schooner heading out of port. After he was discovered on board, King was allowed to prove his worth and spent the next few years learning the steamboat trade, eventually earning his pilot license by the time he was nineteen. By 1847, King and a partner formed a small steamboat firm moving supplies on the Rio Grande during the Mexican War. This firm would eventually grow to have an almost monopolistic hold on the trade in South Texas. In 1852, Captain King traveled from Brownsville to Corpus Christi, crossing what was known as the Wild Horse Desert. There he found an oasis, the Santa Gertrudis Creek, and stirrup-high grass. King formed a partnership to establish and operate a livestock operation with its headquarters on the creek. The Birth of the American Cattle Ranch In 1853, the first tract of land purchased was the 15,500-acre Rincón de Santa Gertrudis, a Mexican land grant. The next year, King purchased the 53,000acre Santa Gertrudis de la Garza Spanish land grant. These two purchases formed the nucleus around which the future holdings of King Ranch would develop. To stock this Ranch, King bought cattle wherever he could. On one such trip in 1854, King went into Northern Mexico to a small settlement called Cruillas in Tamaulipas. In addition to buying the cattle, King offered to relocate anyone willing to come north and help him

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work the Ranch. Those who decided to join King became known as los Kineños, or “King’s people.” Many of their descendants continue to work for King Ranch today. The King Family In 1854, King married Henrietta Chamberlain, the daughter of a Presbyterian minister. She helped King manage and grow the Ranch. By 1865, it had expanded to 146,000 acres. During these early years, King realized there was a need for beef cattle in the northern markets. Never put off by challenges, King led some of the first

cattle drives north with domesticated Longhorn cattle. In addition to making assets more profitable and helping them grow, King energetically invested in railroads, packing houses, ice plants, and harbor improvements in Corpus Christi. Though King passed away in 1885, his vision revolutionized the economics of ranching. Through his efforts, King Ranch became recognized as one of the birthplaces of the American ranching industry. Continued Innovation After King’s passing, Robert Justus Kleberg, a lawyer and husband to King’s

youngest daughter, Alice, worked with Henrietta King to improve and diversify the assets of King Ranch with agricultural pursuits, land sales, and town building projects. Kleberg developed the first cattle dipping vats to combat the Texas Fever Tick, was responsible for building a facility that would become, for a time, the largest cattle-rail operation in the world, and was instrumental in drilling the Ranch’s first artesian well, which brought new possibilities to this periodically parched land. Further, in 1904, Henrietta and Kleberg helped build the St. Louis, Brownsville, and Mexican Railway and several towns along the track, including Kingsville. Cattle In the early twentieth century, Robert Kleberg, Jr. and Richard Kleberg, Sr., sons of Robert and Alice Kleberg, developed the Santa Gertrudis, a heat-tolerant cattle breed with quality beef. The Santa Gertrudis is 5/8 Shorthorn and 3/8 Brahman, a cross breeding that took years of experimentation. The culmination of this breeding program produced Monkey, calved in 1920, which became the foundation sire of the Santa Gertrudis breed. In 1940, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recognized the Santa Gertrudis as the first American breed of beef cattle and the first new breed acknowledged worldwide in more than a century. Horses Since Captain King, King Ranch has always strived to breed a better horse. King Ranch has had champion horses in cutting, halter, and most famously, a Triple Crown Champion, Assault.

In the pursuit of breeding better horses for the ranch, King Ranch was a founding member of the American Quarter Horse Association. In 1916, Old Sorrel was purchased, which became the foundation sire that made King Ranch famous as a breeder of champion Quarter Horses. From this sire came many great horses, including his grandson, Wimpy, who was named grand champion of the 1941 Fort Worth Fat Stock Show and given the P-1 registration in the newly formed American Quarter Horse Association. As an outgrowth of its famed Quarter Horse program, King Ranch became involved in competition cutting. King Ranch established a dynasty of champion cutting horses led by the stallions Mr. San Peppy and Peppy San Badger. Both stallions’ lists of accolades are voluminous, and both include induction into the NCHA Hall of Fame and the AQHA Hall of Fame. Every horse on King Ranch is a descendant of Old Sorrel, the foundation sire of King Ranch, and one of the foundation sires of the American Quarter Horse breed. King Ranch continues to breed horses that can perform in any arena, but its goal is to provide the best ranch horses in the world for its Kineños. Present Day Today’s King Ranch has significantly diversified its agricultural ventures to include farming, citrus, sugarcane, turfgrass, almonds, pistachios, hunting and ecotourism. It truly is a coast-to-coast company, with operations in Florida, Texas, and California. With its fascinating history and ongoing success, King Ranch has made the transition from a frontier ranch to a modern corporation.

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holes for scenic golfers at L.E. Ramey Golf Course

One of the fun things to do in Kingsville is play a round of golf at L.E. Ramey Golf Course, the home course of two Texas High School golf team state finalists in 2022. Be sure to stop by and see the variety of wildlife and ponds while playing a round of golf. The L.E. Ramey Golf Course land was originally the home to navy base runways. The land was governed by the U.S. Department of the Interior and the agreement with the county stated the land must be used for recreational purposes and was then turned into a park.

The course itself was founded through a Texas Parks & Wildlife grant in 1967 and features bunkers, water hazards and treelined fairways. “The city's purpose and goal is to provide recreational opportunities for adults and children of our community,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Susan Ivy. The course is the only golf course in Kleberg County. The county decided to locate the golf course in Kingsville as the town has the majority of county residents. The course is the home of many local golf tournaments,

such as the Kingsville Independent School District Education Foundation and Veterans Tournament. The course is also used as a teaching facility for local golf teams, including Texas A&M University- Kingsville Women, Kingsville Independent School District and Santa Gertrudis Independent School District. “The city has done well in providing funding to get some improvements done and they are finally starting to show,” Ivy said. Recent renovations on the course include three greens that have been completely replaced.

There is a pro shop and kitchen/ concession stand as the amenities as well as golf carts are welcome on the course. For the summer of 2022, there will be a Junior Golf Camp and they are in the works of adding golf lessons for all ages in the near future. The hours of operation are 7 a.m.- 7 p.m., seven days a week. The green fee prices are: 13-24 dollars on weekdays and 13-26 dollars on weekends. To visit or play, call 361-592-1101 or visit 2522 E Escondido Kingsville, Texas 78363 and go by the front office to sign in.

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THINGS TO DO

THINGS TO DO IN KLEBERG COUNTY and the surrounding areas

Kingsville didn’t earn its legendary status by chance. There are plenty of epic things to do here, including eco-tourism, history, fishing, BBQ cookoffs, rodeos, chasing Monarch Butterflies, golf, listening to a symphony orchestra or an academic lecture, picnics in the park or just enjoying a great South Texas burger, Mexican restaurant or great seafood, we have it all. We’re just waiting for y’all to come and visit.

King Ranch Weekend The 31st Annual Ranch Hand Breakfast will be held on November 19, 2022. The event features an authentic, hearty cowboy breakfast cooked and served outdoors on the historic King Ranch. Team roping and old-time cow camp cooking demonstrations are a part of the activities, along with live music and storytelling. The Ranch Hand Breakfast is always held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Ranch Hand Weekend – In partnership with both the Ranch Hand Breakfast and the Kingsville Visitors Center, developed a series of events to surround the popular King Ranch festivities. Events include a Ranch Hand Weekend Wine Walk Holiday Sip & Shop and Tree Lighting, a Ranch Hand Weekend Festival and the Ranch Hand Weekend Country Concert. Ranch Hand Weekend promises guests non-stop fun and festivities and is hands down one of the best times of the year to visit Kingsville. Get all the details at www.RanchHandWeekend.com.

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THINGS TO DO

Walking Tour of Texas A&M- Kingsville

A lovely stroll through this historic university is a walk well spent. From the Ben Bailey Art Gallery and Conner Museum to the beautiful walk through the center of campus, and to the Javelina Stadium is a scenic walk you and your family can enjoy together.

Shop Downtown Kingsville

The historic downtown shopping district on Kleberg Ave. features the King Ranch Saddle Shop, Harrel’s Pharmacy, and a host of unique stores, restaurants, coffee shops and jewelry boutiques. The 1904 Train Depot museum is nearby, as are a couple of Monarch City USA gardens.

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Navy and Marine Corps Jets

A familiar sound and sight in Kingsville are the T-45 jets from Naval Air Station- Kingsville that fly over Kingsville and Kleberg County almost every day. The future Navy and Marine fighter pilots that will defend our country are housed and trained at the Naval Air Station. Kingsville loves jet noise!

Javelina Athletics Led by its famous football team, Javelina athletics have featured some of the greatest athletes of all time. Enjoy a college football, basketball or softball game, or take in one of the university’s indoor sports teams.

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THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO

King Ranch Saddle Shop

Captain King demanded saddles of great structural integrity, constructed of the very highest quality leather available that could withstand the harsh conditions of the South Texas Rangelands. Unable to find saddles and tack that met his rigorous specifications, Richard King addressed this problem the way he approached many others – he decided to solve it himself. Captain King assembled a group of first-rate craftsmen at the ranch who made saddles of such fine quality that news of their superiority spread quickly. Today, the King Ranch Saddle Shop is located in the historic John B. Ragland Mercantile Building that’s located in the heart of Kingsville and a few minutes away from the King Ranch Museum and King Ranch Visitor Center.

The 1904 Historic Train Depot

The restored 1904 Train Depot was formed in part to help connect Kingsville to Corpus Christi to the north and Brownsville to the south. The Museum also serves as a visitors center and is an integral part of the legacy and development of Kingsville.

Festival de la Loteria

Held in April, this fun-filled festival features Loteria games, big prizes, live music and mariachi bands. Local and outof-town vendors line Kleberg Ave. in the heart of historic downtown Kingsville.

John E. Conner Museum

Located on the campus of Texas A&M UniversityKingsville, the Museum is almost as old as the University itself. Founded by the first professor of history, John E. Conner, the Museum opened in 1929 and is home to the history of South Texas. Since 1979, the Museum has been located in Loftin Hall, the former student dining hall.

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Kaufer Hubert County Park

Located in Riviera on the shores of beautiful Baffin Bay, this county park located on the bay of one of the top fishing spots located near the Gulf of Mexico. The park has been updated to include new boat ramps, a new fishing pier, a new boat wash facility, and a brand-new pavilion overlooking the bay. Plenty of playground equipment for the kids, and the Sea Wind RV Park is located next door with beautiful views of the Bay.

THINGS TO DO

Edward Jones Auditorium

Part of the School of Music at Texas A&M-Kingsville is where the Edward Jones Auditorium is located. This beautiful 941-seat facility is not only home to the Kingsville Symphony Orchestra, but also hosts traveling touring shows, a summer musical and other major campus events.

Kenedy Ranch Museum of South Texas

Located just 20 miles south of Kingsville in the quaint town of Sarita is the Museum dedicated to the history of Mifflin Kenedy and his family. Mifflin Kenedy was the long-time partner of Richard King, and the two men changed the history of ranching, railroading, oil and business development. A great trip would be to see the King Ranch Museum and the Kenedy Ranch Museum.

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Dick Kleberg Park

Located on the south side of Kingsville, this is a sprawling 186-acre City Park. If you are planning a family reunion here, for a game of baseball or soccer, or just want to throw a blanket on the grass and enjoy the bounty of Mother Nature, Dick Kleberg is the place for you.

We have the best hamburgers

One of the unknown facts about Kingsville is the utterly fantastic hamburgers made throughout the area. There are so many good hamburger joints that even the Mexican restaurants now make world- class burgers. When in town be sure to check out Big House Burgers, Mariachi House of Burgers, Bray’s Smokehouse, Nucky’s and all the rest. For something really great to eat, try the Texicali at Young’s Pizza. A tradition at Texas A&M- Kingsville.

King Ranch Nature Tour

The King Ranch Nature Tour Program began more than 25 years ago and gives visitors to the Ranch access to thousands of acres of pristine wilderness. Guided tours are available by appointment during specific periods of the Spring, Fall and Winter seasons.

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THINGS TO DO

KING RANCH MUSEUM To understand the mythic past of King Ranch, a trip to the King Ranch Museum is a must. The museum is housed in the Henrietta Memorial Center in downtown Kingsville. The building was originally constructed as an ice and electrical plant soon after the founding of the town in 1904. The museum is the definitive repository of ranch lore and the items on display clearly evoke the bygone days on Captain King’s legendary spread. The King Ranch Museum’s permanent collections include: Toni Frissell’s award-winning photographic essay of life on King Ranch in the early 1940s; saddles from around the world, guns, and rifles including a King Ranch commemorative Colt Python .357 magnum revolver, and antique carriages and vintage cars, including El Kineño, a custom designed Buick Eight hunting car built for Congressman R. M. Kleberg, Sr., in 1949 by General Motors.

Fourth Of July

The celebration kicks off with a free concert downtown, July 3rd. The festivities will continue with Pet and Bike Parade and birthday celebrations held in downtown Kingsville. Dress your pets up for an opportunity to receive an award and stay for the evening for a NASKingsville concert and fireworks. (Contact MWR) The Fourth of July is the city’s birthday and NASKingsville’s Birthday, so the celebration includes hot dogs, cake and piñatas!

Hibler Taxidermy

Kingsville Farmers Market

The Kingsville Farmer’s Market has been around a long time and is held every 4th Saturday of each month near downtown Kingsville. Some of the best produce grown in South Texas finds its way to our Farmer’s Market. There are other vendors, artisans and craftsmen who also attend during the year.

One of the great taxidermy families in all of Texas lives in Kingsville. They have created world-class mounts for famous people like General Norman Schwarzkopf. In addition, the Hiblers are now making world-class bronze art featuring Texas wildlife. Check out their shop near downtown when in Kingsville.

Baffin Bay

One of the most see sights in Kleberg County is Baffin Bay, located approximately 15 minutes southeast of Kingsville. There are beaches, parks, fishing piers, boat ramps and great seafood restaurants for your pleasure. Enjoy one of Texas’ greatest fisheries.

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THINGS TO DO

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Wine Walk Holiday Sip & Shop

The Wine Walk Holiday Sip & Shop fills Downtown Kingsville with fun each November and December. Guests sample dozens of varieties of wine and beer (nonalcoholic passports available, too!) while visiting local shops and vendors to gather stamps in their keepsake passport for chances to win thousands of dollars in prizes.

La Posada de Kingsville

This illuminated night parade is 32 years strong in Kingsville. The event drew tens of thousands of onlookers in 2021. Arrive early to participate in the Holiday Wine Walk ahead of the annual La Posada de Kingsville parade.

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National Professional Bull Riders (NPBR)

A great Texas tradition of bull riding comes to Kingsville every February for a huge show at the J.K. Northway Expo Center. Some of the biggest stars on the NPBR tour attend. Plan on visiting a good restaurant while in town.

Vishal Raju Bhagat Dog Park

Located in the famous Dick Kleberg Park, the Vishal Raju Bhagat Dog Park is a new but important addition to the city. The park is broken into two different sections; one for big dogs and one area for small dogs. So bring the family pet on your trip to Kingsville, and enjoy the Dog Park which is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.

Santa Barraza’s Fine Arts Gallery & Studio and Ben Bailey Gallery

Two of the most widelyrenowned artists of the Southwest have galleries in Kingsville. The Barraza Fine Arts Gallery and Studio, featuring world-class Chicana painting, is located on 407 S. 5th St. The famous Ben Bailey Gallery is located on the campus of Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

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Wings Over South Texas

Every even year the famous Blue Angels perform in early April over the community through the good graces of the Naval Air Station located here. The area rotates with the City of Corpus Christi to host this prestigious air show event, with Kingsville slated to host the show in 2024.

The Brookshire Skate Park and Public Pool

It gets hot in South Texas during the summer, so take a dip in the Brookshire pool and let the kiddos skate to their heart’s content at the cool skate park. The pool and skate park are located at 1519 E. Kenedy Street in Kingsville.

J.K. Northway Expo Center

A fine exhibition hall is being rehabilitated into a new stateof-the-art facility that can host everything from rodeos, livestock shows, concerts, and conventions. A new rodeo arena is planned next to the center, along with outdoor pens for livestock.

Monthly Main Street Wine Walk Experience our Monthly Main Street Wine Walks from September through February. Enjoy strolling our Main Street district while grabbing great deals and discounts in our unique Main Street shops. Our monthly wine walks also offer opportunities to win great prizes. Find our hours and each month’s wine walk theme on Facebook at Kingsville Visitors Center. KLEBERG COUNTY 23

THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO

King Ranch Visitor Center The King Ranch Visitor Center offers several tours that allow guests to explore the many aspects of the legendary Ranch. Daily Historical Tours guide visitors on an hour and a half journey through the Ranch, providing insight on the history of the Ranch and current operations. King Ranch Quarter Horses, the Santa Gertrudis breed of cattle, a resident Longhorn herd, and an abundance of wildlife can be viewed along the way. Historical buildings include Mrs. King’s carriage house (constructed in 1909), the commissary with its lookout tower, and the Main House (completed in 1915). Although no tours are offered of the interior of the Main House, a drive by the exterior will show why it has been designated a Texas State Historical Monument and the Ranch itself has been designated a National Historic Landmark.

Junior Livestock Show In late January and early February of each year, the Kleberg-Kenedy Junior Livestock Show is one of the highlight events of the calendar for our area. Bidders come from all over South Texas to purchase these quality animals, with vendors galore filling the J.K. Northway Expo Center.

L.E. Ramey Golf Course Built in the 1970s, L.E. Ramey is a challenging 18-hole municipal course loaded with bunkers, water hazards and tree-lined fairways. Green fees are reasonable, with the course usually playing around 6,500 yards. The city has made a conscious effort recently to improve the fairways and greens. Baffin Bay Fishing Some of the best Red, Drum and Ocean Trout fishing in the United States can be found in the waters of Baffin Bay, just a short 15 minute drive southeast of Kingsville in the community of Riviera and Loyola Beach.

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Riviera Museum A hidden treasure in the community of Riviera is the Museum housed in a classic old bank building. The Museum is filled with artifacts from the founding of the Riviera community and Baffin area and houses a restored fire engine. Butterfly Buds Pollinator Gardens In 2020, Kingsville became an official Monarch City USA member. A netwrok of Butterfly gardens all over Kingsville, and you’ll have fun exploring the numerous locations and communing with Mother Nature at her best. Take a self guided tour of the city’s six butterfly buds gardens and nature. Document your sightings on the free inaturalist app. Pick up a map of all the gardens at the Kingsville Visitors Center.

Kingsville Symphony Orchestra One of the great hidden treasures of Kingsville is the Kingsville Symphony Orchestra. The KSO plays in the marvelous Jones Auditorium four times a year and has a variety of different concerts.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS Kingsville Police Dept. (361) 592-4311 Kleberg County Sheriff’s Office (361) 595-8500 Kingsville Visitors Center (361) 592-8516 Christus Spohn Hospital - Kleberg (361) 881-3000 Kingsville City Hall (361) 595-8000 The Kingsville Record newspaper (361) 592-4304

Kleberg County (361) 595-5775

L.E. Ramey Golf Course (361) 592-1101

Kingsville Parks

Nueces County ESD (361) 592-6445

Appraisal District

and Recreation (361) 221-8705 Kleberg County Courthouse (361) 595-8561 Kingsville Chamber of Commerce (361) 592-6438

Ricardo Fire Department (361) 296-3220 Riviera Fire Department (361) 296-3220 Riviera Telephone Company (361) 296-3232 King Ranch Visitor Center (361) 592-8055

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to Baffin Bay

Kaufer-Hubert County Park

Play & Stay Here

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Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute is Texas’s leading wildlife research organization

e sure to make a trip down to South Texas to check out our state-of-the-art Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute and Wildlife Research Park! The Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute (CKWRI) at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) is the leading wildlife research organization in Texas and one of the finest in the nation. On January 8th, 1981, the CKWRI was created with a gift from the Caesar Kleberg Foundation for Wildlife Conservation. Mr. Caesar’s vision first took root in South Texas. It was on the King Ranch, at his beloved Norias, where Mr. Caesar, (as he was fondly called), laid the foundation for a wildlife conservation program which would become his lasting legacy. The gift went to the College of Agriculture at Texas A&I University (now the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at TAMUK). The Foundation to this day generously supports the Institute, along with a growing number of benefactors from across the state who share Mr. Caesar Kleberg’s love for the wildlife and habitats of South Texas. Their mission is “To do applied research to help people conserve wildlife and to train wildlife biologists to help in wildlife conservation and management,” said 4th Executive Director of the CKWRI David Hewitt. The Institute includes 25

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outstanding research scientists, covering a wide range of specialties. The diverse faculty facilitate the often-complex wildlife-related

from the CKWRI. “We’ve got a lot of private funding for our research, students and endowments here at the university that then help pay

research studies and keep the Institute on the cutting edge in advancing conservation and management of wildlife. Modern high-tech facilities, specially designed wildlife study pens, and rangeland tracts provide an ideal environment for conducting quality research by Institute faculty. The CKWRI is located on the campus of TAMUK at Howe Agriculture Lab Building and functions as a unit within the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. TAMUK benefits in a few ways

faculty, graduate students and overall supports all our research,” said Hewitt.” A lot of opportunities for our undergraduate and graduate students to go out and do hands on research. The CKWRI also hires students to help the faculty and graduate students in managing the work of the wildlife research projects. “We hire students out of the wildlife department and out of the College of Ag, even times students across the university to help,” said Hewitt; “The students we hire not only experience helping out on the

research projects but also their making money that can help them fund their college or living expenses”. The Kingsville community also benefits from the CKWRI. “When the institute hosts events in town like workshops, seminars and activities like that. I believe the businesses of Kingsville benefit and the town gets more exposure,” said Hewitt; “People are coming and staying in hotels, eating in restaurants. Because of the wildlife research park there’s a number of times that Texas Parks & Wildlife, Natural Resource Conservation Service and some non-governmental groups bring all their people from around the state and have their meetings here.” For tourists, they can go and visit the Tio and Janell Kleberg Wildlife Research Park’s A. E. Leonard Family Native Plant Garden located at 1730 W. Corral Avenue Kingsville, Texas 78363. You must sign in at the front office upon entering the center, “The native plant garden that surrounds the wildlife center, I can see that being a draw,” said Hewitt. Also, to host events, there is a wide variety of options at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Center. You can book: The Center itself is comprised of the Curtis and HP Pinnell Family Memorial Auditorium, the Petra Vela Kenedy Conference Room or the Stuart W. Stedman North Room.

Fishermen know where Baffin Bay isPretty soon so will the rest of Texas and the country.

! R E E B OLD

! C I S U M E V I L

Located just 15 minutes southeast of Kingsville, Baffin Bay empties into the Laguna Madre and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico. The best way to get to the Bay and Loyola Beach are through the town of Riviera. Once you inhale your first draft of salt-water air, you’ll realize you’ve entered a different part of the county. The beautiful blue-green water of Baffin Bay sparkles under the sunlight, while below the surface lurk some of the largest Drum and Red populations on the entire Gulf of Mexico. There are public boat launches in Riviera, with two new launches having just been installed at Kaufer-Hubert County Park located right on the Bay. At Kaufer-Hubert, anglers can decide whether to surf fish, fish from the long piers that extend into the bay, ply the open waters in their own boats or hire the many knowledgeable guides who dot the shoreline around the entire Bay area. There are cozy cottages and places to stay on the Bay, in addition to numerous RV parks in the area, especially the SeaWind RV Park which is located adjacent to Kaufer-

1294 CR 2360 E RIVIERA, TX 78379

Hubert. A little farther up the road off the bay, Kingsville offers over 13 fine hotels and motels for tourists and families to stay in. Fishing and the view of the Bay are real reason to come to Kingsville and Kleberg County. Under the direction of Kleberg County Judge Rudy Madrid, the County Park and the SeaWind RV Park have had significant upgrades. There is a new boat wash station, new launches, a nice pavilion available for rent for reunions, parties and weddings and a myriad of things for the kids to do in the park. If it’s great seafood you’re looking for, Baffin Bay has that too. The Baffin Bay Seafood Company is quickly becoming famous as one of the best seafood restaurants on the Coastal Bend, while a little farther up the Bay the venerable King’s Inn continues to thrill customers from all over with their tasty menu. So what are you waiting for? There’s sandy beaches, great fishing, great food, great amenities and plenty of places to stay. We’ll look forward to meeting you on the Bay!

GREAT VIEWS! RIGHT ON THE BAY!

COME JOIN US! tootersbaysidebar@gmail.com

www.tootersbaysidebar.com

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Coming TO RIVIERA in FALL 2022

The Erma Center Currently under construction in Riviera, we are proud to introduce The Erma Center! A multi-purpose events venue, The Erma Center will be appointed with a large indoor ballroom which will seat 250 indoors, plus covered outdoor seating will be able to seat an additional 250, it will have a full commercial kitchen, “Tech Lounge”, which will convert to a meeting room for up to 18, as well as a bride’s suite and groom’s suite, if the occasion requires. On the same campus, Burnin’ Daylight, a smaller stand-alone “cocktail party” space, will be host to the Happy Hour/ Cocktail Party crowd. This space is anchored by a converted telephone switching hut, built in 1964. This space can be converted into a full-function lounge, with a small sitting area both indoor and outdoor, walk-in cooler, and full-function bar. Weddings, Quinceañeras, Trade shows, Charity events, family reunions, graduation parties and more will now have a destination for a venue experience that is both unique and close to home. KLEBERG COUNTY 35

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J.K. NORTHWAY EXPOSITION CENTER

Located in Dick Kleberg Park, the J.K. Northway Exposition Center is your new home for concerts, hall rentals, livestock shows, trade shows and the future home of the new rodeo arena and regional Emergency Management and Operations Center for all of south Texas

Phone 361-592-8516

Call and reserve your event today! J.K. Northway Exposition Center 501 E. Escondido Road, Kingsville, Tx (361)

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595-8585

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A park system aimed to engage all ages: CITY OF KINGSVILLE The City of Kingsville has an arThe City of Kingsville in recent ray of outdoor activities to fit your years has completed updates on needs; from sport fields, walking certain areas of the park system trails, fishing, pool and will continue 5 things to do swimming in Kingsville nottoalready on the list to work on upeven a dog park. dates as grants and funds become Important numbers Park The City of Kingsville hasoﬃce eight 361-221-8705 available. parks in their system, which in“I think the installation of the clude: Dick Kleberg Park, L.E. Ra- splash pad, dog park and renovamey Golf Course and the Brook- tions to the Brookshire Pool are just shire Pool. They range from a few things that have brought our 1519 East Kenedy neighborhood parks to the main park system more in line with othBrookshire a great placePark. to cool oﬀ in the hot park in the Pool city, isDick Kleberg er communities our size,” said Ivy. “The goal of the park system is For the summer of 2022, Kingsville Spring and summer months. Swim Team, lessons, diven in movies, adult swim, teen Lme and to provide healthy alternatives Parks & Recreation will host Outlots of open swim AcLviLes for all ages and recreational opportunities for door Family Movie Nights twice a adults kids,” said Director of month, swim lessons at the BrookCheck and out our schedule at www.cityoPingsville.com/departments/parks Parks & Recreation Susan Ivy. The shire Pool and Dick Kleberg Park latest additions to the park system Extreme Fun Summer Camp in are the skate park and splash pad. June and July. Some other events

Brookshire Pool,Kiddie Pool

that will take place are summer track and weekly themed events. For the full flyer visit cityofkingsville.com, departments, Parks & Recreation, go to the bottom of the page and click on 2022 Kingsville Parks & Recreation Summer Brochure. There will be updates to the park system. “We are working really hard right now on renovating our baseball, softball and soccer fields so that we can host more tournaments,” said Ivy. “That will bring in more revenue to the city, more people will stay overnight in our hotels and that will overall bring more recreational opportunities.” Dick Kleberg Park will see the additions of an exercise circle and sensory garden maze that will allow people of all abilities to participate. The park is also home to a Monarch Butterfly habitat. To schedule an event, reserve the recreational hall at Dick Kleberg Park, or to ask any questions call 361- 221-8705.

CmNaturesOwnResort

www.naturesownrvresort.com

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cmnaturesown@gmail.com

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MONTHLY EVENTS

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

• Kleberg County Junior Livestock Show • Kingsville Farmers Market (every 4th Saturday of the month)

• National Professional Bull Riders • Kingsville Farmers Market (every 4th Saturday of the month) • Main Street Wine Walk

• Community Easter Egg Hunts/Celebrations • Kingsville Farmers Market (every 4th Saturday of the month) • Main Street Wine Walk

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

• Festival de la Loteria • Kingsville Farmers • TAMUK Spring Fling Market (every 4th • A Ride on the Wild Side Saturday of the month) • Kingsville Farmers Market (every 4th Saturday of the month)

• DIVA Scholarship Pageant • Kingsville Farmers Market (every 4th Saturday of the month)

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

• 4th of July Pet & Bike Parade and Main Street concert • Kingsville Symphony Orchestra Patriotic Concert • Kingsville Farmers Market (every 4th Saturday of the month)

• Kingsville Farmers Market (every 4th Saturday of the month)

• Kingsville Farmers Market (every 4th Saturday of the month) • Main Street Wine Walk

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

• Butterfly Blitz • Main Street Wine Walk • Kingsville Farmers Market (every 4th Saturday of the month)

• Veterans Day Parade • Ranch Hand Breakfast Weekend • Kingsville Farmers Market (every 4th Saturday of the month) •Dia de los Muertos events

• La Posada de Kingsville Parade/Main Street Wine Walk • Kingsville Farmers Market (every 4th Saturday of the month)

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LODGING “A Great Place to Hang Your Hat” Like us on Facebook @KingsvilleVisitorsCenter Econo Lodge 221 S. Hwy 77 (361) 592-5251

RIEND TF

OYO Hotel 3334 S. US 77 (361) 595-4800

RIEND TF

Super 8 by Wyndham 105 S. Hwy 77 (361) 592-6471

Holiday Inn Express & Suites 2400 S. Hwy 77 (361) 592-8333

Hampton Inn 2489 S. Hwy 77 (361) 592-9800

RIEND TF

America’s Best Value Inn 2402 E. King Ave. (361) 595-5656

Executive Inn 2203 E. King Ave. (361) 595-7700

RIEND TF

La Quinta 2151 S. Hwy 77 (361) 592-3000

RIEND TF

Motel 6 101 N. Hwy 77 (361) 221-1397

Economy Inn 1415 S. 14th St. (361) 592-5214

RIEND TF

TownePlace Suites By Marriott 2574 S. Hwy 77 (361) 221-9800

Budget Inn 716 S. 14th St. (361) 592-4322

Quality Inn 505 N. Hwy 77 (361) 516-1120 KLEBERG COUNTY 45

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With all of the attractions of the King Ranch, the city, Baffin Bay and Texas A&M University-Kingsville, you might not realize that our area is loaded with great places to dine at, have a great margarita or enjoy live music or karaoke. One of the undiscovered pleasures of visiting Kingsville is discovering all of the great restaurants our area has to offer. From Burgers to steaks, brisket, Mexican, seafood, Indian and Asian, our area has it all. If you are looking for authentic Jalisco, you have to visit either El Tapatio on Santa Gertrudis or El Dorado on 14th Street. Both have excellent food and El Tapatio is uniquely decorated with art and decor made in Mexico. There are over 10 fine Mexican restaurants in Kingsville, Ricardo and Riviera, so you won’t go home disappointed. If it’s Burgers you want, Big House Burgers on 14th Street and Big House BBQ on Business frontage road 77 and King Street have a wide variety of burgers, along with great margaritas. Mariachi Brothers on Corral has humongous burgers, along with an array of quality Mexican dishes. And don’t underestimate the great burger served at the soda fountain at Harrel’s Pharmacy in downtown Kingsville. If you are looking for a unique sandwich, you absolutely have to go to Young’s Pizza and get the Texacali. It is a local legend, and you’ll return to Kingsville to try one of Scott Conard’s sandwiches, patooties or pizzas.

If it’s brisket, Bray’s Smokehouse is for you. Quality smoked brisket and ribs along with a full menu of other great food. They also have a full bar and they brew their own craft beer.

reds, trout and other food on their menu. They also have a great bayside bar called Tooters, which is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays right next door. Another venerable seafood restaurant is the King’s Inn, still standing and serving up great seafood at the end of FM 628. If it’s live music you are looking for, Bray’s has live music on Thursday and Saturday evenings, while Nucky’s has live music on most weekends. Check out Tooters website for their schedIf it’s steaks you’re looking for, there is the Kingsville Steakhouse on 14th Street, or try the Saturday night steak dinner at Ol’ Girls Kitchen in downtown Kingsville. They make a great steak, and during the week you can order quality made-from-scratch meals including everything from meat loaf to a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. If you are in the mood for wings and other munchables, head over to Nucky’s located at the corner 48 KLEBERG COUNTY

of Corral and Fourteenth Street. There you’ll discover some of the best wings in town and a great menu along with a full bar. If it’s just wings you are after, Wing Stop on General Cavazos is a must-see place for a wide-variety of wings. For seafood, head to Baffin Bay. At the end of FM 771 you’ll find the Baffin Bay Seafood Company, owned by Craig Alexander. Baffin Bay Seafood will cook your daily catch at the restaurant, or cook up some of the best drum,

ule of bands. A number of area watering holes have karaoke, like the Luau on University. The Office has an occasional live band, and has four great pool tables and is the home to many dart tournaments. While in the area, check out the Dog House or the Pizza Parlor. For entertainment, you’ll want to follow the J.K. Northway website, as a few times during the year big name acts come to town, from Country to Tejano. Eat, drink and make merry!

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Historic theater undergoing renovation to become landmark entertainment venue A historic Kingsville downtown landmark is about to be resurrected into a spectacular new music and entertainment venue. The Texas Theater, a venerable Kingsville icon that has sat vacant for years, is about to come to get a new life and facelift thanks to a joint effort created by a strong contingent of local developers, including the iconic Villarreal family, Grammy-winning artist Jesse Turner and production engineer Adrian Gallegos. Under the concept for the redesign and restoration of the facility, the new developers intend to turn

the historic theater into a multi-use facility, including a major concert venue, a smaller entertainment stage upstairs, and establish an outdoor rooftop patio overlooking the city to the east. The development will happen in stages, starting with a new roof being built on the theater, then construction and renovation will begin in stages. "We'll start with the roof, then move to the outside patio bar," Tito Villarreal explained. "We'll build a bar on the northeast side of the building, then have a number of tables on the roof that will be accessible from outside the building off of 8th

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Street. On the side of the building, we'll put up a number of big screen tv's for people to watch sports and have a good time."

He went on to explain that the next step will be to construct an upstairs stage in the balcony area that will be able to

serve and entertainment approximately 200 people. "That will help create a revenue stream that will enable us to move forward and complete the main theater complex. We have lots of ideas and plans once this is completed, but it is going to take time-especially with some of the supply chain problems that are facing the country right now." "This place will blow your mind," said Jesse Turner. "We can't wait to bring the 1950s up to 2022!" "We appreciate the city and their help and faith in helping us," said Villarreal. "We are truly honored to be working alongside

the city and restoring this magnificent theater." Ysidro Villarreal and his wife Delia, the parents of Tito and Frank, were instrumental in helping make this project a reality. "We wanted to do this four years ago, but things didn't work out so we had to walk away," Ysidro said. "We were finishing our event center, the Rancho Cielito Lindo, and didn't want to overextend. Now, we're excited to be able to bring this back and create a legacy for our community." The building is located at the corner of 8th and Kleberg in historic downtown Kingsville.

Texas Theater,

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