Walking Around Downtown Harlingen, Texas

 Eric and I like walking around downtown areas.  A town or city's vibe is easily picked up while walking around the center of its community.




We found a parking
spot adjacent Lt.
George Gutierrez Jr.
La Placita Park.

Eric stands next to

Rio Grande Grill's

colorful Texas 

Longhorn Steer

 Skull.

We find empty
store fronts.

I like this fence.

megamorphosis
is a stand out.

The black dog is

protecting his/her

territory.

I like the purple

 tricycle.

Harlingen's Railroad
history is on display...

Twins Restaurant

In my mother's family my twin brother, Alfred, and I shared the same name growing up...

The Twins.

A mural "peeks" out

from Rudy's 

Furniture.

More of the mural is

revealed...

Welcome to

Harlingen's

Downtown. 

This is a City of murals...

This mural has a title: Downtown Harlingen Where Past Is Present

Jackson Street is

"dressed" for the

holidays.

I like the tiles on

the facade of

J&B's Cafe.

The Quilter's Hideout
is easy to find.

I love this colorful

building.

The windows  on the first floor are painted... Making up the From Here to Harlingen mural.

A Nativity Scene
sits atop the awning
of a building.

Eric stands in front

of my favorite

doorway.

The Monroe is a
stately building.

An Oaxacan Dragon

protects this

building. 

Harlingen celebrates
its community of
active learners.

This mural shows off

the Rio Grande

 Valley's tropical

 bounties.

This mural is not
on the City's 
mural tour.






The murals on the tour have been commissioned pieces of art.  I am grateful that property owners have added colorful art to their buildings.

Harlingen loves

color....

... & shapes.

The Orpheus Building

has a great name.

Mike Lucio's Auto
Service has an
eye catching awning.

The downtown trash

cans are tiled.

The History of Mexico & Mankind depicts the history of Mexico, 

its culture & the founding of Texas.

Malls and big box stores built on the outskirts of Harlingen emptied out the City's center.  Downtown Harlingen, a Downtown Improvement District works to promote the area with events while it attracts businesses to this section of the City.  Buildings in this area waiting for tenants to bring new life and new businesses to Harlingen's downtown. 

Eric and I watched Schenectady's downtown make a vibrant return after decades of decline. 
I hope to see more development in downtown Harlingen during future visits.