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Introduction to Kingsville, TX
The great day out next door that you never knew was there!

Photo of Richard King, the founder of the King Ranch, after whom Kingsville was named
This article was written for use in marketing and brochures aimed at residents of cities near Kingsville, such as Corpus Christi and Alice, to show them what they were missing in Kingsville. The photo on the left is of Richard King, the founder of the King Ranch, after whom Kingsville was named.
   If you don't live in Kingsville and someone mentions it to you what comes to mind? The Naval Air Station? Or TAMUK maybe? Or perhaps the King Ranch? All these are important aspects of the City of Kingsville, but there's a whole lot more to this 100 year old city than you might think - in fact there's enough to keep you and your family occupied for a full day out.
   Starting with the best known, of course there's the famous King Ranch. But how many of us who live locally have actually taken the time to visit what is a huge part of our local heritage? If you haven't you've been missing a treat. As well as the visitor center, with exhibits from the ranch, a gift shop and a room where you can watch a documentary all about the ranch, there are at least two tours every day of the year (excepting Easter, Thanksgiving & Christmas), where you will see the Plomo Pens, where at roundup time the cattle are vaccinated, branded and tagged, modern brush clearing equipment, land-going leviathans conceived and developed on King Ranch to clear mesquite and huisache from the pastures, the homes of the Kineños or King's men and much more - in fact over 90 minutes' worth.
   After visiting the King Ranch you might also be interested in visiting the King Ranch Museum situated near Kingsville's Historic Downtown, featuring an amazing collection of exhibits, many dating back well into the 1800s. The architecture of the museum itself is astounding, having been converted from the old ice house it has vaulted ceilings and is so impressive it's function room is often used for local weddings and other events.
   Probably third on your list of ranch-related places to visit would be the Saddle Shop. This is situated right in the heart of Historic Downtown on Kleberg Street. In it the vast array of quality home furnishings, luggage, furniture, clothing and, of course, saddles that the King Ranch today makes available for sale to the public, are direct outgrowths of the earliest efforts of 19th century King Ranch leather craftsmen. You'll be amazed at the things you can buy here.
   Moving along Kleberg Street you'll find the famous Harrels Pharmacy and Soda Fountain. Established in 1916 by Nick Harrel Sr., it contained a pharmacy, soda fountain and other merchandise. It offered delivery by bicycle and curb. Over the years, the family has owned and operated drug stores in Mercedes, Robstown and Corpus Christi but, regardless of all the changes of appearance and location, the Kingsville Tradition remains the same. The Soda Fountain offers good food, while the store abounds with beautiful gifts.
   Also on Kleberg Street you’ll find Phyllis’s gift store, La Potpourri, Oliver’s Jewelers, the Seller’s Market and the Opera House antiques store, all of which offer wonderful shopping opportunities for gifts, collectables and antiques.
   Finally, while on Kleberg Street don’t miss the wonderful Old English Tearoom and Restaurant (Open daily 11am to 9pm – 2pm Sundays). Here you can enjoy a selection of home made English recipe dishes such as Shepherd’s Pie or Beef Wellington. Or you can take in High Tea with scones or even browse the Gift Shoppe packed with imported teas, candies, cookies and souvenirs. Or just pop in for a glass of refreshing ice tea before you continue on your day out.
   If you head west from Kleberg Street towards the railroad track you’ll find the newly renovated Railway Museum (Open Monday through Saturday, 10am to 4pm), which used to be the original town railway station. In here you can find out the full history of the railroad and how it’s coming to Kingsville was pivotal in creating the town and it’s booming economy.
   Then, moving along to the Texas A&M University campus, you’ll find the John E Conner Museum (open 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday - closed holidays), where you’ll find historical exhibits and collections of southern Texas, the Kleberg Hall of Natural History which features plants and animals of South Texas in natural habitats, the Peeler Hall of Horns featuring 264 mounts of North American game and regional and photo archives.
   But as well as the museums, Kingsville also has a wonderful park, the Dick Kleberg Park. Used year round for Soccer, Baseball and other activities, it also has a beautiful picnic area right by the river which winds around it. Here you can go for a delightful stroll along the river bank, or cross it’s bridges and just enjoy the nature and the wildlife.
   And while you’re driving around Kingsville, especially in the Historic Downtown area, keep your eyes open for the small antiques and crafts shops (some displaying their wares on the sidewalk) – you never know what valuable bargains you may pick up.

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