Already a well-known pilgrimage site among Catholics, the City of San Juan, TX, is also home to the…read moreGelman Stained Glass Museum. It's here where you'll find beautiful works of Catholic artwork depicting major scenes from the Life of Jesus Christ. Having visited San Juan many times (my family and I usually do every year), I consider the museum one of those places I'd pass by, but don't bother to check out. That is, until today. One of the women at the front desk told me that it wasn't formerly an Orthodox church, which I originally assumed, and it was constructed in 2015, finally opening to the public six years later. The exterior, and of course, the interior resemble one of those epically grand cathedrals in Europe. With a chant recording wafting in the background, a visitor can easily get lost (mentally) exploring these magnificent masterpieces. It's a good thing photography is allowed so as long as it's with your phone, tablet, or even a camera. Speaking of which, I captured several of the stained glass windows that caught my eye. Among those that stood out to me were the Birth of Jesus, the Holy Family's Escape to Egypt, the Resurrection of Jesus, and St. Patrick's presentation on the Holy Trinity using a shamrock. There are also a few statues standing guard amidst the exhibits as well. Another tidbit I got from the front office is that a chapel acting as the miniature version of the museum is under construction just a few feet away. It's projected to be completed this year. I'd you ever find yourself in the Rio Grande Valley, please pay a visit to this hidden gem.

We had a private self guided tour for 10 people! It was amazing! We actually did have staff to tell…read moreus some of the basics and give us a sample of the beautiful music from the organ. New building in the works for more, older windows. Must see if in area!!

Love this place. We have been here for multiple parties for different people and it's always a good…read moretime. They have 3 large jumps for kids and they help out with the pinata and serving and cleaning! Great customer service too!

Great for large groups and BYOB! They also sell beer if you forgot your alcohol…read more Great value too! Can't forgot the giant Jenga! Must come if your looking for fun in Mcallen

On a whim, my wife and I decided to try this business out on a lazy Sunday. Boy, were we thrilled…read morewith how much fun we had! At first the entire process can be a tad intimidating but as soon as you get the hang of it you will have a blast. Some key facts: This is a BYOB establishment You need to wear closed toe shoes Read up on some throwing tips before you go

I was super excited to finally go check this place out. They open at 8 pm so we got there actually…read more15mins prior parked on the dirt road and walked the rest of the way to the haunted house. It was a fun walk super dark, palm trees all around and neat. We bought tickets online so only thing that sucked was that we had to wait in line to get tickets and then get back in another long line. But waiting was fun because there is scares strolling by scaring people and you can take pictures. The line took about 1hr till we were finally inside. The house was super cool from 1880 the props were awesome, I'm not one to easily be scared so I went for the recon. Honestly it is alot of fun! I do recommend it just be careful there is areas where you have to go down low & even crawl. Oh also they do have porta-a-pottys, and they were making food to sale by the ticket stand it smelled delicious!

I had so much fun at this place! I went with my family,as l was walking down the trail a guy…read moredressed as a pig came up to me and chased me! My mom was laughing at me the whole time.My little brother and l were scared to death,when we were in line , l chickened out,but my little brother went in with a very nice officer,and he was with him the whole time,he was very helpful,Everyone was so nice and it was very life-like, l DEFINITELY was scared!!! I am definitely coming back with some friends!

Just wanting to give props to my wonderful evening!…read more Cee Cee and Patty our hosts were so accommodating and sweet to us. Very helpful and complaciente! Wendy, our server was on top of everything. Suggesting food and drinks as we went along. Very knowledgeable with the food and wine choices. Temoshi! The chef! Wow! I ordered the lasagna! A delicious twist. Very well done! Great evening had by all!

Growing up at the McAllen Country Club was a kid's dream. A huge pool with diving board, tennis…read morecourts, summer camp, a gorgeous golf course & great exercise room. I spent many summers at the kid's camp, swimming and playing tennis with friends and as I got older, I just went to lay by the pool with some nachos and a margarita. The workout room and locker rooms are small but perfect for the size of the club. The machines are updated and there are always some open no matter what time you go in to work on your fitness. All of my family's special events were hosted at the MCC from bat mitzvahs to graduation brunches. The service is beyond great but the food can be very hit or miss. The variety of choices at Sunday brunch are plentiful but when you go in and order off the menu, the food doesn't always seem the freshest and the flavor profiles of many menu items are lackluster. Great place to grow up, swim, workout, play golf and hangout with fiends or family but don't go in there expecting 5 star food although the Friday lunch buffet is pretty great.

We got there around 7:45 and we get the tickets and wait on line, the line was advancing really…read moreslow. They were offering $10 fast pass, if in case you didn't want a wait longer. But we wait until 9:30 . So almost two hours after we get in to the house.. Been there they gave you the glasses 3D, they were all dirty (no bueno).. they were useful in some of the rooms but most of the time not. And also they make you feel dizzy. It took us like 5-10 min to finish the whole tour of 27 rooms. It's worth it if you get free tickets or from Groupon a better price. But for the wait.. not worth it.

This place is ridiculous got here at 8 when they opened. We've waited 2hrs to get inside. The staff…read moremore concerned with having you staying off sidewalk than getting people in and out of the place. They let people go in one or two at a time which makes it worse. Then, people pay for vip so if you don't come up with extra cash then you will literally stand in line all day. Don't come.

We have been here twice. The setting is great. We went on the wagon ride and even when asked,…read morethere wasn't a explanation from the driver. Would have liked a tour with history. The bands are great. There isn't enough wait staff. They are overwhelmed. People usually end up going to get their own drinks. The food was fine. Chicken wings were tough but the buffalo burger was excellent both times. Second time we were there, the frozen margarita machine was not working? Think customers would eat and drink more if you could get a server.

Be for warned this is lengthy and read on only if you're interested in fun. Rancho El Charco Park…read moreis a gem in hiding as far as I'm concerned. My family has lived in McAllen for 40 plus years and knew nothing of this sweet, fun in the sun hideaway. Most likely you've never heard of either. Luckily my niece found online and recommended we check it out. It's a quick trip just 15 minutes West of McAllen in LaJoya off Expressway 83. You say, where? Turn South at LaJoya Whataburger and follow the well-marked signs. You'll find yourself on a 150 acre park with unlimited train ride transportation from entrance to 3 pools, cane pole fishing, petting zoo, and feed the buffalo (wildlife throughout park). Or a mule drawn wagon tour to a beautiful waterfalls with swing bridge, tropical lagoon, BBQ Cookout picnic site on Walker Lake and let's not forget The Grand Palapa and Boca Paila Bar and Grill. Are you exhausted yet? Do as much or little as you want. If you're looking for an event venue, definitely consider for birthdays, graduations, anniversaries and distinctive weddings. You cannot bring in your own beverages whether alcohol or nonalcoholic. They sell both onsite by pool area along with snack foods (nachos, raspas, fruit, hot cheetos, and jalapeno beer poppers). We took advantage of the humongous pizza for $15 that feed 7 adults and 2 children. Looking for more substance checkout the full chicken plates being sold for $8.99. I've read, and heard, complaints of individual pricing for everything. IMHO, there isn't a problem or reason to complain. Pricing is affordable and you pay for the activities YOU want. I prefer this rather than jacking up the price for things I have no interest in today but maybe on the next trip. Compare their prices to petting zoos, pools, living museums, or similar parks and I think you'll agree. First, parking is FREE. We're starting off on the right foot. Admission Pricing is Adults $10, Children $8, 3 & under Free. This covers unlimited access for train rides from entrance to 3 pools, fishing area and petting zoo. Watch for the buffalo, and other wildlife, along the train ride. Throw your towels in one of the many pool side chairs provided for free. Or rent a cabanas if you prefer a shaded table ($10) for the day. We did and thought it a good value. Prefer a leisurely day of cane pole fishing under a large Palapa (only $3) before or after swimming? Of course you'll have the activities listed directly above included with admission. FYI, a Palapa is a traditional Mexican open-sided shelter roofed with palm leaves or branches. Looking for a historical, bumpy adventure then try the authentic Mule Drawn Covered Wagon tour to a beautiful waterfalls and tropical lagoon you enter by crossing a long swing bridge. (Cost $3, only three dollars). Spend some time under the waterfalls cooling off like we did but leave a few minutes to appreciate the large Palapa where events are held. And take advantage of the historical and CLEAN restroom on the stop if needed. If you feel like a cookout on the lake then you'll want to call ahead to reserve a cook site. Price $20 per cook site and the mule drawn wagon will take you to your cook site away from the hustle and bustle of the pools and petting zoo. Me, if you're hungry just order the pizza, snacks or plates. LOL! And the pizza was surprisingly good! Now for the Grand Palapa and Boca Paila Bar and Grill. We were hot, tired and ready to leave when we stopped to check out the Grand Palapa. Take the stairs for a gorgeous view of the lake and take a few photos. Downstairs, inside the Grand Palapa are several tables or sit at the bar and enjoy food, drink and cocktails. The courtyard is beautiful, on the water, DJ playing music, and we can order food and drink you say. All of a sudden we're staying for a while. It started with beers and pina coladas, moving on to requesting songs for the DJ to play then my 8 year old niece requested and turned her favorite song into Karaoke. The DJ was terrific, gave her the mic and she performed beautifully. The other guests, including us, were quite surprised and found ourselves singing and applauding enthusiastically. Line dancing persuaded and suddenly it was a party. We decided to stay here for dinner rather than leaving and it turned out to be the perfect decision. The menu is small however there's something for everyone and you'll leave happy and full. The beef nacho order was large, fish and fries were tasty and everyone was happy with their order. Nighttime settles in and the courtyard is even more inviting and romantic with the lighting, music, moonlight on the water and candlelight from the trees. Perfect evening with family and friends, cocktails, dinner, dancing, music and entertainment. Exhausted but ever so happy we realize "You don't have to go home but you can't stay here" time has arrived. It's now 10:00 p.m. What a lovely birthday party I had with many, many beautiful memories here.

Tonight was one of those moments that reminds you why small towns are so special. We went to the…read moreWes-Mer drive-in and enjoyed two movies under the stars, but by the end of the second one, our car battery had died. Without hesitation, one of the attendants came over and gave us a jump. When I tried to tip him, he kindly refused and simply told us to keep coming back. It wasn't about the money--it was about helping someone out. Small town folks truly have the biggest hearts, and nights like this remind me how grateful I am for simple kindness and genuine community.

Best seats in the whole town!! Great bang for your buck! The hot Cheetos and cheese go hard too!read more