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Image Via Pexels.com Mission, Texas has plenty of attractions for the nature-loving adventurer. If you're headed to the area and looking to spend some time exploring nature, be sure to check out the following parks and attractions. more Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park is made up of 588 acres of subtropical woodland. It's home to roughly 360 species of birds, making it a great place to bird watch and enjoy the beauty of nature. In addition to its wide variety of birds, you'll also enjoy other wildlife including butterflies and bobcats. Go for hike or ride your bike on the park's seven miles of trails. If you don't have a bike, no problem. You can rent one from the park store for $5 a day. Admission is only $5 per day for adults and kids 12 and under are free. If you're a fan of the outdoors, this park should definitely be added to your list of things to do in Mission. National Butterfly Center At the National Butterfly Center, you'll enjoy viewing up to 200 species of butterflies. The National Butterfly Center is not a butterfly house. All of the butterflies are free-roaming, so while it's usually home to many types, there's no guarantee of what species and how many you will see when you visit. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 5-12, and free for children 4 and under. If you're planning a visit to the National Butterfly Center, make sure you take the season and weather into consideration. The best time to check out the park is during peak butterfly season, which is usually around late October and early November. Butterflies prefer warm sunny days with temperatures above 70 degrees. If you can find a day where the weather is right, this is a great way to spend an afternoon. McAllen Nature Center The McAllen Nature Center offers 1.5 miles of scenic trails that wander through the 33 acres of the Tamaulipan Thornscrub habitat. You'll enjoy a variety of plants and wildlife as you walk the trail. Its wildlife includes more than 220 species of birds, 90 species of butterflies, and the Texas Tortoise. The area is also home to the endangered Texas Indigo Snake, but don't worry, it's nonvenomous. Entrance to the park is free, but they do suggest a donation of $1 per person. Whether you're looking to get some exercise, enjoy a scenic picnic, or capture some wildlife on camera, the McAllen Nature Center is a great place to spend your day without breaking the bank. For even more fun, you can check out the parks various activities like their free yoga program. If you're looking to spend some time in the sun while enjoying the beauty of nature, Mission, Texas has plenty of great outdoor attractions that will keep you entertained all day.

Image Via Ford.com If you've dreamed of owning a truck, now's your chance. The 2020 Ford Ranger is out and loaded with features you'll love. Here's a look at some of the best features of the 2020 Ranger that will make you want it for your next ride. more Trim Levels and Option Packages The 2020 Ranger comes in three different trims: the XL, XLT, and Lariat. The XL is the base model, but it comes nicely equipped. The XLT has many of the best features standard but gives you access to more option packages. The Lariat is the fully-loaded sport and luxury laden model, designed for off-road performance, and luxury style. There are six appearance packages available depending on the trim. A black appearance package features black painted wheels, fender vents, and grille. The sport appearance package uses unique magnetic paint to specific areas to create a sporty look. The STX appearance package adds bold styling to the XL, including aluminum wheels and premium cloth interior. The chrome appearance package will turn heads on the boulevard. Chrome wheels, grille, headlamps, and accents all around make this Ranger striking to behold. The FX4 off-road package is loaded with extras for off-road adventure. Featuring a steel front crash-plate, steel skid-plates, heavy-duty shocks, and more, this truck looks and acts the part. The FX2 Package is new for the 2020 model year. Excellent styling points mesh with improved off-road capability to create a signature look. Power The Ranger comes with Ford's 2.3-liter Ecoboost engine. This turbo-charged engine uses twin-scrolling technology to extract exhaust gases from alternating cylinders. It maximizes pulse energy to the turbine for smooth, responsive power. Paired with Ford's 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, the Ranger gets 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Performance The Ranger has a payload rating of up to 1,860 pounds and can tow up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped. A high strength steel frame, steel frame-mounted bumpers, and off-road chassis means the Ranger is ready for anything. 4x4 models also feature an electronic shift-on-the-fly system. Simply turn the knob and you move from two-wheel drive into four-wheel drive. The Ranger also features a terrain management system. With four selectable drive modes, you take control of the road. Choose "normal" mode for everyday driving, "grass/gravel/snow" for surfaces where traction is tenuous, "mud/ruts" for when it's sloppy, and "sand" for the beach. The Ranger also comes with a trail control system. This is a cruise control feature designed for off-road driving. Now you can focus on steering while the Ranger keeps a steady speed. Technology The Ranger comes with Sync3, a technology suite that connects your smart devices. Now you can send and receive calls and texts and access music, navigation, and more, all hands-free. Download the FordPass Connect app and remotely lock/unlock your vehicle. You can also remote start the vehicle, locate the vehicle, and schedule service from your phone. There's lots to like about the Ranger. Come test drive one today and see what features you'll love in your next ride.

Image Via Ford.com If you're a Ford truck lover, you'll be proud when your teen decides they want a Ford truck, too. But which model is best for your teen? There are things to consider for teen drivers that older drivers may not take into account. Here's a look at some of the best Ford trucks and why they're great for teens. more Ford Ranger The Ranger is one of Ford's longest running mid-size trucks and, in many ways, perfect for teen drivers. Teenagers are new to driving, and a truck doesn't handle like other vehicles. Starting with the mid-sized Ranger will give them experience and pleasure of handling a mid-size truck, without the pressure of a full-size truck. An Advanced Terrain Management System is standard on the FX4 package. This system is one that would make parents feel comfortable, knowing that their teen is driving a truck capable of handling whatever road conditions they encounter. The system has selectable drive modes for grass/gravel/snow, mud/ruts, and sand. Teens are far more likely to get into an accident, so it's good to know the Ranger is tough. It's constructed with a high-strength steel frame and steel bumpers mounted to the frame. Ford F-150 This is a full-size truck, and should be operated accordingly. If your teen is ready for a real deal truck, then the F-150 is the best choice. The F-150 has five engine options, so you can dial in the power to what your teen can handle. A 2.7-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine provides plenty of power for anything your teen might need. When paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain gets a respectable 325 horsepower, and 400 pound-feet of torque. If your teen needs a truck to tow or work, the 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel engine is the perfect combination of power and efficiency. It gets 250 horsepower, 440 pound-feet of torque, can tow up to 11,500 pounds and still gets 30 miles per gallon on the highway. Ford Super Duty The Super Duty F-250 and F-350 trucks have the power to handle anything your teen can put it through. If your teen needs a work truck, the Super Duty is a truck that works. There are three engines to choose from depending on your needs. The 7.3-liter port-fuel injection V-8 engine is a beast when it comes to working. Paired up to the TorqShift 10-speed automatic transmission this powertrain gets 430 horsepower, and 475 pound-feet of torque. It's built to haul heavy loads, and other strenuous duties. Every Ford truck can be equipped with the Ford CoPilot 360, a suite of driver assist features designed to keep you safer on the roads. A pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking system scans the road ahead. When it detects a potential collision it will alert the driver, and even apply the brakes should your teen be distracted. Ford's BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) provides visual and audio cues when a vehicle is in your blind spot. There are many things that make a Ford truck a good one for teens. Come test drive one today, and see which truck is best for your teenager.

Image Via Ford.com So you bought an F-150, and now you want to trick it out a little. Maybe you want a lift-kit, or some cool bed inserts. Here's a look at some of the coolest mods out there for your F-150. more Custom Grille Guards Grille Guards add a rugged look to your F-150. They come in a variety of sizes, styles, and finishes. Choosing one can be difficult. Make sure your F-50 color scheme works with whatever grille guard you decide on. The last thing you want is jarring colors. One of the better options on the market is the AMI Swing Step Grille Guard. This grille guard covers the nose of your F-150 from the bumper up to the top of the radiator. It comes in several finishes from stainless steel chrome to matte black. The swing step feature is unique. You can unlatch the center bar, and it pivots down to become a step. Now you can step up for easy access to work in the engine compartment. This is particularly useful on the heavy duty models, or any truck outfitted with a lift kit as they sit higher off the ground. Lift Kits One of the most popular modifications to trucks is a lift kit. Lift kits come in varying sizes, and the height adjustments are achieved by different methods. A basic lift kit will get you one to two inches, and allows you to keep your factory shocks. It's simple to install, and the need for additional modifications usually isn't necessary. You can go with a set of coil-overs and upper control arms, and get two to three inches of lift. The benefit of coil-overs and control arms is better off-road performance. The downside is they don't clear the really big tires you might be considering. For really big lifts, you'll need a drop-down kit. This type of kit drops the lower cross members by using longer connections to the steering and suspension systems. The benefit with a drop-down kit is up to six inches in lift, and you can run much larger tires. The downside is the cost, some of which comes from the need to make additional modifications. A drop-down kit can easily run you over $1,500. Bed Cover Another popular modification is the bed cover. Tonneau makes a variety of covers to fit any size bed. They protect your load from weather, thieves, and look good too. There are soft-top roll-up covers that are pretty inexpensive. You could choose a fold-up version in either a soft or hard-top. You could get a retractable top that coils to the inside. Tonneau also makes painted hard-tops that pop up, or lift off. Snap-on covers are less expensive, and allow you to access a portion of the bed without having to open the entire cover. They are usually vinyl, and wear and rip easily. If you work your truck you might want to go with a heavy duty top. There are literally thousands of modifications you could make to your F-150. Look into one of these three popular, useful modifications, and get a stylish look you'll be happy with too.

Image Via Pexels.com It's easy to find a margarita in Mission, Texas. But finding a good margarita? That takes a little more trial-and-error investigation. Luckily, we've done the work for you. Here's where to get the best margaritas in the Mission area: more Casa Del Taco For some of the best margaritas in town, as well as some of the best Mexican food, head to Casa Del Taco. They've called Mission home since 1983, and in that time, they've figured out what it takes to make a high-quality margarita. Between their great drinks, phenomenal food, and festive atmosphere, your search may be finished after you visit this tasty restaurant. Make sure you show up for their happy hour from 3-7:30 p.m. to get a deal on your margarita. Costa Messa Costa Messa is another local favorite restaurant that serves up fantastic margaritas. If you're looking for a spin on the classic margarita, you'll find it here. Try their Diablita Margarita for a melt-your-face after-dinner drink or the Cucumber Rita for a fresh take on the drink. Since Costa Messa opened its doors in 2002, it has become a go-to spot for authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex food. Their happy hour lasts from 3-7 p.m. La Costa Grill For a well-balanced margarita, head to La Costa Grill. Whether you're looking for a top-shelf concoction or a simple, sweet and sour margarita, their bartenders have you covered. La Costa is also a great place to get solid Mexican seafood, which is definitely what they've come to be known for. Try their octopus taco or La Costa Tower with shrimp and fish ceviche to pair with your margarita to make for a well-rounded, lighter meal. They coast-inspired Mexican cuisine at La Costa Grill and the care they put into crafting their tacos makes this restaurant one of our top choices. Whistling Duck If you're looking for more of a bar feel, try the Whistling Duck. This restaurant serves up creative dishes, over 40 craft beers, and most importantly, top-notch margaritas. As far as their food goes, their specialty is American soul food and brunch, and it's worth perusing while you try out their margaritas. Don't let this restaurant's focus on craft beer fool you — their bartenders certainly know their way around a bottle of tequila. Whistling Duck's happy hour is from 3-7 p.m. Monday to Friday. If you're looking for a place to enjoy some live bands with your margarita, this is the spot for you. Salome on Main For a chic restaurant experience, book a table at Salome on Main. Their menu challenges what people think about Mexican cuisine, and their margaritas ruin many other restaurants' pale comparisons for us. Whether you go for their house margarita or give them special instructions to create the perfect one for your tastes, you won't be disappointed with their bartenders. Whether you like a top-shelf, hand-made margarita or a pitcher of sweet-and-sour margaritas the whole table will enjoy, there's a restaurant or bar in the Mission area that has what you're looking for. Persevere in your search to find your favorite margarita, and let us know where it is — especially if it's not on this list.

Image Via Pexels.com The Mission, Texas, area is a place saturated with history, culture, and a passion for learning. If you're trying to be a lifelong learner or you're already a museum buff, there are plenty of museums in the area that offer great learning experiences. Here are a few of the most interesting museums in the Mission, Texas, area. more Mission Historical Museum One of the best ways to truly get to know a place is by diving into its history. To get to know Mission, Texas, head to Mission Historical Museum. Since 2002, it has allowed visitors to explore Mission's roots through exhibits that inspire all ages and interests. The two buildings it calls home were built in 1940 and 1939 in downtown Mission, and are now used for various traveling exhibits, learning programs, and historic preservation. This museum's dedication to preserving Mission's history is unparalleled, as is their dedication to the community. Entry to the non-profit museum is free, and tours cost $1 a person. International Museum of Art & Science Over in nearby McAllen, you'll find the International Museum of Art & Science. This museum has a little bit of everything to ignite the curiosity of any visitor. Those interested in the art world will enjoy the revolving and permanent exhibits that display anything from Mexican and Latin American folk art to European Renaissance paintings. If you're more passionate about the sciences and want to instill that same passion in children, visit the space exhibit, planetarium, massive wind turbine blade, and more. Whether you're looking for a quiet gallery experience or a hands-on learning opportunity, this museum is worth visiting. Museum of South Texas History Head to the Museum of South Texas History to get a well-rounded insight into the larger Rio Grande Valley area. Time your visit to coincide with one of the immersive events the museum holds, such as the Día de los Muertos celebration, or simply drop in to explore their curated exhibits. You'll find artifacts from Texas' earliest days, from the prehistoric peoples that inhabited the area to the Spanish colonials. Listen to old Mexican ballads, explore a replica train station, visit the Rio Grande, and more at this museum's all-encompassing exhibits. Nuevo Santander Gallery Though it's a gallery, this historic destination holds many interesting items. The Nuevo Santander Gallery has museum-quality items that tell the tale of the Old West and Mexican-Texan heritage. You'll be able to view — and purchase, if you're a collector — everything from military uniforms, guns, furniture, and other artifacts dating back to the 1700s. This gallery also has an impressive collection of sculptures and paintings by renowned artists that capture the area's culture and history. Whether you're a buyer or just looking, the Nuevo Santander Gallery is worth the trip. With so many museums and galleries in the area, it's easy to plan a weekend or two of exciting exploration for yourself or your family. Find the museum in the Mission, Texas, area that most interests you and become the lifelong learner you're meant to be today.

Image Via Ford.com Most good spy movies end with the hero driving off into the sunset in a sports car, right? Well, how about you being the hero riding off in a 2019 Ford Mustang GT? It may not have the price tag of the sporty muscle car, but it certainly packs a punch with its mix of performance and sophisticated style. Any hero would be at home cruising the coastline with the top down as the sun sets magnificently in the background. Let's look at some of the highlights that you'll enjoy in this beauty. more Power Anyone who loves the roar of a V-8 engine will lust after the GT. Powered by a 5.0-liter V-8 with 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, the GT is a performance beast. The V-8 engine is available with either a six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. Pushing down on the pedal pins you back in your seat and sends you to 60 mph in just over 4 seconds with the wind rushing through your hair as the dominance of the V-8 thrills you. Performance The Mustang's independent rear suspension enhances the quality of the ride as it holds the road with a classic, yet modern feel. The electric power steering comes in different modes, including normal, comfort, and sport modes. The steering lightens up in comfort mode, offering little resistance, while the sport mode adds a nice amount of weight with much more feedback. You can also choose from various driving modes, which change the vehicle dynamics and handling responses. The available modes are Snow/Wet, Sport, Track, and Drag Strip, all of which add to the performance of the GT according to the situation. Technology One of the fun features of the Mustang is the 12-inch digital instrument cluster that changes depending on which driving mode you're in. The advanced technology is personalized. You can select the layout and colors of the gauges. The GT features the latest technology, such as Sync 3, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. The front seats also can be heated or cooled. Modern convenience is beautifully balanced with retro style. All models have standard performance metrics in the instrument cluster. These include an accelerometer that displays lateral and longitudinal G-forces, acceleration times and lap times, as well as automatic and countdown starts. Certain features are available for track use only, such as the electronic line-lock and launch control for manual transmission. Electronic line-lock locks the front brakes while the vehicle is in gear to warm up the rear tires. Launch control incorporates the brakes, traction control, and powertrain control to enable smooth, consistent starts. These are the features of a performance car. You'll never regret driving off in this iconic vehicle with its sexy style and responsive handling. In fact, you'll be having so much fun that you probably won't even notice nature's amazing beauty as you flash past with the throaty purr of the powerful V-8 resounding in your ears. Every one of your senses will be entertained.

Image Via Pexels.com If you're committed to keeping fit here are three gyms in the Mission, Texas, area that will help. more 9 Round Kickboxing Located at 2310 East Expressway 83, 9 Round has found an alternative to spending three hours in a gym working weights, and running the stair machine. In only 30 minutes, you'll complete strength training, cardio, and a full-body workout, while working through nine rounds of exercises. Each round is three minutes of intense work, then a short breather, and on to the next round. Rounds one and two feature strength training exercises. You'll use dumb bells, kettle balls, jump ropes, and more to build strength. Rounds three through eight will have you punch and kick at heavy bags, speed bags, double bags, and more to work out legs, arms, and shoulders. Round nine focuses on your core. You'll do specific exercises designed to strengthen your abs and core. After a workout, you'll be tired, but you'll feel like you actually did something worthwhile. And you'll have done it in 30 minutes. You'll burn tons of calories during your workout, and you'll continue to burn them all day long. Coldbar Fitness Located on East Business Highway 83 in Mission, Texas, Cold Bar Fitness is another great place to check out if you're looking to stay fit. They have four programs designed to take you from the novice level all the way to the Olympics, if that's your goal. A community class is held every Saturday. This is an open class to everyone, so come and see what types of training will take place at Coldbar Fitness. Once you see Coldbar Fitness in action, you'll want to participate. Join the overall fitness program, and get customized training to meet your goals. Certified trainers will develop a program to make you stronger, slimmer, and healthier. When you're ready, you can sign up for the endurance class. This is a one-hour class designed to push your body to its limits and create new ones. This intense workout is one-hour long, will burn over 800 calories, and is limited to only four participants. They also run a strongman class. You can test yourself against a myriad of objects, like giant tires and moving strange, heavy objects over various terrains. It's just like on the television show. Axios Warrior Camp This is where you train to be a Ninja Warrior as seen on TV. Training is for ages 6 and up and encompasses all the strength and endurance training necessary to compete at the highest level. Train with traditional weights and cardio machines. Then work on the obstacle courses to see how far you've come and how far you can go. If you're looking for a place to stay fit during the holidays, check out one of these three great gyms. You'll transform your body and feel great about yourself.

Are you the artistic type and want to take your skills to the next level? Here's a look at some great places to learn and grow your passion in the Mission, Texas, area. Image Via Pexels.com Art Studio by Design Art Studio by Design is located 20 minutes east of Mission at the Alamo Country Club in Alamo, Texas. This is a fantastic school for anyone interested in learning how to draw, paint, or work with clay. They offer daily classes on drawing with pencil, pen, ink, and watercolors. They work painting techniques with oil, acrylic, and watercolors, too. Pottery classes are set up weekly for learning sculpting techniques on the wheel. The studio hosts an art club and offers adult classes, kid classes, and summer camps. They even have programs for adults and kids with special needs. more Tipsy Canvas & Crazy Picasso This is a fun way for adults and children to enjoy their passion for painting. Located 15 minutes east of Mission in McAllen, Texas, you'll find Tipsy Canvas & Crazy Picasso. They offer adult classes, open studio classes, family-friendly classes, and kids classes. They provide supplies, games, prizes, and more. Come out to the adult class for $35 per person, and follow step-by-step instructions while painting a 16- by 20-inch canvas. Classes run 2-3 hours. The tipsy part allows adults of legal drinking age to bring their favorite bottle of wine and sip while they create. The open studio class allows you to choose any painting on canvas or glassware. The family friendly class is for ages 5 and up, so bring the little ones and let them explore the artistic world. The kids class is for children 5 and up. An instructor will teach the children basic techniques on an 11- by 14-inch canvass. Your kids will create something special you'll want to save forever. Tipsy Canvas & Crazy Picasso also hosts private parties for adults and children, summer camps, and private lessons. Art camps are held year round, and the studio even offers team building workshops for corporate events. Hands In Art Studio Located on North Conway Avenue in Mission, Texas, Hands in Art Studio offers a variety of hands-on workshops in wood, ceramics, and painting. Join them this holiday season to paint a holiday portrait. They also have a fun, sip and spin pottery class held weekly. Bring your favorite wine and create something unique. Classes are available for adults and children, covering everything from creating paintings of nature scenes to carving clever wooden signs. You can craft pottery bowls, vases, and plates, and then hand paint them. One of the unique things about Hands in Art Studio is that they invite local artists to come teach their workshops. This not only supports the local artists, but it also builds a sense of community people can grow and develop within. When you're ready to take a class or simply want to have a fun day with family or friends, check out one of these three places. Your artistic side will thank you.