Laredo is situated on the Rio Grande's north bank in south Texas and across from Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The close proximity to the Mexican border has caused the city's economy to be based on international trade with Mexico. Close to manufacturers in north Mexico, the city plays a vital role in the trade between the two countries and it stands to reason that many major transportation companies would be represented here. Major Texan banks are found in Laredo and it has the largest inland port in the United States. Similarly, Nuevo Laredo has the largest in Latin America. The port of entry consists of five international bridges crossing the Rio Grande into the Mexican states of Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas. The city is a shopping destination for Mexican shoppers and the visitors wanting to stay over in the United States are welcomed by the hotels Laredo provides.
Almost half of the international trade from the United States to Mexico and vice versa goes through the port of Laredo. In essence, the economy of the city is based on commercial and industrial warehousing and imports and exports. The city's Laredo International Airport is less than 10 miles from select hotels Laredo has to offer.
Two festivals take place in the city every year. One is George Washington's Birthday Celebration and the other is the Jamboozie. Washington's Birthday festival is held every year in February and celebrations last throughout the month. This is the largest annual birthday celebration in the U.S. and includes a carnival, parades, fireworks, air shows and live concerts. The city also holds a local prom, with many of the elite dressing up for the occasion. The Jalapeño Festival, rated as a top 10 USA eating festival, Stockmen's Ball, Mr. South Texas Luncheon, Pocahontas Pageant and two big parades are also organized in conjunction with the Washington birthday events. A favorite with many tourists, guests of the hotels Laredo has listed will do well to plan a trip to coincide with these events. The Jamboozie, similar to the New Orleans' Mardi Gras, takes place in late January.
Guests of the hotels Laredo maintains are encouraged to pack a picnic basket and head for Lake Casa Blanca Park. Apart from a 1,680-acre artificial lake, the area is popular for camping, mountain biking, boating and skiing. Fishing piers and boat ramps are conveniently located to service the most popular activity on the lake, which is fishing. The northern Texans also favor this spot for winter visits.
A visit to the recreational park can be balanced the next day by visiting a museum. The Rio Grande Museum, in the historical district downtown, adjacent to La Posada, features exhibits displaying lots of memorabilia associated with the short-lived existence of the Rio Grande republic. Browse through the books and admire the nineteenth century furniture of Laredo. Visitors can book guided tours for both adults and children throughout the year. Thanks to this republic, Laredo used to fly seven flags over Texas, instead of six.
The Center of the Arts boasts three galleries: the Art League, Lilia Martinez and Goodman Galleries. The center also displays artwork of the region and hosts community events to entertain the residents of the city, both adults and children. The Little Theatre features live performances on-stage, including acts from standup comedians. Attractions in the city also include the Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center Planetarium on the campus of the Texas International University.
Hotels Laredo presents have their own air of elegance, boasting Spanish-influenced décor and colonial architecture. The modern Mexican furniture and wood-beam ceilings provide a warm cozy atmosphere. Guests can sample the cuisine from the in-house hotel restaurants or try the lively nightlife on Springfield Street and visit a selection of interesting pubs. Adjustable heating and air-conditioning provide the right temperature in the rooms all year long, allowing for a relaxing night's rest.
Fax and photocopying services are available for the guest who is in need of these facilities and the use of the hotel's high-speed Wi-Fi Internet access is included in the stay. The hotels have vending machines for snacks and drinks and can meet the supply to the forever hungry child. Laundry and dry-cleaning services are convenient when on vacation and should be used to make the trip complete.
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Sun, May 20 - Sunny
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Min : 21°C (70°F)
Mon, May 21 - Sunny
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Tue, May 22 - Sunny
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