The ferry at Los Ebanos is a far cry from the slick concrete bridges that tie the U.S. and Mexico together at many points along the river. Still propelled by pulling a rope by hand, the ferry can accommodate three cars and a number of pedestrians each trip. You can ride for a few cents, set foot on Mexican soil, then come back for a few more cents, helping pull the ferry across as part of the experience. La Lomita Mission Located just south of Mission, the city which took its name from La Lomita, the small chapel is set in an area of natural beauty, not far from the Rio Grande River. First built in 1865 by the Oblate Fathers, it was rebuilt in 1899.
Visitors can enjoy a sunny summer day on the picnic grounds.
Shary Estate Birthplace of today's vast Valley citrus industry, the estate was home of John Shary, credited with being the father of Texas citrus. Although the estate is not open to the public, just driving by the lush orchards is an experience, especially in the winter when the trees are heavy with fruit, or in March, when the air is heavy with the fragrance of orange and grapefruit blossoms. Nearby stores offer fresh picked fruit and fresh squeezed orange and grapefruit juice in season- the sweetest anywhere. Several orchard operators will allow you to pick your own fruit right off the tree. President Eisenhower stayed here when he was in South Texas for the dedication of Falcon Dam in the 1950's.