597802 Fri Feb 20 08:36:31 -0800 2009 8 55 Mexico 0 4369089 Absolutely drive across the border to Arturo's and park in their lot. Also good is La Fogata, where you should get the mixed grill and charro beans. There are dining rooms up over several of the larger stores, most notably Canada. Thu Jan 29 09:00:17 -0800 2009 259172 Jaymes 1 4370906 Tell me a little more about Arturo's please. What kind of hassle is it to cross? What town is this? Thu Jan 29 16:15:15 -0800 2009 4369089 14012 DetectDave 2 4370966 The town is Nuevo Progresso, about six miles south of Weslaco. You can park on the Texas side of the border, for a minimal price, and walk across the bridge. I would not drive as your insurance is not valid in Mexico, and a minor traffic accident will likely result in your car being impounded, plus the town is very small and everything is within walking distance. Arturo's is about a quarter mile or more, or less on the left. The waiters have been there 15-30 years. The margaritas are unbelievable, premium tequila for less than two dollars, nothing sweet, just tequila, lime juice and liquer. I like the fresh seafood and nachos. Crossing is no problem, just be sure you have a photo ID and birth certificate to get back to the US. The town has a website, just punch in Nuevo Progresso, they have links to restaurants, shopping, and other things like Mexican farmacias and dentistas, pharmacies and dentists that winter Texans like to frequent. Thu Jan 29 16:35:17 -0800 2009 4370906 198541 James Cristinian 3 4371111 Actually, if you're driving your own vehicle, most likely you are covered by your own insurance within a few miles of the border. Most border Texans drive over there all the time and think nothing of it. That's what I do. Check with your insurance carrier if that's what you'd like to do. If, on the other hand, you're renting a car, you definitely cannot take it out of the US. Here's the website for the town of Nuevo Progreso (although everybody just calls it Progreso): http://www.shop-progreso.com/ Arturo's is several blocks in, and on the left-hand side. They have their own guarded parking lot. Thu Jan 29 17:20:04 -0800 2009 4370966 259172 Jaymes 4 4371506 I think that this restaurant may be where one of my clients in Harlingen took me for dinner across the border. We had Chateaubriand. Does that sound right? If so, the food was wonderful. The service was amazing and rather old world. The parking lot was guarded and there was an attendant in the ladies room... you don't see that much anymore. Please let me know if you happen to know where I'm talking about, OK? Thu Jan 29 20:15:31 -0800 2009 4371111 14268 Rene 5 4371966 It could be Arturo's. There is an attendant in the ladies room and a guarded parking lot. I don't know that I would say that the restaurant itself has an "old world" feel, but the waitstaff is all men, wearing black jackets & ties, professional waiters, and they sure do. You don't get service like that very much in the US anymore. The restaurant in Progreso that really feels 'old world' is upstairs, but no parking lot. Arturo's does have a lot of "fancy" things on the menu - like frog's legs, etc. It's always crowded and boisterous during the day, full of shoppers and day visitors, but can be more subdued and feels more formal at night. It's likely that's where you were, but I wouldn't say for sure. As far as your birth certificate goes, make sure your copy has a raised seal. You can feel if it does. And you also need a government-issued picture ID, like a driver's license. If your knees are not great for long walking, you can always grab a cab after you get to Progreso. Fri Jan 30 04:35:19 -0800 2009 4371506 259172 Jaymes 3 4371930 Things sounds awesome. I'm assuming a birth certificate copy will work? My knees are not great for long walking but premium margaritas and great food makes all pains go away..LOL I'll havea rental so walking will be in order. Fri Jan 30 03:28:55 -0800 2009 4370966 14012 DetectDave 4 4371955 The US Customs website said a certified copy. I got one from the state in a matter of weeks. I just wouldn't drive, period, although my sister-in-law does. She's from the valley and has been doing it all her life. Everything is in walking distance, and traffic moves at a crawl. It is also easier to get back if you walk. Resist the urge to give money to the many children begging. The Mexican government has signs posted stating that they want their children in school, and giving them money,while seemingly a humanitarian gesture, is actually counterproductive. Before they put sides on the bridge, folks would ask for nickels on the way over, and quarters on the way back. I think the logic is that a few margaritas would loosen people up. Fri Jan 30 04:21:22 -0800 2009 4371930 198541 James Cristinian 1 4374186 yes, arturos. im glad someone remembered the name. excellent place Fri Jan 30 15:58:20 -0800 2009 4369089 237396 bpdhlbrg