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If you’ve ever made the trip from San Antonio to the Rio Grande Valley — or vice versa — you know that those 230-some-odd miles of highway can seem long and never-ending. 

There are two main highways that connect the Valley to all points north — U.S. 281 and U.S. 77. But both highways will one day share the same name as part of the future Interstate 69 corridor. While many of the tiny towns between here and there may seem like blink-and-you-miss-them blips, there are a few hidden gems along the way. MySA recently visited some that are worth a stop.

Just a few miles outside Edinburg, travelers will find a roadside store called Artesanias Los Girasoles, filled with colorful metal and ceramic figurines crafted by Mexican artisans. One of the first things drivers will notice as they approach is a colorful display of sculptures that pay homage to the store’s namesake, sunflowers.

The cheery yellow metal sunflowers are displayed alongside a dizzying variety of other metal artworks, including red roses with ladybugs, verdant green cacti, and larger-than-life bluebonnets. There are also a number of Texas-themed animals to choose from, including armadillos, longhorn cows, caterpillars and even a skunk. 

Inside, Artesanias Los Girasoles offers hundreds of hand-painted Talavera plant pots, dinnerware, and decor. And for those looking for unique pieces, the store offers larger items, such as religious statuary, chimineas and clay pots that can hold mature trees.

Find it: Artesanias Los Girasoles, 31564 N. Expressway 281, Edinburg, TX 78542

At Garcia’s Brothers Fruit Market & Cabritos, you can find the freshest in-season fruit and vegetables while cutting out the grocery store middleman. Here, summertime visitors will find melons, watermelons and mangoes sold by the box, or onions sold by the sack, for a fraction of the cost of big box stores. Wintertime brings Valley specialties, like oranges, Valley lemons, and red grapefruit. Garcia’s also offers a wide variety of Mexican pottery and something unique — cabrito, or young goat, ready to roast in a fire pit or above a spit.

Find it: 37356 N. Expressway 281, Edinburg, TX 78542

For centuries, a unique geological formation has played an important role in South Texas’ history. From the Native peoples who used its resources for food and spiritual ceremonies, to munitions manufacturing during the Civil War, to its modern-day incarnation as a protected wildlife preserve, La Sal Del Rey is a destination just off the beaten path that’s worth exploring.

Located north of Edinburg along Texas 186 between I-69-C and I-69-E, this natural salt lake is named in honor of the Spanish monarchy and contains an estimated 4 million tons of pure salt. It’s a perfect place to catch a sunset in solitude or get in some birdwatching.

Find it: TX-186, about 3.5 miles east of U.S. 281. Or along Brushline Road, about 1.5 miles north of TX-186.

Once upon a time, a trip up to San Antonio required passing through a tiny little speed bump of a town called Premont. But that changed in 2024, when the Texas Department of Transportation completed a major relief route along U.S. 281, allowing high-speed traffic to bypass Premont entirely. Nonetheless, if you’re feeling snackish, the Oasis Restaurant in the heart of town is worth exiting for.

The restaurant looks unassuming from the outside — a low-slung building with a sign out front bearing a stylized image of a palm tree and a sun is all that beckons drivers to stop. Inside, the restaurant is a blissfully cold respite from the heat outside. The menu consists of simple Tex-Mex fare and American classics. There’s also fried catfish and shrimp served family style, free chips and salsa, and strong iced tea.

Find it: 303 S. Broadway St., Premont, TX 78375

Over in Kingsville, the King Ranch is both a working ranch and a living connection to the history of the Old West. The 825,000-acre ranch offers daily guided tours for a variety of interests — whether you want to see how things were done during Texas’ frontier days, you’re interested in modern ranching and agricultural practices, or you’re looking to spot a plant or animal that can only be found in South Texas. For those looking to stay cool in the Texas summer heat, the King Ranch Museum, located further into town, features historic artifacts and photos and an up-close look at the history of the King Ranch’s infamous quarter horses. Both facilities are open Tuesday through Saturday.

Find it: King Ranch Visitor Center, 2205 TX-141 W, Kingsville, TX 78363

King Ranch Museum, 405 N. 6th St., Kingsville, TX 78363

If exploring the King Ranch makes you work up an appetite, the Spice Station Indian Cuisine restaurant is just the ticket to satisfy it. This family-owned restaurant was featured on The Texas Bucket List. Diners will find traditional Indian food offerings, like butter chicken, vegetable samosas and naan. Like the Bucket List, MySA recommends the loaded French fries, which come topped with chicken 65, butter chicken, cheese, and tzatziki. If you’re not sure what to try, don’t worry, Spice Station offers free samples.

Find it: 1030 E. Lott Ave., Kingsville, TX 363