Witness hometown hospitality in Kingsville

Also: Tour the famed King Ranch and try a Harrel’s milk shake

By Mike Bratten

Kingsville, off U.S. Highway 77, is a thriving community of about 26,000.

   South Texas’ glorious railroad and ranching past is charmingly preserved for visitors in Kingsville. Located just 45 miles southwest of Corpus Christi on U.S. Highway 77, Kingsville is a thriving community of about 26,000 who, beginning in the mid 1980s, revitalized their town into a bustling business center with turn-of-the-century flavor.
   With its numerous specialty shops, hometown hospitality and the famed King Ranch, it’s a must-see destination for visitors to South Texas. Here are a few stops that will make a day trip to Kingsville a memorable experience:

King Ranch
   The King Ranch was once the world’s largest ranch, famed for developing its own breed of cattle, the Santa Gertrudis. Founded in 1853 by Capt. Richard King, the 825,000-acre ranch is now a National Historical Landmark. King’s descendants still operate the ranch.
   Tours are given that highlight the ranch’s history and agricultural operations. The King Ranch Museum displays work depicting ranch life in the 1940s shot by famed Life magazine photographer Toni Frissel. And don’t miss the King Ranch Saddle Shop, which features an impressive array of quality handmade leather goods embossed with the famed running W brand. A wedding gift line was recently added to the shop’s inventory. Access it online at krsaddleshop.com
   Information: (361) 595-1424.

CactusFlower
   This women’s apparel store, located at 721 S. 14th St., has “anything there is to offer — from size 2 petite to 22,” said Sylvia Woelfel, who has owned it for the past six years. She prides herself on her clothing selection, which includes dresses, Rocky Mountain jeans, bridal wear, sportswear and missy’s dresses.
   Shoppers will also find jewelry, handbags and shoes, as well as shirts, wallets and belts for men.
   Information: (361) 592-0714.

Seller’s Market
   Local artisans and others from throughout Texas have sold their reasonably priced wares at this indoor arts-and-crafts bazaar for almost 15 years, said bookkeeper Juan Serrano.
   Items offered include crochet, knitting, water color and acrylic paintings, photography and woodwork. On Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, lunch is served in the Seller’s Market tea room. The business, at 205 E. Kleberg, is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
   Information: (361) 595-4992.

Harrel’s Kingsville Pharmacy
   Nick Harrel III’s grandfather opened this Kingsville institution at 204 E. Kleberg in 1916. It’s an old fashioned drug store with an authentic soda fountain and gift shop. Jewelry, purses, glassware, quilts and Afghans are among the gifts for sale. Breakfast at Harrel’s includes everything from pancakes to taquitos, and for lunch, the hamburgers and enchiladas are popular. The milk shakes can’t be beat. The store is open Monday through Saturday.
   Information: (361) 592-3354.

El Jardin Restaurant & Patio
   Carnes al carbon, or char-grilled meat such as fajitas and steaks, are the specialty of this Mexican restaurant at 330 E. Henrietta.
   Oscar Fuentes, who owns the business with his wife, Belinda, says the secret to their tasty meat is the way it’s cut, marinated and grilled — a combination of Mexico City-style cooking and family recipes.
   Other must-try entrees are enchiladas verdes (enchiladas with green tomatillo sauce), puerco en chile verde (pork stewed in green sauce with cylantro and chile peppers) and the grilled beef sweet bread.
   Information: (361) 595-5955.

Mike Bratten is a staff writer for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times