George Gongora/Caller-Times file

TEJANO TRADITION: Accordionist Amadeo Flores plays his music at the Tejano R.O.O.T.S. Hall of Fame Museum in Alice. The museum honors Tejano artists, musicians and composers.

Alice has Tejano, cowboy roots

Birthplace of Tejano has world’s tallest concrete water tower

By Mike Bratten/Caller-Times

Alice is touted as the birthplace of Tejano music, a festive, accordion-driven sound with Mexican flavor and often romantic lyrics.

The Tejano R.O.O.T.S. Hall of Fame Museum honors Tejano artists, musicians, composers and others who have contributed to the Tejano culture. R.O.O.T.S. stands for "Remembering Our Own Tejano Stars."

Also in Alice is the South Texas Museum in the McGill Brothers Building, a structure that recalls the Alamo. Saddles, head mounts, antique firearms, farming tools and other exhibits reflect South Texas culture.

Alice also is the home of the tallest concrete water tower in the world, according to the town’s chamber of commerce. The tower is 165 feet tall.

People drive in from out of town to play at the Alice Municipal Golf Course, an 18-hole course.

And for those who enjoy military history, Alice is home to the Third Coast Squadron of the Confederate Air Force.

Another play area: Lake Alice, a nice picnic spot.

Information: Alice Chamber of Commerce (361) 664-3454.