Shopping

He’s probably already bought himself everything he wants. So what do you wrap and put under the tree? Any or all of this list of to-the-minute good taste will appeal to his sophisticated side—and if he doesn’t have one, it’s time for him to cultivate it.  

Business interests in Ciudad Acuña are pulling out all the stops to lure tourists back to what they see as the safest Mexican border town of any opposite United States cities such as Del Rio. The planned reintroduction of Mexican, Spanish and Portuguese-style bullfights begins Sat., (Nov. 17) with the performance of a world-class rejoneador, Pablo Hermoso de Mendoza.

Russell True Value Hardware is Del Rio’s central location for both traditional home repair and enhancement merchandise, hunting and fishing gear, and lawn and garden supplies, but it’s also a first choice for shoppers looking for unique gifts, wedding presents, fashion accessories, and unusual foodstuff.

Del Rio is chock full of “best kept secrets,” but one worthy of unveiling is Khan’s Empire in a small strip mall facing What-A-Burger. The small store houses astonishing collections of Oriental jewelry, art, teapots, clothing and craft from all around the Pacific Rim. Owner Yunling is also a storehouse of knowledge about the cultures of a dozen or more countries, as well as the pearls and jade that adorn necks, ears and wrists around the globe.

Del Rio’s Ross Building Emporium is a historic landmark in downtown’s historic district, and enjoys pilgrimages this time of year by loyal customers and newcomers to the area largely because of its reputation as a fun place to visit.  The startling variety of children’s games, books and toys, combined with an old fashioned soda fountain, are a draw many parents and their progeny cannot resist.

Downtown Del Rio’s only eatery and fashion shop combination, the Brown Bag Deli and Buffalo Girls, is geared up for Christmas shoppers’ acquisitive and culinary appetites. An extensive inventory of new seasonal gifts and clothing fills the shelves and all corners of Buffalo Girls, and owner Shannon Brown believes her lunchtime menu is just as festive.

Marisa Zvorak is the artist and florist behind the Amistad Florist and Garden of Art Gallery on Veterans Boulevard. A native of Spain with a cosmopolitan view and experience of the world, Zvorak strives to maintain an environment of learning and creating art among serious art students here. Her own art and collections are on display now, too.