Kingsville: Hot Time, Summer In The City

Yes, it is summertime in Kingsville again.  We aren’t at all like our pioneer ancestors who endured Kingsville’s summers without modern air conditioning.  What a bunch of wimps we have become.  The winter Texans are long gone and we are clinging to our air conditioning for dear life.  Whatever you do, don’t ask me to go outside in Kingsville in the summer.

Ok, how about some inside, air conditioned things to do.  You can visit the King Ranch and take their air conditioned bus ride around the Santa Gertrudis division.  (27.520204 lat, -97.896295 long)  Regular tours are held all summer long.  All kinds of cows, horses, birds, and assorted critters are just waiting for your visit, and you get to greet them from a cool, air conditioned bus. 

There is the King Ranch Museum, you know, the old Ice House.  (27.520147 lat, -97.868035 long)  Take a look at ranching history in our area of the Wild Horse Desert.  They have a very large alligator on display in the entry way.  Be sure to ask the ladies at the front desk to tell you how ice was made back in 1915.  You can enjoy a bit of science along with your history lesson in cool comfort.

You and your family can visit the John E. Connor Museum on the TAMUK campus.  (27.522259 lat, -97.879364 long)  Not only will you be able to enjoy the Hall of Horns, but you can also see displays of natural history and early ranching history.  This summer the Connor Museum will host Summer Camp classes for kids ages 4-12.  In lovely air conditioning children will get to learn about pottery, art, science and physics.  Call 593-2810 to find out the schedule.

If you are going to be in town for July 4th, be sure to attend the Kingsville Symphony Orchestra concert at Jones Auditorium, 3:00p.m.  (27.52419 lat, -97.878624 long) You might even need a sweater for that event. 

When was the last time you enjoyed an old fashioned soda fountain?  Well, Kingsville has one at Harrel’s Kingsville Pharmacy.  (27.516778 lat, -97.86737 long)  All in air conditioned comfort sit your self down in a booth or right up at the counter and order a milk shake or other cool summer treat.  Maybe some of the old timers will be there sipping coffee.  Just ask and they will tell you some grand stories of Kingsville back in the day. 

So, you have enjoyed the King Ranch, history at the Connor, a refreshing ice cream.  Now it is time to get serious.  Stop by the 1904 Kingsville Train Depot Museum and find out about Kingsville community history and trains.  (27.516983 lat, -97.868394 long)  Ask about the original air conditioning system of the Depot while you enjoy the modern A/C.  If the telegraph operator is on duty be sure to ask about how the ice from the Ice House was used before the age of refrigerated produce cars on the railroad and home refrigerators.  There are lots of ways to keep cool in Kingsville, past and present.