Falling in love with McAllen, Texas

I have been in love with Texas ever since the three years I lived in Denton, while attending college. Two weeks I fell in love all over again, but this time it was with McAllen, Texas. McAllen is great. I’d love to live there! You can see the sun from every place in McAllen. No tall buildings. The air, although warm (or perhaps hot!) seems very clean. The people are friendly and the city boasts an enormous medical center. It seems as though I’m not the only person who feels this way. Upon my return I read an article on CNN online listing the top 10 places to live in the USA. Guess which place was #1? McAllen! Let me take you on a quick trip through Humble, Texas and on to McAllen.

As you know, everything in Texas is big; so big that it made sense for me to fly to McAllen rather than drive from Houston. On my way to the airport I stopped in to visit Debby Barnett Beal at the A2Z Educational Supplies Store in Humble, Texas. Debby’s store is filled to the brim with neat, educational resources and as she says, it’s really close to the airport!


The A2Z Educational Supply Store [left] and Debbie Barnett Beal [right] helping a customer in her store.

The gigantic Gateway Printing and Office Supply headquarters is located in Edinburg, a short distance down the highway from McAllen. The main store is housed in an old building with plank floors. It feels like stepping back in time, especially because of the friendly customer service. At the back of the store, within the same building, is the printing operation.


The enormous, Gateway store [left] and chatting with Shawnea Cantu [right], buyer.

O’Neil Specialty Company has been a McAllen family business for 3 generations. Although there are two locations for the O’Neil Specialty Company, I met with Nydia Garza at the home office and warehouse in McAllen.


The O'Neall warehouse located in McAllen [left] and Nydia Garza Califa [right] in her office.

Jones Cook Stationers is a well known chain right across Texas.
One of the main locations, which has an excellent selection of educational resources, is located right in McAllen. Austin Miller, Pily Almendarez and I had a great visit. I love McAllen and can hardly wait to return!



The educational audio display at Jones Cook Stationers [left], Austin Miller [right], manager and Pily Almendarez [bottom], sales associate.