General-

Bills itself as the 'Queen City of the Rio Grande', the former seat of Val Verde (green valley) County that covers more than 3,000 square miles.

Agriculture includes cattle ranching, extensive production of sheep, lambs, wool, and mohair from Angora goats. Abundant hunting for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, javelins, dove and quail. Fishing, boating and water sports on Amistad Reservoir.

With some 400 archaeological sites, area is among nation's richest in aboriginal cave paintings. See Amistad Recreation areas below. Local transportation makes it easy to visit Mexico, just across the border. Regularly scheduled crossings throughout the day to Ciudad Acuña, (see below), For complete visitor details, maps, brochures and Mexico information, visit the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce, 1915 Ave. F; open weekdays; (210)775-3551.

Amistad Recreation Area-

Swimming beaches, marinas, boat ramps, free campgrounds administered by National Park Service on U.S. side of huge international Amistad Reservoir. From Recreation Area headquarters on U.S. 90 at west edge of Del Rio, obtain information, maps, brochures, and directions to Panther Cave (boat access only), outstanding Indian pictograph site. Headquarters. open Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Ciudad Acuña-

City across from the Rio Grande from Del Rio. Intriguing night spots, restaurants, fascinating shops offering handmade silver, decorative wrought iron, jewelry, woven goods, leather craft, pottery and souvenirs. Lake-Amistad Reservoir.

Son Felipe Springs and Moore Park-

Lush oasis in semiarid setting, springs were important watering stop on historic Chihuahua Road that connected Texas port of Indianola with Chihuahua City, Mexico. Springs flow some 90 million gallons of clear pure water daily! San Felipe Country Club golf course (semiprivate) surrounds springs, and Moore Park provides a large swimming pool.

Val Verde Winery-

Family enterprise in its fourth generation, founded in 1883 by Italian immigrants. Grapes had been grown in the area since 1825, but other varieties from Spain, America and Mexico were introduced. Still operated by the family, the winery welcomes visitors during regular business hours. Open Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Access via Pecan St. south,

Walking Tour-

visit downtown area of historic buildings, churches and homes dating from the 1800s, including the 1887 courthouse. Also ancient aceqtiia system (irrigation canals) still in use. Walking tour brochure from the chamber of commerce (see above, General).

Whitehead Memorial Museum-

Dedicated to the life and legends of frontier Southwest, museum in rustic structure that was early trading post serving both Texas and Mexico. Plan at least two hours to roam through the 2 1/2 acres and 11 exhibit sites. Judge Roy Bean and his son are buried on the museum grounds.

Open Tues. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Sun. I - 5 p.m. 1308 S. Main St. For information, call (210) 774-7568. Admission.