Day Trip to Kingsville 🤠 (FULL EPISODE) S6 E8

THROWBACK EPISODE - This episode originally aired on PBS on December 22, 2014. Some of the locations may have changed. Check thedaytripper.com for the most up-to-date information.
If the worth of a Texified kingdom were valued in cattle, oil, and land, then the King Ranch is the most powerful kingdom our state has ever seen. Dating back to the 1800’s, this ranch is almost as legendary as the Lone Star State, itself. Exploring the ranch and the nearby town of Kingsville makes for a really fun adventure.
The King Ranch measures 825,000 acres which totals some 1300 square miles. That’s bigger than Rhode Island and roughly the size of Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio combined. Conclusion - this place is HUGE. The history of the ranch dates back to the 1800’s when Captain Richard King fell in love with the Santa Gertrudis creek and started purchasing the land around it for cattle operations. The best place to start is at the King Ranch Museum in town where articles like photos, vehicles and saddles tell the ranch’s long history.
To visit the ranch itself, all you have to do is head about 3 miles outside of town. The most common way to explore the ranch is to hop on a bus tour which leaves from the visitor’s center and takes guests around the property pointing out historic places like the mansion, horse graveyard and iconic stables. You also make a stop at the Weaver’s Cottage to talk to a real “Kineno” cowboy descending from the Mexican families that followed Captain King to Texas when he was just getting started. Those wishing for a deeper dive can also arrange for a private tour.
After you’ve seen a small portion of ranch life, head to Kingsville proper and explore the town that popped up after Henrietta King donated land to bring in the railroad. The historic district is primarily one street bookended by the Kleburg County Courthouse and Henrietta King High School. In the middle are a collection of businesses such as the King Ranch Saddle Shop where they handcraft amazing saddles and other leather goods bearing the “Running W” brand of the ranch.
The King Ranch is much more than just cattle. And just as rich as the human side to the ranch is, the natural side is just as plentiful. Accordingly, the ranch offers nature tours for folks seeking the “wild side” of the ranch. Visitors are likely to see javelina, alligators, deer and some of the ranch’s 300 species of birds. If you’ve never seen a Green Jay in the wild, then you are missing out. Folks literally come from all around the world to experience birding at the King Ranch.
When your stomach starts growling, Harrel’s Kingsville Pharmacy and Soda Fountain will be just what the doctor ordered. It’s a great place to shop for knick-knacks, fill your prescription or belly up to the bar for shakes, burgers, and homemade Mexican food.
If you’re looking for fresh seafood down here by the coast, then head about 20 miles down the road to Riviera, Texas and dine on the water at the King’s Inn. This legendary seafood restaurant has been serving up amazing fare since the 30’s. Start your meal with an avocado salad, and then order anything you want from their verbal menu. Just make sure to get extra tartar sauce. Trust me on this one.
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[@ElizabethRodriguez-tp3pn]

I am born and raised in Houston and moved to Kingsville in 2021 at 30 years old. I was soooo depressed for about the first 6 months here. It was such a drastic change from the city, and I missed my family terribly. Kingsville has grown on me so much since then. I love living here, and I don't find myself in a hurry to go back to Houston any time soon. I actually find myself scurrying back to Kingsville when I am in Houston visiting 😂. I think the slow pace of the town and the friendly people have changed this city girls heart. If I ever make it back home to Houston, Kingsville will always hold a special place in my heart as my adoptive home. For now, I am a happy camper here ❤.

[@Jaejoa]

That’s my hometown! Can’t believe we missed the day tripper

[@jaysmith5047]

It was always a drive through place on the way to Houston. The history of the King Ranch is fascinating.

[@CaptDickJackman]

I lived in Kingsville for 8 yrs total as a Federal Employee on NAS Kingsville. Now I’m living in shitty Flint, MI. I hate it here. I wish myself and family were still living in Kingsville. Man do I miss it! 😢 I miss being able to drive out with my family to Corpus. Oh wait…..we’re moving back this coming Feb!! Wooo I can’t wait! Never leaving ever again.

[@javierrivera9541]

Went to Kingsville for college & I loved the town ❤

[@TheDaytripper]

🤠

[@MuramasaM]

My hometown, just happened to see this video pop up. Glad I watched, was also cool to see my uncle get to talk about making saddles. Good video

[@michaelescareno7048]

I remember that Kings Inn from my days living in Corpus Christi. It is a phenomenal place!!!!

[@rwinstanley8668]

Who’d of thunk birding could be so exciting! Tom’s excitement is infectious!

[@lorriof6737]

Great episode! I had no idea all of this existed in Kingsville 👏🏻😎

[@TheDaytripper]

🤠

[@Anxietyon4Feet]

I actually teared up this is my little home town I haven't left yet but I will I always dreamt of it no one understands when I say kingsville I have to say south of corpus Christi yaaaayyy I hope kingsville gets a little love

[@ERyan806]

I just moved to Kingsville recently from Daytona Beach, Florida. I'm still getting used to this small town compared to where I came from but it's nice.

[@Anxietyon4Feet]

That's a big step Florida to Texas welcome to kingsville! 😁

[@lilliangarza9918]

Wow!! I love in kingsville too! It may be little but it's my home town. Don't plan on leaving it ❤

[@lilliangarza9918]

Live*

[@lilliangarza9918]

❤

[@pac2jam]

5 days a week, I have the privilege of driving through the Santa Gertrudis, Encino, Laureles, and Norias divisions for work as an Environmental Professional. My favorite is the Laureles with easy access to Alazan bay.

[@sylviagonzalez9260]

That's my pharmacy, love it there❤

[@davidwright8850]

Great show! Thx for showing all our favorite places!

[@TheDaytripper]

🤠

[@SCWhataguy]

My grandpa was a butler at the king ranch mansion and my mother grew up in one of the small homes right next to the carriage house. My grandmother lived there when I was a kid and I would ride my bike around and snoop around the carriage house. I would hear the peacocks all the time that lived right next to the mansion.

[@TheDaytripper]

amazing!

[@reckessktn__7995]

so many gems during the animal tour, love it

[@j-farr9294]

TAMUK!!! Go Hoggies!!! BTW, it looked like he was leaving Kingsville in the intro 😂😂😂

[@dee3516]

Went to TAMUK from 2012-2019, and my final three years I studied soil science and horticulture in the Agriculture department! Surprisingly learned a lot from this video, and it brought back a lot of memories. Love your channel!

[@JDDOWDY]

Awesome video. Thank you for sharing your video with us. God bless from west Texas.

[@glennfoster2423]

My wife's cousin lives in Kingsville. Great place to live and visit.

[@JustCallMeLiberty]

I love the bird guy!

[@whizbang7130]

My old stomping grounds. Lived there twice, hasn't changed much. Love Harrel's drug store. The vanilla phosphate is the best!

[@michaelandrus6433]

I live in northwest Texas and see green jays all the time

[@nikitakemkar7561]

Thank you for sharing your video with us..my doughter is there 👍.. Mom From India..❤️

[@Jhorak101]

Kingsville is my home town. The Kings Inn sign is no more the I-69 project had it removed.

[@robertstout260]

Love the green bird at the end of the bird part.Kings Inn is a great place also.

[@williamscoggin1509]

That leather jacket looked really good on you. I hope you bought it

[@richardbruce7883]

Born and raised there, wouldn't trade it

[@JR-id7lf]

I want to go on a tour with that guy! 🤠🦆🦌🐊

[@hellhound1389]

Being someone who grew up on a cattle farm we were developing all sorts of hybrids. We only had at our largest 3 dozen head but one of the bulls we managed to get as a loan was those types. We incorporated that breed raising our own special cattle. We had cattle that were resilient yet laid back so the meat stayed tender. It was a very large breed producing a lot of beef yet well marbled with a good amount of fat. We supplied a few local restaurants but after I left my father drove the business into the ground because he didn't want me to have an inheritance. Eventually cancer took him and the bills took the farm. I still drive by farms and can see the ones we developed because the color and size

[@FATHERKNOSEBEST]

Nice Video 😇 My great grandparents lived on The King Ranch along with their 9 children way back when. I'm 65 now and our last aunt ( Nena ) passed away about 2 years ago. Yes. Kineños 😇 The Klebergs I believe took over after Mr King passed on.

[@jamescashion719]

lived in Kingsville while working on the King Ranch back in the late 70s, early 80s

[@airgunfun4248]

Nice one Chet!

[@ZoKitchen]

Beautiful scarlet red bird.. delicious sausages

[@CobHes]

Imagine buying 15,000 Acres in Texas for 300$. THATS CRAZY. 1 acre is about 5,000$ right now

[@TejasBobGOM]

When I lived there it was Texas A & I. I was among the last Navy aircraft miniatous people, Now civilian contractors.

[@timd1833]

Great 'travel log'. I was told over 50-60 years ago that at one time the employees of the King Ranch were paid in script that was only good at the King Ranch 'general store'. Don't know when that practice began (if ever) or when it stopped. Has anyone else ever heard of this???

[@TheKnightedOne]

I believe that was only during the depression, I remember them telling us about it when we were kids.

[@TheAverageOne178]

Welcome to the hick team! 😘

[@Shiny_Scrafty]

If u had gone into ol girls kitchen there they run a restaurant out of what was once the first bank of Kingsville and still has the original vault that they love showing off

[@Martinezm0500]

My home town but moved when I was only 2 with parents

[@hellhound1389]

That King ranch edition F150 was the only one I've ever seen not in a scrapyard

[@subnoizesoldier2]

I live in Corpus Christi Texas. There’s not really much in Kingsville.

[@aaronalaniz3362]

Homeboy drinking that hatorade

[@sylviagonzalez9260]

I live right behind that museum

[@ERyan806]

I just helped open a restaurant on the corner of 6th St. and Yoakum. Mesquite House BBQ. Be sure to check it out. Award winning BBQ.

[@sylviagonzalez9260]

​@@ERyan806I plan on checking it out soon I'm just down the block right past the railroad tracks

[@sylviagonzalez9260]

​@@ERyan806went by today, delicious 😋

[@richardbruce7883]

Monica in there serving drinks

[@sylviagonzalez9260]

Best tarter sauce yum

[@timd1833]

Chuy's 'green sauce' recipe has been hacked or somehow revealed. Maybe the tartar sauce recipe is out there too?

[@sylviagonzalez9260]

@@timd1833 I've been looking lol

[@chatalaine]

I sure wish you would dump the music! We can’t hear all the great info darlin’!

[@timd1833]

It gets a bit loud, drowning out the voices. Especially the saddle maker in this episode.

[@mooreorlessvideos]

Forgot about the stolen landing took

[@baileymcfarland5600]

Second

[@clydekimsey7503]

Third😊

[@LUH_MADRIDISTA]

Kingsville is your hometown peoples 👇 (I liked my own comment)

[@fiveapples_2.0]

first

[@beah3230]

There is a lot more to Richard King's story. History fails to tell the thousands of acres Richard King stole from Mexican native families. He coerced families to sell their land for pennies on the dollar, and then he convinced the Mexicans to live on his ranch and work the land for nothing. There are over 1000 Mexicans who died while working his land. They are buried at the King Ranch with no markers or memorials to attest to their history at the King Ranch. Even a few movies that have been made to tell the story of Richard King depict all white people working the land, which is a lie.

[@chrisr8916]

This place is a**

[@elvergudo6098]

Didnt this man takeover this land not just bought out willingly if anything