This all-American hometown — just south of Houston, off Nolan Ryan Parkway — is quietly nestled in the endless miles of prairie-like frontier in Brazoria County. The city has...

This all-American hometown — just south of Houston, off Nolan Ryan Parkway — is quietly nestled in the endless miles of prairie-like frontier in Brazoria County. The city has grown from a cow prairie town to a rice and oil center, to a petrochemical kingdom and into the city it is today. Visitors enjoy outdoor fresh fruit and vegetable markets, 55,000-plus square feet of antique shopping, bass fishing, birding, nature trails, golf, camping, scuba diving, skydiving and more. Come enjoy the history, attractions and simple way of life.

During the spring, Shimek Gardens on C.R. 237 one mile west of the city is spectacular with more than 850 varieties of daylilies and roses on 4.3 acres. 281/331-4395. www.hal-pc.org/~neshimek.

Visit Froberg Farms for home-grown fruits and vegetables. Visitors often pick their own items. Tours are available by request Mon.–Fri. in May and Nov. On C.R. 190. 281/585-3531.

Alvin is also part of The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, which winds through 43 counties along the Texas coast. Completed in 2000, the trail features 308 distinct wildlife viewing sites. 888/900-2577. www.tpwd.state.tx.us/wildlifetrails.

Alvin Convention and Visitors Bureau: 105 West Willis. 281/585-3359.