Leticia L. Martinez

Belt out your favorite karaoke tunes or enjoy a game at Average Joe's, commonly referred to by the locals as AJ's. This popular sports bar and nightlife destination features several televisions, pool tables and a trivia night. You can even show off your skills in beer pong at one of the official beer pong tables.

Once the home of two Laredo merchant families in the early 20th century, the restored Italiante-style residence is now the Border Heritage Museum. This museum showcases the region's history, culture, industry and populations through a series of changing exhibits and educational seminars.

See the stars at The Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium, on the Texas A&M International University campus. Spend an afternoon or evening watching a feature film, exploring the heavens, learning about the secrets of outer space or even enjoying a show set to Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon." In Laredo, you won't find an attraction that's more out-of-this-world.

Come by the Sister Cities Festival for a cultural celebration featuring authentic Mexican food and dance. Vendors sell every kind of beautiful artisan crafts, from clothing to jewelry to furniture, at over 150 booths set up in the Laredo Energy Arena during this three-day period.