The city of Laredo is located in the north bank of the Rio Grande in South Texas, across from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Laredo is part of the Laredo-Nuevo Laredo Metropolitan Area with an estimated population of around 718,000. The economy of Laredo is based on international trade with Mexico, and is the largest inland port in the United States. A majority of large transportation companies have a facility in Laredo. The location of Laredo is close to manufacturers in North America, along the southern end of 1-35, thus helps promote its chief role in trade between the U.S. and Mexico. Laredo is the destination for many Mexican shoppers, some of whom come from Mexico City. For various Mexican restaurants and venues search the city’s yellow pages.
For tourism expansion, new hotels and suites have been built around the city. Laredo still celebrates what is the largest celebration of its kind in the United States; Washington's Birthday Celebration. It is a month long event that celebrates George Washington's Birthday. It was founded in 1898 by the Improved Order of the Red Men, a local chapter tribe.The celebration is held during the entire month of February, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists. For those interested in the businesses involved in the celebration, check out the Texas business directory.
The Republic of the Rio Grande Museum is a notable attraction for tourists looking for historic venues. The museum hosts guided tours for school age children and adults year-round. Laredo is also distinctive for its flying seven flags, the Flag of the Republic of Rio Grande in addition to the Six Flags of Texas.