Forever Living Aloe Plantation (Harlingen)

The south Texas valley region is billed as the aloe vera capital of the nation, and in Harlingen you can find the Forever Living Aloe Plantation. We decided to check it out, but, unfortunately, our expectations were set a little too high.

You enter a main room with side offices and wait for someone from one of those side offices to walk out and notice you. It wasn't a long wait, but you begin to wonder if you entered through the correct door; I didn't see any signs that offered guidance.

After being noticed, we were directed to a viewing room to watch a 15 minute video, which was interesting and informative. One thing I got out of the video is that aloe vera is difficult to harvest, requiring a lot of workers who have to gently handle each plant.

Afterwards, back in the main room, we checked out samples of different aloe vera products. I was interested in purchasing some of these products, but there were none to be seen, just samples. This time, no one came from a side office to assist us. Looking at samples can only hold the interest for so long, so we decided to leave. On our way out someone emerged from one of the offices and said that we could have a free aloe vera plant. We had enough aloe vera plants at home, so we declined.

I imagine that our experience would have been different if we hadn't come during an off time. This was a Friday morning in the middle of May. I was disappointed that I came away empty handed after being prepared to shell out some cash. Perhaps we'll try another time when they're more prepared to see visitors.