Day Trips

The Selena Museum in Corpus Christi resembles what the singer's attic might have looked like if she had lived long enough to acquire one. The collection of photos, clothes, and trophies are a reminder of a voice silenced much too early.

Even to someone with only a passing interest in her music, the hallmarks of her life will impress as documents of her career on the rise. In the center of the museum glows the 1994 Grammy Award that solidified her title as The Queen of Tejano Music.

With her music playing in the background, the room spins with Selena memorabilia: four Gold Records and three Platinum awards. She was the first female Tejano music artist to have an album achieve gold status, and to have five No. 1 singles.

In a corner of the museum, hidden behind the towering accolades, is a faded photo of 8-year-old Selena Quintanilla singing at a backyard party with her brothers and sister. And then in 1995, at the age of 23, the dream ended.

The Selena Museum is at 5410 Leopard St. in Corpus Christi, near the junction of I-37 and Padre Island Dr. The museum is open Monday through Friday, 10am to 4pm. Admission is $3. A life-sized statue of Selena, Mirador de la Flor, stands at the Peoples St. T-head, on 502 N. Shoreline. She is buried at the Seaside Memorial Park at 4357 Ocean Dr.

1,094th in a series. Collect them all. Day Trips, a book of "Day Trips," is available for $8.95, plus $3.05 for shipping, handling, and tax. Mail to: Day Trips, PO Box 33284, South Austin, TX 78704.