>>Alpine
Nestled in a valley between the Davis, Glass and Del Norte Mountains, Alpine is convenient to all the attractions of the Big Bend Region. It offers one of the most agreeable climates in the whole state of Texas: warm, sunny winter days and cool summer nights. The shops and galleries of Alpine offer an impressive array of fine art, local arts and crafts, cowboy gear and apparel, local rocks and gems, and Mexican imports.
Alpine from Sierra La Rana
Alpine hosts many exciting events such as Alpine’s Gallery Night Art Walk, the Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering, and the Cinco de Mayo Festival.
Alpine’s restaurants and cafes will surprise and please the sophisticated palate with southwestern fusion, organic steaks, Tex-Mex platters and good old fashioned Bar-B-Que.
Visit the Alpine Convention and Visitors’ Bureau/Chamber of Commerce for maps, guides and information.
FEATURED EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS
Historic Walking and Windshield Tour
Get your tour brochure at the Alpine Convention and Visitors’ Bureau office (106 N. 3rd, open M-F 8-5, Saturday 10-2) and then explore Alpine’s many historic landmarks by foot or auto. www.alpinetexas.com
Sul Ross State University
Established in 1920, the university’s picturesque campus overlooks Alpine and the surrounding valley. Every summer, the university’s Theatre of the Big Bend entertains visitors and locals with performances at the Kokernot Outdoor Theatre. www.sulross.edu
Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross - photo by Beth Nobles, Texas Mountain Trail Project
Museum of the Big Bend
On the Sul Ross State University campus, the museum’s permanent exhibits explore the natural and human history of the region, honoring the contributions of Native Americans as well as Spanish, Mexican and Anglo-American settlers. Temporary exhibits feature art work and crafts. Tuesday-Saturday, 9-5, Sunday, 1-5. www.sulross.edu/~museum/
Kokernot Field & Park
This unique rural ballpark, modeled as a miniature of Wrigley Field, was built in 1947 by area rancher Herbert D. Kokernot to house his own minor league team, the Alpine Cowboys. The 20-acre city park offers shade trees, picnic areas, walking trails, a pool and playground.
Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering
The oldest cowboy poetry gathering in Texas brings poets and listeners to Alpine every February to enjoy chuck wagon cooking, blacksmithing, exhibitions of western art and custom cowboy gear, musical performances, and readings by select cowboy poets.
www.cowboy-poetry.org
Big Bend Balloon Bash
Each morning of Labor Day weekend, hot air balloons paint the West Texas skies over Alpine. Visitors to the launch site enjoy balloon, helicopter and powered parachute rides. www.bigbendballoonbash.com
Big Bend Balloon Bash - Alpine, TX
Alpine’s Gallery Night Art Walk
The streets of downtown fill with art lovers every November as Alpine’s many galleries open their doors for a weekend of special exhibits, music and refreshments. Galleries display work by local and visiting artists. www.alpinegallerynight.com
Rodeo
The San Antonio Livestock Exposition Arena at Sul Ross State University hosts roping and riding events throughout the year, including National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) competitions in October and the annual Big Bend Ranch Rodeo in August for working cowboys. www.sulross.edu
