Alpine Travel Guide

  Granada Theatre
by Basaic
  • Granada Theatre
      Granada Theatre
    by Basaic
  • Museum of the Big Bend
      Museum of the Big Bend
    by Basaic
  • Brewster County Courthouse
      Brewster County Courthouse
    by Basaic
  • Museum of the Big Bend
      Museum of the Big Bend
    by Basaic
  • Sul Ross University
      Sul Ross University
    by Basaic

Explore Alpine

Things to Do  

Meet the Locals

Meet the Locals, Alpine

 Basaic Says:  As always one of my favorite things to do is meet the locals. Ted Gray was not the only local I met during my stay there, I also met a very pretty young redhead named Melissa. She had beautiful eyes too, she just had trouble keeping them open for a photograph. 

Read About the Old West

Read About the Old West, Alpine

 Basaic Says:  The book written about Ted Gray is called "The Last Campfire" and it tells the story of his fascinating life. The book he wrote is called "Shades of the West" and is a series of short stories about his life and the people he has met. I recommend both. 

Meet Ted Gray

Meet Ted Gray, Alpine

 Basaic Says:  The morning after my stay in Alpine at the Holland Hotel I awoke early and reloaded the car. As I was walking back to the hotel I saw a distinguished looking older man walking in front of me with a cane. I opened the door for him and we started talking. He was Ted Gray a... 

Museum of the Big Bend

Museum of the Big Bend, Alpine

 Basaic Says:  The Museum of the Big Bend is located on the campus of Sul Ross State University on the east edge of the town of Alpine. It offers an excellent introduction to the cultural heritage and natural features of the Big Bend through it's permanent displays and temporary... 

See the Historic Brewster County Courthouse

See the Historic Brewster County Courthouse, Alpine

 Basaic Says:  Although people have passed through this area for thousands of years, the first permanent settlement was established in 1882 when the railroad came here. This was a prime spot for the railroad because of the abundance of water from Burgess Springs. At first the town was... 

Hike, hike baby

Hike, hike baby, Alpine

 desertsurfer Says:  Hike up Sul Ross mountain behind the university and see if you can figure out where the old "desk" used to be. The trails are pretty well maintained and it is an easy hike. You can also hike up 'A' mountain on the south side of town. You'll probably see some deer and maybe... 

If you are in Alpine, you...

If you are in Alpine, you..., Alpine

 KenMore Says:  If you are in Alpine, you should also take the time to visit Fort Davis (see my VT page). It's only 24 miles north of Alpine. Marfa is also a short distance from Alpine (also see my VT page).This is a picture of the Fort Davis National Historic site. 

Museum of the Big Bend

Museum of the Big Bend, Alpine

 KenMore Says:  The museum has been collecting and exhibiting artifacts of the vast Big Bend region for more than 70 years. The exhibits of the museum capture and contrast the history of the various inhabitants of this area and encompass the contributions of the Native Americans, the... 

Hotels  

Hampton Inn Alpine

 105 Opinions

The Holland Hotel

 4 Reviews and 109 Opinions  Since I was already inside the hotel eating at the Edelweiss Restaurant & Brewery, I decided to see... 

Restaurants  

Edelweiss Restaurant & Brewery: Great Food in West Texas; Plus Beer!!

Edelweiss Restaurant & Brewery: Great Food in West Texas; Plus Beer!!, Alpine

 Basaic Says:  While driving down US Highway 90 through West Texas, I decided to stop for dinner in Alpine. I saw a sign for the Edelweiss Restaurant & Brewery. Since I am a fan of German Cuisine I stopped here. The decor was very nice with a distinct German flavor and a touch of Christmas... 

The Reata: A little overpriced

The Reata: A little overpriced, Alpine

 juliachancey Says:  The Reata is a great place to go to dinner...if you are willing to spend some money. Their dinner specials are constantly updated and range from quail to buffalo and their carne asada is to die for. During the day the lunch prices are much more reasonable. Whereas for dinner... 

Alicias: Best burritos in town

Alicias: Best burritos in town, Alpine

 desertsurfer Says:  This place has the best burritos and burgers/fries in town. Get the trashcan burrito with chile on the side. Or a burger. Either way it's delicious! It is very small, usually busy and they are not in a hurry, but the price is right and the grub is tasty. Burritos, burger... 

Alexanders: Great Mexican Food in Alpine

Alexanders: Great Mexican Food in Alpine, Alpine

 Elpasojeff Says:  Alexanders is on the main drag in Alpine and about a block from the Holland Hotel.We dined there when on a visit for the Art Fest. They had a Mexican buffet which was superb.On the weekends they have live music; and the service was second to none. The enchiladas were superb... 

The Reata Restaurant serves...

The Reata Restaurant serves..., Alpine

 KenMore Says:  The Reata Restaurant serves great western 'cowboy' cuisine.The restaurant was named after the majestic ranch in the 1950's epic movie 'Giant'. I've heard wonderful things about the entire menu! Everything is fabulous! 

Transportation  

The easiest way to get to...
KenMore profile photo

2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

KenMore 295 reviews

The easiest way to get to Alpine is to drive, but you can also take a train, bus, or airplane. Greyhound bus has a stop in Alpine and so does Amtrak passenger train (http://www.cwrr.com/Amtrak/w_eagle.html).
The airport has facilities to accommodate most privately owned small aircraft; however, there is currently no commercial airlines service to the airport. The closest commercial airports are located in Midland-Odessa and El Paso.

Written Oct 4, 2002

Was this review helpful?

Local Customs  

Waving
desertsurfer profile photo
desertsurfer 9 reviews

People out here tend to wave alot. They are friendly. Don't wave at the Border Patrol when you pass them on the highway. They could interpret it as you trying to signal them and that will waste your time. Wave at everyone else. The guy on the side of the road near the Town N Country in Alpine? His name is Ray. That's his thing, to stand there staring at cars. Wave at him. And don't expect for anything to go fast at the TNC. It won't and you will end up frustrated.

Written Oct 11, 2007

Was this review helpful?

Off The Beaten Path  

Date with UFO
Atlantic1 profile photo
Atlantic1 2 reviews
A view of the Alpine hills from a local hotel

Alpine is another small town, way off the tourist path and in middle of hills of south west Texas. It is couple of hours from Odessa TX and an hour from Mexican boarder.

Close by there is mysterious Marfa lights usually seen near U.S. Route 67 on Mitchell Flat east of Marfa. Local believe that they are UFO’s and there is an observation building. I was there for couple of hours and didn’t see any light, but it was fun.

It is a great place if you want to be really away from everything and rest for a week, I wouldn’t do it for two weeks though!

Written Sep 5, 2007

Related to:
 Arts and Culture

Was this review helpful?

Comments

Map of Alpine