7 Improbable Issues to Do in Alpine, Texas

Brilliant sunsets soaked in sorbet, wavy mountains on the horizon, swaying prairie grasses, punctuated by mountains of huge lava stones. Alpine, Texas, is a secluded gem in the desert 90 miles north of Big Bend National Park and Mexico. When you take a deep breath at 4,475 feet, the air is clean and sweet, the morning and evening hours are cool and fresh, and the stars at night are big and bright – millions of them.

I like Alpine because of its beauty, great weather and friendly people. They say hello when you walk the sidewalk and you get those Howdy one-finger lifts off the steering wheel as you drive down the West Texas freeways.

Alpine with 6,000 inhabitants is the perfect place for a short vacation. Here are the best things to explore in Alpine.

1. Stroll through the historic mountain hike

Don’t be surprised if people speak warmly to you as you stroll past historic homes, shops, churches, and parks on the Alpine Historic Walking and Windshield Tour. Here you will find dynamic art murals, inviting boutiques, enticing art galleries and bookstores. Most of downtown Alpine was named a Designated Cultural Art District by the Texas Commission on the Arts in 2011. You’ll find a food truck or two, delicious restaurants, and historic hotels. Look out for special events like the weekly farmers market, theater productions, live music, the annual Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Artwalk Alpine, and the Viva Big Bend music and food festivals.