Alpine, TX: Heart of the Big Bend

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the Big Bend region with celebrations in Alpine, Fort Davis and Marathon!Chris talks with Kirsten Moody of Alpine Community Projects about Alpine's July 4th Celebration and then to Pam Bilbrey of the Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center about Fort Davis' Coolest 4th of July.Marathon's July 4th schedule can be found here.

Chris and Heather talk with Museum of the Big Bend Director Emily Wilkinson about an upcoming traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institute. "Spark! Places of Innovation" comes to Alpine July 3-August 8 through a partnership with the Smithsonian and the Texas Historical Commission. A busy schedule of companion events are being planned throughout the entire Texas Mountain Trail Region. Full event information will be coming soon to museumofthebigbend.com.

Chris talks with Jody and Castine McIntyre about their efforts in support of Alpine’s music industry. They are building a business to provide services for Big Bend region venues and musicians, currently including booking and sound for the Granada Theatre, Alcove Social and Cow Dog.www.FarWestTalentTx.com

Chris and Heather talk about the array of events coming up in Alpine for Summer 2026!One big highlight is "Spark! Places of Innovation" a Smithsonian Institute traveling exhibit coming to the Museum of Big Bend from July 3-August 8. The exhibit is part of the Museum on Main Street program with the Texas Historical Commission.There will be companion activities to the Spark! exhibit throughout Alpine and the Texas Mountain Trail Region.

Chris talks with Tony Curry, the nephew of Jim Kitchen – who, as a Sul Ross State University student, first carried "The Desk" up Hancock Hill back in 1981. Chris and Tony discuss the history of this quirky Alpine landmark, and the network of hiking trails on Hancock Hill leading to it.https://visitalpinetx.com/attractions/#hancock-hill-trails

April 17-20 is a jam-packed weekend in Alpine!Chris talks with Lisa Nix about the Alpine Gem & Mineral Show, which (what a coincidence!) is also hosting booths and activities for Alpine's Earth Day and Dark Skies Festival.Adelina Beall of Keep Alpine Beautiful fills us in on April 18 Earth Day events at the Gem & Mineral Show as well as at the Alpine Public Library and the Patty Manning Memorial Pollinator Garden.McDonald Observatory's Stephen Hummel, meanwhile, holds forth on April 18's daytime Dark Skies activities at the Gem & Mineral Show and Alpine's own Star Party that night at Kokernot Park – preceded by a very special science-packed Owl Walk!More info:Gem and Mineral ShowEarth Day / Dark Skies Festival

Chris talks with Saul Garza about the return of Alpine's Cinco de Mayo Celebration on May 1 & 2 for its 30th year! Enjoy a parade, car show, and two days of street dances with live music featuring Tejano headliners La Diferenza, folklorico dancers, a "gran mercado" of vendors and much more!See more details on the event's Facebook page.

Chris talks with Alpine Mayor Catherine Eaves about:A resolution recently passed by the Alpine City Council opposing the proposed border wall in the Big Bend region,Alpine's commitment to protecting the Big Bend's Dark Skies, including the upcoming deadline to begin enforcement of the City's night sky friendly lighting ordinance, andThe City's pending purchase of an iconic downtown property using Hotel Tax funds as an annex to the Alpine Visitor Center.

Chris talks with brand new Museum Director Dr. Emily Wilkinson, and Curator of Temporary Exhibits Karina Canteñs about the Museum of the Big Bend and its current / upcoming exhibits and events.Get more info at museumofthebigbend.com

Tejano legend Ruben Ramos is returning to Alpine! "El Gato Negro" is headlining a Valentine's Day Black & White Gala fundraiser for Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church at the Alpine Civic Center on Saturday, February 14.Chris talks with Berta Martinez about the event, featuring dinner with the Mariachis Aguila from 6-8pm, Fly on the Wall DJ from 8-10pm and Ruben Ramos and the Texas Revolution from 10pm-1am.Tickets are $75, call Berta at (432) 386-3399 or Rory at (432) 386-2620 for more information.

Chris talks with Sul Ross State University classical guitar instructor Nick Hurt about Guitar in the Big Bend, an annual free concert series bringing world-class performers to Alpine and Marfa. https://www.guitarinthebigbend.com/

Chris talks with Connie Santillan and Isaac Gutierrez of The Magical Warehouse about the 2nd Annual Far West Comic Con, returning to Alpine Saturday, January 24 at the Alpine Civic Center.Anime voice actors, cosplayers (and a cosplay contest!), K-pop dancers, Hot Wheels races, Super Smash Bros and Magic the Gathering tournaments, and an array of vendors with original art, handmade treasures, gaming gear, pop culture collectibles and much, much more!themagicalwarehouse.com/farwestcomiccon/

Chris and Heather look back a the year in Alpine, and then ahead to the 2026 calendar of events.

Chris talks with Dr. Maureen Frank and Eliana Goodwin of Borderlands Research Institute about Alpine's upcoming 3rd annual Wildlife Weekend, January 30-February 1, 2026!The event celebrates Texas wildlife with science, art, film, photography, family activities and guided hikes/walks. Find full event details here.Programming will include experts from Borderlands Research Institute, Texas Parks & Wildlife, Singing Dog Wildlife, Fin and Fur Films, Bat Conservation International and many more.

Chris talks with his dear friends Eden Hinshaw and Amelie Urbanczyk about their Italian restaurant, Lucia, a distinguished new addition to Alpine's dining offerings. The three also discuss the origins of The Swifts, their band that has entertained Alpine audiences for the last 10 years.

Chris talks with Kay Tscheyka, Board President for the Alpine Public Library, about Alpine's most excellent little library and their Silent Auction fundraiser for ArtWalk, Nov. 21 & 22.For more information about ArtWalk, see our previous episode on the subject!

Chris talks with ArtWalk Director Lance Johnson and the event's co-founder and Board President John Davis about this year's event, coming up Nov 21-22 (always the weekend before Thanksgiving!)Enjoy two days and nights of free family-freindly fun with local and visiting artists and musicians! More information at artwalkalpine.com

Chris and Heather discuss the state of visitor access to Big Bend National Park during the current federal government shutdown as well as some alternate destinations and activities in the region.

Chris talks with Sul Ross State University music professors Andrew Alegria and Nicolas Hurt about their October 11 recital of music for guitar and voice, as well as additional upcoming performances by visiting musicians, SRSU students and faculty, and members of the community.

Chris talks with Alpine Historical Association President Wendy Little and historian and long-time AHA Board member Matt Walter. Matt shares his journey to becoming a regional historian as well as some stories of the creation of Alpine and Sul Ross State University.To become a member of the Alpine Historical Association, visit historicalpine.org

Chris talks with Dr. Maureen Frank and Dr. Alex Chavez of Sul Ross State University about seasonal migration patterns and what they mean for the birds that you are likely to see as summer turns to fall in the Big Bend.What is the best online bird resource for beginners and experts alike?What birds like to hang out with prairie dogs?What hawk pretends to be a turkey vulture?Maureen and Alex answer these burning questions and more!

Chris talks with Cyndi Perdue, founder of the Big Bend Bluegrass Association, and bandleader Edgar Loudermilk about the 2025 Big Bend Bluegrass Festival, coming to Alpine October 3 and 4!

Chris talks with Pam Knapen, Director of the Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce, about a wave of new activity in town, with new restaurants, a gallery, and the long-awaited reopening of Indian Lodge!Get details from the Fort Davis Chamber at fortdavis.com

Chris talks with Karina Canteñs, Museum of the Big Bend's Curator of Temporary Exhibits and Events, and Tim Oliver, Premier Artist for the 39th Annual Trappings of Texas exhibit and sale of contemporary western art and cowboy gear.The Trappings of Texas Opening Weekend will be held September 18-20, 2025.Event sponsorships are available now, and online ticket sales will start soon. Visit the Museum's website for details.

Chris talks with Mattie Sargent and CJ Aragon about the upcoming Big Bend Ranch Rodeo (August 8-9) and Sul Ross State University Rodeo (September 26-28).

Heather and Chris celebrate Alpine's success in the 2025 Texas Travel Awards! https://visitalpinetx.com/travelawards2025/StatewideBest Views: Hancock HillBy Population (Small to Mid-Sized)Best Public Art: Downtown MuralsBest Museum: Museum of the Big BendBest Outdoor Activity: Big Bend StargazingBest Instragrammable Spot: The Desk on Hancock HillBest Music Venue: The Ritchey

Chris talks with Jacque Rousselow (M.Ed., LPC, LCDC) and Toni Sands (M.Ed., LPC, CIT) of Brisa Therapeutics about the dramatic physical, mental, emotional and spiritual benefits of outdoor activity and immersion in the natural environment.Listen for some tips on how to get the most rejuvenation and healing out of your Big Bend experience, and how your experiences in nature can build resilience and inner resources to help you thrive long after you return home!

Chris and Heather share 9 pro tips for getting the most out of the warm weather season in the Chihuahuan Desert. Way up here in the mountains it's likely not as hot as you might think, but even when the afternoons go a bit over the top, Alpine has great options for safe and comfortable good times!

Chris talks with Bryon Schroeder, Devin Pettigrew and Erika Blecha of Sul Ross State University's Center for Big Bend Studies about some of their archaeology work that's been making headlines:New York Times: 6,500-Year-Old Hunting Kit Found in West TexasRare Mammoth Tusk Discovered at West Texas RanchIf you want to learn more about the work of the Center for Big Bend Studies, sign up for their email newsletters (or become member!) at their website: cbbs.sulross.edu

National Travel & Tourism Week is May 4-10! Chris and Heather talk about the positive impact of tourism for Alpine's economy, and the benefits for residents' quality of life as well.

Chris talks with Dr. A. Michael Powell and Shirley Powell about their authoritative work in Trans-Pecos botany and Dr. Powell's role in recognizing and formally describing Ovicula biradiata, or "Wooly Devil," a previously unknown genus of plant recently discovered in Big Bend National Park.The find generated a spate of high-profile new headlines, such as this one from the Smithsonian magazine:https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/meet-the-wooly-devil-the-first-new-plant-genus-discovered-in-a-national-park-since-1976-180986117/Chris and the Powells also talked about Dr. Powell's many books on the flora of the larger Big Bend region, and their work in the herbarium at Sul Ross State University. This scientific collection of plant specimens is the fourth largest in the state.

Chris talks with Krista Kirkland, Lance Johnson and Benjamin Garcia about the upcoming Spirits of the West festival, a 2-day extravaganza of music, drink, food, fine craftsmanship and more!April 25 & 26, ticket info available at https://www.spiritsfestwtx.com/

Chris and Heather are joined by the McDonald Observatory's Stephen Hummel to talk about events around the Big Bend celebrating International Dark Sky Week, April 22-26.Learn about Star Parties, Astrophotography Workshops, Telescope Tours and much more, culminating in events all day (and into the night, of course) in Alpine on Saturday, April 26.Alpine's Dark Skies Celebration:https://visitalpinetx.com/alpine-dark-skies-celebration/McDonald Observatory's Region-wide Dark Skies Festival:https://mcdonaldobservatory.org/dark-skies-festivalRegister here for the Astrophotography Workshop:https://www.spear3photography.com/event-listSee Stephen's Sprite photography here:https://spritacular.org/Learn how to save money and improve your lighting in a dark sky friendly way:https://darksky.org/

Chris talks with Lisa Nix and Todd Sanborn about their new leadership of the Alpine Gem & Mineral Show. Todd & Lisa have had a long relationship with the Alpine rock show, and now have stepped up to carry the event forward into a new generation! Chihuahuan Desert Gem & Mineral Club: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064703045076

Heather and Chris talk about Spring Break 2025 in Alpine and the Big Bend. Want to know about a beautiful mountain hike that's not likely to be crowded? Want to know which entrance to Big Bend National Park will probably have a shorter line? We'll survey the things to do in Alpine, Marfa, Fort Davis, Terlingua and area parks along with some tips to help make your trip safe and fun while avoiding frustrations!

Chris and Heather talk about the past, present and future of the vibrant Alpine Farmers Market, from its founding by Mark Foster and Debbie Tout to its current home at the Alpine Visitor Center – every Saturday from 9am to noon!

Chris talks with Nick Hurt, guitar instructor at Sul Ross State University, about the 2nd annual Guitar in the Big Bend concert series, coming up Feb 7-8 in Alpine and Marfa. World-traveling guitarists Dr. Isaac Bustos and Dr. Alejandro Montiel will perform as Duo Fortis in two evening concerts. The pair will also be providing a masterclass for SRSU music students, a fascinating and insightful event that is open to the public. Lastly, a Texas Luthier Showcase will highlight the builders of fine instruments and offer a display of rare and interesting guitars from Alpine's Far West Guitars showroom. More event details at https://www.guitarinthebigbend.com/ And coming up March 15, a performance by the Austin Classical Guitar Youth Orchestra (https://austinclassicalguitar.org/acgyo-give-tour-alpine-tx/)

Chris is joined by Dr. Maureen Frank and graduate research assistant Shelby Duperier of SRSU's Borderlands Research Institute to talk about Wildlife Weekend in Alpine, Jan 31-Feb 2. Wildlife Weekend is a three-day celebration and investigation of Texas wildlife, including film screenings, research presentations, guided hikes, family activities, a wildlife art workshop, and much more. This year’s event focuses on Bears, Bats and Bighorn! Visit https://visitalpinetx.com/wildlife for more event details and to enter a drawing to win 3 nights lodging at the Holland Hotel during the event! Event partners include Borderlands Research Institute, Texas Parks & Wildlife, Bat Conservation International, Texas Wildlife Association, Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center, Dixon Water Foundation and Visit Alpine, Texas.

Chris and Heather look back at some of 2024's big events in Alpine, and pull up your calendar now – because you are about to get a snapshot of a year's worth of great upcoming events!

Chris talks with Fort Davis NHS Chief of Interpretation Chelsea Rios and Blackwell School NHS Visual Information Specialist Tori Villareal about these two flagship destinations in the Big Bend region. When can you see Fort Davis in all the trappings of a Victorian Christmas? What are the latest developments at Blackwell, one of the nation's newest National Park Service units? Listen and find out!!!

Chris talks with the Alpine Visitor Center's Heather Yadon and Historic Alpine's Wendy Little about the extensive menu of holiday events in Alpine this month, from Santa to Music to Shopping to Tree Lightings to Parades and more. One highlight is the new "Navidad en los Adobes" historic tour of adobe homes and churches, with a presentation on the history of adobe in the region at The Ritchey. Tickets are available at https://historicalpine.org/ NOTE: Since this recording, Doug Moreland's Cowboy Christmas Ball at the Granada Theatre has been moved from Friday, Dec 20 to Saturday, Dec 21 (right after the Christmas Parade)

Chris talks with Artwalk Director Lance Johnson and Kerri Blackman about the latest installments of West Texas' longest-running arts festival, coming up Nov 22-23.

Chris talks with Interpretive Ranger Charlie Ewing of Davis Mountains State Park (https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/davis-mountains) about the expanded opportunities for outdoor adventure in the Big Bend region's cooler months. Plus we get an update on what's going on with Indian Lodge!

Chris welcomes Heather Yadon back to the podcast to talk about some upcoming events, the new home of the Saturday Farmers Market, the latest from the Alpine Visitor Center – and an Alpine Restaurant Update!

Chris talks with Producers Chris Sibley and Tyler Savage, whose new feature film, "Marfa Lights" is currently underway in Alpine and Marfa. What does it take to make a movie in the Big Bend? And it might not even be too late to jump on screen yourself! Listen to find out more!

This episode is a table-turner! Chris missed the episode from two weeks ago because he was in Big Bend National Park, serving a turn as the park's Artist in Residence. So for this episode, Chris invites his friend Tim Johnson (owner of the Marfa Book Company and organizer of the annual Agave Festival) to be the interviewer! Tim and Chris discuss the park's art residency program, Chris' wildlife artwork, and the projects he worked on in the park. You can see Chris's artwork at https://chrisruggia.com/ and get a free illustrated e-book on Black Bears in the Big Bend.

Rodeo Week at Sul Ross State University is coming up Sep 24-28, 2024! Chris talks with Rodeo Coach CJ Aragon about the origins of the cattle drive across campus(!!) and the ins and outs of some of the most dangerous rodeo events. What's the best technique for wrestling a steer to the ground? What's CJ's #1 tip if you decide you want to ride a bull? Listen and find out!

Chris talks with Brian Carrico and Collin Bibb of Byways Hospitality about the status of their ambitious plans for the Holland Hotel, the Maverick Inn, and Fort Davis's Hotel Limpia. In particular, the Holland has a long history as a central landmark and community hub for downtown Alpine. The project has involved acquiring both state and national historic designations and working from the hotel's original design drawings to ensure that the planned improvements are true to the original vision of architects Trost & Trost! All of the hotels remain open for reservations: https://www.thehollandhoteltexas.com/ https://www.themaverickinn.com/

Chris talks with veteran guide Mike Davidson about enjoying the warm weather months in the Big Bend region. Why are the desert mountains cooler than most Texas cities? When are the best and worst times to hike? How much water do you need, and can too much make you sick? Book an information-packed tour with Mike (in air-conditioned comfort!) at https://gobigbend.com/

Chris talks with Monty Welt, who recently spearheaded a moving community art project creating a temporary mural at the site of the Memorial Day Weekend Fire in downtown Alpine. Monty has created a steadily growing series of high quality artwork on Alpine's walls, and he also serves as President of Create Space (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558647581025), an arts collective offering shared studio space, weekly life drawing sessions and an endless supply of energy and encouragement for artists living in (or visiting) Alpine!