Region: Big Bend Country
Established in 1882, is seat of Brewster County. Centrally located between the Davis and Glass mountains and near Big Bend National Park, Alpine is a designated Texas Main Street city. It is a retail center and shipping point for a huge ranching area, headquarters for mining companies, and home of Sul Ross State Univ. There's also a historic downtown shopping district with several antique stores and art galleries to be found.
Several theater groups put on seasonal productions. Theatre of the Big Bend offers musicals and dramas under the stars during the summer. 432/837-8220. Big Bend Players present four to six shows each year. 432/837-2921. The theater department at Sul Ross State University highlights student talent from September through May. www.sulross.edu.
Climate and location make town a popular vacation area. Visitors enjoy golfing, mountain climbing, rock and mineral collecting, swimming, and camping amid spectacular vistas. During seasons, hunters take mule and white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, javelina and upland game birds. Special events throughout the year include Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering in February, Big Bend Balloon Bash during Labor Day weekend, and local and collegiate rodeo events. Bed & breakfast accommodations are offered in historic buildings.