Region: Big Bend Country
Established in 1882, Alpine is the seat of Brewster County. Centrally located
between the Davis and Glass mountains and near Big Bend National Park, Alpine is
a 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
University. There's also a historic downtown shopping district with several
antique stores and art galleries.
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.
The climate and location make the 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 deer,
white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, javelina and upland game birds. Special
events include the Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering in February, Big Bend Balloon
Bash during Labor Day weekend, and local and collegiate rodeo events.
Bed-and-breakfast accommodations are offered in historic
buildings.