Are you trying to decide between visiting Marfa and Alpine on your road trip through West Texas? Well, here’s some food for thought: some friends and I stopped in Alpine, Texas on our recent road trip from Houston to Big Bend and really enjoyed our visit. Like, to the point that I was a little outraged I hadn’t already been there. Known as the “Alps of Texas” (lol) at 4,475 ft elevation (lolol), Alpine is 26 miles east of Marfa and is considered by many to be the gateway to Big Bend National Park.

Planning a trip to Alpine? Check out my list of films either set or filmed in West Texas to find out what movies were filmed in Alpine that you should watch to get ready for your trip!

 

Here are five fun things you can do while in Alpine:

1. Listen to a wrangler croon at the Alpine Annual Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

Held in March every year, this event is quintessential West Texas. I just love the idea of tough “men’s men” (and women!) reciting poetry.

2. Go to the Sonic where part of the 1985 movie “Fandango” was filmed

And while you’re there get “three chili dogs and a malt.” Hey, you’re not far from Tirlingua, the home of the first ever national Chili cookoff. Might as well!

3. Try the IPA at the Big Bend Brewing Company

Full disclosure: we didn’t go to the Brewery while we were in town, but I wish we had. I ended up trying the La Frontera IPA while we were staying in Terlingua and ABSOLUTELY LOVED it. I don’t normally even like IPAs but this was one of the smoothest, best-tasting ones I’ve ever had… to the point that I was fantasizing about it while on Mile 5 of our first hike in Big Bend National Park. It’s that good.

4. Buy a record at Ringtail Records.

My friend Kim remembered the record shop from a previous trip through Alpine, and it was actually the main reason we stopped here! She ended up finding two awesome vintage country music albums to add to her collection, and I got to pet the owner’s super cute dog.

5. Browse books on local history or culture at Front Street Books

I was so impressed by the selection at Front Street Books! There are several rooms of new and used books and an amazing array of books on the local history, culture, and geology. Definitely a must-see if you’re at all interested in learning about the Alpine / Marfa / Big Bend area.

6. Retire.

Ever since the 60s, retirees have been choosing Alpine as the place to retire. It’s even listed as one of the fifty safest and most economical places for retirement in the entire United States. Who knew?

 

Looking for more on Alpine, TX? Click here for my write-up on my visit to Alpine, including pictures! Plus check out my Pinterest board for more information and ideas of things to do:

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Check out the other Road Trip Soul guides that are available. Hover over a heart to see the location name, then click the “Guides” link to see everything I’ve written about that place.

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