Alpine, TX: Heart of the Big Bend

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...

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/ Statewide Best Views: Hancock Hill By Population (Small to Mid-Sized) Best Public Art: Downtown Murals Best Museum: Museum of the Big Bend Best Outdoor Activity: Big Bend Stargazing Best Instragrammable Spot: The Desk on Hancock Hill Best 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 an...

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 Texas Rare Mammoth Tusk Discovered at West Texas Ranch If you want to learn more about the work of the Center for Big Bend Studies, sign up fo...

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 Smithsonia...

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://vi...

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 f...

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 eve...

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 e...

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. Tick...

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'...

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 hote...