Exploring West Texas — Party Like It's 1995

So Texas is HUGE, I am talking over 260,000 square miles huge. The state is larger than France and twice as large as Germany and Japan. Still not as large as Alaska but impressive nonetheless. In my research, I was finding most folks choose to "zip" through the state on Hwy I-10 or I-20, explore the music scene/hip culture in Austin, enjoy San Antonio's Riverwalk, eat BBQ, maybe check out Big Bend National Park (which we did and it was awesome) but not a lot of suggestions were leading me to West Texas. Sometimes no advice is the best advice...

West Texas is... yes, in the middle of nowhere. HOWEVER, it is full of peaceful two-lane roads, unbelievable skies and wonderful small towns. Leave a few days or a week to explore some of these less traveled destinations.

Fort Davis Mountains

Stay: Davis Mountains State Park - camp with water and electric hookups for $20/night or stay in the pueblo style historic Indian Lodge on site.

Hike: There are miles of trails to hike in the SP. Only have time for one? Take the trailhead to Fort Davis National Historic site (one of the best remaining examples of a military post in the southwest) which is a short walk (less than 2mi) from CCC Overlook in Davis Mountain State Park. Use this trail map to navigate the walk. We followed the trail from the CCC Overlook in the SP to North Ridge Trail to the Scenic Overlook down to the Fort. On the way back, take the Tall Grass Loop Trail to the Viewpoint to the North Ridge Trail and back to the CCC Overlook.

Explore: The Fort (must do) and take in a star party (which we will have to do next time) at the McDonald Observatory.

Alpine, TX

Stay: The Lost Alaskan RV Park right in town. You can also explore the Davis Mountains from this location if a spot in the State Park doesn't work out.

Walk: Take a stroll along their two main streets, Ave E and Holland and experience beautiful murals and quirky shops. If you have time, check out Sul Ross State University, established in 1917 just east of downtown.

Eat: at Reata's for a delicious taste of West Texas. Named after the majestic ranch in a classic 1950's westerner starring James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor.

Drink: Stop for beer or a tour (most Saturdays at 1pm and 3pm) or both at Big Bend Brewery, aka "The Beer from Out Here." Chil inside the brewhouse or play cornhole on their outside deck. They specialize in about five main beers which are all fantastic. So fantastic that we bought six packs of three of them. ProTip: they do not sell six packs at the brewhouse, but any grocery store in Alpine will.

Marfa, TX

Stay: Davis Mountains State Park or The Lost Alaskan OR El Cosmico which is right in Marfa and one of the funkiest little nomadic hotel/rv parks you will ever find.

Explore: The minimalistic modern art gallery at the Chinati Foundation Gallery. The gallery is on an old military base and consists of great free/pay and inside/outside exhibits. Also... consistent with Marfa's funkiness, check out the unexplained Marfa Lights phenomenon... aka mystery lights.

Eat/Drink: Start with happy hour (4-6pm) at the beautiful St. George Hotel Bar. For dinner, check out the historic Hotel Paisano. Sit at the bar as it can get crowded around dinner time.