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. Tickets are available at https://historicalpine.org/

NOTE: Since this recording, Doug Moreland's Cowboy Christmas Ball at the Granada Theatre has been moved from Friday, Dec 20 to Saturday, Dec 21 (right after the Christmas Parade)

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!

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' wildlife artwork, and the projects he worked on in the park.

You can see Chris's artwork at https://chrisruggia.com/ and get a free illustrated e-book on Black Bears in the Big Bend.

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 hotel's original design drawings to ensure that the planned improvements are true to the original vision of architects Trost & Trost!

All of the hotels remain open for reservations:

https://www.thehollandhoteltexas.com/

https://www.themaverickinn.com/