Alpine, TX: Heart of the Big Bend

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/

Chris talks with veteran guide Mike Davidson about enjoying the warm weather months in the Big Bend region. Why are the desert mountains cooler than most Texas cities? When are the best and worst times to hike? How much water do you need, and can too much make you sick?

Book an information-packed tour with Mike (in air-conditioned comfort!) at https://gobigbend.com/

Chris talks with Monty Welt, who recently spearheaded a moving community art project creating a temporary mural at the site of the Memorial Day Weekend Fire in downtown Alpine. Monty has created a steadily growing series of high quality artwork on Alpine's walls, and he also serves as President of Create Space (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558647581025), an arts collective offering shared studio space, weekly life drawing sessions and an endless supply of energy and encouragement for artists living in (or visiting) Alpine!

Chris talks with Viva Big Bend founder and organizer Stewart Ramser about the 2024 music festival taking place July 24-28 with over 65 shows at 19 venues in Alpine, Marfa, Marathon, Terlingua, Presidio and Fort Davis! https://vivabigbend.com/