Alpine, TX: Heart of the Big Bend

Chris talks with Pam Knapen, Director of the Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce, about a wave of new activity in town, with new restaurants, a gallery, and the long-awaited reopening of Indian Lodge!

Get details from the Fort Davis Chamber at fortdavis.com

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 Museum's website for details.

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 and inner resources to help you thrive long after you return home!

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 for their email newsletters (or become member!) at their website: cbbs.sulross.edu

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 Smithsonian magazine:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/meet-the-wooly-devil-the-first-new-plant-genus-discovered-in-a-national-park-since-1976-180986117/

Chris and the Powells also talked about Dr. Powell's many books on the flora of the larger Big Bend region, and their work in the herbarium at Sul Ross State University. This scientific collection of plant specimens is the fourth largest in the state.

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/