Other Destinations
Distances are vast in Big Bend country, but if you have an extra day, or want to plan a stop-over on your way in or out, here are some other worthy destinations.
■ Alpine
Recognized as the hub of the Big Bend and primary economic center of the area, Alpine is home to many galleries, shops and restaurants and is home to the Big Bend Cowboys baseball team. The Museum of the Big Bend and Sul Ross State University are a part of Alpine's thriving community. Annual events such as Gallery Night, Art Walk and the Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Trapping's Cowboy Art Show are popular for residents and visitors alike.
■ Fort Davis
Considered the town with the highest elevation in Texas, Fort Davis is home to the McDonald Observatory; which boasts the 3rd largest telescope and the 2nd largest optical telescope in the world, as well as the Fort Davis National Historic Site. A variety of restaurants and boutiques are available for visitors of Fort Davis.
■ Lajitas
Down the road from Terlingua is the town of Lajitas, and just past it is the Contrabando Movie Site on the way to the Big Hill and Presidio. Lajitas is a golf, resort and spa with numerous activities. It also hosts an airport, numerous mountain biking trails, and is near the international championship chili cook-off, first hosted in 1967, and an annual event that continues today.
■ Marathon
Considered the northern gateway to Big Bend National Park, Marathon has been transformed from a remote ranching community to a tourist destination in its own right. A charming Main Street shopping district attract visitors who appreciate the laid back lifestyle of this historic West Texas town.
■ Marfa
Marfa, situated on a high plateau of the Chihuahuan Desert between three mountain ranges, boasts an eclectic artist community, pristine scenery and the famous Marfa Mystery Lights and Lights Festival (every Labor Day). View this mysterious phenomenon any time (year round) after sunset at the Marfa Lights Viewing Area, nine miles east of Marfa on Highway 90.
■ Scenic Drive to Presidio
Voted one of the top 50 most scenic drives in America. Presidio sits at the western rim of the Big Bend Ranch State Park and is the only port of entry into Mexico between El Paso and Del Rio (Ojinaga, Mexico). Attractions along the way include Fort Leaton State Historic Site and the Contrabando Movie Set.
