Registration for the event is delayed! It will open on May 11th!
If you plan to attend you are strongly encouraged to make hotel reservation now.
Secure your spot for Texas Downtown’s second two-day Regional Roundtable in the heart of the Texas Mountain Trail Region: Alpine.
Why You’ll Want to Be Here:
* Smithsonian Comes to Small Town Texas
* Unforgettable Dark Sky Experience
* Terlingua: Ghost Town to Tourism Destination
* Public Art That Transforms Communities
* Evenings at The Ritchey
| Time | Session Title | Description & Speaker Focus |
| DAY 1 HALF DAY | Museum of the Big Bend | |
| 2:00 PM | Welcome to the Museum of the Big Bend | The Museum of the Big Bend stands as one of Texas’s most celebrated regional institutions, a five-time winner of the Texas Travel Award for Best Small Museum in Texas. This remarkable achievement reflects decades of dedication to preserving and sharing the extraordinary heritage of the Big Bend region. Museum Director Emily Wilkinson and Alpine Mayor Catherine Eaves welcome everyone to the Texas Regional Roundtable as the City of Alpine proudly presents the Museum of the Big Bend with an official proclamation honoring its outstanding contributions to safeguarding the history, culture, and art of the entire Big Bend region for generations to come. |
| 2:15 PM | Bringing the Smithsonian Home: Funding & Execution of Museum on Main Street | Speaker: Wendy Little, Executive Director of Texas Mountain Trail and Emily Wilkinson, Director, Museum of the Big Bend. A step-by-step guide on how to apply for and successfully host a Smithsonian Museum on Main Street (MoMS) exhibition. Focus will be placed on partnering with the Texas Humanities Council, developing companion exhibits, securing local matching funds, and maximizing community engagement. |
| 3:15 PM | Break | Snacks provided by Visit Alpine. |
| 3:30 PM | Guided Museum Tours | Smithsonian Citizen Innovation group activity. An interactive game that presents real small-town concerns and challenges everyone to come up with innovative solutions. 3 separate tours happening simultaneously in smaller groups. 1. The permanent exhibit; Big Bend Legacy 2. Cultural & Events Center 3. Smithsonian: Spark, Places of Innovation |
| 4:30-5:30 PM | That’s a Wrap | Closing remarks from Visit Alpine, Museum of the Big Bend, and Texas Downtown. Enjoy the amazing views and music by Guitar in the Big Bend. PLUS MAKE YOUR OWN HAT!! Javelinas at 5th & Holland is bringing their hat press and everyone will get to design their own trucker hat! Pick the patches, pins and chains that tell who you are. |
| 6:00 PM | Explore Alpine | Dinner, drinks, music: checkout the local nightlife on your own. |
| 8:00 PM | Theatre of the Big Bend – OPTIONAL | The Theatre of the Big Bend presents Schoolhouse Rock Live! Don’t miss this vibrant stage adaptation of the classic 1970s educational cartoons, centering on a nervous teacher whose imagination brings iconic characters to life to help him prepare for his first day of school. The show features high-energy, theatrical arrangements of nostalgic hits like “Conjunction Junction” and “I’m Just a Bill,” proving that grammar and civics are significantly more palatable when set to a catchy melody. |
| 10:00 PM | Stargazing in the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve – OPTIONAL | A truly unique, AND OPTIONAL, chance to get a look at the dark skies of West Texas. Stargazing in the Big Bend is a winner of the Texas Travel Award for Best Outdoor Activity. This will be a chance to get a walk through the constellations with Davis Mountains State Park Interpretive Ranger, Charlie Ewing. And he will do it all within the city limits of Alpine, at Kokernot Park. |
| DAY 2 FULL DAY | Granada Theatre | |
| 7:00 AM | Hike to Our Famous “Desk” – OPTIONAL | You need to add an iconic piece of furniture with a view to your feed! The views from Hancock Hill and “The Desk” are both winners of Texas Travel Awards. Join the Borderlands Research Institute Education and Outreach Coordinator Eliana Goodwin for a guided hike up Hancock Hill that will end at our famous desk! We don’t expect everyone to get up and hike this early but everyone is welcome! This hike will take approximately 1 hour. |
| 9:00 AM | Alpine Coffee Club | Cappuccino bar provided by Cedar Coffee and a continental breakfast from the Picnic Basket. Everyone will become members of the Alpine Coffee Club, receiving our reuseable, sustainable mug, that gets you discounts all over downtown! Keep Alpine Beautiful and Visit Alpine will pass out the mugs and explain how the program was started and funded. |
| 9:30 AM | Welcome to the “Coolest” Regional Roundtable in Texas | Welcome remarks by City of Alpine, City Manager Henry Arrendando and Director of Tourism, Chris Ruggia providing an overview of Alpine’s downtown economic drivers. Travel Texas will present Visit Alpine with its certification as a Texas Tourism Friendly Community. |
| 10:00 AM | Money Talks: Maximizing Advertising Dollars with Ad Co-ops | Speaker: Chris Ruggia, Director of Tourism, City of Alpine. A focused program on stretching limited marketing budgets. This session will explore how small destinations can pool resources to execute larger, more impactful co-operative advertising campaigns across print, digital, and regional tourism publications. A practical business model that can easily be implanted for any downtown business or organization. |
| 11:00 AM | Texas Historic Commission | Speaker: Local preservation programs play a critical role in protecting Texas’s historic places. Kelly Little from the Texas Historical Commission will provide a practical overview of how city and county preservation program are structured and the benefits they offer. The session also explores how the Texas Historical Commission’s Certified Local Government (CLG) program supports local governments in identifying and preserving their historic resources, and how CLG participation provides funding, technical guidance, and partnerships that help communities advance their preservation goals. |
| 12:00 PM | Networking Lunch | Catered lunch provided by Granada Catering/Lunch and Learn with a chance to talk with and explore sponsor tables. |
| 1:00 PM | Terlingua Ghost Town – Not Your Typical Downtown | Speaker: Bill Ivy, Owner Terlingua Ghost Town, Greg Henington, Brewster County Judge & Head of Brewster County Tourism Board. Not every downtown is city streets or the courthouse square. Once abandoned, the Terlingua Ghost Town is now the heart of town and brings people from around the world to experience food, drinks and entertainment that is uniquely Terlingua. How did they do it? What is the approach to tourism in such a remote location? |
| 2:00 PM | Painting the Town: Making Downtown an Open-Air Art Gallery | Speaker: Kerri Blackman, Founder of Alpine Artwalk, discussing grassroots funding and Randy Ham, Principal at Cultural Compass Consulting, leveraging HOT funds for mural projects. A practical guide to funding, permitting, and implementing large-scale public art projects. The session will cover how to secure funding for murals (grants, private commissions), identify key community partners, and collaborate with local artists to drive foot traffic and cultural tourism. Live Demo: Monty Welt, Alpine Mural Artist. |
| 3:00 PM | Artwalk Plaza Ribbon Cutting Light refreshments sponsored by Alpine City Manager | The City of Alpine is investing in downtown and ensuring Alpine’s most iconic murals are the center of town. Join us for the ribbon cutting at the heart of downtown, 5th & Holland, future home of the Visit Alpine Downtown Kiosk. |
| 3:30 PM | Alpine Historic & Mural Walking Tour | Guided tours by Alpine Historians and ambassadors showcasing Alpine’s unique downtown assets, including our vibrant public art installations and historic landmarks. We will split into 4 separate groups so the size is manageable. |
| 4:30 PM | Adjourn & Networking | Informal networking at historic downtown establishments (Front Street Books, Cedar Coffee, Alcove Social, Holland Hotel Lobby Bar, 5th Street Gallery, Big Bend Gallery). This will give attendees a chance to go back and spend more time and galleries and shops they saw along the tour. |
| 5:00 PM | Social Hour | Join us at The Ritchey, Winner of Best Small Music Venue in Texas. Once a hotel for cattlemen shipping from the railyard, The Ritchey is now the hub of evening entertainment. Music and light bites sponsored by Visit Alpine and Texas Mountain Trail. Be sure to check your welcome bag for your DRINK TICKETS! Courtesy WTX Real Estate Photography and Forever West Texas Real Estate |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner on your own | Enjoy a lovely evening at one of Alpine’s dining establishments. Alpine Restaurant Guides will be included in the welcome bags and we are always happy to make recommendations! |
| 6:00 PM | Archives of the Big Bend 50th Anniversary Celebration – OPTIONAL | The Archives of the Big Bend is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Everyone is invited to attending the celebration at Sul Ross Library. |
| 8:00 PM | Theatre of the Big Bend – OPTIONAL | The Theatre of the Big Bend presents Schoolhouse Rock Live! Don’t miss this vibrant stage adaptation of the classic 1970s educational cartoons, centering on a nervous teacher whose imagination brings iconic characters to life to help him prepare for his first day of school. The show features high-energy, theatrical arrangements of nostalgic hits like “Conjunction Junction” and “I’m Just a Bill,” proving that grammar and civics are significantly more palatable when set to a catchy melody. |
July 9th & 10th – Book Your Stay NOW
Here are some accommodations in Alpine
The Historic Holland Hotel is a cornerstone of West Texas history, having served as a social and civic hub for the Alpine community since it was first established in 1912. Originally built by cattleman John R. Holland to accommodate travelers during the mercury-mining boom, the current three-story structure was designed in 1928 by the renowned architectural firm Trost and Trost. Its striking Spanish Colonial Revival style, featuring stucco walls, decorative wrought iron, and wooden crossbeams, was intended to evoke a “fairyland” atmosphere that continues to define the hotel’s grand yet rustic aesthetic today.
The hotel offers a “chic-yet-rustic” atmosphere that feels both elegant and sturdy, making it a favorite for those exploring the Big Bend region.
Holland Hotel: https://secure.webrez.com/hotel/3750/?package_id=297857
Hotel Parker at Quarter Circle 7 Resort is a family-owned resort that blends modern luxury with authentic West Texas ranch heritage. Fully renovated by a local fourth-generation ranching family, it offers a sophisticated “cattleman’s hospitality” experience on the western edge of Alpine.
The Casitas at Quarter Circle 7 are newly constructed, standalone units designed for travelers seeking a more private and secluded retreat. These upscale accommodations offer a peaceful sanctuary that emphasizes high-end comfort and the natural beauty of the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert.
The property features the full-service 7th Day Wellness Spa, an indoor swimming pool, and a fitness center. Guests can enjoy southern-inspired cuisine and West Texas craft cocktails at the Spicewood Restaurant and Bar. Situated at the base of the “Twin Sisters” mountains, providing dramatic views and expansive desert vistas.
https://hotelparker.com/accommodations
Alpine Bed and Breakfast is a meticulously restored 1888 Queen Anne Victorian home that offers a “living history” experience in the heart of Alpine’s historic district. Known as the Kincaid-Wade House, this inn provides a sophisticated and intimate alternative to traditional hotels, blending late 19th-century charm with modern luxury.
Guests receive a multi-course, made-from-scratch breakfast each morning, often featuring creative dishes like cornbread hash and homemade jams, with full accommodations for dietary restrictions. The one-acre property features a signature wrap-around porch perfect for watching hummingbirds, as well as a backyard area equipped with two hot tubs, a fire pit, and hammocks for stargazing.
Each of the four rooms is uniquely decorated; the “Twin Sisters” room specifically offers a private entrance and its own private outdoor hot tub surrounded by desert cacti. The hosts are noted for their deep local knowledge and offer additional perks like complimentary shuttle service to the Alpine Amtrak station and private guided tours of the Big Bend region.
https://www.alpinetxbnb.com/
The Antelope Lodge is a 1950s-era motor court that prides itself on a “rustic casual” West Texas vibe. A central grassy area shaded by pine trees offers picnic tables, charcoal barbecue grills, and a fire pit for evening gatherings. Established in 1949, it is one of the oldest motor court motels in West Texas, featuring original stone porches and white stucco cottages. The 28 guest rooms are spread across 15 separate buildings, many of which include kitchenettes and original “cowboy oak” furnishings.
https://antelopelodge.com/
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alpine offers a contemporary and reliable lodging experience on the eastern edge of Alpine. It provides the familiar comforts and standardized quality expected from the IHG brand, making it a popular choice for business travelers and families seeking a modern stay. The hotel features a range of convenient facilities including a heated indoor swimming pool, a well-equipped fitness center, and a 24-hour business center. Guests can enjoy a free hot “Express Start” breakfast daily, as well as complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and on-site parking. https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/alpine
Hampton Inn Alpine is a modern hotel that provides a consistent and high-quality stay for travelers exploring the Big Bend region. The property balances standard Hilton-brand comforts with a convenient location near local attractions. It is situated within easy driving distance of Sul Ross State University and the Museum of the Big Bend, making it a practical hub for local exploration. The facility includes a heated indoor pool and a well-maintained exercise room for guest use. Every stay includes a free hot breakfast and high-speed Wi-Fi, along with on-site parking.https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/aletxhx-hampton-alpine
The Quality Inn Alpine is a dependable, budget-friendly option located on the east side of town. It is designed to offer a comfortable and functional stay for road trippers and travelers using Alpine as a base for Big Bend adventures. Unlike some of its counterparts, it features an outdoor swimming pool paired with an indoor hot tub, providing options for both seasonal sun and year-round relaxation. It is favorite choice for those traveling with pets, offering a straightforward pet policy. The property maintains the traditional “park-at-your-door” style for many of its rooms, which is often preferred by travelers with heavy gear or motorcycles who want to keep their vehicle close. Rooms include convenient kitchenettes with microwaves and refrigerators, and the hotel provides a consistent “Q Breakfast” hot buffet each morning. https://www.choicehotels.com/texas/alpine/quality-inn-hotels/txb32?source=yext
Bienvendio Big Bend offers tons short term rental options. There are cozy casitas, entire houses for the whole family and beautifully restored historic homes. Book any of their properties direct and save. https://www.bienvenidobigbend.com/