BEST VIEWS – STATEWIDE WINNER
Hancock Hill
Alpine offers a unique setting, surrounded by mountain views in every direction. Every road in the Big Bend region is a scenic route, each with its own distinct character, so the approaches to and from this little town are littered with fine vistas.
The campus of Sul Ross State University, situated on the slope of Hancock Hill, gives students and visitors a fine view of the town in its desert mountain valley, and that view only gets finer as you make your way farther up the hill.
A network of trails ascends Hancock Hill from the campus’s highest point. Each step reveals a new outlook across Alpine, extending across its mountain valley towards the recognizable form of the Twin Sisters mountain to the west. This view makes Hancock Hill Alpine’s most popular spot for evening light and photography.
Reaching the top of the slope, you can glimpse the telescope domes of McDonald Observatory beyond Fort Davis to the north, and see the ranges of hills marching south towards Big Bend National Park.
Wandering along the top of Hancock Hill, you might discover The Desk, a local landmark born from students seeking an outdoor study spot in the early 1980s. Today, this quirky feature on the eastern edge offers an expansive view of the Glass Mountains, particularly rewarding at sunrise.
Hancock Hill provides readily accessible landscape views, just a short distance from accommodations, offering a convenient way to appreciate the natural beauty that defines the Alpine region.
BEST OUTDOOR ACTIVITY – Small/Mid-Market
Big Bend Stargazing
Facing increasing light pollution, the opportunity to witness truly dark skies and the wonders of the cosmos has become a unique outdoor activity. 80% of the residents of North America are unable to see the Milky Way at night due to light pollution, and worldwide our night skies are brightening at a rate of almost 10% per year.
The International Dark-Sky Association addresses this by certifying Dark Sky Communities, Parks, and Reserves. While some Texas cities have achieved Dark Sky Community status, many of them remain affected by night-shine from nearby urban centers. In contrast, Big Bend National Park, benefiting from its remote location, was designated a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park in 2012, offering unparalleled stargazing.
Recognizing the regional significance of this natural resource, Alpine joined McDonald Observatory and other partners to protect these pristine night skies. This collaborative effort led to the 2022 designation of the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, the world’s largest at over 9 million acres and the only one to cross an international border with Mexico.
This vast Reserve includes Big Bend National Park and all of Brewster, Jeff Davis and Presidio Counties and provides exceptional year-round stargazing opportunities. Visitors can explore the night sky independently or join renowned Star Parties at McDonald Observatory and guided tours at the Marathon Motel.
At the heart of the Reserve, Alpine celebrates this celestial asset with the annual Alpine Dark Skies Celebration during International Dark Sky Week. This event educates on responsible lighting, offers family-friendly activities, and hosts a Star Party in Kokernot Park, directly engaging the community and visitors in the extraordinary outdoor activity of stargazing under truly dark skies.
BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE – Small/Mid-Market
The Ritchey
Steeped in history, The Ritchey opened in 1886 as a hotel and saloon serving Alpine’s bustling rail yard cowboys, and it has been reborn as the undeniable heartbeat of the town’s live music scene. Rescued from near demolition in 2000, its restoration has gifted Alpine a welcoming social and cultural hub, anchored by its remarkably active music program.
Belying its small-town location, The Ritchey resonates with live music seven nights a week, hosting a vibrant mix of local talent and traveling musicians. The intimate primary venue, an adobe courtyard sheltered from the late afternoon sun, transforms into a magical open-air listening room as the desert evening descends. Even on the hottest days, guests find cool comfort under the vast Big Bend skies, where the music intertwines with the brilliance of the region’s famed stars.
The Ritchey is the cornerstone of Alpine’s supportive local music community, consistently showcasing its talent while also attracting an ever-growing array of touring acts. Looking ahead, the upcoming 2025 addition of an upstairs performance space will expand its capacity for indoor shows during inclement weather, and a planned larger courtyard stage promises even greater musical experiences. The Ritchey isn’t just a venue; it’s a vital thread in the fabric of Alpine, fostering community and enriching its cultural landscape through the power of live music.
BEST INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT – Small/Mid-Market
The Desk
You need to add an iconic piece of furniture with a view to your feed!
Nestled high on Hancock Hill, The “Desk is your next Insta-Worthy adventure! This peculiar and beloved landmark is not just any desk; it’s a weathered, overly decorated, testament to local spirit.
In 1981, three Sul Ross students wanted a quiet spot to study so they carried a desk up Hancock Hill. One day, one of them left a notebook in a desk drawer and when he checked later, someone had written in it. He replied and soon the tradition of a notebook associated with The Desk was born.
Just like the students who took the desk up the mountain your journey to the desk will reward you with unbeatable panoramic views of the desert mountains. Whether it’s the golden hour glow, a vibrant sunset painting the sky, or the crisp clarity of a West Texas morning, the natural backdrop alone is Insta-gold.
Both quirky and artistic the desk isn’t some pristine, staged photo opportunity. The desk is a constantly evolving canvas adorned with things left by fellow hikers. You never know what delightful surprise will be waiting for you, making each visit and each photo unique. The “I Earned This View” factor adds a special sense of accomplishment to your photo. It’s not Everest but getting to the desk requires a moderate hike and is a testament to your adventurous spirit.
The posing possibilities are only limited by your imagination. You can pose sitting at the desk, pretending to write a postcard to the world, standing on it for a power pose, or simply using it to frame the stunning landscape.
Ditch the predictable photo ops and embark on a short adventure to the Hancock Hill desk in Alpine for an Instagrammable moment that captures the unique spirit of West Texas.
BEST PUBLIC ART – Small/Mid-Market
Downtown Murals
While public art in urban centers often originates from top-down initiatives – government policies, corporate branding, or foundation outreach – Alpine’s vibrant collection of murals and public artworks tells a different story. Alpine’s vibrant murals and artworks are a testament to grassroots creativity, a true community reflection. This organic approach, driven by local passion, has transformed downtown into an evolving outdoor gallery.
This spirit took root in the mid-1990s when visionary businesses and private homes began embracing murals, sparked by a striking mural in the center of town depicting the region’s history – a crowd-favorite Instagram spot to this day. This private initiative gained momentum fueled by dedicated volunteer participation as the nonprofit behind Alpine’s annual Artwalk arts festival not only showcased local artists but also became the driving force behind a series of large murals throughout downtown by journeyman muralist Stylle Read.
Building on these achievements, “Art Alley” appeared in 2018 with an explosion of smaller works in a wide range of artistic voices, expanding from a single utility alley into a vibrant, multi-block outdoor exhibit and showcasing the community’s enthusiasm for accessible artistic expression.
The Create Space art collective, led by Monty Welt, is a current driving force, exemplified by his impactful leadership in a community art project responding to a devastating downtown fire. Monty is responsible for a growing collection of fine murals around town and through Create Space he also fosters future artists through mural education, practice and mentoring.
While Alpine’s scale may differ from larger urban centers, the genuine, community-led nature of its public art program offers a unique and compelling model. It’s not art for the public, but art by the public, a vibrant tapestry woven from individual creativity and collective passion, making Alpine a truly distinctive Statewide Public Art contender.
BEST MUSEUM – Small/Mid-Market
Museum of the Big Bend
The Museum of the Big Bend offers an experience that far surpasses the typical expectations of a regional institution. A part of Sul Ross State University, the museum is housed in its original building on the SRSU campus. Immaculately renovated in the early 2000s, the stone Civilian Conservation Corps structure built in 1937, immediately signals the Museums commitment to preserving and showcasing history with excellence. In 2023 a striking new addition doubled the exhibit space, in addition to creating a new event center, entrance and stunning balcony views of Alpine.
What truly elevates the Museum of the Big Bend is the quality and depth of its exhibits. The permanent “Big Bend Legacy” exhibit provides a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the region’s history. This dedication to insightful and well-researched content makes it an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the rich heritage of the Big Bend.
Beyond its historical focus, the museum also distinguishes itself through its significant art offerings. The new building has greatly enhanced the display of the museum’s permanent collection, including works by renowned artists like Tom Lea and the story of the Sul Ross State University Summer Art Colony. In the mid-20th century, this program drew artists from across the country, seeking inspiration in the rugged terrain and the expansive skies.
The Museum of the Big Bend celebrates the culture of the region every year with the annual “Trappings of Texas” exhibit, a nationally recognized showcase of contemporary Western art and cowboy gear.
The Museum of the Big Bend continues to collect accolades for the state of the art work they do, being named a Top Ten Western Museum in the US by True West magazine several years and mostly recently its placement in the USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards the last 2 years.