News & Politics
May 26, 2022
As an Accuser Speaks Out, the Criminal Case Against Basecamp Terlingua Founder Is Dismissed
For the past two years, Shawna Graves has wanted anonymity. Now she’s sharing her story publicly.
Alpine
Texas Country Reporter
May 5, 2022
This West Texas Couple Has Gone Off the Grid—Pioneer Style
On a remote ranch south of Alpine, Bonnie and Dick Cain have carved out their ideal lifestyle, without electricity, refrigeration, or running water.
Texas Country Reporter
April 27, 2022
A West Texas Roundup, Without All That Hoopin’ and Hollerin’
After Becky Smith took over the B-C Ranch in Alpine, her all-women team took a different approach to wrangling cattle.
Food & Drink
April 9, 2021
A Hedonist’s Guide to Dining in and Around Big Bend
For a food obsessive like me, Big Bend’s culinary scene rivals the nature.
Country Notes
February 19, 2020
The Desk on Hancock Hill
Some forty years ago, a desk was dragged to the top of a hill in Alpine that overlooks the Big Bend. The notebooks stashed inside continue to capture big thoughts from the people who travel there.
Arts & Entertainment
October 23, 2018
On ‘Parts Unknown,’ Anthony Bourdain Asks If West Texans Are the Platonic Ideal of Texans
Spoiler: The answer is yes.
The Texanist
January 27, 2018
The Texanist: Any Recommendations for a Big Bend Newbie?
A 39-year resident of Houston is gearing up for his first experience of the greatest road trip Texas has to offer.
Texas History
September 30, 1997
Hallie and Farewell
The life and legacy of a Texas icon.
Music
August 31, 1996
The Music Man
A version of this story was first published in the Big Bend Sentinel, a weekly newspaper that covers West Texas. Most businesses in the West Texas town of Alpine cater to locals, but one attracts Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, Junior Brown, and other musical greats. It’s
Travel & Outdoors
February 1, 1994
Go West!
Now is the time to check out newly stylish hotels and restaurants in West Texas. Tourists aren’t far behind.
Art
September 30, 1992
Stagecoach Alpine
A version of this story was first published in the Big Bend Sentinel, a weekly newspaper that covers West Texas. ON A HILLTOP NEAR THE INTERSECTION of U.S. highways 67 and 90, just east of Alpine, a plywood stagecoach and four horses seem to be hightailing
Travel & Outdoors
May 1, 1980
The Good Life
You can still find it in these great small towns.
Books
February 1, 1976
The Dream House of H. Allen Smith
When a noted American humorist retired to Alpine, the joke was on him.