Alpine, TX: Heart of the Big Bend

Chris and Heather talk about the upcoming Artwalk Alpine festivities Nov 20-21 offering a multitude of art displays, art + food vendors and free live music. Then they run down the December schedule of Christmas events, including the Mountain Country Christmas Holiday Bazaar Dec 5-6 and Alpine's Christmas Parade on Dec 12!See the full line-up of December events at visitalpinetx.com/events-calendar/

Chris talks with Sara Ryza, organizer of a new, grass-roots regional Big Bend tourism initiative all about engaging our positive feelings about this very special part of Texas. You can share your own Big Love for Big Bend by posting about your favorite places and experiences in the region and adding the hashtag #bigloveforbigbend

Chris and Heather talk about visiting Alpine and the Big Bend in the Fall –  amazing weather, comfortable outdoor activities like hiking, live music and shopping, and great events!Nov 13: William Beckmann at the Pete P. Gallego Center (Click here for tickets)Nov 20-21: Alpine's Artwalk (artwalkalpine.com)

Chris talks with Victoria Contreras, Archivist at Sul Ross State University's Archives of the Big Bend, about the Border Archives Bazaar coming up on Saturday October 10 from 10am-4pm at the Espino Conference Center on the Sul Ross campus.Organized by the Border Regional Archives Group (BRAG), the Bazaar features rare documents, photographs, maps, publications, and more, that showcase the unique history and cultural heritage of our region.

Chris talks with Cyndi Perdue, founder of the Big Bend Bluegrass Association and the Big Bend Bluegrass Festival, about this year's lineup of artists and activities.The Big Bend Bluegrass Festival will be held at the Alpine Civic Center October 2 & 3.The lineup includes:Special ConsensusThe Edgar Loudermilk BandCatahoula DriveFinley River BoysRighteous IntonationEverett DavisEvie Dorsey

Chris talks with Brian Carrico of Alexa Management and Byways Hospitality about renovations underway at the Holland Hotel, Maverick Inn (to be re-opened next year as the Siesta) and Hotel Limpia in Fort Davis.We are all looking forward to the vision of a restored and renewed Holland Hotel blossoming at the heart of downtown Alpine! We're looking at YOU, 2027!

Chris talks with Wild Yeti Films co-owners Grant Kauffman and Renee Layson and West Texas Producer Randall Kinzie about Season 1 of their online TV series, "Expedition: Tales of the Big Bend," which recently received three Telly Awards.View all nine episodes at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvj5JlrQjYvQFoXa2O7cnxw

Chris talks to Museum of the Big Bend Directory Emily Wilkinson about the 40th annual Trappings of Texas.Trappings is the longest-running show and sale of contemporary western art and fine custom cowboy gear. The Opening Weekend is September 17-19, and the exhibit continues through October 31.Full event details at https://www.museumofthebigbend.com/trappings-of-texas/

The Big Bend Ranch Rodeo is coming up August 7-8, followed by the Sul Ross State University Rodeo September 24-26!Chris talks with Mattie Sargent of the Ranch Rodeo and Sul Ross Rodeo Coach CJ Aragon about the two events. It's always an entertaining and educational conversation with these two! At least, Chris learns something every time...

Chris and Heather explore the schedule of events around the Smithsonian "Spark! Places of Innovation" on display at the Museum of the Big Bend through August 8.Companion events during the exhibit's run covering the arts, history, technology and cultural heritage can be found in Alpine, Fort Davis, Marfa, Big Bend National Park, Presidio, San Elizario and El Paso!See the full schedule at www.museumofthebigbend.com/spark-schedule/