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    Hit the Road

    Nostalgia and natural beauty combine in tiny-but-terrific Alpine

    CultureMap Create
    May 16, 2023 | 4:15 pm

    Way out west lies Alpine, a small town with big charm that's surrounded by a gorgeous desert mountain landscape. Equally desirable is the weather: The dry air and elevation keep the days fresh and cool year-round, especially in the mornings and evenings.

    Though it may seem far from big cities, Alpine is centrally connected to the most scenic routes in the state, with easy day-trip access to Big Bend National Park, Marfa, Fort Davis, Marathon, McDonald Observatory, and more.

    Whether you're passing through or parking your suitcase for a while, here's what to see in Alpine:

    Play ball
    Located north of downtown, Kokernot Field has been called the “best little ballpark in Texas” by Sports Illustrated. It's the home of the Alpine Cowboys, a nonprofit team that plays in the Pecos League, a professional baseball club which is not affiliated with the Major or Minor Baseball League.

    The field dates back to 1947, when longtime rancher Herbert Kokernot Jr. built a baseball stadium to replicate Chicago's Wrigley Field, using materials from his own ranch to add that personal touch. The Cowboys' season typically starts in late May and continues until the end of July (unless they make the playoffs). The players are recruited from all over the United States, with some having come as far as Japan and Puerto Rico.

    Lace up and explore
    So much beautiful scenery demands to be explored, and Alpine has plenty of parks and trails to satisfy that urge.

    Hancock Hill, behind Sul Ross State University, has a small system of hiking trails that feature scenic overlooks of the town and the path to The Desk.

    If you haven’t heard the story of The Desk, it goes like this: In 1981, three Sul Ross students carried a desk up Hancock Hill to study. Soon they were spending hours on the hill, enjoying the beautiful surroundings. When one of them left a notebook in a desk drawer and later saw someone had written in it, he replied and soon the tradition of a notebook associated with The Desk was born. There have been dozens of notebooks filled since that are now stored at SRSU's Archives of the Big Bend.

    Of course, Big Bend National Park is not to be missed, and neither are Big Bend Ranch State Park and Davis Mountains State Park. Make sure you're appropriately prepared, with proper hiking clothes, plenty of water, and an emergency plan before you head out.

    You can also spend a day at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center, where in addition to hiking trails you'll find informative exhibits and programs, a greenhouse, and a botanical center.

    Museum time
    Eager to learn more? Head to Museum of the Big Bend on the Sul Ross State University campus for what director Mary Bones calls "your best introduction to the Big Bend area."

    The museum celebrates natural and human history as well as cultures of the Big Bend region. Rotating exhibits include paintings, photography, and more. If you love maps, you’ll be fascinated by the historical pieces in the Yana and Marty Davis Map Collection.

    Saddle up
    In 1948, the Sul Ross State University rodeo team met with 11 other schools and formed the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, or NIRA. Today, the university still hosts the annual Southwest Region competition and has several national championships under its belt.

    Rodeo fans can also get their fill at the Big Bend Ranch Rodeo, held this year August 11-12.

    More events
    Get ready for a summer and fall filled with fun events, starting with the music festivals Viva Big Bend (July 26-30) and Fiesta 1888 (August 5). Art lovers should show up for Trappings of Texas September 14-16 at Museum of the Big Bend and Artwalk on November 17-18, while music fans will want to attend the Big Bend Bluegrass Festival October 6-7.

    Round it all out
    Wondering where to eat while you're here? There are several options for casual fine dining and plenty of spots that specialize in fresh seafood. Expect a lot of small, family-owned and operated restaurants and food trucks for a truly homemade flavor.

    That's also the theme when it comes to shopping, with locally owned boutiques found throughout downtown, including a spot for vintage vinyl records and a fine independent bookstore with an attached coffee shop. While you're browsing, pause to snap pics at the more than 40 murals dotted throughout downtown.

    Lay your head
    Stay in the historic Holland Hotel, Alpine’s classic railroad hotel originally constructed in 1928. There were originally two railroad hotels: one for the ranchers and one for the workers.

    In addition to trusted hotel chains, other hotels with unique vibes include Quarter Circle 7 at Hotel Parker, the Maverick Inn motor court, Alpine Bed & Breakfast, and more.

    Learn more about Alpine and begin planning your visit here.

    alpine mural
      
    Photo by J. Griffis Smith
    Downtown Alpine has more than 40 colorful murals.
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    wishlist destinations

    This North Texas treehouse is the most sought after listing on Airbnb

    Amber Heckler
    Apr 4, 2025 | 9:58 am
    Ladonia Air Castle Treehouse Airbnb
    Photo courtesy of Airbnb
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    Short term rental platform Airbnb has revealed its most wishlisted properties in the U.S., and an incredibly unique North Texas treehouse has made the cut.

    The collection of highly sought after properties comes in anticipation for the summer travel season, where Airbnb says spontaneous and last-minute trips have only become more popular since 2022. The majority of the listings share one commonality: they're all centered around one-of-a-kind experiences.

    "For those seeking a nearby getaway this spring or summer, they can find one-of-a-kind experiences in their own backyards by exploring some of the most wishlisted listings across the 50 states," Airbnb said in a release. "The list showcases the diversity of preferences across the country, with stays that are perfect for every group, from family road trips to solo retreats."

    The "Air Castle Treehouse" in Ladonia, Texas was unveiled as the most sought after Texas listing. The property is located 80 miles northeast of downtown Dallas, hidden among thick trees and surrounded by natural wildlife.

    Many children dream about living in a treehouse, and now travelers can appease their inner child when they explore the home. The treehouse was built using four shipping containers, and can accommodate up to four guests across two bedrooms and one bathroom.

    Ladonia Air Castle Treehouse AirbnbThe home was created using four shipping containers.Photo courtesy of Airbnb

    Guests can relax on any of the five balconies that boast breathtaking views of nature, including an abundance of wild animals. An exterior spiral staircase leads to the highest balcony of the home where visitors can set their sights on deer, wild hogs, armadillos, rabbits, bobcats, owls, red-tailed hawks, and much more.

    "The treehouse itself was beautifully designed, combining farmhouse rustic charm with modern amenities," a reviewer wrote. "It had cozy furnishings, a well-equipped kitchen, and comfortable beds. We enjoyed the large windows that let natural light flood in and allowed us to watch the squirrels, raccoons, possums, and birds feed from the hanging bird feeders."

    The third floor of the home contains a hot tub for the ultimate relaxation time, while the sixth floor shaded crows nest has a hammock to swing in that's 40 feet off the ground.

    Rates for the Air Castle Treehouse begin at $281 for a two-night stay in April, making it an ideal place for a romantic getaway or a fun summer trip.

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