Alpine, TX

Alpine was a blast! On the evening of the day we arrived we went into town …… street party! I don’t recall what the occasion was. There was a Mariachi band strolling from bar to restaurant to bar. The margaritas were cheap and plentiful. 

There are some outstanding restaurants and bars here. There are as many food trucks in Alpine as there are restaurants but many of the trucks were closed or only open on weekends because it's out of season.

The Saddle Club has this sign above the bar. The longhorn steer is still wearing a Santa hat. Nothing is hurried here.

One of our favourites was Harry’s Tinaja, simply for it’s gritty, rustic atmosphere. Stand up bar inside, picnic tables outside. Lots of Stetsons and western boots. No food is served. Irrigation only.

Harry’s backs onto a very active railway line. This came by while we were enjoying a couple of cervesas.

We had lunch at La Calavera. It felt just like being in one of Mexico's typical establishments. The tostadas were outstanding. They don't serve "refreshments" but you can bring your own.

We took a day trip to Marfa which lies about 30 miles west of Alpine. Yet another small town that the word eclectic doesn't even begin to describe.

It has retained most of its historic charm but some of the newer buildings are very modern. There is a Prada store here. A strange combination.

This is Marfa, then....

.....and now.

There is a building on the left side of both photos, the Hotel Paisano, beautifully preserved. This is the lobby. Notice the mounts on the wall.

I have been trying to keep the food pictures to a minimum, but they are really starting to pile up. So, here are just a couple, nothing spectacular but soooo gooood.

Kolaches, an eastern European invention. Like a piggy in a blanket on steroids, they come in cheddar or jalepino. They are very popular in Texas. With a little dijon, .......heaven!

This was lunch in Marfa. Parmesan fries with a caramelised onion dip. What a combination. 

Marfa has another claim to fame. This was where James Dean made his last movie, a western called "Giant". In fact he died before it was finished. I found this picture in the hotel. Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson and Director George Stevens, on location near Marfa.

So that's it for this episode. Next stop, Lajitas.