About the Region
People think of Big Bend Country as the counties and towns and attractions in Far West Texas surrounding Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. The three major counties in the area are Brewster, Pecos, and Jeff Davis, though the world-class spring-fed swimming pool at Balmorhea State Park is in Reeves County.
Locations
Alpine
- Biggest town in the region. Almost a mile high and ringed by mountains. Live music, performance cars, and Kokernot field. Home of Sul Ross State University and the Museum of the Big Bend. A summer place for Texans in the days before air-conditioning and still cool today.
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- Visit the Museum >
- Visit Sul Ross State University >
- Visit Front Street Books >
Balmorhea State Park
- The biggest stream-fed swimming hole in the world!
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Big Bend National Park
- Desert, canyons, mesas, a whole mountain range—and right on the Rio Grande. Real solitude too because Big Bend is not on the way to anyplace else. Characters hike and off-road here in all three books of the series.
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Big Bend Ranch State Park
- Just down the road from the Big Bend. Desert, canyons, dark skies, and even more solitude (and fewer amenities) than in the national park.
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Brewster County
- The biggest county in Texas is even bigger than Connecticut. No traffic, no stoplights. Big Bend National Park is within its borders, as well as parts of Big Bend Ranch State Park.
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Fort Davis
- Both a town and a restored 19th century army outpost (now a national historical site) located in Jeff Davis County. Its dark skies keep McDonald Observatory very happy. Handsome courthouse and great soda fountain too. The fort plays a major role The South Rim Trail.
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- Visit Fort Davis National Historic Site >
Lajitas
- This tiny place once had a goat for its mayor—a real one. Today there’s a golf resort nearby right on the Rio Grande. With chartered jet service.
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- Visit Lajitas Golf Resort >
Marathon
- A gateway to Big Bend National Park. Famous for the Gage Hotel and fine dining in the attached 12 Gage Restaurant. Great photo galleries. Characters in the series (as well as its author) dine there.
- Visit the Gage Hotel >
- Photos by James Houston Evans >
- Photos by E Dan Klepper >
Marfa
- Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean stayed here when filming Giant. Enough said. Okay, two fine hotels, a memorable courthouse, glider rides, the Judd Foundation, and Marfa Public Radio too.
- Marfa Public Radio >
- Visit Hotel Paisano >
- Visit Marfa Book Company >
Marfa Lights
- You might see them after dark dancing above the horizon at a viewing site nine miles or so east of Marfa. Optical illusions, campfires, headlight reflections, lost souls? The glowing orbs have been variously explained. Author has seen them just once.
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Presidio
- A honest-to-goodness border town famous for its cantaloupes and sizzling weather. Not far from Chinati Hot Springs, which you might visit when in the neighborhood.
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Study Butte
- Locals know how to pronounce it. A cluster of shops and convenience stores much appreciated by travelers heading to Big Bend. Surrounded by tailings of old mining operations. Good rock/cactus shop.
- Visit Many Stones rock shop >
Terlingua
- Famous for its annual chili cookoff, the rugged desert town attracts rugged people. Highlights include a ghost town, cemetery, trading post, Star Theatre and Restaurant. Good bookstore too.
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- Visit Starlight Theatre, Restaurant & Saloon >
- Visit Terlingua Trading Company on Facebook