Day Trip to Alpine 🌭 (FULL EPISODE) S7 E3

All the towns in the Big Bend region possess a sort of funky, off-the-grid energy, but Alpine is the only one that mixes this independent spirit with a sizable and thriving city - which is why it’s known as the “Hub of the Big Bend.”
Set off on a journey to the top of Hancock Hill. You’ll leave from a path just behind Sul Ross campus and head up to an outdoor classroom that gives new meaning to the term “Higher Education.” Sometime in the 1980’s a group of students dragged a desk to the top of a mountain creating a classroom with a view. Since that time, Hancock Hill has attracted a cult following and numerous visitors who have made the trek up to sign the old books and get educated on things that don’t fit within the confines of a normal classroom.
If you want to go really far back in history, head west of town to drive through the Paisano Pass Volcano, a prehistoric volcano that erupted over 30 million years ago leaving tons of rock formations to enjoy. A few miles outside of a town, you’ll see a roadside park that contains an informational panel all about it.
The spirit of this region can hardly be captured within the walls of a museum, but the Museum of the Big Bend does a mighty fine job covering the breadth and depth of the history of the “Big Bend.” Inside you’ll see everything from dinosaur bones to wild west revolvers. Don’t miss the wing bones of “Quetzalcoatl” which was the largest flying reptile ever and it inhabited this region of Texas. The museum is on the campus of Sul Ross State University, which is also worth exploring.
Don’t miss Kokernot Field which is a little over a mile away and was built in the 1940’s by a wealthy rancher and modeled after Wrigley Field in Chicago. Today it’s the home field for the Sul Ross Lobos baseball team and minor league Alpine Cowboys.
If you’re looking for the full western experience, then stop into the Big Bend Saddlery and get a taste of what real Texas cowboys need to do their job. At this shop, you can get all kinds of custom-made hand-crafted saddles and leather works.
If you’re inspired to become a real cowboy yourself, then mosey back to Spradley Hats and meet Jim Spradley a custom hatter who makes some of the finest head ware in all of Texas. His hats are so desired, he currently has a 12 month wait list!
There are no restaurants more famous in this part of Texas than Reata Steakhouse. Named after the ranch in the 1956 classic movie “Giant,” this place turns out some of the finest red meat on earth from inside an old adobe home. Adding to its lore is the fact that its other location is in downtown Fort Worth, but this is the original and should be on every steak-lovers list.
If you’re looking for something completely as unique as Alpine, itself, head to Cow Dog, a local food truck parked outside of a coffee shop/laundromat called PLAINE (get it - “alpine” mixed up). This food truck takes the all-American hot dog to every part of the world by topping it with things like lime cilantro mayo to red curry. I had one with apricot chutney and sharp cheddar, and it was amazing!
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[@morgatron34]

My 82 year old day and I (I'm 46) just climbed Handcock Hill. I'm not an experienced hiker but my Dad was when he was younger. It's was tougher than you made it look but we did it. The elevation gain isn't bad but all those little rocks are treacherous. Glad we saw the desk but we ate it several times mostly on the way down. Either way, glad we conquered it :)

[@wanttogetupgoahead]

Did my freshman year at Sul Ross playing baseball on the iconic Kokernot Field. Such great memories from '88-'89. Not much left from that time as most of the university buildings have been rebuilt and the economy started flourishing, in part because of Marfa and part because this place is just special. Back then there was a burger place called "The Hut". Best burger ever. Been back several times and it's always a special trip. Progress and all.

[@SteveAustin-jp3ev]

Norm Cash , a borderline Hall of Fame player , in my opinion played around Sul Ross. Google him. Norm Cash. I have his 1959 rookie card graded a PSA 7.5

[@JavierNoyola-ot6zi]

I been to Alpine twice since my niece lives there. There is always something new to see. The scenery is beautiful.

[@TheDaytripper]

Agreed

[@cameraman655]

Climbed Hancock Hill on a few occasions and sat at the desk admiring the view.

[@texag2016]

I just ordered me a Spradley Hat two weeks ago. Can wait to get it

[@willemkranendonk7618]

I’ve been to Alpine and stayed at what I think is the oldest hotel in Texas. I have to say, I was so impressed. It’s a lovely little town in the desert and I hope more people can visit it 😊

[@cindyc13579]

Wowza! sure wish I had seen this back in 2017-2018 when my hubby and I traveled to see Marfa 2 times while traveling to Arizona! Found your video great!

[@WaynJul]

Our state has everything in the world.

[@TheDaytripper]

#truth

[@artperez1097]

Great video, love your stories and history of Texas. Keep those videos coming

[@reneekelly9115]

As a former college professor this totally vibes for me. Keep up with those bad wigs, my friend.

[@henrygrisham253]

Sadly murphy street raspa co was sold and turned into a chocthkey shop several years ago, I grew up on their raspas and it makes me so sad that they dont make them anymore.

[@TheDaytripper]

😭

[@rustwrangler5506]

Went to Sul Ross in 1973. Drank a lot of beer. Worked in a bar in the lobby of the Holland Hotel (Buffalo Bill's Palace). Spent most of my off-time in the Park, Lajitas, Terlingua or OJ. Saw the Marfa lights on many occasions. 18 and legal, I drank a lot of beer.

[@JaeA-zy9zr]

Cool product. I look forward to you coming back to our West Texas again one day. Who knows we might even run into one another somewhere.

[@chrisw.4318]

That Raspa looks like a New Orleans style sno-ball

[@robertosifuentes6444]

Love the show! Taking my family to west Texas for a short vacation. Which would be a better town to stay in? Alpine or Fort Davis?

[@Sabbathissaturday]

You can see them both. ❤ I live south of Alpine.

[@hellobetsysmith]

Love your video! We live here and love it. Come back though because half of the businesses shown have closed down! 😅

[@brandi1719]

Mango and Chamoy ❤

[@thebairdhaslanded]

so is there a link or info on the follow up to the hat?

[@michaeldodge8308]

I lived in Alpine a few years as a child 🤠

[@hifistuded]

the remote class video was cool reminded of 80s and 90s and the professor with Texan acxent reminded of my Univsersity professor. Even I am aware of Chamoy as an Indian living in Texas for 15 years, I need to be aware of the spices 😅 18:50 car is on the wrong side of the side 😂

[@user-ww5ui4lo8z]

my mouths watering now

[@markfletcher8084]

I could spend 2-3 days in the Museum alone.

[@Sabbathissaturday]

May 26, 2024, we had a fire in Alpine and 5 businesses burned to the ground in the historic district. Luckily, the hotel was saved.

[@andrewspies1968]

Chet, is that an ACTS bracelet on your right arm?

[@FloridaRaider]

Enough exposure...Less is more. West Texas is the best Texas.

[@rustwrangler5506]

Oh yea, The Holland is still haunted...

[@bitfenix90]

Alpine?!! And you didn't include BALMORHEA?!! (That's pronounced 'bal muh RAY', by the way.) We don't know if the Guv has agreed to fix the State Park's pool after he destroyed it 4 years ago. Come in from Ft Stockton, turn south. And what about MARATHON, and stay an expensive night at The Gage Hotel. Friday nights are BBQ nights.

[@bitfenix90]

Bring mtn-bikes and stay at the Prude Ranch outside of Ft Davis...

[@TheDaytripper]

We have a separate Balmorhea episode. Stay tuned.

[@timcarroll6795]

Balmorhea is an hour away from Alpine, and deserves it's own episode lol. smfh

[@ernestguzman4962]

What are the vegan options? Or are there any?

[@jayc4283]

don't go to cedar coffee,

[@ernestguzman4962]

@@jayc4283 OK, I won’t 👌

[@Glam__y]

@@jayc4283REAL cedar actually sucks

[@theBROKEbroker]

Well now the hat makes sense never take it off your hair is sad make a Episode on Turkey 🇹🇷 and get a transplant