Day Trip to Fort Davis 🔭 (FULL EPISODE) S4 E9

THROWBACK EPISODE -- This episode originally aired on PBS on May 23, 2013. Some of the locations may have changed. Check thedaytripper.com for the most up-to-date information.
It may take a while to get there, but great places are worth the effort, and Fort Davis is a great place. You’d be amazed at all this small, mountain, desert town has to offer.
To see the natural side of this rugged frontier, head to Davis Mountains State Park and hike or bike to a summit that gives you a view of town, Fort Davis and the surrounding mountains. Don’t miss the Indian Lodge, built by the CCC in the 1930s!
Start off by learning about the town’s namesake fort at the Fort Davis National Historic Site where you’ll learn about how the U.S. Army tamed the wild Texas frontier and opened it up for settlement. You can also dive into the history of the American “Buffalo Soldier.”
As you are looking to learn a bit around town, head to the “largest rattlesnake exhibit on the planet” at Rattler’s and Reptiles boasting 19 species of rattlesnakes as well as tarantulas and other crawly bugs. Eeeek! If you are looking for a less scaly way to pass the time, visit Mr. Ron Cox of the Davis Mountain Broom Shop and watch him make an old-fashioned broom the old fashioned way.
No trip to Fort Davis would be complete without a trip to the University of Texas McDonald Observatory, one of the premiere observatories in the world that couldn’t be more visitor friendly. Due to the almost non-existent light pollution in the mountains, the telescopes here have one of the clearest views of the stars and planets on earth. Don’t miss a daytime tour or star party - just make sure you have advanced reservations.
As you head into town for some food, I recommend a fresh-sliced sandwich at Stone Village Market. It’s a small convenience store packed with organic goods that is basically like a miniature Whole Foods in the desert.
Hop up to the bar at Fort Davis Drug Store for a greasy burger and creamy milkshake in the same soda fountain that folks have been indulging at since 1913. And if you happen to eat a little too much and need to take a nap, it’s also a hotel.
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[@leslierayburn1910]

Just a little more down the road is Buffalo Trails Scout Ranch…such a cool area of Texas.

[@wanttogetupgoahead]

Fort Davis is such a gem. Went to college in Alpine and spent a lot of time in FD. Still vacation there. The Indian Lodge is awesome. Thanks Chet! Good to see my favorite places in SW TX.

[@kimberivey9654]

I actually live in alpine and work in Fort Davis. It’s a great little town with the best people and some pretty great food

[@smoketotheceiling]

I worked at fedex for 10 years on the fort davis balmorhead marfa alpine route... The people in this vlog are this nice and genuine in real life

[@TrentPruitt1997]

I used to live there until I was about 5. I don’t remember much but I definitely remember eating at a restaurant called Pop’s. They used to make some of the best burgers I’d ever eaten. Not to mention Poco Mexico, that place is still alive and well to this day. I’d visit there once a year to go out to Bloys Campmeeting and still go out there whenever I get a good chance. Sad note though, our old house burned to the ground when the fires happened in 2011. It didn’t affect me as much as it did my mom. Anytime we drive to Fort Davis, she can’t even look in that general direction, because it was her childhood home. Great video though, Chet!

[@Kass200]

I think ur talking Abt fabens but I don't know

[@mrjack8849]

My favorite Texas town. Been waiting for this to post!

[@fuzzy3440]

He was there several years ago when he hiked up Mt. Livermore.

[@mrjack8849]

@@fuzzy3440they didn’t go into the town or observatory in that episode

[@Bivalvia]

Wow you must have visited before the pandemic a lot of these places are closed 😩. Great time capsule tho.

[@FernandoRodriguez-yu8dw]

I wish Pizza Foundation was still open, they had the best New York style pizza in Texas.

[@robynchote3208]

Excellent video 🙋‍♀️atx

[@morgatron34]

Chet totally nails the 1800's southwest accent. I love it!

[@clydekimsey7503]

I love ft davis😊

[@smoketotheceiling]

daytrip Fort Stockton

[@triplec3804]

35 million lol . Try the Great Flood 6k ago

[@TheDaytripper]

Estimated 35 million. Also estimated 6,000. Pick an estimate.

[@robtriton]

At the 22:50 time marker in the video, who is the band and the song being played? Thanks!

[@stevetaylor1065]

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

[@TomP-nw4wu]

For the love of gawd, adjust your helmet straps correctly..

[@Stevet326]

It is interesting, but could do without the goofiness. It makes iitlow class.

[@tropicblu1]

moutains lmfao.......those are hills

[@jujujj63]

I dont like a tree with holes in the roof in my food place. Bugs can crawl in and walk all over. Sorry never eating there. 🤢🪳🕷🦗🐜🪰🪰🪰

[@Dr.ZoidbergPhD]

This guy probably from California

[@airgunfun4248]

I bet you're a lot of fun on picnics