Fall in Big Bend

Established in 1944 as a National Park, Big Bend covers more than 800,00 acres of rugged Chihuahuan Desert wilderness. It is the only National Park that contains an entire mountain range – the Chisos – within its boundaries. Rich in history, there are tales of lost gold, Indian raids, bandits, train robberies, military ventures, mining and pioneer ranching.

• Morning pickups are in McKinney, TX and Denton, TX
• Our first stop is at Graham Town Square. After lunch on own, explore the historic sites, experience the shops and dining surrounding America’s Largest Downtown Square and get a taste of the wild west and cowboy culture that is very much alive and well in Graham.
• Check in to Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, San Angelo, TX
• Group dinner at Cork & Pig Tavern. A unique, chef driven blend of wood-fired pizzas, gourmet salads, sandwiches, and signature entrees all complimented by carefully selected wine, craft beer, and cocktail list.

Day 2 Thursday, September 5, 2024

• Today, we meet Paisano Pete in Fort Stockton. This important Indian Wars Fort was active from 1867-1886. It was strategically placed at the life-saving waters of Comanche Springs to protect the San Antonio-to-El Paso mail, freight wagons, cattle drives, and emigrants. The fort was garrisoned by the 9th Cavalry, known as "Buffalo Soldiers". It also provided employment for freighters, laborers and a market for farmers, stockmen, and merchants. Lunch is at OQ8 (Officers' Quarters).
• Visit Annie Riggs Memorial Museum. Housed in an original adobe structure built at the turn of the 20th century, the museum was originally The Koehler Hotel. Annie was awarded her husband's estate after he died and, with the assets, she purchased the Koehler Hotel for $ 5,000.
• Mosey on over to the Grey Mule Saloon, it was built around 1890 and was one of several saloons that were frequented by cowboys, Texas Rangers, and U.S. Army troops in the early days of Fort Stockton. Today, it preserves its history while serving as a wine tasting room for the local Ste Genevieve Winery owned by Mesa Vineyards. It offers wine tasting, cheese boards with various cheeses, fruits, and crackers, and fresh bread served with Texas Olive Oil Company olive oils and balsamic vinegars.
• Check in to Hampton Inn Alpine, TX.
• Dinner is on your own in Marfa prior to viewing the mysterious Marfa Lights.

Day 3, Friday, September 6, 2024

• Fort Davis National Historic Site Fort Davis is one of the best surviving examples of an Indian Wars' frontier military post in the Southwest. Troops stationed at the post protected emigrants, freighters, mail coaches, and travelers on the San Antonio-El Paso Road hoping to reach the gold fields of California. They pursued Comanches, Kiowas, and Apaches. You will gain insight on the life of soldiers at the fort.
• Visit McDonald Observatory’s Visitor Center’s Exhibit Gallery, Solar Viewing theater and enjoy an optional self-guided tour of Mt. Locke and Mt. Fowlkes.
• Return to our Alpine hotel, rest, relax, freshen up or visit Museum of the Big Bend (additional cost).
• Museum of the Big Bend is located on the campus of Sul Ross State University, the museum relates to the prehistory, history and cultural diversity of the Big Bend region of Texas and Mexico.
• Named after the ranch in the movie Giant (starring Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean), Reata is an iconic Texas dining experience.
• At McDonald Observatory’s Star Party, enjoy a night sky open-air constellation tour & live telescope views and views of celestial objects through a number of telescopes.

• At Fort Leaton’s Historic Trading Post, travelers in far West Texas stopped to buy supplies and fortify themselves. Explore the grounds to glimpse life on the border in the 1800s before having lunch in Presidio.
• Next, we are off to explore the Barton Warnock Visitor’s Center at Big Bend Ranch State Park.
• This evening, we discover "Ghost Town Texas". The Terlingua Trading Company and the Star Light Theater Restaurant & Saloon are still alive and the two most popular attractions.
• Lajitas Golf Resort, Lajitas, TX is perfectly situated between the Big Bend National Park and Big Bend State Park, Lajitas has golf, shopping, a spa, shooting activities, great dining options and more. We lodge here for two nights.

• Big Bend National Park is described by the National Park Service as splendid isolation. It offers many opportunities to see vistas, flora, fauna, mountains and desert. Today's highlights include Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Chisos Basin, Santa Elena Canyon, Panther Junction and the Castolon Historic District. Guided tour with local park specialist.
• Lunch is at Chisos Mountain Lodge.
• This evening is at leisure and dinner is own on.

• Today we leave Far West, TX to begin our journey home.
• Lunch is on your own at V6 Coffee Bar at the historic Gage Hotel in Marathon, TX
• We’ll take a break at the Judge Roy Bean Museum on our way to San Antonio.
• Our lodging for the night is the Holiday Inn Riverwalk in San Antonio.
• The remainder of the evening is at your leisure.

• Breakfast at the hotel and leisure time at the Riverwalk.
• Our departure today is at noontime.
• After a break in Georgetown, we return to Denton and McKinney.

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