Yes, there are mountains in Texas, and April is the perfect time to visit Far West Texas. The night-train to Alpine is the perfect way to reach the craggy Fort Davis mountains and tour the line of forts established in the 1880’s to subjugate the Apache and Comanche. We’ll get to visit five forts from the beautifully restored and pristine Fort Davis and Fort Stockton to the ramshackle remnants of Fort Russell where German POW’s painted murals during their Word War II stay. It’s a never-to-be-forgotten experience at the best time of year.
Huntsville, Texas
Depart Huntsville at 3pm for Houston Amtrack.
Evening train from Houston Amtrak station to Alpine in West Texas.
-First stop at the Sul Ross Museum to give us background.
-Drive to Fort Davis.
-Check in to the Veranda 1880s Historic Hotel for 3 nights
(this will be our base of operations, no need to repack)
Continental breakfasts each morning.
-Drive up to McDonald’s Observatory for a starlit evening
-Explore Fort Davis with history guides
-Drive to beautiful Spring-fed Balmorhea State Park
Lunch in Balmorhea – Mexican Cueva del Oso
-Drive to Historic Fort Stockton
-Tour Fort Stockton – history of the area.
Dinner in Fort Stockton at K-Bob’s Steakhouse
-Check out of Veranda Hotel
-Head for Marfa
-Visit the Chinati Foundation, and Donald Judd Museum
Lunch at Jett’s Inn inside the El Paisano Hotel (Where Giant was filmed)
-Explore Building 98 and German POW paintings.
-Enjoy the view from the top of the restored Courthouse
Drive back to Alpine
Dinner at the Reata Restaurant
-Board train for Houston
-Relax in your Roomette, Breakfast and lunch in the diner
-Arrive back in Houston refreshed and relaxed!
