Results tagged “Texas” from Intelligent Travel Blog

Contributing Editor Andrew Nelson is back from a visit to his former digs in West Texas, and uncovered a slate of fun new hotspots. You can follow all of Andrew's many travels on Twitter at @andrewnelson.

True to their contrarian nature, the isolated communities of Far West Texas--Marfa, Alpine, Sanderson and Marathon--seem to march in an opposite direction than the rest of the world. With parts of Texas and the Southwest crisping with drought, sweet rains have turned the Big Bend region's arroyos and mountains a rich sage. And as other places suffer a recessionary closure of myriad restaurants and galleries, the independent towns west of the Pecos are enjoying a bumper crop of new attractions and attention.

Outside magazine recently christened Alpine, the hub of the Big Bend and its biggest town, as one of the 10 best towns for outdoor sports in the nation, describing it as Austin's "mini-me." In Sanderson, local resident Terry "Tex" Tolerworks is spearheading an effort to promote an art drive along Highway 90--the lonely stretch of road that crosses the region and is filled with spectacular vistas and the occasional pronghorn or roadrunner. In Marfa, Wool and Hoop (pictured, left), a crewel embroidery store founded by artist Katherine Shaughnessy, sells pretty stitchwork while Cochineal, a restaurant started by two ex-pat New Yorkers, packs them in for dinner. Hint: If you can't get an evening reservation, breakfast beneath the trees for a lot less dosh but equally tasty fare - eggs backed in cream with bacon, spinach and fresh mixed herbs or maybe the migas with refried pinto beans and salsa. 

In Alpine, Talgar's, a restaurant specializing in Oaxacan fare makes a delectable fish tacos. Next door, the Murphy Street Raspa Company--a sweets and gifts emporium--sells hipster T-shirts, plus backcountry Mexican finds like peasant blouses for $26 and Mexican bingo cards. Be sure to sample the Mexican ices called "raspas"--try the tamarind with fresh-squeezed lime juice. (Here, owner Vic Noriega demonstrates how to make one.) Too full to waddle anywhere else? For accommodations head for the Alpine Guest Lofts. Their hip "El Concierge" service will get you almost anything: "engine parts for your Harley, or tickets to one of our off-off-off-off-off Broadway plays, or to stable your polo ponies." Relax in their soaking tubs, or lounge under the pecan tree, which provides cool shade for all.

Photo: Wool and Hoop

For some, it's kitsch, Americana, and corn dogs. For others it's the pinnacle of summer. And for Garrison Keillor, host of widely popular radio show Prairie Home Companion, it was an assignment unlike any other. In this month's issue of National Geographic, Keillor shares the lessons he learned while visiting six state fairs last summer, and emumerates his Top Ten State Fair Joys. Photographer Joel Sartore traveled with Keillor to each of the fairs, and some of his brilliant images are featured below. Check out the full gallery and submit your own photos to National Geographic's My Shot: State Fairs, and take our quiz to test your knowledge of state fair history.

"I ain't got no body," croons Andy Mullins, midway barker at the State Fair of Texas. "I greet people, crack 'half' jokes, sing 'All of Me,' " he says. But the mirror illusion that makes him look like half a man is the big draw. "I love the way kids look at me and ask if I'm real."

Traveler photographer Bob Krist recently paid a visit to Paris... Paris, Texas that is. Here, he shares some of the charms of the city on the far, far, left bank of the Seine.

It's been a while since I've had a Tina Fey travel moment ("I Want to Go to There") but the combination of danger, beauty, and the sheer isolation that Big Bend National Park offers has me dreaming of nights spent under an ocean of stars. The park stretches over 800,000 acres along the twist of the Rio Grande in southwest Texas, and offers amazing hiking, incredible vistas, and a significant adventure factor that has the potential to bring out the Bear Grylls in each of us. So much so that National Geographic writer Nick Patosi introduces what is perhaps the counterpoint to the "IWTGTT" impulse -- the "You Can Die" factor. He writes in the February 2007 issue:

The You Can Die possibilities are endless, which keeps some visitors--350,000 a year to Big Bend National Park--from coming back. Those who do return are left to ponder the remarkable grit of the hardy few who have managed to survive in this spare, unforgiving environment. Not to mention the roadrunners and kangaroo rats, so adapted to the arid climate they don't even need to drink.

Fortunately for all of us, the National Park System has prepared a short list of ways to counter the "You Can Die" factor, aptly called "How Not to Die in the Desert." Check them out after the jump.

Tracey Teo shares a new way to explore San Antonio's eclectic art scene: by barge.

Sunfish have always swum in the San Antonio River, but they have never been spotted "flying" above it - until now. Philadelphia artist Donald Lipski and seven other artists were commissioned to create public art for an extension of San Antonio's famous River Walk. Known as the Museum Reach, Lipski's installation features a school of 7-foot-long illuminated sunfish suspended beneath the I-35 overpass adjacent to Camden Street, and it opens on May 30.

The Museum Reach extends four miles from Lexington Street downtown to Hildebrand Avenue, making several city museums accessible by river barge. No need to worry about parking, directions, or catching a cab. Visitors staying along the River Walk can simply step outside their hotel, catch a river barge and spend a day museum-hopping. The Witte, the Southwest School of Art and Craft and the San Antonio Museum of Art are just a short ride away.

Visitors traveling along the San Antonio River soon realize that not all the city's art is displayed in museums. Thanks to the numerous innovative public art installations, there's plenty to experience along the way.

"Cold and Wet"

Photographer: Steven Stokan, of Austin, Texas

Getting the Shot: This photo was taken in Austin, Texas at the Liz Carpenter Fountain in Butler Park. The park is located just south of downtown Austin, on the shores of Lady Bird Lake. The fountain is named after noted writer and former press secretary to Lady Bird Johnson, Liz Carpenter. It was shot on September 21, 2008 at 8:04 p.m., just after sunset. Children where playing in the fountain, taking advantage of the warm weather on this late summer evening. I had spent all day shooting in and around downtown Austin and wanted to call it a day, but couldn't resist getting shots of the fountain at sunset.

The Details: The fountains are programmed, and are constantly moving in different patterns of light and color; which are quite unpredictable. I knew timing was crucial. I fired many photos (50-75) using a tripod, experimenting with different shutter speeds and composition, while taking care not to get wet. In the end, it was a matter of getting lucky, and was pleased to capture this composition.

The Camera: My camera is a Nikon D80 with the 18-55mm kit lens. Exposure was set at f/5.3 for 1/2 sec.

We Love: How otherworldly this shot is, it's hard to tell whether the fountains are shooting water or beams of light.

Think you've got a photo worthy of Global Eye? Add it to our Flickr pool, and you could have your photo featured on our site!