casual visitors or scholars. Free. 4315 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Road (Loop 375). 915/759-6060. www.
borderpatrolmuseum.com.
THE OUTLET SHOPPES AT EL PASO—Includes more than 90 name-brand stores, dancing water fountain and children’s play area. 7051 S. Desert Blvd., Canutillo. 915/877-3208.
www.theoutletshoppesatelpaso.com.
PLAZA THEATRE—First opened in 1930, it is one of the few remaining atmospheric theaters in the nation. It closed in 1973 and was saved from demolition in 1986. The theater was later restored, and it is open for tours and performances. 125 Pioneer St. 915/534-0609.
http://elpasolive.com/venues/plaza_theatre.
SAN ELIZARIO HISTORIC DISTRICT—This nationally recognized district has a history spanning more than 400 years: From Don Juan de Oñate in 1598—who took possession of the land—to Billy the Kid—who broke into the Old County Jail in 1876—and the biggest gunfight of the Old West—the Salt War of 1877. There are 17 historic sites, art galleries and studios, museums, walking tours, restaurants, shops, a historic sculptures, re- enactments and many seasonal events. Take I-10 east to Exit 42, then Socorro Road to south F.M. 1110 (21 miles from El Paso).
www.sanelizariohistoricdistrict.org.
SAN JACINTO PLAZA—This is the original historic city square and park, right in the heart of downtown. The plaza features Luis Jiménez’s fiberglass sculpture, “Plaza de los Lagartos,” depicting the alligators that used to call San Jacinto Plaza their home.
SCENIC DRIVES—Scenic Drive traces a winding course on the southern flank of Mount Franklin above down- town El Paso, with a view of Juárez across the river. Reached from Richmond Street on the east and from Rim Road on the west. El Paso is “V” shaped, divided by the imposing steep
slopes of the Franklin Mountains. Connecting the V’s top ends is Loop 375 (Transmountain Road) that climbs through mile-high Smugglers Gap with impressive views of rugged mountain-desert scenery. Accessible from I-10 northwest of the city and from U.S. 54 northeast.
STANLEE AND GERALD RUBIN CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS—Three galleries exhibit contemporary art. Free. Dawson Road at Sun Bowl Drive. 915/747-6151.
http://rubin.utep.edu/.
TIGUA INDIAN RESERVATION: YSLETA DEL SUR PUEBLO—The oldest community in present-day Texas is now part of the city of El Paso. The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center is owned by the Tigua tribe. It features a museum, gift shop, Native American social dancing and a cafe. 305 Yaya Lane (off Socorro Road). 915/859-7700.
www.ysletadelsurpueblo.org.
TRAVEL INFORMATION CENTER—I-10 west. See ANTHONY
VIVA! EL PASO—Outdoor drama traces El Paso’s history through four eras: Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Western. The Franklin Mountains serve as a backdrop for McKelligon Canyon Amphitheater. 915/534-0600.
http://vivaelpaso.org.
WET ’N’ WILD WATER WORLD—See ANTHONY.
WINERIES—Star Canyon Winery and Zin Valley Vineyards. See WINERIES listing.
A QUICK T RIP TO WINK
ROY ORBISON MUSEUM—Orbison grew up in Wink and called it home. The museum features memorabilia from his boyhood and his musical career. Record albums and singles are displayed, along with the singer’s trademark sunglasses. Downtown on Texas 115. 432/527-3743.
★ 220 The Barton Warnock Visitor Center is located east of Lajitas.
WYLER AERIAL TRAMWAY—Glide to the top of Ranger Peak in an airborne Swiss gondola. From a mile-high seat, see Mexico, New Mexico and El Paso. After dark, catch the panorama of gold- and silver-hued lights against a dramatic desert backdrop. Call ahead to make sure tramway is running. Admission charge. 1700 McKinley. 915/566-6622.
www.tpwd.texas.gov/ state-parks/wyler-aerial-tramway.
FORT DAVIS POP. 1,168
ALT. 5,050 MAP O-6
FORT DAVIS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 432/426- 3015 or 800/524-3015.
www.fortdavis.com.
Fort Davis grew under the protection of the U.S. Army post (founded in 1854) of the same name. The com- munity has served as a county seat of Presidio County and later Jeff Davis County created largely from Presi- dio. Fort Davis was among the 2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations named by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Visitors will find specialty shops, restau- rants and accommodations. The Prude Guest Ranch is popular for vacations.
It offers horseback riding, hayrides, and chuck-wagon cookouts. 800/458-6232.
www.prude-ranch.com.
CHIHUAHUAN DESERT NATURE CENTER—Promotes the Chihuahuan Desert region through research and education. Included are a botanical garden, interpre- tive exhibits, hiking trails and a gift shop. A self-guided tour of the botanical gardens and Modesta Canyon in- terpretive trail guides are available. Admission charge. Four miles south of Fort Davis on Texas 118. 432/364- 2499.
www.cdri.org.
DAVIS MOUNTAINS STATE PARK—This is the most ex- tensive mountain range fully contained in Texas. Inside this park, built by the CCC, motor into a full hook-up site, backpack to a high overlook or make camp under the trees. Admission charge. Six miles west of Fort Davis on Texas 118 at Park Road 3. 432/426-3337.
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/davis-mountains. Indian Lodge—This Southwestern, pueblo-style
adobe lodge has original handcrafted interiors and fur- nishings dating from its 1930s construction by the CCC. In addition, the lodge has a full-service restaurant and a swimming pool. Part of Davis Mountains State Park.
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/indian-lodge.
FORT DAVIS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE—This site is a superb example of frontier forts from its era, including both ruins and restorations. A museum in reconstruct- ed barracks vividly interprets frontier military life. Another feature is a sound re-creation of a 19th- century military parade. Admission charge. On the
northern edge of town, near Texas 17 and Texas 118. 432/426-3224 x220.
www.nps.gov/foda.
HISTORIC INN —Hotel Limpia—This restored 1912 country inn has sturdy, turn-of-the-century oak furni- ture, second-story veranda and glassed-in sun porch with rattan rockers. 101 Memorial Square. 800/662- 5517.
www.hotellimpia.com.
OVERLAND TRAIL MUSEUM—This small museum was the former home, office and shop of Nick Mersfelter, an early resident who was justice of the peace, barber and area music master. Exhibits include pioneer and law enforcement artifacts. Admission charge. 511 N. Fort St. 432/426-3404.
www.fortdavis.com/ attractions.html.
SCENIC DRIVE—A 74-mile loop through the Davis Mountains includes nine scenic roadside parks, Mount Locke, Madera Canyon and Davis Mountains State Park. Head two miles south on Texas 17, take Texas 166 west to intersection with Texas 118, and then turn southeast back to Texas 17 and Fort Davis.
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MCDONALD OBSERVATORY AT MOUNT LOCKE—Built in 1932, the observatory’s original instrument was an 82-inch reflector; a 107-inch reflector is in a larger dome. Interpretive programs in the George T. Abell Gallery highlight the Hobby-Eberly Telescope, one of the world’s largest. Beginning Jan. 1, 2016, reservations are required to visit the observatory, including daytime tours, solar viewings, star parities, twilight programs and special viewing nights. 3640 Dark Sky Drive. 16 miles northwest via Texas 118, Spur 78. 432/426-3640 or 877/984-7824.
www.McDonaldObservatory.org.
FORT STOCKTON POP. 8,547
ALT. 2,954 MAP O-7
FORT STOCKTON VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER: 1000 Railroad Ave. across from Paisano Pete in the Depot. 432/336-2264 or 800/336-2166.
http://historicfortstocktontx.com. Town developed with the establishment of a military
post in 1859. It was an outpost on the Butterfield Over- land Mail Route at the crossing of the Old San Antonio Road and an ancient Comanche War Trail. Today, this is the seat of Pecos County and a major West Texas crossroads. Hunting is excellent for mule deer and pronghorn antelope.
ANNIE RIGGS MEMORIAL MUSEUM—The hotel was built in 1899 on a stage route. The 14 rooms display area collections: 19th-century clothing, photos, Native American artifacts, cowboy regalia, kitchen utensils, geology, archeology and religion. Admission charge.
PHOTO: WILL VAN OVERBEEK/TXDOT
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