Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the defining topographical feature of the Texas Panhandle. The spring for which the town
is named sits in
Comanche Trail Park
.
Nearby, 380-acre
Big Spring State Park
( 432-263-4931;
www.tpwd.state.tx.us
; 1 Scenic Dr; admission
free; dawn to dusk)
has a fine nature trail with labels describing the hearty plants, such as
the spiky argarita bush. A short drive around the top of the park has sweeping views out
across the basin and plateau.
The 15-story
Hotel Settles
( 432-267-7500;
www.hotelsettles.com
; 200 E Third St; r $150-300;
)
is a classic Texas story: born during a 1930s boom, it eventually closed, leaving a hu-
mungous corpse looming over an otherwise tiny town. Enter Brint Ryan, a local boy who
made zillions helping corporations avoid taxes. He bought the Settles' remains and mil-
lions of dollars later it reopened in 2013 as a lavish hotel.
The Settles definitely looms large locally and although public areas have been restored
to period glory, the suites and smaller guest rooms are modern and lavish. There's a top-
end restaurant and a sumptuous bar, perfect for sipping bourbon and telling lies.
There are few west Texas dance-halls more authentic than the
Stampede
( 432-267-2060;
1610 E TX 350)
, a bare-bones, early-1950s affair 1.5 miles northeast of Big Spring. If you're
real lucky you'll catch Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys (
www.jodynix.com
)
, a legendary
family band that has been fueling two-steppers for years. Stampede schedules, however,
are sporadic.
TOP OF CHAPTER
San Angelo
POP 93,200
Situated on the fringes of the Hill Country, San Angelo is the kind of place where non-
poser men in suits ride motorcycles, while women in pickups look like they could wrestle
a bull and then hit the catwalk. It's a purely Western town with an appealing overlay of
gentility. The Concho River, which scenically runs through the town, offers numerous
walks along its wild, lush banks. It's worth a detour just to enjoy time here.
Sights & Activities
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark
HISTORIC SITE
