Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
portant to call Amtrak to get an update before setting out for the station. Check the web-
site for prices and schedules.
Alpine is served by
Greyhound
(
432-837-5497; 2305 E Hwy 90)
with service to and from El
Paso, San Antonio and beyond.
Rental cars are available from
Alpine Auto Rental
(
432-837-3463;
www.alpineautorental.com
; 2501
8am-6pm Mon-Sat)
.
E Hwy 90;
TOP OF CHAPTER
Marathon
POP 430
Just don't show up and call it 'Mar-a-THON' like it's a race. If you want to fit in 'round
these parts you have got to say 'Mar-a-thun,' and it helps if you're wearing a hat and give
a friendly nod each time you say it.
This tiny railroad town has two claims to fame: it's the closest town to Big Bend's north
entrance, providing a last chance to fill up your car and your stomach before immersing
yourself in the park. And it's got the Gage Hotel, a true Texas treasure that's a worthwhile
reason to stay awhile - at least overnight.
Sights & Activities
There's not a whole lot do in Marathon for the average tourist. If you're into bird-watch-
ing or feel in the mood for a picnic, you could head 5 miles south of town on Ave D, west
of Hwy 385, to
Fort Peña Colorado
- a former military outpost that's now a public park
known locally as 'the Post.'
Festivals & Events
With a name like Marathon - pronunciation aside - this was bound to happen. The
Mara-
thon2Marathon
(
www.marathon2marathon.net
)
is a 26.2-mile run through the desert from Alpine to
Marathon, and it's a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon, which, after west Texas,
should be a cinch. Runners and nonrunners alike mark the occasion with a street festival.
Sleeping
