One of the most interesting and historical cities around, Terlingua Ghost Town is a showcase for an old mercury mining town that was abandoned. Today you can see the old houses as well as restaurants and other shops that have cropped up around the town. There is also a cemetery for new and old souls. Below is a picture of the Perry Mansion which is being renovated for tourist lodging. I read that Howard Perry built the mansion for his new bride who took one look at the town and left. Poor Howard.
Within the Ghost Town is the Starlight Theatre Restaurant & Saloon which is a must do while you’re in town. The food is good and there is live entertainment on the weekends and most nights during the peak season. The porch outside is where the locals sit, tell stories of the past, and watch the sunset and moon rise with the background Chisos Mountains.
Lajitas, an incorporated town near Big Bend and home of the Lajitas Golf Resort and Hotel, has had a beer drinking goat as mayor since the 1970’s. The original Clay Henry goat had a beer with Willie Nelson during his visit and show at the Starlight. Lajitas may have the right idea for appointing political officials.
Matching wardrobe was not planned. Maybe a result of spending too much time on the road together.
We will be leaving Lajitas and the Big Bend area for Fort Davis. Fort Davis is the home of astronomical McDonald Observatory (https://mcdonaldobservatory.org). The observatory has educational seminars nightly as well as “Star Parties” where you view the night sky with their telescope. It was here that we learned about the solar eclipse that will be visible in the western part of the US in August.
3 thoughts on “Ghost Town and Starlight”
LOOKS like you are having a time of your life great experience. It is so fun reading about your experiences. We have not used our motorhome but one time since back in Texas. ED bought a new car which cannot be towed so we have to get a trailer to take the car. No wheels on the ground. He thought we could use a dolly but no. We hope to take a short trip before we head back to CO. I will let you know if we get back to Durango before you leave the area..I think you said June 6th. Are you making advance reservations along your way. We have never taken a long trip like you are doing..I think it would be fun. ED does not hold up to long day drives and I do not drive the MH. WE took it to CO a few times but we really did not use it enough so do not take it now. Continue to have a great time and safe trip. SUE
Thanks Sue we are having fun. We are behind on our posts but plan to catch up in the next few days. We are currently in New Mexico heading towards Albuquerque for a week long stay then Santa Fe. We will be in the Durango area May 22nd and staying for two weeks, then off to Colorado Springs then Loveland. We would love to see you.
As far as our planning goes we do make some arrangements in advance especially if it is peak season or if there is an event that would make last minute reservations difficult. For the most part though we just go until Scott is tired then find an RV park using the Good Sams app on our phone. I agree with Ed about the driving. We don’t drive more than 3 hours per day and don’t drive more than 3 days consecutive without stopping for at least two nights. We have found that it works for us.
Catharine you guys look so amazing and happy not to mention adorable in your matching outfits! Ha! I would be lost without a hotel to stay in during my vacation. I certainly admire you guys as your getting to see and do so much. My vacation this August will be to Alaska. So excited! Love you and thanks for sharing
Angie