T E R L I N G U A
'If you think you've gone too far, keep going.'
Terlingua is a town that is hard to explain to people who have yet to spend time here. It makes no apologies for who it is. Seemingly lawless, free-spirited, adventurous, outrageous terrain, remote as hell and completely itself. The personality of the town is reason enough to make the journey, but Terlingua’s unbelievable location makes it a destination for travelers around the world. Located between Big Bend National Park (dubbed the most underrated National Park in the country) and Big Bend State Park (a beautiful and largely unexplored Texas state park)- it has something to offer all visitors. There is magic and energy in this area that one must experience to understand. Viva Terlingua.
VISIT
Starlight Theatre
The historic Starlight Theatre is a gathering place for all. It serves as a restaurant, bar and venue for singers/songwriters. In its hay day, the stage saw greats like Willie Nelson, Gary P. Nunn, and Jerry Jeff Walker. Since then, it has continued to bring in musical acts to play for diners and passersby. Starlight opens its doors at 5 PM but the front porch, which wraps around the entirety of the building, starts to fill up around 3:30 with locals who come wielding guitars and cases of beer (BYOB to the porch) while mingling with neighbors & travelers.
Open from 5 PM to 11PM Daily
Listen: Gary P. Nunn's 'Terlingua Sky'
Terlingua Trading Company
Located directly next door to Starlight Theatre, Terlingua Trading Company is a large ‘gift shop’ that has a variety of goods. The book store section has an exceptionally well- curated selection of texas novels, guide books, and coffee table books. You can find turquoise jewelry, hats for all, unique accessories, souvenirs, and spirits as well.
Open from 10 AM - 8 PM Daily
Terlingua Cemetery
This small yet iconic cemetery is located along the downhill slope of the old Terlingua Ghost Town. A formerly abandoned quicksilver mining camp-turned tourist destination, this site may be one of the most photographed cemeteries in Texas. Modest yet unique crosses line the the simple stonework and small grottoes in this historic burial spot. Each year, during Day of the Dead, the Terlingua cemetery transforms into a colorful array of florals, candles, and paper streamers, all set against the stunning one hundred-mile view of the Chisos Mountains and the Sierra del Carmens beyond.
St. Agnes Chapel
In 1914, St. Agnes Church, also known as Chisos Mission, was established and became a focal point of the Terlingua mining town. Church records indicate the priests adopted the Terlingua Cemetery. Although the burial ground is listed as St. Agnes Chisos Cemetery on church records, the official death records continued to list it as the Terlingua Cemetery. Although the town was once segregated with Mexican families living east of the company store and Anglo families to the west, both Mexicans and Anglos were laid to rest in the same cemetery.
EAT + DRINK + EXPLORE
La Posada Milagro Coffee Shop
La Posada Milagro Coffee Shop is located in the heart of Terlingua's ghost town. Owned by the always wonderful and welcoming, Mimi, it is a great place to grab breakfast and check emails (offers wifi!). They serve a delicious Mexican breakfast and lunch, open 7:30 AM- 2 PM. Built atop ruins, this charming coffee shop / lunch destination serves as an early morning meeting spot for Terlingua travelers headed into the park. It is also the La Posada Milagro hotel guest check- in location.
La Kiva Restaurant and Bar
La Kiva, a local tradition in Terlingua, is carved out of massive sandstone boulders. The restaurant is known for its unique structure and excellent food. La Kiva has been a community center and a popular spot for locals and tourists for years. In addition to its delicious menu, the restaurant is also known for hosting live music events. Open Wednesday - Monday, 4pm - Midnight .
Taqueria El Milagro
Authentic Taqueria is open for dinner Wednesday - Sunday in the heart of Terlingua Ghost Town, about a fifteen-minute drive from Big Bend National Park west entrance. It’s BYOB, so stop by Shot Time for your beer or tequila on the way!
Long Draw Pizza
The best pizza spot in town! Stop by 4pm - 9pm Wednesday - Monday, or give them a call to order for takeout. Gluten free option available.
Starlight Theater
What once was a roofless theater now offers delicious Texas eats & live music. Grab a beer on the porch and hang like a local. Open on Sunday - Friday 5pm - 12am. Saturdays 5pm - 1am.
Lajitas Resort Bar: The Thirsty Goat
Inside Lajitas Resort, behind the resort's manufactured mini western town (reminiscent of Disneyland), is a cool bar called The Thirsty Goat Saloon. The bar received its namesake from Lajitas’ duly elected mayor, Clay Henry, who is also a goat. Naturally. Clay Henry was famous for his thirst for Lone Star Beer. If you happen to have a seasoned bar tender during your time at the Lajitas Bar, ask about the painting behind the bar. You'll know what we are talking about when you see it. It has quite the story behind it. With its Old West Texas charm, it is a nice place to relax if you are looking for an option outside of Terlingua. It has live music on the weekends and large screen TVs.
Tip: Great fried pickles.
Chili Pepper Cafe
Chili Pepper Cafe has been dishing out border favorites for many years. Located just north of Terlingua, Chili Pepper Cafe specializes in Tex-Mex and Northern fare. The tamales are a crowd pleaser, and are made fresh by a Terlingua local down the street! In the Winter, the Chili Pepper is open 8:00am - 8:30pm; Summer hours are 11:00am-8:30 pm. They are closed every Wednesday.
High Sierra Bar & Grill
This is a local watering hole with a variety of food and drinks on the menu. There’s also live music and a patio. High Sierra is open during the day (noon - 2am), so it becomes a great option for lunch when most options in the ghost town are closed.
Big Bend Motor Inn Store & Restaurant
Inside the gas station is Big Bend Resort & Adventures Café which serves simple cafeteria style meals. The café is open seven days a week, 7am - 9pm and serves generous portions of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The convenience store next door offers quick snack options, picnic supplies, ice, basic groceries, gasoline, and diesel fuel. Propane is also available for RV's.
DESERT LOTUS HEALING ARTS
After a big day of exploring treat yourself to some of the best body work around offered by Desert Lotus Healing Arts. They have a wide variety of massage treatment options ranging from Rolfing, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Jin Shin Do, hot stone, couples massages and more. Schedule with them directly through their website or via text: (432) 386-0305. With groups of 2+ they will come to the property and massage you at your casita.