Terlingua Ghost Town TX

February 12, 2016

On the way out of Big Bend National Park, and only a few miles out of our way, we were encouraged to stop at Terlingua Ghost Town for a breakfast burrito, and, lo, the spot also had lattes! Ah the wonders of espresso...

According to their website:

"This is not some abandoned movie set or a fabricated tourist trap. This was a real mining town that went bust and the miners walked away, leaving their homes behind.

Today you'll find a ghost town made up of decaying buildings, mine shafts, tall tales, ruins, crotchety old-timers, a three-legged dog, too much cactus, and semi-friendly rattlesnakes. ( We didn't see any rattlesnakes or the three-legged dog). It's been slightly revitalized with rustic Texas lodgings (graciously updated), world famous chili fixings, an internationally acclaimed restaurant (we're Mexico adjacent), and -- perhaps most importantly -- a fully operational saloon/bar."

 People and businesses are moving right into the ruins of former miners' houses and upgrading them to varying degrees, resulting in a funky and pioneer-like atmosphere.  As shown in the photo below, there are still some ruined buildings up for grabs.  Desert life anyone?
 

"Once a thriving cinnabar mining operation, when the market for mercury crashed everyone limped away except for the local critters. You're welcome to explore the ruins -- the fossils are free -- and stop by the original Chisos Mine company store (now The Terlingua Trading Company) and visit the old-timey Starlight Theatre. "

Glad we stopped!