Terlingua, Texas: Chili & Chaps

LET'S TALK CHILI:

Terlingua, Texas is a tourist destination for travelers to Big Bend National Park. Outdoor activities such as Rio Grande rafting, camping, hiking, and motorcycling are what drive people to this once uninhabitable region of Texas. However, since 1967, on the first Saturday of November, more than 10,000 "chiliheads" converge on Terlingua for two killer chili cook-offs: Chili Appreciation Society International and the Frank X. Tolbert/Wick Fowler World Chili Championships. Not only is there good eat'in, but the CASI raises over $1million annually for local charities. Admission is only $30 for the entire four-day event complete with TONS of chili and nightly entertainment.

Photos Credited to Alpine Daily Planet

NOW, LET'S TALK CHAPS:

But before there was chili in Terlingua, there was liquid silver. Back in the mid-1800s, the discovery of cinnabar ore (metal mercury is extracted from this mineral) created a population of about 2000. All that remains of these mining days is the ghost town of Chisos Mining Company (below) and a few abandoned mines such as California Hill.

Terlingua's mining past mixed with Pancho Villa's saddle are the sources of inspiration for Double D Ranch's Terlingua Silver Mine Chaps and Jacket. Its intricate metallurgy inspired beading and embroidery are reminiscent of the ghost town's past and the show saddle of El Jefe.

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