I just moved to Virginia from Alpine last August. What kinds of things are you most interested in? Hiking? Driving? Socializing? Historical stuff? There are TONS of day trip-type things to do in the area.

Here are a few ideas:

*Ft. Davis is about 20 miles away. There's an awesome observatory there. You can take tours (guided or self-guided), and they have viewing parties there on certain days (I don't remember what their winter schedule is). During the day they have the telescopes pointed at the sun, at night at the stars and planets.

*If you're willing to drive the 100 miles to Big Bend National Park (which is considered "nearby" out there), it is VERY MUCH worth even a day trip. There are lots of short hikes that still manage to be pretty isolated and really cool. If you like to drive, you could spend the day driving around the park, it's very isolated and totally gorgeous. A fantastic place to be at sunset.

*If you're interested in art, you could take a trip to Marfa (about 20 miles away). Donald Judd (a minimalist sculptor) bought a bunch of property out there and made it into this nifty art museum in the middle of nowhere. Here's the link: www.chinati.org/english2/index.htm

*There are LOTS of art galleries and shops in the area, from super-expensive, to hokey, to modern and edgy. Marfa and Alpine have the most art galleries, but there's also some cool stuff in Terlingua/Study Butte.

*Terlingua is worth a day trip, too. Funky galleries, bars and shops. Terlingua and it's inhabitants have a very independant spirit. Terlingua is an old mercury mining town that was abandoned, but now it has been re-inhabited. If you go, check out La Kiva(food/drinks/sometimes live music) or Tivo's Place(food). www.ghosttowntexas.com/ghosttown.htm

...and there's LOTS more! If you let me know more details (like if you'll have a car, what's your budget, what you're most interested in doing, etc.), I can give you a more "tailored" list of things to do.