Alpine Bed and Breakfast is a “traditional, full service bed and breakfast,” according to the owner. The inn is located in Alpine, Texas, which is found north of Big Bend National Park. The business is open year-round and offers four rooms to people looking to stay in Alpine. Each room has amenities comprised of a smart TV, Wi-Fi, toiletries, central A/C and heat, and more. Rates include a daily breakfast that guests select from a menu. There are a variety of outdoor places, such as state and national parks and historic sites within the vicinity, and the downtown area has many restaurants that guests can visit. People can rent a room or even the entire house for events such as small wedding parties. Alpine Bed and Breakfast is a 135 year-old home that has, according to the owners, most of the original woodwork from when it was first constructed.
There are a total of four rooms available at Alpine Bed and Breakfast. The entire house can be rented, or individual rooms. Each room has a private bathroom, three of which are en-suite, while one is across the hall. All bathrooms are private and have a walk-in shower. The rooms have king-sized beds with 14-inch mattresses, two nightstands, two lamps, two clocks, a smart TV, access to Wi-Fi, toiletries like shower gel and shampoo, heaters, and a closet or "gentleman's chest" where visitors can store things. Each unit has access to the wrap-around porch.
One of the establishment's more popular guestrooms is Twin Sisters, which has its own mini-split heating and air-conditioning for climate control. There is also a walk-in shower, a sofa, a private patio and yard, and a hot tub. Another popular room is Castle Rock. In addition to a walk-in shower, it also has an antique clawfoot soaking tub. Most of the windows face south, which allows an abundance of natural sunlight into the room.
Breakfast is served at 9:00 A.M. A different house specialty is made each day, and other items are available, such as yogurt, fruit, overnight oats, scrambled eggs, baked apples with oat crumble, bread like sourdough, artisan white and gluten-free, vegan multi-seed toast, berry muffins, and more. Most items are made in-house, such as the yogurt, breads, jams, and more. Special dietary needs, such as vegan and gluten free, can also be accommodated. A to-go menu is available for guests who are leaving early to explore the area.
The owner describes the décor style as "eclectic." She also mentions, "We don't focus on antiques. Everything is new, and we want people to feel comfortable." Guests can sit and relax on the wrap-around porch or by the firepit. Guests can use the playing cards, puzzles, and other games that are provided. A hike up Hancock Hill is an option for visitors wanting to spend time outside. The house sits on almost an acre of land that features over 30 mature trees, and tables and chairs are available throughout the property. A small water trough is located near the fire pit that frequently attracts wildlife to the property. In the past, the owners have seen deer, javelina, birds, and foxes at the trough.
Beyond the Alpine Bed and Breakfast borders, people can spend time in the city. The business is located in the historic district of Alpine and within walking distance of downtown. There are a variety of attractions in and around town, including the Museum of the Big Bend. There are many restaurants in Alpine and the Tri-County area, including Alpine Wine, which is also owned by Sharon & Tom and is within walking distance from the B&B. Outside of the town, one can find various parks and locations of note, like Big Bend National Park and Fort Davis National Historic Site.
Sharon and Tom, the owners of Alpine Bed and Breakfast, would like their guests to feel "at home." The B&B atmosphere is described as “casual luxury,” by the owners. They strive ensure guests feel attended to and comfortable by calling before the check-in date to find out dietary restrictions. Additionally, coffee, sodas, and fruit are always available to the guests.
To try and ensure a comfortable stay, children over 12 are always welcome. However, children under 12 can stay when the entire house is rented. Additionally, a 10% discount is given when the entire house is rented. Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed to stay at the inn, but service dogs are permitted. Quiet time begins at 10:00 P.M to help others wind down for the night. The business is capable of hosting events, but they do not have enough space for large groups. Events that can be held on the property include wedding parties, where the bride, the groom, and their families are able to stay, allowing them to have breakfast the following day.
Alpine Bed and Breakfast has received many reviews from people who have stayed at the business in the past. One thing that is often mentioned is the various amenities that are offered. One person who recently stayed at the inn wrote, "Sharon & Tom are wonderful hosts. Every breakfast was amazing, with many delicious choices. We also loved sitting by the fire pit at night."
The owner mentions that they are most known for "[their] hospitality and breakfast." Sharon reports that the busiest times of the year tend to be March through May, as well as October through December. During the spring, many people come for outdoor activities such as hiking.
The current owners of Alpine Bed and Breakfast have been in business since 2020, having purchased it in October of 2019. They are the company's original owners, though the house had been used as a private residence before it was turned into a bed and breakfast. The house is currently 135 years old and is known as one of the original houses in Alpine’s historic district. Due to the work put into the home by the previous and current owners, the home still has its original floors, transoms, and woodwork.
Tom and Sharon are the seventh owners of the building and have done much work maintaining the building and preserving the house's history. The building is also known as the Kincaid-Wade House. It has this name because the original owner was named Kincaid, and the person he sold it to, about ten years later, was another man named Wade. Ever since Tom and Sharon took ownership of the house, they have done several renovation projects to make it capable of being a bed and breakfast. The owners had to build two new bathrooms and had to remodel the existing ones. Work was also done on other aspects of the home, including removing one of the connecting doors, placing jacks under the floor to support the flooring, and taking out wallpaper.
Sharon and Tom both have experience in the customer service industry due to their previous careers, and Sharon also has experience in the food industry. They were looking for something they could run by themselves, so after some research, the two decided that a bed and breakfast would be something they would enjoy. Tom and Sharon have traveled to many different places in the past, usually requiring them to rent a room at a hotel. It was through her experiences at these other places that Sharon decided to make her bed and breakfast. The art in the building is from all over the world, including places like Central America and the Caribbean. There are pieces of art that were created by local artists as well.
403 N 8th St
Alpine, Texas
United States
Bed and Breakfast
Sharon Kelner
