Those of you who are knowledgeable about driving in Texas, I could use your input about a driving trip which includes two widely spaced areas. Husband and I have about 10 days (maybe 12) in the first weeks of April. We are considering flying into San Antonio, stay there 2 nights then head up to the Fredericksberg/Johnson City area to take in the Willow City Loop trip to see the bluebonnets in bloom (hopefully). Maybe spend 2/3 nights in the area, then we would like to go to the Big Bend area for the last 5 nights (with one of those nights needed to stay on the way there.)
We would fly out of El Paso and drop the car off there. I know this is alot of driving.

If we decided to just spend the time in the Big Bend area, what are the sights that we must see. I have been to Fort Davis before but I don't see any towns between there and the border or the NP.

Any advise is welcome. Margo

Margo - Marfa and Alpine (south of Ft Davis) are both nice towns. Other than those there really aren't any towns in the area between there and the Park. Check out the McDonald Observatory near Fort Davis if you haven't done that before.

Also, when you're checking flights, don't overlook leaving from Midland/Odessa, rather than El Paso. Most people we know prefer flying into/out of MID when going to Big Bend.

Keep in mind that early April is going to be spring break time, so the Big Bend area will be crawling with people. If you can somehow delay until late April it will be much quieter and you'll have more lodging options. I wouldn't be surprised if lodging inside the national park is already booked up.

People seem to like the Gage Hotel in Marathon.

I'm only familiar with the national park, so I can't comment much on other things to see. You can also visit the state park which is fairly close by. Terlingua and Study Butte are two very small towns between the two parks which have lodging. You'd certainly get a taste of the local atmosphere if you paid a visit to La Kiva while in the area.

I've only flown into Midland-Odessa, but if you stick with El Paso the drive along the Rio Grande between Lajitas and Presidio is supposed to be incredible. That would be on your way to El Paso. El Paso would add a couple hours of driving vs. Midland/Odessa.

The airport in Midland is very small, which is both good and bad. My last time through there, a flight on another airline was cancelled for some reason. While I was standing in line to check in for my flight, people in the other line were being told the next available flight was Friday morning - this was on Wednesday afternoon. With such a small airport and limited flights in/out, if something goes wrong you can get stuck there for awhile.

Spring breaks in Texas are normally over by the end of March (each district sets their own schedule) so I'd stay with your original plan. We've had good luck on wild flower viewing trips the first two weeks of April. Try to make time for the LBJ Ranch. It's such a pretty setting with the bluebonnets and paint brush in bloom.

Lived here forever but have never been to Big Bend so can't help with that part. But we have driven those "long hauls" through many other parts of West Texas and your plan is certainly doable in 10-12 days. Enjoy Texas!

If you decide to go back to Ft. Davis, you might like to stay at the Indian Lodge. I have never been there, but my Texas relatives love it. It does look interesting on their website, so we hope to make it out there someday ourselves.