Tumbleweeds

摘要

In 2003 we detailed Austin telecom entrepreneur Stephen Smith's attempt to fashion a high-end Old West-themed Texas getaway called Lajitas. The place had its own airport, air-conditioned equestrian center and a beer-guzzling goat serving as the town's mayor. But what was billed as the "ultimate hideout" 300 miles from the closest big city turned out to be a little too far off the beaten track. Last summer, after investing $85 million and selling just $9 million worth of real estate, Smith waved a white flag and the development declared bankruptcy.