Your Guide To Marfa, Texas
I’m just going to but this here — Marfa is an odd place, and I mean that in the nicest way possible. If you have ever had a conversation with me and you asked “what is your favorite place you have visited so far?” I will have probably mentioned Marfa, Texas.
The 1,700-person town found on the west side of the Lone Star State is a unique mix of minimalist art and culture, quirky creativity and strangely enough…gourmet eats. How far away is the closest big city, you might ask? Well, El Paso is over 200 miles away, San Antonio is more than 400 miles away and the closest major Texas interstate takes an hour's drive.
In other words, a visit to Marfa requires a commitment to a long journey in the desert. But that's absolutely part of its appeal. For us, we ventured to this wonderful little city on a road trip post visiting Big Bend National Park.
When you first arrive to Marfa you might be like “is this it?” That’s what we thought the first time we visited; I think the whole city is under 2 square miles, it has only one main-street and I do not think there is a single stop light. It’s tiny, like my mama once said “you better not blink or you might miss it” kind of small. Even with it’s size, that doesn’t take away from the weird but cool factor.
The city may be small but the art scene is colossal. Marfa has been known for several decads as a artists oasis; artists, scupltors, paitners from all over the world visit to be surrounded by like minded individuals and hope to be inspired. We met folks from all over; from New York City to Los Angelos California.
I could go on and on about this interesting little town.
As a passionate traveler and lover of unique and odd experiences, let me be your guide through the magic of Marfa.
What to Check Out Next:
The Prada Store:This is a public art piece that resembles a real-life Prada store. The original intention was for the structure to be temporary and dissolve back into the earth as a critique on consumerism, but that was later abandoned. Now, it's a cultural icon that brings influencers from all over to snap a couple photos and put them all over instagram. I want to that Prada Marfa isn't actually in Marfa's city limits; it's 26 miles away; something I wish someone had told us before.
The Sentinel: The Big Bend Sentinel is the towns local newspaper and it doubles as a cafe, resturant, cocktail bar, event space and boutique with a desert-minimalist interior design. I think the idea was to diversify the newspaper's sources of income during a period when many local papers were dying. But today you can come in, read the latest headlines, sip lattes, and shop for Southwest attire, plants and local art. It’s truly stunning and we always come here to get a coffee and work for a couple hours. I’m a big fan of the lavender latte.
Local Art and Sculptures: Marfa's claim to fame right now. Art is everywhere, and the museums keep things fresh, so check them out. Also, give Atlas Obscura a peek for local art gems.
Pasadio Hotel: Built in the 1930s, this iconic hotel has hosted celebrities like James Dean to Elizabeth Taylor. The interion has a very charming old school like vibe. We didn't shack up here, but we did hit up the gift shop. They have locally made art and trinkets that aren't your usual souvenir fare. The bar and outdoor area are vibe central.
Marfa Lights: Besides art, the town is shrouded in a mystery called the "Marfa lights." You can't bounce without catching a glimpse of these. Aliens? Car lights? The debate is real. Scott and I were out there, flip-flopping on theories all night, leaving more perplexed than when we arrived.
Top Picks for Eats and Drinks:
Planet Marfa: This isn't your average watering hole; it's a dive bar oasis. Picture beer in an old bus, live music echoing through the desert, and a vibe that's more grit than glamour.
The Water Stop: Splendid cocktails, a killer veggie burger, and a mood in there that's so colorful yet moody. We snapped pics for our home design inspiration.
Marfa Burrito: If you hit only one restaurant, make it this. Best burrito ever. Tourists and locals love it. This place is a cash-only and no-frills kind of stop. Obsessed over it.
Lost Horse Saloon: this is the ultimate dive bar. Grab a cheap beer, enjoy the conversations, and play all the pool you want.
If you're attracted to a minimalist aesthetic, the great outdoors and don't mind the town's slight air of pretension, chances are you'll love Marfa just as much as we did. It's also the perfect stop (or base) for a trip to Big Bend National Park, about 100 miles away.
