The Ultimate Guide To Marfa, TX
Credit: Hannah Huber
Visiting Marfa is like a right of passage for creatives. From iconic movie sets to a James Beard worthy restaurant, this tiny town in the middle of the Chihuahuan Desert has been inspiring artists around the world for decades. Situated three hours from El Paso and seven hours west of Austin, the ride meanders through small desert towns and long stretches of ranch land. Arriving in Marfa feels like happening upon a mirage of trendy shops and eateries after hours of driving through endless landscapes. Saddle up as EIC, Hannah Huber, takes us through this whimsical western locale.
Credit: Hannah Huber
High Desert Fancy to Glamping
There are only a few hotels in town, but they are all pretty great. Hotel Saint George is your best bet for modern style, center of town location, and a lit pool scene. Hotel Paisano is the historic pick. Dripping in Western aesthetic, this storied hotel housed the cast and crew of Giant, which starred Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean, and Rock Hudson.
If you need to soak in the fresh air and those stunning Texas sunsets, get in tune with your inner nature girlie and book a stay at Marfa Yacht Club. Choose from one of their permanent airstreams or bring your own! Did I mention there is a pool that overlooks the desert landscape? For tent camping, El Cosmico has an expansive campground and renovated vintage trailers for guests looking for that bohemian vibe.
Credit: Hannah Huber
Culinary Excellence
For such a small town, Marfa is packing a seriously delicious food scene.
Cochineal: James Beard nominated Executive Chef Alexandra Gates embraces desert offerings in a spectacular tasting menu worthy of any big city.
Convenience West: This little roadside BBQ joint might look low-key, but it’s sporting James Bread recognized excellence. ProTip: Get there early because they will sell out.
Margaret’s: This is your ultimate hangout spot. Elevated comfort classics set the scene for an intimate dinner with new friends.
Marfa Burritos: No lie, the best burritos you’ll ever have. You cannot miss this spot.
The Sentinel: Part coffee shop, part boutique, this western storefront houses great breakfast and lunch options, and is also home to the town’s newspaper.
Bars
Marfa Spirit Co.: Rustic distillery serving up their signature sotol margaritas and an ever changing menu of delish dishes.
The Lost Horse Saloon: Think dive bar but in the desert. This is your late night spot for beers and long conversations with new friends.
Planet Marfa: This open air watering hole is the lively spot where you’ll find margaritas, live music, and bartenders that know all the local haunts.
Dark Sky Delights
Dark sky travel is on the rise and Marfa is the perfect place to spend your evenings staring at the stars. Drop by the Marfa Lights viewing area after 9pm for a seriously spooky show. These twinkling orbs aren’t man made, nor are they stars. Ranging in color from white, red, and blue, these magical sparkles have stumped locals and meteorologists alike. Pack a late night snack and experience the magic for yourself.
If constellations are more your vibe, buy a ticket to the McDonald Observatory’s Star Party. Spend the evening gazing through a few high powered telescopes and learning about the sky above.
Credit: Hannah Huber
All About The Art
Marfa became the ultimate pilgrimage for creatives in the 1970’s when contemporary artist Donald Judd took up residence and began working on the celebrated untitled concrete block installation in the middle of the Chihuahuan Desert. Now known as The Chinati Foundation, the museum holds space for new artists looking to work in the style of Judd. Naturally, artists from all over have been pulled to this mecca of inspiration creating works like the iconic Prada Marfa and the Giant installation. Get a taste of the ever evolving talent in the area by checking out Ballroom Marfa for the latest exhibits by artists from all over.
Shop The Western Aesthetic
Life moves a little slower in Marfa so spending the day boutique hopping is a totally acceptable activity. Let’s start with vintage clothing. B-side is a super cute shop offering vintage records, gently loved clothing, and, of course, local art. Raba Marfa is a chic, well curated store with everything from local products to vintage clothing.
Give your wardrobe a little Western flair at Communite, an adorable boutique selling everything from hand embroidered shirts to that Stetson you’ve been eyeing.
Looking for something a little more witchy? Take home all the weird desert vibes with a crystal from Moonlight Gemstones.
Credit: Hannah Huber
Support Local
It’s hard not to shop local in this small town, so consider giving back by donating to community staples like Marfa Public Radio, The Big Bend Sentinel Newspaper, and the historic Blackwell School.
Getting There & Getting Around
Marfa is in the middle of nowhere and getting there is not for the faint of heart. The nearest airport is in El Paso, which is 3 hours away, and the ride is pretty vacant so make sure you’re gassed up. Once you’re in town, you won’t really need your car if you are staying in the center of town. Marfa is really small so most things are walkable. Art installations like Prada Marfa, The Chinati Foundation, and the GIANT installation all require a short car ride. Uber and Lyft are hit or miss so you’re going to want to rely on your own transportation.
Accessibility & Dietary
Because of Marfa’s remote location and small population, you need to prepare for some obstacles. Local shops and restaurants may be closed on a whim, leaving you to rely on local convenience stores like The Get Go and the local grocery store Porter’s for food. This also means they may not always have the resources to accommodate dietary restrictions, but believe me, they will be as flexible as they can!
If you are worried about a medical condition, keep in mind that there is no hospital in Marfa and the nearest full service medical facility is 30 minutes away in the neighboring city of Alpine. If you are using a wheelchair, the terrain is mainly flat and the center of town is equipped with sidewalks. Most shops are also at ground level and easily accessible.
All this to say, be patient. Marfa is entrenched in that Texas slow life so be prepared to go with the flow.
