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Act Like A Local in Marfa, TX
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items Planning a trip to Marfa, Texas? Whether you are coming to view the Marfa Lights, view Donald Judd's artworks, see the stars at the McDonald Observatory, or stop long enough to take pics for Insta, Marfa is a place like no other. It is remote and eve...
Sections
5
Things to Do
Places to Eat
What to Pack
What to Avoid
Places to Shop
Things to Do
It's impossible to describe the vastness of Big Bend National Park. Santa Elana Canyon is my go-to spot to take visitors. It never fails to disappoint. Allow 3 hours to get there and use the Panther Junction entrance. Give yourself plenty of time to explore, but I suggest timing it so you visit Santa Elana's Canyon around sunset if po...
Visit Big Bend National Park
The McDonald Observatory is a research unit of The University of Texas at Austin and one of the world's leading centers for astronomical research, teaching, and public education and outreach. The observatory is located high in the Davis Mountains in ...Star Party while in town! I've been 4x and it never gets old. I've actually seen a meteor go through Saturn's rings through one of the telescopes! The close is $25/adult. Book early because they sell out fast! (Tip: If they are sold out sign up for the waitlis...
Star Party @ McDonald Observatory
Monahans Sandhills State Park is always one of our favorite places to stop whenever we fly in/out of Midland. The first time we stopped here my kids were elementary school age and they ran wild unable to process what they were seeing! Another fantast...
Monahans Sandhills State Park
Balmorhea State Park is hard to explain. It is literally an oasis in the middle of the high-desert! It is the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool. It has recently undergone an extensive renovation and has been brought back to all it's glory. You...
Balmorhea State Park
The Presidio County Courthouse is not to be missed! It has been beautifully maintained and feels like you are walking into a different era when you visit. But the best part? Go all the way up to the tower and your jaw will drop at the 360 degree view...
Presidio County Courthouse - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Are the Marfa Lights real? I've seen them! It wasn't until my 3rd visit until I finally spotted them, but I am a believer. Learn more about the Marfa Mystery Lights and then you be the judge!
The Marfa Mystery Lights - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
The Chinati Foundation/La Fundación Chinati is an art museum in Marfa, Texas, based upon the ideas of its founder, Donald Judd. The emphasis is on works in which art and the surrounding land are inextricably linked. Guided Tours are the best way to s...chinati.org for more information. (Tip: Try to do a sunrise viewing if possible!)
Chinati Foundation
Touring Donald Judd's house in town was how I finally understood what the fuss was all about when it came to Donald Judd. To fully understand how his presence has impacted Marfa, the tour is time well spent. The Judd Foundation also offers several ot...
Judd Foundation Marfa
The Gage Gardens are about an hour from Marfa in Marathon, Texas. It is startling to see the stark contrast of the green oasis in the middle of the nowhere! They are not very large so it won't take you very long to explore, But while you are in Marat...Gage Hotel or maybe pick up a picnic lunch at the French Grocer before you head to the gardens.
Gage Gardens
Places to Eat
Margaret's is always a solid choice for an excellent meal. They are open from Wednesday to Saturday 4:30 – 9pm. I always make sure to save room for a slice of key lime pie!
Margaret's in Marfa
The best part about Para Llevar is that they are open Open 7 days a week 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. – rare in Marfa! Their wood-fired pizzas are always delish and they have a small selection of bodega items and a great courtyard to dine in if you don't want to...ORDER ONLINE!
Para Llevar
Aster Marfa is a delish option for breakfast. You can order online HERE or eat in the cozy cafe or tiny courtyard Wed-Sun 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. (Always check their Instagram account @asters.cafe.and.bakery for updated hours and menus.)
ASTERS CAFE AND BAKERY
My favorite coffee shop in town and I crave their waffles at least once a month. They are one of the only places in town that is open 7 days a week from 7:30 am - 3:30 pm. The Sentinel is also the home office for our local newspaper. Check out what's happening in Marfa before you visit!
THE SENTINEL MARFA - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor
The Get Go Market is the best place to grab a prepared or frozen meal and a bottle of wine if you are only going to be in town for a few days. Open 7 days a week from 9:00 am - 8:00 pm.
The Get Go
The most highly acclaimed restaurant in town. The food is fresh and original. I am a vegetarian and they are always willing to accommodate me even when the menu isn't very veg-friendly. Definately email them well in advance of when you will be in tow...
Cochineal Marfa
What to Pack
One of my first purchases after I moved to Marfa were a pair of Blundstone boots. I quickly realized that all of my footwear that worked in Middle Tennessee was no match for the high-desert. The ground is hot and dusty. Plus, the wicked goathead weed...
Best Footwear for your West Texas Adventure
Performance pants perform best! Why? Because EVERYTHING is prickly out here! Plus, the temps can push 100 degrees during the day and drop to upper 50's low 60's in the summertime. You'll want to wear lightweight clothing with several layers so you ca...
The Perfect Pair of Pants
I've always felt silly in a hat. Then I moved to Marfa and a hat became a necessity. I quickly realized why the light-colored “rancher's hat” inspired hats made so much sense. The sun is brutal, the wind can be relentless, and you'll do just about an...
My Favorite Hat (Shop Local in Marfa)
On average, there are 276 sunny days per year in Presidio County--which is 71 more sunny days than the rest of the US. The sun is literally so bright that you gotta wear shades! If you plan on doing a lot of day trips you'll want a good pair of sungl...
You'll See Better if You Aren't Squinting
While it might look like I'm curating a collection of clothes to wear on a glamping safari, I promise that you will appreciate the items I've chosen for this list! Even if you aren't in the sun, you might get targeted by flies at dinner, or be sittin...
You'll Be Glad You Packed This Shirt
This dress is about as fancy as you'd need to be even at the nicest restaurant in town. (Just be sure to pack a jean jacket or cardigan sweater to throw on after the sun goes down.)
Dinnertime Maxi Dress
This Madewell bikini would be the perfect choice to hang out at Marfa's coolest hot spot… the pool at Hotel Saint George. Even if you are not staying at the hotel $30 will get you a day pass if you are over 21+! (Access is complimentary for hotel gue...
Poolside at Hotel Saint George
If you are planning on hiking in the Davis Mountains, Big Bend, or any other nearby state parks, hydration is key. Don't forget that Marfa sits at a higher elevation than you might expect! At 4,685′ you will feel the altitude and staying hydrated is ...
Going hiking? Stay hydrated!
This Corkcicle tumbler is the only water bottle that I have found that can handle the heat of a West Texas summer. I have left this water bottle in my car with ice water for several hours and there was still ice in it when I remembered to get it out ...
Corkcicle Cracked the Cold Code
It is not unusual for every place that serves food to be closed. I've arrived into town late at night and only been able to grab a noodle cup from the gas station right before they closed at 11:00 pm. Throw a box of food bars in your suitcase that ar...
Snack Bars Might Save the Day
As a contingency plan if you miss the window of time to access restaurants or grocery stores in Marfa, you might want to pack a soft-sided cooler to load up before you head into town. Before I moved to Marfa, I'd fly into Midland, then load up at Wal...Big Bend National Park or Balmorhea State Park for the day.
Your Cool Contingency Plan
The roads are LONG around here. Places to eat and pee are few and far between!! Chances are you will be packing a lunch and might have to make a roadside pitstop if you drank one too many TopoChicos before you hit the road. You will not regret packin...
Better Safe Than Sorry
Even if you aren't planning on heading into the wilderness of Big Bend National Park to hike or camp, hydration is key to having a good time in the desert. If you live below an elevation of 4,685′ chances are you will feel the altitude change. It can sneak up on you with headaches, dizziness, gassy belly, and a general sense of irri...
Hydration is Key to a Good Time in the Desert
Marfa is a very dog-friendly town. If you are traveling with your pup, the PupFlask is a good way to be sure your fur-baby stays hydrated in the desert too!
Keep Fido Hydrated Too
A swanky bandana is a rite of passage for a pup in West Texas! The pinnacle of swanky and cool can be found at El Cosmico, the campground filled with refurbished air streams, glamping-style tents, yurts, and tee-pees. If you ask me, I think anything on the FarWestCollective website is pretty damn cool.
El Cosmico Classic Bandana
What to Avoid
You cannot escape an encounter with a goat head when you visit West Texas. Do your research so you know how to spot ‘em! (Especially if you are travelling with dogs. I don’t think my dog will ever make peace with them!)
What is a goathead?
You'll find Prickly Pear cactus all over town. If you aren't familiar with cacti, just understand that if you accidentally brush up against one of these babies, you'll be picking tiny, fine cactus prickles out of your skin for the next week. They are...
Prickly Pear Cactus
I am facinated with javelinas. They roam all over Marfa as they please. There is no stopping them. They have been around since the dinosaurs and have very few f*cks left to give. They LOVE to demolish prickly pear cactus plants. Let me say that again...
Javelinas
Speaking of no f*cks left to give… the skunk population in Marfa is legendary. Between the javelinas and the skunks, an evening walk can get a little hectic – especially if you are walking a dog that is not used to random skunks roaming around. Just ...
Skunks in Texas
Places to Shop
My friend Alexis sells so many wonderful items in her shop on Highland Street. Stop in and see what she has to offer!
Ocotillo Botánica
The perfect place to buy local goods. I love their hats and jewelry.
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