So they say, “Everything is Bigger in Texas,” however, Marfa might disagree. The slow paced, easy-going, ” we will work if we want to” mentality of Marfa might give Texas a run for its money. I am not sure what I had envisioned for Marfa to be like, but it was different than I imagined. My bit of advice, go in with no preconceived notion and enjoy it for what it is! If you do this, you will have a great time! It is a place where art is appreciated, a siesta is a requirement, and unique is welcomed!
STAY:
El Cosmico (rent a trailer (we stayed in the Imperial Mansion), tent, tepee, yurt, or sleep under the stars – 802 S Highland Ave – (432) 729-1950
Thunderbird Hotel – 601 W San Antonio St, Marfa – (432) 729-1984
Hotel Paisano – 207 Highland St, Marfa – (432) 729-3669
SEE:
Chinati Foundation – Donald Judd, the NYC expat bought 40,000 acres and a number of buildings, to create what we now know as Marfa. To see the late artist’s large-scale works and other installations by artists he admired book a tour through the Chinati Foundation – Open Wed–Sun; 1 Cavalry Row, 432-729-4362
Ballroom Marfa—open Wed–Sun; 108 E. San Antonio, 432-729-3600
Marfa Contemporary—open Wed–Sun; 100 E. San Antonio, 432-729-3500
Prada Marfa (which I found out is NOT in Marfa, but Valentine) – A permanently installed sculpture by Scandinavian artists Elmgreen and Dragset along U.S. Highway 90, 35 miles north of Marfa
SHOP:
Freda – The Marfa done chic. Everything from highend designers to the perfect gift for a friend. The small shop houses a big collection – Open Wed–Sun; 207 S. Highland Ave, 917-653-5049
Wrong Store – An art gallery and store with incredible pieces of art and photography perfectly showcased in an old cathedral – Call for hours; 110 W. Dallas, 432-729-4979.
Camp Bosworth and Buck Johnston
Cast + Crew – An eclectic arrangement of odds and ends – Call for hours; 203 E. San Antonio, 806-789-7248.
Moonlight Gemstone (known more commonly around town as ‘The Rock Shop’) – Open daily; 1001 W. San Antonio, 432-729-4526.
Cobra Rock Boot Company, handmade boots – Open Wed–Sun; 107 S. Dean.
EAT:
BREAKFAST
Boys2Men – a delicious food truck serving breakfast tacos. Be prepared to wait. They could say they will take anywhere from 10 minutes or 40 minutes and they mean it! Oh, and call ahead. They were supposed to be open one morning when they were not. – Open Sat & Sun 8–3; 220 W. San Antonio
Marfa Burrito – Maybe my favorite place in Marfa. Ramona cooks authentic tacos in her kitchen while you hang out on her front porch! They are delicious, but small! Don’t feel bad if you order more! Also, be sure to bring your spanish translator, she hardly speaks any english. – Open daily 6–2; 515 S. Highland Ave
LUNCH
Comida Futura – A menu which changes daily based on local resources – 120 Highland St, Marfa, TX 79843 – (432) 729-4278
Mandos– Your hangover-healing greasy, delicious, Mexican food. Popular with the locals around lunchtime so arrive early – 1506 W San Antonio St, Marfa, TX 79843 – Open Mon- Thur: 6am – 2pm – 5pm – 9pm, Friday 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 5:00 – 10:00 PM, Saturday 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sunday Closed
Capri Kitchen – “The best lunch spot in Marfa.” Great sandwiches, salads and other traditional lunch food – 603 W San Antonio St – (432) 729-1984
Food Shark – Famous for their falafels – Open Wed–Sat noon–3; Highland Avenue & El Paso
Fat Lyle’s – Must.Order.Fried.Chicken – Call for hours – 719 S. Highland Ave
DINNER
Cochineal – Must make a reservation! Opened by a transplant from New York City it is by far one of the nicer restaurants in town. We enjoyed our last night here and it was delicious! Open Thur–Tue, reservations recommended; 107 W. San Antonio
Maiya’s – Also on the nicer scale they are known for their seasonal dishes with an Italian influence – Open Wed–Sat;103 S. Highland
OTHER OPTIONS
juices at Squeeze
Shop for Food at The Get Go – A local, organic grocery store you must see. Head to the Marfa bookstore, grab a coffee at The Get Go, and then walk the isles of this seriously cute (and small) local grocery shop (just be aware it is $$$).
LATE NIGHT
Padre’s Marfa is a laid-back hangout housed in a former funeral home. The kitchen’s open till 10 each night – Open Wed–Sun; 209 W. El Paso, 432-729-4425
Lost Horse Saloon A typical saloon style bar with old pool tables and a large patio – Open Fri–Sun; 306 E. San Antonio, 432-729-4499
The Museum of Electronic Wonders and Late Night Grilled Cheese Parlour: Your late night carb overload savior – Usually open Fri & Sat at 9:30 p.m.; 300 W. San Antonio, 432-729-1804
COFFEE SHOPS
Frama/Tumbleweed Laundry – A seriously cute/interesting coffeeshop! Located in the local Laundromat you can sip delicious coffee while chatting up locals drying their jeans! – Call for hours; 120 N. Austin, 432-295-2469.
Do Your Thing – We enjoyed our last coffee here. Delicious lattes but don’t be in a rush. When they ran out of an ingredient they ran across the street to the local store, The Get Go. A seriously homey and small town shop! Open Thur–Mon (except 1-3pm); located in the back of the Lumberyard at 201 E. Dallas
TIPS:
• We went on a Sunday/Monday and most businesses were closed. Literally Monday and Tuesday are the WORST days to visit (always try to go at the end of the week). The places we did get into we called ahead of time to schedule a visit. My advice – check ahead of time. Also, be prepared to change your plans shall a shop decide to close for the day. They keep funny hours so always be prepared to shift your day around.
• We had just missed the annual music festival which was a little sad. Marfa is known for its local events so check in advance if there is one you want to visit. These include the CineMarfa Film Festival, Viva Big Bend Music Festival, the Trans-Pecos Festival of Music + Love, Chinati Weekend and the Marfa Lights Festival.
