By now you’ve probably heard about Marfa, Texas (or at the very least seen photos of Prada Marfa). I was skeptical to believe that this tiny town could possibly live up to its Instagram fame. After 72 hours in this magical place, I got it. Like really got it. Like we have Zillow alerts set up because we are going to move there got it.
See below for my top pics as well as our day by day breakout:
Where to Stay: Hotel Saint George
Where to Eat and Drink: Buns ‘N Roses, The Sentinel Marfa, Stellina, Al Campo, Restaurant Cochineal, Bar Nadar, Marfa Wine Co., Planet Marfa
Where to Shop: Communitie, Moonlight Gemstones, Marfa Book Co., Ashley Rowe, The Marfa Store
Things to Do: Prada Marfa, Tiny Target, Marfa Lights, Big Bend National Park, Chinati Foundation, Slowpoke Marfa
Day 1
On our way into Marfa, we stopped by the Tiny Target. Located about halfway between Alpine and Marathon, Texas on US 90, this tiny art instillation used to be a railroad structure. If you’re lucky you can catch a train passing in the background for dramatic effect.
Once we made it to town, we made our way over to Slowpoke Marfa. This hand poked tattoo shop is located in the back of Al Campo in an old airstream. Make an appointment online for guaranteed availability.
After being freshly poked, we made our way over to Marfa Wine Co. for some wine by the glass. Next it was on to Restaurant Cochineal for an amazing dinner. Spring for their house specialty desert. It’s worth it.
We closed out the first day under the stars at Al Campo. Their queso is quite possibly the best I’ve ever had and I’m a queso connoisseur.
Day 2
We got up early. As in 4 AM early. We’d heard that the best time to visit Prada Marfa was at sunrise because of the way the light hit the structure. I’m so glad that we did. The sunrise across the desert landscape was incredible. Plus, we were the only ones there. That meant multiple outfit changes and free range on photos.
On our way back into town, we stopped by Buns ‘N Roses for breakfast. We might have been a tad overdressed, but I’m sure the staff is used to it by now.
After a quick outfit change, we were off to the Chinati Foundation. Truly beautiful structures, but fair warning – there is no AC in the airplane hangers. And in September, it’s still a killer.
Next it was time for some shopping. Marfa has great local shops that offer unique finds without screaming souvenirs. I highly recommend Communitie. They have a beautiful assortment of ready to wear that will fit into your everyday wardrobe as well as your Marfa vacay look.
When you’re ready to cool off, head over to Bar Nadar. Lounge by the pool and have a frose. It’s ok to be a little basic after an art filled day.
That evening we headed over to the Marfa Lights Viewing Area hoping to catch the famed mysterious glowing orbs. First recorded in 1883, no one has been able to fully explain the phenomenon. The orbs flash and dart, merge and unmerge, appear and disappear on the horizon. We were lucky enough to spot them and take in a lightning storm all at the same time.
Day 3
Off to Big Bend! Located about an hour and a half south of Marfa, Big Bend National Park crosses the US Mexico border with the Rio Grande acting as a natural boundary. Watch out for the wild horses that call the park their home.
After a full day of “hiking” (aka driving and picnicking). we returned to Marfa for dinner at Stellina. This is a local favorite, so go early. They only offer a select number of each menu item nightly. If you’re late chances are you’ll have missed a few items.
Closing out our trip, we made our way to Planet Marfa. This secret oasis looks unassuming from the outside, but is like a magical treehouse for adults inside.
See you soon Marfa!
