Allie


Thursday, January 24

take me there: marfa, texas

I've realized lately that although I've traveled to over 20 countries around the world, I haven't seen a whole lot around the United States. With the lack of funds in my bank account, I've made it a priority in 2013 to do some local traveling... starting with Marfa, Texas.

photo courtesy of annie's treasure trove

I don't know how I've made it this far in life not knowing about Marfa. Especially since I grew up in Texas. My super awesome friend, Kiera, told me about this lesser-known city in, well, literally the middle of no where, Texas and after researching my you-know-what off, I absolutely need to go.

Known for their mystery lights (UFOs?), art, desert landscape, hip hotels and all around (for lack of better words) weird stuff, Marfa is no easy place to get to. Eight hours from Dallas, six hours from San Antonio and three hours from El Paso, no matter where you fly in to, it's going to be quite the drive.

People rave about Mediterranean-esque cuisine from Food Shark as well as tacos (obviously a favorite of mine) from Tacos del Norte. If you want to get fancy, Maiya's ever-changing menu seems to draw in quite the crowd as well.

photo courtesy of food shark

My favorite part of this strange town, however, has to be the accommodation options. The Thunderbird Motel seems to be an Ace Hotel equivalent, boasting locally-designed custom furniture, an awesome pool and plenty of other vintage touches.

photo courtesy of nonsense and sensibility 

Or you can stay somewhere a little less conventional. El Cosmico offers super affordable renovated trailers, safari tents and teepees. TEEPEES!! I think my seven-year-old self is most excited about that option. 


photos courtesy of el cosmico

And while you're there, you cannot miss the incredible art scene. Chinati, inde/jacobs fine art and Ballroom Marfa seem to be the most popular galleries.

photo courtesy of west texas weekly

To be honest, I really have no idea why I'm so drawn to this place but since I found out about Marfa's existence, I haven't stopped researching or dreaming. How fun would it be to chat with the locals from this little town and explore for a weekend? I'll keep you posted on my potential plans to visit Marfa. Anyone want to be my date?

14 comments:

The Egg said...

ooooh, adding this place to my list of must sees!
xo the egg out west.

Charlene Zale said...

I love that red renovated trailer. Happy travels!

Katherine said...

I wish I lived close enough to come along. What an interested place. That Ace Hotel is BEAUTIFUL looking. And the photos.. I wanna go to Texas so bad.

<3 katherine
of corgis & cocktails // fawn pendant giveaway

Jorie said...

I'll be your date! My best friend stopped in Marfa on her way to Portland this summer. She stayed in one of those picturesque tents and loved it! Ever since, I've wanted to go!

jorie

Rachael said...

That's a great idea to travel to places you've never been, and always wanted to go to, around the US! I've only traveled to a few places around the US, and that was for visiting family. I have to do what your doing, and just go out for the heck of it.
Marfa (which makes me think of BARF-A-which is probably not thir intention!), seems like a cool little town. It always amazes me the little towns in this world, that people live in every day.

Unknown said...

I love the sign "Approved Public Water System" is that a texas thing?? I think that is so funny!

henning love said...

yes i want to be your date to visit marfa. first because i think it is a fancy sounding name, marfa and second because of the cool hotels and awesome food it says like they have

Applewood Road said...

This sounds like my ideal road trip! I want to travel all over texas just as soon as I can ditch the student debt haha

Kristina said...

I've never heard of this town either, but it sounds so cool! I want to drive through there sometime.

Kristina

Kristina does the Internets

WetDesert said...

Marfa is amazing! The scenery is breath-taking. I've only been to Alpine which is near the amazing Big Bend area. I've been in TX (New Braunfels) for 4 years and Marfa is definitely a must see. Enjoy your trip :)

perch shop said...

yes! i love the teepee option for a place to sleep. how awesome is that? only in texas....!

jenniemarie said...

Don't forget about Prada Marfa! You have to see that.

http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/prada-marfa

Corrin said...

I've been dying to go to Marfa since I moved to Texas.

Kirsten said...

This place seriously looks awesome! I now need to look into this little town.

Thanks for the tip!

-Kirsten
mylifetintedpink.blogspot.com