SAN DIEGO SONGBIRD GUIDE TO MARFA, TEXAS
We just got back from a very quick road trip, where we passed through Santa Fe on our way to Marfa, TX. We head to New Mexico a few times a year so at some point, I'll need to do a guide to Taos & Santa Fe. This time, however, I wanted to focus on our new favorite city. We spent a mere 36 hours in Marfa but were ready to move there after our first few hours. The town is filled with beautiful old buildings that were calling our name for a store front/workshop space. With so many creative people packed into just a few blocks and sprawling land on either side, it's no wonder this tiny town is a bit of a mecca for artists and independent craftsmen. It's also a popular film location spot. Giant (starring Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean & Rock Hudson) was filmed there in the 50s and they were filming a new flick with Giovanni Ribisi while we were there (no sightings, unfortunately!).
In the short time we were there, we managed to hit up the major hotspots and find some favorites. Below are the spots we visited and a couple that we were bummed to miss since we were there on off days.
PRO TIPS: Marfa is most alive on Fridays & Saturdays. Most businesses are closed on Monday & Tuesday. Also, you can see most of the town in just a couple of days so it's best not to plan a super long trip here or you may get bored.
STAY:
Thunderbird Hotel: Marfa's take on the Ace Hotel chain. Modern, stylish & modest digs nestled around a pool with a covered cabana. Even if you don't stay here, stop by for a photo op at the "See Mystery Lights" sign.
El Cosmico: If you're a fan of somewhat roughing it, stay here. You can rent a trailer, teepee or tent. There's a great little community vibe going on here as well as an indoor lounge and a bar. The gift shop is pretty epic too.
EAT + DRINK:
Frama Coffee: Connected to a laundromat, you can get delicious coffee and ice cream with the smell of fresh laundry as a bonus treat. They even have almond milk here!! You've got to love a town that is untouched by Starbucks.
Hotel El Paisano: Stop by here for a happy hour margarita and to tour the historic hotel where Giant was filmed. We ended up having dinner here because it was easy for us to sit on the patio with our four month old. If we were there without Gram, we would've probably tried Maiya's instead. This is also a hotel so you can stay here if you're into a more historic vibe.
Food Shark: Wednesday - Saturday from noon to 3, the famous Food Shark food truck camps out at the covered community pavilion to serve southwestern Mediterranean home cooked goodness. We missed this unfortunately but were at least able to get a taste of it thanks to its sister restaurant (see below).
Comida Futura by Food Shark: Run by the town's famous food truck, this cafe is the lunch hotspot. I was able to get a vegetarian burrito bowl and the most mouthwatering brown butter chocolate chip cookie ever. Make sure to grab a Topo Chico bubbly water here or at some point while you're in Marfa. It's a thing.
Marfa Burrito: Also known as the "burrito lady", stop in for a fresh, delicious breakfast burrito on homemade flour tortillas. It's definitely helpful if you have some high school spanish classes to fall back on here.
We were REALLY bummed not to be able to try Pizza Foundation as that came highly recommended by many people in the town as well as other travelers. Just another reason to go back!
SEE + DO + SHOP
There are lots of galleries and art spaces in Marfa. Unfortunately for us, most of them were closed on the Monday & Tuesday we were there. This is a great guide. We were most bummed to miss the Chianti Foundation.
We also missed two Marfa shops I was dying to check out but grabbed a couple of snapshots out front. Next time we go back, we'll definitely be coming on a day that Cobra Rock Boot Company and Cast + Crew (previously blogged here!) are open. I did come home and immediately bought a Cast + Crew lucky horseshoe. Who says souvenirs have to be purchased on the actual trip?!
Marfa Mystery Lights: We tried to see them but got a lightning storm instead, which was almost as rad. It's definitely worth a shot to see if you can see them!
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In the short time we were there, we managed to hit up the major hotspots and find some favorites. Below are the spots we visited and a couple that we were bummed to miss since we were there on off days.
PRO TIPS: Marfa is most alive on Fridays & Saturdays. Most businesses are closed on Monday & Tuesday. Also, you can see most of the town in just a couple of days so it's best not to plan a super long trip here or you may get bored.
STAY:
Thunderbird Hotel: Marfa's take on the Ace Hotel chain. Modern, stylish & modest digs nestled around a pool with a covered cabana. Even if you don't stay here, stop by for a photo op at the "See Mystery Lights" sign.
El Cosmico: If you're a fan of somewhat roughing it, stay here. You can rent a trailer, teepee or tent. There's a great little community vibe going on here as well as an indoor lounge and a bar. The gift shop is pretty epic too.
EAT + DRINK:
Frama Coffee: Connected to a laundromat, you can get delicious coffee and ice cream with the smell of fresh laundry as a bonus treat. They even have almond milk here!! You've got to love a town that is untouched by Starbucks.
Hotel El Paisano: Stop by here for a happy hour margarita and to tour the historic hotel where Giant was filmed. We ended up having dinner here because it was easy for us to sit on the patio with our four month old. If we were there without Gram, we would've probably tried Maiya's instead. This is also a hotel so you can stay here if you're into a more historic vibe.
Food Shark: Wednesday - Saturday from noon to 3, the famous Food Shark food truck camps out at the covered community pavilion to serve southwestern Mediterranean home cooked goodness. We missed this unfortunately but were at least able to get a taste of it thanks to its sister restaurant (see below).
Comida Futura by Food Shark: Run by the town's famous food truck, this cafe is the lunch hotspot. I was able to get a vegetarian burrito bowl and the most mouthwatering brown butter chocolate chip cookie ever. Make sure to grab a Topo Chico bubbly water here or at some point while you're in Marfa. It's a thing.
Marfa Burrito: Also known as the "burrito lady", stop in for a fresh, delicious breakfast burrito on homemade flour tortillas. It's definitely helpful if you have some high school spanish classes to fall back on here.
We were REALLY bummed not to be able to try Pizza Foundation as that came highly recommended by many people in the town as well as other travelers. Just another reason to go back!
SEE + DO + SHOP
There are lots of galleries and art spaces in Marfa. Unfortunately for us, most of them were closed on the Monday & Tuesday we were there. This is a great guide. We were most bummed to miss the Chianti Foundation.
We also missed two Marfa shops I was dying to check out but grabbed a couple of snapshots out front. Next time we go back, we'll definitely be coming on a day that Cobra Rock Boot Company and Cast + Crew (previously blogged here!) are open. I did come home and immediately bought a Cast + Crew lucky horseshoe. Who says souvenirs have to be purchased on the actual trip?!
Marfa Mystery Lights: We tried to see them but got a lightning storm instead, which was almost as rad. It's definitely worth a shot to see if you can see them!
Of course, on your way in or out of town, you have to stop for a photo op at the Prada Marfa exhibit. It'll pop up when you least expect it as you're driving. A stark contrast between the sprawling flatlands, the exhibit features right shoes only and purses with no bottom to prevent theft. I've heard it may be taken down soon so if you want to see it, act fast.
What did I miss? Any of your favorites in Marfa? Tell me because I want an excuse to go back!
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