The One United States Town Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
The United States is huge, but every once in a while, a town rises above the rest and earns a place on the country’s coveted must-visit list. Marfa, Texas, is one of those towns, capturing a Western spirit that feels instantly recognizable, and yet entirely its own. Sitting in the high desert of the Trans-Pecos, this small town is the gateway to exploring Big Bend Country and the Davis Mountains. Its art scene has also made a name for itself, home to the legacy of artist Donald Judd and numerous other local artists. You’ll most definitely enjoy the town’s cuisine as well, which includes everything from burritos to burgers and beer. If you haven’t yet had the chance to visit the phenomenal town of Marfa, you should definitely have it on your radar for your travels this upcoming year.
Donald Judd and the Present-Day Art Scene
Marfa’s art scene is among the best in Texas, largely thanks to minimalist Donald Judd, who moved to the small town from New York in the 1970s. Here, he bought several buildings, turning them into a space for art installations. Judd’s spaces continue to stand today, with visitors able to experience them at the Chinati Foundation and Judd Foundation. The Chinati Foundation houses a permanent installation of large-scale art pieces. In order to see the majority of the pieces in this exhibit space, you’ll need to sign up for a guided tour, with tour options including full collection tours, selection tours, and focus tours. The Judd Foundation in Marfa offers visitors guided tours of Judd’s studios and his residence as well, available between Tuesday and Sunday each week.
Along San Antonio Street, you’ll find numerous additional art galleries to browse as well. Marfa Studio of Arts has a wonderful selection of works, with exhibitions from local artists as well as pieces by aspiring artists from Marfa Elementary School. Art Blocks is also a unique one to drop by, a gallery that showcases generative art created by artists who use creative code.
Big Bend Region & Outdoor Recreation
Located in the Big Bend region of Far West Texas, the natural scenery that surrounds Marfa is jaw-dropping. If you are hoping to explore Big Bend National Park, Marfa can make a good basecamp. Although the park is about an hour-and-a-half drive from town, the trip is well worth your time. Ancient limestone canyons, colorful blooming cacti, and arid mountain ranges are just a few of the natural features that await you here. The wildlife is also abundant, with the area home to over 450 species of birds, 75 species of mammals, 31 species of snakes, and 22 species of lizards. In addition to its hiking trails and campsites, the skies are also exceptionally dark, making it a fantastic destination for stargazing.
If you prefer to stay a bit closer to town, you can also head about a half hour north to Davis Mountains State Park, which sits in the foothills of an ancient, volcanic-formed mountain range that dates back 25 to 30 million years. A variety of grasses speckle the terrain, along with pinyon pines at higher elevations. Keep your eye out for wildlife like canyon treefrogs, mule deer, and javelina during your visit!
Eccentric Festivals
Marfa hosts several festivals throughout the year that are unlike any other you have attended. The first to have on your itinerary is the Marfa Lights Festival. Occurring for nearly four decades now, this weekend-long event originated in the 80s as a way to bring attention to the mysterious lights on the horizon that the town is famous for. All these years later, the festival continues to shine bright with music, vendors, food, and lots of entertainment each August.
The Agave Festival is another memorable event, celebrating the agave and its cultural influence on the region. Agave spirit tastings, unique dining experiences, and live performances are a few of the activities you can look forward to during the festival in June. The town’s art scene is also expressed through Chinati Weekend each year, an annual tradition that Judd himself began in 1987. Throughout the weekend, you can enjoy all kinds of art-themed events like exhibition openings, talks, and open studios.
Culinary Scene
You’ll definitely want to plan on eating out at least a bit during your time in Marfa, because the food is deliciously memorable. If you’re seeking a morning coffee, stop by The Sentinel, a coffee shop that also houses The Big Bend Sentinel newspaper. Breakfast begins at 7:30, with coffee being served through 3 PM. Marfa Burrito is another great spot for breakfast or lunch, a beloved local burrito joint that has been visited by celebrity guests like Matthew McConaughey and Mark Ruffalo. If American comfort food is calling, stop by The Water Stop, which has previously been awarded the title of best burger in Marfa. Finish your adventure-packed day in Marfa with a late-night drink from Planet Marfa, a quirky outdoor bar that serves beer, wine, liquor, and an assortment of non-alcoholic beverages. They occasionally host live music performances as well!
A Town Filled With Culture & Pride
Texas has built quite a reputation, and Marfa sits at the forefront, showing off that Texan pride. Hearty food, desert views, agave-themed festivals, and a creative, art-focused community are a few of the characteristics that make this town so recognizable. Its coffee shops and bars have unique twists as well, whether that be a connection to a local paper or an outdoor setting that allows you to look out at the stars. Your western-themed adventure awaits!
