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Nick Simonite
Travel
23 Reasons Marfa, Texas is the Hidden Gem of the South
The small Texan town of Marfa has a must-visit reputation for a good reason. The hype comes courtesy of an influx of art institutions, a mouthwatering array of restaurants, and a booming boutique hotel scene. Not to mention, an incredible...
The small Texan town of Marfa has a must-visit reputation for a good reason. The hype comes courtesy of an influx of art institutions, a mouthwatering array of restaurants, and a booming boutique hotel scene. Not to mention, an incredible desert landscape and small-town go-with-the-flow attitude that we could all use a little more of in our lives, am I right? Needless to say, Marfa is worth a trip. Here, we break down the ultimate group getaway guide to getting swept away Marfa’s magic.
Reporter: Dylan Essertier
Marfa's infamous kitsch is manifested in its boutique hotel scene, which features accommodations that range from modern concrete buildings to chic tepees.
Does your group get down with adventure? At the no-frills El Cosmico, you can opt for sleeping options that range from trailers and yurts to teepees and tents. Go to hang in the wood-fired hot tub and gaze at the stars in one of the hammocks sprinkled around this unique (and unforgettable) property.
Require walls with your room? Fair. The Brite Building, which is also by El Cosmico, offers the same chic West Texas design of its counterpart property but with a bit more privacy. Inside the 3,800 square-foot apartment (which is above the Ayn Art Foundation) you’ll find two bedrooms as well a generous living and kitchen area that is an A+ option for a small group getaway.
You can’t miss Hotel Saint George—which is designed after an eighties-era, low-slung concrete box. Although the aesthetic might be austere, the vibe is most certainly warm thanks to the perennial buzzy crowd at the hotel’s LaVenture restaurant, where Allison Jenkins serves up an in-demand selection of steaks and fresh seafood.
For groups that appreciate hospitality with a sense of style, the sky blue–color Thunderbird Hotel features a library filled with vinyl records, turntables, and typewriters. In other words? This 24-room retro gem is really the stuff of Marfa Instagram dreams.
Corte del Norte is actually a compound of two houses that share a courtyard. The charming property gets extra points for being within walking distance of some of the town’s best restaurants, boutique shops, and galleries. Oh, and also for the fact that it has a pergola, fire-pit, and private pool.
At the historic Hotel Paisano, which has been home to guests such as James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor, don’t be alarmed when you’re greeted by a boar’s head mounted on the wall of the lobby. This place is all about quirk, from its Mediterranean-inspired courtyard to its boutiques stuffed with bizarre treasures. There’s also a small heated pool, which is open from late April through early October.
What should you eat in Marfa? Everything, considering this little desert towns culinary landscape includes a unique can’t-miss mix of delicious upscale eateries and unassuming roadside restaurants.
Eat your weight in queso at Al Campo, whose rustic cooking is inspired by the countrysides of Chile and Argentina. For something lighter, go ahead and try the Creole grilled shrimps and ceviche style veggies or share a gluten-free socca: a delicious Chilean crepe that Al Campo tops with rosemary and kalamata olives.
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We have a soft spot for Capri’s killer Old Fashioned. We also have a soft spot for the restaurants outdoor fireplace and hammocks (it’s located inside The Thunderbird Hotel). And, yeah, after a visit here your group will have a soft spot for Capri too.
Come here for cocktails and coffee and to pick up a fresh copy of The Big Bend Sentinel, the local newspaper after which the shop is named. Handcrafted drinks include unique concoctions such as the cold brew yerba mate steeped with fresh turmeric and ginger.
Do Your Thing is kind of, well, all the things, considering it’s a cafe, a gallery space, and a creative residency for artists. Did we mention they also serve really damn good coffee?
Sticky, saucy ribs and fall-apart-soft brisket? Check and check during a visit to Marfa’s best-known bbq spot, Convenience West. Be sure to couple your bbq with their buttery cornbread, which is made in house.
Don’t leave this stylish eatery without trying their infamous mixed mushroom enchiladas in gold pepper sauce with rice and split chickpeas. Note: they don’t accept reservations so be prepared to wait if you’re a larger group.
This unpretentious neighborhood spot sells natural wines and locally crafted products such as candles and snacks.
The unassuming Water Shop is known for its rotisserie chicken (even Bon Appétit is a fan!), but it’s also an under-the-radar spot to grab an epic green-chili cheeseburger, biscuits, and toffee-infused chocolate chip cookies. In a word, yum.
Our version of do this, not that: Marfa edition.
You’ve probably already seen a photo (or a hundred) of this white stucco wall replica of a Prada store, but don’t miss the chance to get an up close and personal with this iconic landmark which Vogue once referred to as “the fashion girl’s Statue of Liberty.”
This adorable vintage shop is brimming over with funky accessories, from ikat mud cloths and palo santo incense sticks to baseball tees and silk bandanas.
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Designed in Marfa and hand-spun in India, the beautiful and bright textiles available at Garza Marfa really are the best of both worlds. The shop itself is pretty amazing too, filled with colorful vintage blankets draped over creamy leather couches that will make you want to throw away your Ikea furniture once and for all.
We’re not going to lie, some of the home products at Marfa Brands sound good enough to eat. Um, hello cedarwood sage goat milk soap with ground almond meal. Or Bergamot grapefruit soap with lemon peel and Earl Gray tea. There’s also a small selection of scarves and wooden soap boxes to choose from, too.
This beautiful little shop features art, jewelry and clothing curated by a cool San Francisco duo who have made Marfa their full-time home. Think: Japanese incense, teardrop turquoise rings and pretty handmade ceramics.
This bookstore, which also moonlights as a performance space, has been around for nearly 20 years. Why the incredible success? Marfa Book Company has been monumental in shaping the local art scene, often considered the go-to venue where the town’s artists, musicians, and intellects tend to converge.
Channel your inner cowgirl with Cobra Rock Boot Company’s bad-ass selection of leather goods, from buttery boots to oil-tanned totes.
You’ve probably already heard of the Chinati Foundation, which is considered to be the crown jewel of Marfa’s art scene thanks to its large-scale installations by well-known artists such as Dan Flavin and Roni Horn. Did we mention it’s also gigantic? Spread out across 340 acres, to be exact. That’s a whole lot of art, so be sure to book a tour to make the most of your visit.
Is your group all culture-ed out? Schedule a spa treatment for them at Mira Marfa. We’re huge fans of the Elevated Signature Facial, which uses CBD-enriched skin products and an LED light treatment to refresh and revitalize. The perfect spot to get your Marfa zen on.
