Marfa, Texas
Eat, Stay, Play
by Jen Pinkston
The first historical record of the Marfa lights was in 1883 when a young cowhand, Robert Reed Ellison, saw a flickering light while he was driving cattle through Paisano Pass. Today, the mysterious phenomenon continues to attract crowds to the far west Texas town. Are they lights from vehicles? Campfires? Or something else altogether? No matter the verdict, Marfa is pure magic.
EAT
Para llevar is our favorite bite of food in Marfa. The menu is ever-changing, but the pizza is always on point. If you get the opportunity to try the meatball sub, don’t let it pass you by. The outdoor patio is vast and idyllic in good weather. Visit The Sentinel for the delicious coffee and breakfast, but stay for the chic shopping experience and crowd. Also, come back later for a steak torta and margarita. The Waterstop is great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, especially if you're a fan of a great patio. Come evening, hang with friends at The Marfa Spirit Co. Bordo pasta shop and deli is only open four hours a day and worth the stop.
STAY
Our favorite rental home for a group stay is Ranch 2810, though I'm dying to stay at Douglas Friedman's next-level ranch. For hotels, check in to Hotel Saint George. For a more off-the-grid experience, stay at Indian Lodge in the Fort Davis Mountains. (It is set to re-open this year after extensive renovations.)
PLAY
Book a Star Party at McDonald Observatory for unparalleled Trans-Pecos star gazing. Stroll down Highland Street and stop into Garza Marfa and neighboring shops. Do a self-guided walking tour of the Chinati Foundation, followed by a hike in the Davis Mountains. No visit to Marfa would be complete witout a photo at Prada Marfa. Marfa has a suprisingly delightful public library, especially if you're traveling with kids.
