The quirky sight of the world’s smallest Prada store sitting by a dusty desert highway tells you everything you need to know about Marfa, Texas. As a destination, it has become synonymous with contemporary art, minimalist design, and an overall desert aesthetic. Marfa has become a mecca for creatives and seekers of unique experiences, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its blend of art, fashion, and desert vibes.
Although everything is bigger in Texas, Marfa offers a new take on the lone-star state. Let your next visit to the USA take you away from the shining lights of Austin and on a detour to destinations like Marfa for a refreshing take on all things creative.
Art in Marfa
Marfa’s art scene is at the core of its cultural identity. Donald Judd’s Chinati Foundation, a collection of site-specific works by Judd and other artists, is without a doubt the town’s most well-known art installation. This site-specific installation is spread over 340 acres of desert land and features work such as Dan Flavin’s light installations and Robert Irwin’s untitled (dawn to dusk) project. The latter is a minimalist, light-filled structure that interacts with the natural light of the desert. The Chinati Foundation offers guided tours and events, giving visitors a chance to experience these incredible works up close.
Marfa is a haven for both established and new artists and creatives who come from all over the globe to exhibit their pieces in this tiny town. The galleries around town turn the streets into a makeshift museum but here you can interact with the art and take some pieces home if you feel inspired. The Ballroom Marfa is one of the most recognizable names on the gallery scene and they regularly host exhibitions, performances, and movie screenings.
Marfa’s art museums and galleries don’t come with much of a social media presence and you need to be savvy to seek them out. Keep an eye on the New Star Grocery Art Museum and Werrick Gallery for totally unique experiences.
Shop in Marfa
Marfa is renowned for its distinctive shopping opportunities that perfectly complement its art scene. These stores are as much part of Marfa’s culture as its art galleries and desert scenes. It is a perfect blend of minimalist design, desert-inspired fashion, and a touch of cowboy culture.
When in Texas, do as the Texans and buy a strapping pair of cowboy boots. The Cobra Rock Boot Company is an iconic name on the Marfa strip and this family-run business creates boots that will last you a lifetime. Although their boots are made for walking, you will also want a piece of their quality leather accessories like belts, wallets, and bags.
Shopping in Marfa extends past your wardrobe, and you can visit shops like Garza Marfa to browse their range of impeccably designed furniture and home decor. Locally sourced materials are carefully assembled to create pieces that highlight both form and function in the most innovative ways.
Sleep in Marfa
When it comes to accommodations, Marfa is not short on options and you can choose from hip boutique hotels to cosy bed and breakfasts. It is overflowing with one-of-a-kind accommodation experiences and you can find something for every budget and travel style.
The most famous of these hotels is the El Cosmico, a “nomadic” hotel that offers visitors a range of accommodation options, from renovated vintage trailers to teepees and yurts. The hotel effortlessly blends together vintage charm and minimalist design. It is all tied together with communal where guests are encouraged to connect and share their experiences, in true Marfa fashion.
The Hotel Saint George leans toward the contemporary side with innovative design and a lobby filled with art that doubles as a pseudo-museum. Stay with the mid-century desert aesthetic at Thunderbird Hotel where you can indulge in the town’s unique style, making for an unforgettable getaway.
The Desert in Marfa
Perhaps the most captivating aspect of Marfa is its desert landscape. The town is surrounded by miles and miles of desert wilderness, offering visitors the chance to hike, bike, and explore the rugged terrain. The Chihuahuan Desert, one of the largest and most biologically diverse deserts in North America and the Chinati Mountains State Natural Area is an outdoor lover’s dream. You can also visit Big Bend Park if you are up for a drive and eager to see “Texas’s Gift to the nation.”
One of the most unique features of the desert landscape in Marfa is the mysterious Marfa lights, which are unexplained lights that appear on the horizon at night. The lights have been a topic of debate for decades, with some attributing them to paranormal activity and others to natural phenomena. Visitors to Marfa can view the lights from a designated viewing area just outside of town.
