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| Marfa was the best way to start the new year! |
Marfa, Texas, is the kind of place you have to seek out. Tucked away in the high desert of the Trans-Pecos region, it’s far, desolate, and stunningly beautiful. The journey may be long, but it’s absolutely worth it. Once you’ve been captivated by Marfa’s unique charm, it’s hard not to plan a return visit. After spending six nights here between Christmas and New Year’s, I can confidently say this wasn’t a “one-and-done” trip for us—we’re already dreaming of our next visit.
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| This was our second stay at the Tumble In RV Park in Marfa. It was the perfect spot to relax in the desert! |
Marfa, Texas: A Desert Escape Worth Exploring
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| This mural is one of my favorites in town. |
Marfa: Art and Culture in the Desert
Marfa gained international recognition in the 1970s when artist Donald Judd moved to town and transformed it into a minimalist art mecca. Today, the Chinati Foundation showcases his installations alongside other contemporary works. Despite its tiny population of about 1,700 residents, Marfa is brimming with culture, art galleries, trendy restaurants, and unique boutiques. The town’s creative energy is palpable, drawing visitors and artists alike.
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| Marfa is full of art and personal expression. I love the walkability of this small town! |
Slow Down and Soak It In
Unlike many weekend getaway destinations, Marfa demands more time. The town operates at a relaxed pace, and many businesses have limited hours. We spent six days exploring, which allowed us to fully immerse ourselves without rushing. Whether it’s strolling through galleries, enjoying local cuisine, or chatting with artists, the key to enjoying Marfa is taking your time.
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| This magnet made from an old slide at Wrong Marfa is a personal favorite for me! |
Highlights of Our Trip
Shopping Gems
Our first day was spent meandering through Marfa’s shops. Favorites like Raba Marfa and Wrong Marfa offered unique treasures—perfect souvenirs of our desert adventure.
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| You must stop in at Marfa Spirit Co. You can also bring your dogs! |
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| The Who Mami was a season drink with mezcal! |
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| The Classic Daquiri is the perfect afternoon cocktail. It was my favorite! |
Marfa Spirit Co.
In the afternoon, we visited Marfa Spirit Co., a distillery offering high-quality spirits. Their classic daiquiri—made with single-barrel rum, simple syrup, maraschino liqueur, and lime—was a standout. We also brought home some rum and orange liqueur to relive the experience. The distillery hosted a New Year’s Eve party, but we opted for a quieter celebration at the campground.
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| This cup is the perfect size and fits just right in your hand. I loved it so much that I ordered a companion piece for it so that I can have two! |
Local Art and Connections
Walking back from the distillery, I met a local potter, Sam Schonzeit, who convinced me to trade my plastic cup for one of his handmade sage-colored cups. It’s now a cherished keepsake, and I even ordered a second cup from him. During our exchange on Instagram, we discovered we shared connections through my home state of Mississippi and have mutual friends. These serendipitous encounters make Marfa special.
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| Allow time to enjoy the fun places to dine in Marfa. Some close when they sell out for the day. |
Culinary Delights
A reliable favorite, The Water Stop offers seasonal dishes alongside trusted staples. We enjoyed it on both this trip and a previous visit in 2020.
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| Bordo was well worth the wait in line! |
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| Bread at Bordo's is made in the word fired oven daily. It is perfection! |
This Italian deli serves incredible wood-fired bread, fresh pasta, and seasonal gelatos. The Serva and Emiliani sandwiches were huge and perfect for sharing. Be sure to arrive early, as they close when they sell out!
Known for its fresh, made-to-order pizzas, Para Llevar is another must-visit. We loved the Arugula Prosciutto and Pepperoni pizzas, paired with a refreshing prickly pear margarita.
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| Whether you see the mysterious lights or not, go out to the viewing area and enjoy a sunset! |
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| This is a popular spot, and you can boon dock here in your camper if you like! |
Marfa Lights and Stargazing
The Marfa Lights Viewing Area, about nine miles east of town, is a great spot to catch a stunning sunset and maybe even glimpse the mysterious Marfa Lights. While we didn’t see the lights, the starry skies—thanks to Marfa’s Dark Sky Community designation—were unforgettable. Our RV site at the Tumble In RV Park provided the perfect setting for stargazing.
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Go to Prada Marfa and spend some time checking out the locks!
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Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
Prada Marfa
Located 39 miles west of town, this iconic art installation is a must-see. The locks lining the fence surrounding the installation add to its quirky charm.
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| Fort Davis is one of the best preserved forts in the Southwest. We enjoyed our afternoon checking it out! |
A short drive from Marfa, Fort Davis offers well-maintained historic sites and nature trails. I also picked up a 1964 cookbook, "Famous Foods from Famous Places," which has become a fun souvenir and cooking project.
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| Stay tuned for my updates from cooking my way through this book! |
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| We loved Carlsbad Caverns and are all still talking about it! |
Just a couple of hours away, Carlsbad Caverns is a fantastic day trip. I’ll be sharing more about this adventure in a separate post.
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| Happy new year from us! |
Where to Stay
If you’re not traveling in an RV, Marfa has plenty of lodging options. Hotel Paisano—famous for hosting James Dean, Rock Hudson, and Elizabeth Taylor during the filming of Giant—and the eclectic El Cosmico are great choices. Airbnbs, including tiny houses, also provide unique accommodations.
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| Time is where you win in Marfa! |
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| During the week, you can walk up to the top of the courthouse in Marfa. There is beautiful glass dome at the top for viewing the area. Take the time to do this as well. And it is free! |
Final Thoughts
The best way to experience Marfa is to embrace its unhurried pace. Allow yourself time to walk, shop, and connect with the community. Whether you’re marveling at the art, savoring the food, or simply stargazing, Marfa’s magic lies in the moments you take to slow down and soak it all in.
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