Sometimes you’ve got to get outta the grind of your city life and head out for the vast landscape of desert, mountains and open skies. For times like this, Marfa and Fort Davis are a perfect remedy. The combination of nothingness and artistic culture-clash keep a long weekend filled with adventure and uniqueness but quiet and reflection too. World-class art, celestial skies and small town charm await you on a unforgettable long weekend road trip that is distinctly West Texas.
So, you’ve got options about how you want to do the West Texas Vibe. You can camp in a gorgeous, rustic setting tucked in a valley with beautiful hikes and mountain view points in The Davis Mountains State Park. Hot tip: Camp fires are rarely allowed in Texas with the horrendous drought, but they are here!
Or go one step less rustic and stay at the 1920’s New Deal Era built Indian Lodge. This hotel has kept all of the charm from it’s original period, has an awesome pool for the Summer, and is run pretty damn well by the big, bad gov’ment (do yourself a favor and skip the on-site restaurant – unlike the hotel, it blows).
If you’d prefer to stay in hipper-than-thou Marfa, the best option by a long-shot is the Hotel Paisano, nothing can compete with it’s history, comfort and value. Also, sitting in the courtyard by the fountain people watching is a tourist attraction in it’s own right:)
If camping is your bag, then head over to El Cosmico 
that boasts many options from vintage trailers, to teepees, to yurts to just plain ol’ campsites. They also have the best cup of coffee in town….and it’s free!!
Also, their boutique is to die for.
The McDonald Observatory is a short windy drive up the Davis Mountains from the State Park and gives you an enchanting stargazing experience. The Star Party held a few nights each week give you the chance to see some amazing constellations, planets, and the old man moon through numerous powerful telescopes. You’ve never seen the milky way quite like one can from good ol’ West TX.
When it’s time to eat, there are a few great options in Marfa for dining although we would suggest checking hours ahead of time as this is a small town and they’ll open or close whenev’ – Maiya’s and Pizza Foundation are amazing options and their flaky-ness makes them that much more endearing. Everyone has a story about being in lovely Marfa, yet starving to death because everything is closed (have another drink and wait until breakfast). Did we mention that this town is SMALL??
If it’s provisions you are looking for, check out the The Get Go in Marfa and the Stone Village Grocery in Ft Davis – both superb little grocery stores with great selections for the culinary and health minded traveler. Having a “break glass in case of emergency” stash of provisions from either will prevent some of the possible drama noted above.
And then there is the art….The Judd Foundation and the Chinati Foundation curate the legacy of Artist, Donald Judd who first created the entire Marfa art enclave that thrives today beginning with his move from NYC to Marfa in 1973. There are fantastic minimalist installations demonstrating his artistic vision in concrete and opportunities to see his lessor known, but highly respected work in furniture design too.
Furniture design is a passion of ours as you can see on our site: Design Theory.
Walking around charming Marfa, TX is also quite the treat in it’s own right…clever boutiques and small shops abound. Some highlights include the Marfa Book Company, Tienda M, Mirth, The Cobra Rock Boot Co, and more…
As you tool around these parts, don’t forget to set your radio to Marfa Public Radio 93.5. It’s the smallest public radio station in the country and it’s amazing!
And last but not least, checking out the mysterious Marfa Lights is another must do – you may not see anything at all but, like we said earlier…the view of the milky way is stellar and you are sure to see at least one shooting star. Make a wish, y’all!!
To Love and Adventure,
J + D
Goin’ Nomad