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 (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab). Bordo (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab), though I'm dying to stay at Douglas Friedman's next-level ranch (opens in new tab). For hotels, check in to Hotel Saint George (opens in new tab). For a more off-the-grid experience, stay at Indian Lodge (opens in new tab) in the Fort Davis Mountains. (It is set to re-open this year after extensive renovations.)
PLAY
Book a Star Party at McDonald Observatory (opens in new tab) for unparalleled Trans-Pecos star gazing. Stroll down Highland Street and stop into Garza Marfa (opens in new tab) and neighboring shops. Do a self-guided walking tour of the Chinati Foundation (opens in new tab), followed by a hike in the Davis Mountains (opens in new tab). No visit to Marfa would be complete witout a photo at Prada Marfa (opens in new tab). Marfa has a suprisingly delightful public library, especially if you're traveling with kids.
