We have visited Marfa, TX and the town and people are truly lovely. The information below is from the Marfa Chamber of Commerce Website. Marfa is approximately one hour away from the land.
“In 1883, the wife of the president of the Texas and New Orleans Railroad named a small West Texas railroad water stop Marfa after a character in a Russian novel that she was reading at the time. Although she could not have predicted it, the name Marfa works remarkably well as an acronym that captures the history and contemporary life of this unique town.
Let’s begin with “M” — Mystery Lights / Movies / Military Heritage / Mining
Everyone loves a good mystery. Marfa’s “Mystery Ghost Lights” were first documented by rancher Robert Ellison in 1883. There are nearly as many theories about the source of these curious lights as there are pronghorn antelope grazing beneath them. Swamp gas, phosphorescent mineral displays, ball lightning, UFO’s, secret chemicals left by the US Army, and spirits of Apache ancestors have all been proposed. Whatever their cause, these playful lights above Mitchell Flat stimulate our imagination and beckon us to adventure.
Perhaps as popular as the Mystery Lights is “M” theme #2: Movies. The beautiful lobby of the restored pueblo-deco style Hotel Paisano records images from the making of George Stevens’ academy award-winning film “Giant,” starring Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean, and Rock Hudson. More academy awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for the Coen borthers’ adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s “No Country for Old Men,” and Best Actor and Best Cinematography for Paul Thomas Anderson’s “There Will Be Blood” again put Marfa on the cinematic map. This town successfully debuted its first annual film festival in May 2008, featuring unique outdoor movie venues. Ballroom Marfa, a nonprofit contemporary arts organization, has plans to build a chic drive-in movie theatre designed by the architect of New York’s Museum of Modern Art.
Marfa may never have survived without its Military heritage, our “M” #3. Originally known as Camp Marfa in 1917, Fort D.A. Russell served as headquarters for the Big Bend Military District during the Mexican Revolution. It housed a cavalry regiment, later replaced by a motorized division. It was decommissioned after World War II. The artist, Donald Judd, purchased 340 acres of this military property in the early 1970’s to display and integrate his large scale sculptural installations with the native landscape. The current headquarters for the Marfa District’s U.S. Border Patrol resides next to Judd’s artistic legacy.
Mining, “M” #4, also played a role in Marfa’s historical development, By 1930, the largest continuously operating silver mine in the United States was located in the foothills of the Chinati Mountains, about 40 miles south of Marfa . Mercury (quicksilver) was mined by the Marfa and Mariposa Company in the Terlingua area of Big Bend. These mining operations declined after 1930, except for a brief resurgence during World War II.
The first “A” is all about Art and Architecture
Artist Donald Judd was as passionate and discriminating about the context in which his work was installed as about the design of the work itself. He was drawn to the open, luminous space of the native landscape as well as its rural agricultural, industrial, and military architectural forms. After his death in 1994, two nonprofit arts organizations were created: (1) Chinati Foundation, which includes the work of Judd and his colleagues at Fort Russell; (2) Judd Foundation, which preserves properties in which Judd lived and worked. Now the stage was set for other nonprofit arts organizations to coalesce here: The Lannan Foundation (literature), Ballroom Marfa (eclectic contemporary culture, including music, visual, and performance arts), the Goode-Crowley Theatre and Marfa Live Arts, and the International Women’s Foundation.
“R”, the central letter of the word Marfa, is the backbone upon which the town was built: Railroad and Ranching.
The Southern Pacific Railroad allowed economic activity in the Big Bend region to flourish. Cattle, cotton, and silver ore could now find their way to profitable markets. Generations of local ranchers, who managed their lands with a long-term perspective, preserved the dramatic and pristine landscape that continues to inspire and sustain Marfa’s residents and tourists alike.
“F” is for Flight and Farming
From the 20th Aero Squadron patrolling the border at the time of the Mexican revolution, to the Army Air Corps training pilots for World War II, to the contemporary Glider Capital of the world, this high desert landscape is a wonderful locale to practice the art of aviation. Even the German Luffwaffe has a presence here – several of its officers, serving time as World War II POW’s at Fort D.A. Russell’s Building 98, painted panoramic murals of the Marfa Plateau. The Marfa area is also a birder’s paradise. Major migration flyways pass through the Big Bend region. Over 450 species have been observed, from the Mexican green-throated hummingbird to the Peregrine falcon.
With respect to Farming, Marfa is home to the world’s largest hydroponic tomato “plant” and research center. Pecans and apples are also grown commercially in the region. Most important, there is a thriving farmers’ market, called FarmStand Marfa, where locals meet and trade on Saturday mornings.
Which leads us to the final “A” – Accommodating
Welcome to Marfa. Small town living with a decidedly cosmopolitan and cutting-edge flair. An authentic cowboy heritage still viable today. Culturally diverse yet tolerant. A tractor pace in a cybernetic nanosecond world.
So that’s the profile. Now come meet Marfa’s people – friendly, caring, eccentric, independent, industrious, and in love with their landscape.”
Accomdations:
Adobe at Galveston St.Marfa, Tx 79843
“Enjoy the unique charm of a true Marfa neighborhood-two blocks from Capri and Thunderbird; four blocks from Padres; an easy stroll to downtown. This lovely adobe casita has a spacious bedroom that opens onto a landscaped patio. The patio also connects with the kitchen – creating a great flow throughout. Stained concrete floors and wood ceilings compliment the adobe and plaster walls. The radiant floor heating keeps you warm and cozy in the winter and the adobe walls cool you off during the summer. If you are looking for a clean and uncluttered space to write, create art or just unwind from your daily grind this place will make you happy! His and hers bicycles are stored in back shed for renters convenience.”
Arcon Inn B&B215 N Austin St
Marfa, TX 79843
“Located in the High Lonesome, Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas, in the town of Marfa, the Arcon Inn Bed and Breakfast is housed in a 19th century, two story, Victorian adobe. There are three lovely rooms in the main house decorated with international and American antiques: the beautiful London room, the handsome Madrid room, and the cozy Paris room. There are two bathrooms just across the hall, one with a shower and the other with a big claw-footed tub. All of the guest rooms are quietly located on the second floor of the Inn. There is also the Arcon Casita, a restored adobe territorial located in the back patio of the Inn. It has two bedrooms. two private baths, a sitting room, kitchen, and a private patio.”
Casa Cielo205 W Lincoln St.
Marfa, Tx 79843
“Casa Cielo is a two bedroom, one bath circa 1950 home just one block west of the square. The best of Marfa is just a short walk away. We feature comfort, with premium mattresses, quality linens and towels, and a well-appointed kitchen with full-sized modern appliances, ample tableware and cookware. Wireless internet is included. Discover Marfa from Casa del Sol!”
Casa Julian708 N Highland Ave.
Marfa, Tx 79843
“Casa Julian Marfa is a 3 bedroom/2 bath, sleek & comfortable residence in Marfa, Texas. The original house was completely remodeled in 2009 and is approximately 1600 square feet, so there is plenty of space plus all the amenities of home…central heat & AC, European pillow top mattresses, washer & dryer and wireless Internet. Located 2 Blocks from the Courthouse, you are walking distance from everything Marfa has to offer. Great Rates with discounts for longer stays. Visit us on Facebook at MarfaCasaJulian.”
Casa Mirasol High Desert Lodging718 N Dean St
Marfa, TX 79843
“Casa Mirasol, a distinctive, century-old adobe guesthouse in Marfa, is the perfect retreat for your high desert adventure. Three comfortable suites, available individually or together, feature private baths, antique furnishings, and free wireless Internet. Restored pine floors, beautiful Mexican decor, our signature wrap-around porch and striking vistas complete your experience.”
Casa Villa Rreal700 W Waco St.
Marfa, Tx 79843
“Casa Villa Rreal is a family owned home located in beautiful Marfa, Texas. This 1600 sq foot home has four bedrooms, one bath, and a full kitchen. The home is also equipped with a washer, clothes line, wall heater, AC, and WiFi upon request.”
Casita Colores904 W San Antonio, Hwy 90
Marfa, Tx 79843
“Recently restored adobe casita centrally located in Marfa, Texas. Charming mix of traditional finishes with modern touches – whitewashed walls, new wood floors, raised/pitched ceilings, all new kitchen and (shower stall) bathroom. Very comfortable indoor/outdoor space in easy walking or biking distance to local galleries, music, food & drink.”
El Cosmico802 S. Highland Ave.
Marfa, TX 79843
“El Cosmico is a campground hotel offering accommodations in renovated vintage trailers, eco shack yurts, teepee and tent campsites. Bath facilities available onsite and visitors are encouraged to use the communal hammock grove, outdoor kitchen and lounge area with wifi access. Rates start at $20 for camping, $75 for trailers.”
el sueno marfa110 W Texas
Marfa, TX 79843
“Enjoy this very large 100 year old, beautiful, adobe, Victorian home with casita, often referred to by locals as the castle in the desert. It has an upstairs 1200sq ft family suite as well as two bedrooms downstairs large kitchen with butlers pantry, dining room and living room. There is also a casita with bedroom, bath and sitting room on the property It is a fabulous place to get together with family or host an event, has a privacy wall surrounding the property yet located downtown right next door to Hotel Paisano. Daily, weekly and monthly rentals available. check in 3pm, check out 11am”
Gonzalez Residence1500 W Philadelphia St.
Marfa, Tx 79843
“This immaculate home-away-from-home is located in a quiet neighborhood approximtely 1 mile from downtown Marfa. It features a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, living room, 3 bedrooms with queen size beds, 1 bathroom and a small office space. Features include a washer/dryer, HD satellite TV in the living room and one bedroom, WiFi internet, central heating/cooling, and an outdoor gas grill. The home is pet-friendly (dogs only) with an enclosed front area.”
Hotel Paisano207 N Highland
Marfa, TX 79843
Kokopelli Cottages
409 East First St
Marfa, TX
“1 Bedroom/1 Bath modern & comfortable, located in Marfa, available for nightly, weekly, or monthly rentals.Kokopelli Cottages features a queen size bed, furnishings, full kitchen and bathroom, A/C, heater, wireless internet available, and satellite TV. Pets are welcome. Reasonable rates
Marfa 608 Guest House608 W Third St
Marfa, TX 79843
“The Marfa608 is a 4 Bedroom/2 Bath chic & comfortable home in Marfa, available for vacation rentals. The Marfa608 features soft high thread count Cotton sheets, designer furnishings, hardwood floors, full kitchen, washer/dryer, land, outdoor patio with fire pit, A/C, wireless internet, and cable TV. We allow dogs on a case by case basis, and for an additional fee.
Marfa Guest Quarters109 W San Antonio St
Marfa, TX 79843
“Five guesthouses ranging from 1 bedroom/1 bath to 2 bedrooms/1 bath. All houses have in-room coffee service, wireless internet, patios or porches, chimineas & BBQ grills. Three with fully equipped kitchens. A stock tank pool is available for guest use. Now open our new Wine Bar and Event Center. Ideal for weddings, meetings and parties.”
Marfa House on the Hill207 S. Aparejo
Marfa, TX 79843
“A serene, arid retreat awaits you. The Marfa House on the Hill is a exquisitely updated, turn-of-the-century adobe home offering the best sunset vistas of Marfa and the surrounding arid landscape. The home’s amenities include a full kitchen, large bathroom, lovely indoor kiva fireplace, and a seating area in the lush gardengrounds.”
Riata Inn1500 US-90 East
Marfa, TX 79843
Simply West
1110 N Ordenar
Marfa, TX 79843
STAY marfa f/k/a – Marfa Vacation Rentals
203 S. Dean St.
Marfa, TX 79843
“Enjoy your Marfa getaway in our classic adobes with modern comfort and art. Walk everywhere from apartments perfectly located in Marfa’s Gallery District steps from the Get Go grocery, or enjoy our private casita in Marfa’s quiet NW. Kitchens, wifi, private fenced yards (dogs ok), satelliteTV,
The Austinite520 N Austin St.
Marfa, Tx 79843
“3 bdrm, 1 bath; sleeps 10 w/queen, 3 fulls, 2 twins Pet friendly, large, fenced backyard, carport, 2 porches, fire ring, fully furnished kitchen, dishwasher”
The House of Galleri Urbane212 East San Antonio Street
Marfa, Tx 79843
“Stay at The House of Galleri Urbane. Buy Art – Stay Free. Great hidden secret, 75 year adobe house, located on the backside of Galleri Urbane. The House of Galleri Urbane is a separate and private house with an oasis backyard sculpture garden.You will be surrounded by beautiful art on the walls, comfy beds 1 queen ,1 full, open floor plan, and a great backyard. Relaxation guaranteed, 2 baths. Chill in the jacuzzi bathtub or walk in shower. Central heat, window air conditioning. Close to everything. The perfect place to find all that Marfa has to offer. 2 bikes available for riding about town. The House of Galleri Urbane is just around the corner from a gourmet market, restaurants, specialty shops, art galleries and more! Private Tours of Galleri Urbane with refreshments are available by appointment.”
Thunderbird Hotel601 West San Antonio Marfa, TX 79843
“The Thunderbird Hotel is a classic mid-century roadside motor court updated to reflect a comfortably minimal aesthetic. A tribute to design and livability, we have 24 guest rooms and additionally offer amenities including a swimming pool, bicycles, gift shop, hotel lounge, vintage typewriters, record players and vinyl library Thunderbird office: Sunday & Monday: 7am – 7pm; Tuesday-Saturday: 7am – 9pm; Thunderbird Lounge: Wednesday – Friday: 7pm – Midnight; Saturday: 7pm – 1am”
Windmill Retreat605 East Lincoln Street
Marfa, Tx 79843
“This charming 100 year old adobe has been recently renovated, integrating modern conveniences while maintaining the integrity of the original architecture, including an old wooden windmill structure on the property. Minimally yet comfortably furnished, the one bedroom, one bath home features a queen-sized bed, a full sleep sofa, and a large gourmet kitchen with new modern appliances and accessories, ideal for cooking and entertaining. Hanging on the walls is contemporary art by established local artists from galleries in Marfa.”
Gluten Free Marfa