5 Reasons Marfa Stands Out as the Most Eccentric (and Amazing) Town in Texas

Let me be clear — Marfa is certainly an unusual place, but I mean that in the best way possible.

This tiny town of 1,700 residents, nestled in the far reaches of West Texas, offers a fascinating blend of minimalist art, vibrant culture, quirky creativity, and gourmet dining. Curious about how far the nearest big city is? El Paso is more than 200 miles away, San Antonio is over 400 miles distant, and the closest major Texas interstate is an hour's drive.

In essence, visiting Marfa means embarking on a lengthy trek through the desert, but that’s part of its charm. It serves as a retreat from the everyday hustle, and I have always wanted to experience it. The best part? This distinctive destination was a fantastic pit stop during my 2,000-mile road trip earlier this year.

So, without further ado, here are five reasons why Marfa is the quirkiest (and coolest) town in Texas.

It's a haven for art enthusiasts located in a remote area

Upon arriving in Marfa, you might find yourself puzzled, thinking, "Is this really it?" The town spans just 1.6 square miles and features one main street, a crossroads of two major roads, and an active railway. It's the kind of place you could easily overlook if you're not paying attention.

However, there's much more to discover here than what first meets the eye.

For decades, Marfa has flourished as a small art hub within the Chihuahuan Desert. Its journey as an art destination began in the 1970s when Donald Judd, a notable minimalist artist and critic, relocated to Marfa. He played a key role in transforming the town by purchasing properties and showcasing both his large-scale works and those of other artists.

Even though Judd passed away in 1994, his influence continues through the expansive 340-acre Chinati Foundation museum and its vast outdoor art exhibition area.

Beyond Chinati, there are numerous galleries and public art installations to explore. I checked out several exhibits, including the Marfa Open, which is a repurposed train depot now functioning as a nonprofit art venue.

Please note that due to the pandemic, some galleries and attractions may be temporarily closed, and many installations now require a reservation.

There's a Prada store that offers no merchandise for sale.

Some might argue that Marfa became a favorite among the social media crowd when Beyoncé and her sister Solange highlighted it during their 2012 visit.

One of the iconic snapshots? A shot at Prada Marfa, an art installation that looks like an actual Prada store.

Constructed in 2005, this faux store draws inspiration from pop art, minimalism, and land art. Initially, it was intended to be a temporary installation that would blend back into the landscape as a commentary on consumerism, but those plans changed. Today, it stands as a cultural landmark you might have already come across on Instagram.

Keep in mind that Prada Marfa isn’t technically within the city limits of Marfa; it’s located 26 miles away along the roadside in the neighboring town of Valentine.

The town is also known for its enigmatic 'ghost lights'.

In addition to its artistic allure, the town is wrapped in the enigma of the "Marfa lights."

Long before Marfa became a sought-after destination, accounts dating back to the 19th century describe sightings of red, white, and blue lights appearing near the town. These orbs hover, shift, bounce, and dive, putting on a show for spectators about 10 to 15 nights each year, just east of Marfa on Mitchell Flat.

Yet, the origin of these lights remains a mystery — some question whether they truly exist at all. Theories range from the ordinary, like car headlights, to the bizarre, including extraterrestrial visitors.

Today, you can attempt to witness the Marfa lights yourself from a designated viewing area just outside of town. Unfortunately, I didn't see anything, so I can't confirm these sightings.

The local newspaper also functions as a café and boutique.

To truly grasp Marfa's uniqueness, you must visit its local newspaper. The Big Bend Sentinel is more than just a print publication; it serves as a café and cocktail bar featuring a desert-minimalist interior design.

The initiative aimed to create new revenue streams for the newspaper during a time when many local publications were facing closure.

Today, you can explore this stylish venue, catch up on the latest news, enjoy a cup of espresso, and browse through Southwestern rugs, plants, and local artwork. Plus, they serve an amazing pozole that I savored on a chilly late winter afternoon.

Accommodations vary from an underground bunker to a lavish hotel.

Despite its small size, Marfa offers a surprisingly diverse selection of places to stay. However, don’t anticipate any chain hotels here; instead, you’ll find some truly unique spots to spend the night.

Among the options is the expansive, nomadic campground of El Cosmico, where you can choose to sleep in anything from a yurt to a fully-equipped trailer.

Just a stone's throw from downtown, opposite the Presidio County Courthouse, you'll find The Lincoln, which boasts an eclectic mix of 12 unique lodging options on a site that was once a stable yard. Here, you can even spend the night in a fully equipped underground bomb shelter.

Established in 1930, the historic 41-room Hotel Paisano has welcomed stars from James Dean to Elizabeth Taylor, featuring a charming, old-world lobby, several boutique shops, and one of Marfa's finest dining experiences.

If you're in search of a more contemporary stay, the Hotel Saint George offers a luxurious and stylish experience with 55 rooms that feature upscale amenities and Aesop toiletries.

The hotel also pays homage to its historical roots. Opened in 2016, it incorporates locally sourced elements and repurposed materials from the original 1886 establishment of the same name. Be sure to check out the Italian eatery in the lobby, LaVenture.

Bottom line

If you’re drawn to a minimalist style, enjoy the great outdoors, and can appreciate a touch of the town's pretentious vibe, you’re likely to fall in love with Marfa just as I did. It’s an ideal stop (or base) for exploring Big Bend National Park, which is about 100 miles away.

It's no wonder that everyone from Hollywood elites to hipster Brooklynites and Texas ranchers is drawn to this quaint desert town. Now, you too can appreciate just how wonderfully weird (and cool) this place really is.