Anybody been to Marfa?

gene · Post by **gene** » December 9th, 2008, 12:38 pm

I'm going to Fort Davis, TX in January and I'm wondering if its worth passing through Marfa. Thanks.

Gene

kaci_beeler · Post by **kaci_beeler** » December 9th, 2008, 1:07 pm

Roy and I went to Marfa this past Spring.
Marfa is pretty awesome, if you like art. There are a ton of art galleries in that tiny town and all very close together.
My favorite gallery was the Galleri Urbane. The Yard Dog gallery there was pretty neat also, and in my opinion better than the Austin Yard Dog. Also, if you've ever liked minimalist work, that is the place to see it.
I would recommend eating at the Blue Havelina if you have the chance.

Roy Janik · Post by **Roy Janik** » December 9th, 2008, 1:08 pm

It absolutely is, especially if you have a high tolerance for art galleries (I do). My favorite art gallery was the Galleri Urbane. Kaci and I also went on one of the Chinati Foundation tours. It was worth doing, though at times you'll be bored to tears. We went to the Marfa Lights viewing station and puzzled at a few specks of light for a long time (headlights? porches? aliens?) Eat at the Blue Havelina. And if you want a pseudo-adventure, make the trek to the Chinati Hot Springs and stay there.

I dunno. Talking about it, it doesn't sound terribly exciting. But I think the sum is greater than the parts, and the austere beauty of the land heightens the experience.

arthursimone · Post by **arthursimone** » December 9th, 2008, 1:12 pm

it has a certain amount of small-town appeal, if that's your thing.
It's quite the destination for art enthusiasts, if that's your thing.
Big Bend is definitely worth the trip for outdoors appreciation, if that's your thing.

if your thing is not mentioned, i'd stay walled up in Ft. Davis

eric a. garcia · Post by **eric a. garcia** » December 9th, 2008, 1:19 pm

I grew up near there (2 hours, which is near in West Texas time) and have been visiting since I was a kid. It is definitely a good place to stop if it is your first trip to Far West Texas.

-I always make it a point to eat at the Marfa Pizza Company, their jalapeno pepperoni pizza is so rad. It's hot though.

-For something other than art, check out the Paisano Hotel. This is where James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson stayed when they were filming the movie GIANT.

-The Marfa Book company also has a gallery in the back with a featured artist. Right next door is the Marfa Public Radio station. Not much to see , but their logo is cool.

-I have seen the Marfa lights, but not when I was looking for them. I have gone to the viewing place several times only to see nothing. But one night I was driving there randomly and saw them from the truck.

That's my two cents.

Mo Daviau · Post by **Mo Daviau** » December 9th, 2008, 1:35 pm

Don't go on a Monday or a Tuesday. Everything in town is closed. Learn from my mistakes.

beardedlamb · Post by **beardedlamb** » December 9th, 2008, 2:01 pm

i think they also filmed some of there will be blood and almost all of no country for old men there, too. or maybe the other way around.

York99 · Post by **York99** » December 10th, 2008, 6:56 pm

I think Bob and Erika go there from time to time. Those guys know everything.

exquisitezombie · Post by **exquisitezombie** » December 11th, 2008, 4:31 pm

Yes! Marfa is worth it if you make it there at a time when things are open. And even if you don't, there are still some sweet train tracks to hang out near -- and there's that dumb Prada Marfa Installation thing in the middle of nowhere.