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Top 5 Things To Do in Marfa, TX
Photo courtesy of photo: Colette LaPorte
Photo courtesy of photo: Colette LaPorte
Guest Blogger
Monday, Nov. 13, 2017

Visiting Marfa has been on my bucket list since moving to Texas a little over three years ago.  Marfa is a small desert city in far West Texas that is well known for being a tourist destination and having a Minimalist art presence.  It has many famous visitors such as Beyoncé, Matthew McConaughey, and Ally Hilfiger.  During my quick 3 day mini-vacation I was able to check out lots of different attractions and comprise my list of top 5 things to do while visiting this adorable city!

Prada Marfa

Prada Marfa might be one of the tourist attractions Marfa is best known form.  While this might look like a store you can shop in, it is actually a free standing permanently installed sculpture about 30 miles outside of Marfa.  The sculpture was inaugurated in October of 2005 by artist Elmgree and Dragset and titled "pop architectural land art project".  While you cannot purchase the latest Prada fashions here, the art installation makes for a picture perfect photoshoot location! 

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Chinati Foundation

This contemporary art museum was curated by artist Donald Judd in the 80's and located on an old military base.  Judd moved to Marfa from New York City in the 70's in hopes to bring art, architecture, and nature together in order to form a coherent whole.  Judd invited friend and fellow artist Dan Flavin to install permanent works to be displayed at the foundation.  Flavin's light installations has grown to become one of the most popular attractions at the foundation.  Chinati has since expanded to house permanent works from many other artists as well and each artist's work is installed in a separate building or outdoor area on the museum's grounds.  Full collection and selection tours are available Wednesday - Sunday.  For more information regarding exhibits and tour schedules, please check out their website.  

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El Cosmico

El Cosmico is the cutest boutique nomadic hotel and campground whose accommodations include renovated vintage trailers, Mongolian Yurts, Sioux-style tepees, Safari tents, and areas for camping tents.  There is very much a sense of community while staying at El Cosmico with it's outdoor kitchen and dining area, hammock grove, and outdoor stage.  El Cosmico hosts the Trans-Pecos Festival of Music +Love annually each fall as well as other concert, movies, and art attractions. During your stay you can rent wood-fired hot tubs as well as bikes to explore the city of Marfa.  During my trip we stayed in a renovated trailer, titled the Imperial Mansion, but I definitely want to come back to stay in either a tepees or a yurt!

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Food Shark

Food Shark is a self-described "Mediterranean-by-way-of-West-Texas" food truck that has been featured in Vogue, The New York Times, and Forbes but may be best known for Beyoncé visiting the local hot spot during her trip in 2012.  This food trucks' permanent location on San Antonio street next to Moonlight Gemstones has adorable ambiance as well as a school bus converted into a dining court with tables inside.  Their 'Marfalafel' was amazing and a must-eat while in Marfa! 

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The Capri

The Capri is both a venue and a restaurant.  While visiting Marfa, we stopped here for a drink inside their glamous bar and were able to enjoy our cocktail outside in their garden by a fire.  The interior luxe decor was created by a Hollywood set designer and their garden hosts over 300 different plants.  Their showroom hosts art installations and adds to the ultra stylish vibe.  This was a one-of--kind experience and I highly recommend checking out The Carpi while in Marfa.  

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Thankfully, if your apartment home is located in Texas your are just a short road trip away!  It was only a quick 6 hour drive from my Austin Camden apartment home and I was able to make the trip with a friend who is also a part of the Camden family!  Since Marfa is a small city (its population is less than 2,000!) it is typically busiest during the latter half of the week and some establishments are even closed Monday & Tuesday.  I recommend doing a bit of research before you venture to Marfa, but this city is so fun there isn't one activity I regret doing!  Safe travels, friends!

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