You may have heard of the little town in the west Texas desert that is home to the Chinati Foundation, which is a giant art installation created by Donald Judd. You can take in some of these art installations at the Chinati Foundation’s Ballroom Marfa. The Ballroom Marfa arts center also hosts exhibitions, concerts, and a cultural festival known as Marfa Myths. You might even get to witness the mysterious orbs that make up Marfa Lights, which illuminate the night sky in the winter.
The sky is clear and the temperature is comfortable in this arid town, making it the perfect destination for outdoor activities. The town was founded in 1881 as a water stop on the Texas and New Orleans Railroad, and it has since played a significant role in West Texas history. Its name comes from the novel Brothers Karamazov by Dostoyevsky. This small town is nine miles east of the Chihuahuan Desert, where the night sky is lit by ethereal lights.
Despite its small population, Marfa is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Try out the hibiscus water, queso, and wine. If you’re thirsty, hit The Capri, which is open until late. Afterwards, you can talk to the bartenders and learn a bit about the town’s past. Marfa is definitely not your typical destination or stopover, but it’s worth the visit.
The mysterious Marfa lights have fascinated locals since the nineteenth century. Ranchers and Native Americans first reported the sightings. These lights appear sporadically in the night sky and range in color. While headlights are commonly blamed for these lights, eye witnesses disagree. You can witness the lights by going to a viewing center. There are even films and television shows based on the story. It’s certainly a sight to see, but no one is certain when they appear.
Aside from being a great place for outdoor activities, you’ll also want to check out the art scene. The town’s polarizing contrast of old west frontier with contemporary art scene creates a truly unique travel experience. And the art scene in Marfa is also noteworthy, with many works by internationally acclaimed artists showing in the town. There’s also a Marfa Open and the Ballroom Marfa.
Marfa is also a great destination for stargazers. The city is nearly a mile above sea level, so it’s important to remember that safety precautions apply here. Especially in the summer, you should take precautions against sunburn, especially if you’re visiting during the day. Also, reapply sunscreen often. While visiting the city, don’t forget to take a camera with you.
Film fans should definitely check out the movie Giant. It starred James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor, and Rock Hudson. The movie was about a family ranching in Texas during the era of big oil. Marfa was also the setting for giant plywood cutouts of Old Hollywood stars, including James Dean. In 1956, the movie “Giant” was filmed in Marfa. It was the last film that James Dean starred in before his tragic death.