Today we drove about 30 miles to the historic, artistic, happenin’ city of Marfa. Several years ago, my friend Karen, posted photos of her trip to Marfa, and I declared I had to go there. Today was that day and Karen was spot on!!! After reading copious articles and blogs, we headed west from Alpine. We stopped several times along the road to take in the ART!! Yes, there are art installations along the street, mixed in with loads of historical markers. NOTE: the oldest historical marker is there!! According to Google: Presidio, Texas was established in 1683 A.D. but has been inhabited since 1500 B.C. because of it’s location at the confluence of the Rio Grande and the Rio Conchos.
Our first stop was Marfa Burrito. IYKYK, it’s a-must-visit place. We enjoyed a breakfast burrito surrounded by the photos of Matthew McConaughey, Mark Ruffalo, Selena, Kevin Bacon, and Anthony Bourdain. The walls, ceilings, and blades on the ceiling fans are filled with graffiti from patrons. It is encouraged, and, yes, I signed the wall!! They have pens in a basket.
According to lore, until the 1970s, Marfa was best known for ghost lights and as a film location for James Dean’s final picture, Giant, also starring rock Hudson, Elizabeth, Taylor, and Dennis Hopper. The beautiful Hotel Paisano served as a center of activity during the making of the movie. That was our day’s destination. See more details at visitmarfa.com. We stopped along the road to admire the HUGE cut-out murals honoring the movie stars by artist John Cerney.
After ample time admiring, we drove another 30ish miles through the city of Valentine to see the famed Prada Marfa art installation. This is what Karen posted that secured my desire to go. It sits on the side of the road next to its explanation marker. Artists Elmgreen and Dragset created “one of the most iconic site-specific artworks in the world.” Yes, there are shoes and handbags inside, though not for sale, only for sighting.
After that trip up OMGosh Lane, we headed back to Marfa to continue our tour, stopping to see the Presidio County Courthouse. Yes, it’s a functioning building, but I witness no legal activity at all. I did ascend all the way up to the cupola of the 1886-built Goddess of Justice for a 360° view of Marfa, the Davis Mountains, and Chinati Peak. The historical marker explains its rich history, and my photos show the beauty of the interior, resplendent wood banisters, stairs, printer’s cabinet, and door handles.
Our final destination was the Hotel Paisano. Another historical marker explains the detail, and I will say its charm, coziness, delicious lunch, and our new friend, Wintle, fulfilled our FUN day. We sat eating, talking, and laughing with Wintle for over four hours.
Life is so good!!! People are inspiring and entertaining. I learn from listening, reading, and experiencing.
Aloha,
Denise
