Last week I did a Marfa post all about lodging and food. Today is 10 fun, free things to do in Marfa, Texas.
Free Things To Do in Marfa, Texas
Marfa is one of those places that people seem to either love or hate.
1. Climb in an old mill
It is right in in town, you won’t miss it. This is likely not legal or smart, but it was fun. Climb at your own risk.
2. Ride bikes
You can rent them from El Cosmico for $10 for half a day or $20 for a whole day. I must admit the bikes aren’t in the best shape but they get you from A to B. There is no bike shop in Marfa. I guess it is a pain to bring them to the nearest town to get them fixed!
3. Farm Stand Marfa
The farm stand happens on Saturday mornings starting at 9:30 a.m. It happens in the middle of town, next to the train stop and under the awning. Lots of samples and if you went out on Friday night, you are sure to see someone you know! Update: I don’t think this happens anymore.
4. Marfa Book Co.
The owner is always behind the counter which I think is adorable, and he even hand drew us a map of places we needed to see! There is a second room that is used as an art gallery and/or reading room. I bought Andy a shirt from here for his B-day. (Picture via Baby got books.)
5. Chinati
Chinati is right next door to El Cosmico, so we rode our bikes over for a tour of the Donald Judd’s 100 Works in Mill Aluminum. Admission is $5 bucks for a student. We had a really nice tour guide who answered all of my questions including: What is an art installation? She said it’s debatable, but basically anything an artist purposefully places somewhere can be called an art installation.
See the 15 untitled works in concrete way out there?
6. Prada Marfa
Another art installation in the middle of nowhere. It’s interesting. About a 30 minute drive down route 90 west, past Valentine. Prada Marfa is located 1.4 miles outside of Valentine. It is just an installation, you can not go in it.
Great light. Can take pictures in the middle of the street since there aren’t a lot of cars.
7. Go on Scenic Loop drive around Ft. Davis
We did not do this. It is a 75 mile drive and takes about one hour and half. It could be fun to bike part of it too!
8. Day trip to Fort Davis
Make an impromptu picnic from the yummy foods Stone Village Market. There are multiple road side rock shops to stop in and look around too.
9. Take pictures and enjoy nature
Marfa is very photogenic little town. We took beautiful sunset pictures, and even stopped on the side of the road to pick up sticks that you could buy in West Elm for $20! Even the roads are pretty.
10. See the Marfa Mystery Lights
Rachelle and I saw what everyone was saying were Marfa Lights. Apparently there are good conditions and bad conditions depending on moon light, clouds, and headlights. The stars are pretty whether you see the lights or not. Read others opinions on Marfa Trip Advisor. This is the viewing station, but it is hard to see in the dark on the side of the road. It is on the right hand side, coming from Marfa, and about 16 miles from the center of Marfa.
[wikipedia] |
Comments & Reviews
Rachelle Stan says
LOVE the post hun and wish we were there right now!