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MARFA TEXAS |
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Marfa started out in 1883 as a water stop for Texas and New Orleans Railroad.
Marfa got its name when a railroad executive's wife suggested it, inspired by
a character in a book she was reading, Fyodor Dostoyevsky's The Brothers
Karamazov. |
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With its high elevations and spectacular scenery Marfa is also
popular for outdoor enthusiasts. At an altitude of 4,882 feet above sea
level the Marfa Municipal Golf Course
is the highest golf course in Texas. Hunters come to the Marfa area because of the plentiful mule deer and
pronghorn antelope. Strong thermal updrafts make for legendary soaring conditions, which has made Marfa a popular location for Gliders, Sailplanes, Gliding and Soaring. For information about Gliding in Marfa visit Marfa Gliders |
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When
visitors tire of hang gliding and hunting they head to the historic downtown
Marfa area to the art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops. |
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The above image of the Marfa Lights was captured
by James Bunnell. |
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Two years after Marfa was named, a 3 story Renaissance Revival courthouse was built. The Texas Historical Commission has helped refurbish the Presidio County Courthouse to its original glory. The building is an classic example of what is known as Second Empire architecture. It has a light pink stone exterior with intricately detailed interior woodwork. Usually a bookstore is not one of a town's major tourist attractions. However, the Marfa Book Store, Co. is a big draw with its huge selection of regional books, with and art gallery, with numerous readings and events. The Marfa Book Store, Co. also showcases contemporary and regional poets and writers and is one of the few spots in Marfa with Wi-Fi. WHERE TO STAY IN MARFA Many consider staying in the historic Paisano Hotel to be the best West Texas lodging experience. The hotel is a block away from the Presidio County Courthouse. The Paisano Hotel has a wide range of room options, including staying in the James Dean Room, where the movie legend stayed during the filming of Giant. Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson also stayed at the Paisono during the filming of Giant. The Thunderbird Motel is another Marfa classic, built in 1959, transformed to a modern design in 2005, while keeping the original's charm. A less expensive Marfa lodging option is the Riata Inn. WHERE TO EAT IN MARFA The Austin Street Cafe has unusual hours, in a low key spot with high quality food. Located in the built in 1885, former adobe house of famed Marfa artist, Donald Judd. The Blue Javelina is located in the remains of a 1940s gas station. The restaurant features Mexican, Mediterranean and American cuisine. You can probably make a good guess as to what is on the menu at the Pizza Foundation. The Brown Recluse is a funky neighbor of the Thunderbird Motel where you will find Mexican and Cowboy inspired tea, coffee, pastries and breakfasts. |
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our Eyes on Texas Blog to make a |
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HOME TEXAS TOWNS PARADES | |||
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BIG BEND COUNTRY | |||
GULF COAST PINEY WOODS | |||
PRAIRIE & LAKES HILL COUNTRY | |||
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Fort Stockton Langtry Marfa | |||
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Sanderson Terlingua Wink | |||
Guadalupe Mountains National Park | |||