Things to do and see by the White House Ranch

America’s Coolest Art Town, and Tons of Natural Beauty to Enjoy

 Marfa Texas, “America’s Coolest Art Town” by Vogue

According to the Vogue article, “Marfa into a cultural mecca for art aficionados from around the world, attracting everyone from Solange Knowles to BTS’s Kim Namjoon. In 2019, an estimated 49,000 people visited Marfa, a number almost 25 times its population of 2,000.

Those willing to make the trip won’t be disappointed, though: despite being a hub for minimalist and site-specific art, Marfa also somehow holds true to its cowboy and ranching roots. (The thing to do on a Saturday night is drinking Lone Stars at the local saloon, while the best food in town is still, arguably, a five-dollar burrito.)”

Stay at The White House Ranch, and visit Marfa only 30 minutes away.

 What To Do in Marfa

Marfa Maid Goat Cheese  Good for little kids AND some of the prints hanging in the house are by Malinda Beeman, who is the cheesemaker!

Marfa Gliders Airplane rides

The Marfa Golf course Highest golf course in Texas

The Marfa Lights The phenomena are known worldwide as "Marfa Lights". People fortunate enough to experience a good showing described them using terms such as exotic, complex, varied, and wonderful.

The Ayn Foundation gallery The Ayn Foundation is committed to comprehensive, large-scale projects by major international artists for presentation to the public.

Ballroom Marfa Ballroom Marfa is an internationally recognized non-collecting contemporary art museum located in Marfa.

Chinati Foundation The Minimalist art museum founded by Donald Judd catapulted this tiny Texas town into the national spotlight.

Judd Foundation Although much of Judd’s work resides at the Chinati Foundation, his in-town residence allows you to go one step further in understanding the artist.

“Prada Marfa” by Elmgreen & Dragset. The creativity of Scandinavian duo Elmgreen & Dragset gave life in 2005 to the Prada Marfa permanent artistic installation located in the middle of the Chihuahua desert, 37 miles from Marfa.

Judd Foundation

Raba Vintage

 Where to Shop in Marfa

Raba Vintage. A store that specializes in “high desert” vintage

Garza MarfaTheir in-house designed textiles are the real stars of the shop.

Moonlight Gemstones A rock shop that offers rare crystals and handmade silver agate jewelry.

The Hotel Paisano Gift Shop The Hotel Paisano Gift Shop offers several rooms filled with a superb selection of designer and casual clothing, jewelry, and accessories; an exceptional array of toys, books, journals, and art supplies; home décor and gift items; and locally made art and jewelry.

6Whiskey Offering apparel, gifts, and jewelry all in the name of The Lonestar Lifestyle.

Cactus Liquor A bounty of curated spirits, local wares, fresh produce, and flowers daily from Guayacan farmstead, native plants, and cacti.

Pronghorn Marfa "Mark's eye for detail, trends, and very cool stuff is unbeatable."

Marfa Spirit Company Distillery Great drinks in a historic location.

Where to Eat and Drink in Marfa

 
 

Cochineal

 Cochineal Gates takes cues from the cuisine of West Texas and Europe with her elevated seasonal menu, which includes everything from elk osso buco, to venison meatballs, to cast-iron trout.

Marfa Burrito There’s no better—or bigger—burrito in town than at Marfa Burrito, run by local celebrity Ramona Tejada.

Lost Horse Saloon Anthony Bourdain filmed one of the final episodes of Parts Unknown at the Lost Horse Saloon

Marfa Spirit Co. A distillery, tasting room, and restaurant specializing in signature cocktails made with their own “Chihuahuan Desert” brand liquor, from sotol to grapefruit liqueur.

Jetts Grill “The Margaritas are killer with freshly squeezed lime and the courtyard is the best place in the area!”

The Water Stop Do not leave without tasting mouthwatering avocado toasts, avocado chicken, and fried chicken sandwiches.

LaVenture Creative, ingredient-driven seasonal menus with regional influences, showcasing wood oven-fired pizzas, small and large plates, and salads.

Aster Baked goods are a specialty, from croissants to amazing breads.

Frama The only coffee shop and laundromat pairing in Marfa, Texas!

Planet Marfa Come have a drink under the stars in Marfa, Texas

 Other Nearby Towns to Explore

Alpine TX

Alpine is the home of Sul Ross State University, and the largest town.


Alpine Chamber website

Things To Do in Alpine, Tour Texas

 

Fort Davis TX

Home of the McDonald Observatory, one of the coolest things in Texas, in our opinion

Fort Davis Chamber website

Best Things to Do in Fort Davis Texas

 

Presidio TX


It is one of the oldest towns in Texas, and the farmland there is the oldest continually cultivated land in Texas, and maybe in the U.S. It is not really a tourist town, but it has great food, and a true Mexican feel.

https://presidiotx.us/?page_id=81.

https://texashighways.com/travel/for-presidio-the-middle-of-nowhere-is-a-fine-place-to-be/

Enjoy Splendid Isolation

For your convenience, here are some parks you could make a day trip to:

Nothing is closer than one hour away, other than Big Bend Ranch State Park

 

Big Bend National Park is a geological marvel

 

Big Bend National Park (The largest National Park in the US)

Fort Davis National Park (the historic fort)

Chihuahuan Desert Nature Institute

Davis Mountains State Park

McDonald Observatory

Big Bend Ranch State Park (this is the closest park. you can reach trailheads in that park on Hwy 169, about an hour drive from the house)

Fort Leaton State Historic Site