Texas’ Rising Star: This Underrated City Is Ideal for Any Traveler

If you've never been to Marfa, Texas, let me just tell you — this is one eclectic city. It's a place that attracts a mix of artists and other creative types, nature lovers, and travelers looking for a one-of-a-kind place to explore. And Marfa is certainly that — one of a kind! While it is inherently unique, Marfa is quite an underrated city in Texas. But with all it has to offer both its residents and visitors alike, Marfa, Texas is a destination truly worth traveling to.

Set in far West Texas and surrounded by high desert, Marfa is a tiny city of fewer than 1,700 residents. It was established in 1883 as a railroad water stop and then became a military base and a POW camp during WWII. By the 1970s, it transformed into a haven for artists and has maintained that reputation since.

As small as it is, it's a place that has the allure and mystery of a desert mirage, or even, perhaps, an alternate universe. And you may agree that it is an alternate universe as a strange phenomenon of glowing orbs in the desert, known as the Marfa Lights, can periodically be seen. Needless to say, Marfa is wildly different from anyplace else in the state!

So, what is there to do in Marfa, Texas, and why should you visit? For starters, there are several art galleries as well as museums like the New Star Grocery Art Museum which combines aspects of both a grocery store and an art museum. I'm not sure about you, but I've never heard of that concept before! Additionally, there's the Chinati Foundation where contemporary art can be viewed. It was established in 1986 by artist Donald Judd.

While spending time in town, you'll want to explore the local dining establishments. Among them, Margaret's in Marfa is a highly-rated local eatery set in a historic building. And then there's Bordo: Fine Italian Goods, a deli that serves handmade pasta, sandwiches, charcuterie, and more.

Of the best-known attractions in town is the Prada Marfa, a permanent contemporary art installation that was constructed in 2005 by artists Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset. While you cannot access the interior, you can view the faux storefront from its exterior, take your pictures, and appreciate it for what it is in its desert location.

Having a nature escape in Marfa is also something you can do. Not only is there hiking throughout the desert landscape but under dark skies, stargazing is phenomenal here.

While there are several hotels and vacation rentals you can spend the night at in order to extend your Marfa stay, El Cosmico stands out as a place that's just as unique as the small city itself. Not only can you spend the night under the stars in a tepee, a safari tent, a yurt, or a vintage trailer with its very own porch but you can enjoy some quiet time and disconnect as this glampground is mostly off-grid. If you do need to digitally connect, however, there is Wi-Fi available in the lobby. You can book a stay at El Cosmico on Hotels.com.

Are you ready to explore this underrated city in Texas? There's little doubt that Marfa is one of the most fascinating places you can visit in the state. What are some of your favorite things to see or do in Marfa?

Want to learn more about this small Texas city and see some exceptional photographs? Check out the book, Marfa and the Mystique of Far West Texas.