One of the Best Kept Secrets in Texas is This Western Town

Are you looking for a destination that doesn’t live up to the typical vacation expectations? Something that offers just a little bit…more? One of the best kept secrets in Texas is this Western town. In the West Texas high desert, Marfa, is a mysterious town that fascinates even the most well-traveled.

If you follow art news, this town might be on your radar. Marfa’s arts scene gained international acclaim thanks to the minimalist artist, Donald Judd. The installations are arresting yet pleasant against the Lonestar landscape. As you’re exploring the foundation’s exhibits—some outdoors, others in converted army barracks—it suddenly hits you: you’ve never seen anything like this.

Aside from art, Marfa has another claim to fame: UFO conspiracists put Marfa on the map for its famous Marfa Lights. These unexplained orbs of light have puzzled visitors and locals alike for decades. Though skeptics have investigated and claim to have debunked the Marfa Lights phenomenon as a sort of mirage in which distant car headlights appear to be floating orbs, you can judge for yourself at the Marfa Lights Viewing Area around dusk. Who knows? You might witness this mysterious spectacle along the horizon and add a touch of wonder to your visit.

Now, these niche attractions aside, Marfa’s no Dallas, Houston, or Fort Worth by any means. But the town’s small size belies its offerings. Stroll avenues of eclectic galleries, boutiques, and eateries, as well as other local establishments, such as The Marfa Book Company and Hotel Paisano. These historic buildings offer glimpses of the town’s heyday and boldly creative spirit. Modern artistry and classic Texan hospitality come together for a welcoming and interesting atmosphere.

Outdoor enthusiasts love the proximity to Big Bend National Park and the Davis Mountains State Park, where hiking the rugged terrains leads to unforgettable adventures and stargazing opportunities. The clear desert skies here are perfect for astronomy lovers seeking the kinds of nighttime views becoming increasingly rare in our always-on cities.

You wait all year for your vacation. So, why spend your short respite in a small, rural town you’ve likely never heard of? Because sometimes the best destinations are the ones you pass on your way somewhere else. One of the best kept secrets in Texas is this Western town.