OffBeat Pathfinder Basecamp

Yall, Marfa is like if a UFO crashed into a hipster gallery and then got sunburned. No kidding. I rolled in thinking I’d just see the Marfa Lights and eat some tacos, but I wound up wandering an art maze and arguing about “what is art anyway” with a guy named Clive.

First, those dang lights. I stayed up past midnight at the viewing area. Thought I was seeing a mirage from the Lone Star Lager, but nope—there they were, bouncing and zigzagging like they got their own minds. Locals say it’s ghosts, science says it’s car headlights, but I say it’s just Texas being Texas.

The Chinati Foundation is a must. Even if you don’t get modern art (I sure didn’t), the giant concrete blocks are kinda cool at sunrise. My phone died trying to Instagram it, so maybe just go old school and take it all in.

Had the green chili burrito at Marfa Burrito. Don’t ask for mild, it’s not a thing.

Saw more people in cowboy hats riding fixies than on horses. Drank cold Topo Chico at Planet Marfa, listened to a poet rant about tumbleweeds.

If you want a Texas town where nothing is what it seems—Marfa’s your spot. Anyone ever catch a light that wasn’t there? Or just get weird in the desert?

Spent 2 nights tryin to see them lights and got nada. My buddy swears he saw ’em, but he also sees “energy” everywhere since Burning Man. Still, Marfa’s cool. I got lost looking for Prada Marfa and wound up eating gas station jerky at 1am.

Is it just me or is Marfa like 60% art and 40% dust? Saw a gallery with a cow skull and a boot nailed to the wall, and I’m still not sure if it was for sale or just Texas decor. Had the best cold brew, tho.

Bring a hat and about 6 gallons of water. Desert ain’t playing around. I spent the afternoon just trying to keep my snacks from melting. Didn’t see any weird lights but saw the weirdest dog ever—a Chihuahua in a cowboy vest. Also: Hotel Paisano has old movie vibes and an elevator that talks. Don’t miss Marfa’s “mystery windows” on main street either. Still not sure what’s in half those shops.

Went for the art, left with a sunburn. Missed the lights, but the sky was wild. Texas is huge, y’all.

I brought binoculars, 2 cameras, and a notepad—saw nothing but bugs and a real dramatic sunset. Is it a government test site? Is it just heat haze? Is Marfa even real? Jury’s still out.