If you told us a year ago that we’d take a trip to Marfa not once, not twice, but three times – We would have been a little skeptical. While Marfa had all of the allure of adventure, photo-ops and unique spaces – Three times seems a little excessive. Then we went. Marfa feels like a home, an oasis and a never-ending trip of fun finds and a surreal break from our day-to-day. It’s simultaneously like time stands still, with a mix of modern pop-ups and unique eats. Our third trip was with purpose, however, and on our calendar for a few months. Each year El Cosmico is responsible for their own music festival in West Texas called the Trans Pecos Festival of Music and Love. With a great line up and the chance to visit Marfa again – we were in.
El Cosmico has become such a destination that most of the teepees and trailers are booked months in advance. No, definitely not exaggerating – months. I began my search immediately after knowing we were going back and one day was lucky enough to stumble upon an opening for The Princess.
There’s only a few places to stay in Marfa, and they’re all as unique as the one before. You won’t find a Holiday Inn or Motel 6, and for good reason. Each of the hotels in Marfa has a distinct personality of it’s own, and have their own reasons for checking in for a night or two (or three). The Pasiano and El Cosmico were our first experiences in Marfa, but this time we wanted to settle in to the Thunderbird Hotel.
Coming back after Round 2, most of our co-workers had the same question – “What do you even do in Marfa?” The answer? Everything and absolutely nothing mixed with a little of this and that. Seriously Marfa isn’t for everyone – But for some it’s a magical, artistic, lax oasis in the West-Texas desert that drives you to connect to the cosmos, food, play and leisure in a way you can’t in other cities. Marfa is special. Plain and simple.
This list is comprised of some great things to do, places to eat and fun to have next time you’re in the 214, but trust us when we say --- there are so many things we missed only being there for 36 hours.
If SXSW wasn’t in someone’s repertoire, you can guarantee it is after President Obama descended upon Austin, ate at the famous Torchy’s Tacos and gave a keynote address on the global impact of technology (as well as attended two other functions … all in a day, right?). For over thirty years SXSW has grown into a phenomenon where industry insiders, celebrities, bloggers and those passionate about getting a glimpse of this insane two-week ordeal flock to the Texas capital – all while most Austinites choose to hibernate for these near fourteen days. Going to SXSW is definitely a commitment, but in true Mint Society fashion, we decided on an impromptu day trip a week before.
One of us dreams of conquering Naked and Afraid – the other cried and called their parents the first time they went to Girl Scout camp. Take a guess on the above. El Cosmico peaked our attention when we heard style icon and J.Crew’s creative director Jenna Lyons stayed there last Thanksgiving.
Marfa is a tiny West-Texas town with a population less than 1,900 nestled somewhere between the Davis Mountains and Big Bend National Park. Your average person is going to say “Where?” when you excitedly explain where you’re going on vacation, but the true adventurers and ultimately stylish will know exactly what awaits you on your journey.
" We dance even if there’s no radio. We drink at funerals. We talk too much and laugh too loud, and frankly we’re suspicious of others who don’t." – Chris Rose
They say everything is bigger in Texas - like the stars at night and definitely the way we celebrate the Holidays. Texas takes the Holidays and makes them a spectacular way to take in all the sights and sounds of the season. Texas is a big, wide state and there are so many things to do across each city. I’ve picked a few of my favorites (many here in San Antonio) to where you schedule something fun for every single weekend this month.
I’ve listed a few of my favorites below (in no particular order). I’ve also noted pricepoint and busiest times for easy planning! Happy Holidays, y’all!