Travel Diaries West Texas

Travel Diaries

West Texas

Looking for vast deserts and long, winding roads with hardly another soul in sight? Pack up your car, put on your favorite playlist and escape for a road trip through West Texas. Hundreds of miles from the state’s metropolitan hubs, this remote locale will have you exploring uncharted terrain. Embrace your adventurous side and cruise between quaint Alpine, artsy Marfa and the rugged mountains of Big Bend National Park. With renowned art galleries, miles of hiking trails and even an historic ghost town, you’ll discover hidden gems at every turn.

Last spring, the Georgia O’Keeffe-inspired Willow House opened on a 250-acre ranch in the mining ghost town of Terlingua. Each of the hotel’s 12 private casitas are built with thoughtful details including windows and patios that frame breathtaking views of the Chisos Mountains, and are carved from the buildings’ natural concrete exteriors that protect from brutal summer heat and wild desert storms. If you grow restless with the solitude of the desert, head to the property’s colorful main house to cook with your fellow adventurers in the communal kitchen or share cocktails and conversation in the sunken lounge area.

SHOP NOW ▸

SHOP NOW ▸

SHOP NOW ▸

Though Marfa is most well-known as an artistic enclave, its creative food scene is worthy of attention as well. For a stand-out dinner with south-of-the-border influences, grab a table at Stellina, which features an ever-changing menu and a warm, welcoming ambience. If you just need a quick bite, stop by Food Shark for Mediterranean cuisine on the go. Enjoy falafel and lamb kebabs among hip locals and tourists, but be sure to get there early – their lunch-only menu sells out quickly.

Plan to spend some time in Big Bend National Park. Take in the region’s natural beauty on a hike to the park’s highest point at Emory Peak, raft down the Rio Grande, soak in the hot springs or even take a scenic drive to the larger-than-life Santa Elena Canyon. If you bring your passport, you can even cross the border into Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico.

When you’re ready to experience the area’s artistic legacy, head to the Chinati Foundation in Marfa, founded by influential artist Donald Judd. Located on 340 acres of land, you can book a tour to experience iconic pieces including Dan Flavin’s light installations and John Chamberlain’s sculptures, or opt for a self-guided walk outside through Judd’s 15 untitled works in concrete.

To round out your West Texas getaway, drive 20 minutes to nearby Alpine and Fort Davis for a glimpse of local life. Pop into hole-in-the-wall diners, browse nostalgic general stores and spend an evening star-gazing. The unspoiled night skies capture the magic of this under-the-radar destination.

Plan to spend some time in Big Bend National Park. Take in the region’s natural beauty on a hike to the park’s highest point at Emory Peak, raft down the Rio Grande, soak in the hot springs or even take a scenic drive to the larger-than-life Santa Elena Canyon. If you bring your passport, you can even cross the border into Boquillas del Carmen, Mexico.

When you’re ready to experience the area’s artistic legacy, head to the Chinati Foundation in Marfa, founded by influential artist Donald Judd. Located on 340 acres of land, you can book a tour to experience iconic pieces including Dan Flavin’s light installations and John Chamberlain’s sculptures, or opt for a self-guided walk outside through Judd’s 15 untitled works in concrete.

To round out your West Texas getaway, drive 20 minutes to nearby Alpine and Fort Davis for a glimpse of local life. Pop into hole-in-the-wall diners, browse nostalgic general stores and spend an evening star-gazing. The unspoiled night skies capture the magic of this under-the-radar destination.

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