Marfa is almost on the border, however it is vast country with nice sunsets for landscapes, Presidio Court House built in 1869, Hotel Paisano, good food at Jett's Grill, Marfa Lights, check out Alpine Area for more ranch country, Great food at Reata, Drive to Fort Davis for History andsome good shots, Old Historic Hotel Limpia, Marfa Lights. There are some very rugged country, watch for snakes if off road.
In that area of Texas there is not much within 50 miles. There’s Fort Stockton. You will see a lot of windmills. If I were you I would take a drive to Big Bend. The drive itself would be worthwhile.
iamimdoc wrote:
Going to a resort a bit south of Marfa In west Texas next month. Anyone been around that area and have suggestions for photo ops.
The McDonald observatory is closed.
Long hikes probably not a good idea due to heat
Ideally would like to not go more than 50 miles or so on a car trek
Thanks
the "Prada Shoe" store display is several miles out of Marfa. unique spot to see if interested in artsy, unusual spot to take photo out in the middle of nowhere. research it, I can't really explain what or why it is there, but worth the drive just to say we've seen it...
iamimdoc wrote:
Going to a resort a bit south of Marfa In west Texas next month. Anyone been around that area and have suggestions for photo ops.
The McDonald observatory is closed.
Long hikes probably not a good idea due to heat
Ideally would like to not go more than 50 miles or so on a car trek
Thanks
Like others have said do check out the Marfa lights. Fort Davis historical site is worth checking out. Davis State Park is another place to check out. Near Fort Davis is a desert botanical garden great for photographing plants, etc. Enjoy those dark skies out there.
RWR I'm sorry you're having a bad day but please lighten up. God-bless and I hope things get better for you
zug55 wrote:
Marfa and the Big Bend area are gorgeous. But going there in the summer heat definitely limits the activities you can undertake. I always travel in the area in winter. Plus some of the cool spots in the area are closed because of Covid-19.
In Marfa proper there is the Chinati Foundation--a modern art museum/installation that offers interesting photographic opportunities. According to their web site, some of the outdoor sculptures are accessible now. In Marfa, there is a beautiful court house and the historic Paisano Hotel. There are some art galleries--hopefully some of them are open. Somebody mentioned the Marfa lights a few miles outside of town--if you are lucky you will see them. I did--they are fascinating.
Fort Davis is an interesting spot, with a historic fort. A drive through the Davis mountains is definitely worthwhile, although McDonald's Observatory is closed. But the drive still is beautiful. Balmorhea State Park, a swimmable desert oasis, unfortunately is closed currently. You might enjoy a visit to Alpine.
50 miles does not get you very far in that part of the country. The drive from Presidio (Redford) to Lajitas along the Rio Grande is one of the most beautiful drives in the country. There are a number of lookout points to take pictures. Obviously, it is best during early morning and evening light. Stop in Terlingua--it is a ghost town but also has an artist community. There are plenty of beautiful drives in Big Bend National Park, although the park is currently closed. Check again when you get ready to travel.
Two tips: always carry plenty of water in the car, and of course if you hike. Also don't let your gas tank get below half full.
Enjoy your trip!
Marfa and the Big Bend area are gorgeous. But goin... (
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Check out Alpine Texas. Its the next town over from Marfa. And there is a treasure trove of subjects to photograph. Here are a few of the shots that I too there.
craighakl wrote:
the "Prada Shoe" store display is several miles out of Marfa. unique spot to see if interested in artsy, unusual spot to take photo out in the middle of nowhere. research it, I can't really explain what or why it is there, but worth the drive just to say we've seen it...
Prada Marfa is not an actual store. It was put up by an artist as something unique in an unusual spot. Celebrities, as well as common folk get their photos taken there. Here's one of Beyonce.
Interesting sites to me that may not have been listed is the old Terlingua cemetary, a photographers mecca. Near Ft Davis is Indian Lodge but I do not know if it is open. Built by the CCC in the depression, very unique. You can take a drive to the top of the south mountain in Ft Davis state park which has a great viewpoint and photos through the window as the frame is iconic. There is a circle drive from near Ft Davis (hwy166) to McDonald observatory (Hwy 118) that is a nice drive and used to be a winery along the way-probably about 60 miles. Remember that every place has its beauty. It is summer in the high desert so have plenty of water. I could live out there but my wife said I would be by myself. :>) It is a long way to a Walmart. They have some good local beer so you may want to try a couple.
We took a little vacation to Ft Davis in June. Last night there we drove to Marfa to observe the lights. No one knows what those things are but they are interesting. Viewing site in on Hwy 90 9 miles east of town.
Drive into Ft Davis and enjoy a meal at the Fort Davis Drugstore.
Take the scenic drive around Davis Mountains Scenic loop.
Skies in the area are very dark and excellent for astro photography. Go when there is no moon.
Take a drive over to Alpine then down Hwy118 to Terlingua Tx. an old mercury mining town and then take hwy. 170 that has very dramatic views of the Rio Grande canyon over to Historic Fort Leaton then back up Hwy 67 to Marfa. Terlingua is the home of THE original Chili Cookoff and frequented by Willie, Waylon, Jerry Jeff etc. Interesting west texas scenery and coolold ghost towns. Desert wildlife along the way. You should definitely take a look inside the old historic hotels in Marfa and Alpine. These were places where West Texas ranching families and their distant neighbors would meet for holidays and important social functions 100 or more years ago. Have a great time!!
iamimdoc wrote:
Going to a resort a bit south of Marfa In west Texas next month. Anyone been around that area and have suggestions for photo ops.
The McDonald observatory is closed.
Long hikes probably not a good idea due to heat
Ideally would like to not go more than 50 miles or so on a car trek
Thanks
Not a good time to go to Big Bend area! We went this time last year and it was HOT!!! This is the "off season" for that local. Stayed in Alpine and used it as a base for day trips. McDonald's Observatory excellent sorry you'll miss it. Recommend spending night in Marathon, if you want to see the "stars". Marfa a bust at this time of year - check internet for ideal time to see phenomenon. We took a nap then left motel about 9pm and drove to site, stayed til 2:30-3am and never saw anything. Big Bend State Park picturesque but stay on main roads.
RWR wrote:
Why would you want to copy others - have you no mind of your own??
What are you so bitter about?
Just a note about climate and weather...I grew up in a small town in West Texas...just past where David lives in Midland from Big Bend. My parents would never take us there...said it was "too hot" when we would have been able to go in the summer. Carried that bias with me for a long time, until I finally spent several days in the park last summer. Glad I went, and glad I went when I did. First...summer is the rainy season in that whole part of Texas, so it's when there is a chance to see the desert foliage in bloom. Second, mornings and evenings are always your friend when in the desert, and nights are wonderful. Third, that is the mountainous part of Texas. Lots of areas are at 6000 feet or higher and will not get above 85 degrees in the daytime, including much of the Davis mountains, the Chisos mountains (inside Big Bend) and lots of other spots. Fourth, the desert is both subtle and not. You will get back from it what you are willing to put into it. Your idea of not spending a lot of time in the car is actually a very good one. You really can't see a lot of the wonder of the desert from behind glass.
In case you didn't already know, it's gonna be hot. 100 degrees plus during the heat of the day.
SteveR wrote:
In case you didn't already know, it's gonna be hot. 100 degrees plus during the heat of the day.
Welcome to Texas ya'll. The OP has not responded as far as I can recall to any of us unless I am brain dead, which is Ok with me. How long will he be here ? Why is he here ? where is he from ?
Us Texas are very welcoming and helpful.
bruce
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