Here are some facts about tours, food and shopping in Marfa that might prove useful for visitors from out of town. Also, please check the individual websites, as schedules will occasionally change.
TOURS:
- The Chinati Foundation is open Wednesday through Sunday. It’s an unconventional museum with an unconventional, though consistent, schedule. To see everything in the collection, you’ll want to attend the Full Collections Tours, at 10 am and 2 pm; to see works by Donald Judd, Dan Flavin, & John Chamberlain only, you’ll want to attend the Highlights tour at 11 am; if you’d only like to see Donald Judd’s 100 untitled works in mill aluminum, there’s an opportunity at 3:45 pm. See schedules and buy tickets here.
- The Judd Foundation, essentially the estate of Donald Judd, also provides visitors with the opportunity to view a number of significant art installations, including The Block, the artist’s primary residence from about 1973 until his death in 1994. The Block Tour meets Wednesday through Sunday, at 416 El Paso Street, at 4:30 pm. This property, which is surrounded by an adobe brick wall, is located immediately beside the large Godbold building, which is visible from the center of town and makes a reliable landmark. The tour begins at the large, wooden gate, at the north end of the property. Tickets are required and can be purchased here. The Judd Foundation also offers Studio Tours, where visitors can see, among other things, a small part of Judd’s exquisite collection of painting and furniture. The Studio Tour begins at the Judd Foundation Office, at 104 Highland Avenue, across from the Marfa Book Company, Friday and Saturday, at 2 pm.
- Ballroom Marfa, a contemporary arts organization, maintains an active schedule of exhibitions, performances, and events. Their principle galleries are located at 108 East San Antonio (Highway 90, near the principle intersection), and are open to the public, free of charge, Thursday through Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm. You will want to check their website to see if they’re hosting any special events.
- Fieldwork Marfa a new artist residency created by three European institutions, ESBA Nantes-Metropole, HEAD-Geneva, and the Gerrit Reitveld Acadamie. The residency is directed at artists and curators whose work involves a significant research component. Residents are not required to make or exhibit work during their stay.
- LAND (Los Angeles Nomadic Division) has also started a program of events and exhibitions in Marfa. More information is located at their website.
FOOD:
- The Pizza Foundation is open Thursday through Monday, 3 pm until around 8 pm, or until they run out of dough. The other regular exception to this schedule is when Saarin and Ronnie leave town and follow the Boston Red Sox around for a week or two. They’re located on the south-east corner of the principle intersection. The flashing-red light.
- Marfa Burrito is like nowhere else. Located on Highway 67 South, about a mile south of the courthouse, this place is about as homey as you can get. It’s a freestanding commercial building, but you’ll believe you’re in the family kitchen. Ramona Tejada will make you a tasty burrito, insist that you have a glass of lemonade, and later, an apple for the road. Open most days for breakfast and lunch.
- FOOD SHARK is open Tuesday through Friday, 11:45 am to 3 pm, and parks under the shade barn, near the intersection of Highland Avenue and the train tracks.
- Maiya’s Restaurant is open for dinner, Wednesday through Saturday, 6 pm to 9 pm. Location: Highland Avenue, between the train tracks and the courthouse. Full bar.
- Cochineal is open every day but Wednesday, 6 pm to 9 pm. Location: 4th building west of the flashing red light, on the south side of the road. Gravel patio. Full bar.
- Jett’s Grill, at the Paisano Hotel, is open for dinner, from 5 pm to 9 pm daily. Nice patio, great bar. The Paisano is located on Highland Ave, just south of the courthouse. Say hello to Carlos.
- Tacos Del Norte is open Monday through Saturday, 11 am to 3 pm daily. Located: on Highway 90, on the west side of town, about 1 1/2 miles from the principle intersection.
- Mando’s is open every day of the week. They’re located on the north side of Highway 90, on the western edge of town.
- Squeeze Marfa is a lovely little sandwich shop, located across from the Presidio County courthouse. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday, 8am to 4 pm, and Sunday, 8 am to 2 pm.
- Alice’s is open most days, except Sunday. They serve breakfast and lunch, from about 8 am.
