How art saved the town of Marfa from becoming a ghost town

The most important force driving Marfa's art scene? The prestigious Chinati Foundation. It's actually located on the formerly abandoned military fort and was started by Judd. It now covers multiple buildings and lots of outdoor space, allowing each featured artist lots of space for their work. Many describe walking among the (at times) massive sculptures otherworldly, and almost spiritual. Either way, it's certainly a memorable experience. Every day at 4:30, the foundation offers tours of The Block, a massive complex of buildings, including airplane hangars, that Judd acquired and filled with art. It's right in the middle of town, and covers (naturally) a full city block. A tour will help you navigate the buildings and add even more context to the pieces. You even get to see the former residence of Judd.

The shops and restaurants in Marfa are just as artsy and quirky. Wrong Store is a kitschy little boutique that sells all kinds of artsy little goods. If you're a newcomer to Marfa, come here to grab a souvenir to remember your trip, and to talk to the owners for suggestions and recommendations for making the most of your visit.

Since you're in Texas, you should take the chance to visit a beer garden, a Lone Star tradition. Of course, this town's beer garden, Planet Marfa, is a little weirder than average. Grab a beer and find a place to sit back and relax... they have a giant tepee, a school bus, spiral staircases leading to upstairs nooks and crannies, fire pits tucked into corners, and more. Ping pong, live music, darts, a dance floor and a great crowd mean you'll have a different experience any given night. As far as drinks, they only have beer, and their food selection is about as limited (the nachos are no-frills and totally perfect), but it's the best place to spend a weekend night in Marfa.

Another spot where you can immerse yourself in the art scene of town? The Marfa Book Company. Their offerings are mostly art books, especially focused on minimalism, volumes of poetry, and the like, although they have a great YA section and some other bookstore-esque knick-knacks and gifts. There's a second room in the small shop which is part art gallery, part reading room. They also host lots of events, from movie screenings to musical performances (think, rapping cowboys) that can be BYOB. They're attached to the awesome St. George Hotel, which is worth peeking at (if you're not staying there, of course).

Ballroom Marfa is more than just a gallery that hosts art exhibitions and performances... they're an organization that works tirelessly to keep the arts scene in Marfa moving (they're partially responsible for Prada Marfa, actually.) The building displays innovative and provoking exhibits, and many of the sculptures and events across town are somehow funded or put on by Ballroom. Stop by, become a member, make a donation, and support the incredible things they're doing in Marfa.

For accommodations that are just as quirky as Marfa itself, glamp out at El Cosmico. The campground has trailers, tents, tepees and yurts that are very cozy and well-appointed, and they have a hammock grove, wood-fired hot tubs for rent, outdoor showers, a communal kitchen, and bikes available. Even considering all of that awesomeness, the coolest thing about this spot is the sense of community... happy hours, camp cooking classes, live music, and their annual Trans-Pecos festival get you mingling with travelers from all over.

One of the most interesting parts of Marfa's history actually ties back into art as well. The Army base that was once at Marfa was used to house German POWs during WWII. Most were captured by Patton in North Africa, and Patton himself spent time here (drinking in the officer's club, no doubt.) Two of the German POWs painted massive murals in the dining room and library, depicting the West Texas landscape. One of the Germans actually went on to become a writer and illustrator of children's books. The space is also used to house modern-day art exhibits as well.

Food Shark is a local favorite for lunch in town. They serve Mediterranean fare like falafel, hummus, and chicken wraps (and the occasional taco special) out of a refurbished old food truck. The joint is BYOB and offers Donald Judd-inspired picnic tables under a shelter where you can enjoy your grub... or sit in the converted school bus if you can snag a spot in there!

Also, they're slowly starting to operate the house behind the truck as a dinner place/bar called New Foodsharkland. Think, breakfast-for-dinner theme nights and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches served on TV dinner trays.

For a really special souvenir from your trip, pick up a pair of boots from Cobra Rock Boot Company in Marfa. They're designed and crafted in the USA and meld modern aesthetic with tradition. They also offer leather and trendy Western accessories to tie your new, Marfa-themed look together.