Art, good food, desert skies, and all the inspiration you didn’t know you needed. Favorite thing we did was do an impromtu photo shoot at @desertrays_marfa!
Last month my good friend Kylie, her baby boy Fritzy and I packed up the car in Houston and took a slow, design-filled road trip across Texas — first to San Antonio, then all the way out to Marfa, and finally looping back through Fredericksburg on our way home. It was equal parts art adventure, good food tour, and “wow, Texas is SO BIG” moments.
If you’re looking for a creative getaway, here’s everything we loved.
🌵 Stop 1: San Antonio — A Warm, Colorful Start
We didn’t stay long, but we squeezed in the essentials.
The Pearl District
This was the highlight of San Antonio for us. It’s one of those places where you just want to sit and take in the architecture — reclaimed brick buildings, clean lines, greenery everywhere, and lots of little design details that make you slow down.
We wandered through the shops, grabbed lunch, and people-watched. It’s the kind of spot that feels both historic and modern at the same time.
Pullman Market
Yes… we stopped at the grocery store.
And honestly? It was beautiful. Whoever merchandises that place deserves an award. Local goods, perfect little displays, packaging that made me want to buy things I definitely didn’t need. Even a quick grocery run felt inspiring.
🌟 Stop 2: Marfa — Small Town, Big Inspiration
The drive into Marfa feels like entering a different world. It’s quiet, spacious, and every bit as artsy and weird (in the best way) as people say.
Chinati Foundation
Seeing Donald Judd’s installations in person is something else. The way the light hits the concrete boxes, the openness, the scale — it’s so grounding and thoughtful.
Judd Foundation
If you love minimalism or intentional design, this is basically a pilgrimage. His spaces feel like a conversation about purpose and clarity.
Shopping Local
Marfa’s shops are tiny but so well curated. We browsed ceramics, textiles, jewelry, books, small-batch goods — all the things that make you want to redo your entire house the moment you get home.
Everything felt one-of-a-kind.
Wrong Store
https://wrongmarfa.com/
A quirky, art-driven shop/gallery with bold, unexpected pieces. It’s weird in the best possible way.
Raba Marfa
https://rabamarfa.com/
Beautifully curated vintage, accessories, and small-batch goods. Everything feels thoughtfully chosen.
Garza Marfa
https://garzamarfa.com/
Minimal, desert-inspired furniture and textiles. Clean lines, warm colors, and gorgeous craftsmanship.
Stop & Read Books
https://www.stopandreadbooks.com/
A small but mighty bookstore with design books, local authors, and a sweet, cozy vibe.
The Marfa Store
https://www.marfabrands.com/category/soap
A tiny, curated shop of handmade soaps, essentials, and Marfa-made favorites.
The Get Go
https://getgomarfa.com/
The town’s iconic gourmet grocery — local ingredients, great snacks, cute packaging everywhere.
Good Food Everywhere
For such a small town, the food is really good. Fresh, simple ingredients, cozy cafés, and that feeling of “everyone knows everyone.” It just feels warm.
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Marfa Burrito
https://marfa-burrito.res-menu.com/
Legendary breakfast and brunch spot — huge handmade tortillas, fresh salsas, and a real local vibe. -
Bitter Sugar
https://bittersugar.cafe/
A cozy café for coffee, pastries made from scratch, and relaxed mornings in Marfa’s downtown. -
Alta Marfa (Wine Bar & Restaurant)
https://www.altamarfa.com/
A wine bar and restaurant showcasing Texas-grown wines, with a dinner menu and relaxed evening energy. -
The Sentinel
https://thesentinelmarfa.com/
A café/restaurant/bar housed alongside (and in support of) the local newspaper — great for coffee, brunch, cocktails and creative atmosphere. -
Marfa Spirit Co.
https://www.themarfaspirit.com/
A distillery in Marfa making sotol and other spirits; a must for cocktails and something uniquely West Texas.
Marfa Lights and Stars
We did the classic Marfa Lights viewpoint (because of course), but even if you don’t see the lights, the night sky alone is worth it. The stars look fake… in the best way. We even saw the Milky Way!!
🍇 Stop 3: Fredericksburg — A Cozy Ending
On the way back to Houston, Fredericksburg was the perfect soft landing after the desert.
We checked into Onera, and honestly — it was beautiful. Tucked into the trees with that modern-meets-nature vibe, it felt like a peaceful little retreat after the long drive from Marfa. We didn’t do much exploring this time around; we really just wanted to relax. So we stayed mostly at the property and only headed out once for dinner on Main Street.
The next morning, we stretched our legs with a quick walk along Main, popped into a couple of little shops, and wandered a few galleries. The wineries in the area are gorgeous too — lots of minimal architecture, natural wood, and warm Hill Country energy.
It was the perfect re-entry back into “regular” Texas before heading home.
This whole trip felt like a creative reset — good food, beautiful spaces, interesting art, and quiet moments in nature. San Antonio warmed us up, Marfa inspired us, and Fredericksburg brought us gently back home.
If you ever need to clear your mind, spark a new idea, or just get out of your routine for a minute… drive west. The desert always has something to teach you.
Pin this for later and save our google maps list for when you travel there next!
