Howdy Partner, You Lost? Your Guide to Getting to Marfa, Texas from the NYC Concrete Jungle
So you've ditched the bodega cats and honking taxis for a taste of the West Texas desert? Excellent choice, my friend. Marfa, Texas, with its quirky art scene, minimalist wonders, and wide-open spaces, is calling your name. But here's the rub: Marfa ain't exactly a hop, skip, and a latte away from the Big Apple.
Fear not, intrepid traveler! This here guide will have you navigating from the neon lights of Times Square to the star-studded Marfa sky in no time.
Buckle Up, Buttercup: The Great American Road Trip
Warning: This option is not for the faint of heart (or those with a bladder the size of a thimble). We're talking a good 2,000-mile odyssey across mountains, plains, and possibly a tumbleweed or two.
Pros:
- Road tunes and roadside oddities: Blast your favorite playlist, sing along terribly, and marvel at the wonders of the "World's Largest Ball of Twine" (it's a thing, trust me).
- Flexibility: Stop and smell the (likely creosote) bush whenever you please. Detour for a giant BBQ feast in some random Texas town. The open road is your oyster (though hopefully not your dinner).
Cons:
- Your Butt Will Hate You: Say goodbye to comfortable car seats and hello to a permanent imprint of your spine.
- The Scenery Can Get... Repetitive: Yes, there's a lot of sky. And desert. Pack some good audiobooks or podcasts.
Pro Tip: Pack snacks (way more than you think you need) and an auxiliary cord to avoid a mutiny in the backseat.
Iron Bird to the Desert: Taking Flight to Marfa (-ish)
A Time-Saving Compromise: Flying is definitely faster than driving (unless your car has a jet engine strapped on - in which case, let me know where you got it). However, Marfa itself doesn't have a commercial airport.
Here's the Plan:
- Catch a flight to either El Paso International Airport (ELP) or Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF). Both are a good three-hour drive from Marfa.
- Rent a car and enjoy a scenic West Texas road trip (but a shorter, more manageable one this time). Bonus points for blasting mariachi music as you cruise.
Pros:
- Speed: Get to Marfa quicker and spend less time with your in-laws arguing over the radio.
- Scenic drive: The desert landscape is pretty darn spectacular, especially around sunset.
Cons:
- Rental car roulette: You never know what kind of questionable minivan you'll end up with.
Bus? Don't Make Me Laugh (Unless You Like Buddy Holly):
Just kidding (mostly). There are actually buses that can take you from NYC to Marfa, but let's just say it's an "adventure" in the truest sense of the word. Think epic singalongs with strangers, questionable rest stops, and enough leg cramps to make you question your life choices.
This option is best for: The truly adventurous (or those on a shoestring budget).
In all seriousness,
No matter how you get there, Marfa is a place unlike any other. So pack your cowboy hat (optional, but highly encouraged), your sense of adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable experience.
