Wide Open in West Texas

The Big Bend area has always been one of the most alluring places in the South. On one highway, a trio of towns-Marfa, Alpine, and Marathon-show that untamed geography stirs an inspiring spirit.

  • Print
  • |
  • Email
  • |
  • Add Comment
  • |
Far-Off Inspiration
Cary Jobe

Far-Off Inspiration

It’s hard to believe inspiration can come in so far-off and austere a place, but it’s all around you. Marfa, Alpine, and Marathon sit along U.S. 90 like hitching posts. On first glance, the three are all Mayberrys of another era. Marfa’s one blinking red light; the Alpine Dairy Queen and Big Bend Saddlery; Marathon’s three blocks of storefronts facing the railroad. But I visit in search of the defining quality that draws people 400 miles west of San Antonio to live and to visit. I’m looking for the real towns, what makes them so alluring and freeing, to “slow down and see,” as Camp describes. As one New York transplant to Marfa tells me, “Good things come with space.”

photo: Artist Mary Baxter


  • Loading comments...

Add your comment

The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject or we might delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us. An asterisk * indicates a required field.

500 characters remaining

More Ways To Get Southern Living
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • You Tube

Advertisement

Most Popular

  1. 41 Party Appetizers

    Start your party off right with these easy recipes for dips, spreads, finger foods, and appetizers.