Midland, Texas
Reenact all those Star Wars fantasies you’ve had by exploring the sand dunes out in Midland, Texas. Get your toy lightsaber out and hum that beautiful John Williams soundtrack while wistfully looking at the sun setting.
Marfa, Texas
As scenic as anything you could find in the Lord of the Rings. The grey asphalt highways contrast so nicely with the yellowed, greyish green vegetation lining the hills that seem to part to let you pass.
El Cosmico By Night
By now, it should be nightfall. You’ll be hearing the crickets at you bask outside your accommodation in a combination of moonlight and bright bulbs wrapped around nearby trees. Sit back with a beer, let nature do the rest.
El Cosmico By Day
True enough, El Cosmico is in the middle of nowhere. That’s kind of the appeal, seclusion from the crowded environments you’ve taken this trip to escape from. The place has a sort of pleasantly post-apocalyptic feel.
Marfa Burrito
By now you’re bound to be hungry, so why not get some authentic food from the border? You’ll have no trouble finding the location, the smell of fresh grilled meat and onions will draw you close. Just follow your nose.
Chinati Foundation
The middle of nowhere is the last place you’d expect to find a mostly open-air art installation, but Marfa is full of surprises. Marfa in the 1980s was a refuge for artists, and in return, they’ve left superb cultural works.
Return To El Cosmico
If the trailers aren’t doing it for you as lodgings, you’re more than welcome to switch things up and opt for a safari tent instead. Complete with a double bed and a solid floor, this isn’t some low-rent camping experience.
The Road To Big Bend
Take a detour and hit the River Road route. The drive from Marfa is three hours anyway, so another half an hour isn’t going to kill you. You’ll be grateful when you see the scenery. Nature is beautiful out here.
Big Bend National Park
Consider all you’ve seen before this an appetizer for what you’ll experience at Big Bend. Lush green contrasting with the stone grey of the canyons, plus water so clean and pure you can see right through it.
Lost Mine Trail
Get your hiking boots on; it’s time to walk. The trail is a walk through the peaks in search of a mine that used to be here. Don’t worry; you won’t be falling down any mine shafts. They were filled in decades ago.
Gift Shops Of Big Bend
It wouldn’t be a National Park without a place to pick up souvenirs. How distinctly American. You’ll find a lot of homemade woodworked items here, so if you’re the type who likes old Americana kitsch, you’ll be well served.
Alpine, Texas
Nightfall is coming again, so it’s time to move on. On your way to your accommodation, check in at Railroad Blues for a little music and a beer. They’ve also got one hell of a bonfire outside if you need keeping warm.
El Paso To Las Cruces
There’s a long trip ahead of you. The drive is four hours non-stop, but you’re likely going to want to get out and do some exploring in the towns along the road. Enjoy yourself; it’s about the journey rather than the destination.
White Sands National Park
White Sands is named for, well, being a white, sandy plain. You’ll see nearly 300 miles of white, rolling sand dunes. If you want to play like you’re Laurence of Arabia, now would be a perfect time.
Truth Or Consequences
An eerily named town, but as you’ll find, overwhelmingly friendly to visitors. You’ll find ample accommodation without having to look very carefully. We highly recommend a trip to Passion Pie Cafe while there.
Route 66
Be sure to get a snapshot of the famous road sign here. On the way, you can pick up the Turquoise Trail, or pay a visit to Elephant Butte State Park. Yes, the name is hilarious to us, too.
Santa Fe
You’re going to want to relax after such a long trip, so it’s highly recommended you find someplace to stay with significant chill out facilities. A front patio or balcony would be perfect to sit down with an icy beer.
Santa Fe Vintage
Feeling like getting some new, old duds while on your road trip? A visit to Santa Fe Vintage is in order. You can get yourself a pair of ironic vintage cowboy boots, or a Stetson to wear in your Facebook profile picture.
Shiprock Trading Part One
Another little gem of Santa Fe, Shiprock Trading is owned by a fifth generation Native American and is one of the more popular trading posts in the area. This is a great place to pick up some gifts for friends back home.
Shiprock Trading Part Two
There’s a lot to see at the trading post, so we recommend two trips so you don’t get overwhelmed. Hand-crafted woven blankets and jewelry are the stars of the show here; you’ll be captivated for sure.
The Rodeo
Santa Fe’s clash of cultures ends with something distinctly American, even if co-opted from other cultures. It’s like visiting a modern day coliseum, man versus beast in an arena of showmanship and physical strength.
