ticket down to 85 which saves me $40. Pulling into Marfa, the sun is setting. It's New Year's Eve and freezing
when I check in at the Hotel Paisano.
Luckily, there's a fire going in the courtyard beside the fountain. I take an immediate liking to the place.
After putting my luggage in a comfortable room, I order an Oban and retire to the fire. Soon, I'm joined by my friend
from New York and some guests of the hotel. In the end twenty of us ring in the New Year with whiskey and cham-
pagne. I make a few friends and possibly one enemy as well. The next morning I explore the town.
On first appearances, with only a population of 2100 people, the town can seem quiet.
But Marfa doesn't reveal all of its secrets at once. The Masonic Temple, across the street from the Hotel Paisano.
The conveyance of choice...
...parked beside an aged Coca-Cola sign.
The name Judd echos through the streets of Marfa. Clarence Judd Architectural...
...shares a building with Quintana's Barber Shop.
Crossing the tracks in Marfa, Tx.
Much sophistication of design exists in present day Marfa. I take some in at the Austin St. Cafe, where I have lunch.
The entryway to the cafe,
and one of the dining rooms.
The food was as delicious as the decor, and the hospitality was equally excellent. The
proprietors, Jack and Lisa, open the cafe just one day a month. It's a pretty good schedule
if you can manage it. After lunch, a nap at the hotel was in order.
It's a short walk, past the Presidio County Courthouse,
to a city landmark, the historic Hotel Paisano.
For much of its history it was known as the only fine hotel between San Antonio and El Paso.
Many distinguished guests have lodged at the hotel, including James Dean, Elizabeth
Taylor, and Rock Hudson, all of whom stayed here during the filming of Giant. More
recently, both "No Country for Old Men" and "There Will Be Blood" were filmed in Marfa.
After a lazy day with no riding to speak of, I have dinner at the Jett, then retire to the fire for a drink.
