G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N

The following websites provide very useful information about the Big Bend area and the National and State Parks:

www.nps.gov/bibe
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/big_bend_ranch
www.visitbigbend.com
www.historic-terlingua.com

P I N T O C A N Y O N R O A D: This is a truly spectacular drive for those that have a 4-wheel drive, rough terrain vehicle.
The drive (FM2810) begins at Ruidoso, by the Rio Grande, approximately __ miles from Presidio. The road takes you through the Pinto Canyon and to the top of the Chinati mountains. Ultimately, Pinto Canyon Road takes you to Marfa.

M A R F A: Marfa is primarily known for three reasons:

1) "Giant" with James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson was filmed here. There is a tribute to the movie at the Hotel Paisano
where some of the stars stayed.

2) The Marfa Lights are a phenomenon that have not been scientifically explained. A visit to the "viewing area" gives you an opportunity to see these bouncing lights that sometimes change colors. The lights are not visible every night, but are frequently seen. Marfa holds an annual Marfa Lights Festival over the Labor Day weekend.

3) Chinati and Donald Judd Foundations. Donald Judd, the great minimalist sculptor came to Marfa, purchased an old army fort and other buildings in town, and proceeded to create a museum for large-scale installations. The inastalations were created by Donald Judd, Dan Flavin, John Chamberlain, Carl Andre, Ilya Kabakov, Roni Horn, John Wesley and others. The artists were aware that the work was intended to be on permanent display and therefore challenged the artists to create installations that would withstand the
test of time. The Chinati Foundation provides tours of the museum Wednesday-Sunday, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
www.chinati.org

The Judd Foundation also provides tours of Donald Judd's "Compound." This museum shows where and how Judd lived and worked, as
well as some of his inspirations.

Marfa also supports a number of commercial galleries, including inde/jacobs, which is operated by the original owners of the retreat. inde/jacobs provides works on paper by the Chinati artists, as well as other minimalist and pop artists. www.indejacobs.com

Marfa also has very good restaurants, including the Pizza Foundation, Maiya's, the Brown Recluse for great coffee, Squeeze Marfa for sandwhiches during the lunch hour, and others. Lodging can be found in the previous owners various apartments and charming casita (www.marfaretreat.com), the Thunderbird Hotel or the Paisano Hotel.

For general information on Marfa, visit:
www.marfa.org & www.marfatx.com

McDonald Observatory, Ft Davis: McDonald observatory offers various activities, including "star parties," which provide visitors with general information about the observatory, astronomy, and the opportunity to view the stars and planets through high-power
telescopes.
www.mcdonaldobservatory.org