The Most Remote Outpost of Art and Culture in the Country
Thurs. Dec 1st- Tues. Dec. 6th, 2022
6 days, 5 nights
All inclusive!
Limited to 12 women only.
See Detailed Itinerary Here.
Read the story about our magical trip in 2021 here.
It’s hard to think of an area of the world that combines two such diametrically opposed qualities: vast, desolate beauty with high sophistication, and that frisson between nature and culture is what makes Far West Texas so fascinating.
This massive area encompasses the fierce and rugged Big Bend National Park as well as formerly dying ranch towns that are newly chic, such as Marfa, Alpine, Marathon, Fort Davis, and Terlingua. NextTribe co-founder Jeannie Ralston wrote about this area for Travel + Leisure in the early 90s when desert mountains and infinite sky were its big draws.
She’s been back many times, watching it transform into a place that gets added to bucket lists. The driving force for the change has been the growing notoriety of the Chinati Foundation, a contemporary art museum on 340 acres in Marfa. Founded by New York artist Donald Judd in 1978, it now encompasses many buildings that house the works of Judd and contemporaries such as Dan Flavin and John Chamberlain. There’s even a saying that Marfa is a little bit Texas and a little bit Brooklyn. Let’s just say you’ll see a lot of people wearing black on the streets.
Using her knowledge of the area and connections, Ralston has put together an itinerary that is tight and smart, but with plenty of time for exploring towns and ogling the landscape.
As on any NextTribe trip, guests will have access they’d never get if they went on their own, including talks with artists and a visit to ancient petroglyphs that are not open to the public.
All travelers will need to have a COVID vaccination to take part. Any questions? Write us at info@NextTribe.com.
The Highlights
- Five nights at lovely hotels, including the 93-year-old Gage Hotel in Marathon and the historic Hotel Paisano in Marfa (where Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean stayed during the filming of Giant)
- Dinners at the best restaurants in Marfa and Marathon
- Reception at a Marfa artist’s studio
- Reception at photographer James Evan‘s studio
- Rio Grande river crossing for lunch in a sleepy Mexico town
- Hikes in Big Bend National Park
- Soaking in hot springs in Big Bend National Park
- Tour of ancient petroglyphs on private ranch
- Viewing of Marfa Ghost Lights
- Visit to Donald Judd’s Chinati Foundation
See Detailed Itinerary Here
Transportation
NextTribe has arranged transportation, starting in Marfa and continuing on to Lajitas, Terlingua, Big Bend, Marathon, Alpine, and then back to Marfa. However, guests will need to find their own way to Marfa. NextTribe can’t arrange travel from a gateway to Marfa because of liability issues and because it is cost prohibitive.
However, we can help you get to Marfa. Jeannie Ralston will be renting a van to drive from Austin to Marfa, leaving the morning of December 1st. However, this is not an official part of the NextTribe trip. If you choose to go with Jeannie, you will be asked to chip in part of the cost and sign a waiver. Drive time from Austin to Marfa is 6 1/2 hours.
There is an Amtrack train that travels from Austin and San Antonio to Alpine. You could get a taxi from Alpine to Marfa or we could arrange pick up.
Here’s more information on transportation to Marfa.
See Detailed Itinerary Here
Cost
$2,599 per person for a double room
Single supplement: $800
Member price: $2,499
Price is all inclusive except for transportation to Marfa, your alcohol, and tips.
Deposit to hold your place: $300
After submitting this form, you will be directed to PayPal to pay your deposit. If you’d rather mail a check or use another platform for making your deposit, please contact Jeannie at info@NextTribe.com.
