These places are a bit further from town, but are totally worth your time. If you're making a longer trip out of the wedding weekend, we suggest visiting a few of these places, too.

* Means we've been there, done that AND would do it again!

*CHIHUAHUAN DESERT RESEARCH INSTITUTE | A very accessible way to check out the landscape with short hikes and info on native plant life, along with a mind blowing cacti greenhouse. Good for folks who may want a taste of the outdoors without the commitment of a trek all the way to Big Bend.

*MARFA MYSTERY LIGHTS | We saw the lights our second visit! For over 100 years, these mysterious lights have drawn people to Marfa. The viewing platform, situated 10 miles east of Marfa on Hwy 90, provides the perfect spot to try to see them. Keep an eye just over the horizon for little floating lights that move in different directions. They can fade in and out or disappear as suddenly as they show. It's very cold out there at night, so bring a sweater and a blanket.  On site are bathrooms, picnic tables, and binoculars.

*PRADA MARFA | One of the must-sees for any Marfa adventure.  This installation is modeled after a Prada boutique store and includes luxury goods from the Fall 2005 collection. Prada Marfa is a permanently installed sculpture by artists Elmgreen and Dragnet, situated 1.4 miles northwest of Valentine, Texas, just off Highway 90 and about 26 miles northwest of Marfa.  Keep your eyes out as you near Marfa as you will pass by it on your way from El Paso. Get out and take snap some pics!

*MCDONALD OBSERVATORY/FORT DAVIS | About twenty minutes northwest of Marfa, Fort Davis is a small, quaint town with a long history as a military outpost. The McDonald Observatory is nestled in the Davis Mountains about 30 minutes outside of town. Thanks to the sparse population and the dry air, this is one of the darkest spots in the nation and is ideal for stargazing. We highly recommend the Star Party, every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday night. They do such a great star tour, it's amazing! More information can be found here.

*TARGET MARATHON |  Another roadside attraction in the likes of Prada Marfa.  A small cinderblock railroad building adorned with those recognizable red bull's eye along Hwy 90 between Alpine and Marathon.

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK |  This massive park along the Mexican border features spectacular mountain ranges, rafting trips on the Rio Grande and tons of wildlife. The main entrance to the park is about 2 hours from Marfa (east to Marathon and then south to the park).

TERLINGUA |  Legendary Texas ghost town/counter-culture enclave about 2 hours southeast of Marfa. The western entrance to Big Bend is just fifteen minutes away.

** NOW CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS** BALMORHEA STATE PARK |  The swimming pool at Balmorhea State Park is a must-see. It is the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool (1.75 acres) and it maintains a constant temperature in the low 70s. It is over 30 feet deep at certain points, the water is crystal clear, and swimmers share the water with fish and other wildlife.  Pool hours are 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. or sunset.

CHINATI HOT SPRINGS |  This place is so far off the beaten path it makes Marfa seem convenient. A 3 hour drive down one of the most scenic roads in the area. Head an hour south of Marfa to Presidio, then west for another hour on a little ranch road that shadows the Mexican border. After another half-hour on a gravel road that leads up into the mountains, you’ll find an amazing little oasis featuring serene hot springs and cabins that were built in the 1930s. Cabins or suites available to rent. 4 wheel drive required.  More info here.