Suggestions for going to see the Marfa Lights?

[mikemorvan]

I'm going to try to take the wife to see the Marfa Lights. Suggestions on best time of year to go? Things to take or do to make the best of the experience? I assume there's limited places to stay, but lodging suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[thegrouse]

Alpine has some chain type hotels. Marfa has some artsy style Yurts to stay in. I have only been during the winter to see the lights. The "official" viewing site is right off of US Hwy 90 about 8 or so miles West of Alpine. I think the Reata Restaurant in Alpine had some pretty decent food. There is a free museum at Sul Ross State University in Alpine that may be worth checking out if y'all would like to learn about the Big Bend region.

[Mike D]

Never heard of these Maria lights. What is the deal?


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[mikemorvan]

Never heard of these Maria lights. What is the deal?


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http://www.bbc.com/travel/gallery/20180116-the-mysterious-ghost-lights-of-marfa-texas

[chuckc.]

Take your imagination with you ! The Maverick Inn in Alpine is pretty decent and reasonable . The Gage Hotel in Marathon is very nice.

[Mike D]

Never heard of these Maria lights. What is the deal?


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Interesting. Thanks for the info.


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[mikemorvan]

Take your imagination with you ! The Maverick Inn in Alpine is pretty decent and reasonable . The Gage Hotel in Marathon is very nice.

Thanks so much. Is there a "best" time of year to go?

[chuckc.]

We lived in Alpine for six years and loved it. If I was picking a best time it would be when the college is having a rodeo, Cowboy Poetry Gathering is happening, Fourth of July fireworks in the park, or Christmas for the live nativity. Check out Fort Davis, watch for elk between Alpine and Marathon. Walk down Alpine Main Street at night. Eat at the Gage and Reata! Have a blast and enjoy the cool nights and stars!


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[Mtltx]

I would say anytime of the year is as good as any other. Only thing that will be a factor is weather that would reduce visiblitlity. The “ lights” are a pretty good distance away from the viewing area.

There’s plenty of places to stay in Alpine , but I would highly recommend and staying at “The Gage”. Really cool place to stay and the food is amazing! I travel all over the State for work all year round and that area is my favorite. Have a good time!

[mikemorvan]

Thanks for the info.

So, the lights are equally visible and active throughout the year?

[BigCountry101]

The BBC link said they only appear around 30 times a year with no predictable pattern. Seems like it would be hit or miss. I didn't look anywhere other than the link you sent so maybe other sources will differ?

[mikemorvan]

The BBC link said they only appear around 30 times a year with no predictable pattern. Seems like it would be hit or miss. I didn't look anywhere other than the link you sent so maybe other sources will differ?

10-4. That's why i'm trying to put the odds in my favor.

[Mike]

We tried to do that a while back and rooms were hard to come by at the times we were looking at going. I would start by finding a decent place to stay and seeing what they have available and plan that way. It's hit or miss, like they say, but it's beautiful country.

[chuckc.]

Don’t get too hung up on the marfa lights. If you’ve never been to this part of Texas, the lights will be the least of what you will enjoy. Beautiful country, friendly laid back people and outstanding night sky. That part of Texas is somewhat like stepping back in time. Stay in the USA, I would not recommend a trip to Mexico. I was assigned to the federal drug task force there and would not cross that border for any reason.

[SabreKiller]

Stay at the Gage and go take the tour of the observatory.