Please sign our guest book!

We have a guest book in the house. We love to read the comments that people leave after their time in Marfa. Draw a picture, or maybe glue a photo in our guest book. Or just leave an opinion. We love to read what people have to say! One of the first things I do once we arrive at the house is check for new guest book comments.

These entries have been left over the past year since we acquired Casa Cielo:

Thank you David + Amanda - Your house is beautiful. A perfect base for my PhD research; I hope to return some time next year. (J.H.,  Cambridge, England  Nov/Dec 2009)

Had a great time with family here in Marfa. You have a beautiful/cozy house. Thanks!! (L.M & R.L., Artesia, NM and C.R. & R.R., Austin, TX)

This was our 1st trip to Marfa and Big Bend Country. What a beautiful part of Texas! We'll be back again. (T.F. & C.F., Austin, TX  Dec/Jan 2010)

We had a great time here in Marfa and loved Big Bend! Thank you for the cozy and clean home. (R.D. & S.S.  Jan 2010)

This is a lovely place! Thank you for sharing it with us. We thoroughly enjoyed our weekend! (C.R. & J.R., Cedar Park, TX  Feb 2010)

We had a wonderful time here in MARFA! Your house is so lovely! We can't wait to come back again to enjoy all of the great food and culture some more! (D.C. & S.B., Houston, TX  March 2010)

Marfa was marvelous and your home was cozy and comfortable. We loved walking everywhere. (C.R. & J.R., Norman, OK & C.R. & M.S., "points east")

Great beds and linens! Thanks for furnishing your house so comfortably. Love the energy efficient bathroom too! (C.S., Austin, TX & C.S., Los Angeles, CA  April 2010)

This was our 4th trip to Marfa and it was so pleasant to stay at your home. (D.F. & P.F., May 2010)

Thank you for providing such a homey place that had everything. (D.L. & K.L., San Antonio, TX  Sept 2010)

Amanda & David - Thank you for allowing us to share your home. It was our 1st adventure to West Texas. We enjoyed the trip and Casa Cielo was a comfy place to come home to. (P.W. & M.J., Kerrville TX  Oct 2010)
We agree! The 4 of us enjoyed your home! (K.S. & D.S. Oct 2010)

Amanda & David - Thank you for sharing your house and knowledge of Marfa with us! We very much enjoyed having Casa Cielo as our home base for exploring the area. (W.B. & J.B., Los Altos, CA  Nov 2010)

Amanda & David, we enjoyed so much this great little house and getting to see Marfa. K & A are so lucky to have friends like you. (G.C.,  Austin, TX & C.H., Plano, TX  Nov 2010)

David & Amanda, thanks for the use of your very nice home. So cozy, so clean, so quaint. We had a great time and hope to come back soon. (M&B, Dec 2010)

Thank you for sharing your wonderful home. We had an amazing time in Marfa. I can't wait to come back! (M.J., Austin, TX  Dec 2010)

BEST MARFA TRIP EVER!! Great hm, location & shenanigans. (K.D., Austin, TX  Dec 2010)

Shopping in Marfa

Trifecta (noun) - any achievement involving three successful outcomes.

Marfa has three stores that sell groceries and general provisions. Most days, any substantial shopping list will involve a stop at all three.

The Get Go is a great store with a fantastic wine selection, fresh local vegetables and herbs, and a ton of organics. Also, the largest selection of mate that we have seen since visiting Argentina. Teas, fabulous fruit spreads, curry, fresh bread, organic cleaning supplies, energy bars, reusable water bottles and bags. Gourmet chocolates and excellent cheeses of many varieties. 208 S. Dean.

Pueblo Market is an independent market. They carry the normal grocery stuff: conventional produce, store brand items (Shure-fine). A wine and beer selection. They have meats and cheeses and breads, Little Debbie snack cakes, and the requisite Dr. Pepper knock-off. I saw a can of lice remover, but came up empty-handed when shopping for a comb. 717 W. San Antonio.

Finally, Dollar General, a chain discount store. If you need plastic ware, a colorful Bobbie Brooks tank top, batteries, a bag of ice, basic cosmetics or sunscreen, vinyl place mats, a comb, imitation maple syrup or commercial white bread, this is the place. On the east side of town town towards Alpine: 501 E. San Antonio St.

"Stuff Happens"

Sometimes, things just happen. I find this to be especially true in Marfa.

It's a small town, but there is always something happening. You just need to know where to look: Peruse the bulletin boards at Frama (the coffee shop), or Pueblo Market (the grocer), or the window of The Get Go (the other grocer). Check out Marfalist.org.

I arrived in town in the wee hours on Monday. Since then:

Monday AM: Public auction of abandoned storage items formerly belonging to the Quaids.
Monday PM: A movie showing at the bookstore - BYOB and leave a donation at the door. Great movies.
Tuesday: An impromptu free live music show at Padre's, one of the local bars.
Wednesday: Trivia night at Padre's. Teams compete with mini white boards. A local favorite.

Thursday, Thunderado and Black on Blonde play at Padre's at 8:30PM.

Friday and Saturday, Artwalk in Alpine features music and featured artist Boyd Elder.

I do know that there is an Arts & Crafts Fair at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fort Davis on Saturday, November 27, 9:00 - 4:00.

More to follow, but you get the drift. There is always something happening in or near Marfa.

Museum of Electronic Wonders and Late Night Grilled Cheese Parlour

Yes, you read that right, late night eats in Marfa, Texas.

Now, when you leave Padre's after a night of dancing and/or shuffleboard, you can make the evening last a little while longer by visiting the Museum of Electronic Wonders and Late Night Grilled Cheese Parlour.

Think Food Shark good eats but without the truck (but with the bus!). Still the same awesome flavor combinations, delivered with a good dose of 1970s electronics. Click on the picture of the green menu, above, to appreciate these sandwiches.

On a recent visit, David proclaimed that the sandwich was the most perfectly cooked grilled cheese he had ever seen. I agree.

Photos used with permission from Adam Bork.

We've added a couple of amenities: Shampoo, conditioner and soap

We are adding shampoo, conditioner and liquid shower/body soap to the provided amenities.

They will be in a dispenser located on the wall in the shower and will be of very decent quality.

You may still wish to bring your own, but if this makes your packing a little easier (especially if you are flying), then enjoy! It will also make for less clutter in the shower, if you opt to use ours.

Add "bathrobe" to your packing list

If you are traveling VRBO with kids, or friends, keep in mind that in many parts of the world, bathrooms are not "en suite". Therefore, you may need to walk from the bathroom to your bedroom following your bath or shower. A bathrobe can come in mighty handy at such times.

Casa Cielo has only one bathroom, which is off the hall.

I have a cute polyester robe from Victoria's Secret. It's ideal for travel as it folds up to a very compact size and doesn't wrinkle. It's perfect.

Of course there are plenty of towels in the house, long and wide enough to wrap around the standard American body while dashing across the hall. But, a robe is especially handy.

Don't be afraid to VRBO!

Scammers are everywhere, but that's no reason to avoid traveling the VRBO way! Just use common sense, and maybe engage in some internet snooping.

Advertising on VRBO is not cheap, so scammers claiming to be owners are more likely to be found on free sites like Craigslist. I love Craigslist for many things but I have heard of people sending money for a vacation rental that simply does not exist.

Also, VRBO has a new(ish) "Carefee Rental Guarantee" where they will reimburse for vacations gone wrong in certain circumstances. Read their site for details, but basically:

"While most vacations go as planned, life is full of surprises. The Carefree Rental Guarantee from HomeAway protects you up to $10,000 if:

• The home has been foreclosed or is inbankruptcy
• The owner inadvertently double-books the property
• The owner wrongfully withholds your security deposit
• The property is misrepresented

It looks like the cost of this coverage is based on the amount of the rental, and starts at about $40.

Personally, I pay attention to the reviews. If a property has been on VRBO for any length of time, it should have reviews, unless the owner has opted out. Why one would do that, I don't know. With VRBO, an owner cannot pick and choose reviews that show up. They all do, or none do.

Also, pay attention to the way the owner does business. Are they organized? Do they have a contract? Do they respond to your inquiries in a timely manner? In defining timely, keep in mind that VRBOs are not hotels, and the owners are not manning a reservation desk. They are likely at work, or at the store, or taking care of business. A one day response time for the initial contact is not bad.

Does the owner offer more than one way to get in touch? And, does the owner encourage communication? No one wants to rent from a blabby, intrusive person during their private vacation, but make sure the door is open for communication in case an urgent need arises during your stay.

Personally, I have my phone with me at all times when someone is staying at Casa Cielo.

Plentiful in Marfa: Missing street signs

Another bit of feedback recently received was that Marfa sure is missing a lot of its street signs. This is definitely true. It would be very helpful, if you do not have Google Maps or similar on your phone, to carry a paper map with you. There are street signs, but if you don't know where you are going, you may need to guess here and there, and maybe make a couple of extra turns. But, you'll certainly get there!

Especially helpful is Google Maps and enabling GPS if it is a feature on your phone.

Or, you can always ask someone to point you in the right direction. Everyone is friendly.

Plentiful in Marfa: Freight trains

We love feedback. Some things we can change and improve, some things we can't.

Recent comments have included a couple of items that we simply cannot improve, but still are good to know about when visiting Marfa.

First of all, very active train tracks run through the center of town. Marfa was founded as a water stop for the trains. Freight trains pass through several times each day and night, and the Amtrak runs through several times per week, unless there is work being performed on the tracks (in which case you may notice the lack of trains).

 Marfa has three grade crossings, and the trains blow their horns regardless of the time. The train signal for approaching a grade crossing is two longs, a short, and a long. Nowhere in town are the horns not audible. This applies to the hotels as well as any VRBO in town.

We don't really notice the train at night, especially after the first night. Our friend from New York spent an entire month in Marfa and never got used to the train though.

We do keep a stash of earplugs in the kitchen drawer so help yourself if you need them. So far, no one has opened the package, but they are there for you.

What to bring to Casa Cielo? What not to bring?

Travelers have different vacation rental expectations. And the vacation rental newcomer may have no idea what to expect. I hate surprises, so here is a brief list of what is (and isn't) provided at Casa Cielo.

Provided:

• Bedsheets, bath towels, hand towels, wash cloths, kitchen towels, kitchen cloths, place mats
• Cookware, dishware, glassware, cutlery
• Ample starter supply of hand and dish soaps, new dish scrubber, basic cleaning supplies, broom/dustpan, toilet brush, toilet tissue, facial tissue, paper towels, dish rack
• Hairdryer
• Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
• Wireless internet access

Not Provided:

• Washer, dryer, laundry detergents (Tumbleweed coin laundry is around the corner on Austin Street)
• Dishwasher
• Cleaning/laundry service during your stay, unless negotiated in advance (just ask!)
• Bar soaps, lotions, toothpastes, personal hygiene items, bathrobes. Bring your favorite shampoo, conditioner and body wash, if you are brand loyal.
• Replenishment of supplies 
• Computer
• Phone/land line service (you must bring your cell phone)

Bring:
Food and drink for your stay, or purchase at local Marfa markets
Bikes

Do NOT bring:
Animals. Many Marfa accommodations allow pets, but my family has severe allergies to both pets and smoke. I can help you find a pet-friendly place if you are traveling with your pets.

Marfa Hot Spots: Padre's Bar

From Casa Cielo, walk south on Austin Street past Tumbleweed Laundry, over the train tracks, and hang a right on El Paso. One block down on your left is Padre's Bar.

Padre's is a great spot for drinks and live music. They even have great food, served late. On our last trip, we had a delicious Texas Spaghetti, and even a curry dish from the specials menu. On the regular menu you will find boudain, frito pie, and all beef hot dogs, among other things.  They also have a great queso dip.

Padre's features a wide variety of music and events. During our last trip to Marfa, Padre's featured the Moondogs, Grupo Exito, and the Doodling Hogwallups, as well as an Oscar-watching party!

Aside from the bar and dance floor, Padre's has an extensive game room with two pool tables, two shuffleboard games (one long and one short), and *gasp* vintage pinball. There is also an outdoor patio with comfortable seating.

Padre's puts a lot of effort into recycling. Read about it on their link.

Following are some links to bands we have enjoyed at Padre's. It has always been a fun time for us!

Vacationing with other families: Some tips!

A few suggestions when traveling with others via VRBO, some of which I've learned fairly recently, most of which I've known for a long time:

1. Try to keep the common areas clean and clutter-free. Casa Cielo is a two bedroom, one bath home. Everyone's grooming supplies and wet towels in the bathroom makes for a big cluttered mess. We've provided two baskets and a towel rack for each bedroom. That way, you can take your stuff into the bathroom when you need it and back into your bedroom when you don't.

Washing the dishes promptly means that the dishes are ready for the next meal and the kitchen is a pleasant place to sit and chat. No one wants to have to wash a wine glass before they can have their glass of wine.

2. Clarify dining expectations in advance of the trip. Some people travel via VRBO to save money on dining out. Others prefer to travel this way in order to enjoy more space than a hotel, but with no intention of cooking in the home. While there is no need for everyone to eat at the same time or the same place, it is helpful if people know what to expect. We've had a great time with people who eat out the entire time, but I still want to count my Weight Watchers points via my luncheon Boca Burger!

If everyone plans to eat in at least part of the time, coordination of the food supply is a must. No one wants to feel taken advantage of. So discuss this all in advance. Schedule meal responsibilities or coordinate ingredients. Also, discuss cooking and washing up.

3. Realize that no one is perfect, especially in close quarters. And breathe deep and appreciate your loved ones and the fabulous memories you will have of your trip.

Things you ought to know about Marfa

I don't claim to be an expert on Marfa. After all, I have only been here a few times (although those several times do add up to a couple of months).

But, the following are some things you ought to know about Marfa.

Marfa was founded as a water stop for the train. The trains no longer stop in town, but pass through all night and all day, and blow their horns at each of the three grade crossings. If you are a light sleeper, bring ear plugs. The trains are audible throughout the entire town, regardless of the type of lodging.

I am a fan of trains. Within a few days of arriving in Marfa, I am no longer awakened by the train, but I do enjoy them throughout the day. The train can be seen from our kitchen window if you look carefully.

Another thing about Marfa is that most of the town is old, and it looks it. There are dirt and gravel streets, and there aren't many manicured lawns in this desert town. Many of the homes are made of adobe, and these cherished structures may fall into disrepair. You might see roofless adobes, and buildings that would be torn down in any other town. Here, those buildings are merely awaiting their next purpose. It's not a dangerous or crime-ridden place. In fact, try to spot a single bike lock during your stay.

Marfa has some fancy restaurants and nice art galleries and studios, but it also has some great "everyday" places too. You can find wonderful Mexican food in Marfa. Last night I had my best chile relleno ever at Mando's. Earlier in the week, Sarah had what she claimed was the best chicken taco she had ever eaten, and went back to Tacos Del Norte several times following. Do try the smaller, "hole in the wall" places.

Look on Marfalist for last minute events, such as music or film at the Marfa Book Company, or at the Hotel Paisano, or Padre's. All are a very short walk from Casa Cielo. Another great place to find current goings-on is the bulletin board at Frama. Frama is the coffee shop adjacent to the laundry, just around the corner. We can find something to do almost every night we are in Marfa, even an impromptu party!

What in the world is Casa Cielo?

Casa Cielo is our little vacation home in the Far West Texas town of Marfa.

As mentioned in a prior entry, "Casa Cielo" is Spanish for "House of the Sky" or "House of Heaven". If you've ever been to Far West Texas, you probably understand!

Casa Cielo is a two bedroom, one bath home, just one block west of the courthouse in downtown Marfa. It's a small place, approximately 700 square feet. No one really knows how old the house is, as formal records are hard to come by in this area. The attached casita was at one time a bakery, but is unused at this time. There is a foundation of a tiny long-gone building on the property.

Up until the time we bought it, the house was a primary residence. It has an eat-in kitchen with full-sized refrigerator and gas range with oven.

Now, it is our vacation home, and during periods we are not using it, we make it available for other travelers to rent. It is fully furnished and equipped. There are dishes, cookware, comfortable beds, linens, towels, etc. It is our second home and we have furnished it for comfort.

The neighbors to the east are a church and a bed and breakfast (the Arcon Inn). Behind the house is another church. To the west is a quiet neighbor, and on the other side of the street are quiet neighbors and the high school. The house sits on a large lot for the area, and allows for off-street parking.

Lunch at Squeeze Marfa

We finally had lunch at Squeeze Marfa. It was really good. I mean really!

David had the Italian sandwich, which is fresh mozzarella, spinach, tomato and basil pesto spread. I had the half soup and half sandwich with the soup being potato jalapeno. I could not resist the soup (which was lighter than expected, and perfect for lunch), but which sandwich half to choose? I settled on the Texan, with roast beef, cheese, tomato, spinach, mayonnaise and mustard (and plenty of the the mustard).

What a delicious lunch. Seriously, the photo does not do it justice. In the photo, the food looks so neat and tidy, but it was definitely big and sloppy on flavor. And, the service was excellent.

Also at Squeeze Marfa: Vollenweider Swiss chocolate. I bought a bar of 65% chocolate with red peppercorns. It was very good, but definitely a treat for me at $12.50 for a large bar (although we ended up sharing it back at the house with a great bottle of wine). There were other nice gift items in the store as well, unrelated to chocolate.

It's a tiny place worth finding. We will be finding it again soon.

Squeeze Marfa: 215 N. Highland Avenue, Marfa TX 800-655-0327 432-729-4500

More on Food Shark and the wonderful food of Marfa

Food Shark features a specials board each day. Check out yesterday's offerings!

Marfa Hot Spots: Food Shark

Food Shark is one of Marfa's most popular restaurants. Funny thing, is that Food Shark is a truck, which parks by the railroad tracks each Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 to 3:00 PM. There is a basic menu of Mediterranean fare, including hummus, "Marfalafel" and then a specials board each day.

Today, David had a sandwich of egg and bacon on ciabatta roll with a slice of frittata. Yesterday he had pork tacos with salad. I had a delicious sandwich of two cheeses, prosciutto, and sauteed brussels sprouts and leeks. This is not your normal truck fare!

Food Shark now features a dining car: A converted school bus painted in gray with the interior converted to bus seating with tables, and a cactus in a tin can on every table. Ambiance is everything, well ambiance and delicious food, and Food Shark does it well.

A little about our new name

Casa Cielo is the third name we've come up with for the house. Hopefully, it will be the last.

The original name, Casa del Sol (House of the Sun), was something I came up with, a name that worked well for a house in the far west Texas desert. The attached smaller casita, once remodeled, was to be Casita del Luna (Little House of the Moon). Imagine our disappointment once our realtor (and now friend), Pat, informed us that there was already a rental known as Casa Mirasol with a casita of similar name to ours. Imagine that Google never picked that up!

So, we scrambled to find a new name for the house so as to avoid confusion among visitors and stepping on the toes of others in the community. We came up with an interim name, DiscoverMarfa House. Neither of us liked the name, but it wasn't like anyone elses, and we had the domain name.

A few weeks ago, I went to my friend Kris's house on a Saturday morning, where I had a delicious cup of coffee. It was some sort of Starbucks blend, with "cielo" on the label. Cielo, in Spanish, means "sky" or "heaven", and Marfa and Big Bend are definitely heavenly places under a very big and beatiful sky. A Google search and several conversations left us confident that this is a good name for our house.

And, Casita Tierra will follow one of these days.

Welcome to Casa Cielo!

Hello, and thanks for reading our blog. We hope that this blog will be of interest to those planning a trip to our vacation home in Marfa, Texas, or even just researching a trip to the area.

Enjoy, comment, offer your insight and feedback.