Welcome to Casa Cielo, Marfa Texas!

Casa Cielo Marfa is our little vacation house in Marfa, Texas. David and I bought the house at the end of 2009 with the intent of spending much time in the area. It is also available for short-term rental during times when we are not using the house. We list it on VRBO.com. We have a direct website as well, at DiscoverMarfa.com.

Marfa is a fascinating place, full of great things to see, do and eat. It is a city of approximately 2,000 people in Far West Texas. Marfa is known for its art, music and great restaurants. Aside from being a great destination in its own rite, it is a great home base for visiting Big Bend (both the state and national parks), as well as the many other state parks in the area.

I hope you enjoy my views (and reviews) as we discover this wonderful area. Please feel free to add your own thoughts. Comments are most welcome!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

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.

Friday, March 19, 2010

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.

Friday, March 12, 2010

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.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

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

Thursday, March 4, 2010

More on Food Shark and the wonderful food of Marfa



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

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

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.