The Story Behind The Milky WayFarer: A Home for Stargazers, Travelers, and… Ray-Ban Enthusiasts?

That's me in a pair of Ray-Ban WayFarer's.

Marfa, Texas is the kind of place where the sky steals the show. Forget city lights—out here, the stars shine so bright you don’t need a telescope to see the Milky Way. Just step outside, look up, and boom—the universe in high definition.

That’s where the name The Milky WayFarer comes in. It’s a nod to Marfa’s dark skies, its endless travelers, and, well… my favorite pair of Ray-Bans. But there’s more to it than that.

A Home Under the Milky Way

One of the first things you notice in Marfa—besides the art, the desert, and the occasional unexplained glow on the horizon (looking at you, Marfa Lights)—is just how incredible the night sky is.

Thanks to the West Texas Dark Skies Initiative, Marfa has some of the clearest, darkest skies in the country. That’s why the McDonald Observatory, home to one of the world's largest telescopes, is just down the road. Astronomers come here to study the cosmos, and travelers come here to simply be in awe of it.

What is the Dark Skies Initiative?

The West Texas Dark Skies Initiative is a regional effort to reduce light pollution and preserve one of the last truly dark night skies in North America. It’s not just about making it easier to see stars—it’s about protecting nocturnal wildlife, reducing energy waste, and keeping the sky as nature intended.

Because of this initiative:

🌌 You can see the Milky Way with the naked eye—no telescope required.🔭 The McDonald Observatory remains one of the best places on Earth for astronomical research.🌿 Local wildlife, like bats and nocturnal birds, thrive without artificial light disruptions.💡 Communities use shielded lighting and limit unnecessary outdoor lights to keep the sky dark.

In short: Marfa takes its stargazing seriously.

So when I was naming our Airbnb, it only made sense to include the Milky Way—because out here, you don’t just visit Marfa, you experience the universe.

For Wayfarers (and Ray-Ban Lovers Alike)

The second half of the name, WayFarer, is for the travelers—the ones who come from far and wide to see what makes Marfa so special. Artists, adventurers, road trippers, honeymooners, and the occasional UFO hunter all pass through this quirky little town, each looking for something different.

But I’d be lying if I said that was the only inspiration. I’ve been loyal to my Ray-Ban Wayfarers for years (best travel companion ever), and the name just felt… right.

So The Milky WayFarer was born—a place for travelers, stargazers, and those who appreciate a good pair of sunglasses.

Marfa, Where the Skies Are Big and the Mysteries Are Bigger

Naming this place wasn’t hard, because Marfa practically named it for me. Where else can you:

✨ See the Milky Way with the naked eye?👽 Catch mysterious glowing orbs at the Marfa Lights Viewing Area.🎨 Experience world-class art in the middle of nowhere?🌮 Have a taco so good you’ll rethink every taco you’ve ever had?

Marfa is part art town, part desert oasis, and part intergalactic mystery. And The Milky WayFarer is here to help you experience it all.

Come See It for Yourself

Whether you’re here to stargaze, explore, or just enjoy a good drink under an even better sky, The Milky WayFarer is ready to welcome you.

📍 Book your stay via Airbnb, or save a few bucks and book directly at anythingnewmarfa.com.

And don’t forget to pack your Wayfarers—you’re going to want a front-row seat for this sky. 😎✨

Rob and Becca