Karen and I are here in southwest Texas in our quest to find the coldest part of America; seems we are on track. Seriously, we are about to head into Big Bend National Park but are camped just outside the park in Marathon, TX. Marathon is a cute little town of about 500 residents.
You may remember me telling you about our previous high-class accommodations, camped in a Cracker Barrel Restaurant parking lot. Well, we have upped our game. We are staying in the Marathon Motel and RV Park. This is an OK place, actually; full hookup. This is a good place to stay for a night or two before going into the park; recharge your batteries, fill up on water and dump your tanks. Of course, if you are actually staying in the motel, that might be a little bit over the top.
If you visit Marathon (and why wouldn’t you), you have choices where you can stay. There is the Gage Hotel, which while I have not been in to see their rooms the hotel is a bit of a local showplace, Texas style.
And of course you could stay at the Marathon Motel and RV Park.
But if you are not in an RV, or even if you are and wanted to mix it up a bit, my highest recommendation would be to stay at Eve’s Garden Bed & Breakfast! This place is SOOO cool!
I decided to spend the afternoon looking around town, and I happened upon a very nice lady (Renda –sp??) who was working outside Eve’s Garden. I asked her about the place, and since at the moment they did not have guests she would give me a tour! How freaking awesome! This place – did I mention how cool it is?




Kate Thayer (the owner) bought this place years ago and since then has, with friends and family, been building and developing from home to 7 room bed & breakfast. And each room is unique. Some examples…


Part of what is exciting and interesting about this place is its construction. Kate found a more eco-friendly (and lighter) material called papercrete to building out the property.

With Kate’s talent for art, creativity and good taste, and you have 7 very individual guest rooms and common areas that defy categorization. Now add a love and talent for gardening, and you have an unbelievably beautiful place to sit back and enjoy.


It is still a work in process in some areas as it grows, but the heart of this B&B is complete. What a treat!!
[…] January, our route heading west through Texas took us to Waco where we visited the Magnolia Silos, Marathon where we got a look into Eve’s Garden B&B, Big Bend – one of our favorite National Parks, […]
Haven’t been there in nearly 20 years, but stayed in the Gage Hotel three times on the way to Terlingua (World Chili Cookoff); cool place with wonderful food. Best Chili Rellenos I have ever eaten! Hotel was built by a San Antonio banker so he would have a place to stay when he visited his ranch. Looking forward to swapping stories when we see you at Canopener 2018.
Yup, very cool place! See you in January!