Marathon, Texas

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I left Big Bend National Park early and headed to Alpine, Texas, via U.S. 385 and U.S. 90. The first stop of the day was Marathon, Texas, which doesn't even have a stop light. What Marathon does have, however, is the Gage Hotel, a gorgeous historic hotel (built in 1927) on the main drag. Like the Hotel El Capitan in Van Horn, the Gage Hotel was designed by the Trost and Trost architectural firm. There is also a fitness studio and wellness spa just a ways down the street in Marathon, so I think the town caters to folks looking to unwind and exercise in a bit of luxury in an empty place, with maybe the notion of making a day trip to explore Big Bend National Park.





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