There never can be, never could be, never WILL be a Jazz Fest that can compete with the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. But, wouldn’t it be interesting to see what another town thinks a jazz fest is all about? Take a road trip to the West Texas town of Marfa and hit the First Annual Marfa Jazz Festival this weekend, August 28 – 30th, at Padre’s Marfa, one of Texas’ most unique live music venues. Follow this map of extras while you’re there and make a full weekend of it.

EAT

You’ll love brunching at Cochineal (map), run by restaurateurs out of New York who use ingredients from the on-site garden, or the stylish Austin Street Cafe. Prefer a picnic? Select gourmet groceries at The Get Go. Or, if you’re lucky, the Mediterranean style Food Shark, an Airstream trailer offering yummy Marfalafels, will be open when you’re in town.

SHOP

Sip a Tecate at the fabulous new JM Dry Goods (map) while shopping vintage Mexican dresses, distressed Levis, well-worn cowboy boots and an eclectic mix of accessories and housewares, all on the cheap.

Don’t leave without making a stop at Prada Marfa in Valentine, Texas (map), 30 miles away. (You’ve seen the sign in Serena’s apartment in Gossip Girl.) The art installation will leave you drooling – there are dozens of runway-worthy Prada shoes and bags inside, but the doors have never been open. Just part of the quirky appeal that defines the always-magical Marfa.

STAY

Do whatever you can to snag a room at The Thunderbird Hotel, the retro motel where known as a hotspot for celeb sightings. Be sure to rent one of their vintage bikes and join in on the weekly Sunday evening bike ride that meets at the site of Marfa’s farmers’ market.