Marathon, Texas, USA | October 2023

Come join us in Marathon, Texas, the gateway to Big Bend National Park from October 2-8,  2023.

Our pop-ups provide a super casual, budget-friendly opportunity to gather together, connect with other worldschoolers, share your insights, instill new friendships, learn about the local area, and immerse in a friendly, accepting mobile community.

We've cherry-picked the best low- or no-cost activities that highlight local nature, arts, history, food, and culture....but you'll also have plenty of time to relax, get to know each other and even stray from the itinerary to add activities that cater to the group's interests (we provide plenty of supplemental ideas to tailor your experience).

Pop in for a few days or the full week. Join as many activities as you'd like. It's up to you! We would love to have you come and simply HANG OUT with like-minded families while we dive in and explore the local offerings.

Our itinerary will include activities such as the following:

*Lone Mountain Trail in Big Bend National Park + a ton of other trails including Window View, Lost Miners, etc..

*The Dinosaur Exhibit inside Big Bend Park with clean bathrooms, is great for kids.

*See the Rio Grande

*Star Party at the MicDonald Observatory

*Hot Springs

*Chinati Open House Weekend

*Fort Davis Free Wine Tour

*Music at the Gage or French Grocer depending on what is on that week

*Tour the Studio of James Evans in Marathon

*Post Park

*Day Trip to Terlingua and hang out on "The Porch"

*Photo ops at the entrance to Marfa with the classic signs and the Prada store a bit outside of Marfa

There'll be add-on options including Chinati Hot Springs, renting a 4 wheeler, Catttail Falls, and more! 

ADJACENT EVENTS

Pre-Pop-Up: Trans Pecos Music Festival is just prior to the pop-up and is amazing for families (dates coming soon)

Oct 6-8: Chinati Open House Weekend continues

Oct 14: Total Solar Eclipse in parts of Texas: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/eclipses/2023/oct-14-annular/where-when/

COST per Family

$70 Early Bird Rate, expires May 1, 2023

$100 Regular Rates (families with financial need receive a 25% discount, use code Marathon25% at checkout)

MEET YOUR HOST:

We are a traveling family of four - Nadine, David, Vaughn (age 10) and Sofia (age 3). David works in cybersecurity. I work with my children. Vaughn is into English horseback riding, flag football, & engineering; while Sofia is entranced with the color pink, sparkles, play makeup, & costumes. At the moment we live in Marathon, Texas (entrance to the Big Bend National Park) and love it in West Texas.

LODGING & NEIGHBORHOODS:

We recommend staying in Marathon for the first 6 nights. You might want to stay in Marfa for the Chinati Open House Weekend (the 7th and 8th) if possible. However, Marfa, the town itself, will often sell out of the better rooms months in advance for this special weekend so book ASAP! 

In Marathon, Nadine reserved rooms at Marathon Motel for the group and you will get the normal hotel rate of $130 + tax a night for a room that sleeps four. The room will either have two double beds or two queen beds. Marathon Motel is a good central location for exploring the park and is a very clean affordable option. You will call the hotel directly and request a room as part of the "Mannhart Group." 

Other options are Airbnbs, Eve's Garden (an amazing art hotel with indoor swimming pool) and the fancier but wonderful Gage Hotel. If you have a specific accommodation need, Nadine will help you find a fit.  There are only a few options for accommodation because Big Bend is surrounded by small towns. Alpine will have more accommodation but is not as convenient for exploring/hiking Big Bend and Terlingua, etc...

CAMPING RECOMMENDATIONS:

Marathon Motel also has camping and RV spots. Reservations for camping in Big Bend National park are very difficult to get.  

TRANSPORT:

Your family will need a vehicle for this event. Texas is BIG! There will be driving required to see the unique features of this area.

There is no public transportation and no local rental car service, even in Alpine. Alpine is the largest town in Brewster County (biggest county of Texas) and it does not even have stop light. You need a car. If you are flying in, your best bet is to fly into El Paso and pick up a car rental there (much better rates). Its a 3.5-hour drive from El Paso to the area. If you are coming up from Mexico, this is a good time to take the train in Copper Canyon and come up through Chihuahua. However, you will need to make it to a bigger city to rent a car if you are not driving in.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Join the private FaceBook group to ask questions, coordinate plans, stay up to date on activities in the area, meet the host, and interact with other potential attendees:

www.facebook.com/groups/marathonpopup2023

Browse our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about how our pop-ups work: https://www.worldschoolpopuphub.com/faqs

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