J. P. Bryan Renovates Gage Hotel
Places to Stay
Marathon’s Historic Gage Hotel Celebrates 92 Years of Acclaim
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Photo: Jo Ann Holt
The Gage proved to have such good bones that only renovations were required, with a few additions. Thanks to the tender loving care given the historic hotel by the Bryans, the 45-room property now stays booked year-round. Rates range from $100-$300. Visitors soon learn there are no TVs in their rooms. Marathon is at the top of the Dark Skies List, so star gazing is the recommended after-dinner activity. Remarkable views of the night sky are available at nearby Sky Park through a 24-inch Dobsonian telescope.
Hotel accommodations include adobe additions like Las Portales and a number of casitas. The hotel also manages a restored 1890-era home built for the town’s founder, Ship Captain Albion E. Shepard. The Gage has a huge pool, fitness center, full-service spa, and a spacious courtyard patio with outdoor fireplace. Gage Gardens boasts 27 acres of native plants, ponds, fountains, fruit trees, a vineyard, and many butterflies. They also have a nine-hole putting green and jogging loop.
Headquarters For More Summer Festivals
The Gage Hotel (gagehotel.com) is the ideal headquarters for the annual Viva Big Bend music festival July 25-28. The festival features over 50 bands performing in Marathon and other Brewster County towns like Alpine, Marfa, and Fort Davis. Find schedules at vivabigbend.com.
Another highly-anticipated music event, the Marathon Songwriters Festival, returns to the Gage Hotel and Brick Vault Brewery & BBQ August 16-17. Six musicians, including Walt Wilkins, Drew Kennedy, and Josh Grider will perform. Info at marathonsongs.com.
