Notable San Franciscans dish on their favorite destinations in a seven-part series.

When Sam Hamilton isn’t curating art and kitchen accoutrements at her exquisite Sacramento Street boutique March (even Martha Stewart is a fan), she replenishes her creative well in the bohemian West Texas town of Marfa. In 2005, along with her wife Jen Chaiken, Hamilton purchased a second home there, where she spends the occasional holiday and most of August each year. The Marfa shares this tip of utmost importance: “Do not visit the first half of the week unless you are staying somewhere with a kitchenette,” she says. “Sunday through Wednesday, you will be eating at the Dairy Queen.” Word to the wise.

The spot that really captures Marfa's energy is . . .
The Chinati Foundation, most specifically the stainless steel box installation in the artillery sheds.

I always leave full and happy at. . .
Almost all the local spots really—Cochineal, Future Shark and Food Shark, Maiya's, The Gage Hotel (in nearby Marathon, TX).  

Among locals, it's a faux pas to . . .
To think anything's a faux pas. Or perhaps, to take the name of [Chinati Foundation founder) Donald Judd in vain.

A hidden gem in Marfa is. . .  
The local honky-tonk, Padre's, to hear live music and play shuffleboard with the kids. Also, the incredible MacDonald Observatory nearby (in Fort Davis) is definitely worth a visit.  And, we never leave Marfa without a stop by Moonlight Gemstones.

In my bag I always pack . . .  
Kiehl's lip balm and a tub of hand cream. Marfa is incredibly dry, even in the rainy season.

I want to buy everything whenever I go to . . .  
Big Bend Saddlery, Tienda M, and Freda. And from what I hear, Maiya Keck (owner of restaurant Maiya's and the excellent grocery store, The Get Go) has just opened a great housewares store. Last but not least, Jamey Garza and Constance Holt's showroom Garza Furniture, for their wonderful home furnishings.

The perfect way to end the night is . . .
Sipping tequila in our living room after a great meal.