Move Over, Prada

Playboy erects roadside attraction near Marfa, Texas

Move over, Prada Marfa. There's a new roadside attraction in West Texas that is sure to inspire myriad Instagrams: a 40-foot-tall Playboy logo hovering over an all-black 1972 Dodge Charger balanced precariously on a slanting, hollow concrete rectangle.

It's a lonely and beckoning symbol on 6,500 square feet of land leased from an area rancher along Highway 90, west of Marfa.

The artist responsible for the project is Richard Phillips, known for his large-scale portraits of women and pop culture icons and last year's Two x Two award recipient. The work was commissioned by Neville Wakefield and Landis Smithers, Playboy's new hip team in charge of reviving the brand for a younger generation.

"I loved his idea of this glowing symbol in the middle of nowhere as we — Playboy — are emerging from this period of darkness," Smithers said in an interview with T Magazine.

The installation pays homage to 1970s American culture — from the car to the neon to the Playboy emblem itself — and Phillips cites Donald Judd as a huge influence. The muscle car hints at a foregone time of luxury; the similarity between this installation's concrete form and Judd's famous field of concrete sculptures is intentional.

The work is meant to be temporary, possibly up for about a year. A rumor is circulating there could be a 24-hour video feed set up in front of the piece, complementing a business that makes its money orchestrating peeks into private moments.

Playboy Marfa is apparently the first in a series of many art projects being commissioned by Playboy to enliven its brand. Phillips' next installment in New York, about which he and the Playboy team are rather vague, is expected to be unveiled by the end of the year.

The story was first reported by Presidio County newspaper Big Bend Sentinel. Those interested in hearing what Marfa locals have to say about the new addition can listen to commentary on Marfa Public Radio.

Playboy Marfa by artist Richard Phillips.

Photo by Adrian Gaut

Playboy Marfa by artist Richard Phillips.

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Toast to Texas

Texas Hill Country uncorks No. 3 ranking among best U.S. wine regions

Texas Hill Country Wineries

Texas Hill Country wine

The Lone Star State's booming Hill Country wine scene is about to get a lot busier, as it was just declared the No. 3 best wine region in the country for "a grape getaway."

The Hill Country was honored in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for the Best Wine Region in 2026. The 10Best awards program puts a spotlight on the best travel destinations, the best food and drink spots, local attractions, and must-visit shopping locations. A panel of experts and 10Best editors select their top picks to present to readers, who then vote to decide the winners.

The Texas Hill Country was ranked higher than some of the most well-known wine regions in the U.S., including California's esteemed Temecula Valley, Anderson Valley, and Paso Robles.

USA Today estimates there are over 60 wineries spread across scenic towns like Fredericksburg, Stonewall, Lampasas, and New Braunfels. National acclaim for the Hill Country has transformed its vineyards into can't-miss tourist destinations for locals and out-of-towners alike.

"This American Viticultural Area is one of the largest in the country, growing varietals like tempranillo, viognier, cabernet sauvignon, and an increasing acreage of warm-weather grapes," editors wrote.

The Hill Country previously ranked as the 9th best wine region in the nation in 2025, so its elevation to the top three this year is a testament to local wineries' dedication to providing top-notch wines and excellent service for patrons.

This summer is teeming with events and festivals in the area, such as grape-stomping shindigs and seasonal passes for discounts and deals at participating members of trade organization Texas Hill Country Wineries. Dallasites can take the scenic route to traverse the region's small towns, and there are plenty of hotels, cabins, campgrounds, and resorts for an overnight stay.

"Being named the No. 3 Wine Region in the country by USA Today readers is a huge honor for our entire Hill Country wine community," said THCW executive director January Wiese. "We've been proud to see this region recognized among the nation's best before, and this year's ranking is a testament to the incredible growers, winemakers, and hospitality teams who make Texas Hill Country a true wine destination. We can't wait to welcome visitors to experience it for themselves."

Grape Creek Vineyards has three locations in the Hill Country. Courtesy of Grape Creek Vineyards

One Fredericksburg winery also offers an immersive tour that rivals the most prestigious California wineries. Grape Creek Vineyards ranked No. 5 nationally in USA Today's separate list of the Best Winery Tours. The signature Taste & Tour features a tram ride through Grape Creek's estate, with stops inside production facilities where attendees can try tastings right out of the barrel.

Heath Family Brands CEO and owner Brian Heath, who owns Grape Creek, was honored by the award recognition and praised the brand's dedicated team members "who work every day to make sure every guest leaves with a story to tell."

"Fredericksburg is home to some of the best wine tourism in the country, and it means the world to be recognized alongside it," Heath told CultureMap.

Taste & Tour experiences are offered at Grape Creek Vineyards' Highway 290 location for $45 per person. Tours are limited to six guests per group, and must be booked in advance.

The top 10 best wine regions in the U.S. in 2026 are:

No. 1 – Rogue Valley, Oregon
No. 2 – West Elks, Colorado
No. 3 – Hill Country, Texas
No. 4 – Paso Robles, California
No. 5 – Augusta, Missouri
No. 6 – Anderson Valley, California
No. 7 – Loudoun, Virginia
No. 8 – Willamette Valley, Oregon
No. 9 – Yakima Valley, Washington
No. 10 – Temecula Valley, California

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