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Eve’s Garden Bed & Breakfast Celebrates 25 Years with a Yearlong Series of Events in 2026

MARATHON, TEXAS — Eve’s Garden Bed & Breakfast, the beloved family-owned inn on the edge of Big Bend National Park, will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026 with a full year of community gatherings, workshops, and special events in Marathon, Texas.

Founded in 2001 by artist and sustainable-building pioneer Kate Thayer, great-grand daughter of Abbott Handerson Thayer (1849-1921) one of America’s preeminent painters of the turn of the 20th century. His works reside in American art collections throughout the country, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Freer Gallery of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Crystal Bridges, and the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. The Thayer genes have created a colorful sanctuary found in Eve’s Garden which has become known for its distinctive and color-saturated papercrete architecture, lush desert gardens, and deeply personal hospitality. The 25th anniversary year will feature 25 events throughout 2026, welcoming returning guests, new visitors, and the local community.

We’re planning two focus events

June 26–29

Founder’s Celebration: Kate Thayer’s 80th Birthday Bash

A joyful weekend honoring our founder with live music, shared stories, cakes, and community celebration at Eve’s Garden.

September 18–20

Eve’s Garden Official 25th Anniversary Celebration

Celebrating 25 years of Eve’s Garden with our Cookbook Launch Party, hands-on cooking workshops, and plenty of time to reminisce—welcoming back old friends and new.

More planned events and offerings throughout the year include:

  • Seasonal parties and community gatherings tied to holidays, moon cycles, and Marathon traditions – Valentines, St Patrick’s Day, April New moon fest, Marthon’s annual Independance day Celebration!Suer birthdays, and December holiday celebrations galor!
  • Collaborations with local outfitters, the Marathon Chamber of Commerce, and regional artists and musicians
  • Fundraisers, cook-offs, and live music and art events
  • In the fall we’re planning the opening of a new ADA-accessible guest suite, expanding accessibility for travelers to the Big Bend region

Located just minutes from Big Bend National Park, Eve’s Garden serves as a welcoming home base for exploring one of the most remote and awe-inspiring landscapes in the lower 48 states. While the Chisos Basin lodge area of the Park is scheduled for renovation beginning in May 2026, the Park itself will remain open, and Eve’s Garden is working with trusted local outfitters — including Hidden Dagger Adventures and Big Bend Backyard — to help guests experience quieter trails, guided excursions, and the region’s renowned dark skies.

“Eve’s Garden has always been about creativity, sustainability, and genuine connection,” said co-host Alaine Berg. “This anniversary year is a celebration of the people, place, and community that have shaped us over the past 25 years.”

To mark the anniversary, returning guests will be invited to take advantage of special mid-week and low-season rates, along with a $25 anniversary discount offered throughout 2026.

A full calendar of events and updates will be posted throughout the year at evesgarden.org, with additional announcements shared via Eve’s Garden’s social media channels.

About Eve’s Garden Bed & Breakfast

Eve’s Garden Bed & Breakfast is a family-owned inn in Marathon, Texas, featuring hand-built papercrete structures, desert gardens, and a strong commitment to sustainable building and thoughtful hospitality. Since 2001, Eve’s Garden has welcomed travelers from around the world seeking rest, creativity, and connection near Big Bend National Park.

Did you know **  that Eve’s Garden is the world’s largest house of paper even if Guinness doesn’t acknowledge us

Media Contact:
 Alaine Berg Eve’s Garden Bed & Breakfast, Marathon, TX
Phone: 432-386-7133 Website: evesgarden.org

EVE’S GARDEN BED & BREAKFAST — FACT SHEET

Name:
 Eve’s Garden Bed & Breakfast

Location:
 Marathon, Texas
Near Big Bend National Park

Founded:
 2001

25th Anniversary:
 2026

Founding Vision:
 Eve’s Garden was founded as a creative, sustainable desert retreat that blends art, architecture, hospitality, and community—built largely by hand using experimental papercrete construction and recycled materials.

OWNERSHIP & STEWARDSHIP

  • Founder: Kate Thayer — artist, builder, papercrete pioneer
  • Co-Owners: Alaine Berg & Noble Baker
  • Ownership Structure: Family-owned and operated

Stewardship Model:
 All owners are hands-on builders and caretakers of the property, actively involved in construction, maintenance, hospitality, food, and events.

ARCHITECTURE & BUILDING

  • Constructed primarily using papercrete, an experimental building material made from recycled paper, sand, clay, cement, and recycled styrofoam in the blocks
  • More than 100 tons of recycled paper used over 25 years
  • Structures are hand-built, sculptural, and site-specific
  • Ongoing evolution: buildings, gardens, and systems are continually refined rather than “finished”

ACCOMMODATIONS

  • Boutique desert inn with individually designed guest rooms
  • Lush, mature gardens forming a desert oasis
  • New ADA-accessible guest suite opening in 2026

FOOD & HOSPITALITY

  • Known for seasonal, thoughtful breakfasts featuring:
    • Scratch cooking
    • Food as art
    • Local and organic ingredients when possible
    • House-made breads, preserves, and sometimes juices
  • Food is central to the guest experience and community gatherings
  • Eve’s Garden cookbook scheduled for release in 2026

EVENTS & PROGRAMMING (2026)

  • 25 events celebrating 25 years, including:
    • June anniversary celebration honoring Eve’s Garden’s 25th year and Kate Thayer’s 80th birthday
    • Seasonal parties and community gatherings
    • Fundraisers, art events, and collaborations
  • Partnerships with:
    • Hidden Dagger Adventures
    • Big Bend Backyard
    • Marathon Chamber of Commerce
    • The French Company Grocer
    • Local artists, guides, and musicians

CONNECTION TO BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK

  • Located near Big Bend National Park, a primary reason guests visit the area
  • Beginning May 2026, the Chisos Basin lodge area will close temporarily for renovation
    The Park remains open, with continued access to trails, scenic drives, dark skies, and guided experiences
  • Eve’s Garden supports guests in planning alternative park experiences during construction

COMMUNITY & PLACE

  • Eve’s Garden is deeply embedded in Marathon (population under 300)
  • Active supporter of local businesses, artists, outfitters, and events
  • Often described as both a destination and a gathering place

MEDIA CONTACT

 Alaine Berg, Co-owner Eve’s Garden Bed & Breakfast

Website: evesgarden.org
Phone: 432-386-7133
Email: info@evesgarden.org


Kate Thayer — Founder Bio

Long Bio

Kate Thayer is an artist, builder, and pioneer of papercrete construction, and the founder of Eve’s Garden Bed & Breakfast. Over more than two decades, she designed and built the property using recycled materials, hand-crafted forms, and an experimental, sustainability-driven approach. As Eve’s Garden marks 25 years, Kate’s legacy continues through the ongoing stewardship and collaboration of her family.

Alaine Berg — Bio   

Alaine Berg is co-owner of Eve’s Garden Bed & Breakfast, where she oversees hospitality, food, events, and guest experience. She is known for her seasonal breakfasts, garden-centered cooking, and community gatherings that reflect the spirit of Marathon and the Big Bend region. Alaine also builds alongside her family and is currently working on a long-anticipated Eve’s Garden cookbook celebrating food, place, and hospitality in the desert.

Noble Baker — Bio 

Noble Baker is co-owner of Eve’s Garden Bed & Breakfast and the property’s chief problem-solver. A hands-on builder, Noble wears many hats at Eve’s Garden—maintenance lead, electrician, plumber, carpenter, bartender, and collaborator in ongoing construction projects. Working alongside Kate Thayer and Alaine Berg, he helps steward the property’s distinctive papercrete structures and evolving gardens. Noble’s deep familiarity with the buildings, systems, and rhythms of the place reflects Eve’s Garden’s DIY spirit and commitment to sustainability, durability, and care.

Story Angles & Coverage Ideas

  •  25 years of sustainable building in the desert
  •  Papercrete architecture & recycled materials
  •  Founder at 80 + next-generation stewardship
  •  Marathon as an arts & cultural hub
  •  Food, gardens, and community hospitality
  •  Women-led creative legacy