11 Hot Spots in Las Cruces, N.M.
Once part of Mexico, the Las Cruces, N.M., area offers an incredibly rich culture woven together with strong strands of traditional Mexican influences. Here are the top eleven things to do while visiting this university town.
1. White Sands National Park
Why go: The sparkling white sands of the world’s largest gypsum field are mesmerizing. Hike or sled down them to experience them. In 2020, White Sands became America’s newest national park.
Tip: Start at the historic visitor center in a 1930s-era Pueblo Revial building to see exhibits, get information on daily activities and watch a great film, A Land in Motion.
2. Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
Why go: Established in 2014, this relatively new national monument has four areas to explore. Bring extra water and sunscreen while hiking. It offers diverse landscapes from you to explore from Chihuahuan Desert habitat to ponderosa forests, desert canyons and rocky peaks. There are even volcanic landscapes in the Potrillo Mountains, the most remote section of the monument southwest of Las Cruces,
Tip: Just 10 miles east of Las Cruces lies Dripping Springs trail where you can take a leisurely 2.7-mile, out- and-back walk to ruins. Take University Avenue to Dripping Springs Road to get there. It costs $3/vehicle for day use.
3. AmadorLive Eatery & Entertainment District
Why go: This area is a hip renovated block in downtown Las Cruces. Surrounded by other breweries and restaurants, it’s home to Broken Spoke Taphouse, 575 Cruces Crafted Cocktails, JAX Rooftop Lounge and Amador Patio, Bar & Grill.
Tip: There’s an event lawn where you can watch live performances.
4. Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces
Why go: If you want to experience Las Cruces and have limited time, head to this market lined with fresh produce and vibrant handmade crafts.
Tip: Started in 1971, the market takes place every Saturday year round from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on seven city blocks along Main Street. On Wednesdays, you’ll find it at Plaza de las Cruces from 8:30 a.m. -1 p.m. year round and at night from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. May through October.
5. Eyekonik Records
Why go: Eyekonik Records where vinyl collectors will discover thousands of vinyl records, CDs, cassettes and more. It’s at 224 North Campos St.
Tip: Afterwards, head to Downtown Blues Coffee for caffeinated drinks, records and vintage items.
6. Day’s Burgers and Sugie’s Diner
Why go: Day’s Hamburgers has had a devoted following since it opened in 1932. And Sugies Diner is known for its milkshakes but serves all sorts of tasty dishes. Tucked off Main Street, this 1950s-inspired joint has a black-and-white checkered floor and plays music from the 1950s and 1960s.
Tip: At Day’s, order a Great Day hamburger with cheese and chiles for a tasty, fast-prepared and unpretentious meal.
7. Rio Grande and Luna Rossi Vineyards
Why go: The Las Cruces area is home to the nation’s oldest wine-producing region, dating back to 1629. At Rio Grande Vineyard & Winery, it’s difficult to take your eyes of the awe-inspiring views of the Organ Mountains from this vineyard. Gordon Steel’s grandfather planted grapevines in the 1880s, but Steel’s winemaking methods are rooted in the old European styles. It’s at 5321 Avenida De Mesilla in Las Cruces.
Luna Rossa Winery & Pizzeria is a family-owned winery with Italian roots that won a Double Gold Award for its 2018 Pinot Grigio at the 2019 San Francisco International Wine Competition. Head to the vineyard at 3710 West Pine St. in Deming, N.M.
Tip: Luna Rossi has a fantastic pizzeria in Las Cruces at 1321 Avenida de Mesilla.
8. Coas Books
Why go: This used bookstore is so incredible that Lonesome Dove author and book shop owner Larry McMurtry allegedly stopped through here on road trips to browse the collection.
Tip: Filled with books from every genre, find this local institution at 317 North Main St.
9. Mesilla
Why go: Founded in 1848, this charming village about a 10-minute drive from Las Cruces has a traditional plaza surrounded by boutiques and restaurants, some of which occupy the town’s original adobe buildings.
Tip: Eat lunch or dinner at La Posta, which serves delicious authentic Mexican food, or Double Eagle, home to the only dedicated beef-aging room in New Mexico, which is probably why the venue’s locally sourced steaks are so good. Try the green chile cheese wontons with pineapple jalapeno salsa as an appetizer.
10. Rio Grande Theatre
Why go: See the nation’s only operating two-story adobe theater (built in 1926), plus get additional information at the Las Cruces visitor center there.
Tip: The 426-person theater is home to an art gallery that showcases local artists, along with entertainment like classic films, children’s matinees and local, regional and national acts.
11. Walk of Flame Green Chile Trail
Why Go: Sample the vegetable that serves as a cornerstone in southern New Mexico cuisine. Taste everything from vanilla custard with green chile marmalade at Caliche’s Frozen Custard to a New Mexico pecan green chile roll at Aqua Reef.
Tip: If your mouth is burning from chiles, drink milk, say researchers at New Mexico State University’s Chile Pepper Institute. Milk has a protein in it that neutralizes the capsaicin in the peppers that makes your mouth feel like it’s on fire.
For more information:
575-541-2444
VisitLasCruces.com