Search Results for “las cruces” – Everyday Wanderer

What to Wear to White Sands National Park

Sage Scott — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 04:59:26 +0000

Located between the Southern New Mexico towns of Las Cruces and Alamogordo, the soft white gypsum dunes at White Sands National Park are one of the natural wonders of the world. Whether you want to explore the hiking trails, slide down the dunes, or enjoy a picnic in this natural wonderland, here’s what to wear to White Sands National Park.

Located in the Tularosa Basin in the Northern Chihuahuan Desert, White Sands National Park is 145,000 acres of ever-changing scenery as the wind and other elements regularly shift the gypsum dunes into new shapes.

As you plan your trip to White Sands National Park, keep in mind the typical weather conditions throughout the year.

February through May is the windiest season at White Sands. Gusts can appear seemingly out of nowhere, greatly reducing visibility and increasing your chances of being disoriented.
Summer at White Sands is the hottest time of year. The temperatures in the summer months often exceed 100F. In the summer, it’s best to explore White Sands either early or late in the day, avoiding the hottest temperatures and highest UV rays around midday.
June through September is monsoon season. Expect regular thunderstorms during these months, including lightning without rain.
November through February is the coldest time of year. In the winter months, overnight temperatures are often below freezing.

Regardless of when you visit, these are the eight things you will always want to wear to White Sands National Park in New Mexico.

Sage Advice: Find the perfect caption for your White Sands Instagram pics with these desert quotes.

Have You Visited White Sands National Park?

Share your favorite photo with me by tagging @sagescott.kc on Instagram and using the hashtag #everydaywanderer

1. Sunglasses

Even on the gloomiest day, the sun reflecting off the gypsum dunes at White Sands can be blinding. And if the wind picks up, the fine gypsum sand can easily get in your eyes. So one of the most important things to wear to White Sands National Park is a pair of sunglasses.

While any sunglasses are better than none, the best for White Sands are a comfortable pair of sports sunglasses that wrap along the contour of your face more than typical fashion sunglasses.

Ideally, you’ll also want a pair of glasses with:

UV protection to further guard your eyes from harmful rays,
Polarized lenses that allow you to take in the natural beauty at its fullest, and
A strap so you don’t lose your glasses if you fall on a hike or have a sledding spill.

2. Sunscreen

Did you know that for every 1,000 feet above sea level that you climb you experience an estimated 10% increased exposure to harmful UV rays? So no matter when you visit, no matter how many clouds are in the sky, and no matter how much melanin your skin possesses, be sure to wear sunscreen at White Sands National Park.

And if the park’s location at 4,235 feet above sea level isn’t enough, the sun’s reflection off of the gypsum crystals requires you to be extra vigilant when protecting your skin. While applying sunscreen with a top-down mindset might work when hiking the Dripping Springs Natural Area in nearby Las Cruces, you’ll want to be sure to think about the sun’s rays zapping you from below at White Sands. Be sure to carefully apply sunscreen under your chin and under your nostrils. And don’t forget to reapply sunscreen as directed on the bottle throughout your stay.

3. Lip Balm

When you pair higher altitudes with an arid environment, your body loses water quickly. While lip balm won’t prevent dehydration, it will help keep your lips moist in these conditions. You also don’t want to overlook protecting your lips from the sun, so be sure to wear chapstick with sun protection.

4. Hat

Even after you’ve slathered on sunscreen, slipped on some sunglasses, and applied lip balm, you’re still not ready for a day at White Sands until you don a hat. While a baseball cap will certainly help keep the sun off of the top of your head and nose, it doesn’t do a good job of protecting your ears, the lower portion of your face, or the back of your neck. If it’s the only hat you have with you, definitely wear it. But there are better options if you plan ahead.

Whether constructed from fabric, straw, or another material, the best hat to wear at White Sands National Park is one with a wide brim and a chin strap that can help hold the hat in place if the wind picks up.

5. The Right Shoes

Are you wondering what shoes to wear to White Sands? I have your answer…

Although the sand at White Sands National Park might make you feel as if you’re in an exotic Caribbean destination (minus the water), gypsum sand is different from any sand you find at the beach. Pure gypsum sand is a fine, powder-soft texture that remains cool to the touch even on the hottest days. And while it’s mesmerizing to sift through your hands and fun to dig, it gets into every nook and cranny of your sneakers or hiking shoes.

So unless you plan on walking several miles or really need the ankle support, I recommend wearing hiking sandals, an old pair of tennis shoes, or even going barefoot at White Sands National Park. I absolutely love my Keen hiking sandals because I can toss them in the washing machine when I get home!

Sage Advice: Even if you have adequate sun protection and plenty of drinking water, do not start a hike if the temperature is at or above 85F! In 2015, a French family’s trip to White Sands ended in heartbreak after attempting a hike on a 100F day.

6. Layers

It’s not uncommon to experience a 30 degree difference between day and night at White Sands. That means a day that reaches 80F can quickly drop to 50F once the sun sets. When that happens, you’ll want to pull pants over your shorts and a hoodie over your tank top. Therefore, I recommend dressing in layers so you can easily strip down or bundle up accordingly.

7. Bright Colors

Whether you’re dressing for the heat or prepared for the cold it’s a good idea to wear bright colors at White Sands. Gear that is hot pink, highlighter yellow, or hunter safety orange will make it easier for others to spot you if you get lost or disoriented.

You don’t need to be decked out in head-to-toe neon 80s fashion, but wearing at least one brightly colored item at White Sands National Park – a sweatshirt, windbreaker, hat, or backpack – is a safer choice than a palette of pale colors.

8. Whistle

The final thing you should wear to White Sands is a whistle. Why? Because a whistle is louder and carries farther than a human voice, which is especially important for a person who is disoriented, suffering from dehydration, or some other form of distress in the desert.

Whether you visit during the cooler, windier days of winter or the hottest summer months, wearing these eight items to White Sands National Park will help you enjoy your experience to the fullest.

Have You Visited White Sands National Park?

What did you wear when you visited White Sands? Any additional tips or tricks to pass along? Share your experiences in the comments section below.

Ready to Go?
Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!

Find low fares with airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner
Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo
Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS, Tiqets, and Viator
Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!

The Best Dishes on Southern New Mexico’s Green Chile Trail

Sage Scott — Mon, 31 May 2021 22:28:06 +0000

In Maine, it’s buttery lobster. In Kansas City, it’s saucy barbeque. In Big Sky Country, it’s sweet huckleberries. And when you visit the Land of Enchantment, the dishes are full of flavorful chiles. From burgers to sushi and wine to dessert, these are the best things to eat along the Green Chile Trail in Southern New Mexico.

Although spicy peppers have been grown in New Mexico for centuries, it wasn’t until the early 1900s that Mexican-born horticulturist and chile pepper pioneer Fabian Garcia perfected the variety that would become the green standard, the New Mexican. So before you dip another crispy tortilla chip into a bowl of salsa or bite into your next folded taco, be sure to give a shout out to the man known as the Father of the Mexican Food Industry of the United States.

Sage Advice: New Mexico is the only state with an official state question. So as you make your way along the Green Chile Trail, expect to be asked “Red or green?” as your waiter determines your chile preference.

Have You Explored the Green Chile Trail?

Share your favorite photo with me by tagging @sagescott.kc on Instagram and using the hashtag #everydaywanderer

Map of the Southern New Mexico Green Chile Trail

How to Use This Map

Zoom in or out using the + and – keys in the bottom right corner.
Click the “More options” text link in the upper left corner to open this embedded map in a new browser window and take advantage of more options including the ability to send these directions to your phone.

Sparky’s - Green Chile Cheeseburger

115 Franklin St, Hatch

Although the majority of delicious dishes on this list are from restaurants in Las Cruces, I think it’s important to start your green chile culinary adventures in the little town of Hatch, New Mexico. Located about 40 miles northwest of Las Cruces, Hatch is known as the Chile Capital of the World and the Napa Valley of Green Chile. When you exit I-25 and head south on Franklin St, it’s impossible to miss Sparky’s near the intersection of Hall St, but you’ll know you’ve arrived when you see a two-story red, white, and blue bedecked Uncle Sam holding a giant green chile in his left hand.

While there are plenty of fascinating memorabilia to admire both inside and outside Sparky’s, you’ll find even more quirky eye candy across Franklin St. including Yogi Bear, a pink pig, a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken, and an alien. Because no city in New Mexico — even one with 2,000 residents — is complete without androgynous green people with buggy cat eyes.

Back to the other green item for which New Mexico is famous…

On your first visit to Sparky’s, I recommend the World Famous or the Almost Famous. Both are juicy green chile cheeseburgers served with a side and drink. The difference is that the Almost Famous is a four-ounce patty for up-and-coming superstars who are watching their waistlines. And the World Famous is more of an Elvis in the late 1960s option. On subsequent visits, you can venture away from the tried and true by adding a pile of smoked pulled pork to your green chile cheeseburger (AKA The Oinker) or doubling down with The Double, two Hatch green chile cheeseburgers sharing a single bun.

Sage Advice: Before you return to the Green Chile Trail, stop at one of the shops to purchase green chile products or a decorative chile ristra to hang at home for good luck.

Back in Las Cruces and the neighboring town of Mesilla, the rest of the recommended dishes on New Mexico’s Green Chile Trail are listed in general order of the day: breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, and dessert.

Sage Advice: As soon as you enter New Mexico, you’ll find green chiles on the menu at just about any restaurant, including fast food joints like McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A.

La Nueva Casita Cafe - Chile Relleno Omelette

195 N Mesquite St, Las Cruces

In a landmark cantina along the famed El Camino Real in the heart of Las Cruces’s historic Mesquite District, the chile relleno omelette at La Nueva Casita Cafe pairs two flavors that were meant to be together, like mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese, or peanut butter and jelly. The three-egg omelette is stuffed with green chiles and then served what I call enchilada-style, smothered in your choice of red or green chile sauce and topped with melted cheese.

The Shed - Huevos Rancheros

810 S Valley Dr, Las Cruces

From ground beef tacos topped with shredded cheddar cheese to flour tortilla-filled enchiladas, many classic Mexican dishes actually originated north of the Rio Grande. But huevos rancheros is a hearty authentic Mexican breakfast dish made best along the Green Chile Trail by the folks at The Shed.

Enjoy two cooked-to-order eggs layered on fresh corn tortillas and topped with cheese and your answer to the New Mexico state question — red or green chile. It’s served with a side of pinto beans or home fries and an additional carb — either a folded flour tortilla or crispy toast — to help you leave your plate spotless. I always opt for the tortilla to mop up every last bit of yolk from my over-easy eggs, but the freshly baked green chile cheddar bread is a popular option with die-hard green chile fans.

Sage Advice: The Shed offers a mild green chile option, something that makes this gringa very happy!

Order online and have a huevos rancheros or another delish dish from The Shed delivered to you via Grubhub.

Spotted Dog Brewery - Green Chile Philly

2920 Avenida de Mesilla, Las Cruces

While plenty of people love green peppers, I think they taste like dirt. So the green chile Philly-style sammy at Spotted Dog Brewery is a favorite dish along the Green Chile Trail. The folks at this local brew pub layer shaved beef seared with Hatch green chile into a crisp roll, top it with cheddar jack, and pair it with a heaping serving of beer-battered fries. Try it with a glass of their hefeweizen!

Sage Advice: Green chile-loving vegetarians will enjoy the Mesilla black bean burger at Spotted Dog Brewery. The black bean patty is topped with Hatch green chile and cheddar jack cheese and served on a toasted bun.

Double Eagle Restaurant - Chicken Mesilla

2355 Calle de Guadalupe, Mesilla

Although it’s now hard to tell where Las Cruces ends and Mesilla ends, that wasn’t always the case. Two centuries ago, when stagecoaches raced tumbleweeds across the desert and Billy the Kid roamed these parts, Mesilla was one of the most important cities in the region. And the next stop on the Green Chile Trail is the oldest building in Mesilla.

Whether you dine on a crisp, white, linen tablecloth beneath crystal chandeliers in one of the dining rooms or outside in the sunny courtyard, I highly recommend the Double Eagle house specialty, chicken Mesilla. This 10-ounce, bone-in chicken breast with sweet onions, roasted “Big Jim” green chile, and Monterey Jack is served with potatoes mashed with guacamole chile con queso.

For more chile goodness, select the green chile cheese wontons or red chile escargots as an appetizer.

Order online and have chicken Mesilla or another delish dish from Double Eagle delivered to you via Grubhub.

Sage Advice: While it’s not a restaurant, Heart of the Desert is just across the Mesilla Plaza from the Double Eagle Restaurant. Swing by to purchase green chile pistachios, green chile cornbread, and other tasty food gifts from New Mexico.

Lorenzo’s Italian Restaurant - Hatch Green Chile Lasagna

1753 E University Ave, Las Cruces

Most lasagna dishes get a little kick from spicy sausage, but in New Mexico, Lorenzo’s uses Hatch green chiles to add some Southwestern flair to this traditional Neapolitan dish. Enjoy fire-roasted Hatch green chiles layered with lasagna noodles, creamy cheese, and Italian beef at this stop along the Green Chile Trail.

Luna Rossa - Messicana Pizza or Panini

1321 Avenida de Mesilla, Las Cruces

Founded in 2001 by Paolo and Sylvia D’Andrea, Luna Rossa is an award-winning winery and pizzeria just a short distance from the historic Mesilla Plaza. Whether you choose pizza or panini, the Messicana features green chiles grown at the family’s farm in Deming paired with prosciutto cotto and tomato sauce using authentic Italian recipes based on Paolo’s childhood in Northern Italy. The mozzarella and pizza dough is made fresh in house daily, and the pizzas are baked in a traditional wood-fired brick oven using pecan tree wood.

Sage Advice: While I have not seen a green chile flavor in the case, the gelato at Luna Rosa is also made in house and is a delicious end to any meal.

Chachi’s Mexican Restaurant - Chile Rellenos

2460 S. Locust St, Las Cruces

While there are many delicious ways to enjoy New Mexico’s flavorful green chiles, a chile relleno is one of my favorites! If you’re not familiar with this authentic Mexican dish that originated in Puebla near Mexico City, it’s a cheese-stuffed, fire-roasted chile pepper that’s battered and fried. While some chile rellenos are served “dry” or with a little melted cheese on top, the chile rellenos at Chachi’s are smothered in creamy green enchilada sauce.

Enjoy two of these delicious stuffed peppers with a side of rice and beans by ordering the chile relleno plate. Or try a single chile relleno by opting for the combination plate or as a side with something else from Chachi’s menu.

Order online and have delicious green chile dishes from Chachi’s delivered to you via Grubhub.

Sage Advice: After enjoying the chile rellenos at Chachi’s, be sure to stop by the Chile Pepper Institute on the New Mexico State University campus.

Aqua Reef - Sushi Rolls and Hatch Green Chile Tempura

141 Roadrunner Pkwy, Las Cruces

When you see green chiles on the menu at a sushi restaurant, you know you’re in New Mexico! And that’s exactly what you’ll experience at Aqua Reef. Enjoy several local flavors by ordering the New Mexico pecan green chile roll that features a Hatch green chile stuffed with asadero cheese and breaded with pecan panko crumbs. Or enjoy Hatch green chile in the Aqua Reef roll that also includes tuna and cucumber and is topped with dynamite sauce. The Cancun roll also features a Hatch green chile, which is stuffed with smoked salmon, avocado and cream cheese then battered with tempura and fried.

Order online and have delicious sushi and other Asian inspired dishes from Aqua Reef delivered to you via Grubhub.

Sage Advice: If tempura is more your style, you can enjoy lightly battered fried Hatch green chiles at Aqua Reef.

La Posta de Mesilla - Chile ‘Rita

2410 Calle de Sa Albino, Mesilla

Pair any delicious item on the food menu at La Posta with a chile ‘rita as you continue to explore the Green Chile Trail. This exotic, spicy version of the classic cocktail shakes blackberry habanero sauce with lime juice, tequila, and Patron Citronage and pours it over ice into a special hand-blown chile stem glass. Or take your taste buds on a field trip with a margarita mini flight. This margaritas y mas option lets you taste the chile ‘rita plus three more margs: La Patrona, Coco Loco, and Blood Orange “Silver Coin.”

Sage Advice: After enjoying a chile ‘rita and some of the best Mexican food in Las Cruces, stop by the gift shop to purchase a cookbook. For just under $13, this 34-page, softbound book illustrated by Las Cruces artist Carolyn Bunch includes recipes for rolled tacos, chile con carne, tamales, chile rellenos, and more.

DH Lescombes - Hatch Green Chile Wine

1720 Avenida de Mesilla, Las Cruces

Using grapes grown in nearby Deming, where the hot, dry days and cool nights produce fruit similar to the founder’s native Algeria, the Lescombes family uses six generations and three continents of wine-making experience to produce a variety of wines. Although Hatch green chile wine is not offered at the Las Cruces winery and bistro, you can still taste their other offerings and enjoy a delicious dinner with plenty of green chile options.

To purchase a bottle of Lescombes Hatch green chile wine, follow the Green Chile Trail to the nearest Sprout’s, Toucan Market, Walmart, or Albertson’s, or buy it online at HatchChileWines.com.

Order online and have delicious dishes from the D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro delivered to you via Grubhub.

Sage Advice: Chile wine can be an acquired taste and is often used for cooking rather than sipping. Use the Hatch green chile wine to add some kick to your salad or to liven up a Bloody Mary. If your answer to the New Mexico question is Christmas (which means you’d like both), use the Hatch red chile wine to slow roast pork that’s shredded into tacos, or substitute it for water to make Mexican brownies.

Everyday Wanderer readers can enjoy 10% off when shopping for Hatch green chile wine online. Simply fill your cart with wine and enter the TRAVELNM21 coupon code to save!

Caliche’s Frozen Custard - The New Mexican Sundae

590 S Valley Dr and 131 N Roadrunner Pkwy, Las Cruces

When creamy vanilla frozen custard is paired with spicy green chiles and salty pecans, you know you’re on the Green Chile Trail. While a frozen custard sundae starring spicy chiles may not sound like your idea of dessert, I say don’t knock it until you try it! I find it to be the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, creamy and salty. After all, Elvis inspired a juicy burger topped with bananas, peanut butter, and bacon, which makes green chiles on frozen custard sound pretty normal to me!

Order online and have a New Mexican sundae and other tasty treats from Caliche’s delivered to you via Grubhub.

Pro Tip: There’s also a Caliche’s Frozen Custard at 2251 N White Sands Blvd in Alamogordo.

Frequently Asked Questions Along the Green Chile Trail

What state is known for green chile?

Since conquistador Don Juan Oñate brought chiles north of the Rio Grande in the 1600s, the flavorful peppers have been growing in New Mexico. Today there are about 10,000 acres of chiles planted in the state, and the industry is valued at more than $57 million.

Where is the Chile Capital of the World?

Producing more than 60,000 tons of red and green chiles a year, New Mexico is inextricably linked to the flavorful peppers. And in the southern part of the state, the little town of Hatch is known as the Chile Capital of the World.

What are Hatch green chiles?

Hatch green chiles are New Mexican chiles grown in the Hatch Valley in Southern New Mexico. Although the long, green peppers are related to Anaheim peppers, New Mexican green chiles are a special variety developed by New Mexico State University horticulturist Fabian Garcia in the early 1900s.

What is so special about Hatch green chiles?

According to 505 Southwestern, a New Mexico-based food company that makes a wide range of chile products, the chiles grown in New Mexico’s Hatch Valley are unique for several reasons, including the region’s:

Fertile volcanic soil,
High altitude (around 4,000 feet), and
Hot days and cool nights.

How can I tell if my New Mexican green chiles are authentic?

You can identify your chile’s authenticity in the same way that you distinguish champagne from sparkling wine — by reading the label. Bubbly wine can only be called champagne if it’s produced in Champagne, France, and thanks to a state law passed in 2012, only chiles grown in New Mexico — or more specifically the Hatch Valley — can be labeled as such. Otherwise, they must include a disclaimer that states “not grown in New Mexico.”

Chile, Chili, and Chilli -- What the heck is the difference?

Whether you spell it “chili” or “chile,” the word can refer to either a spicy pepper, powdered spice, or pot of thick soup, so you’ll have to listen to context clues to figure it out. In Spanish-speaking regions, like New Mexico, where nearly 30% of the population speaks Spanish, the preferred spelling is chile. The double “l” spelling is preferred in places where Queen’s English is commonly spoken, like Singapore where chilli crab is a popular dish.

Are Hatch green chiles spicy?

The short answer is that it depends on the variety of green chile. Using Scoville Heat Units (SHU) to rate the heat levels, New Mexican chiles can range from 1,000 SHU to more than 8,000 SHU.

To put this spice scale into context:

Bell peppers are 0 SHU,
Pepperoncinis are 100 to 500 SHU
Poblano peppers are 1,000 to 1,500 SHU
Jalapeños are 2,500 to 8,000 SHU
Serrano peppers are 10,000 to 23,000 SHU
Cayenne peppers are 30,000 to 50,000 SHU
Habaneros are 100,000 to 350,000 SHU

Big Jim is one of the most popular types of Hatch green chiles. These large pods are often stuffed for chile rellenos and range from 500 to 3,500 SHUs (perfect for a mild green chile-lovin’ gringa like blonde me)!

Where are chiles grown in New Mexico?

While you’re likely to find red and green chiles growing throughout New Mexico, Southern New Mexico is best known as chile country. This area includes Hidalgo, Grant, Catron, Luna, Doña Ana, Sierra, and Socorro counties. Both Las Cruces, the largest city in Southern New Mexico, and Hatch, the Chile Capital of the World, are located in Doña Ana county.

What can I make with Hatch green chiles?

The best stops along the Green Chile Trail include everything from appetizers and drinks to entrees and desserts. And you have the same possibilities when cooking with Hatch green chiles at home!

Here are a few recipes to get you started:

Where can I buy Hatch green chiles?

If you’re visiting green chile country, you’ll find fresh, fire-roasted, jarred, and canned green chile products just about everywhere you look. Once you’re back home, look for canned and jarred Hatch green chiles and green chile products at nationwide grocery chains like Sprouts, Safeway, and Walmart. Or have green chile products delivered to your door via Instacart!

Where can I buy 505 Southwestern green chile products?

Available at Costco, Walmart, Safeway, and other national chains, you can typically find 505 Southwestern green chile products from coast to coast as well as in Alaska and Hawaii. It’s also fast and easy to add a few items to your next Amazon order.

Everyday Wanderer readers can enjoy 20% off when shopping the 505 Southwestern website. Fill your cart with tasty green chile products, and the WANDERER discount code will be waiting for you at check out!

Have You Eaten Your Way Along New Mexico’s Green Chile Trail?

What was your favorite green chile dish? Would you add anything to this list of recommendations? Any additional tips and tricks to pass along? Share your experiences in the comments section below.

Ready to Go?
Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!

Find low fares with airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner
Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo
Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS, Tiqets, and Viator
Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!

The Best Shops in Historic Mesilla, New Mexico

Sage Scott — Tue, 21 May 2019 11:07:05 +0000

What Mesilla, New Mexico, lacks in size, it makes up for with history. The town was part of Spain, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, and the Confederacy before joining the United States. Today the historic Mesilla plaza at the center of town is surrounded by unique boutiques and delicious restaurants. These are the Old Mesilla shops you won’t want to miss in this historic old town on the the Rio Grande.

Just south of I-10 and just east of the Rio Grande sits the historic town of Mesilla, New Mexico. Small in size, but big in history, the town served as the capital of the Confederate Territory of Arizona during the Civil War and was once the stomping grounds of Wild West legends like Billy the Kid and Pancho Villa. As the crossroads of two major stagecoach routes, Mesilla was one of the most important cities in the region until railroad tracks were laid five miles to the northeast in Las Cruces instead. Ah, the railroad, making (and breaking) town after town in the Wild West.

Nearly two centuries later, the town of about 2,000 remains centered by La Plaza de Mesilla. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1961, the rectangular green space is anchored on the north end by the Basilica of San Albino. The brick church’s double bell towers stand tall above a square that was once full of activity, from speeding stagecoaches to vibrant cantinas. Today, boutiques and restaurants wrap around the plaza and radiate into the streets beyond. These are the best shops in Mesilla, NM.

Map of Old Mesilla Shops

How to Use This Map

Zoom in or out using the + and – keys in the bottom right corner.
Click the “More options” text link in the upper left corner to open this embedded map in a new browser window and take advantage of more options including the ability to send these directions to your phone.

Have You Visited Historic Mesilla?

Share your favorite photo with me by tagging @sagescott.kc on Instagram and using the hashtag #everydaywanderer

Silver Assets

Arriving in Mesilla from Las Cruces, Silver Assets is a perfect first stop. Just northeast of the plaza, you’ll drive by this jewelry store when you turn onto Calle de Santiago from Avenida de Mesilla. Once you park, take a quick stroll back down Calle de Santiago to explore this shop first.

In an old adobe building that was once a carpenter shop, a selection of Southwest Native American, amber, and contemporary jewelry is displayed in antique cases. While Silver Assets offers the beautiful silver and turquoise Navajo-style earrings, bracelets, and necklaces you’d expect to find in New Mexico, you’ll also find jewelry made from other stones like cobalt blue lapis, midnight black onyx, and orange and purple oyster shells.

Visit Silver Assets at 1948 Calle de Santiago or browse their cases of beautiful jewelry virtually via their website.

Heart of the Desert Pistachios & Wine

Enjoying the local foods is one of my favorite parts of travel. And while it doesn’t usually last long, there’s nothing like a food souvenir to connect a beautiful place with a delicious taste. Filled with award-winning, locally sourced wines, flavorful pistachios, and more, Heart of the Desert is a can’t-miss shop in historic Mesilla.

Sage Advice: Heart of the Desert offers free wine tasting in all of its stores.

Because New Mexico’s chiles are the best in the world, the Land of Enchantment is home to chile everything where you’ll find them topping cheeseburgers, mixed into macaroni and cheese, and more. So when you visit Heart of the Desert, be sure to grab some chile-flavored pistachios. Whether you select red or green (the New Mexico state question), you’ll be sure to enjoy a bag of this unique New Mexico treat.

Bowlin's Mesilla Book Center

Continuing along the Plaza de Mesilla, our next stop is a white adobe building from the 1850s on the west side of the plaza. Here you’ll find the Mesilla Book Center, a full-service bookstore and then some. Naturally, the Mesilla Book Center specializes in books about the Land of Enchantment, so browse through their extensive collection covering the Wild West, cowboys, Native Americans, and more. In addition to books, the Mesilla Book Center has Southwestern gifts and souvenirs including Navajo rugs, Chimayo blankets, kachina dolls, jewelry, pottery, stationery items, and locally made beauty products.

Visit the Mesilla Book Center at 2360 Calle Principal, where it is open daily.

Thunderbird de la Mesilla

In the red brick building with turquoise shutters and elaborate wrought iron trim at the southwest corner of the plaza is Thunderbird de la Mesilla. Inside, you’ll find an unbelievable selection of Native American and southwest-inspired art, jewelry, crosses, home decor, pottery, and clothing. I found a gorgeous ladybug wind chime that I adore, here!

Fun Fact: Thunderbird de la Mesilla is the oldest documented brick building in New Mexico. It was constructed in 1860 by Augustin Maurin using bricks he fired in his own kiln.

Visit Thunderbird de la Mesilla daily at 2380 Calle Principal.

Old Barrel Tea & Spice Company

Located in the southwest corner of the plaza, this female-owned family business is operated by tea lovers. So it’s the perfect place to find loose-leaf teas of all varieties, as well as teapots, teacups, and other accessories. Their loose-leaf tea is available in a variety of caffeine levels, so it’s easy to make a selection with its potency in mind. I purchased lavender crème brûlée, lavender lemonade, and honeysuckle blossom oolong teas that were every bit as good as they sound.

The tea lovers behind Old Barrel Tea Company sweeten their cups with honey, so naturally they sell a line of raw, unfiltered honey. From desert sage to mesquite, you’ll find a wide variety on display, and they offer samples to help you pick the perfect option. Although it’s not always available, if you can score some of their avocado honey, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Visit the Old Barrel Tea Company at 2410 Calle Principal in Mesilla. Or, shop online at OldBarrelTea.com. If your travels take you elsewhere in New Mexico, stop by their other locations in Albuquerque, Cloudcroft, or Ruidoso.

Nambé Mills

Continuing to work counter-clockwise around the Plaza de Mesilla, the next stop on your can’t-miss tour of historic Mesilla shops is Nambé. Chances are, if you invite my artist mother to your wedding, your gift will include something from this store. From bar accessories to bracelets, from champagne flutes to flatware sets, and from trays to tea kettles, every item in this store is both beautifully designed and functional.

Visit Nambé at 2109 Calle De Parian in Mesilla. Or, shop online at Nambe.com. If your travels take you elsewhere in New Mexico, stop by Nambé’s other locations in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or Taos.

Billy the Kid Gift Shop in Historic Mesilla

At the corner of Calle de Parian and Calle de Guadalupe is a gift shop named after the infamous Wild West outlaw who used to roam these parts. Once the courthouse and the capitol building when Mesilla was the capital of the Arizona territory, the building is as much a can’t-miss shop as all of the wares packed inside. Before stepping across the threshold and into the gift shop, admire the 18-inch (46-cm) adobe walls constructed of mud bricks. While browsing through the racks of t-shirts and shelves of souvenirs, take a moment to look up and admire the vigas and latillas overhead. Vigas are large wooden beams that support the roof, and latillas are stripped branches that are layered between the vigas.

Visit the Billy the Kid Gift Shop at 2385 Calle De Guadalupe.

Chocolate Lady

Continuing down Calle de Guadalupe back toward San Albino, the next can’t-miss shop is the Chocolate Lady. The store is very small, so it’s not uncommon to see the line stretching outside onto the street. Grab a chocolate-dipped strawberry, pistachio cluster, or other white, milk, or dark chocolate treat for the road at the Chocolate Lady at 2379 Calle De Guadalupe.

Sage Advice: While it’s easy to stick to the shops right on the Mesilla Plaza, don’t overlook other jewelry stores, wine shops, and other boutiques just a few steps away! There are also several places to grab a drink — soda, coffee, tea, or adult — or a bite on and around the Plaza de Mesilla.

Legacy Pecans

Just like you should never miss an opportunity to enjoy chiles in New Mexico, the same can be said about locally-grown pecans. That’s why the last stop on this list of can’t miss shops in historic Mesilla is Legacy Pecans. They offer plain, sweet, and spicy pecans, including honey toasted, Hatch green chile, and chocolate-covered (my favorite), along with a variety of other pecan products. Take home pecan gifts from New Mexico by visiting them at 2355 Calle De Guadalupe or online at LegacyPecans.com.

To Visit Old Mesilla, NM

How far is Mesilla from Las Cruces?

Old Mesilla is about 5 miles southwest of downtown Las Cruces. Allow about 15 minutes to drive to these Old Mesilla shops from Las Cruces.

How do I get to Mesilla from Las Cruces?

From the Mesilla Valley Mall, take E. Lohman Ave. west to Avenida de Mesilla and turn left. Then follow Avenida de Mesilla to Calle de Santiago. When you turn right on Calle de Santiago, the one-way street will go right past Silver Assets and the San Albino Church.

What else is there to do in Mesilla, NM?

In addition to my favorite shops, explore the beautiful Basilica of San Albino on the north end of Mesilla Plaza. Or enjoy a bite or beverage at one of the cafes or restaurants in Old Mesilla.

What are the best restaurants in Mesilla, NM?

From delicious New Mexican food flavored with Hatch chiles to wineries, there are many delicious places to eat in Mesilla, NM. On and adjacent to the Mesilla Plaza, try Double Eagle Restaurant or La Posta de Mesilla. Just a few blocks from the Mesilla Plaza, you’re also sure to enjoy Andele Restaurant, Luna Rossa Winery & Pizzeria, and D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro.

Have You Visited Historic Mesilla, New Mexico?

What did you like most? Did you visit any of these shops? Is there a store you think should be added to this list? Share your experiences in the comments section below.

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Best Mexican Restaurants in Las Cruces (and the Neighboring Town of Mesilla)

Sage Scott — Sat, 28 Jul 2018 11:47:54 +0000

Have You Enjoyed Mexican Food in Las Cruces?

Share your favorite photo with me by tagging @sagescott.kc on Instagram and using the hashtag #everydaywanderer

Andele Restaurante - The Best Las Cruces Mexican Restaurant For Tacos Al Carbon And Salsa

Order online and have the best Mexican food in Las Cruces delivered to you via Grubhub.

Fun Fact: New Mexico is the only state with a question as an official symbol. So when you visit Las Cruces, don’t be surprised to hear it asked every time you order food, “Red or green? as your waiter determines your chile preference.

Chachi’s Mexican Restaurant - Delicious Fajitas In Las Cruces

Our family recommends:

Order online and have delicious Mexican food from Chachi’s delivered to you via Grubhub.

Sage Advice: If you dine at the Locust Street location, make plans to visit the Chile Pepper Institute to learn more about chiles!

La Nueva Casita Cafe - Delicious Mexican Food Along El Camino Real

For hundreds of years, people traveled through Las Cruces, New Mexico, on the famed El Camino Real moving traded goods between Mexico City and Santa Fe. And since 1957, modern-day visitors have enjoyed delicious Mexican food at La Nueva Casita Cafe along this historic route. Open daily, the cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dessert.

Our family recommends:

Chile Relleno Omelette. Not since chocolate met peanut butter have two flavors needed to hook up! This pairing adds green chiles to a three-egg omelette that is topped with red or green chiles and melted cheese.
Huevos Compuestas. If you like huevos rancheros, try this dish which fills corn cups with meat spiced with red or green chiles and tops them with eggs and cheese.
Machaka. Enjoy eggs like you’ve never had them before, scrambled with estrella mix, pico de gallo, and topped with melted cheese.
Tacos Estrellas. Seasoned pork and beef spooned into corn tortillas then topped with sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo.

Order online and have delish Mexican dishes from La Nueva Casita Cafe delivered to you via Grubhub.

La Posta de Mesilla - Best Las Cruces Mexican Restaurant For Ambiance, Margaritas, And Sopapillas

Our family recommends:

Margaritas. Starting with quality tequila and freshly squeezed lime, La Posta de Mesilla has a margarita menu that other Mexican restaurants envy.
La Posta Special. Sample several items by ordering the La Posta Special of a folded taco, chile relleno, and a beef green chile enchilada. In addition to a side of refritos and rice, you won’t want to miss the Mexican coleslaw that comes with this dish.
Sopapillas.
La Posta Cookbook.

Order online and have the best Mexican food in Las Cruces delivered to you via Grubhub.

The Shed Restaurant - Best Huevos Rancheros in Las Cruces

Although the cumin-spiced ground beef filling in most tacos across the nation is an American creation from north of the border, huevos rancheros is an authentic Mexican breakfast dish. And one of the best places to enjoy the cooked-to-order eggs over fresh corn tortillas topped with cheese red or green chiles is at The Shed.

Everything on the menu is made from scratch using fresh, seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, so you’re sure to enjoy any of the other breakfast and lunch items on the menu, as well.

Sage Advice: When you visit The Shed for brunch on Saturday, be sure to check out the amazing mimosa specials!

Our family recommends:

Huevos Rancheros. Obviously! The Shed does this traditional Mexican country breakfast better than anyone else in Las Cruces (and maybe the world)!
Breakfast Enchiladas. This creative twist on breakfast tacos fills two blue corn tortillas with your choice of meat — pork sausage, turkey sausage, or brisket — then adds onions and cheese and tops the rolls with red or green chile.
Eggsadillas. Wake up to an am version of quesadillas that stuff crisply fried flour tortillas with scrambled eggs and beef brisket.

Order online and have delicious Mexican dishes from The Shed delivered to you via Grubhub.

Other Helpful Information To Enjoy The Best Mexican Food In Las Cruces

What's the New Mexico state question?

You’ve probably heard of a state bird, state tree, or state fruit. But did you know that New Mexico was the first state in the Union to adopt an official state question? In 1996, the Land of Enchantment was the first state (and remains the only state) to adopt this unique official state symbol.

So what is the New Mexico state question? It’s “red or green?” and it’s all about New Mexico’s flavorful chiles.

How do I answer the New Mexico state question?

When you order Mexican food in Las Cruces, you’ll be asked, “Red or green?” Your server wants to know if you’d like red chiles or green chiles added to your meal. If you want to try both, simply reply, “Christmas.” And, if you’re not sure how spicy the chiles will be, you can always ask for them on the side!

What's the best Mexican restaurant in Las Cruces?

While there are so many delicious choices, my family’s favorites are Andele Restaurante, Chachi’s Mexican Restaurant, and La Posta de Mesilla.

What's the oldest Mexican restaurant in Las Cruces?

Although it’s technically in the neighboring town of Mesilla, La Posta de Mesilla is one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in Las Cruces.

Which Mexican restaurant in Las Cruces has parrots?

When you enter La Posta de Mesilla, you’ll be delighted to find an eclectic area

What's Your Favorite Mexican Restaurant in Las Cruces, New Mexico?

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A Guide to the Las Cruces Water Tank Murals in New Mexico (Map Included)

Sage Scott — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 15:56:35 +0000

The Las Cruces water tank murals use a modern day canvas to share the area’s culture and history. See all of them in less than an hour using this guide. Map included!

Like many towns throughout the American southwest, large cylindrical tanks are visible in nearly every scenic view of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Each of these water tanks holds about two million gallons of water to support the people, farm animals, and fields of the state’s second-largest city. But just as the picturesque Organ Mountains make Las Cruces, New Mexico unique, so do its water tanks.

The 32-foot tall water tanks could easily be eyesores that disrupt otherwise panoramic views of the southern New Mexico town. But in Las Cruces, local artists have turned the curved canvasses into works of art. Using a color palette inspired by Mother Nature to share the rich history of the area, the water tank murals share the stories of the Native Americans who originated in the area and the settlers who followed.

The talented artist behind the vast majority of the water tank murals is Tony Pennock. He completed his first water tank mural more than four decades ago while still a high school student in Las Cruces. Since then, Pennock has painted more than ten water tank murals, and his work extends beyond both water tanks and his hometown. He has completed nearly 50 other public art installations, from “Homeward,” a mural at 575 N. Main St., to “Rio Grande Time,” a large mosaic sundial on the new Las Cruces plaza. And if you’re in Germany, be sure to visit Las Cruces’ sister city of Nienburg. Although it’s not a water tank, Pennock stuck with his water theme when he painted a mural on a municipal swimming pool building.

Here are seven “must see” Las Cruces water tank murals in New Mexico, plus two bonus water tower murals just a short drive away. The seven water tanks in Las Cruces are presented in a logical order to make it easy for you to visit all of them in under an hour, depending upon traffic and the time spent at each stop.

Sage Advice: To see some of the same views I share in my photographs, you may need a Jeep with four-wheel drive. Thank you, Dad, for taking me out in the dusty off-road areas needed to get some of these shots!

Have You Visited Las Cruces, NM?

Share your favorite photo with me by tagging @sagescott.kc on Instagram and using the hashtag #everydaywanderer

Maps of the Las Cruces Water Tank Murals

Turn-by-Turn Directions

Points of Interest

1. New Mexico State University (NMSU) Water Tank Mural

Location: Near the NMSU Golf Course at Las Alturas Dr. & Geothermal Dr.
(Enter 5001 Shadow Mountain Road into your map app)
Artist: Unknown

The rolling green hills of the NMSU Golf Course stand out against the desert landscape as you drive along Las Alturas Drive to this water tank. Here in the shadow of Tortugas Mountain, known locally as “A” Mountain after the NMSU Aggies, the crimson colors of New Mexico’s oldest and second largest four-year university wrap this water tank with school pride.

Fun Fact: Artist Tony Pennock has a bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University, and his mother is beloved Las Cruces artist Carolyn Bunch.

2. Jornada del Muerto Water Tank Mural (Now Known as La Entrada Water Tank Mural)

Location: Intersection of East Griggs Ave. and Triviz Dr.
(Enter 2350 E. Griggs Ave into your map app)
Artist: Tony Pennock

The Conquistadors called the dry, dusty 100-mile journey through the Chihuahuan Desert from Las Cruces to Socorro, New Mexico “Jornada del Muerto”. This phrase loosely translates into “Route of the Dead Man,” and it was the inspiration for the first water tank mural in Las Cruces. Working at night using a projector to help him transfer his design onto the curved surface of the gigantic water tank, it took 17-year-old Tony Pennock six months to complete this outdoor mural back in 1973.

When repairs were made to the water tower in 1991, Pennock was commissioned to replace the flaking, faded mural with an updated creation. Thus the Jornada del Muerto mural was transformed into La Entrada. In its present state, the mural shows Don Juan de Onate leading a procession of European settlers on horses and mules riding into the American southwest.

Sage Advice: All of the water tanks are behind barbed wire-topped fencing, and many have posted no trespassing signs that keep the public from getting too close. Be mindful of these barriers as you tour these impressive outdoor murals.

3. Agua Fria Water Tank Mural

Location: East Side of North Telshor Boulevard South of Spruce Ave.
(Enter 550 N Telshor Blvd into your map app and you’ll see the Agua Fria water tank next door to the northwest)
Artist: Tony Pennock

Surrounded by desert dirt, the Agua Fria water tank offers eyes a cool drink of water. This gigantic water tank mural features the early farmers and settlers to the Mesilla Valley in the early 1800s. In this piece, the Rio Grande River supports them, their livestock, and their crops.

Sage Advice: Find the perfect Instagram caption for your water tank mural pics with these 100+ desert quotes.

4. Journey to Tlalocan Water Tank Mural

Location: South Sonoma Ranch Boulevard east of its intersection with Canyon Point Road
(Enter 548 Canyon Point Rd into your map app and then look directly east across Sonoma Ranch Boulevard)
Artist: Tony Pennock

If you are like me, you may not know how to pronounce Tlalocan. Or find it on a map. As it turns out, Tlalocan is an Aztec version of paradise. Surrounded by clouds, wearing a crown of heron feathers, and carrying rattles to make thunder, Tlaloc is the Aztec god of rain. He lives in Tlalocan with his companion, Matlalcueye (She Who Wears a Green Skirt), the goddess of freshwater lakes and streams.

Although I didn’t see Tlaloc or Matlalcueye on the Journey to Tlalocan water tank, I did see a heavenly mural framed by the gorgeous Organ Mountains. While sea turtles swim and gentle waves swirl, horses ride through the surf and a heron soars overhead.

Sage Advice: Always watch for cacti and snakes when wandering in the rugged areas of Las Cruces.

5. Quail Morning Water Tank Mural

Location: Sonoma Ranch Boulevard just south of E. Lohman Ave.
(Enter 150 N Sonoma Ranch Blvd into your map app and then travel northeast on Lohman Ave from the Walmart)
Artist: Tony Pennock

While the roadrunner is the New Mexico state bird, it seems like Gambel’s quail are even more prevalent in the Las Cruces area. Nearly every walk I take in Las Cruces, whether in a neighborhood or out in the open desert, I seem to see at least one family of Gambel’s quail strutting in a line as if they are auditioning for a revival of The Partridge Family television series.

Quail Morning, featuring a family of Gambel’s quail painted on the huge water tank at the Las Cruces Water Reclamation Plant, may be my favorite water tank mural. I love the rich colors in the background, especially the purple hues that remind me of the light a perfect sunset casts on the Organ Mountains at the end of a sun-drenched day.

6. Valley of the Moon Water Tank Mural

Location: North Roadrunner Pkwy & Millennium St.
(Enter 2564 Millennium St into your map app, and you’ll see the Valley of the Moon water tank in their backyard)
Artist: Tony Pennock

Tucked behind homes with trees that grow taller and fuller each year is the Valley of the Moon water tank mural. It tells the story of Christopher Columbus’ 1492 voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to the “new” world. Driving along Roadrunner Parkway, watch for a pod of dolphins frolicking in the open ocean.

But as you turn onto Millennium St and slowly drive past the mural surrounded by houses, the curved canvas of the huge water tank transforms into what I call a red chile dream.

7. Indian Canyon Water Tank Mural

Location: Sedona Hills Pkwy & Pagosa Hills Ave.
(Enter 4401 Galisteo Loop into your map app and you’ll see the Indian Canyon water tank on the east side of Pagosa Hills Ave)
Artist: Tony Pennock

One of the newer water tank murals, Indian Canyon is the sixth water tank that Tony Pennock helped complete in Las Cruces. This mural was inspired by ancient petroglyphs near Las Cruces. As deer scamper around the 300-foot water tank, Native American symbols appeal to rain gods as water pools in a canyon. Understandably, all of the water tanks are protected with fencing. But with its stone wall to help hide some of the barbed wire, I think Indian Canyon is more picturesque than other water tanks.

Bonus Water Tank Mural - Buffalo Soldier in Radium Springs, NM

Location: Radium Springs, NM
(Enter Desert Edge Rd & DeBeers into your map app)
Artist: Anthony (Tony) Pennock

If you’re visiting Las Cruces from the north or west, don’t miss the Buffalo Soldier mural in Radium Springs. This water tank mural honors the Buffalo Soldiers, members of the black US cavalry, who were once stationed at nearby historic Fort Seldon.

Sage Advice: If you’re traveling along I-25, be sure to stop in Hatch, New Mexico, the Chile Capital of the World. Enjoy the local flavors by grabbing a green chile cheeseburger at Sparky’s just off the interstate. Or, if you need a break from green chiles, here are five alternative places to eat in Las Cruces.

Bonus Water Tank Mural - Space Murals Along US-70

Location: 12450 US-70
Artist: Royce Vann

While it’s a short drive outside of Las Cruces, one of my favorite water tanks is the one dedicated to New Mexico’s role in space exploration. If you plan to travel from Las Cruces to White Sands, don’t miss this water tank mural along US Highway 70. Better yet, keep heading northeast and check out the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo after you spend the day at White Sands.

The space murals also include a memorial to the seven crew members who perished in the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion back in 1986.

Sage Advice: If you are walking in the “rough” to get closer to the water tank murals, be sure to watch for cactus needles and snakes!

Sage Advice: Find hotels in Las Cruces and other fantastic places to stay in the City of Crosses.

Have You Visited the Las Cruces Water Tank Murals?

What did you think about this creative form of street art? What about water tank murals in other parts of New Mexico or the United States? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.

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Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!

Why This New Mexico License Plate Makes Me Spicy

Sage Scott — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 11:09:56 +0000

New Mexico’s “Chile Capital of the World” license plate has been recognized as America’s Best License Plate. But I’m not a fan. Here’s why the chile pepper New Mexico license plate makes me spicy.

To learn that New Mexico has won the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association (ALPCA)’s Best License Plate Award doesn’t surprise me. From incorporating the beautiful Zia sun symbol to using bright colors like turquoise and gold, I think New Mexico has had some of the most beautiful license plates in America for decades.

But the winning chile pepper license plate design is far from what I’ve come to expect from the Land of Enchantment.

What Do You Think of NM's Chile Pepper Plate?

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New Mexico’s License Plate Looks Like Christmas Served on a Bumblebee

Instead of a bright turquoise or gold background, the new license plate is a somber black. Instead of a soaring hot air balloon or a symbolic sun sign, the new license plate features a pair of chiles.

With one green and one red chile floating on the left side of the black license plate with gold letters, it looks like Christmas and a bumblebee got together and crafted the winning license plate design.

As the Chile Capital of the World, New Mexicans have adopted an official state question, “Red or green?” asked by servers to understand which type of chile you’d like added to your dish. Visitors to the 47th state can find green chiles on everything including popcorn, pistachios, and cheeseburgers. So incorporating the flavorful peppers into the license plate design makes all the sense in the world.

But in a state full of talented artists — from silversmiths to sculptors and painters to potters — the design is underwhelming. Beyond the disappointing color palette, the two chile peppers appear to be clip art copies of each other without any variance in size or shape, one slightly overlapping the other. It’s as if the design was created by a middle school student completing a Microsoft Publisher lesson!

An Alternative to the Zia Sun Symbol

Because the sun symbol prominently featured on the New Mexico state flag is sacred to the Native American Zia people, I can appreciate that the State of New Mexico may be seeking a different symbol. Although it’s been featured on New Mexico license plates since the 1920s, today there is a heightened sense of sensitivity to native cultures and symbols.

Chile peppers are certainly a wonderful symbol of the Land of Enchantment. It’s just that any artist above the age of three could have designed a better license plate to spotlight them.

But Who Cares What I Think?

Despite what I think, the members of the ALPCA who voted in the contest absolutely love the chile pepper license plate. It won by a huge margin, appearing in the top three list for about half the ALPCA members who voted.

Now New Mexicans have a choice of three standard plates — including the chile plate — when they register or renew their vehicles. And while the chile pepper plate is the newest design, it’s bee very popular. Many New Mexicans must be fans!

The Rest of the Story Behind the Chile Pepper New Mexico License Plate

The chile pepper license plate was originally designed as a fundraiser for the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces. And the New Mexico state legislature originally passed the bill to issue the plate. But New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez vetoed the bill so the chile pepper plate could become the next general issue license plate.

A new plate was designed to honor the state’s agricultural heritage and rural residents, and now the specialty plate for the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum features a windmill set against a brilliant sunset. While it still features many of the same red and yellow colors as the standard Zia plate, it’s much more beautiful than the chile pepper plate, if you ask me!

New Mexico residents can select this license plate design for an additional $37 special plate fee. After covering the cost to print the plate and administer the program, the majority of this extra cost (currently $25) funds educational programs at the amazing New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Mexico License Plates

What does a New Mexico license plate look like?

When New Mexicans register their cars, they can select one of three standard plates:

Standard red and yellow New Mexico license plate with a small Zia symbol in the center
Standard centennial license plate with a turquoise background and yellow lettering with a large Zia symbol in the center
Chile plate with a black background and yellow letters celebrating New Mexico as the Chile Capital of the World

In addition to these three standard plates, New Mexicans can also select from several personalized or vanity license plates. See a full list of New Mexico license plates here.

What is the symbol on the New Mexico license plate?

On both the New Mexico state flag and several New Mexico license plate designs, you’ll see the Zia symbol. With four sets of four lines radiating from a circle, the sign is a sacred symbol of the Zia, an indigenous tribe from what is now the Four Corners region of the United States.

Does New Mexico require a front license plate?

No. New Mexico is one of approximately 20 states that does not currently require the motor vehicle owner to affix a front license plate.

Why does New Mexico have a teal license plate?

I’d describe the beautiful blue background of New Mexico’s standard plate as turquoise, not teal. That said, the blue plates with yellow letters and a large Zia symbol in the center were designed to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of New Mexico license plates.

Fun Fact: The 1937 New Mexico license plate was also blue, although it was considered to be robin’s egg blue.

Why do New Mexico license plates say USA?

The country abbreviation “USA” was added to New Mexico license plates in 1969 to help remind ignorant Americans that the 47th state has been a part of the United States since 1912. Seriously. I can’t make this up!

What Do You Think About the New Mexico Chile Pepper License Plates?

Do you love or hate the chile pepper plate? As a general rule, do you think New Mexico has the prettiest plates? What other state license plates do you like? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Ready to Go?
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From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo
Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS, Tiqets, and Viator
Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!

12 Best Things to Do in White Sands National Park

Sage Scott — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 11:56:25 +0000

Located in the Tularosa Basin in the Northern Chihuahuan Desert, between the New Mexico towns of Alamogordo and Las Cruces, is one of the world’s largest gypsum sand dune fields. From sledding down the steep dunes to taking a ranger-led hike, these are the best things to do in White Sands National Park.

With 275 square miles of white sand dunes, White Sands National Park is one of the world’s largest gypsum dune fields and one of the natural wonders of the world. This irresistible, untamed natural playground is one of the most unusual vacation spots in the US. From sledding down the soft sand dunes to hiking in an ever-changing landscape, these are the best things to do at White Sands National Park.

Have You Visited White Sands National Park?

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Important Note: By signing his name to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 in December 2019, President Trump upgraded White Sands from a national monument to a national park. A few years later, you may still see America’s 62nd national park referred to by its former name, White Sands National Monument.

1. Stop at the White Sands Visitor Center

The adobe pueblo building at the entrance of the White Sands National Park is a great first stop. Here you can grab information on daily events, refill your water bottles, stock up on any necessities in its small gift shop, and explore the interactive exhibits in the museum.

The White Sands Visitor Center is also the place to watch “A Land in Motion,” a fantastic 17-minute film about White Sands and the creatures that call it home.

Sage Advice: If you have a National Park Passport, be sure to get a passport stamp at the White Sands Visitor Center.

2. Pick Up an Adventure Pack

Adventure Packs are available for loan on a first come, first served basis at the White Sands Visitor Center. Each pack includes binoculars, an animal track guide, compass, and a bunch of other goodies that make exploring and learning about White Sands fun. When you’re done with the Adventure Pack, simply return it to the White Sands Visitors Center.

3. Become a Junior Ranger

The Junior Ranger program helps kids of all ages engage with our national parks. While some National Park Service locations charge a few dollars for their booklet, the one available at White Sands is free. (Thank you tax payers!)

Activities are broken into different levels:

A special Pre-K booklet is available for children under six
And the junior ranger book is available for ages six and up

Take your completed book to the White Sands Visitor Center, and your child can be sworn in as a Junior Park Ranger and receive a White Sands National Park patch to prove it!

4. Tour the Native Plant Garden

Learn more about the native plant life in the Chihuahuan Desert by taking a free, self-guided tour of the Native Plant Garden just outside the White Sands Visitor Center. There’s nothing quite like the desert in the spring, when wildflowers and yucca are in bloom, but the plant garden is pretty and full of bright colors nearly non-stop between mid-March and November.

5. Wind Along Dunes Drive

Dunes Drive is an eight-mile (13 km) scenic drive that goes from the visitor center to the heart of the gypsum dunes. It takes about 45 minutes to complete the entire drive, but you may want to allow additional time to explore outdoor exhibits, walk or play in the sand, or take photographs.

Highway 70 is occasionally closed to traffic when the White Sands Missile range is performing a missile test. Depending upon the specifics of the test, Dunes Drive may also be closed at this time. If Dunes Drive is temporarily closed, use this time to explore the visitors center.

To check on road closures, visit NM Roads or call 575.678.1178.

Sage Advice: The White Sands Visitor Center does not sell gas, and the nearest gas station is about 15 miles away in Alamogordo, New Mexico, so plan ahead!

6. Walkabout the White Sand Dunes on a Hiking Trail

In addition to experiencing the white gypsum sand dunes “freestyle,” you can also walk the boardwalk or explore one of four hiking trails.

Interdune Boardwalk. At a minimum, take 20-30 minutes to complete this half-mile (650m) stroll along an elevated wooden walkway through the dunes. The experience will include signs explaining the geology, plants, and animals of White Sands.

Four Hiking Trails. There are several other opportunities to stretch your legs at White Sands:

Playa Trail
Dune Life Nature Trail
Backcountry Camping Trail
Alkali Flat Trail

Sage Advice: Despite its name, the five-mile Alkali Flat Trail is actually not flat. You’ve been warned!

Regardless of the path you pick, be sure to pack plenty of water and these additional, important items when you venture out along the hiking trails in White Sands New Mexico.

7. Play in the Sand

The texture of pure, gypsum sand is like no other sand you’ll ever experience. Its fine, powder-soft texture is mesmerizing to sift through your fingers and fun to dig.

While the gypsum crystals (and lack of water) don’t make it easy to build a sand castle, being buried in the soft sand can cool you down on a hot day.

8. Go Sand Sledding

If you’re like me and love to sled, but hate the cold, then sand sledding is the perfect solution! But because gypsum crystals aren’t slippery like snow, you will need to wax up your ride.

Sage Advice: Did you head to the Chihuahuan Desert and forget a snow sled? Don’t worry! Sleds and blocks of wax are available in the White Sands Visitor Center.


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9. Have a Picnic

There are more than 60 covered picnic tables, each with a grill, available on a first come, first served basis throughout the national park along Dunes Drive. (If you ask me, they look a bit like Fred Flintstone’s rack of brontosaurus ribs at the drive-in.) When enjoying your meal outdoors at White Sands, remember to clean up after yourself and leave no trace.

Sage Advice: White Sands National Park has limited amenities, so be sure to pack adequate food and ample water for your visit.

10. Take Some Photographs

You’ll want to capture the beautiful, unique scenery of White Sands, whether it’s with your phone or a fancy camera. The lightweight, blowing sand can present unique challenges to other stops on your trip. Try to store your camera when you’re not actively taking photos to reduce the amount of sand that ends up in your buttons, dials, and on your lens.

11. Take a Ranger-Guided Tour

Get the inside scoop and explore areas you may not venture to solo by taking a ranger-guided tour. Experienced park rangers regularly lead sunset strolls and other activities including full moon hikes, Lake Lucero tours, and sunrise photography walks.

12. Stay for Sunset

Whether you experience it as part of a ranger-guided tour or on your own, one of the most beautiful ways to see the snowy white dunes is when the sun sets over the Land of Enchantment. So whether you spend a few hours at White Sands National Park or all day, try to stay for sunset. You won’t be disappointed!

Have You Visited White Sands National Park?

What about you? Have you experienced the sandy white dunes of White Sands National Park (formerly known as White Sands National Monument)? Is it on your New Mexico travel bucket list? Share your experience in the comments section below.

Ready to Go?
Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!

Find low fares with airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner
Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo
Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS, Tiqets, and Viator
Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!

What to Take to White Sands National Park (Don’t Forget These 10 Essentials)

Sage Scott — Sun, 17 Sep 2017 12:05:27 +0000

Located near Alamogordo, New Mexico, White Sands National Park is the world’s largest gypsum sand dune field. As one of the natural wonders of the world, it is a truly magical place to visit. But there are limited services and amenities available, so here is an important list of what to take to White Sands National Park.

With 275 square miles of bright white sand dunes the delicate texture of sugar, White Sands National Park is a uniquely beautiful place to visit in the Land of Enchantment. But with the unique environment come additional precautions for a safe visit. Before you head for these beautiful, ever shifting sand dunes near Alamogordo in Southern New Mexico, be sure you’ve packed these essentials.

Sage Advice: You may be asking yourself, “What is the White Sands National Monument?” Before it was upgraded to a national park in December 2019, this unique park in the American Southwest was known as White Sands National Monument. Although a few years have passed since White Sands received this “promotion,” you may still see America’s 62nd national park referred to as White Sands National Monument in some places.

Have You Visited White Sands?

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1. Weather Forecast

Know the hour-by-hour weather forecast for the duration of your visit, including when the sun will set. It is best to explore White Sands either earlier or later in the day, avoiding the hottest midday temperatures and strongest UV rays.

If you are exploring White Sands National Park in the later part of the day, be sure you have adequate time to complete your hike before the sun sets. Also, be aware that temperatures in the desert drop drastically after sunset. And by “drastically” I mean that the mercury can plummet as much as 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit! So bring adequate clothing for the weather conditions when you visit White Sands.

Speaking of weather conditions, this is what you can expect based upon the time of year that you visit:

February through May is windy season. Winds tend to move in quickly, reducing visibility and increasing the chances of being disoriented.
Summer is the hottest time of year. The temperatures at White Sand in the summer months often exceed 100F (38C).
June through September is monsoon season. Thunderstorms are common, and you may encounter lightning without rain.
November through February is the coldest time of year and overnight temperatures are often below freezing.

2. A Plan

Tell someone who is not visiting White Sands with you where you are going within the park and when you plan to return. Never hike alone, and always keep your children in sight. The wind easily sifts the lightweight, gypsum sand. This makes the terrain look different than it did earlier, erasing your tracks, and making it easy to get lost.

Do not start a hike if the temp is at or above 85F! Tragically, a French couple died and their 9-year-old son was found severely dehydrated when attempting a hike on a 100F day in 2015.

Sage Advice: If you have a National Park Passport, don’t forget to pack it and get it stamped at the White Sands Visitor Center. And if you are forever forgetting to pack your National Park Passport (like me), buy a set of these stickers and keep them in your purse!

3. Park Map

In the ever-shifting sand dunes of White Sands National Park, it doesn’t take much for even the most experienced nature lover to lose his or her bearings. The National Park Services makes it easy for you to take a park map with you when you visit White Sands National Park

4. Sun Protection

Even in cooler temperatures, the sun reflecting off of the gypsum dunes can cause severe sunburns. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and at least SPF 15 sunscreen. And don’t forget to reapply sunscreen as directed!

5. LOTS of Water

It’s easy to get dehydrated quickly in the arid conditions of the Chihuahua Desert. Pack at least one gallon of drinking water per person. Water bottles can be filled at the White Sands Visitor Center, but there is no water out in the dunes.

6. High-Energy and Salty Snacks

A condition called hyponatremia can occur when you’ve had too much water without replenishing electrolytes or eating salts. If you’ve had plenty of water but begin experiencing nausea, muscle cramps, or disorientation, then be sure to munch on a salty snack. Easy-to-carry, high-energy, salty snacks include:

Dried fruit
Nuts
Trail mix
Energy bars
Crackers
Pretzels
Popcorn

Sage Advice: Add a few sports drinks, a bottle of PediaLyte, or other electrolyte-rich options to your water supply to help fight against hyponatremia. We are big fans of the new, easy-to-carry PediaLyte powder packets that can be added to regular drinking water for a boost of electrolytes.

7. Fully-Charged Cell Phone

Be sure your phone is fully charged before you head out into the white sand dunes. If possible, take a portable charger with you. Conserve your phone battery by placing it in airplane mode or turning it off completely while you are out exploring the dune field.

Cell phone coverage can vary throughout White Sands. Even if you cannot complete a phone call, you may be able to successfully send a text message. If you have an emergency and are unable to dial 911, text message a friend and ask them to call 911 for you.

8. Whistle

A whistle is louder and carries farther than a human voice, especially a human who is experiencing dehydration or other distress. So be sure you always take a whistle to White Sands.

9. Flashlight and Extra Batteries

Taking in the sunset at White Sands National Park is an amazing experience. But once the sun sets, it is very dark in the park. Be sure to have both a flashlight and extra batteries on hand. Or, better yet, explore after dark with a rechargeable lantern or hands-free with a rechargeable headlamp.

10. Full Tank of Gas

The White Sands Visitor Center does not sell gas, and the nearest gas station is about 15 miles away near Alamogordo, New Mexico.

Bonus Tip

Most people don’t visit the American Southwest with a snow sled in tow. And, it’s not necessarily practical to add it to this list of items to pack, especially if you’re visiting White Sands on a road trip.

However, one of the best things to do at White Sands National Park is sand sledding down the steep dunes. Fortunately, you can rent a sled at the Visitor Center and spend all day dune sledding!

Other Practical Tips for Visiting White Sands National Park

What's the Best Place to Stay Near White Sands National Park

Camping at White Sands National Park is extremely limited and very rustic. There is no water, no restrooms, and you’ll need to haul all of your gear over the shifting white dunes. I’m sure it’s an amazing experience if you’re into that. But I’m not ashamed to admit that I prefer running water and electricity!

For modern-day accommodations, you have two options:

Alamogordo, about 20 miles east of the park
Las Cruces, about 50 miles southwest of White Sands

While Alamogordo is closer to White Sands, Las Cruces is a larger city with a wider selection of attractions, accommodations, and amenities.

If you head east to Alamogordo, a safe bet is the Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites on Kerry Ave. For more unique experience, stay at the Tavares Inn. Located on five acres just west of the Sacramento Mountains, this beautiful bed and breakfast is a pet-friendly accommodation.

Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces is a beautiful hotel that embraces the city’s Spanish and Mexican culture with original artwork, beautiful textiles, and tasteful furnishings.

Or fully immerse yourself in the area’s rich history by staying at Josefina’s Old Gate. This quaint adobe house is located in historic Mesilla, a small district in the southwest part of Las Cruces once frequented by Wild West legends like Billy the Kid and Pancho Villa.

Sage Advice: Here are several recommendations for visiting Las Cruces including the best Mexican restaurants in town.

What to Wear to White Sands National Park

It’s not uncommon to experience a 30 degree Fahrenheit difference in temperature at White Sands National Park. Dress in layers so that it’s easy to bundle up or strip down accordingly. It’s also a good idea to sport bright colors — like hot pink or hunter safety orange — so that you’re easier to spot if you get lost or disoriented.

The gypsum sand is very fine and will get into every nook and cranny of your tennis shoes or hiking shoes. So unless you plan on walking several miles or really need the ankle support, I recommend wearing hiking sandals or even going barefoot at White Sands National Park. I absolutely love my Keen hiking sandals because I can toss them in the washing machine when I get home!

No matter what time of year you visit White Sands, the sun reflecting off of the soft white sand can cause severe sunburns. Be sure to wear a apply sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses.

Sage Advice: Here are more tips on what to wear to White Sands National Park.

Best time to visit White Sands National Park

My favorite time to visit White Sands is in the spring or fall. The days are longer than in winter, but the weather is more mild than summer. Visiting White Sands in the spring allows you to see the desert in bloom. And when you visit White Sands in the fall, the summer heat is usually gone (and so are most of the visitors).

Can you take dogs to White Sands National Park?

Yes, dogs are allowed to visit White Sands National Park with you! Your furry best friend needs to be on a leash and under your control at all times.

Can you take sand from White Sands National Park?

An important component of Leave No Trace is that you leave what you find when enjoying our national parks. That includes the soft cool white sand at White Sands National Park.

Have You Visited White Sands National Park?

What did you do when you visited? Is there anything you’d add to this list of what to take to White Sands? Share your comments below.

Ready to Go?
Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!

Find low fares with airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner
Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
Or take the scenic route on an epic road trip in a rental car or an RV from Outdoorsy
From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or Vrbo
Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from eBags
Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with CityPASS, Tiqets, and Viator
Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!

Search Results for “las cruces” – Everyday Wanderer

What to Wear to White Sands National Park

Have You Visited White Sands National Park?

1. Sunglasses

2. Sunscreen

3. Lip Balm

4. Hat

5. The Right Shoes

6. Layers

7. Bright Colors

8. Whistle

Have You Visited White Sands National Park?

Ready to Go? Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!

The Best Dishes on Southern New Mexico’s Green Chile Trail

Have You Explored the Green Chile Trail?

Map of the Southern New Mexico Green Chile Trail

Sparky’s - Green Chile Cheeseburger

115 Franklin St, Hatch

La Nueva Casita Cafe - Chile Relleno Omelette

195 N Mesquite St, Las Cruces

The Shed - Huevos Rancheros

810 S Valley Dr, Las Cruces

Spotted Dog Brewery - Green Chile Philly

2920 Avenida de Mesilla, Las Cruces

Double Eagle Restaurant - Chicken Mesilla

2355 Calle de Guadalupe, Mesilla

Related Article: Can’t Miss Shops in Historic Mesilla, New Mexico

Lorenzo’s Italian Restaurant - Hatch Green Chile Lasagna

1753 E University Ave, Las Cruces

Luna Rossa - Messicana Pizza or Panini

1321 Avenida de Mesilla, Las Cruces

Chachi’s Mexican Restaurant - Chile Rellenos

2460 S. Locust St, Las Cruces

Aqua Reef - Sushi Rolls and Hatch Green Chile Tempura

141 Roadrunner Pkwy, Las Cruces

La Posta de Mesilla - Chile ‘Rita

2410 Calle de Sa Albino, Mesilla

DH Lescombes - Hatch Green Chile Wine

1720 Avenida de Mesilla, Las Cruces

Caliche’s Frozen Custard - The New Mexican Sundae

590 S Valley Dr and 131 N Roadrunner Pkwy, Las Cruces

Frequently Asked Questions Along the Green Chile Trail

What state is known for green chile?

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What are Hatch green chiles?

What is so special about Hatch green chiles?

How can I tell if my New Mexican green chiles are authentic?

Chile, Chili, and Chilli -- What the heck is the difference?

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What can I make with Hatch green chiles?

Where can I buy Hatch green chiles?

Where can I buy 505 Southwestern green chile products?

Have You Eaten Your Way Along New Mexico’s Green Chile Trail?

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The Best Shops in Historic Mesilla, New Mexico

Map of Old Mesilla Shops

Have You Visited Historic Mesilla?

Silver Assets

Heart of the Desert Pistachios & Wine

Related Article: Why New Mexico’s Award-Winning Chile Pepper License Plate Makes Me Hot

Bowlin's Mesilla Book Center

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Thunderbird de la Mesilla

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Old Barrel Tea & Spice Company

Related Article: Best Mexican Restaurants in Las Cruces and Historic Mesilla

Nambé Mills

Billy the Kid Gift Shop in Historic Mesilla

Chocolate Lady

Legacy Pecans

To Visit Old Mesilla, NM

How far is Mesilla from Las Cruces?

How do I get to Mesilla from Las Cruces?

What else is there to do in Mesilla, NM?

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Have You Visited Historic Mesilla, New Mexico?

Ready to Go? Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!

Best Mexican Restaurants in Las Cruces (and the Neighboring Town of Mesilla)

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