Claire & Spencer
Things To Do
Old Mesilla
Declared a state monument in 1957 because of its significance in the history of the state and the USA, Old Mesilla will bring you right back into the set of a western movie. Great shops, boutiques, and restaurants (La Posta or the Double Eagle). We'll have an informal gathering at the Patio bar here the night before the wedding. Old Mesilla Plaza is definitely a step back into Colonial Mexico and walk-able (longish) to the Drury Inn.
White Sands
Make time on your visit to New Mexico for this amazing wonder of the world. White Sands is about an hour from our wedding venue, less from Las Cruces proper. Plan on about a half day to see this amazing place and walk around on the sand dunes. Do not get lost! We want to party with you!
Dripping Springs Road
We know our crowd. Want to get out for a hike in the beautiful New Mexico desert? Dripping Springs is a great area with all sorts of trail systems. Please enjoy a taste of the desert southwest and see the beautiful Organ mountains.
La Posta De Mesilla
It's a classic restaurant in southern New Mexico. Claire's dad grew up just a few blocks from this awesome restaurant. Try the chile con queso!
Organ Mountains
Once you see them, you'll never forget them. We have some serious rock climbers in the group—these are some serious rocks! It will be perfect climbing season while we are there!
Double Eagle
This is a very cool historic bar and restaurant off the plaza in Mesilla. Try the green chile margarita! It's apparently haunted, too...
New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum
Claire's family is rooted deep in the farming and ranching community of New Mexico. Take a walk through this fascinating museum to learn more about New Mexico's dynamic and important role in agriculture. Bonus points if you can find Claire's great grandmother's photo in the museum! Did you see the wooden horse with the former governor's saddle? Horse made by Claire's grandfather, John Bigbee.
El Patio Bar
One of the oldest bars in New Mexico! We'll party here after the welcome party on Friday night. Maybe you'll end up here after the wedding, too?!
Andele's Dog House
This is a great taco bar and salsa hot spot! Not salsa dancing - salsa BAR! All the salsas. The green chile is sort of like a hybrid between chile con queso and green chile. Needless to say, it's freakin' delicious.
Chopes Bar & Cafe
Whenever Claire and Spencer visit New Mexico, this is high on his list of places to eat! The food is great, and it's owned by a fantastic local family for many generations. Very 'authentic' New Mexico spot for drinks! Chopes is less than a mile from the Bigbee Farm (wedding venue), so you could drop in before the wedding, have some queso and cerveza....
Santa Fe
This is where Claire grew up. There are so many things to do here! It's a 45 minute drive north of Albuquerque (so a full 5 hours north of Las Cruces/La Mesa!) so we recommend adding this to the beginning or end of your trip.
Meow Wolf
Note: this is in Santa Fe! 4+ hours from La Mesa. Put this on your list of MUST-DO activities if you end up adding a trip to Santa Fe before/after the wedding. It's an interactive art-exhibit with over 70 rooms, each designed by a different artist. Plan for about 2-3 hours to get through Meow Wolf. It gets busy, so plan for that too!