Things To Do
Las Cruces
Las Cruces is the second largest city in New Mexico, and also Eleanor's hometown. Located at the base of the beautiful Organ Mountains National Monument, Las Cruces has so much art, culture, and yes, incredible New Mexican food to indulge in. The Rio Grande River cuts through the city and brings greenery and life to the desert landscape. Las Cruces is known for its stunning sunsets, which can make the Organ Mountains appear to change colors- From brown, to orange and purple as the sun continues to set. Things to do and see: Las Cruces Farmer's Market on Main Street - Saturday Mornings Museum of Nature and Science New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum Coas Bookstore Dripping Springs Hiking Trail Take a stroll around New Mexico State University Places to stay: Hotel Encanto Ramada Inn Hilton Garden Inn Places to eat: A Bite of Belgium (Breakfast and Brunch) Andale's Dog House Lescombs Winery and Bistro Si Señor The Pecan Grill and Brewery Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery
Mesilla
The village of Mesilla is connected to Las Cruces and is one of Scott and Eleanor's favorite places to visit when they are in New Mexico. Enjoy the best New Mexican food at Andale's Dog House or La Posta de Mesilla, or stop into the Double Eagle restaurant for a cocktail and dinner for a beautiful, historic (and possibly haunted) experience. Things to do and see: Mesilla Plaza Shops The Fountain Movie Theater (Single movie theater, usually shows independent or foreign films) Places to eat: Andale's Dog House La Posta (Even if you don't eat here, go inside to look around) The Double Eagle (Even if you don't eat here, go inside to look around) Chala's (Get the Chala's Iced Tea) El Patio (Old-School dive bar) DH Lescombs Winery and Bistro (The green chili pasta is amazing)
White Sands National Park
Located 52 miles east of Las Cruces, the White Sands National Park is a must-see location when traveling through southern New Mexico. The largest white gypsum dune field on earth, stretching out across 145,762 acres, White Sands is an incredible sight to drive into and offers trails for hiking and moonlight guided walks. Or pick up a plastic disc at the gift shop before driving in so you can enjoy New Mexico's version of snow sledding down a hill of white sand!
Lincoln
Lincoln was made famous by the Lincoln County War (1878–1881), one of the most violent periods in New Mexico history. It was then that Billy the Kid forever etched his legend into American history and memory as he escaped the local courthouse, killed two deputies, and rode out of town on a stolen horse.
Ruidoso
Ruidoso is a picturesque village within the Lincoln national forest. Enjoy a cozy stay in a mountain cabin, or walk along the main street on Sudderth Road for lovely shopping opportunities at the boutiques and trading posts. There are also a number of casinos in the area, if that's your thing!
Roswell
Roswell, NM is on the eastern side of the state. Brimming with small-town charm and hospitality, Roswell's main street maintains the look and feel of a place instilled with mid-century aesthetic and nostalgia, mixed, of course, with the images of space Aliens on every corner! Yes, you may have heard about the alleged Roswell "UFO Incited" of 1949. Are you a beliver? You might be after a visit to Roswell's UFO Museum. Roswell Restaurants: Martin's Capitol Cafe
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
High ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus, and desert wildlife—treasures above the ground in the Chihuahuan Desert. Hidden beneath the surface are more than 119 caves—formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone leaving behind caverns of all sizes.
Albuquerque
The largest city in New Mexico, Albuquerque is more than just the city that Breaking Bad was filmed in. Great food, historic sights, and entertainment can be found in this city. You'll have to come back for The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta that occurs every October - is incredible to experience! There's also apparently a Breaking Bad RV tour that you can take. Albuquerque restaurants: Frontier Restaurant For those Breaking Bad fans: Twister's (Los Pollos Hermanos) Dog House
Santa Fe
Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico. With beautiful landscapes and architecture, Santa Fe is a unique destination for New Mexican and Native American culture. Things to do and see: Santa Fe Plaza Georgia O'Keeffe Art Museum Meow Wolf's Immersive Art Installation