Caroline & Salomon
Things To Do
White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park is about a 50-minute drive from Mesilla and is our top recommendation for out-of-town guests. If you have a car, it's a great place to visit, especially on Thursday or early Friday if you're looking for something to do before the welcome party. Plan to spend 4–6 hours for the trip, which includes the drive. White Sands is home to the world’s largest gypsum sand dunes, a distinctive landscape recognized for its rare geological features. The park was established to protect its unique ecosystem, which supports a variety of desert plant and animal species adapted to this extreme environment. We both grew up visiting this park—playing in the dunes, sledding down the soft white sand, and taking in its beauty. Whether you want to hike, take a scenic drive, or simply relax and enjoy the views, it’s a must visit. With opportunities for adventure, photography, and peaceful moments in nature, White Sands is the perfect place to explore before the celebrations begin.
Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces
The Farmers and Crafts Market of Las Cruces is open on Saturdays and Wednesdays at 8:30 AM, making it an ideal spot to visit and have breakfast before the Catholic wedding ceremony. It’s just a 5-minute drive from both the wedding reception venue, church, and recommended hotels. Since 1971, the market has grown from a small group of local farmers to a vibrant community gathering, stretching across seven blocks in Downtown Las Cruces. The area has a unique charm, cafes, boutique shops, and local galleries to explore. Beyond the market, you’ll find a variety of local goods—everything from fresh produce and food trucks to handcrafted jewelry and unique art. The atmosphere is perfect for relaxing or grabbing a breakfast before the catholic ceremony, with plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the pleasant weather and live music. Whether you're shopping, sipping coffee, or simply taking in the sights, the market offers a great chance to experience the local culture and community vibe.
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
Dripping Springs Trail is just a 15-minute drive from Mesilla and an easy hike accessible for all fitness levels. The 1.5-hour hike is a perfect way to start the morning before the wedding ceremony or Sunday’s farewell brunch (budget 2-3 hours total). The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument spans 496,000 acres, known for its desert landscapes and rich history. The area was designated to protect its ecosystems, cultural sites, and scenic views. The jagged peaks, resembling organ pipes, gave the range its name and are a prominent feature of the monument. The hike is short and easy, with wildlife sightings, natural springs, and even a waterfall. Along the way, you'll pass rugged cliffs, old homesteads, and remnants of early ranching. The trail has informational signs that tell the region’s story, and benches provide places to sit and enjoy the scenery. Whether you're looking for a relaxing walk or a chance to learn, the hike is a great way to experience New Mexico’s beauty.
Old Mesilla Plaza
The Mesilla Plaza is located just outside the Basilica of San Albino—a 5-minute walk or 1-minute drive from the reception venue. With the ceremony ending at 2 p.m. and the reception starting at 4:30 p.m., it's a great spot to spend between 30 minutes to several hours during the in-between time. The plaza is lined with historic adobe buildings and steeped in local lore. It was the site of the 1854 Gadsden Purchase and even hosted Billy the Kid’s trial in 1881. Designated as a National Historic Landmark and part of the Mesilla Historic District, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. When you're there, take a leisurely stroll through local shops, art galleries, and cafés, and make sure to use the adobe backdrop to capture a memorable photo of your wedding attire. Enjoy the open space and relaxed atmosphere as you soak up the local charm and history while you pass the time between events, also known as the "Catholic Gap."
Restaurants - Local Favorites
La Posta (For something truly local...) Just a 5-minute walk from the venue, La Posta has been serving New Mexican classics since 1939. Housed in a former stagecoach stop with colorful tiles and folk art, it’s the place for chile rellenos, enchiladas, and margaritas. Hacienda de Mesilla (Great food and very convenient location...) Located inside the welcome party venue and sharing a parking lot with the wedding reception, Hacienda de Mesilla offers a relaxed atmosphere with local favorites and timeless dishes, perfect before or after the event. Double Eagle (If you want upscale & spooky...) A 5-minute walk from the venue, Double Eagle serves steaks and regional specialties in a historic adobe setting. Its slightly eerie charm makes it a distinctive choice for a special meal. DS Lescombs (If you want wine...) Part of New Mexico’s largest vineyard, DS Lescombs offers award-winning wines paired with a diverse menu of regional and classic dishes, all in a stylish and inviting setting.
Quick Bites - Very Local & Casual
Andele's Dog House (For Casual Southwestern Bites...) Located just across from Andele Restaurant, Andele's Dog House offers a laid-back patio with fountains and greenery. The menu features the best green enchiladas in town, specialty burgers, and unique appetizers. Taqueria Chavez (For Authentic Tacos...) Taqueria Chavez specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine, offering a variety of tacos, tortas, and quesadillas. Popular items include their shrimp tacos and quesabirria. Salud! Mesilla (For Light Lunch or Breakfast...) Situated in Mesilla, Salud! offers a menu featuring fresh, local ingredients in a relaxed atmosphere. It's an excellent choice for a light lunch or breakfast. Dicks Burgers (For No-Nonsense Burgers...) Dicks Burgers is a straightforward, no-frills spot known for its classic burgers and laid-back environment, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Local Watering Holes
Dry Point Distillers (Craft Spirits Enthusiasts) Dry Point Distillers is a family-owned craft distillery and cocktail bar producing handcrafted spirits, including gin, brandy, whiskey, and vodka, all infused with local New Mexico flavors. Try their old fashioned! Bosque Brewing Co. – Las Cruces Public House (Craft Beer Enthusiasts) Bosque Brewing Co. provides a variety of craft beers brewed on-site in a spacious taproom, complemented by a full menu and frequent food truck offerings. Spotted Dog Brewery (Unfiltered Craft Beers) A family-owned microbrewery in Mesilla, Spotted Dog Brewery serves unfiltered craft beers in a relaxed setting, featuring a rotating menu of unique brews. El Patio Cantina (Historic Ambiance) Situated in a historic building dating back to 1858, El Patio Cantina offers a divey atmosphere with live music on weekends and a full-service bar.