La Llorona Park, Las Cruces, NM

La Llorona Park in Las Cruces is a wonderful place to spend a lazy, sunny Las Cruces day. Located along the Eastern bank of the Rio Grande river at the Picacho Avenue bridge.

The park is well laid out with nice concrete walkways, large Cottonwood trees and plenty of seating areas.  On a hot summer's day, families can be found bar-be-cueing, fishing and relaxing while children play in the playground.

"La Llorona" is Spanish for "The Crying Lady"

Legend has it that a woman was so crazy in love with a man that she killed her children, by drowning them in the river, just so she could be with him.  He later rejected her and she is said to haunt the area, crying and wandering up and down the river bank looking for them. Only a legend, but still quite a good story when told to children to keep them from straying too close to the river and dangerous irrigation banks!

Beautiful park, well kept up and clean. Get the family together, grab your fishing pole, some worms, a picnic lunch and go enjoy the land of enchantment. On a nice sunny day, I would advise going early, so you can get a good spot, as the park does fill up fast. If the park is too full you can always head further North along the river bank and find your own private hideaway!

Check out www.MeetLasCruces.com for more places to visit and fun things to do in Las Cruces, NM and surrounding areas.

All images on this blog are copyrighted and all rights reserved.

Las Cruces Farmer's and Crafter's Market

The Las Cruces Farmer's and Crafter's Market is ranked number one in New Mexico and eighth in the nation!  Local farmers and craft artists congregate on the downtown mall, every Wednesday and Saturday morning. 


Take your time, wander up and down the yellow brick road and experience all the open-air market has to offer. There are a wide variety of artists, just waiting to show you their creations, some are crafting their items right in front of you.  


Unusual and one-of-a-kind hand made jewelry, exquisite wooden items, pottery, paintings, photographs, soaps and lots of interesting treasures await you.  

Stands of fresh fruit and veggies from local farmers abound.  Homemade breads, muffins, candy and cookies, New Mexico chile and pecan products are just a sampling of the edible goodies available. 

Bring your buddy, your best friend, I'm talking about your dog.  Definitely pet friendly, many different breeds can be seen walking their owners up and down the mall, visiting with their doggy friends. If you need a furry friend, you can adopt one right on the mall, the Animal Service Center of the Mesilla Valley has a stand set up at the South end of the market.


Does strolling make you hungry? Have a hot dog or some Kettle Corn, while being serenaded by local musicians and singers.  

The market is located between Church Street and Water Street in downtown Las Cruces. 
Come join the fun!

For more fun things to do in Las Cruces, NM check out www.MeetLasCruces.com

All images on this page are copyrighted. All rights reserved 2010.

Leasburg State Park Dam - NM

The Leasburg State Park Dam is a great place to go for a Sunday outing and only about 15 miles North of Las Cruces.  Coming from Las Cruces, go North on I-25, take the Radium Springs exit and turn left on Fort Selden Road.  In about 1.7 miles you will cross over an irrigation ditch, take an immediate right on Leasburg Dam Road, the park is at the end of the road.

Although the water below the dam may look inviting and many people do swim and play in it, the Rio Grande must be respected.  The river has a sandy bottom and powerful undertows claim the lives of many every year, by sucking them underwater.  If you do choose to swim in it, my best advice is if you find yourself being pulled underwater, hold your breath and don't fight the current, just let it take you and, if you're lucky, it should spit you out a little further down stream.   

You don't need to go into the water to enjoy the park. Fish along the bank or relax in the shade of a big Cottonwood tree.  There are picnic tables, BBQ grills and lots of space to play.

After a long day at the park, instead of taking the Interstate back to Las Cruces, you could take a leisurely scenic drive on North Hwy 85, also known as North Valley Drive. When leaving the park, take a right at the end of Leasburg Dam Road, go a few feet and at the stop sign take a left on North Valley Drive.  The beautiful Robledo Mountains will be on your right and in the summer you will travel past fields of cotton, chile, corn and alfalfa among others.   Take some pictures!

Check out www.MeetLasCruces.com for fun things to do in Las Cruces, NM and surrounding areas.

All images on this page are copyrighted. All rights reserved 2010.