Las Cruces, NM

Las Cruces is an amazing city with lots of things to do. Whether you are a visitor or a local resident you'll find all sorts of fun activities going on in Las Cruces. Festivals and Fiestas with a Southwest flair, like The Whole Enchilada Fiesta, Dia de los Muertos, the Franciscan Fine Arts Festival and the Renaissance Arts Faire are just a few of the events that bring artists, vendors and visitors from all over. You'll find world famous restaurants, serving some of the best Mexican dishes around, lots of nice hotels, plus some interesting shopping in Old Mesilla. Click on Las Cruces to find out more about the "City of the Crosses."  

Dripping Springs Natural Area

Dripping Springs Natural Area is located at the base of the Organ Mountains, about 11 miles East of Las Cruces, NM.

As you travel East up University Avenue, the pavement will end and a gravel road will continue up towards the mountains, just keep going and it will terminate at the Dripping Springs Visitor Center.

Right before you reach the Center, you will see a rock formation on your left, called "La Cueva", meaning "The Cave", very interesting place to stop and investigate.

The Dripping Springs Natural Area is open year-round, from 8:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m. April through September and 8:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. October through March.  There is a day use fee of $3.00 per vehicle and if you would like to reserve a picnic site, the cost is $25.00. The visitor center is open from 8:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m., 505-522-1210.

You will want to make a day of Dripping Springs, pack a picnic lunch, your hiking gear, don't forget water, and head for the mountains.  The scenery is beautiful and the view is spectacular. Hiking trails are well maintained and you'll see lots of wildlife and interesting vegetation. Many rare species of plants can only be found growing in the Organ Mountains. Springtime is a fantastic time to visit, the California Poppies are blooming, lots of other wildflowers dot the countryside and as the name suggests, you may see some dripping springs, especially if it has rained recently.


Bring your camera and show your friends what you did that day, they won't believe you were in the desert of New Mexico.

Going from the valley of Las Cruces to the Organ Mountains is like going to a whole different state, it's amazing how the climate can change in just a few miles.  Tired of the desert, go up to the Mountains!

New Mexico is definitely the Land of Enchantment!

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

Images on this site are copyrighted, 2011.
All rights reserved.

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.