Just Passing Through Las Cruces, NM? Think Again!

Gabby Cohn
Nov 6, 2023
4 min read

They call New Mexico The Land of Enchantment with its beautiful mountains, deserts, and scenery, but many people often forget about the town called Las Cruces. Las Cruces, New Mexico is a place that most people just pass through and disregard. I recently told a coworker I was going there for a road trip and she said, “ What?! I drive right through that place and don’t ever look back!” To the contrary, Las Cruces is one of my favorite spots in New Mexico to visit. There are stunning views of The Organ Mountains Desert Peaks surrounding the entire town, shopping at the historic Mesilla Shopping center, killer food options with plenty of green chili, and adventurous hikes like the Dripping Springs. My favorite things about this town are the desert vistas with cacti around every corner and the American Western culture that will make you feel like a trailblazer. There is nothing like a weekend trip out to Las Cruces!

There are many hot spots you have to visit in Las Cruces but I will just name a few of my favorites. Oddly enough, the best Belgian Waffles I have ever had are located in Las Cruces at a local restaurant called A Bite of Belgium. My favorite dish is the 3- Cream Lemon Mousse Waffles… I know, just the name sounds incredible. These waffles are the perfect amount of dense and crunchy and the lemon mousse with the added blueberries will make it dance in your mouth. Throw in a fresh Kiwi mimosa and your day is off to a great start. If you want more savory items there are also delicious omelets and lunch meals. This restaurant is a must stop for me when I go to Las Cruces. If you are looking for more of a Wine and Dine experience you can check out the local wineries, my favorite was the Rio Grande Winery. This winery has indoor and outdoor seating with a relaxing stone fountain, outdoor string lighting and a fun ambience for you and your friends to enjoy. It is a great spot if you are looking for a little bit of nightlife!

On another sweet note, The Chocolate Lady is a small chocolate shop located in the historic Mesilla Shopping Center. The chocolates are all made by hand with lots of flavors! I ordered the dark chocolate covered orange peel and the milk chocolate sea salt caramel. Once you have your chocolate in hand you can enjoy the rest of the Mesilla town. The Mesilla adobe homes were established in 1849 and over the years travelers and people passing through helped turn the town into a hoping place for business. Between 1860- 1863 Augustin Maurin hand fired his own bricks to build his shop, the Leonart-Maurin Store, and the same structure still stands today as one of New Mexico’s oldest brick buildings. Every aspect of Mesilla makes you reflect on the history of the town, the culture of New Mexico, and the freedom it represented for so many people who had walked those sidewalks before me. It is truly a hidden gem and worth the trip.

Now, if history is boring to you and you're looking for some adventure, Las Cruces has that too! My favorite hike has to be the Fillmore Crawford Canyon trail in the Organ Mountains. It is a pretty short round trip hike so you can take the kids and the dogs if you want to (I took my chihuahua!). You climb up and down big rocks and see the sun’s glare in between the beautiful glistening formations. The views are worth the journey and the silent terrain will make you feel like you are on another planet. There is also the Dripping Springs trail which will lead you to the springs that served as a reservoir for the Dripping Springs Motel and also some great views of the Mesilla Valley. The Organ Mountains Desert Peaks have endless hiking trails and you can bring your bikes, go camping, or do anything else that will make it more fun and unique for your trip!

Lastly, when you go to Las Cruces, you will need a place to stay! I always check out Airbnbs, I have linked a few at the bottom of this article. I usually stay in remodeled shipping containers fully equipped with a kitchen, washer and dryer, and plenty of space to lounge. There are also hotels in the area you can get for good deals like Marriot, Hilton, Holiday Inn Express, and more. There is also a Bed and Breakfast called Lundeen Inn of the Arts (also linked below) if you are looking for a unique experience. If you are on a budget, you can grab your tent and lanterns for camping or bring your RV/camper van when the weather is in a warmer season. Any way you view it, you have a place to stay in Las Cruces!

As you can see, Las Cruces is not just a place to pass through and forget about. Las Cruces is a place that will bring out the wonders of New Mexico in ways you have never experienced before. It has beautiful people, so much life, exquisite adventure, and delicious food. It has been a special spot for me as I have traveled through the state of New Mexico and it will always hold a special place in my heart. There is beauty in even the most unlikely of places, you just need to look around you. There is a noteworthy quote I read once that said,