Las Cruces, NM: What To Do Here
But there still is plenty to do, see, and eat in Las Cruces. Here's a recap on what to do in Las Cruces, and the "Best of" Las Cruces, based on what we saw...
Best Motel in Las Cruces
Motel 6
235 La Posada Ln
(575) 525-1010
Yeah, anytime you bring up Motel 6, you already know what to expect. Small rooms, basic stuff, old beds, dirty carpets, noisy neighbors.
But, we were impressed with this place. This is one of the few Motel 6's that have kitchenettes. Only some of the rooms have them, and we booked one. At a weekly rate, the price comes to $38.00 a night. That comes with a full size kitchen, full size refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, television, pots, pans, dishes, silverware, dining table and chairs. Queen size bed, and really good water pressure. So far, it's been relatively quiet here. Haven't experienced any problems, and the rooms seem a little cleaner than most Motel 6's.
Best Mexican Food in Las Cruces
310 S. Mesquite St
(575) 524-0003
http://www.nopalitosrestaurants.com/
Opened in 1964, Nopalito's is one of Las Cruces' older Mexican restaurants still in operation. Built inside of an old Church, it's located in the historic adobe section of town along Mesquite St. The restaurant does not serve alcohol out of respect for the building's past. I found their green chile salsa amazing. Victor, the owner, says they get orders from out of state for their salsa. The Chile Con Carne is very rich with the flavor of red chile peppers, but not hot.
Best Craft Beer in Las Cruces
High Desert Brewing Company
1201 W. Hadley Ave
(575) 525-6752
http://www.highdesertbrewingco.com/
It's a tough call, but I'm giving it to High Desert Brewing Company because their beer has a more hand-crafted, "home brew" character than the other local craft brewers. Their service sucks, however, and their food is nothing to write home about. But they do have a great ambiance, and a nice outdoor patio. Their barley wine is perhaps the best of their brews.
Honorable mention to Mimbres Valley Brewing Taproom for a good belgian style double, and nice, friendly staff. De La Vega's Pecan Grill and Brewery is more upscale, with better food, and good beer. However, it's technically not a craft brewery, it's contracted out to another brewer. I didn't get to try Q's Pasta Steak Brewhouse.
Best Dive Bar
Palacio Bar
2600 Avenida De Mesilla
Mesilla, NM 88046
(575) 525-2910
Technically, Palacio Bar is not in Las Cruces, but in nearby Mesilla. Technically, we didn't get a chance to go there, because they wanted $5.00 cover per person, and I wasn't willing to pay. And technically, we didn't find any other dive bars in Las Cruces, considering it's a college town. But we were told this place is a real dive, and it was recommended by many others.
What To Do in Las Cruces
World's Largest Chile Pepper: Located in the parking lot of America's Best Value Inn along Picacho Ave, it's a massive chile pepper made out of concrete. Pretty much good for just photo ops, however it does have interesting information about the common chile pepper varietals grown in New Mexico.
Old Town Mesilla: Mesilla was once capital of the Arizona Territory, and was where Billy the Kid was sentenced to death. Many of the original adobe structures still stand. Today, it's filled with shops, museums, and restaurants.
Las Cruces Farmer's Market: Located on Main Street inside the city center, the market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The city center is also filled with shops and restaurants.
Good Motorcycle Riding
Pecan Groves, Hwy 28, from Mesilla to La Mesa.
Hwy 28 runs through several pecan groves, at one point the trees branch over the highway creating a tunnel effect. When in La Mesa, stop at Chope's Cafe & Bar, said to have great Mexican food and a popular watering hole for bikers. You can continue a few more miles south to Vado, and take Hwy 478 back into Las Cruces.
Hwy 185 to Hatch
We didn't get a chance to do this, but this highway meanders north along the Rio Grande to Hatch, which is said to be home to the world's best chile peppers. The road takes you past Leasburg Dam State Park.
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| World's Largest Chile Pepper, Picacho Ave, Las Cruces |
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| Sash with Bike, Las Cruces |
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| Highway, at Veteran's Memorial Park, Las Cruces |
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| Sash being her sashy self. |
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| Chope's Cafe & Bar, La Mesa, NM |
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| Organ Mountains, Las Cruces, Dripping Springs Rd |
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| Highway 28, Pecan Orchards, La Mesa, NM |
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| Mass quantities of beer, Mimbres Valley Taproom, Las Cruces |
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| Old Town Mesilla, NM |
Steve:
ReplyDeleteMy preferred road meal would be Mexican. We don't have many up here but there are lots in Southern WA and Oregon.
I love your sassy photo of Sash. You seem to be doing it right, riding and eating across the USA
ride safe, hope to see you on the road
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
Seems like the best Mexican food comes from the taquerias, at least down in Southern California. But here in Southern New Mexico, the chile peppers seem to be so much more flavorful, and I love food that's rich with chile pepper flavor.
DeleteThe little black dress goes well with the boots! It also appears Asphalt Annie must have found a friend, as she isn't riding tail in these pictures.
ReplyDeleteJust observations from the chair.
Poor little Annie, someone on Facebook is stalking her, so she's been afraid to go out.
DeleteI had to laugh when you said the High Desert Brewing Company had great beer but crappy service and mediocre food. I always find restaurants with something you are willing to keep coming back for lack in other areas because they somehow know you will overlook it because they are just so awesome in that one special way.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures on this post. I feel like I am right there with you.
Good traveling.