USA TRAVEL GUIDE, “SOUTHWEST” NEW MEXICO

 NEW MEXICO: THE LAND OF ENCHANTMENT

BY CLAY LARROY

I am enjoying touring across America, state by state it is a true learning experience.  However as I research each state I am finding it difficult to choose a city as there are many interesting places to visit. I now know that some of the best destinations in the world are right here in our great country America. If this is the year you decided to skip a vacation perhaps when I get to your state I can provide you with information for a wonderful staycation. When you need to plan a vacation contact me!

LAS CRUCES,  "THE CITY OF THE CROSSES"

Nestled in the fertile Mesilla Valley between the majestic Organ Mountains and the meandering Rio Grande, Las Cruces, New Mexico, is quickly becoming a popular southwestern destination.

Our ideal location at the crossroads of Interstate 10 and 25 brings visitors into contact with 72 holes of spectacular year-round golf, unique special events, and historic attractions such as Old Mesilla – not to mention world-class Mexican food! Las Cruces also blends a unique variety of attractions, culture, historical sites and superb year-round weather with 350 days of sunshine per year!!

In addition, Las Cruces, has received several awards including rankings from Money magazine as one of the “best college towns to retire” and from AARP as one of their “dream towns” to retire. Las Cruces has also been ranked by Forbes as one of the best small metro areas for business and careers.

Veteran’s Park Located at Roadrunner Parkway and Mission Road Veteran’s Park is home to the Dona Ana County Veteran’s Wall and the Bataan Death March Monument. The wall features the names of local residents who served bravely in the armed forces. The Bataan Monument is dedicated to the Heroes of Bataan and is the only federally funded monument honoring the victims of the Bataan Death March. Located along Roadrunner Parkway. Branigan Cultural Center The Branigan Cultural Center features in-house and traveling exhibitions, regional historical and permanent collections and the work of local and regional artists. Address: 500 N. Water St Las Cruces NM 88001 Phone: (575) 541-2156

Fort Selden State Monument Fort Selden was built in 1865 by the United States Army to protect the settlers of the Mesilla Valley and was the original home of the Buffalo Soldiers. Today, part of the fort's adobe brick walls remain along with a visitor center featuring exhibits on frontier and military life. Living history demonstrations are occasionally offered on weekends. Address: 1280 Ft. Selden Road Radium Springs NM 88054 Phone: (575) 526-8911

Gadsden Museum This small museum has a bit of history, furniture, art, jewlery, religious artifacts, pictures. While reservations are not required, an advance appointment will insure you will not be disappointed. Tour is 1 1/2 hours, or to your needs. Address: 1875 Boutz Rd. Las Cruces NM 88046 Phone: (575) 526-6293

Las Cruces Museum of Art The Las Cruces Museum of Art hosts traveling exhibits and features the works of regionally and nationally known artists. The exhibits change several times a year and are often accompanied by lectures and demonstrations. Address: 491 N. Main St. Las Cruces New Mexico 88001 Phone: (575) 541-2159

Las Cruces Museum of Nature & Science The museum features live animals and plants of the Chihuahuan Desert, along with hands-on science and natural history exhibits for children. Visiting shows run the gamut from dinosaurs to the solar system. Address: 411 North Main St Las Cruces NM 88001 Phone: (575) 522-3120

Las Cruces Railroad Museum The Railroad Museum interprets the railroading history orf Las Cruces and the Mesilla Valley. Housed in a historic Santa Fe depot, displays include railroading tools, railroadiana, and model trains. Address: 351 N. Mesilla Street Las Cruces NM 88005 Phone: (575) 647-4480

New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum The museum is 47 acres packed with real stories about real people. The interactive museum brings to life the 3,000-year history of farming and ranching in New Mexico. Visitors can watch a cow being milked, stroll along corrals filled with livestock, enjoy gardens or watch hands-on exhibits such as blacksmithing, quilting, water dowsing and more. Living history demonstrations are occasionally offered on weekends. Address: 4100 Dripping Springs Road Las Cruces NM 88011 Phone: (575) 522-4100

New Mexico State University Museum-Kent Hall The Museum collections are primarily anthropological with secondary collections in history and the natural sciences. The collections document the cultural diversity of the border in the greater southwest United States and northern Mexico, focusing on the traditions of ongoing historical and prehistoric cultures. Address: 1280 E. University Ave. Las Cruces New Mexico 88001 Phone: (575) 646-5161

Nopalito's Galleria Nopalitos Galeria has an interesting combination of history and art. Address: 326 S. Mesquite Street Las Cruces NM 88001 Phone: (575) 524-0003

Organ Mercantile Museum A museum and gift shop that documents the history of Organ, NM, a small mining town located east of Las Cruces at the base of the Organ Mountains. Address: 16140 Old Organ Main Street Las Cruces NM 88012 Phone: (575) 382-5614

Shalam Colony & Oahspe Museum The Shalam Colony & Oahspe Mystery Museum is a small museum showcasing the true story of a mysterious manuscript and the first children’s utopia that was created because of it, right here in Las Cruces. Address: 1910 Calle de Parian Las Cruces NM 88007 Phone: (575) 524-9830

Space Murals, Inc. Museum & Gift Shop The museum features a gigantic water tower mural and museum honoring the space program. There is also an astronaut gallery, space artifacts and gift shop. Address: 12450 E Hwy. 70 Las Cruces New Mexico 88052 Phone: (575) 382-0977

The Zuhl Geological Collection at New Mexico State University The Zuhl collection at NMSU showcases thousands of beautiful specimens of petrified wood, fossils and minerals. Address: 775 College Drive Las Cruces NM 88001 Phone: (575) 646-3616

REFERENCE SITES http://www.staysunny.org/ThingsToDo/ http://www.lascrucescvb.org/ http://www.las-cruces.org/  Travel and create wonderful memories for your family!

When people ask me where my roots are, I look down at my feet, and I see the roots of my soul grasping the earth. They are here... in the Southwest... I still live in New Mexico. 
Rudolfo Anaya