Last Blast thru Las Cruces

The uncertain weather propelled us over to Las Cruces New Mexico for 3 days on our way to Albuquerque. After beautiful weather in Tucson we encountered cold blustery conditions in Las Cruces that made me yearn for the sunny south Florida even more. The RV park was literally perched on a mountain side that overlooked the city of Las Cruces, stunning views but man it was windy and cold!

I was  nervous because I was monitoring the weather conditions up in Albuquerque and it wasn't looking good... I had already packed away our winter clothing thinking we wouldn't need a coat since we were ultimately heading south baby!

what a great view

 Sunday we dressed in layers and headed out to find Old Mesilla Plaza which was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1961. Mesilla served as the capital of the Confederate Territory of Arizona. The village of Mesilla was incorporated in 1848 after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo moved the US Mexico border south placing it in the United States. This town is rich in history, the area attracted such figures as Billy the Kid and Pancho Villa and was the crossroads of two major stagecoach lines, Butterfield Stagecoach and Santa Fe Trail.

Old Mesilla square

Billy the Kid has his own gift shop!

We wandered around, chatting with the shopkeepers and enjoyed the charming architecture. I asked one of the locals where he eats lunch and he sent us to a place off the beaten path called Andeles. It was packed for lunch and I know why, authentic Mexican fare!We ate a hearty lunch and had enough to bring home for dinner!

Pork Tacos, lunch and dinner

The interesting thing about this area of  New Mexico is that there are more than 60 wineries, it doesn't make sense to me based on the fact we are in the desert but it must work. We visited the Luna Rossa Winery the next night and had the best green chile pizza with some 2012 Malbec, what a combo! Las Cruces is the second largest city in New Mexico, a population of 95 thousand and 375 restaurants. I think we need to make a follow up visit when it's warmer!

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How about these views?

It was time to hit the road to Albuquerque, the previous day there had been 50 mph winds, thankfully our travel day was sunny with calm winds.

Adios!

Scenic Overlook