Las Cruces is a modern comfortable city in Southern New Mexico with a population of about 67,000 people. The primary local resources are mining and agriculture, including the largest Pecan Fields in the Southwest (Stahman Farms) and many thousands of acres devoted to Chili farming.

Las Cruces enjoys fair temperatures year around. Summertime temperatures usually run in the high 80's to mid 90's. Wintertime temperatures stay above freezing most of the time, with an occasional snowfall and temperature drops into the teens. Las Cruces receives an average of 7 inches of rain each year, with about 2/3rds of that falling in the summer months of July and August.

Cox Ranch and Dripping Springs Resort Dripping Springs Resort was originally built by Col. Eugene Van Patten in the 1870's and was called the Van Patten's Mountain Camp. It had approximately 16 rooms, a large dining room, and a concert hall. Today, Cox Ranch and the ruins of the Dripping Springs Resort lie scattered along the canyon preserving the memory of Col. Van Patten and the many famous and not-so-famous who visited there. Located at the end of University Avenue at the base of the Organ Mountains. This area is under the direction of the Bureau of Land Management (505) 525-4300. The road is gravel and is maintained by the county. Conditions may not be suitable for passenger cars during periods after hard rains.

Aguirre Springs Recreation Area Open year-round where you can hike, camp, or have a picnic in the breathtaking mountain scenery. Horse trails are available for the horseback rider also. Aguirre Springs is the site of the famous Baylor Pass Run held each November. Bring your own water. Located 22 miles northeast of Las Cruces on Highway 70 east. This area is under the direction of the Bureau of Land Management (505) 525-4300.

A New Mexico village dating to the 1500's. Mesilla was the crossroads of the El Camino Real and the Butterfield-Overland Stagecoach route. Billy the Kid was once convicted of murder here and broke out of jail before his sentence was carried out. The Gadsden Purchase was signed in 1854 which made this territory part of the United States of America. In 1861 Old Mesilla was the western headquarters of the Confederacy. The village retains the charm and ambiance of a slower, more colorful time in New Mexico history. Today Old Mesilla is known for its restaurants, museums, and art galleries. Located three miles south of Las Cruces on Highway 28. (505) 526-6220.

With all this gorgeous scenery and beautiful weather, who would want to stay indoors? In fact, Las Cruces' abundant outdoor life is one of the best reasons people choose to live here. So grab the sunscreen and the water bottle and come on out.

Water in the middle of the desert? You bet, and lots of it. Over 50,000 acres in the two lakes combined. Year round fishing, camping, biking, water skiing, windsurfing or just splashing your toes. Unexpected beauty as cactus and creosote meet a vast waterscape. North on I-25 about 50 miles. Elephant Butte (505)744-5421, Caballo (505)589-1131

It's a rare day that's not perfect golf weather in Las Cruces. Wife doing the shopping tour? Head for: Las Cruces Country Club on Highway 70 East, (505)526-9723, open to the public; New Mexico State University Golf Course, University and Telshor Avenue, (505)646-3219, open to the public; or Picacho Hills Country Club and Golf Course, 6861 Via Campestre, (505)523-2556, reciprocal agreements with other club memberships.

Country & western swing to pas de deux, piano bar jazz to symphony overtures, three-act plays to three-penny operas: Las Cruces nightlife has much to offer!

Nightclubs in the city cater to many musical tastes. Several popular spots have large dance floors and pulsating music. A less exhilerating evening can be spent sipping cocktails at a piano bar or dancing to the sounds of yesteryear.

New Mexico State University promotes major concerts, inviting popular artists to the campus' Pan Am Center (ticket information, 505-646-1420). The NMSU Music Department offers free jazz, classical and pop concerts (505-646-2421).

Performing at the Music Center at NMSU, the Las Cruces Symphony hosts world-renowned musicians and is comprised of talented and dedicated students, faculty and community musicians.

The American Southwest Theatre Company brings classic dramas, comedies, musicals and original works to the Hershel Zohn Theatre at NMSU. ASTC is headed by Mark Medoff, A Tony Award winner for his play, "Children of a Lesser God." Ambitious amateur players put on a full season of entertainment at the Las Cruces Community Theatre. And, diverse dance programs are performed by the Las Cruces Chamber Ballet.

Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market-(Every Wednesday and Saturday Morning) - One of the best outdoor markets. Home baked goods, local honey, crafts of all kinds, fresh produce and more. Great friendly atmosphere. Downtown Mall. (505)526-0671

Norwest New Mexico Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally-(Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Weekend) Dozens of colorful hot air balloons decorate the sky. Music, food fun. At Burn Lake (505)524-1968

Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament-(Mid April) Sign up a team of 3 players, or just come out to watch the tournament events. Prizes, food, and other Basketball contests and demonstrations. On Hadley street in Las Cruces (505)523-2681

Annual Feria de Arte Picante-(Last Weekend in April) Celebrate Hispanic and Native American folk art. Booths with 80 artists. Multi-cultural music and dancing. Young Park. (505)523-6403

Cinco De Mayo Fiesta-(First Weekend in May)Celebration of the famous Battle of Puebla in Mexico. Old Mesilla Plaza. (505)525-8313

New Mexico Wine and Chile War Festival (Memorial Day Weekend) - Whose Chile is the Best? Join the fun as New Mexico takes on all challengers. Lots of fantastic food. One of our hottest events. Dona Ana County Fairgrounds. (505)646-4543

Juneteenth Celebration-(Third Saturday in June) Come to a party in honor of Black history and culture. Apodaca Park. (505)524-2906

San Juan Fiesta-(Third Weekend in June) Two days of music, celebration, turtle races and lots of local food in old world traditional style. Our Lady of Guadalupe Church-Tortugas, Parish Hall. (505)526-8171

Annual Fourth of July Electric Light Parade (July 3rd) - Floats, carriages, all kinds of vehicles, all covered in lights. Starts at NMSU Pan American Center. (505)526-0668

Annual Fourth of July Celebration (July 4th) - All the traditional activities plus a few unusual ones; Litter Olympics, Trash 'n Toss, and a kids parade. Young Park. (505)526-0668

The Diez y Seis de Septiembre Fiesta (second weekend) - Parade, costumes, food and festivities. A real hispanic wedding. Old Mesilla Plaza. (505)525-8313

Southern New Mexico State Fair (Fourth Wednesday through Sunday in September) - Livestock, rides, food and entertainment. Dona Ana County Fairgrounds. (505)524-6897

The Whole Enchilada Fiesta (first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October) - How big is the world's biggest enchilada? Have a bite yourself. Downtown Mall. (505)527-3939

Annual Renaissance Craftfaire (First Weekend in November) - Jousting, jugglers and gypsies from the days of old. A "merrie olde tyme" at Young Park. (505)523-6403

Annual Baylor Pass Run (Second Saturday in November) - 5.9 miles of rugged mountain trail. Open to all ages. Great prizes. Baylor Pass-East of Las Cruces. (505)524-7824

Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 10,11,12) - The faithful climb of 'A' Mountain near the University. Glittering lights from candles and bonfires at dusk. Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Tortugas. (505)526-8171

"When its time for a move, we make it easier"

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gsells@zianet.com

Broker at Monarch Real Estate

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