Curator’s statement
Embark on a captivating journey through New Mexico's treasures. From the historic charm of Old Mesilla to the city of Las Cruces to the ethereal beauty of White Sands National Park and the tranquil retreat of Cloudcroft, our weekend guide unveils the heart of the Land of Enchantment. Discover the rich culture, natural wonders and hidden gems that await your exploration. Your New Mexico adventure begins here!
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Where to stay
Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces
Where Southwestern elegance and hospitality unite in the heart of New Mexico.
Hacienda de Mesilla
Where timeless New Mexican charm meets modern luxury.
The Lodge at Cloudcroft
A tranquil mountain retreat where history and nature embrace.
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Day 1: Old Town Mesilla
Old Town Messilla is a unique stop if you're traveling to Las Cruces. It is a National Historic Landmark and where the famous Western Outlaw Billy the Kid was tried and convicted.
Places to Stop
La Posta: If authentic Mexican food and margaritas are on your list, this restaurant cannot be missed! Cocktails, food and ambiance are all top-notch!
Billy the Kid Gift Shop: A great place for unique souvenirs.
Heart of the Desert Pistachios & Wines: Another great spot to check out gifts and take a taste of New Mexico-grown pistachios and wines.
D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro: A great option for a meal or a wine tasting!
Double Eagle: If you're in for an incredible dinner and a little ghost story, this place is perfect. This upscale restaurant had amazing dry-aged steaks, chile dishes (the wontons were amazing) and a really cool history. We loved the atmosphere and our service was wonderful.
Day 2: White Sands National Park & Cloudcroft
Morning: White Sands
White Sands is a fairly new National Park, and it is one that is unique. The white gypsum creates beautiful dunes for miles! This is a perfect place for cool pictures, but also would be so fun with kids because they can run around and play on the dunes or even sled down!
We went during the White Sands Balloon Festival (the 2nd weekend of September) and there were a lot of people, so we can't wait to return on a day where there isn't an event and the crowds aren't so overwhelming!
Afternoon/Lunch: Cloudcroft
Cloudcroft could be a stand-alone weekend getaway too, but we were so close, we wanted to stop in and have some of their famous BBQ for lunch. It is about 45-60 minutes from the Visitor Center at White Sands.
To Do in Cloudcroft
Mad Jack's BBQ - One of the best BBQ meals we've EVER had. There are lines out the door and for a good reason. I highly recommend the Brisket Burrito! We also loved the chili, beans and potato salad!
Festivals: We were lucky enough to catch Lumberjack Days Festival, which added a fun element to the day!
Cloudcroft Brewery: A great spot for a local craft beer and some pizza.
Shopping: There are so many unique shops in the heart of their cozy downtown.
Hiking: Located in the heart of the Lincoln National Forest, there is a great selection of hiking trails. We didn't have enough time for this but will be back to explore more!
Day 3: Las Cruces
If you have some extra time and want to check out more of New Mexico, Las Cruces downtown has some fun options to explore as well:
Amador Live: A live music spot and patio restaurant.
Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces: Artisans, food trucks and more, this is a great stop if you're there on a Wednesday or Saturday morning!
Icebox Brewing & Bonyard Cantina: This spot is heavily decorated with a New Mexico feel and has a great selection of local brews. We loved the hatch chile cheese fries!
Grounded: A great coffee shop that also has wood-fired pizza and a wine lounge!
Need to know
We fell in love with the New Mexico vibe and will definitely return to spend more time in each of the locations. This was a perfect sampling of all that New Mexico has to offer!
Travel Advisor
Alexandra Duhl
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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, 4 Epic Hikes in 4 Days: Southern Utah National Parks.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to New Mexico.