Journey Through New Mexico: From Mesilla to White Sands

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.

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!

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!