“Las Cruces is a great place for groups because we offer a little bit of everything. I moved to Las Cruces 20 years ago and still haven’t seen and done it all,” says Rochelle Miller-Hernandez, senior tourism development manager for Visit Las Cruces. “If you’re a proud foodie like me, you can sample, snack or dine at one of our many restaurants, food trucks, wineries or breweries.”
Groups heading to the city in far southern New Mexico can explore its rich and varied culinary offerings by visiting a number of places that highlight its agricultural heritage. Some of the area’s most well-known products are green chiles, pecans and wine.
Travelers can take a deep dive into chile pepper culture at the city’s Chile Pepper Institute then head over to the Legacy Pecans, a family-owned pecan orchard with a store offering samples of sweet and savory pecan treats. Wine enthusiasts can book an excursion with Southwest Expeditions Winery Tours, which offers rides to four area vineyards on Fridays and Saturdays.
Miller-Hernandez also recommends the following four spots for the culinarily curious:
Caliche’s “This Las Cruces staple serves hot dogs, sandwiches and lemonade, but is known to all for the huge selection of custards. After eating a spicy meal, there is nothing better to counterbalance the heat than a cold treat at Caliche’s,” says Miller-Hernandez.
La Posta de Mesilla Spicy flavors, colorful food and fresh ingredients grown in the area can be found at La Posta de Mesilla, which was established in 1939. The Mexican restaurant is located in a historical building that was once a famous hotel.
The Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market Every Saturday, the market teems with life. Bites from a number of local food trucks and restaurants on Main Street are available and range from green chile steak quesadillas to mini-donuts.
Paleteria La Reyna Michoacana “This great little Mexican ice cream shop is located right across the street from Apodaca Park. Stop by for an horchata, a paleta de coco or some fresas con crema, or pick out some Mexican candy to take home,” she says.
For more information, email Miller-Hernandez or go to visitlascruces.com.
Top photo: Green chile farm tour
Photos by Visit Las Cruces and its partners
Support for Courier articles provided by:
A Closer Look Tours
Antelope Canyon Tours
City of Gallup
Royal Gorge Bridge Park
Tourism Santa Fe
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