Las Cruces (Ruidoso, Mesilla, White Sands: live, mall, transport)

[Sparrow_temp]

I'm going to be in Las Cruces for a job interview at White Sands -- is there anything that's a must see? I'll only be there a very limited amount of time -- arrive on 5/4, interview on 5/5, depart 5/6.

[ziaAirmac]

Haven't been there in a while sparrow_temp and obviously this is all subjective, but depending on your tastes, there's the hiking in White Sands, the hiking/climbing in and around the Organ mountains (you pass through them going from Las Cruces to White Sands. There's the space museum in Alamagordo (further out than White Sands) and there's old town Mesilla back in 'Cruces. I'm sure there will be other suggestions, but there's something to start with.

[gnubler]

Definitely check out the Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. It's a bustling, fun place to spend your day. Endless things to see and do: a few straggling drunk Mexican guys napping in the shade, peeking into the windows of abandoned storefronts, and staring at the dying Saguaro cactus propped up with ropes that was foolishly transported here from southern AZ. Go nuts!

But seriously, there is My Coas bookstore with over a million titles to browse through. You could theoretically kill an entire afternoon there.

[clairz]

Find that little dirt road at the base of the Organ Mountains and watch the sunset. Drive slowly on the way out, as all the desert wildlife comes out at dusk. Or just stay a while and watch the stars.

~clairz

[mike0421]

I'd go right from the interview and drive the 25 miles east to the White Sands National Monument, and bring a camera. There is a six mile hike there I did, I'd recommend it to anyone new to the area.

[ibarrio]

Old Mesilla

[Hungry For Cheese]

Old Mesilla...my uncle lives in Las Cruces and works at White Sands...What will you be doing? If I may ask...

[mleo]

Old Mesilla is very nice but if you prefer the mountains take a drive to Ruidoso. You can stop by the Inn of the Mountain Gods for some gambling while you're there.

[tecpatl]

Originally Posted by ibarrio

Old Mesilla

y dos Margaritas at the Double Eagle!

In the Organs go visit Aguirre Springs or Dripping Springs if you like scenic hikes.

[Sparrow_temp]

Thank you for all of the suggestions. I am reading them.