Santa rosa to las cruces... (Alamogordo, Deming: camping, restaurants, food)

[misdyl]

Our family (myself, hubby, 2 sons (3 and 18 mos), my mom and dad) will be driving (from Kansas) to Arizona through (obviously) New Mexico for Thanksgiving. We'll have time to do a bit of sight seeing along the way in NM. We plan to go south from Santa Rosa to Las Cruces and see the White Sands with a probable stay overnight in Las Cruces.
Is there anything else that is a "must see" along 54 between Santa Rosa and Las Cruces?
We'd love any recommendations for restaurants and things to do / see in Las Cruces and / or the surrounding area!
Thanks for any input!!!

[jaxart]

Originally Posted by misdyl

Is there anything else that is a "must see" along 54 between Santa Rosa and Las Cruces?

If you'll look at a road map you'll see several State Parks that are very close to your route:

Valley of Fires at Carrizozo - a lava flow that contrasts with White Sands.
Three Rivers Petroglyph Site just north of Tularosa.
Aguirre Springs - an easy loop drive off of US-70 to the east of Las Cruces.

A willingness to detour further off your route and spend more time will bring up dozens of other things to see.

As for things to do and see in Las Cruces, there are a number of threads on this web site with tons of information on the L.C. area.

[domino]

I second the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, as well as the nearby camping area.

[jiminnm]

I third the Three Rivers site, as it has some of the best and most accessible petroglyphs around. I think they're even better than those at the Natl Monument in ABQ.

[misdyl]

Thanks!! I'd thought about the petroglyph site, but was not sure how it would be - like if there was only a couple of rocks... but now I think we'll likely plan to stop there too!

What about anything west of Las Cruces - is there anything between there and AZ?

[domino]

Originally Posted by misdyl

Thanks!! I'd thought about the petroglyph site, but was not sure how it would be - like if there was only a couple of rocks... but now I think we'll likely plan to stop there too!

What about anything west of Las Cruces - is there anything between there and AZ?

City of Rocks State Park is not too far off the interstate near Deming. Kids love it. Check out the NM State Parks website for more information.

http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/cityofrocks.htm

[GregW]

IMHO - Stop at the Space History Museum in Alamogordo. It is the big gold cube up on the hill. The White Sands Nat Monument is another must experience.

[lanimarie]

The City of Rocks outside of Deming is well worth the drive. Also, eat Mexican food in Deming if you get the chance. Si Senor and Irma's are great!