We don’t typically hear much about New Mexico. At least not when you’re living on either of the coasts or up north. Maybe that’s because New Mexico enjoys being America’s little secret. Well so I thought. Turns out I was mistaken.
Apparently; and according to my friend Miss New Mexico Katie Danzer; New Mexico is widely renowned for its iconic red and green chile, as well as wine, pecans, and a variety of locally grown produce, Las Cruces, New Mexico is a foodie’s paradise steeped in agricultural traditions dating back thousands of years.
“Visitors from across the globe travel to Las Cruces for the unparalleled flavors found in Southern New Mexico,” said Rochelle Miller-Hernandez, Director of Visit Las Cruces. “Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a foodie, or a gardener looking to grow your own chile, there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in our agricultural wealth.”
Located in the fertile Mesilla Valley of Southern New Mexico, Las Cruces boasts scenic farmland, vineyards, orchards, and attractions where visitors can experience the unique local flavors through tours, tastings, dining, museums, and interactive learning.
To get a look behind the scenes, a visit to the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum provides an in-depth look at the history of farming and agriculture in the community. Connecting the rich history of agriculture in Las Cruces to present-day, the museum features stunning artwork, interactive exhibits, farm animals, and much more.
Step into the past, and learn about women in agriculture, the Wild West days of New Mexico’s cattle industry, as well as agricultural practices from over 4,000 years ago. Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, the museum is a must-visit.
In addition to the museum, the Chile Pepper Institute Teaching Garden at New Mexico State University is a favorite all visitors. With over 150 types of peppers planted each year, the garden offers guided or self-guided tours to explore the different varieties and learn about different growing techniques.
Along with tours, visitors can stop by the gift shop to stock up on hot sauces, books on growing and cooking peppers, over 100 varieties of seeds, plants and salsas.
For visitors in late April, the Institute hosts a plant sale, allowing visitors to get a jump on their summer gardening.
After learning about the work that goes into producing these crops, try the flavors for yourself at one of many local restaurants offering everything from the best of New Mexican food like posole, chile rellenos, enchiladas and sopaipillas to Italian, Greek and French cuisine.
For over 400 years, the Mesilla Valley has been a force in the wine industry and home to several award-winning local winemakers. From tastings and tours to special events and festivals, nine Las Cruces-area wineries provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day or an experiential visit.
Check out the state’s oldest winery—La Viña Winery—for the La Viña Fall Wine Festival (Sept. 24-25), the Wicked Wine Run ( Oct. 8), or music on the patio every Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. The winery also offers tours by appointment.
Stop in and visit D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro—a family-established winery that’s been a part of southern New Mexico since 1984. Originally from France, the family has created award-winning wines, paired with delectable dishes in the bistro. Take a day trip and tour the Deming vineyard and enjoy morning mimosas, while learning about winemaking. Reservations required.
For those interested in trying the variety of Las Cruces reds and whites, take a self-guided tour along the Las Cruces Wine Trail.
“We invite everyone to learn about our long-standing traditions and indulge in some delicious southern New Mexico flavors— from chile to wine and everything in between,” Miller-Hernandez added. “Las Cruces offers a one-of-a-kind experience serving up homegrown food, teaching about the process behind it and even giving you the tools to grow them yourself.”
To plan your visit, check out http://visitlascruces.com.