This used to be the library I went to as a child for story time. It has been turned into a…read morewell-thought out cultural center with rotating exhibits. When we visited, they had their Day of the Dead exhibit and display. I can say, hands down, this was such an incredible display. It was informative while honoring the sacred tradition of an ofrenda, and was interactive for all. Each of the pieces of the altar and their significance were explained. The papel picado was used for people to write notes to their deceased loved ones. Next to the ofrenda was the photographic exhibit in the Shannon Room. Beautiful pictures depicting the love and care that goes into Day of the Dead. Definitely a place to stop if you are on Main Street.

June 1 2023 - Branigan Cultural Center (Las Cruces, NM) The…read moreBranigan Cultural Center hosts changing exhibits, as well as educational classes, and special events. When we came in, there was an exhibit on World War II, including timelines of the war, - how Germany started the war by invading Poland, how Japan invaded Manchuria, how the US began its nuclear testing program, the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, the U.S. declaration of war on Japan, the role of sites in New Mexico (including Los Alamos and Alamogordo) for developing and testing the first atomic bomb (the Trinity Test), and other events that led to dropping US atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to lead to the surrender of Japan. The museum is worth checking out.

5/5 stars loved it!! learned so much and the missiles were cool :) they also have planes and fat…read moreman replica

Very interesting and well put together museum. Lots of history. Take your time and you'll be…read morefascinated by all the artifacts.

If you haven't been to Bowen Ranch, jump over to their Facebook and find out the next time they're…read moredoing something for the public. This is a real piece of El Paso's history, El Paso's true history. Great for adults and kids alike. Bowen Ranch is still owned by the Bowen family, but you'll find a wonderful family that runs the ranch. Visiting this for a small, private event actually gave me a real feel for what Bowen Ranch does. The family has plans to bring the ranch back to all its glory, but I have to say... they've kept it in really good shape. One thing that really impressed me was the temperament of the animals on the ranch at the Headquarters. There wasn't a mean bone in a single one of them. All of them are people friendly and will shuffle up to you to be pet if you put your hand out. Now, I wouldn't recommend doing that with the cattle because you might spook them, but all of the horses and even the goat were super sweet. The property is huge and you get some gorgeous views of the sunset while out there. There not open to the public on day to day, but they have some small events and a few opportunities where you can watch them roping cattle and performing other essential duties. But Bowen Ranch is open to small events, you just have to ask. If you're looking for a beautiful and rustic backdrop for a wedding, reunion, or any kind of event that you can think of really, this is a great option.

The only symphony hall for Las Cruces music lovers. They're back with free concerts after the…read morepandemic restrictions. There are symphony, jazz, woodwind, opera and other types of bands. The music brings the community together.

Wonderful community theatre space. Call & they'll reserve your spot. They appreciate cash payment…read moreto keep costs down. Varied and interesting plays & performances. It's a fun afternoon or evening out. My first play here was Ben Hur, and I'm telling you they didn't miss a scene. Do it.

It's a great little theater space. It reminded me of all the off-off-Broadway small theaters my…read moreactor buddies in New York would drag me to in the 90s. I had the pleasure of seeing my friends perform in "Lone Star/Laundry and Bourbon"; and I also served as house manager for one performance. As house manager, I got to work with the owners, Ceil and Peter Herman. The Hermans are very dedicated to keeping their theater viable, fresh, and thriving; both in the performing arts and cultural community, and the community of Las Cruces itself. The performance of Jame's McClure's "Lone Star" and "Laundry and Bourbon", two related one-acts depicting rural life in Texas in the 1970s, was directed by W Dale Pawley, and had a fantastic cast. In "Laundry and Bourbon", Melissa Chambers was a standout as Hattie, Marjorie Brouhard was Elizabeth, and Kim Wollard was charming as Amy Lee. "Lone Star" featured great performances by Jeff Peckham as Roy, Tony Cordova as Ray, and Corey Dlask as Cletus. Staying true to McClure's script, the two plays gave a comical and bittersweet 1970s rural Texan viewpoint on a variety of topics ranging from post-traumatic stress disorder, infidelity, Vietnam, depression, alcoholism, abortion, and mah jongg. The play closed after its three week run, but I'll be back to see other outstanding performances at this intimate venue.

June 1, 2023 - Fabian Garcia Botanical Garden (Las Cruces, NM)…read moreThis is an extension of the New Mexico State University, Chile Pepper Institute and is run in partnership with the US Department of Agriculture. We were here a couple years ago during the fall when the peppers had lots of fruit on them. This time around, only a few rows of peppers had been planted and they were only about 6 inches tall. The botanical garden itself is still nice and worth visiting. They grow more than just peppers here, including grapevines, and other row crops. You're allowed to walk around the fields as long as you don't trample anything. If you want to see peppers, definitely come in the fall (October through November). They grow at least 50 varieties of peppers, many that were genetically engineered by the New Mexico State University. Also, if you wanna find out more about peppers, go to the chili pepper institute that is on campus.

Came to look at chili pepper plants, but we are too early in the year. Come back in fall!read more

Sooo fun. My kids and I had a blast. At first I wasn't sure I wanted to pay $12 for my ticket and…read more$10 for theirs because I was just picturing a pumpkin patch. But once you get in, there's honestly hours of fun. We played giant versions of regular games like checkers or Jenga. We rolled around in these huge cylinders. Then we took a hayride. The kids went down these awesome slides. We went through their huge corn maze for about a half hour. We got some yummy roasted corn. We'll have to make this a fall tradition.

Words cannot express how much I love this place and l can honestly say I've never been anywhere…read morequite like it. They have everything from art & apparel to vintage motorcycles and jewelry and despite it all being quite eclectic it all comes together to make a wonderful artistic experience. I actually heard about it because a local ceramics artist was selling her tequila cups there and I had to have one. But what I found was a place that I could spend hours in just admiring everything. And it really feels like they are bringing a unique artist community together under one roof. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly and although they only have weekend hours they all can set you up with appointments. This is not a place you are likely to just stumble upon but it's definitely worth go out of your way to visit it.

The Hood has the absolute coolest art and staff. I was traveling and wish I'd had much more time in…read morethere, but I was so impressed with variety and quality of both new and old, artful items. Can't wait to go back!