Friday Evening
Enjoy unique amphibian-themed craft cocktails and a friendly environment open to all at this hot spot. Little Toad Creek is a great place to hit for good drinks, great music, delicious food and lots of laughs. With something always going on, join the community for their events like their Lotería nights, Singo (musical bingo) and Karaoke. Looking for something more family-friendly or just more chill? Head over to Grounded for their live music on Friday evenings. Sit on their cute patio space and listen to great tunes while sipping on coffee, wine, or tea. Order one of their yummy wood-fired pizzas or try something from their nosh & munchies selection.
Saturday Morning
Start your weekend off right with the Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces in the heart of the city. Stroll dozens of local vendors across seven blocks on Main Street. Find arts and crafts from furniture and home goods to paintings, clothings and trinkets. This is also a great way to get a taste of various locales all in one spot. Pick from boba, burgers, burritos, churros, aquas frescos, coffees, pastries and so much more. While downtown, be sure to stop in on the Las Cruces Museum of Nature & Science and the Las Cruces Museum of Art, which features rotating exhibit collections free and open for the public to see. This is a great way to learn about the local art, culture and science history. Once you're done there, try digging into the Las Cruces brunch/lunch scene. Some recommendations are:
Nessa's Cafe | 901 W Picacho Ave
Simple and delicious breakfast and brunch classics that are affordable and found in the cutest and coziest pink building!
La Nueva Casita Cafe | 105 N Mesquite St.
One of the oldest restaurants in Las Cruces, it started in 1957 and is known today for its southern New Mexican cuisine and flavor. Eat like a local without breaking the bank at this spot, located in the historic Mesquite district.
The Bean at Josefina's | 2261 Calle de Guadalupe
Eat right off the historic Mesilla plaza at this location of The Bean. While known for great coffee options, try something from their food menu with items such as burritos, yogurt, bowls, toast, wraps and many more affordable dishes.
Sunday Morning
Reset and energize with a morning hike through the beautiful Dripping Springs Natural Area, located on the west side of the Organ Mountains. This hike offers multiple trails for different levels of hikers and is also dog-friendly for those who'd like to take their fur babies along. Wildlife enthusiasts should over to Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, located along the Rio Grande river and offering opportunities for bird watching, hiking and nature exploration. To make the most of your adventure, it’s good to be prepared. Summer temperatures can get very hot so with just a few simple precautions, you’ll be ready to explore safely and comfortably, click here to learn more.
Afterwards, head over to one of our previously recommended brunch spots to fill up and recharge. You could also try stopping at Bosa Donuts & Burritos for legendary pastries, breakfast/lunch burritos, menudo, pozole, tamales and more. On the go? Stop at their drive-thru or call ahead to order to go.
Sunday Afternoon
Wine down and enjoy a nice lunch or dinner at Rio Grande Winery. Drive down picturesque Highway 28 to hit this beautiful winery, complete with mountain views, live music and delicious food. Can't decide on a glass? Try a flight of their best bottles from red and white to bubbles and cocktails.
If you're not too full and looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth, try hitting up Chilly's Ice Cream, a local and affordable mobile creamery offering ice cream, shaved ice, floats and other chilly treats. Get creative with flavor combos and check out their dairy-free and sugar-free options.