Casa Maíz and Casa Majestica

Gail
Casa Maíz and Casa Majestica

A great local shopping experience

visit www.farmersandcraftsmarketoflascruces.com. or Facebook@Las Cruces Market. This local Farmer's and Crafts Market is a great place to meet locals, have some coffee, buy homegrown produce, homemade baked goods, or handmade crafts. This market takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays (best) from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. There are also a few restaurants and bars very close. Those are listed in different sections of the guidebook.
60 locals recommend
Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces
221 N Main St
60 locals recommend
visit www.farmersandcraftsmarketoflascruces.com. or Facebook@Las Cruces Market. This local Farmer's and Crafts Market is a great place to meet locals, have some coffee, buy homegrown produce, homemade baked goods, or handmade crafts. This market takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays (best) from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. There are also a few restaurants and bars very close. Those are listed in different sections of the guidebook.
Main store located on 317 N. Main Hours 10-6 except Sundays 12-5. Coas is a local bookstore that sells both new and used books. They sell books through Amazon and have quite a selection. You can buy puzzles and games, journals, local hiking guides, and if they don't have a book you are looking for, there is another location on Solano Drive. This location is right in the middle of the Farmer's Market.
11 locals recommend
COAS Books
317 N Main St
11 locals recommend
Main store located on 317 N. Main Hours 10-6 except Sundays 12-5. Coas is a local bookstore that sells both new and used books. They sell books through Amazon and have quite a selection. You can buy puzzles and games, journals, local hiking guides, and if they don't have a book you are looking for, there is another location on Solano Drive. This location is right in the middle of the Farmer's Market.
1101 S. Solano Drive. 11-5 everyday but Sunday closed. www.coasbooks.com This store is smaller but has a good vibe if you want to just browse. They have a way to search the inventory of books that might be at the original store if they do not possess the book you are looking to purchase. It is located in a local neighborhood on Solano Drive. They have games, puzzles, Taro Cards and interesting new and used books.
COAS Books on Solano
1101 S Solano Dr
1101 S. Solano Drive. 11-5 everyday but Sunday closed. www.coasbooks.com This store is smaller but has a good vibe if you want to just browse. They have a way to search the inventory of books that might be at the original store if they do not possess the book you are looking to purchase. It is located in a local neighborhood on Solano Drive. They have games, puzzles, Taro Cards and interesting new and used books.

Local Art Exhibits and Education

This is a great place to connect with a non-profit organization that supports all areas of the arts. There is always an exhibit featuring an artist. They have an informative website, and the Executive Director, Greg Smith puts out a newsletter monthly.
Doña Ana Arts Council
230 W Amador Ave
I recommend this place as a stop on Saturday mornings while visiting the Farmer’s Market. A local artist and friend of our family is there from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. to visit with the public. Jo-an Smith is a goldsmith and painter. She sells smaller pieces of arts as well as greeting cards with images of some of her signature pieces or larger paintings.
M. Phillips Fine Art Gallery
221 N Main St
I recommend this place as a stop on Saturday mornings while visiting the Farmer’s Market. A local artist and friend of our family is there from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. to visit with the public. Jo-an Smith is a goldsmith and painter. She sells smaller pieces of arts as well as greeting cards with images of some of her signature pieces or larger paintings.
www.austinsjewelry.com. 575-525-3340 Fine jewelry, estate jewelry, appraisals and repairs. Diamond necklaces, broaches, rings, will take trades. There is a ring museum
Austin's Fine Jewelry
230 East Idaho Avenue
www.austinsjewelry.com. 575-525-3340 Fine jewelry, estate jewelry, appraisals and repairs. Diamond necklaces, broaches, rings, will take trades. There is a ring museum
501 N. Main Street. 575-523=2154. las-cruces.org/1528/Branigan-Cultural-Center
8 locals recommend
Branigan Cultural Center
501 N Main St
8 locals recommend
501 N. Main Street. 575-523=2154. las-cruces.org/1528/Branigan-Cultural-Center
491 N. Main St. 575-541-2137 las-cruces.org/1542/Museum-of-Art Great place to visit if you go to the Farm and Craft Market on Saturdays.
14 locals recommend
Las Cruces Museum of Art
491 N Main St
14 locals recommend
491 N. Main St. 575-541-2137 las-cruces.org/1542/Museum-of-Art Great place to visit if you go to the Farm and Craft Market on Saturdays.
Now named Devasthali Hall 1308 E. University Avenue 575-646-2545 uam.nmsu.edu
NMSU Art Gallery
1308 E University Ave
Now named Devasthali Hall 1308 E. University Avenue 575-646-2545 uam.nmsu.edu

Sightseeing

50 miles NE of Las Cruces-white gypsum sand dues --the Nation's newest national park. Hiking, cycling, horseback riding, sledding, and a great place for a picnic. $25 a vehicle or $15 a person.
86 locals recommend
White Sands
86 locals recommend
50 miles NE of Las Cruces-white gypsum sand dues --the Nation's newest national park. Hiking, cycling, horseback riding, sledding, and a great place for a picnic. $25 a vehicle or $15 a person.
21 locals recommend
Carlsbad Cavern Natural Entrance
21 locals recommend
79 locals recommend
Cloudcroft
79 locals recommend
89 locals recommend
Ruidoso
89 locals recommend
71 locals recommend
Hueco Tanks State Historic Site
6900 Hueco Tanks Road No. 1
71 locals recommend
7 locals recommend
Spaceport America
County Road A021
7 locals recommend
A historic fort off of Hwy 25, very close to Las Cruces 575-526-8911. nmhistoricsites.org/fort-seldon
Fort Selden Historic Site
1280 Fort Selden Rd
A historic fort off of Hwy 25, very close to Las Cruces 575-526-8911. nmhistoricsites.org/fort-seldon
This park is 1.5 miles from Mesilla located at 5000 Calle del Norte in Mesilla, NM Phone is 575-523-4398
11 locals recommend
Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park
5000 Calle Del Norte
11 locals recommend
This park is 1.5 miles from Mesilla located at 5000 Calle del Norte in Mesilla, NM Phone is 575-523-4398

Food scene

1700 N. Solano Dr. 88001. phone: 575-527-4212. The gorditas are the best in town, our son likes the bean and cheese burritos. They offer a 10% Aggie discount. Closed Sundays, and Mondays, only open until 8 p.m. Take out mostly, although they do have some tables and chairs. The salsa is also very good!
Saenz Gorditas
1700 North Solano Drive
1700 N. Solano Dr. 88001. phone: 575-527-4212. The gorditas are the best in town, our son likes the bean and cheese burritos. They offer a 10% Aggie discount. Closed Sundays, and Mondays, only open until 8 p.m. Take out mostly, although they do have some tables and chairs. The salsa is also very good!
2265 S. Main Street in Las Cruces, NM 88001. 575-523-1572. This little cafe is super close to the house, highly recommend it for either meal they serve, and of course, their desserts are wonderful.
Indulgence Bakery & Cafe
2265 S Main St
2265 S. Main Street in Las Cruces, NM 88001. 575-523-1572. This little cafe is super close to the house, highly recommend it for either meal they serve, and of course, their desserts are wonderful.
This little spot has been around many years, but we have only found it within the last few years. Great New Mexican breakfast options and our son loves the big pancakes. It is super busy on weekend mornings, but worth the wait.
26 locals recommend
The Shed
810 S Valley Dr
26 locals recommend
This little spot has been around many years, but we have only found it within the last few years. Great New Mexican breakfast options and our son loves the big pancakes. It is super busy on weekend mornings, but worth the wait.
Very historic place, with well-known Mexican cuisine. It is frequented by tourists, but as a self-acclaimed foodie and local--it is worth going for the ambiance but does not rate as high on authentic flavors. It is not what it was with the original owner during our childhood, just sayin'. 2410 Calle de San Albino. 575-524-3524. lapostademesilla.com
73 locals recommend
La Posta De Mesilla
2410 Calle De San Albino
73 locals recommend
Very historic place, with well-known Mexican cuisine. It is frequented by tourists, but as a self-acclaimed foodie and local--it is worth going for the ambiance but does not rate as high on authentic flavors. It is not what it was with the original owner during our childhood, just sayin'. 2410 Calle de San Albino. 575-524-3524. lapostademesilla.com
2460 S. Locust close to University Avenue. phone: 575-522-7322 This restaurant is close to the house and is known for its smothered burritos and other Mexican cuisine. It is a quaint neighborhood place frequented by NMSU students and other locals.
6 locals recommend
Chachi's Restaurant
2460 S Locust St
6 locals recommend
2460 S. Locust close to University Avenue. phone: 575-522-7322 This restaurant is close to the house and is known for its smothered burritos and other Mexican cuisine. It is a quaint neighborhood place frequented by NMSU students and other locals.
There are two locations, the one on El Paseo is close to the house. The food and prices are well appreciated by families. The pizzas, sandwiches, and salads are delicious and always consistent. Children are encouraged to watch the pizzas being hand-tossed. Many of the staff are students from NMSU.
9 locals recommend
Dion's
3950 E Lohman Ave
9 locals recommend
There are two locations, the one on El Paseo is close to the house. The food and prices are well appreciated by families. The pizzas, sandwiches, and salads are delicious and always consistent. Children are encouraged to watch the pizzas being hand-tossed. Many of the staff are students from NMSU.
Some of the best sushi in town, a huge array of ingredients made to order. I ate at my first Sushi Freak in Albuquerque and was so excited when we got one here in Las Cruces, it is close to Hwy 70.
Sushi Freak Las Cruces
2808 North Telshor Boulevard
Some of the best sushi in town, a huge array of ingredients made to order. I ate at my first Sushi Freak in Albuquerque and was so excited when we got one here in Las Cruces, it is close to Hwy 70.
1001 E. University Avenue A3 phone: 575-521-9270.This restaurant is very close to the house and highly recommended for Mediterranean (Greek and Lebanese) food. M-Sat. 11 am to 8:30 pm. santorinitherestaurant.com
6 locals recommend
Santorini Restaurant
1001 E University Ave
6 locals recommend
1001 E. University Avenue A3 phone: 575-521-9270.This restaurant is very close to the house and highly recommended for Mediterranean (Greek and Lebanese) food. M-Sat. 11 am to 8:30 pm. santorinitherestaurant.com
2405 S. Valley Dr. phone: 575-526-4184. Very good Mexican Cuisine close to the house on Valley Drive and I-10/University. chilititos.net
Chilitos Restaurant
2405 S Valley Dr
2405 S. Valley Dr. phone: 575-526-4184. Very good Mexican Cuisine close to the house on Valley Drive and I-10/University. chilititos.net
This restaurant has great food and is very consistent in the quality of food and beverage. My family and I usually go there for special occasions. The portions are big. 1720 Avenida de Mesilla. 575-524-2408. lescombeswinery.com/las-cruces/
51 locals recommend
D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro
1720 Avenida de Mesilla
51 locals recommend
This restaurant has great food and is very consistent in the quality of food and beverage. My family and I usually go there for special occasions. The portions are big. 1720 Avenida de Mesilla. 575-524-2408. lescombeswinery.com/las-cruces/
This restaurant is for day trips because it is located in Hatch, NM, the green chili capital of the world. The lines are long and on some days they have live entertainment. The green chili cheeseburger or any bbq are good choices. It is a 40-minute drive from the house.
17 locals recommend
Sparkys
115 Franklin St
17 locals recommend
This restaurant is for day trips because it is located in Hatch, NM, the green chili capital of the world. The lines are long and on some days they have live entertainment. The green chili cheeseburger or any bbq are good choices. It is a 40-minute drive from the house.
901 E. University #3A. Cervantes Plaza. Good beer and good food, multiple locations locally.
20 locals recommend
Bosque Brewing Co. Las Cruces
901 E University Ave
20 locals recommend
901 E. University #3A. Cervantes Plaza. Good beer and good food, multiple locations locally.
1753 E. University Avenue. www.lorenzositalian.com. facebook@lorenzoslascruces This restaurant is at University across from the Pan Am Center at NMSU, not far from the house. Well established and well known for their pizzas, salads, and pasta dishes. The bread is delicious, but my personal favorite is the eggplant parmesan (or the sandwich by the same name). A good value for the money.
17 locals recommend
Lorenzo's Italian Restaurant
1753 E University Ave
17 locals recommend
1753 E. University Avenue. www.lorenzositalian.com. facebook@lorenzoslascruces This restaurant is at University across from the Pan Am Center at NMSU, not far from the house. Well established and well known for their pizzas, salads, and pasta dishes. The bread is delicious, but my personal favorite is the eggplant parmesan (or the sandwich by the same name). A good value for the money.
3000 Harrelson St. Las Cruces, NM 88005. 575-522-5522 open M- Sat. 11 am to 8 pm. This restaurant is close to the house off of University as you are going towards Mesilla. It is in an old warehouse and the homemade pasta sauces are excellent as they are chili-flavored. They have pizzas and salads. A really good restaurant. The owners of this restaurant and Lorenzo's are related. The menu has a variety of pizza, salads (Di Lusso the best!)soups, pasta with a variety of local creme sauces with red or green chile flavors. pastaggios.com
8 locals recommend
Pastaggio's Italian Restaurant
3000 Harrelson St
8 locals recommend
3000 Harrelson St. Las Cruces, NM 88005. 575-522-5522 open M- Sat. 11 am to 8 pm. This restaurant is close to the house off of University as you are going towards Mesilla. It is in an old warehouse and the homemade pasta sauces are excellent as they are chili-flavored. They have pizzas and salads. A really good restaurant. The owners of this restaurant and Lorenzo's are related. The menu has a variety of pizza, salads (Di Lusso the best!)soups, pasta with a variety of local creme sauces with red or green chile flavors. pastaggios.com
2355 Calle de Guadalupe in Mesilla. Known for its ghosts (paranormal activity) and Sunday brunches, this restaurant is known as "Peppers" in the daytime. Located in the center of Old Mesilla. Good food in a historic old home. 2355 Calle de Guadalupe. 575-523-6700 doubleeagleonline.com
45 locals recommend
Double Eagle
2355 Calle De Guadalupe
45 locals recommend
2355 Calle de Guadalupe in Mesilla. Known for its ghosts (paranormal activity) and Sunday brunches, this restaurant is known as "Peppers" in the daytime. Located in the center of Old Mesilla. Good food in a historic old home. 2355 Calle de Guadalupe. 575-523-6700 doubleeagleonline.com
Consistently good--lighter fare and regular dishes, some very unique spins on daily items. Fun place for lunch on the patio. 2261 Calle de Guadalupe. 575-525-2620. josefinasgate.com
12 locals recommend
JOSEFINA'S OLD GATE CAFE
2261 Calle De Guadalupe
12 locals recommend
Consistently good--lighter fare and regular dishes, some very unique spins on daily items. Fun place for lunch on the patio. 2261 Calle de Guadalupe. 575-525-2620. josefinasgate.com
Great grilled food, the hamburgers are really good, but they have chicken, pork and steaks. 2190 Avenida de Mesilla. 575-652-4143
23 locals recommend
Chala's Wood Fire Grill
2790 Avenida de Mesilla
23 locals recommend
Great grilled food, the hamburgers are really good, but they have chicken, pork and steaks. 2190 Avenida de Mesilla. 575-652-4143
1900 Espina St. 575-647-5900. Entertainment with Cabaret. The cuisine is a mix of Mexican, Asian and Caribbean. Hours are basically 11 am to 7 pm.
Boba Cafe
1900 S Espina St
1900 Espina St. 575-647-5900. Entertainment with Cabaret. The cuisine is a mix of Mexican, Asian and Caribbean. Hours are basically 11 am to 7 pm.
302 S. Main St. Ste. B. 575-541-7417 Great location, good food, wine and craft beer, there is also a "live stage" to see various performing artists.
8 locals recommend
Amador Patio Bar Grill
302 S Main St
8 locals recommend
302 S. Main St. Ste. B. 575-541-7417 Great location, good food, wine and craft beer, there is also a "live stage" to see various performing artists.

Thrift Stores with a cause

For a fun shopping experience for art, clothes, books, furniture, and toys or items for your 4 legged fur baby.
My personal favorite. They don't charge tax and have sales every day of the week. All proceeds go to help animals be rescued. Most importantly, I love the variety and uniqueness of items. Cassandra the manager is very helpful.
Second Chance Thrift Store
2475 N Main St
My personal favorite. They don't charge tax and have sales every day of the week. All proceeds go to help animals be rescued. Most importantly, I love the variety and uniqueness of items. Cassandra the manager is very helpful.
Great thrift store, Senior and Student discounts. The proceeds help Big Brothers and Big Sisters, a youth mentoring and matches adults to students who may be from a single-parent household.
Savers
2340 N Main St
Great thrift store, Senior and Student discounts. The proceeds help Big Brothers and Big Sisters, a youth mentoring and matches adults to students who may be from a single-parent household.
Not far from the house, it is always busy and is on El Paseo. Helps domestic pets with adoption and spaying nad neutering.
Safe Haven Thrift Shop & Pet Food Pantry
1545 New York 52
Not far from the house, it is always busy and is on El Paseo. Helps domestic pets with adoption and spaying nad neutering.
Close to the house on Solono drive. Very clean and well decorated. The pricing is average for gently used items and clothing.
Las Cruces Gospel Rescue Mission Thrift Store
1420 South Solano Drive
Close to the house on Solono drive. Very clean and well decorated. The pricing is average for gently used items and clothing.
Goodwill
2593 3 Crosses Ave
The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center
220 E Idaho Ave
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Society Thrift Shop
580 S Valley Dr

Educational Resources

17 locals recommend
New Mexico State University
1405 International Mall
17 locals recommend
Doña Ana Community College
2800 Espina St
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
3501 Arrowhead Dr
Las Cruces Public Schools

Coffee Houses

Great local place close to the university located in a shopping center across from the Pan Am Center-- 1733 E. University Avenue. 575-532-1042. milagrocoffeeyespresso.com
19 locals recommend
Milagro Coffee Y Espresso
1733 E University Ave
19 locals recommend
Great local place close to the university located in a shopping center across from the Pan Am Center-- 1733 E. University Avenue. 575-532-1042. milagrocoffeeyespresso.com
130 N. Mesquite St. 575-556-9850 beckscoffeelc.com Great place for coffee that is freshly roasted on location--pour-overs and expressos- related to Beck's Express on Main
20 locals recommend
Beck's Roasting House & Creamery
130 N Mesquite St
20 locals recommend
130 N. Mesquite St. 575-556-9850 beckscoffeelc.com Great place for coffee that is freshly roasted on location--pour-overs and expressos- related to Beck's Express on Main
2011 Avenida de Mesilla. 575-527-5155. thebeancafemesilla.com facebook.com/BeanCafeMesilla One of the first coffee shops to sprout up in Mesilla
18 locals recommend
The Bean Cafe
2011 Avenida de Mesilla
18 locals recommend
2011 Avenida de Mesilla. 575-527-5155. thebeancafemesilla.com facebook.com/BeanCafeMesilla One of the first coffee shops to sprout up in Mesilla
533 N. Main St. right next to Organ Mountain Outfitters. Offerings of pour-over coffees, espresso drinks, and coffee for sale. beckscofeelc.com open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m
Beck's Express
533 N Main St
533 N. Main St. right next to Organ Mountain Outfitters. Offerings of pour-over coffees, espresso drinks, and coffee for sale. beckscofeelc.com open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m
A wonderful place for coffee or tea and a quaint place to find funny greeting cards, art and one-of-a-kind gifts. Located close to Casa Maíz at 2260 S. Locust St. 2260 S. Locust St. 575=521-1222 spiritwindsnm.com. facebook.com/spiritwindsgs
9 locals recommend
Spirit Winds Coffee Bar
2260 S Locust St
9 locals recommend
A wonderful place for coffee or tea and a quaint place to find funny greeting cards, art and one-of-a-kind gifts. Located close to Casa Maíz at 2260 S. Locust St. 2260 S. Locust St. 575=521-1222 spiritwindsnm.com. facebook.com/spiritwindsgs
A guest at Casa Maíz recommends this as a place with good coffee and food. 901 W. Picacho Avenue. 575-222-0081 facebook.com/nessacafe
7 locals recommend
Nessa's Cafe
901 W Picacho Ave
7 locals recommend
A guest at Casa Maíz recommends this as a place with good coffee and food. 901 W. Picacho Avenue. 575-222-0081 facebook.com/nessacafe