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3 of the Best Landmarks to Visit in El Paso, TX

Rock climbing | Fox Toyota of El Paso in El Paso, TX
El Paso, Texas, lies on the banks of the Rio Grande in the far western corner of Texas. It's a colorful and bustling city that features a rugged yet beautiful desert landscape, as well as a rich historical and cultural heritage. Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to interesting landmarks to visit in this city! Check out these options.
  1. Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site

If you enjoy hiking through beautiful natural scenery, a visit to Hueco Tanks State Park is the perfect way to spend a few hours. This natural historic site, which is located about 32 miles northeast of El Paso, consists of low mountains that contain many rock basins where rainwater is naturally stored. For thousands of years, people flocked here to collect this rainwater and one can get a glimpse of the rich history of this desert sanctuary through the many rock paintings in the area. The park is an excellent spot for birdwatching, as it's home to several bird species, including the prairie falcon, lesser goldfinch, and black-chinned hummingbird. The area is also one of the top spots in the world for bouldering and is visited by thousands of climbers from all over the world annually. In addition, the park offers multiple picnic spots with shade shelters and well-equipped camping sites.
  1. Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens

Founded in 1936 to celebrate the centenary of Texas's independence, the Centennial Museum is the oldest museum in El Paso. It boasts permanent and rotating exhibits that focus on the cultural and natural heritage of the Chihuahuan Desert region, including archeological treasures like a collection of Casas Grandes pottery. The Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, which is on the museum's grounds, is home to over 800 plant species that are either native or have adapted well to the desert. These plants are grown and displayed in various "theme" gardens, where visitors can learn how to use them in their landscaping projects to conserve water. Annually, the museum hosts the FloraFEST, where patrons can chat with master gardeners and horticulturalists and buy native plants that are not commonly sold in nurseries.
  1. The Plaza Theatre

The Plaza Theatre in El Paso was constructed in 1830 and is today a National Historic Building of Significance. The building was constructed in the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style and boasts beautiful mosaic-tiled floors, painted ceilings, and antique furniture. The main hall, which can seat up to 2,050 people, features a star-lit ceiling to provide the illusion that guests are seated in a Spanish courtyard. Apart from this hall, the theater also boasts the 200-seat Philanthropy Theater and the Alcantar Sky Garden, where patrons can host private receptions. Over the years, locals and visitors have been treated to a wide variety of live entertainment at the Plaza Theatre, including popular Broadway productions and live music shows by some of the greats in the country music scene. Whether you enjoy recreational activities in and around natural sites, are interested to learn about the area's cultural and natural history, or would like to view a Broadway production in a gorgeous historic building, El Paso is home to many intriguing and beautiful landmarks that are sure to be of interest! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License
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5 Favorite Coffee Shops in and Around El Paso, TX

El Paso is a diverse city for top attractions, scrumptious cuisine, and some of the best locally roasted beans to savor on your next drive. When you visit El Paso, TX, and the surrounding area, you'll find fantastic coffee shops and cafes with delicious espressos, lattes, and iced brew drinks. We’ve gathered a list of some of our favorite spots – get more insider info below! 1. Global Coffee Roasters This local favorite boasts excellent hand-crafted coffees, espressos, and blended drinks for dine-in or takeout. Global Coffee Roasters offers great specialized hot and iced drinks, including Mazapan lattes, jasmine tea, Hawaiian lattes, iced beverages, and delicious, homemade baked goods. This cafe is open seven days a week and features a relaxing dining space with a friendly atmosphere and excellent service. more 2. Coffee Box Coffee Box is a creative spot that provides an interior space with murals, friendly service, and comfortable seating. This trendy place offers amazing lattes, coffees, teas, boba lattes, and smoothies with a fantastic selection of baked goods. You'll enjoy the Coffee Box's variety of muffins, bagels, pastries, and signature drinks, including nitro dragon fruit tea, taro lattes, horchata oat milk, and other tasty beverages. This locally owned and operated coffee house has several locations in the city and features a wide selection of herbal teas and coffees for dine-in and takeout. 3. Kinley's House Coffee & Tea Kinley's House Coffee & Tea offers an excellent menu of tasty sandwiches, salads, and light snacks to enjoy with your coffee or tea. You'll find that this cafe offers some of the best coffee in town, including signature frappes, iced lattes, cold brew, cafe mochas, boba tea, and more. This spot is conveniently located in the center of town and offers a drive-up window for takeout, dine-in, and delivery options. 4. Viejo Coffee Viejo Coffee is a great little shop that offers cozy indoor seating and an outside patio to indulge in your favorite coffee and pastry. This spot is where you'll find delicious pour-over coffee, iced drinks, lattes, and hot chocolate. It's the ideal place to order delicious espresso-based drinks, whether you place an order to go or to enjoy your favorite brew on the spacious outdoor deck. 5. Coffee Emporium This locally owned business offers excellent brews to the local community, including delicious coffees, teas, snacks, gourmet chocolates, and light fare. Coffee Emporium opened over 30 years ago, and today it's one of the best coffee houses in the area. It's a terrific place to visit with family or friends, or to find unique snacks for special occasions. There’s an impressive collection of gift ideas, including fine coffee and loose-leaf teas. There are plenty of exceptional coffee houses and cafes where you can indulge in your favorite latte, cappuccino, or pour-over coffee on your next visit to the El Paso region. Check out any of these delightful choices the next time you need a fix for your caffeine craving! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Hotel | FOX Toyota of El Paso in El Paso, TX

5 Great Hotels for Visiting El Paso, TX

El Paso's location along the US/Mexican border gives it a unique blend of cultures from the two countries. Locals and visitors alike gather to celebrate Tejano history with colorful festivals and events held throughout the year. If you're planning a trip or staycation in El Paso, TX, here's a list of notable hotels that you'll want to consider! 1. Best Western El Paso Airport Entrada Hotel With its convenient location adjacent to the airport, great amenities, and affordability, this Best Western hotel is perfect for keeping your stay hassle-free. Its well-kept rooms feature vibrant decor and artwork, along with the newest appliances. There are plenty of complimentary features, such as high-speed internet, a full breakfast buffet, and airport shuttle services. Guests can get some fresh air by the outdoor fire pit or play console games in the lounge. more 2. TownePlace Suites by Marriott El Paso East/I-10 You'll feel right at home when you stay at this laid-back all-suite hotel. Each room has everything you'll need while on an extended stay, including fully equipped kitchens, plush furnishings, and large work areas. TownePlace Suites even partnered with The Container Store to provide fully customizable closet spaces to guests. You'll also be able to watch Netflix, ESPN, and HBO programming on large flat-panel TVs. 3. Gardner Hotel For travelers on a strict budget, this century-old hotel offers low-priced lodging that will transport guests to the waning days of the Old West. The well-preserved antique furnishings are now complemented by modern amenities like free Wi-Fi and evaporative cooling. There's a common area that's perfect for socializing with other guests and features a pool table and table tennis. The hotel has been family-run since the 1960s, and its staff will be happy to share the Gardner's interesting history. They regularly provide memorabilia tours and tell stories about famous guests, like the bank robber John Dillinger and Cormac McCarthy, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist. 4. Stanton House Located in the downtown district, this trendy boutique hotel is within walking distance of the El Paso Museum of Art, San Jacinto Plaza, and the Mexican consulate. Within the building, you'll find ultra-modern interior design and numerous pieces of fine art. Soft lighting and colors make the luxurious rooms and suites feel especially inviting. A curated collection of books in the Deluxe King room provides a great excuse for staying in for the night. You can rejuvenate yourself at the hotel's Blush Boutique & Spa or head to the Taft-Díaz to try their innovative Mexican-American fusion dishes. 5. Aloft El Paso Downtown Despite its classic Art Deco architecture, the interior of Aloft is chic and contemporary, with state-of-the-art facilities. Large windows make each room feel open and provide great views of the city. The hotel's staff is well known for their exceptional service at all hours, including dry cleaning and laundry. Get a thorough workout by visiting the 24-hour RE:Charge fitness center or enjoy a signature cocktail while listening to live music at the hip WXYZ Bar. Remember to drink responsibly and refrain from driving after drinking. From historical establishments to stylish and spacious suites, El Paso offers a fair share of excellent lodging options. Any of these options will offer you a terrific stay while visiting our incredible city – make your plans today! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

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Popular Outdoor Activities in and Around El Paso, TX

As the largest city on the US-Mexican border, El Paso – otherwise known as the Sun City – deserves its nickname as it enjoys over 300 days of sun per year, mild winters, and low rainfall. So: with all this sunshine, you'll want to get outside! Check out these four popular outdoor activities in the local area! 1. Hike the Franklin Mountains State Park Located just a 15-minute drive from the center of town, the high-desert mountains of Franklin Mountains State Park offer 27,000 acres and over 100 miles of trails to explore. The highest peak, North Franklin Peak, sits high at 7,192 feet and offers incredible views of the surrounding area. Grab some water and get walking or join a guided hike led by park rangers. more Other activities offered at the park include mountain biking, rock climbing, geocaching, bird watching, camping, and a mix of ranger programs like group hikes and arts. 2. Shop Local Produce at the Farmers Market Every Saturday for the last 20 years, Ardovino's Farmers Market has supplied fresh, organic produce, baked goods, jams, honey, handmade crafts, art, and other goodies. Consumers can chat and gain knowledge from the real people who produce the goods they take home and serve on their own table. Other activities at the farmers' market include cooking demos, kids' activities, and gardening tips. Grab a coffee or freshly squeezed juice from the market's very own CoffeeStream and explore everything the local producers have to offer! Other city farmers' markets include the Upper Valley Artist & Farmers Market every Sunday and the Country Club Farmers Market every Saturday. 3. Go Rock Climbing and See Ancient Art 30 miles east of El Paso lies Hueco Tanks State Park. Composed mostly of heavily cracked and eroded syenite granite, this state park is a dream for those who love climbing, bouldering, and scrambling over the many crevices and eroded rock formations. The North Mountain is open for anyone to scramble up its 250 feet of elevation, with hundreds of recognized routes, and those that summit can enjoy views of the Hueco Mountains to the north and empty desert to the south. The historic site is home to thousands of pictographs, petroglyphs, and other historic artwork, all etched onto the ancient granite. However, in order to protect the delicate nature of this historic art, most of it can be viewed only by joining a guided tour. 4. Meet the Animals The El Paso Zoo offers 35 acres of fun and adventure. The zoo is home to exotic animals from all across the globe such as lions, giraffes, meerkats, wolves, alligators, elephants, and orangutans. Attractions include the African Star Train and the Foster Tree-house Playground. The El Paso Zoo is accredited by the AZA and is committed to providing excellent care for animals and creating opportunities for people to connect with nature. Now you've got some adventuring to do! Start making your plans to visit one – or all! – of these entertaining spots for a bit of fresh air and a change to your normal routine!