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Reading is an activity that all ages can enjoy. Reading allows you to travel to new locations, meet new people, and try new things without ever leaving your seat. Check out a few of the must-visit bookstores in the El Paso area. Brave Books If there is a perfect place to escape the exterior world and jump into a good book, Brave Books is it. This historic home now converted into a bookstore, is colorful and comfortable and offers the perfect environment for enjoying a good book. You will find a unique inventory of books in this quaint and relaxing bookstore. Many of the books are pre-owned which means you can stock your personal bookshelf on a budget. They also offer frequent discounts and sales on popular titles so make sure you check back often. more Literarity Book Shop Literarity Book Shop is known for its large inventory of rare and one-of-a-kind books. In addition to books, you will also find other items worth checking out, like classic records. All books are in perfect condition, even if they are used copies. This is because the owners, who are true book enthusiasts, gently repair and renew each book that comes into their book shop. They re-sell them at an affordable price. The large, comfortable chairs are the perfect place to enjoy one of the treasures you will find at Literarity Book Shop. Books Are Gems As the name states, you will immediately notice the appreciation that the owners of Books Are Gems have for books. This nonprofit bookstore is more than simply books - it is about the art of reading. The staff aims to empower families through literacy with children's reading programs. In fact, each child who visits Books Are Gems receives five used books and one brand new book. Books Are Gems has already given away over one million books in total since they first opened. Story Time Saturdays is a great reading event for children of all ages. Black Sheep Comics If comic books and superheroes are more your thing, then you will definitely want to check out Black Sheep Comics. The owners of Black Sheep Comics have been building their unique inventory for over 20 years and have been sharing it with El Paso's locals since 2013. You will find toys, collectibles, figurines, and hundreds of comic books. Black Sheep Comics values the community of El Paso and often hosts annual fundraising events. They also have a free used book library so children will always have access to reading material, whether nonfiction or fiction. You can also check out the Black Sheep Comics inventory online. Whether you find pleasure in reading historical biographies on former presidents or planning your next escape from Earth through a sci-fi fiction book, you are sure to find it at one of these local bookstores! Spend the weekend exploring some of the best shops that the El Paso area has to offer. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Regardless if you need a cup of Joe to get your morning started on the right foot, or you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up toward the latter part of a hard day, finding the perfect coffee shop is a must-do to get you through those rough patches. If you live in the El Paso area, the good news is that there are plenty of coffee shops in the area, whether you fancy yourself a connoisseur or a budget shopper! Savage Goods If you are looking for a coffee shop that provides you with a relaxing place to chill, talk with friends, or get some work done, then Savage Goods is the place to stop. They have plenty of indoor seating, tons of menu options, and really know how to make a good cup of coffee! While their house blend is definitely worth a try, they also offer lattes, cold brews, Americano, Cortado, espresso, and cappuccino. Sunset Cafe and Coffee Bar For those hunting high-quality premium roasted flavors, Sunset Cafe and Coffee Bar is the place in El Paso to make a stop. You’ll not only enjoy a fantastic cup of coffee but learn about its origins and the process from planting to picking, to ending up in your favorite cup! They feature coffee provides by 2Ten roasters, who pride themselves on being able to draw out the best flavor profile from their beans as well as come up with a unique array of seasonal flavors that provide for a one-of-a-kind tasting experience. While there are way too many coffee options to list, some of the must-try on the menu include the Honey Latte and Nitro Cold Brew. Coffee Box The Coffee Box is easy to find, just across the way from San Jacinto Plaza. The shop is definitely the place for those looking to try different coffees from across the globe. While it’s the ideal place to make your morning coffee stop, it’s also great to relax and enjoy one of their amazing pastries while getting your day started. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating and have a friendly staff that’s happy to help you make your selection. Be sure to try out the new Charcoal Frappe on your next visit! Hillside Coffee and Donut Another great place to grab your morning cup of coffee along with some breakfast, or to meet and catch up with old friends, is Hillside Coffee and Donut. The trendy coffee shop features exposed brick walls, large windows, and wood floors, providing its own modern ambiance. The coffee shop focuses on preparing delicious offerings that can satisfy every customer's palate. They offer more simple regular drip brews as well as coffee brewed using a more complicated Chemex process. Locals love the quality of the coffee as well as their delicious Abuelita donuts! Find the perfect cup of coffee at one of the El Paso coffee shops listed above, and you won't be disappointed. Whether you’re looking for a simple regular drip flavor, or specially roasted beans from across the world, you can find what you are looking for in the El Paso area! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

You can tell a lot about the culture of a place by experiencing its local cuisine. That's definitely true for El Paso, Texas - a melting pot of cultures with a diverse culinary scene. Here are the best restaurants to experience that tasty diversity. L&J Cafe Visitors and locals who want to truly experience El Paso's history need to visit this legendary restaurant. Having been around since 1927 and originally named “Tony's Place”, this family establishment continues an almost century-old tradition of providing delicious food and drinks, along with a commitment to offering the best possible service to their customers. Their menu is an eclectic mix of old and new, with both traditional dishes and reinterpretations of old favorites. more No restaurant is complete without a good atmosphere, and L&J Cafe is no different. Set in a historic building in the center of El Paso, the dining area features a mix of historic murals that were there since the place first opened and autographed photos from all the celebrities that have visited the place throughout the years. Cattleman's Steakhouse at Indian Cliffs Ranch Located about 35 minutes outside El Paso, this restaurant is definitely worth the drive. Having initially opened in 1973, it’s kept on growing ever since and just one taste of any of their dishes can tell you exactly why. It's the go-to place in the area, and arguably in the entire state of Texas, for a top-quality steak and the many awards they have won throughout the years are good proof of that. Located on a 32,000-acre ranch, complete with movie sets, a children's zoo, party facilities, a fort, and much more, it's a great place to visit for those who want to experience a delicious meal and feel the atmosphere of the Old West. H&H Car Wash and Coffee Shop A diner that also features a carwash is not a normal addition to a list of excellent restaurants, but this place is definitely an exception to that rule. Opened in 1958 by the current owner's father, it quickly caught on as a place where locals could enjoy a delicious meal while having their cars washed. It’s now over 60 years later and nothing has changed, with this place considered one of the best Tex-Mex restaurants in the region. Ardovino's Desert Crossing Not all excellent El Paso restaurants are traditional Tex-Mex places or steakhouses. Ardovino's Desert Crossing is an upscale Italian restaurant that truly stands out, thanks to the quality of its food, gorgeous location, and excellent service. Open since 1949, it has built a strong local reputation as a staple of the local community and they try to give back by buying most of their ingredients from locally-owned and family-operated farms. Although people's taste in food is very subjective, there are some restaurants with a good enough menu to appeal to a large number of people. All the restaurants on this list fall under that category and none of them would be a wrong choice, no matter what your tastes! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Pizza is the perfect food to satisfy a late-night craving, for a quick dinner, or to feed hungry party members. If you live in the El Paso area, good news! There are loads of pizza joints - whether you are looking for more traditional options or ones that are more unique, El Paso has it all! If you have a hankering for pizza, be sure to stop by one – or all! - of the pizza places listed below. Ardovino's Pizza Ardovino's started off as a gourmet Italian food mart and has evolved to a pizzeria and delicatessen over the past 50 years. The restaurant is now known as one of the leading dining venues in the El Paso area with four restaurants around the city. Their menu consists of a variety of signature pizzas, salads, and old-fashioned deli sandwiches. Some of their most popular pizza favorites include Joanna's, Four Seasons, Woody, and Royal. Each pizza brings its own unique flavor, providing the perfect mix of vegetables, housemade sauces, and their specialty toppings. more You won’t just love the food - the atmosphere is enchanting as well. The restaurant is adorned with wine racks holding an impressive selection, comfortable seating, pictures, and embellishments that all provide for casual elegance. The Pizza Joint Established in 2011, The Pizza Joint is a local pizzeria that is known for using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients, to create a product that has diners coming back again and again. They are known as the first established pizza-by-the-slice restaurant in the city, making it popular for diners who are looking for a quick lunch or want to try a few different options. Yet, if you are looking for a pizza big enough to feed the whole family - they offer a 20-inch size, easily feeding the hungriest pizza lovers! The restaurant is known for its fun and fantastic atmosphere, filled with amazing art lining the walls and lively music. While you can't go wrong with anything on the menu, be sure to check out the Hawaiian or the PJ Margherita! Grimaldi's If you’re looking for classic coal-fired, brick-oven pizza, then Grimaldi's is a stop you need on your list. They pride themselves on using only the freshest ingredients and feature a hand-tossed, made-in-house dough that is fresh every day. The secret behind the unique flavor is the secret recipe they use for their dough and sauce, as well as their hand-made mozzarella, combined with the freshest ingredients. They use their ovens for baking each pizza to perfection, delivering not only unique flavor and a crisp crust, but also a tantalizing aroma that fills the entire restaurant. Grimaldi's is one of the most award-winning pizzerias in the United States. You can create your own perfect pizza or try one of the unique specialty options such as their prosciutto arugula pizza, the don, or the Brooklyn Bridge, which combines ricotta cheese, roasted red peppers, and Italian sausage. Satisfy your pizza cravings by stopping at one of the best El Paso pizza joints listed above to enjoy a meal you’ll never forget! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

El Paso, Texas, is filled with plenty of history and charm, and also has a variety of fun things to do. Whether you like spending time outside or you're interested in finding some family-friendly games to play, you're sure to have a great time when you check out these fun things to do around El Paso. Franklin Mountains State Park The massive 24,247-acre Franklin Mountains State Park sits just north of the city and is a great place to get out and explore the natural beauty surrounding El Paso. If you're interested in hiking or mountain biking, the park has over 100 miles of trails that take you through some rugged desert terrain. As you explore the park, you might catch a glimpse of squirrels, mule deer, coyotes, or one of the over 100 species of birds that live in the area. You can also find designated areas in the park for rock climbing. more Adventure Zone Adventure Zone is a family-friendly entertainment center in El Paso that offers something for everyone to enjoy. Head to the go-kart track to race your friends and family and see who can come in first. Or jump in one of the bumper boats equipped with a water squirt gun to cool down and have some fun. Plus, Adventure Zone is the only entertainment center in El Paso to offer a 36-hole miniature golf course that's complete with streams, waterfalls, and caves. Ascarate Park The 400-acre Ascarate Park is located near the heart of El Paso and is the largest recreational park in the county. If you enjoy golfing, the park has an 18-hole golf course and a nine-hole executive course. However, the main feature of the park is the 48-acre Ascarate Lake. Here you can fish for largemouth bass, catfish, trout, blue gill, and more. You can also rent a canoe or pedal boat to spend some time on the water. El Paso Zoo Come view over 220 species of animals when you spend some time at the El Paso Zoo. The zoo is divided into three sections: Animals of the Americas, Animals of Africa, and Animals of Asia. In Animals of the Americas, you'll be able to see animals that span North and South America, including the American alligator, Galapagos tortoise, and Mexican wolf. Animals of Africa showcases lions, zebras, and giraffes. Stop by Animals of Asia to see tigers, elephants, orangutans, and wild horses. Bob-O's Family Fun Center You'll find non-stop fun when you visit Bob-O's Family Fun Center. You can test your swing at the batting cages or compete against friends and family in the two-story laser tag arena. Take a spin around the go-kart track or see if you can get a hole in one on the miniature golf course. When you need to cool down, head inside to the arcade to find some of the latest games. When you're looking to have some fun, you know you'll have a great time when you plan a day at one of these exciting attractions in El Paso. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Image via Flickr by davidstewartgets Working out doesn't have to be boring and painful. Exercising in a group setting can be entertaining, motivating, and a great way to meet other people with similar interests. Fortunately, there are many great workout classes you can enjoy in the El Paso, Texas, area. Energy by Nanea When you head to Energy by Nanea, you will not miss the boring cycle session at the local gym. Nanea offers an energizing class that is also fun. You will burn calories while enjoying the positive energy of Nanea and the rest of the experienced staff. You can also enjoy boot camp fitness or yoga classes. If you aren't ready to commit, try a drop-in class at Energy by Nanea. For just $12, you can try a class and see if you enjoy it before signing up. Bring the kids for a one-hour boot camp class tailored for them, which includes yoga and meditation. more Pure Barre There is a reason that barre has been taking over the country. Barre offers a full bodywork without the intimidation as you learn to use complicated weight equipment. It focuses on the core and works to strengthen the body through low-impact movements. Using only light equipment, you will feel a burn and, soon, an increase in strength. Pure Barre is first-time friendly. It doesn't matter if you've never taken a barre class or if you've taken 50 classes. You are welcome to enjoy the art of barre. Pure Barre of El Paso values its community and you will leave your first class with much more than a sense of strength. CrossFit 915 CrossFit 915 has something for everyone. Avid workout enthusiasts will enjoy one of the CrossFit classes which combine fitness with a competitive attitude. The Sweat 60 workout is a great choice for beginners with more of an emphasis on weight loss. The FemmeFit program is ideal for women who want to work out in a female-only class. This women-led class focuses on a high-intensity workout that gets results. CrossFit 915 also has group classes for children and teens. Lil' Beasts and Future Beasts educate children on the importance of fitness while also teaching them about equipment safety. EP Fitness EP Fitness is a great location for group workout classes of all types. In fact, they have over 400 group fitness classes on the schedule each week. Just a few of the classes you will find at EP Fitness include body sculpting, mixed martial arts, ZUMBA, cardio ball, Pilates CORE, and boot camp. EP Fitness has been a part of El Paso's fitness goals for over 34 years. You can download the EP Fitness app to keep track of class schedules or to sign up for an upcoming class. Whether your idea of a good workout is an intensive boot camp or a quiet, candle-lit yoga class, you will find it at one of these local El Paso locations. Ditch the boring workout and try one of these exciting classes, which are sure to help you reach your fitness goals.

El Paso, Texas, is home to multiple unique bakeries that specialize in providing tasty treats for the local community and surrounding areas. Check out this list of the best bakeries in El Paso. Bowie Bakery Located on South Park Street in El Paso's historic district, Bowie Bakery was established in 1951. Specializing in traditional Mexican pan dulce, the bakery is a local favorite. According to its website, Bowie Bakery has been recognized as the best traditional bakery in the El Paso area. The menu at Bowie Bakery includes a wide range of birthday cakes, wedding cakes, cupcakes, chocolate-covered strawberries, cookies, flan, and tarts. Guests have the option to customize cakes and cupcakes to suit any special occasion. more Bella Cora Bakery Open since 2012 in El Paso, Bella Cora Bakery is known for its delicious handmade pastries and sweets. Specializing in French-style pastries, the menu at Bella Cora includes a variety of fresh breads and pastries including scones, cookies, croissants, brownies, lemon bars, fruit tarts, cream puffs, macarons, and cakes. It's important to note that the chefs at Bella Cora switch up the menu items according to the season - so don’t miss out! Smallcakes El Paso Smallcakes El Paso is a locally-owned and family-operated bakery that specializes in tasty cupcakes and cookies. Items are baked fresh daily, and the menu features more than 275 recipes for sweets. With such a variety of baked goods on its menu, patrons have numerous dessert options to choose from for their special event. Guests have the opportunity to customize the cupcakes and cookies for particular occasions. Smallcakes also caters large group events. Additionally, for added convenience, delivery service is available daily for any baked goods. Orange Peel Orange Peel is a bakery located on North Mesa Street in El Paso that provides a variety of sweets and baked goods for the community. The menu at Orange Peel changes frequently, but typically includes a broad range of pastries, éclairs, brownies, linzers, macarons, cakes, puddings, tarts, wedding cakes, custom cakes, cupcakes, and pies. At Orange Peel, there are vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free options available, depending on your preferences. The staff at Orange Peel request that any specialty order be placed with one week's notice. Simpler orders for cupcakes and other pastries can be ordered one to two days in advance. If you'd like to place an order, all you have to do is call the bakery. Sweet Life Bakery Located on Dyer Street in El Paso, Sweet Life Bakery prides itself on providing only the freshest sweets and baked goods to the El Paso community. The menu at Sweet Life Bakery includes a delicious variety of breads, traditional Mexican breads, pastries, and cakes that can be customized for any occasion. It's easy to place an order from Sweet Life Bakery by going online, by phone, or by visiting the bakery. Visit any of these bakeries in El Paso, Texas, today for a delightful and tasty treat. You'll be glad you did! Image via kurmanstaff | Licensed under CC BY 2.0

The arid, mountainous area around El Paso, Texas, is packed with trails for new hikers, experienced people, and experts who want to tackle the toughest paths. You can get some exercise, spend time outdoors in natural light, and see beautiful scenery! Here are some of the best places for hiking trails near El Paso. The El Paso Tin Mines Trail The 6.6-mile El Paso Tin Mines Trail is a relatively easy hike inside Franklin Mountains State Park. You can see desert wildflowers near the trail, and bird watching is popular there. This trail's highest elevation is 1,023 feet. It's perfect for families with kids, dogs, and you can go horseback or bike riding. There's no shade nearby, so you should bring plenty of water and use sunscreen. If you bring a flashlight and watch out for bats, you can explore the only tin mines in the United States. However, this part of the trail may be too difficult for young kids. more The Aztec Cave Trail This trail is also in Franklin Mountains State Park. It's only 1.2 miles long, but it could be difficult for many people. There's a steep incline leading to the cave, and most individuals take about two hours to make a round trip. The Aztec Cave Trail is mostly covered in gravel, and the view at its peak elevation of 5,559 feet is impressive. Benches near the trail give hikers plenty of places to rest, and you're likely to see a variety of wildlife. The Ron Coleman Trail The 7-mile Ron Coleman Trail stretches between two canyons, and it has lots of rugged terrain. The impressive rock faces nearby make it popular for climbers as well as experienced hikers. It's an ideal day hike as there are two caves nearby and the views are amazing. On a clear day, you can see three states and part of Mexico. The highest elevation is more than 3,000 feet, and you should be prepared for a challenging climb. If you get to the top of a jagged rock face, you can see The Window, a hole in the side of the mountain that gives you a great view of the east side of El Paso. Check the weather before you leave to avoid uncomfortably windy days, and remember to watch for roadrunners, golden hawks, and other wildlife. The North Mount Franklin Trail The North Mount Franklin Trail is one of the most challenging in the area. It covers 8 miles, and its elevation is 7,192 feet, the highest in the area. There are benches along the trail, and leashed dogs are allowed. At the top of the mountain, you can see an old radio tower. The trail is closed in bad weather. The trails around El Paso, Texas are ideal for fun hikes, seeing local plants and animals, and taking interesting photos. You can explore the area, learn more about the ecosystem, and stay in great shape without venturing too far from the city! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Whether you're craving flautas stuffed with sirloin, a classic brisket in a corn tortilla, or a Paleo-friendly lettuce wrap filled with tofu and topped with orange sauce, El Paso, Texas, has great tacos for you to try! Some are more Tex-Mex, while others have a more distinctly Mexican flavor. Don't forget these spots at lunchtime or on your weekend nights out! Lulu's Cafe This cozy cafe opens at 8 a.m. every morning and closes at 6 p.m. every day except Sunday, when it shuts its doors at 2 p.m. For lunch and dinner, sample a range of traditional Mexican tacos, including the deshebrada taco, with savory marinated and seasoned slow-cooked beef. more If Lulu's has any peccadillos, those tiny flaws don't involve their picadillos. Picadillos are ground beef and potato tacos flavored with tomato sauce, and they make a great lunch. The cafe's lime green walls, colorful art, and small wooden tables contribute to a relaxed and comforting atmosphere. Mosey on over for lunch or an early dinner, and give Lulu's a go. TacoHolics Drive over to 1613 North Zaragoza Road for a Mexican-American treat at TacoHolics. You can choose a lettuce wrap or a corn or flour shell, pile on pork, tofu, chicken, or sirloin steak, and choose from a surprising range of sauces. Their orange sauce is both spicy and sweet, while their "Gringo" sauce features mild avocado. For traditional Mexican flair, pour on the red or green sauces and get delicious authentic flavor. The Little Shack Your El Paso spot for fish and shrimp tacos is The Little Shack, at 5360 Mesa Street. Their Fiesta taco features steak and shrimp with cheese, while their Baja taco mixes shrimp with bacon and Chorizo sausage. While fish soup, shrimp and crab cocktails, and ceviche make this taco spot very ocean-oriented, vegetarians will not go hungry – give their scrumptious veggie tacos a try! Chico's Tacos For a quick, savory bite late at night, head out to 1365 George Dieter Drive in El Paso. With plentiful cheese and sauce, and with fast food convenience and prices, Chico's is a favorite spot for crunchy comfort food at midnight. On Thursdays, they're open until 2 a.m., and their doors are open until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Just don't forget your dollar bills, as this inexpensive El Paso taco spot doesn't take credit. Paco Taco Pull up to 900 Talbot Avenue in Canutillo, Texas, near El Paso, and see what fillings Paco Taco can put in your shell. Their famous Tacos Al Pastor feature spit-roasted meat, similar to gyros or kebabs. Paco Taco has a relaxed but vibrant atmosphere, with hot pink walls and glossy wooden tables and chairs. Plus, their usual hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. suit all but the latest night owls and early birds as well. On Fridays and Saturdays, they stay open until 11 p.m. to please those out and about. Whether you're hungry for tacos late on a Saturday night, or looking for a lunch spot that caters to vegetarians, El Paso has something for everyone! With different meats, veggies, cheeses, sauces, and sides, you'll never grow bored of El Paso's favorite crisp and savory treat: the taco! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Finding good seafood restaurants in El Paso, Texas, is a breeze! Whether you're looking for fried calamari, fish tacos, or lobster drenched in butter, there are plenty of places to go to satisfy your craving. Here are our picks for the best places to go for seafood in El Paso! Landry's Seafood House Landry's Seafood House at 6801 Gateway Blvd. West, offers fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere. They serve lunch, dinner, and to-go orders and have an extensive menu of Cajun-inspired dishes. You can start your meal with an appetizer, such as the blue crab cakes or shrimp cocktail, and then move on to either a bowl of clam chowder or Landry's special gumbo. Choose from a variety of sandwiches like their famous Louisiana-style oyster, shrimp, or fish po-boy. For your entree, enjoy cedar-planked salmon, crawfish etouffee, today's catch, or - for the meat lover - try a char-grilled steak. more Pelican's Seafood & Steaks Pelican's Seafood & Steaks is a local favorite for seafood, chicken, and steak dinners. Enjoy a glass of wine with your appetizer, like the oysters Rockefeller or mussels marinara. Enjoy Pelican's bottomless salad bowl or New England clam chowder before your entree. Try the tasty fresh rainbow trout, seared yellow-fin ahi tuna, or charbroiled scallops wrapped in bacon for your main dish. You can find Pelican's at 130 Shadow Mountain Dr. Little Shack With five locations, you'll always be close to one of El Paso's favorite seafood restaurants: Little Shack. This fun, beach-inspired restaurant serves up Mexican-style food such as red and green aquachilies, chicharron shrimp, fish or beef tacos, shrimp tostadas, and fish ceviche. On a warm evening, enjoy a refreshing Caesar salad with shrimp, or when there's a chill in the air, try the seafood soup. Tugboat Fish & Chips Tugboat Fish & Chips at 5501 Dyer St. Suite C, offers delicious seafood combinations like deep-fried fish and oysters or large plates with prawns, clams, scallops, oysters, and calamari. For dinner, choose your favorite kind of fish and how many pieces you want. All dinner orders come with Tugboat's homemade chips. If you're looking for sushi, Tugboat has lots of rolls to choose from. Mesa Street Grill Are you looking to take someone special out for a romantic seafood dinner? Then make a reservation at Mesa Street Grill. They have an extensive selection of wine from Texas, New Mexico, California, and around the world to accompany and compliment your meal. Start with an elegant appetizer, like the ceviche tower, and move to either a bowl of cream of green chile or steak soup; or enjoy a crisp salad before your main entree. Indulge in an Asian-inspired salmon dinner, the crab ravioli, or some spicy shrimp pasta. Save room for dessert and choose from the tiramisu or the creme brulee cheesecake. Mesa Street Grill also has a special lunch and brunch menu, and you can find them at 3800 N. Mesa St. Suite D1. When you want a fresh seafood meal in El Paso, try one of these suggestions to find your next favorite seafood restaurant! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

El Paso, Texas, is known for its desert temperatures and lack of water, making it hard to find a great fishing spot. However, if you do your research and are willing to drive a bit, you can find a few popular places in the area! The following are a few of the hidden fishing gems near El Paso. Ascarate Park The 48-acre Ascarate Lake is part of Ascarate Park in El Paso County and is the area's most popular fishing spot that's open to the public. While fishing here, you're likely to catch a variety of species like carp, bluegill, crappie, catfish, trout, black bass, shad, hybrid sunfish, sun perch, minnows, and largemouth bass. The park is open all year long. Its hours are 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. from April to September and 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. from October to March. more If you plan on checking out this local favorite, there are a few things you should know. Ascarate Park requires adults age 17 and older to have a fishing license. Anglers are only allowed two fishing poles each, and the daily catch limit is five fish per person. Hideaway Lakes Hideaway Lakes is a beautiful fishing spot located in Tornillo, Texas, just 40 minutes from El Paso. Hideaway Lakes is privately owned with several ponds full of catfish. A fishing license is not needed because the ponds are on private property, but you do have to purchase a Hideaway Lakes fishing permit. You can pay $15 for 11 hours, $30 for 23 hours, or $60 for 47 hours. Anglers are only allowed one fishing pole each, and there's a limit of three catfish per permit. You are not allowed to catch and release your catfish, so be prepared to take your fish home for cleaning; also, reservations are required. Hideaway Lakes closes on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. until Thursdays at 6 a.m. Aside from these days and hours, it's open for fishing 24 hours a day. Rio Grande River Trail There are great fishing spots all along the Rio Grande River with several access points throughout El Paso, including the Rio Grande River Trail. The 8.5-mile trail travels right along the river, giving shore fisherman multiple access points to roam along. The section of the river around El Paso is typically slow-moving and dirty, making it a great home for carp and catfish. Occasionally, fishermen will find some sunfish and largemouth bass in this area as well. New Mexico State Parks If you're willing to travel a bit, you'll find some of the best fishing places in New Mexico State Parks like Elephant Butte Lake State Park. Elephant Butte Lake is a rather large lake, making it perfect for both boat fishing and shore fishing. It's most commonly known for striped and white bass fishing; however, you can also expect to catch some catfish, walleye, and largemouth and smallmouth bass. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day on the shoreline or a fun day of fishing out on the water, El Paso has plenty of unexpected options for even the most experienced fishermen! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Finding good seafood restaurants in El Paso, Texas, is a breeze! Whether you're looking for fried calamari, fish tacos, or lobster drenched in butter, there are plenty of places to go to satisfy your craving. Here are our picks for the best places to go for seafood in El Paso. Landry's Seafood House Landry's Seafood House at 6801 Gateway Blvd. West, offers fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere. They serve lunch, dinner, and to-go orders and have an extensive menu of Cajun-inspired dishes. You can start your meal with an appetizer, such as the blue crab cakes or shrimp cocktail, and then move on to either a bowl of clam chowder or Landry's special gumbo. Choose from a variety of sandwiches like their famous Louisiana-style oyster, shrimp, or fish po-boy. For your entree, enjoy cedar-planked salmon, crawfish etouffee, today's catch, or, for the meat lover, try a char-grilled steak. more Pelican's Seafood & Steaks Pelican's Seafood & Steaks is a local favorite for seafood, chicken, and steak dinners. Enjoy a glass of wine with your appetizer, like the oysters Rockefeller or mussels marinara. Enjoy Pelican's bottomless salad bowl or New England clam chowder before your entree. Try the tasty fresh rainbow trout, seared yellow-fin ahi tuna, or charbroiled scallops wrapped in bacon for your main dish. You can find Pelican's at 130 Shadow Mountain Dr. Little Shack With five locations, you'll always be close to one of El Paso's favorite seafood restaurants, Little Shack. This fun, beach-inspired restaurant serves up Mexican-style food such as red and green aquachilies, chicharron shrimp, fish or beef tacos, shrimp tostadas, and fish ceviche. On a warm evening, enjoy a refreshing Caesar salad with shrimp, or when there's a chill in the air, try the seafood soup. Tugboat Fish & Chips Tugboat Fish & Chips at 5501 Dyer St. Suite C, offers delicious seafood combinations like deep-fried fish and oysters or large plates with prawns, oysters, clams, scallops, and calamari. For dinner, choose your favorite kind of fish and how many pieces you want. All dinner orders come with Tugboat's homemade chips. If you're looking for sushi, Tugboat has lots of rolls to choose from! Mesa Street Grill Are you looking to take someone special out for a romantic seafood dinner? Then make a reservation at Mesa Street Grill. They have an extensive selection of wine from Texas, New Mexico, California, and around the world to accompany and compliment your meal. Start with an elegant appetizer, like the ceviche tower, and move to either a bowl of cream of green chile or steak soup or enjoy a crisp salad before your main entree. Indulge in an Asian-inspired salmon dinner, the crab ravioli, or some spicy shrimp pasta. Save room for dessert and choose from the tiramisu or the creme brulee cheesecake. Mesa Street Grill also has a special lunch and brunch menu, and you can find them at 3800 N. Mesa St. Suite D1. When you want a fresh seafood meal in El Paso, try one of these suggestions to find your next favorite seafood restaurant! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License