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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. 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

If you're looking for an all-electric vehicle, consider the 2020 Toyota Mirai sedan. Its sleek design and minimal carbon footprint make it an appealing option for those looking for a stylish, eco-friendly car. Here are five things to know about the 2020 Toyota Mirai. Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicle The Mirai runs on a hydrogen-powered fuel-cell that powers an electric motor. Oxygen and hydrogen combine to create electricity that runs the motor. Excess power gets stored inside of a high-voltage 245-volt nickel-metal hydride battery located in the rear of the car. The car has two tanks that store hydrogen gas. Oxygen, which comes from the ambient air, mixes with the hydrogen, and the reaction of the two compounds creates electricity and water. The electricity powers the motor and the water, which is a by-product of the reaction, exits through the exhaust as water vapor. Solid Driving Range and Quick to Refuel The electric motor that powers the Mirai produces 151 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, which is sent to the one-speed direct-drive transmission and then to the front wheels. Because the Mirai runs on hydrogen gas and produces its own electricity from the fuel cell, it doesn't need to be plugged in to recharge. Instead, after driving for about 300 miles, the car needs a quick five-minute refueling at a station that offers hydrogen gas. The estimated gas mileage for the Mirai is 67 mpg when driving either in the city or on the highway. Safety Features The Mirai comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense system which has a pre-collision warning with pedestrian detect, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and full-speed dynamic radar cruise control. Toyota's Star Safety System includes stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. In the event of a collision, sensors in the car close the hydrogen fuel tanks and automatically deactivate the high-voltage battery. Other available safety features include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and intelligent clearance sonars with rear cross-traffic automatic braking. Innovative Interior Technology The infotainment and connectivity system in the Mirai comes from Toyota's Entune System. The 7-inch touch screen and standard Wi-Fi hot spot keep you connected. Listen to music streamed through Bluetooth and your smartphone or through Sirius XM satellite radio on the premium 11-speaker JBL audio system. Navigation comes standard in the Mirai along with a 2.0 USB port and Siri Eyes Free with dynamic voice recognition. Comfortable Interior The Mirai seats four people and has 42.5 inches of front legroom, 38.5 inches of front headroom, 30.1 inches of rear legroom, and 36.8 inches of rear headroom. There are 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space to hold luggage and supplies. The multi-level heating for the driver's and both front and rear passenger's seats will keep everyone comfortable, and the rear ventilation ducts bring in fresh air for the back seat passengers. To learn more about the innovative 2020 Toyota Mirai, stop by Fox Toyota of El Paso today. Image via toyota.com

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. 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

Whether you're looking for a subcompact sedan or hatchback, the 2020 Toyota Yaris is a solid choice! The Yaris handles well on the road, has a comfortable interior, and gets great gas mileage. Let's look at four features that make this sporty car so appealing! Solid Powertrain The sedan version of the Yaris offers three trims, the L, LR, and XLE, while the hatchback version has two trims, the LE and XLE. All trim levels feature a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 106 horsepower with 103 pound-feet of torque. The L and LE trim levels pair the 1.5-liter engine to a six-speed manual transmission, while the XLE trim pairs it with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Yaris has front-wheel drive which helps reduce the overall weight of the car and increases fuel economy. Because the engine sits directly over the front wheels, the Yaris has great traction on slippery or uneven terrain. Gas mileage for the L and LE trims is about 30 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, and the XLE trim gets about 32 mpg in the city and about 40 mpg when highway driving. Modern Interior Both the four-door sedan and the five-door hatchback have seating for five. With 86.7 cubic feet of total passenger volume, everyone will have plenty of room and feel comfortable. You'll also have loads of space for luggage or cargo, as the sedan has 14 cubic feet of cargo space and the hatchback has 16 cubic feet of cargo space. The infotainment system is user-friendly and comes standard with a 7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, six-speakers, and an auxiliary audio input jack. Available options include SiriusXM satellite radio and two USB ports. Handles Well Because the Yaris only weighs 2,400 pounds, it handles well and reacts quickly. You'll experience a soft ride due to the torsion-beam rear axle that is attached to the rear wheels. Under load, the beam twists slightly to help stabilize the vehicle, and during side-to-side movement, the torsion beam remains rigid which helps to prevent the car from rolling. The six-speed manual transmission makes driving the Yaris interactive, while the six-speed automatic transmission makes shifting seamless. Driver-Assist and Safety Features Standard on the 2020 Yaris is the Toyota Safety Sense System which includes dynamic stability control, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution, and anti-lock brakes. For more safety features, the Yaris comes with the Toyota pre-collision system. The system uses an in-vehicle camera that has a laser to create a low-speed forward-collision warning system. The brake-assist system automatically applies the brakes if it detects the driver isn't slowing down enough or braking sufficiently. Other safety features include six airbags, three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, LATCH anchors on outboard rear seats, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The 2020 Toyota Yaris is an attractive car for those looking for an affordable and reliable vehicle. If you want to learn more about the 2020 Toyota Yaris or take one for a test drive, stop by Fox Toyota of El Paso today! Image via toyota.com

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. 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. 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. 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

Toyota makes safe, reliable, and dependable vehicles. While all of these features are important to drivers, sometimes luxury is also a consideration when searching for the right car. In fact, Toyota has several luxury cars in their lineup that are equipped with stunning interiors, exceptional technology, and infotainment to make your drive more fun! Check out three of Toyota's best luxury cars for 2020. Avalon There are eight Avalon models to choose from, so you're sure to get one that has exactly the luxurious features you're looking for. Starting at the base XLE trim level, you get features such as a 9-inch touch screen, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, Apple CarPlay integration, and the Toyota Safety Sense P suite of safety features. At the highest trim level, Limited, you gain features like heated and ventilated front seats, LED headlights, and a premium audio system with 14 speakers. It has a starting MSRP of $35,875, and you'll enjoy an EPA-estimated 22 mpg when driving in the city and up to 32 mpg on the highway. To customize the look of your Avalon, choose one of the beautiful exterior colors, like Wind Chill Pearl, Opulent Amber, Ruby Flare Pearl, or Supersonic Red. Prius Prime One glance at the Prius Prime and you'll know you're in for a luxurious ride. It comes in three trim levels: LE, XLE, and Limited. The futuristic interior and its incredible range make the Prius Prime an appealing option for eco-friendly drivers who want a refined car to get them around town. When using both the gas and electric motors, you can get up to 133 MPGe. Add in incredible features like a smart key system with push-button start, a remote A/C system, a 60/40 split-fold rear seat, an optional 11.6-inch infotainment screen, and the Toyota Safety Sense P suite of safety technologies. All of this fuel efficiency and luxury is available for a starting MSRP of only $27,900. Mirai The 2020 Toyota Mirai uses new fuel cell technology to power this luxurious vehicle. Its power comes from hydrogen and only emits water rather than CO2, and it can get an estimated 67 mpg. This innovative vehicle doesn't skimp on high-tech features inside either. Seats are SofTex trimmed and heated, and the intuitive infotainment system is user-friendly. With Qi-compatible wireless charging standard, you won't have to worry about messy cords getting tangled in your vehicle anymore. For passengers' added convenience and comfort, the rear seat center console comes with cup holders. The Mirai also comes with many standard safety features so you can feel safe and confident behind the wheel. Some of these safety features are lane departure alert with steering assist and road edge detection, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control. When you want to drive a luxury vehicle, take a look at what's in Toyota's lineup this year! At Fox Toyota of El Paso, we have a large selection for you to choose from. Schedule an appointment to come on in and take one for a test drive today! Image via toyota.com

Choosing to purchase a certified used Toyota vehicle has many benefits, including a lower price and a guarantee that the vehicle is in excellent condition. When the used vehicle is certified by Toyota, you receive several additional guarantees such as less than 85,000 miles on the odometer and a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle Seal of Approval. Take a look at four reasons you should consider purchasing a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle (TCUV). Toyota Certified Used Vehicles Undergo Full CARFAX Vehicle History Reports When you choose a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle, you can trust that the car has been thoroughly reviewed and has gone through a full CARFAX Vehicle History Report. Not only that, but you can also trust your car has no ineligible requirements as a result of the CARFAX report. CARFAX reports check for a variety of factors including airbag deployment, service history, major accidents, various types of damage, warranty information, and length of previous ownership. As a result, you can trust you know everything there is to know about your vehicle and that it all checks out okay. Every TCUV Undergoes a 160-Point Minimum Quality Assurance Inspection Toyota subjects each of its certified used vehicles to a 160-point minimum Quality Assurance Inspection that includes detailing, appearance, and mechanical inspections which must meet certain standards. The inspection also ensures that factory-trained technicians fix any issues and make all repairs before the vehicle is able to be certified. A few of the many points included in this inspection are the inspection of the calipers, lines, hoses, and brakes, ensuring radio speakers do not rattle when the volume is high, and making sure the under-hood fluids are uncontaminated and clear. Toyota Certified Used Vehicles Come with One Year of Roadside Assistance All Toyota Certified Used Vehicles come with one year of Roadside Assistance free of charge. Toyota Roadside Assistance covers many roadside services you may be faced with including getting locked out of your car, towing and fuel delivery, flat tires, and jump-starts. You’ll also receive reimbursement if you're required to pay for towing upfront. Roadside Assistance is available every day of the year and 24 hours a day so you can rest easy knowing you'll always be covered! Reliable Coverage with the Toyota Certified Used Vehicle Warranty Toyota Certified Used Vehicles come with the Toyota Certified Used Vehicle Warranty. This comprehensive warranty includes a limited powertrain warranty, a fuel cell vehicle warranty, a factory hybrid vehicle battery warranty if you purchase a used hybrid car, and Roadside Assistance. Each warranty varies in duration: the Comprehensive Warranty covering 12 months or 12,000 miles from the date of purchase, whichever comes first; and the Limited Powertrain Warranty coverage, beginning when the vehicle is purchased and ending after seven years or after 100,000 miles have been accumulated. Purchasing a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle comes with many benefits. Interested in test-driving a few Toyota Certified Used Vehicles today? Stop by Fox Toyota of El Paso and let us help you find your next ride! Image via toyota.com

El Paso, Texas, is known for its up-and-coming culinary scene and boasts a long list of top-quality restaurants. If you're into tacos, nachos, and all things south of the border, you'll have no problem finding a restaurant in this city that serves fresh, authentic Mexican food! Here are a few Mexican joints that you definitely should give a try! L&J Cafe When Tony's Place opened its doors in El Paso way back in 1927,  locals weren't only provided with delicious home cooking but could also enjoy some homebrew during the dry prohibition years. Later on, the restaurant's name was changed to L&J Cafe, and today, a fourth generation of the family is serving the El Paso community delicious Mexican fare and tasty cocktails! The venue of this El Paso mainstay is cozy and cheerful, and the service: friendly and efficient! However, it's the delicious food on offer at L&J Cafe that keeps locals coming back for more. For starters, you can opt for a Queso Con Chorizo, which is melted white cheese with chorizo; or the nachos with beans, jalapenos, and cheese. For mains, you can choose from a wide selection of fresh salads, sandwiches, burgers, and taco plates. If you feel like spoiling yourself, go for one of the house specialties: for instance, the Mexican Combination that consists of a ground beef taco, red cheese enchilada, chile relleno, and beef flauta. Julio's Mexican Food Julio's Mexican Food is another restaurant that’s been serving delicious Mexican food in Texas for many decades. Although the doors of the original restaurant opened in Ciudad Juarez in 1944,  Julio's only came to El Paso in 1981. Today, El Paso is home to two Julio's restaurants, and the family is still serving top-quality authentic Mexican fare made from scratch. And, according to locals, they make the best margaritas in town! The extensive menu offers tantalizing appetizers, such as the Chile Con Queso, prepared with melted cheese, roasted green peppers, onions, and tomatoes, as well as fresh salads and soups. You can also choose from a long list of house specialties that offers mouthwatering options like the Chicken Tampiquena, grilled chicken breast served with guacamole, pepper strips, a red cheese enchilada, and refried beans. If seafood is your thing, the menu boasts fresh fish and shrimp dishes as well. Leo's Mexican Food Founded back in 1946, Leo's Mexican Food is another mainstay in the El Paso community. The Terrazas family has passed this restaurant down from generation to generation and takes pride in offering patrons flavorful Mexican dishes and exceptional service. Guests are treated to a lively and colorful venue with a welcoming atmosphere. The menu contains all your favorite Mexican dishes, prepared with care from fresh ingredients. You can start with Fiesta Nachos, served with beans, ground beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and jalapenos, before moving on to one of their scrumptious entrees, such as Leo's Super Combo, which consists of a ground beef taco, cheese enchilada, chile relleno, pork tamale, and chile verde con carne. These are just a few examples of what you can expect from the Mexican culinary scene in El Paso. Offering fresh, authentic Mexican dishes, pleasant venues, and attentive service, these restaurants will certainly not disappoint! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

When your teen gets their driver's license, it's both exciting and terrifying. Your child is growing up, but they're still going to be prone to making poor choices. A safe-driving contract can help them be mindful of the choices they make while behind the wheel. Here, we look at how to create a safe-driving contract for your teen, why it's so important, what elements to include, and how to keep your worries at bay with the knowledge of having a safe-driving teen. Why Safe-Driving Contracts Matter When teens start driving, they are prone to make mistakes. Kids' brains aren't as developed as adults', and when you combine the natural impulsiveness of teens with their relative lack of experience driving, errors can result in potentially devastating accidents. The government tries to mitigate this somewhat by limiting their driving privileges, such as placing curfews on driving hours, but a contract between parent and kid can help, too. These contracts can help teens stay mindful of the choices they make while driving. They establish clear guidelines for the teen when they drive without your supervision, and your child is more likely to follow those guidelines when they've put their signature on them. A contract also allows for give-and-take. You can develop these guidelines with your teen, so everyone understands what has gone into them. What Your Contract Should Include Some of the rules you place in your contract should be non-negotiable. For example, you should always include a no-phone guideline. Seat-belt rules are also a must-have element. Other agreements can be more flexible and change over time. You might, for example, want to set curfews with guidelines for when it may be acceptable to break them. Many parents include limits on how many passengers their teen can transport. Areas your teen is not allowed to drive in are a good inclusion. As your teen gets older, you can relax certain restrictions and include new privileges. Another thing that's important to include in your contract is the consequences of breaking the agreement. A contract is only effective if it is binding, and consequences ensure that to be the case. Consequences could be the reduction or removal of driving privileges, increased chores around the house, or being grounded. You can include multiple levels of penalties for different kinds of infractions. Breaking Down the Contract Your contract should be very specific and in sections. It should include responsibilities for the parents as well as for the teen driver. It should then outline each infraction and penalties, with space for initials, and it should include the base rules for the driver to follow. There should then be a final summary and signature page. Check out this sample contract from Drive Safely as a guideline for your own. At Fox Toyota of El Paso, we think it's important to help keep your teen safe on the roads. As a dealership, we have a responsibility to protect drivers of all ages, and we hope this article helps you and your family. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Although modern technology gives us more entertainment options than ever, there's still something magically unique about picking up and reading a good book. Luckily for those living in or near El Paso, Texas, there are many well-stocked bookstores around that will offer you hundreds of hours of fun, relaxation, and education! Literarity Book Shop Founders and owners Mary Ana and Bill Clark have been collecting books for decades and a few years ago they decided to share their vast collection with everyone else. This is how Literarity Book Shop was born - and it quickly became one of the most popular independent bookstores in town! It includes over 7,000 books on many topics, from history to fiction and from poetry books to photography books. They also have many collectible books and signed first editions. Cactus Flower Bookery Located on Doniphan Drive, this little bookstore is the ideal place for book lovers that want to look for their next read in a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Aside from new and used books, visitors will also discover all sorts of gift ideas, art pieces, and book accessories. Although it may seem small, this bookstore is exactly the kind of place where a book lover can and will spend many hours – don’t be deceived by its cover! Barnes & Noble Small and intimate bookstores are definitely charming, but some of the needs of book lovers can only be fulfilled by a major book retailer. With two locations in El Paso, Barnes & Noble gives locals and visitors access to their enormous catalog featuring thousands of books, movies, music, and all sorts of gifts. If an independent bookstore is typically the place to visit when you don't know what your next book will be, then this is the place to go if your mind is already set on a particular book. Brave Books This independent bookstore was first opened only a year ago but quickly became popular with local book enthusiasts. Their goal from the beginning was to create a small cultural hub where people who are passionate about art, literature, design, and music could get together, exchange ideas, and enjoy each other's presence. In addition to an eclectic collection of new and used books, Brave Books also hosts occasional live music performances from local artists. University of Texas-El Paso Bookstore The local university library is a great place for students to find textbooks, but it also sells many other kinds of books, such as poetry, philosophy, fiction, autobiographies, and much more. It's the place where you can find all sorts of gift ideas, collectibles, electronics, music, games, and UTEP branded clothes. Their large collection makes it one of the most popular and well-stocked bookstores in town. Reading books is a habit that enriches anyone's life. It's much more than a form of entertainment, as it manages to expand our imaginations, increase our knowledge on various topics, and relax our minds. By visiting any of these bookstores you’ll not only expand your reading list but also enjoy a relaxing few hours in the company of like-minded people! Plan a visit once current guidelines have been relaxed – you won’t be disappointed! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Although recent world events showed us the power of staying indoors, in the long run we are all healthier and happier if we spend time in nature. Those living in or around El Paso, Texas, are blessed with many wonderful opportunities to spend time outdoors with friends and family. Franklin Mountains State Park Located right in El Paso, this national park is the largest urban park in the whole nation. This means that the people living in El Paso have something no other town has: their very own natural oasis right inside their town! The park is three miles wide and stretches for 23 miles into New Mexico, with altitudes sometimes exceeding 7,000 feet. The park is open to the public throughout the whole year and there are plenty of recreational opportunities for those who enjoy spending their time in nature. Although the park administrators decided to keep the location as natural as possible and limit the number of paved roads and access areas, there are still two major hiking trails that visitors can use to discover the breathtaking local landscapes. There are five camping areas with picnic facilities available; it’s also a well-known gathering spot for rock climbers! Scenic Drive - Overlook If you're looking to get a view of the entire city, Scenic Drive will definitely not disappoint you! This curvy mountain road gives visitors absolutely spectacular views of both El Paso and Juarez, making it a highly popular outdoor destination. People who get there by car often find a spot to park and spend hours just enjoying the view. It's also a great spot for cyclists, as the 30-mile bike ride is both demanding and rewarding. Red Sands This place looks like it belongs in a Sci-Fi movie and was formed 34 million years ago. Nowadays it's a great place for those who love spending time outdoors and also love off-roading, as the desert dunes provide the perfect setting for it. Most visitors rent ATVs and spend an entire day driving across the dunes and taking in the views. If your idea of spending time outdoors involves a large dose of adrenaline, you will definitely enjoy a visit to the Red Sands! El Paso Zoo Stretching over 35 acres, the local zoo is probably the best outdoor location for kids. It's a great occasion for them to learn and have fun by seeing and interacting with a wide variety of animals. In-house attractions include the African Star Train that takes the kids on a ride across Africa, with zebras and giraffes along the way, and showcases the Foster Tree House playground, a series of five connected treehouses featuring slides, tunnels, and more. Kids will also have the chance to play with giraffes and learn about how to protect endangered species! Spending time outdoor is not only fun but also a healthy thing to do for both body and mind. El Paso and the area around it have so many different outdoor attractions that you're sure to find something you and your loved ones will enjoy. Check hours of availability, then plan a fun excursion! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

If you're in the mood for Italian fare, be sure to check out some of the top-rated restaurants located in El Paso, Texas. Each offers a welcoming atmosphere, along with an extensive menu of tasty options to enjoy. Grab some take-out and enjoy a tasty Italian meal at home! Trattoria Bella Serra Trattoria Bella Serra is owned and operated by Guliana Leardini, who was born and raised in Verona, Italy. She opened this restaurant in 2007, allowing her to prepare the recipes that have been passed through generations within her family. The entrees feature Italian spices and flavorings, offering an enjoyable dining experience for all who visit. Start your meal with something from the antipasti menu, such as a zucchini fritti or polenta topped with your choice of Bolognese or gorgonzola sauce. The menu also includes soup options, salads, and specialty pasta, such as cheese-stuffed tortellini, homemade gnocchi, and freshly prepared spaghetti topped with house-made sausage and classic marinara. Additional choices include those prepared with fresh seafood, calzones, pizzas, and poultry. A three-course meal is also available, featuring the chef's specialty items. Cafe Italia Cafe Italia has two locations on both the east and west sides of El Paso. This friendly, casual joint features delicious menu items cooked in the handmade brick oven. The dough used to prepare the pizza, rustic bread, and other menu items is made in-house every day, as is the fresh mozzarella. Wood-fired entrees include roasted vegetables served with cheese and salami, pizzas with a range of topping choices, and calzones. If you have a sweet tooth, try the house specialty – fresh dough stuffed with hazelnut cocoa spread. Monteleone's Monteleone's is an Italian restaurant located in a historic building within El Paso. The structure has stood in the city for over a century and once served as a spiritualist church. It's believed by some to be haunted, so you may get a unique experience, especially if you visit during a “Dining with the Dead” experience, hosted monthly. Even if you don't believe in the paranormal, you can still enjoy a tasty meal at this unique location. On the menu, options include fresh pizza, pasta dishes, calzones, soup, and salad. If you're up for something different, try the Italian nachos, which feature chips made from pizza dough topped with marinara, red onions, jalapeno, Italian sausage, and mozzarella cheese. Locals also claim that Monteleone's serves some of the city's best tiramisu. Mi Piaci Restaurant Mi Piaci is a locally owned Italian restaurant that specializes in seafood, steak, and pasta dishes. All pasta is made from scratch, while the seafood is flown in fresh from Seattle. The head chef hails from Calabria and has been preparing Italian dishes for over two decades. A few of the most popular entrees include grilled ribeye steak, beef ragu, and chicken piccata. This restaurant also offers a wide range of wine pairing options, as well as decadent desserts. When the craving strikes for authentic pizza, pasta, and other Italy-inspired dishes, you don't have to travel too far to enjoy your tasty favorites. Instead of cooking tonight, head out for a meal at one of these El Paso Italian eateries. Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License