Las Cruces Has 350 Days of Sunshine Each Year

Best Boomer Towns - Town Blogs

Written by Sarah Shonka, from Las Cruces, New Mexico on May 04, 2009

Las Cruces, New Mexico is an understated popular destination in the western United States, located in the Mesilla Valley. With 350 days of sunshine each year, combined with culture, history, world class golf, unique attractions, and many yearly events, what's not to love about this small metro area? Las Cruces, has received awards including rankings from Money magazine as one of the "best college towns to retire" and from AARP as one of their "dream towns" to retire.

This weekend is the annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta which includes music, food and dancing on the historic Mesilla Plaza. In mid-May (15th) is the Blessing of The Field, which celebrates New Mexicos strong farming heritage.

For the wine lover in you, May 23-25 is the Southern New Mexico Wine Festival where you can enjoy live entertainment and local vendors, all at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds. If this isn't enough wine for you, September 5-7 is the New Mexico Wine Harvest Festival which includes more wine tasting, arts and crafts, and wine seminars http://nmwine.com . The La Vina Wine Festival in October should make you all "wined" out by the end of the year. The oldest wine festival in New Mexico, featuring wine from New Mexicos oldest winery, La Vina Winery.

In July is the annual 4th of July parade and fireworks, celebrating with floats and live entertainment on the 3rd and 4th. All the events are open to the public and free of charge.

If you can't get enough Mexican food throughout the year, save up for September when The Hatch Chile Festival & The Whole Enchilada Fiesta take place. Where else would you want to celebrate Mexican food than in The Mesilla Valley- the chile capital of the world! Live auctions, music, and crafts are among the many things you can enjoy here. http://hatchchilefest.com. If you are celebrating chilies, why not celebrate one of Americas favorite foods- the enchilada? Think Mardi Gras in New Mexico- it's one big street party including the worlds largest enchilada, dancing, and a parade. This is an experience that cannot be missed. http://enchiladafiesta.com.

If you aren't full and worn out by reading this alone, hop on a Southwest airlines flight from LAX ($49 one way) to Las Cruces International Airport and experience it for yourself. You might just find this is the place where you can spend, "the best rest of your life."

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