Location: Mesilla
Top Things to do in Mesilla
- 1. Basilica of San Albino
- 2. New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum
- 3. Fountain Theater
- 4. Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces
- 5. Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park
- 6. Old Mesilla Village
- 7. Mesilla Book Center
- 8. The Zuhl Museum
- 9. Rio Grande Vineyards and Winery
- 10. Heart of the Desert Pistachios & Wine
10 Things to Do in Mesilla That You Shouldn't Miss
Mesilla (also known as La Mesilla and Old Mesilla) is a town in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 2,196 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Las Cruces Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Restaurants in Mesilla
1. Basilica of San Albino
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By M J - Austin, Texas
My husband and I went to the old Mesilla Village to see the San Albino Church. We wanted to see the inside but it was locked up. We walked around the building to view the outside. There were cameras all over the church. The church takes up the entire block on the north side the historical Mesilla Village square. There was plenty of parking on the Monday afternoon that we visited. The square is beautiful as well. There were small shops, a park in the square and restaurants within a block. The church itself is not worth a trip to the area but the old Mesilla Village square is certainly worth a short stop.
2. New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 320 reviews
MexicoFor at least 4,000 years, people have been growing food in this region and the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum tells this incredible story through interactive exhibits, demonstrations, oral histories, objects, and educational programs. In 2017-18, the Museum is celebrating 20 years of sharing this remarkable story of survival, ingenuity, and hope. It connects generations and weaves together people from various cultures that are uniquely New Mexico. Visitors from around the world have enjoyed the Museum, one of the region’s top attractions. The 47-acre campus in Las Cruces features several barns, animals, a greenhouse, play areas for children, an amphitheater, the Heritage Garden and much more. Permanent and changing exhibits, as well as a theater, library, gift shop, snack bar, and meeting rooms are located in the 100,000-square-feet, ranch-style main building, named after Bruce King, New Mexico’s only three-term governor and rancher.
Reviewed By delited - United States
We went during a rock show exhibit which included a museum ticket. It was a neat little place to walk around. It’s put together nicely.Thank you for attending the rock show and experiencing the museum. We are glad to have you.
3. Fountain Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By CORNELL C - Las Cruces, New Mexico
If you are out to see a movie on a big screen, you have many multi-screen locations around. The theater seats may be of a higher quality but the staff, film selections, concessions, atmosphere pale in comparison of the Fountain Theater in Mesilla, NM. Next door is La Posta De Mesilla restaurant with a door that leads into the theater. Grab a beer or wine and relax for a wonderful movie. If you want something none alcoholic, there are snack, candy, fresh popcorn with real butter, and bunt cake. Relax at cafe tables in the back or seat in the theater seats that take one backs to the days of afternoon matinee. The selection of movies are thoughtful and begs the question, "Why aren't more theaters showing these movies." Get to the theater before the movie begins as the doors will lock so that those seated are not disturbed by newcomers (I like this). Also, you are warned, nicely, to turn your cell phones off (don't be rude, it is the right thing to do.) The staff is knowledgeable and passionate about the films the show, so be sure to be there for the introduction and information on up coming films. In addition, it is very affordable. It is a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
4. Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 253 reviews
We are a world-class Market in the heart of Main Street Downtown Las Cruces. We have over 300 members who are skilled artisans, farmers, bakers, food trucks and talented local musicians. All of the goods are handmade, right here in Dona Ana County and grown right here in New Mexico.
Reviewed By UKVISIT - Arizona
Different from a farmers market I think of where it's primarily fruits and vegetables, but still good. There was limited veggies when we were there but maybe it was the time of year. They had a couple of grass fed meat places, honey and jams. Then mostly crafts type things and a few food trucks. But worth a visit if in the area.
5. Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By Jim1038 - Las Cruces, New Mexico
Awesome park beautiful foilag and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. We will return to explore the park more.
6. Old Mesilla Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 841 reviews
Reviewed By carolr583 - Shepherd, Montana, USA
The day we spent here we attended church at the Basilica, then they had a market in the square. Vendors with crafts and products lined the square, large variety of items. Stores around the square have a great variety of New Mexico art and wine. Double Eagle restaurant was very popular.
7. Mesilla Book Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Ronald D - Stillwater, Oklahoma
This store is simply a book lover's dream. Housed in an old historic building, with the original bean ceiling, it houses a large selection of books you won't find in the big-box bookstores: tons of local and regional history, specialty books, Independent books, etc. Plus they have lots of souvenirs and other items. A bit cramped, but just a great place to spend tons of time browsing (which you MUST do). I could camp here for days it's that wonderful of a book store. I love these type of book sellers and look for them wherever I travel, and this is one of the best I've found in my travels around the U.S.
8. The Zuhl Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 73 reviews
The Zuhl Museum: Where Rocks Come Alive! Part art gallery, part natural history museum, the Zuhl collection at NMSU showcases thousands of beautiful specimens of petrified wood, fossils and minerals. The Zuhl Collection, on display in the Zuhl Museum in the east wing gallery of the New Mexico State University Alumni and Visitors Center, contains petrified wood, fossils, rocks and minerals. This gallery is easily accessible to local citizens, school groups and visitors to the university and southern New Mexico. Additional items from the collection are displayed in the Zuhl Library, located four blocks east near the center of campus.
Reviewed By Crystal R - Rockwall, Texas
Have you ever heard of the phrase, "small but mighty"? Well, this phrase definitely applies to the Zuhl Museum located on the NM State University University in Las Cruces, NM. The museum isn't a large place, but the extensive collection certainly packs a punch. It is full of interesting, beautiful artifacts. The museum is currently undergoing an expansion to be completed in September, 2017. The museum will be closing August 14, 2017, and reopen on October 2, 2017, so factor these dates into your visit!
If you are an art gallery buff or interested in natural history, this place is for you. Even if you're not into either, you can enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of the 1800+ specimens located here. The museum is open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (except for their holiday schedule) and every second Saturday of the month from 12-5 p.m. and the price is right...it's FREE!
In the year 2000, Herb and Joan Zuhl allowed their collection to be displayed at the NM State University and in 2004, the museum became a reality. Herb Zuhl is considered the "Father" of the petrified wood cutting and polishing industry and the museum's furniture displays reflect the natural beauty of the polished petrified wood. (If you're interested in purchasing petrified wood furniture, I found this website during my research, Russell-Zuhl Petrified Wood.) Last, but not least, the museum boasts a beautiful fossil and mineral collection as well.
So if you're near Las Cruces, or this blogpost has piqued your interest, go visit the Zuhl Museum, the price is right!
9. Rio Grande Vineyards and Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By Diana F - Clovis, New Mexico
Love the view of the Organ Mountains! You can sit out on the patio and relax after a very interesting and informative tour with the owner. We're not wine drinkers (came with a tour group), so my review is limited, but still enjoyed the tasting and the experience.
10. Heart of the Desert Pistachios & Wine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Heart of the Desert is a pistachio ranch and vineyard in Alamogordo, NM. The Mesilla store is a great place to sample farm fresh New Mexico pistachios in a variety of flavors and taste a variety of Heart of the Desert wines. Enjoy shopping for New Mexico inspired gifts and accessories while you are here.
Reviewed By TXRVer09 - Fredericksburg, Texas
This is a wine tasting room located on Calle de Guadalupe Road in Mesilla. They have a larger than expected variety of wines, and tastings are inexpensive. Of course they feature there own wines from their winery in the country.
Pistachios and wine! Now, there's a combination that goes well together. They even have a pistachio rose wine that is refreshingly different! The little shop in the back has lots of cute items. The owner is very friendly and helpful.
Nice respite from the crowded wineries.
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