New Mexico State University boasts one of the nation's largest campuses and planetary observatories. The New Mexico State University Museum, Las Cruces Museum of Natural History and Gadsden Museum offer fascinating exhibits. NMSU hosts concerts, symphonies, theater and art exhibits. In the town of La Mesilla, historic Old Mesilla with its narrow streets, charming town square and plaza, and double-spired San Albino Church, provides a relaxing and singular shopping and dining experience. Southwestern art, ethnic clothing, jewelry, books, freshly made chocolates, and a myriad of hand-crafted items beckon from shop windows.
Restaurants offer a variety of fine foods.
The Gadsden Museum provides a look at the last century, and at the old haunted house, visitors hope to see a ghost. In the evening, local cantinas come alive with rock, blues and salsa. The Farmers' and Crafts' Market features artwork, Native American crafts and spicy southwestern foods. Landmarks, historic sites, golf courses and parks also await discovery. At 3,900 feet, Las Cruces boasts a temperate climate and low annual rainfall that combine to offer year-round outdoor fun.