Diamond speckled skies, moonlight bouncing over the mountain peaks, and dawn emerging in glittering gold and purples; that is the “ Land of Enchantment.”  The city is Las Cruces, New Mexico , known as the “city of the crosses.” Centuries ago, Spaniard missionaries brought their faith to this Apache territory. One man from each adobe home would gather together as a protective militia warding off the frequent Indian raids. Old Mesilla ( Las Cruces ), bypassed by the railroad in 1881, was then considered the largest town between San Antonio, Texas and San Diego , California . It was not until the passing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (cessation of the Mexican War) that settlers would begin to appear. During this time of land exchange from Mexico to the United States, the Indian Wars (Apache and Navajo allies) would dominate the territory for two more years. http://www.las-cruces.org/

The rich cultures of Spanish, Indian, and American make this one of the finest RV vacations. Surrounded by fields of red chilies, corn, cabbages, and hay; the fertile Mesilla valley is comparable to an oasis. RV'ers come to reside in Las Cruces for weeks at a time. One of the finest new resorts to pull into is the Hacienda RV Resort . One mile from Historic Old Mesilla, Billy the Kid's hangout, you'll find 113 fully equipped RV sites. The Hacienda offers concierge service in helping with local attractions. You'll also find a bountiful breakfast bar, complimentary of course, in the club house. Relax and converse with family and friends under the covered patio with crackling fireplace as the evening winds down. Needing to soak away that tension? A large hydrotherapy pool awaits you. For the golfer, the Hacienda assists with golf packages to the Sonoma Ranch Golf Course, an 18-hole blend of fairways and greens with natural desert landscape, and a spectacular view of the Organ Mountains . The Sonoma Golf course was nominated as “Best New Course,” in 2000.” RV resort rates are all inclusive (including breakfast) and the Hacienda offers a ten percent discount to members of FMCA, Good Sam, AARP, TACO, WIT, and AAA. Rates average $30-$42 depending on the type and size of site needed and the Hacienda can accommodate big rigs. Reservations are required. A Rally Coordinator is employed to assist with group needs. For reservations call 1-888-686-9090.

1-10 Westbound:

• Take Exit 140, turn left onto Avenida de Mesilla (toward Historic Old Mesilla)
• Go under the overpass and make an immediate LEFT turn onto Stern Drive (just past Recreation USA) .
• Follow Stern Drive about 1/8 mile.
  We are on the right!

1-10 Eastbound:

• Take Exit 140, merge right onto Avenida de Mesilla (toward Historic Old Mesilla)
• Make an immediate LEFT turn onto Stern Drive (just past Recreation USA) .
• Follow Stern Drive about 1/8 mile.
  We are on the right!

Generous tourist attractions such as: City of Rocks, Gila Cliff Dwellings, Ghost town at Mogollon, White Sands National Monument, and Juarez, Mexico, just to name a few, are within one to two hours driving distance surrounding Las Cruces as well as the “La Mesilla Historic Plaza” located within Las Cruces. Las Cruces Country Club offers an 18-hole desert course with “snowbird” memberships. New Mexico State University offers a premier 18-hole course hosting NCAA (National College Association of Athletes) men's and women's tournaments. Every first weekend in November, Las Cruces hosts a “Renaissance Craftfaire” awarded by the American Business Association as one of the 100 “Best Events of North America.” Numerous crafts, artisan's wares, stained glass, photography, native jewelry, and children's activities can be enjoyed at this annual event. For more information on the “Renaissance Craftfaire,” email daac@zianet.com or call 1-505-523-6403. RV'ers will want to plan each day trip in advance to make the most of this vacation area.

Sitting at an altitude of 3800 feet above sea level, temperatures in Las Cruces average 90's – 60's in summer and 60's – 20's in the winter. Average annual snowfall is three inches. Another RV Park to consider is “Best View” which is located on a bluff which allows for that spectacular view of the Organ Mountains and the Rio Grande. Best View RV Park hosts a variety of sites including 30/50 amp full hook-up, pull-through, pull-in, and back-in. The most scenic RV sites sit on the edge of the bluff and are limited in number. Nightly rates average $23. There is an “after hours” site payment board. The office closes at 6:00 pm Monday through Saturday, and 5:30 pm on Sundays. You will probably want to call ahead for reserving sites at this RV Park (1-800-526-6555).  Best View RV Park offers laundry, showers, and restrooms and of course the “best view” of the twinkling stars!

Whether you sit under the covered patio at Hacienda or the awning of your RV, you are sure to enjoy an enchanted evening as the sun surrenders itself to nightfall and the diamonds come out once again sparkling as far as the eye can see. Listen to the singing of the desert; feel the gentle southerly wind whisper against your face and you'll wonder why you waited so long to find the “city of the crosses” Las Cruces, New Mexico. Happy Traveling. http://www.lascruces.org/

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me:  jones@photoandtravel.com