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On the Rio Grande, just across the border – and actually part of Mexico before 1848 – El Paso is home to some of the best Mexican restaurants in the United States! Let us show you our absolute favorites. 1. L & J Cafe You might have to wait a little while to get a table here, but you'll soon see why this restaurant is so popular with locals and tourists alike! Dating back to 1927, and the age of prohibition, this institution has a long and storied history. There's everything you'd expect on the menu. Still, if you're unsure, you can ask the friendly staff for recommendations or go for the full Mexican Combination Plate featuring an enchilada, a chile relleno, a taco, a beef flauta, chile verde con carne, rice, beans, and guacamole. It’s a perfect way to experience many different flavors – now you just have to try to choose a favorite for the next visit! 2. Kiki's Situated in Military Heights in a building that has its history traced back over one hundred years, Kiki's is a fantastic and straightforward restaurant and bar serving quality food that's packed with flavor. The restaurant runs a rotating lunch and dinner specials menu, so regulars or those on a budget can get well fed at a great price, but it's the famous specialties that we go there for. The Brisket Machaca is as good as its reputation, and the Chicken Molé must be experienced. 3. Carlos and Mickey's Well known for its lively atmosphere and great for parties and celebrations, this restaurant also has live music from local acts every day! We can't resist starting with the Nachos Grande with beef or chicken and plenty of beans, cheese, and jalapenos. After this, you're spoiled for choice, but we were advised to try the Tacos al Pastor with pork, beans, and a secret sauce from the chef's hometown – it was an excellent option. There's a limited dessert choice, but that doesn't matter since Pancho's Sopapillas are all we need! 4. Leo's Open for brunch, lunch, dinner, and even breakfast on the weekends, this restaurant won't let you down, however hungry you are! It's been run by the family at the same location since 1946, so it is quite the local landmark. There's a great menu of Mexican staples, all cooked fresh and packed with flavor. The staff is accommodating and happy to explain any of the dishes you might not be too sure about. The enchiladas here are particularly popular, and we love the chicken ones with green sauce. Kids are well looked after here with a menu with both Mexican and American options to keep the little ones happy. 5. Tacos Chinampa There are four locations to this small, local chain that offers authentic food with a fun atmosphere. While famous for the tacos, they also have an excellent selection of appetizers, salads, and Mexican plates. But it's the choice of tacos that we visit for, like Al Pastor pork or the Fajitas de Pollo, each with a selection of salsas made fresh in-house. We rarely leave space for dessert here after our taco fill, but we're told the sweet flans are well worth trying! Be sure to check their websites for dining options, as some may only have take-out or delivery available. When you’ve got a craving for some comida deliciosa, visit one of – or all! – of these tasty locales and who knows: you may find a new favorite!

If you're looking for the best barbecue in all of El Paso, we've got you covered! Keep reading to learn more about some of our favorite go-to smokehouses. State Line The magical flavors that come out of State Line's smokers and kitchen attract visitors from across the city and state. We're talking BBQ heaven with an assortment of platters that include chicken, peppered turkey breast, and our favorite, State Line's Original Lean Brisket Platter. Their team of smokers is the best in the business, up at the crack of dawn each morning to have mouthwatering meats ready for you at lunch. Don't forget to order some of their popular homemade bread! Rudy's Country Store and BBQ In the heart of the downtown core is where you'll find RUDY'S COUNTRY STORE AND BAR-B-Q. This legendary smokehouse opened its doors in 1989 and has been slow cooking to perfection ever since. The secret behind Rudy's cooking process is the use of slow-burning oak wood rather than mesquite. Combine that with their homemade dry rub and sauces, and you have yourself a recipe that delivers some of the best BBQ in the whole state of Texas. Rib Hut If you love fall-off-the-bone ribs as much as we do, you've got to pay a visit to this establishment that's been dishing out savory ribs since 1984. Rib Hut’s pitmaster's 20 years of experience is apparent from the very first bite of food you order. They do ribs better than anyone in the city, but also offer incredibly tasty classics like brisket, smoked chicken, and sausages. If you're going with the family or group of friends, enjoy one of their bountiful BBQ platters! Desert Oak BBQ Desert Oak BBQ is located on the East side of the city and is one of the top spots to score delectable smoked meats and classic sides. Everything on the menu will tantalize your taste buds, but we suggest the brisket or smoked chicken – and can't recommend the mac and cheese enough! Desert Oak is also known for its warm ambiance and friendly staff, so you can enjoy a day with your family and feel like a part of theirs. Johnny's Pit BBQ Tender, juicy, glorious, and smoky: these four words best describe the magic you'll experience with every bite you take from Johnny's brisket, pulled pork, and anything else you order off their menu! Johnny's Pit BBQ has been proudly serving generations of customers since 1955. This family-owned establishment puts pride and love into its dishes with an array of spices and seasonings that will make you regret the day you ever considered becoming a vegetarian. Tony's the Pit BBQ Tony's The Pit BBQ serves up an assortment of classic meats and sandwiches that are sure to have your taste buds thanking you! Their brisket and pulled pork sandwiches are piled high with perfectly seasoned meat and slathered in a flavorful homemade sauce. They feature different specials every day of the week, so you've always got a delicious reason to drop in. With so many delicious options out there, you’ll have a hard time deciding which is your favorite! Quench your BBQ craving at any one of these decadent establishments – you may regret having waited so long!

You might think of El Paso as just being a hotspot for Tex-Mex and little else. But when we want a change and a social meal with family and friends, we often turn to Chinese food. If that sounds delicious to you, then allow us to share some of our favorite destinations in the area! 1. Red Lantern You'll find great food with great prices at the owner-operated Red Lantern restaurant that's been in the area for more than twenty years. For lunch or dinner, this is an excellent location with plentiful parking at the Zaragosa Crossing Mall. Lunch specials provide a great value choice on weekdays between 11 am and 3 pm. You can choose from a good range of main dishes that come with soup and rice. For dinner, the Yummy Wings appetizer with General Tso's sauce lives up to their name, and there are all the regular dishes you'd expect along with great chef's specials, including the excellent Red Lantern Hot Fish with Chinese spicy sauce. 2. Grand China Buffet This is an excellent choice for lunch or dinner and is incredibly kid-friendly as even the pickiest eaters will find something they like in the vast buffet selection that's on offer. Prices are fixed per person, and you can fill your plate up as much as you like! You'll find every Chinese appetizer and main dish you can imagine, and the desert choice is wide too. Meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes are plentiful, freshly cooked, and regularly replenished. If you have a large appetite, simply put – this is the place to head! 3. Peking Garden This restaurant has something of a reputation for its authenticity, the freshness of the ingredients used, and the care taken in traditional presentation. There are lunch specials, combination plates, a kids menu, as well as a regular and full choice of dishes for you to choose from. Appetizer Egg Rolls are our favorite here, usually followed by Chef's Special Walnut Shrimp which has numerous, succulent shrimp and always satisfies! All dishes can be ordered to your chosen spice level. 4. P.F. Chang's This national chain's local branch is a reliable stop for Asian food, and we always find it friendly and clean. Even though this is a chain, all food is prepared on-site, and we've found every meal to be fresh and tasty. The signature Chang's Lettuce Wrap appetizer needs to be tried with either chicken or vegetarian options. Then, you face the difficult choice between the hand-made Dim Sum pork or shrimp dumplings and excellent main dishes like the Mongolian Beef or Chang's Spicy Chicken. 5. Hongda This restaurant says it offers a modern interpretation of classic dishes, and indeed it's kept us happy every time we stop in! The restaurant is relatively small, but the food comes quickly, and the staff is incredibly attentive. The menu has everything you'd expect it to feature for lunch and dinner. The Boneless B.B.Q Ribs are our favorite appetizer, and the Hot and Sour Soup is some of the best we've had anywhere. Main dishes include a fabulous Orange Chicken, or if you're hungry, check out the Mongolian Triple Delight with shrimp, beef, and chicken. There’s no doubt about it – El Paso has loads of absolutely scrumptious restaurants where you can happily appease your craving for some mouth-watering Chinese food! Try one out tonight – or try them all and maybe find your new favorite!

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so do it right and treat yourself to something special. We've put together a list of the best breakfast places in El Paso so that you can chow down on the best morning meals the city has to offer! 1. Crave Kitchen & Bar Crave offers casual-fine dining in a stylish and comfortable environment. Open from 7 am till 9 pm (10 pm Fridays and Saturdays), they serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner from a modern American menu. The breakfast menu includes griddle items such as Strawberry Stuffed French Toast, pancakes, and waffles. There's also a selection of scrambles, breakfast sandwiches, oats, and egg dishes like Chilaquiles Verdes, omelets, breakfast bowls, and Carnitas Hash. 2. Salt + Honey Bakery Café Salt + Honey is located on North Piedras Street. They’re open Tuesday – Thursday from 7 am to 3 pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm. They serve all-day breakfast, lunch, and crafted espresso coffee. Breakfast options include Hummus Avocado Toast, Croissant French toast, poached eggs, and a Breakfast Mezze. There's also a mix of freshly baked goods available daily, such as baklava, cookies, cakes, and Danishes. 3. D'Lox Open from 8 am – 3 pm, D'Lox on Sunland Park Drive offers breakfast, lunch, and Sunday brunch. The menu features omelets, Cinnamon Roll French Toast, pancakes, waffles, eggs benedict varieties, bagels, sandwiches, Alameda, and Machaca. They also serve great coffee for those who can't start their day without it. 4. Savage Goods Located on North Oregon Street in a refurbished grocery store, this family-owned business is a bakery, café, and bar. Their breakfast menu features a range of burritos and a burrito bowl, granola, and a breakfast sandwich. They bake a range of fresh sweet treats daily, including donuts, cookies, and cakes. Coffee nuts can choose from a large selection of crafted espresso-based beverages like macchiatos, cortados, and cappuccinos. There are also cold brews, teas, and juices. 5. Good Luck Café Good Luck Café is located at 3813 Alameda Ave and is open 7 am – 7 pm every day except Wednesdays. They've been serving the people of El Paso since the 1970s and offer a range of breakfast items. Dishes featured on the menu include chorizo and eggs, Huevos a la Mexicana, machaca, picadillo and eggs, French toast, oatmeal, and hotcakes. 6. Lucy's Cafe Lucy's have four locations across town, with the cafés open 7 am – 5 pm. Lucy's boasts a large Mexican menu. Their breakfast menu contains a selection of Mexican and American dishes, such as Huevos Pasenos, Tamales and Eggs, Traditional Mexican Omelette, Chilaquiles & Eggs, French toast, and Chilangas. They also offer a $5 breakfast special on any traditional Mexican breakfast dishes. Visit their website for more information. 7. 150 Sunset The Kitchen at 150 Sunset offers a full menu of breakfast and brunch dishes from 8 am – 3 pm daily. Their range of healthy and fun fare includes oatmeal, omelets, breakfast tacos, granola, avocado toast, and Huevos Rancheros. They also serve a range of coffee, tea, juices, and soft drinks. With so many delicious options available, you may be hard-pressed to choose! Not to worry – you can spend some scrumptious meals doing research to find your favorite!

If you're looking for a delicious slice of pie, you'll find a fantastic selection of pizza joints in El Paso! From full meals and deluxe baked pies to vegetarian and gluten-free options, you'll find a lot of places to try! 1. Ardovino's Searching for a great place in the heart of town? Ardovino's offers excellent quality baked pies from traditional pepperoni and deep-dish pies to vegetarian and specialty dishes. This joint provides friendly, family dining at several locations throughout the city with an outdoor patio. In addition to their signature baked pies, Ardovino's has fantastic homemade salads, sandwiches, soups, and antipasto on the menu, and a great variety of tasty desserts to enjoy after your meal! 2. Speedy's A family-run business with several locations in town, Speedy's is an excellent spot to order locally made pies, pasta, and chicken wings. Since opening in 2002, this restaurant expanded to provide more shops and services, including catering and large orders for group events. Speedy's website features online ordering and curbside pickup options. It's also considered one of the best spots in the city for the most affordable baked pies! 3. Pieology If you're looking to build your own pie, you'll love Pieology! This place is a great spot to customize your deep dish, starting right from the crust. The shop features vegan and vegetarian pies as well as cauliflower crust and special options so you can design exactly what you prefer from scratch. Pieology is known for its tasty, healthy pies, which makes it easier to enjoy a meal when you have specific dietary requirements. 4. Luigi's Homestyle Pizzeria A terrific place for homemade pies, Luigi's is a down-to-earth and friendly spot to savor delicious meals at a great price. In addition to baked pies and pasta, Luigi's offers freshly made salads, lasagna, chicken, and light desserts. Many locals love this spot's home cooking and excellent service - all at a reasonable cost. 5. Cafe Italia A romantic, intimate cafe featuring wood-fired pies and a great selection of Italian cuisine, Cafe Italia provides a quiet and relaxing atmosphere for couples and small groups to enjoy a quality menu. This enchanting place offers three locations around the city for your convenience and a bring-your-own-wine option. Cafe Italia also offers vegan and gluten-free meals. 6. Peter Piper's This place is ideal for children's birthdays and family events! Baked pies are the main feature, along with a kid-friendly menu, entertainment, and entrees for people of all ages. Peter Piper's is located close to local shops in a quiet part of town, which makes your visit pleasant and hassle-free. There’s lots of parking available, and the restaurant is easy to locate on Dyer Street. You’ll have no trouble finding the best-baked pies in town when there are so many excellent restaurants to explore! Try a few to get started on your search today! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

On the Rio Grande, just across the border - and actually part of Mexico before 1848 - El Paso is home to some of the best Mexican restaurants in the United States. Here are a few of our absolute favorites! 1. L & J Cafe You might have to wait a little while to get a table here, but you'll soon see why this restaurant is so popular with locals and tourists alike. Dating back to 1927, and the age of prohibition, this institution has a long and storied history. There's everything you'd expect on the menu. Still, if you're unsure, you can ask the friendly staff for recommendations or go for the full Mexican Combination Plate featuring an enchilada, a chile relleno, a taco, a beef flauta, chile verde con carne, rice, beans, and guacamole. It’s a perfect way to experience many different flavors and try to choose a favorite for the next visit! 2. Kiki's Situated in Military Heights in a building that has its history traced back over one hundred years, Kiki's is a fantastic and straightforward bar and restaurant serving quality food that's packed with flavor. The restaurant runs a rotating lunch and dinner specials menu, so regulars or those on a budget can get well fed at a great price, but it's the famous specialties that we visit for. The Brisket Machaca is as good as its reputation, and the Chicken Molé has to be experienced! 3. Carlos and Mickey's Well known for its lively atmosphere and great for parties and celebrations, this restaurant even has live music from local acts every day. We can't resist starting with the Nachos Grande with beef or chicken and plenty of beans, cheese, and jalapenos. After this, you're spoiled for choice, but we were advised to try the Tacos al Pastor with pork, beans, and a secret sauce from the chef's hometown, and it was an excellent option. There's a limited dessert choice, but that doesn't matter as Pancho's sopapillas are all we need! 4. Leo's Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, as well as breakfast on weekends, this restaurant won't let you down, no matter how hungry you are! It's been run by the family at the same location since 1946, so it is quite the local landmark. There's a great menu of Mexican staples, all cooked fresh and packed with flavor. The staff is accommodating and happy to explain any of the dishes you might not be too sure about. The enchiladas here are particularly popular, and we love the chicken ones with green sauce. Kids are well looked after here with a menu with both Mexican and American options to keep the little ones happy. 5. Tacos Chinampa There are four locations to this small, local chain that offers authentic food with a fun atmosphere. While famous for the tacos, they also have an excellent selection of appetizers, salads, and Mexican plates. But it's the choice of tacos that we visit for - like Al Pastor pork or the Fajitas de Pollo chicken - each with a selection of salsas made fresh in-house. We rarely leave space for dessert here after our Taco fill, but we're told the sweet flans are well worth trying! Find a new source of delicious Mexican food from any of these fantastic local restaurants – or find something different! Don’t worry – there’s no need to thank us!

With around 700,000 people calling it home, El Paso, TX, or Sun City as it's lovingly known, sits right on the US-Mexican border. With a long history, over 300 days of sunshine, and a mix of cultural influences, there's a lot to love about this city. We discover the best things about living here. Nature Nature and outdoor enthusiasts revel in everything the city has to offer. With the Franklin Mountains State Park, the largest state park in an urban setting, towering over the city, adventurers don't have far to travel. There are over 125 miles of rugged trails among the desert wilderness to explore by foot or bike. It's also the perfect place for camping and picnicking. Hueco Tanks State Park is a haven for passionate climbers and is also home to thousands of pictographs, petroglyphs, and other historic artwork, all etched onto the ancient granite. The Chihuahuan Desert Gardens are open all day with no admission charge and is home to over 625 species of local plants and is one of the largest collections of Chihuahuan Desert flora in the world. Events The cities events calendar is jam-packed so there's always something going on, no matter what your interests. Whether it be marathons, festive fairs, art, music, or anything in-between. Taking place each February, the Hueco Rock Rodeo is a three-day event with live music, adventure films, and of course the famous bouldering competition. Comic-Con comes to town every April and brings with it celebrity guests, autograph signings, gaming competitions, Q&A's and cosplay. Chalk the Block sees over 200 artists come together to create a diverse environment for people of all ages to enjoy. With the sidewalk chalk art competition, live bands, art, and food vendors, it's one of the best-loved annual events. There's also the Franklin Mountains Poppy Fest, Texas Country Music Festival, Dia de los Muertos Festival, The Sun City Craft Beer Festival: really, the list is endless. History and Culture Steeped in over 400 years of history, the city we know today has been shaped by Native American, Mexican, Spanish, and Western cultures, creating its own unique flavor. Take a trip to the Museum of History and explore over 16,000 square feet of local history. The Tigua Indian Cultural Centre celebrates more than 300 years of tribal history and at weekends you can watch Indian social dance performances. The Historic Mission trail can be found in the Lower Valley area and is dedicated to the education and preservation of the 17th-century missions at Ysleta, Socorro, and San Elizario Chapel. For art lovers, The International Museum of Art's Red Room is devoted to showcasing contemporary local art. Food The city is a food lover's paradise with a delicious blend of Mexican and American food culture. Whether you're craving gourmet steak, tantalizing street tacos, succulent BBQ, rustic Italian, or breakfast burritos, you'll find it here. Tacoholics serves up the best Flautas Ahogadas: rolled tacos with fried ground beef and smothered in queso fresco and salsa verde. The L&J Café brings four generations of family tradition with a restaurant that first opened in 1927. Cattlemans Steak House is a must-visit, the working Texas ranch is located 40 miles east of the city. The cowboy-style chophouse is famous for its steaks which are traditionally prepared by local Rancheros. Chico's Tacos is a favorite for late-night bar hoppers and Café Central is the place to go for those who want a taste of elegance. To explore everything the city has to offer you'll need more than one day! Enjoy the sights and sounds of this diverse city and make amazing new memories today!

For lovers of live music, El Paso boasts a selection of great music venues hosting big band performances, local talent, and laid back weekend acoustic vibes. We pick out the six hottest spots to catch a live performance. 1. Plaza Theater Built in 1930, the Plaza Theatre is listed as a National Historic Building of Significance and is conveniently located downtown. With its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, the venue features painted ceilings, mosaic floors, and antique furniture. The Kendall Kidd Performance Hall can seat 2,050 people, there's also the 200-seater Philanthropy Theatre and Alcantar Sky Garden. The theater holds a selection of regular music events and performances. Check their website to stay up to date with all the latest appearances and ticket information. 2. Lowbrow Palace Located on East Robinson Avenue, Lowbrow Palace is the perfect place to catch the up and coming local talent. An all-ages, intimate music theater that showcases both well-known and emerging local bands. With its multi-level setup, you'll get a great view, wherever you're stood or seated. You can catch a show on most days of the week, check their website for news of upcoming performances and events. 3. Speaking Rock Entertainment Center With live entertainment almost every night, this place plays host to both up and coming talent as well as big-name bands. Famous names such as Korn, Randy Travis, La Mafia, and Stone Temple Pilots have all played shows here. Catering for all music tastes with shows held both inside and outside and the best thing, most shows are completely free. Not just a music location, Speaking Rock is a tribal-run entertainment center with a full food and drink menu and casino complex. 4. Texas Stagecoach Saloon Touted as the last true Honkey Tonk in the city, the Texas Stagecoach Saloon celebrates that home-style, southern feel. Live country music bands play regularly and the country dance floor invites dancers to two-step, line dance, or just kick up the sawdust and have a good time. With a tasty drinks menu, bar snacks, games, and pool tables - a great Texan night awaits! 5. King's X Bar With live music or karaoke every night, there is always some kind of live entertainment for your listening and viewing pleasure. Located on North Mesa Street this bar has pool tables, darts, games, a vast drinks menu, and a tasty food menu. Go for a quiet drink and you'll end up singing your heart out and dancing into the night. 6. Aceitunas Beer Garden With live music every Friday and Saturday night, this outdoor patio bar features a waterfall and Koi pond. Daily happy hours, drink specials, and a food truck parked alongside offering a selection of street food such as burgers, tacos, and nachos. It's the perfect, laid back venue to relax during the weekend. Catch up with friends, and listen to some great live music - please remember to drink responsibly and do not drink and drive. With all the musical entertainment you have to enjoy across the city, the hardest decision will be where to visit first! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Located right along the Mexican border, the city of El Paso is a perfect base for road trips. While there aren’t many large cities around the area, there are several spots where you can enjoy nature and escape from the urban bustle. Be sure to check websites for accommodations. Whether you like endless desserts or snowy mountains - El Paso is just a couple of hours away from your dream destination. Buckle up and explore these wonders with your friends or family! 1. Ruidoso, NM If you’re looking for a great winter destination to rent a cozy cabin in the woods and head out to the mountains for some skiing, the city of Ruidoso is a perfect choice. Located a little over an hour's drive away from El Paso, this resort town in New Mexico is visited by tourists from all over the country - even from Mexico! The city is surrounded by the Sierra Blanca mountain range, which gets covered in snow every year. Although most accommodation and catering facilities are in Ruidoso's downtown, the cabins and skiing areas are a few miles north from them. The Ski Apache is particularly popular among ski fans, with a gondola lift that takes them all the way to the top and a cozy wooden lodge to enjoy some hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows. 2. Samalayuca Dune Fields, Mexico Get your passport or passport card ready and prepare your cameras for one of the most impressive landscapes of the region. These enormous fields of dunes are located in the northern end of the Mexican state of Chihuahua. From downtown El Paso, it takes less than an hour and a half to reach the small town of Samalayuca, from where it’s possible to drive or hire a tour guide to take you to the dunes. The Samalayuca dunes are considered one of the best secrets in Mexico. While the country's beaches and colonial towns are popular among American tourists, this jaw-dropping dessert is close to the border - yet tourism is only just starting to pick up. Although it’s possible to visit Samalayuca as a day trip from El Paso, there are also a few hotels in the nearby town. 3. Mount Cristo Rey, NM If you don't want to cross the border into Mexico but still want to have a view of the neighboring country and the twin cities of El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, Mount Cristo Rey is the best choice. The base of the mount is less than a 15-minute drive from downtown El Paso, and the hike to the top usually takes anywhere between two and three hours, depending on your condition. Make sure to bring your camera and some comfortable hiking shoes.   After verifying availability, pack up the family and head off to one of these idyllic locations for stunning views and incredible memories – enjoy your adventure!

Located on the southern border of Texas, El Paso is an active city with a strong military presence. With a population of over 680,000 residents, this Texas metropolis has an amazing music scene and impressive dining. But, the city is more than just industry, nightlife, and activity. The lands nestled around El Paso are filled with numerous outdoor activities that serve to educate, entertain, and engage visitors - these hiking trails are a great example! Lost Dog Trail Head Lost Dog Trail Head is a unique name for an interesting and newbie-friendly trail. Located on Cactus Thrush Drive, this trail focuses on providing visitors with a relaxed hike. Clear signs mark the trail which is clean and easy to navigate. Whether you are looking for a place to take a stroll with your four-legged friend or want a starter trail to begin your hiking career, Lost Dog Trail Head is a must-see. Ron Coleman Trail Head The Ron Coleman Trailhead is a trail designed for more advanced hikers. The terrain can be treacherous at points with chains on the sides of steeper elevations. Though the trail may be rocky, the views are well worth the effort. There are beautiful rock formations and impressive mountain views located in the Franklin Mountains State Park. You will love seeing the beauty of Texas from the cave opening at the end. Mundy's Gap Mundy's Gap is a beautiful trail with impressive views. With two trail entrances, the course is difficult but not overwhelming. Mundy's Gap weaves itself through impressive mountains and rocky landscape. The Texas skyline is visible throughout the walk. There are branching trails at Mundy's so hikers can choose their paths and explore the region beyond. While some of these branches offer smoother terrain, all embrace the gorgeousness that defines the Lonestar state. Pipeline Road Trail Pipeline Road Trail is a hiking path located near Franklin State Park. Resident cyclists love this path and the numerous branching trails to which it connects. Pipeline Road Trail is located on private property. However, owners of the land have been extremely welcoming of visitors for years. The trail has some gravel spots as well as rock and dirt terrain giving variety to hikers. Pipeline Road Trail leads to the Bowen Ranch Round House where cattle used to be kept. Mammoth Rock Looking for a hiking challenge? Mammoth Rock is it! The steep and rocky paths are perfect for those that want to push themselves rather than take a more casual hike. Located in the mountains, this trail weaves itself through interesting low grounds and high, but it is the view at the end that is the most impressive part. Visitors can stand atop the mountain and take in a breathtaking 360-degree view of Texas. You can find a variety of spots to get out and enjoy what nature has to offer around El Paso. Enjoy the fresh air today at any one of these fantastic suggestions!

More than 1,500 rose bushes have been planted at the El Paso Rose Garden, so if you're a rose lover, that's reason enough to visit. However, there are many other reasons to visit this amazing garden right in the heart of El Paso. The Roses As mentioned above, the incredible roses are the main reason to visit the garden. You'll see more than 430 varieties of roses, which are just bursting with color and fragrance. Maintained by the City of El Paso and the El Paso Rose Society since its first 200 bushes were planted in 1958, the garden is truly a city treasure that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Volunteer Opportunities The garden offers some of the best volunteer opportunities in the city, and you'll meet several of these volunteers on your visit. They may even inspire you to volunteer yourself! You can become a volunteer Master Gardener by training and becoming certified in horticulture through the Texas Master Gardener Association and join the more than 6,000 Master Gardeners who have contributed over 400,000 hours of time to the garden and other local horticulture projects. You don't have to be a Master Gardener to volunteer at the garden. You can also volunteer to perform various duties around the garden, including pruning, watering, and more. The garden depends on volunteers to keep operating, so consider becoming one to help the community and indulge your own love of roses. Awards The garden has brought home numerous awards from the Texas Master Gardener Association between 2015 and 2018. There have been individual Master Gardener awards, education awards, project awards, and association awards. Certainly, a garden that has won so many awards is worthy of visiting at least once (but we're pretty sure you'll return once you experience the garden's beauty). School Garden Program The Master Gardeners at the rose garden also volunteer their time to give back to the community, many in the form of helping local schools set up gardens on their property. They know that space is at a premium in schools, so they help come up with space-saving solutions to grow herbs, tomatoes, and other vegetables at these schools to teach children about sustainable gardening. Community Assistance The garden also features the Ascarate Teaching and Demonstration Garden, where community members can learn how to grow a variety of vegetables, including asparagus, squash, tomatoes, eggplant, and even loofahs. Master Gardeners hold workshops, presentations, and demonstrations to provide tips and techniques for container gardening, self-watering, and keyhole gardening. What's more is that the garden has used the abundance from the Ascarate Teaching and Demonstration Garden to donate more than two tons of fresh produce to local food banks in El Paso. Its mission of providing assistance to the community is fulfilled in many ways, including teaching people how to garden and providing food to those in need. While the roses are certainly the main attraction of this garden, there is so much more to it than simply pretty flowers. It is a place where beauty meets function, and you can enjoy the roses as well as participate in activities that help your community!

As the largest city on the US-Mexican border, El Paso, otherwise known as the Sun City, deserves its nickname as it enjoys over 300 days of sun per year, mild winters, and low rainfall. So with all this sunshine, you'll want to get outside. We check out four popular outdoor activities in the local area. Hike the Franklin Mountains State Park Located just a 15-minute drive from the center of town, the high-desert mountains of Franklin Mountains State Park offer 27,000 acres and over 100 miles of trails to explore. The highest peak, North Franklin Peak, sits high at 7,192 feet and offers incredible views of the surrounding area. Grab some water and get walking or join a guided hike lead by park rangers. Other activities on offer at the park include mountain biking, rock climbing, geocaching, bird watching, camping, and a mix of ranger programs like group hikes and arts. Shop Local Produce at the Farmers Market Every Saturday for the last 20 years, Ardovino's Farmers Market has supplied fresh, organic produce, baked goods, jams, honey, handmade crafts, art, and other goodies. Consumers can chat and gain knowledge from the real people who produce the goods they take home and serve on their own table. Other activities at the farmers market include cooking demos, kids' activities, and gardening tips. Grab a coffee or freshly squeezed juice from the market's very own CoffeeStream and explore everything the local producers have to offer. Other city farmers' markets include the Upper Valley Artist & Farmers Market every Sunday and the Country Club Farmers Market every Saturday. Go Rock Climbing and See Ancient Art 30 miles east of El Paso lies Hueco Tanks State Park. Composed mostly of heavily cracked and eroded syenite granite, this state park is a dream for those who love climbing, bouldering, and scrambling over the many crevices and eroded rock formations. The North Mountain is open for anyone to scramble up its 250 feet of elevation, with hundreds of recognized routes, those that summit can enjoy views of the Hueco Mountains to the north and empty desert to the south. The historic site is home to thousands of pictographs, petroglyphs, and other historic artwork, all etched onto the ancient granite. However, in order to protect the delicate nature of this historic art, most of it can be viewed only by joining a guided tour. Meet the Animals The El Paso Zoo offers 35 acres of fun and adventure. The zoo is home to exotic animals from all across the globe such as Lions, Giraffes, Meercats, Wolfes, Alligators, Elephants, and Orangutans. Attractions include the African Star Train and the Foster Tree-house Playground. The El Paso zoo is accredited by the AZA and is committed to providing excellent care for animals and creating opportunities for people to connect with nature. Now you've got some adventuring to do - you'll need a comfortable and reliable way to travel! Visit Fox Toyota of El Paso today and speak to one of our knowledgeable and helpful staff about all of your vehicle needs!