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Home to a plethora of bakeries, all offering freshly baked treats, El Paso is a goldmine for those who like freshly baked goods. Whether you want to grab a pastry to go or sit down and enjoy a more substantial meal with a drink, try one of our top five bakeshops. 1. Bella Cora Bakery Opening its doors in 2012, Bella Cora Bakery specializes in French-style pastries such as croissants and macarons. Owner and Pastry Chef, Jonathon Bowden and his team bake everything from scratch to provide daily, freshly baked goods in two locations: Westside at North Mesa Street and Eastside at Joe Battle Boulevard. You'll find the mouth-watering menu switching with the seasons, so there's always something new and yummy to try. 2. Savage Goods Starting life as a Farmers Market stand, the team completely renovated an old Grocery store on North Oregon Street to build the café from the ground up. It's now a fully-fledged, family-owned and operated, all-day neighborhood café and bakery. Along with bakery goods such as specialty bread, donuts, pastries, cakes, and coffees, customers can also enjoy both lunch and dinner offerings. With their constantly evolving menu, whatever you're craving, whether it be coffee, baked goods, or a fully prepared meal, you'll be back again and again to sample something new. 3. Salt + Honey Bakery Located on North Piedras Street, Salt + Honey Bakery Café serves all-day breakfast, lunch, and coffee. Pop in for a take-away muffin, sit down for a hearty meal, or grab a sharer with a friend. For a twist on a classic, try the signature Salt + Honey Latte, which is exactly as the name describes, and it's delicious. Their freshly baked treats change up daily, so no two days are the same: plus there are plenty of options for those with dietary allergies. 4. Bowie Bakery Originally established in 1955 and recognized as one of the best traditional Mexican-style places in El Paso, Bowie Bakery should definitely be on your list to check out. This family-run business specializes in making Pan Dulce, an El Paso favorite but you'll also find treats like donuts, cupcakes, pastries, and bread. You can also order custom cakes for any occasion. The two stores can be found West on Doniphan Drive and Central on Park Street. 5. Peter's German Grill & Bakery If you're looking for something a little different, why not try Peter's German Grill & Bakery on Shadow Mountain Drive? Take a culinary journey to Europe and taste German classics like Bratwurst and Schnitzel, finished off with strudel. With over 30 years of baking and cooking experience, you can be sure that the German bread, cakes, and other sweet treats won't disappoint. You can also stock up at the German Mini Mart and take home some German staples like chocolate and mustards. Pick up your freshly baked goods in style and luxury. Stop by Fox Lexus of El Paso today and speak to our helpful sales team or browse our inventory online to find a vehicle to perfectly match your individual style.

If you're planning a visit to a local historical site, it's always a good idea to learn a little bit about the place you're visiting. This will give you some context about the historical significance of the site and will help you better understand the reason it's considered so important. For instance, these five fascinating facts about San Jacinto Plaza in El Paso will provide you with insights into the development of downtown El Paso as a cultural center. Alligators In the late 1800s, live alligators roamed the plaza's central pond as a way to attract visitors to what was then the town square. The city of El Paso intended to make the plaza a busy meeting place with cultural activities and the alligators were used to draw people in with the hopes they would continue to visit after they saw all that was available. The alligators were eventually removed in 1974 due to concerns about the best living conditions for the animals. Versatility The plaza has seen numerous activities and events pass through its square over the more than 120 years since it was established. El Paso citizens used to gather around the square to discuss current events and watch military troops practice marching exercises. There were also art shows during the 1930s, and holiday festivals have been held in the square for decades. The plaza has been a major hub for transportation at various times in history as well. Horse-drawn carriages awaited passengers in the early years, but by 1950, it became a place where people could easily board a bus or hail a taxicab. A Presidential Meeting On October 16, 1909, U.S. President William Howard Taft met with Mexico's President Porfirio Díaz in the Plaza. It was a remarkable event that was said to be the first time an American president met with a Mexican president. The purpose of the meeting was to renew America's commitment to invest in Mexico and Diaz accepted the meeting on U.S. soil to prove to his constituents that he still had control over Mexico's affairs. Land Owned by an Explorer The land where the plaza now sits was initially owned by Juan Ponce De Leon's family as part of the explorer's extensive ranch. Ponce De Leon was a Spanish explorer who is known for his search for the Fountain of Youth and for naming Florida. He also became the first governor of Puerto Rico and was instrumental in the settlement of Hispaniola. Christmas Tree Lighting Since 1954, the city of El Paso has been lighting a real Christmas tree in the center of the plaza, announcing the unofficial start to the holiday season in the city. Locals say the best time to visit the square is in December when the tree is lit. Vendors and booths line the square, providing food, crafts, and other gifts for purchase. This plaza is one of the top places to visit in El Paso, especially if you're interested in history. However, El Paso is also home to dozens of other attractions that make it a great place to live or visit. Find your favorite spot!

The border city of El Paso is a potpourri of Mexican, Texan, and American culture that gives it a unique flavor. It’s known for its vibrant cultural events, dazzling music festivals, and lip-smacking cuisine. The city owns its cultural identity to its neighboring Mexican city, Ciudad Juarez, which is located on the other side of the US-Mexico border. Planning to visit El Paso soon? Check out five things to do in El Paso that you should add to your bucket list right away! 1. Wine Tasting at Zin Valle Vineyards The locally owned and operated Zin Valle Vineyards is El Paso's only vineyard and winery. Located in the valley of Rio Grande, it offers a myriad of wines from the vineyards as well as from California and Europe. Visitors can take part in complimentary wine tasting and take a trip down to the wine cellar. You’re also welcome to sit on a patio and enjoy a glass of wine with your family and friends overlooking the lush green vineyards and Franklin mountains. Be sure to drink alcohol responsibly, and don't drink and drive. 2. Enjoy the Viva! El Paso Musical If you are someone who loves performing arts, the play Viva! El Paso would normally be right up your alley. It's a musical play that takes place outdoor every year at McKelligon Canyon Amphitheater and celebrates El Paso's 400 years of cultural history through dance, drama, and songs. With the first season back in 1978, the show has entertained crowds for more than four decades – unfortunately, the 43 rd production was forced to cancel this year. However, they are looking forward to returning next summer! 3. Buy a Pair of Cowboy Boots With over 12 manufacturers of authentic leather boots, El Paso is unofficially the boot capital of the world. The world-renowned Lucchese Boots are made exclusively in El Paso. These handmade boots demonstrate the craftsmanship of third- or fourth-generation expert bootmakers who learned the trade from their fathers and grandfathers. 4. Go Hiking at Franklin Mountains State Park Do you like outdoor adventure activities? If yes, head over to Frankin Mountains State Park, which overlooks the city of El Paso. It's the largest urban park in the United States, as it lies entirely within the city limits. The park is open year-round and is a perfect place for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, picnicking, and rock climbing. The 37 square miles of desert wilderness and open spaces has over 100 miles of multi-use trails that are popular among mountain bikers. 5. Rent an ATV and Explore El Paso Wilderness Explore the beautiful desert landscapes in El Paso on rented ATVs with the help of certified tour guides. The guided ATV tours offer you a chance to see ancient fossils and seabeds, as well as desert animals like roadrunners, red tail hawks, and jackrabbits. If you are someone who likes off-road adventures - rent an ATV in El Paso! The vibrant and lively El Paso has a lot to offer to all kinds of tourists and travelers. Keep these five tips in mind next time you plan a vacation – or just a day of fun! - with your friends and family!

El Paso, Texas, is a great place for people interested in supporting arts and culture. No matter what type of music you like, you're bound to find an upcoming show in the area that you'll enjoy! Here are some live music venues in El Paso that are worth checking out. Lowbrow Palace Lowbrow Palace hosts regular live performances by local bands ranging from all different genres of music. The indoor venue is at 111 Robinson Ave., and the outdoor venue is at 1101 Texas Ave. You can purchase tickets online or at The Headstand, a local music shop. All ages are welcome to most of the shows at the Lowbrow Palace, but a surcharge is sometimes added to tickets for attendees under 21 years old. Thanks to the size of this venue, musicians on stage are easy to see whether you're on the floor in the crowd, dancing on the balcony, or enjoying a drink at one of the tables. Listening to some relaxing live music? Chill out on one of their comfortable sofas. Splendid Sun Productions runs the events hosted by Lowbrow Palace, so keep an eye on their website for availability and social media sites for upcoming events. Speaking Rock Entertainment Center Located on Old Pueblo Drive, Speaking Rock Entertainment Center is a fun place for great food, live music, and good drinks. Even when shows aren't happening, the Sidewalk Cafe is serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Shows are generally only open to those 21 years and older. You'll find everything from local singer/songwriters to rockin' tribute bands gracing the stage at Speaking Rock. Check the website for information about upcoming live shows and to verify availability. Black Orchid Lounge The Black Orchid Lounge opened in 2013 as a sports bar and has since morphed into a cocktail bar with live music and great food. Though temporarily closed, they look forward to opening and welcoming back their patrons! If you like trying creative cocktails, this is the place to be. Their mixologist is always trying something new and different like the Khaki Scout drink made with Weller Special Reserve bourbon, marshmallow tincture, Aztec chocolate bitters, and smoke. Located on North Mesa Street, the Black Orchid Lounge serves up classic bar food done right including nachos, wings, fries, and pizza. Stop by for dinner, late-night drinks, and regular live music during their jazz weekends. This venue also hosts open-mic nights and trivia nights. The Pershing Inn Since 1946, The Pershing Inn on Pershing Drive has been a local watering hole; while they’re temporarily closed, they are eagerly awaiting the time they can open back up. This vintage bar offers a warm and welcoming environment with an outdoor patio and frequent live music from local bands. Come hungry because this menu is full of items you'll want to try. Brisket flautas, a Juarez-style hot dog topped with queso, beans, and bacon, and steak nachos are just a few of their mouth-watering options. El Velvet Elvis, a local mixologist creates unique cocktails at The Pershing Inn for you to enjoy during a show. Next time you're looking for date night ideas or something fun to do with friends, consider checking out one of these music venues in El Paso. Who knows, you might end up seeing the next big thing! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

The next time you're craving Mexican food, you'll find plenty of options in El Paso, Texas. Whether you're looking for simple tacos, cheesy enchiladas, or lesser-known dishes, you'll find what you're looking for at one of these three excellent choices restaurants! Kiki's Mexican Restaurant For unusual twists on Mexican favorites and for the ultimate machaca, head over to Kiki's Mexican Restaurant at 2719 N. Piedras. Kiki's offers daily lunch and dinner specials with a different menu every day. From their regular menu, start your meal with an appetizer like a shrimp cocktail or nachos, and then choose from their combination, enchilada, taco, or burrito plates. For a real treat, experiment with Kiki's specialties that include machaca. This authentic Mexican dish offers brisket, chicken, or crab grilled with tomatoes, onions, and green chilies. Next comes a scramble or fried egg covered with a spicy green sauce and cheese. Branch out and enjoy crab enchiladas, mole, or Caldo de Res, a traditional Mexican beef soup. L&J Cafe Since 1927 the team at L&J Cafe has been serving authentic, traditional Mexican food to hungry patrons. People flock to the cafe daily to enjoy their tasty salsa, Menudo, caldillo, chili Rellenos, and more. Sip a cold beer while sampling one of L&J's appetizers such as guacamole and chips before moving on to enjoy one of their tasty entrees. The hearty beef stew known as caldillo will fill you up and warm your bones, while the pollo en mole gives your mouth a flavor burst of chocolate and spices. J&L Cafe features daily specials such as Monday Pint Night, Taco Tuesday, and Friday Wine Night! When you pay for your meal, be sure to grab a bottle of their zesty homemade salsa to bring home! You can find L&J Cafe at 3622 E Missouri Ave. Villa del Mar Love Mexican-style seafood dishes? Then you've got to try Villa del Mar! Enjoy a cocktail and an appetizer such as fish ceviche and move on to either a shrimp salad or a bowl of seafood soup filled with calamari, octopus, shrimp, fish, and vegetables in a spicy red sauce. Villa del Mar offers several styles of fish fillets with one of the favorites being the Caribe. The Caribe is a fish roll stuffed with jalapeno, wrapped in bacon, and covered with shrimp, cream, and cheese. The chefs specialize in cooking whole fish served in a variety of ways such as fried in garlic and oil, marinated in Villa del Mar's special sauce and then broiled, or steamed with white wine and lemon. You can have lobster or shrimp in a variety of styles - beef and chicken dishes are available as well. Can't decide which meal to get? Choose a combination plate or try something from the Captain's Table menu like octopus with a Veracruz sauce or the Carnival de Mariscos with several types of seafood prepared in a multitude of ways. Each of these three restaurants features their own specials and style of Mexican cooking and with this handy guide, you'll be sure to find your favorite one! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

El Paso, Texas, has an interestingly unique history. Spanish explorers named it El Paso del Norte in 1598, and it became a U.S. territory in 1848. The city has a strong Spanish influence with many old Mexican adobe buildings still standing throughout the area. From old saloons to jails to period homes, El Paso has plenty of historical sites to see and experience. Check websites to confirm availability, then plan a day of historic immersion! Magoffin Home The Magoffin Home is the only house museum in El Paso. It was the home of pioneer and civic leader Joseph Magoffin and his family for more than 100 years. It has 19 rooms and offers insight into the decor and design styles of the Southwest in the late 1800s. You can take a guided tour of the home or explore it on your own! Billy the Kid Jail The Billy the Kid Jail is famous not because the legendary outlaw was incarcerated there but because it is the only jail that Billy the Kid broke into instead of out of. He posed as a Texas Ranger and tricked the guard into opening the door. As soon as the door opened, Billy met the guard with his revolver. Billy then helped himself to the guard's guns, got his friend Melquiades Segura out of the jail, and left the guard behind in the locked cell. Visitors can see the jail, enter the original cells, and take pictures. El Paso Historic Mission Trail Located in the Lower Valley, the El Paso Historic Mission Trail is a guided path past historic sites and buildings that date back 400 years. Along the way, you'll see three adobe churches that stand as reminders of the faith and influence of El Paso's Spanish and indigenous ancestors. The Ysleta Mission, Socorro Mission, and San Elizario Chapel each have a story to tell and reflect the architecture and culture of the city's past. Take a trip along the Mission Trail to learn about the history of El Paso and the people who lived here. El Paso Union Passenger Station Visit the El Paso Union Passenger Station to step foot inside the first International Train Station in the United States. This station supported trade between the U.S. and Mexico, with trains from the Southern Pacific, Galveston, San Antonio, and Mexico Central Railroads moving supplies in and out of the city. Tigua Indian Cultural Center Celebrate El Paso's tribal history at the Tigua Indian Cultural Center. This attraction includes a museum, the Cacique Cafe, Native American social dance performances, and gift shops. Visitors to the cultural center can also experience authentic bread baking with tribal members who use the same techniques and equipment their ancestors used more than 300 years ago. Demonstrations take place every other Saturday, and the bread is available for purchase afterward. El Paso has a fascinating history with plenty of places to visit if you want to learn about this vibrant city's past. From tribes and outlaws to historic missions, the area has a bit of everything! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

El Paso, Texas, is a vibrant, culturally rich city surrounded by natural beauty. If you're looking to have a fun adventure or a thrilling excursion around the city, try any of these interesting outdoor destinations. Hike or Bike in Franklin Mountains State Park Franklin Mountains State Park is the largest urban park in the United States. The 24,248-acre park lies completely within El Paso city limits. The Franklin Mountains have sweeping views of the city and surrounding area and offer numerous opportunities for recreation, including over 100 miles of hiking and biking trails to explore on your own. Or, to learn more about the Franklin Mountains, take a guided bike tour with GeoBetty tours. Rent a UTV Get the thrill of a lifetime when you rent an off-road quad from Rent a UTV Off-Road Adventures. You can find the rental company at the entrance to the Red Sands Off-Highway Vehicle Area in East El Paso. Once you rent the ATV or UTV, you'll have miles of beautiful desert to explore. Included in the rental fee are goggles and helmets as well as 30 minutes of instruction and practice in the staging area. Rock Climb at Hueco Tanks State Historic Park About 32 miles northeast of El Paso is the fascinating Hueco Tanks State Historic Site. For thousands of years, indigenous peoples lived in the area because they had access to rainwater held in the holes of the rocks. Hueco means hollowed-out place, and the rocks holding the water, referred to as tanks, attract several species of birds, making the area a great place for birdwatching! The park is quite popular for rock climbing and bouldering, as the rock formations make for quality climbing. You'll need to make a reservation for self-guided climbs, or you can request a guided rock-climbing tour. Take the Downtown Walking Tour To learn more about the history of El Paso and to see some of its beautiful historic sites, take a self-guided tour of downtown! The tour begins at San Jacinto Plaza, where you'll pass by the alligator statue, the Mills Building, the Centre Building, the Plaza Theatre, the Plaza Motor Hotel, and the Hotel El Paso Del Norte. The tour ends at South El Paso Street. Stop by the El Paso Visitors Information Center to grab a pamphlet that helps guide you through the tour! Visit White Sands National Park See one of the nation's most fascinating national parks. Simply drive north into New Mexico for about an hour to arrive at White Sands National Park. The white sand dunes, formed by natural gypsum sand, create fascinating formations and dunes that are beautiful to photograph. Stop by the visitor center for a map and to learn about the park, and then enjoy driving or bicycling the 8-mile Dunes Drive or hiking along the five established trails throughout the dunes. If you want to stay for a few days, there’s backcountry camping allowed with a permit at the first-come, first-serve campsites. With so many exciting things to do outside, you'll want to enjoy these outdoor El Paso excursions time and time again! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

El Paso, Texas, is surrounded by natural beauty: from the Rio Grande River to one of the largest state parks in the country, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and recreate. When you're ready to hit the trails in El Paso, use this handy guide of our favorite places to go hiking. Franklin Mountains State Park Franklin Mountains State Park is home to one of the largest state parks in Texas. The park covers over 24,247 acres and sits at an elevation of 5,426 feet with the top elevation reaching 7,192 feet. There are loads of hiking and biking trails within this massive state park - here are two of our favorites: Aztec Cave Trail This exciting trail eventually leads to three small caves on the western flanks of the Franklin Mountains. The trail isn't very long, just under one mile, but the views are phenomenal. The hike is pretty straight-forward with a steep incline, but once you reach the caves - once inhabited by Indigenous people - you can rest in the shade the caves provide. Access to the Aztec Cave Trail branches off from the Tom Mays Trail. North Franklin Peak For sweeping views of El Paso and the surrounding desert, take the trail to the top of North Franklin Peak. While not a very long trail, about 2.5 miles long, the trail is steep and rated as difficult. The trail starts from the popular Mundy's Gap trail and as you climb further, the trail becomes steeper, rockier, and more challenging. Once you reach the top, you can see for hundreds of miles across Texas, New Mexico, and into Mexico. Hueco Tanks State Historical Park 30 miles east of El Paso is the fascinating Hueco Tanks State Historical Park. For thousands of years, the indigenous people who lived in the area came to the site to drink water that collected in indentations in the granite rock. These indentations, called tanks, were quite popular, and the people who visited the area painted pictographs and carved petroglyphs, which you can still see to this day! Most of the artwork can only be reached through a guided tour; however, there are plenty of places to hike and rock climb. The 1.8-mile out and back Hueco Tanks Nature Trail, moderately rated, winds around the main mountain area of the park, where you'll see beautiful desert flora and fauna. If you take the guided tour, there's three to choose from: the 2-mile tour, a 3-mile tour, or the longest, a 4-mile tour. River Park Trail Enjoy hiking, jogging, or biking along the River Park Trail, or Rio Grande Trail! The paved, 11.9-mile trail begins at Country Club Road and ends at the New Mexico State border. The trail is mostly flat with just a slight rise in elevation and meanders along the banks of the Rio Grande River. You'll also have views of the Franklin Mountains, and leashed dogs are welcome to join you! Grab a bottle of water, a map, strap on your hiking shoes and enjoy these trails near beautiful El Paso, Texas! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License