In case you’re over mainstream information (and who would not be by now?), then there’s one outstanding metropolis that at all times appears to slide by way of the cracks as greater than only a pass-through metropolis.
Likelihood is, for those who’ve ever taken a street journey on I-10, you then’ve handed by way of one of many Southwest’s top hidden gems, but almost 700,000 individuals name it residence.
Largely ignored even by its personal state, with locals generally mislabelling it as “Mexico” and misinformed characterizations because it’s lined by “the wall”, fellow Texans and normal vacationers have lengthy been lacking out on the cultural delights and inexpensive luxurious of El Paso.
Sure, El Paso – the one usually portrayed as a run-down desert city and unsafe hub for unlawful migrant crossings.
As a former resident, I can attest that, sure, there are occasional border points, however one small sub-section of a metropolis should not characterize the lots when there’s astounding nature, prideful, pleasant locals, and an ever-changing downtown district starting to buzz once more.
The Forgotten Metropolis Of Texas
Regardless of breaking tourism records in 2023, El Paso nonetheless flies effectively beneath the radar besides when speaking heads spew unfavorable depictions of what is really an superior metropolis to go to.
Even when you have not brushed up on Rosetta Stone classes currently, you’ll be able to in all probability surmise El Paso interprets to “The Move” in English, and that is largely how El Paso has been visited – only a stayover on to some other place.
However El Paso deserves to be your subsequent weekend getaway, on the very least. In case you take pleasure in phenomenal Mexican meals starting from traditional hole-in-the-walls and cart distributors to high-end Michelin-worthy eateries, El Paso has you lined, and it exudes authenticity, not like that different record-breaking Mexican-influenced metropolis.
No offense, San Antonio, however El Paso’s meals is unmatched, and one hike within the Franklin Mountains places your “river” to disgrace.
Regardless of many Texans pretending the Lone Star State’s southwest tip does not exist, widespread Texas publication Texas Monthly had the huevos to acknowledge two El Paso eating places with the perfect tacos within the state:
After all, indulging in native delicacies is nice option to expertise any vacation spot, that is solely a tidbit of El Paso’s cultural delights.
Not Simply Margs & Tacos: Uncover Historic Neighborhoods & Essential Landmarks
You will discover each professional Mexican dish beneath the solar in El Paso, with a particular emphasis on Southwestern and Chihuahua affect, given the shut proximity to Ciudad Juarez.
Texan and Mexican historical past mix timelines, and there isn’t any higher place to expertise the perfect of each worlds than a plate served in El Paso, however to witness the historical past itself is one other story, and you are able to do that too.
One missed gem, even for locals, is within the subsequent city over, Socorro. Right here, you will discover the El Paso Mission Trail residence to an immaculately preserved glimpse of the previous, with beautiful historic Missions enjoying a big function in a former commerce route spanning from Mexico Metropolis to Santa Fe.
Make sure that to take a look at all 3 missions, every with their very own distinctive relevance:
- Ysleta Mission
- Socorro Mission
- San Elizario Presidio
In El Paso correct, the great thing about exploring town’s historic neighborhoods is you by no means know what you will discover.
Try Sundown Heights, Manhattan Heights and my previous stomping grounds, Segundo Barrio, for rows of streets oozing timeless allure and hidden gems like my favourite restaurant you’d in any other case by no means learn about, Jalisco Cafe (solely open on weekends).
Free Public Transit & Inexpensive Luxurious
Downtown has continued to endure a mass transformation because the pandemic’s ghost city vibes.
As WinterFest lately remodeled downtown right into a desert’s model of a winter wonderland, there are additionally many new bars, eating places, cafes, and town’s first-ever capsule resort, respiratory new life into previously barren streets.
Getting round in El Paso’s splendid winter climate is simple, however for those who plan to go to within the scorching summer time, chances are you’ll need to make the most of town’s free Streetcar connecting downtown to the excessive West Aspect.
Downtown is probably going the place you will need to make your base regardless of the season. With a plethora of upscale motels and rooftops with sweeping views, you will be shocked by how good El Paso actually may be – a far cry from its status as a bland desert city.
My favourite is The Plaza Pioneer Resort (generally known as “The Plaza”), lately awarded a Michelin Key and may be booked within the low $100s.
These 5 motels supply inexpensive luxurious in downtown El Paso: (beneath $150 per evening)
- Resort Paso Del Norte (try the European-esque Dome Bar)
- The Plaza Pioneer Resort
- DoubleTree By Hilton Resort El Paso Downtown
- Resort Indigo El Paso Downtown
- Aloft El Paso Downtown
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Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the put up.
