Las Cruces for the Business Traveler

The crossroads border town of Las Cruces, NM, lies at the junction of Interstates 10 and 25 and boasts a rich, vibrant culture and history that dates back into the days of Spanish settlements in the New World. The area is famous for its New Mexican cuisine, featuring the powerful New Mexican chile pepper, for its art, its university and naturalmente, its fiestas!

The Whole Enchilada Fiesta, held annually in September, is the home of two of Las Cruces’ claims to a world record: the World’s Largest Enchilada, and the World’s Biggest Tamale. Other area world beaters include Largest University Physical Campus (New Mexico State University at 1,080 square miles), and World’s Largest Pecan Groves (Stahmann’s Farms, located just south of town). Other festival include the springtime Arte Picante, an outdoor gallery-style review of efforts from local and regional artists and the Renaissance Craftfaire, held annually on the first weekend of November. Additionally, the Southern New Mexico State Fair showcases the best of local skills, crafts, food and animals in the fall of every year.

Las Cruces has in the past been referred to as “a city without city problems,” and while not completely accurate, the region enjoys low crime rates, strong infrastructure and a bustling economy. Those interested in history should not miss the Branigan Cultural Center and Museum, or the King Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, where milking of cows, rides on narrow-gauge railways and traditional storytelling highlight the more sophisticated look at farming and ranching in the Mesilla Valley since the earliest days of human settlement. Business travelers will find the city inviting as well: two medium convention areas are already in operation and the city recently passed a bond issue to build a state-of-the-art 18,000 square-foot convention center in the Northeastern portion of town.