Hanging Out at the Mercados in Las Cruces

January 18, 2011 Sunny Acres RV Park Las Cruces.

The last few days have been spent relaxing, visiting relatives and the local markets (mercados).

On Saturday, we went to the downtown mall Farmer's Market. We weren't looking for anything in particular, but wanted to just stretch our legs and look around. 

Las Cruces Mall Farmers Market

Las Cruces Mall Farmers Market

Mariachi's

On both Saturday and Sunday morning we awoke to see several hot air balloons floating in the skies out our back window.

Ballons out our back window.

We were told there was a ballon rally going on over the weekend.

On Sunday, we picked up my Cousin Bonnie and her daughter Stella. We spent the day in the town of Mesilla at their downtown market.

This market was much smaller and located in the town square. However, the buildings in the town of Mesilla are filled with history and old charm.

We had a fantastic lunch at El Comedor passing up the more expensive but popular restaurants like La Posta de Mesilla.

While browsing the many shops before lunch, we came across an art gallery. Now to be honest it had a sign with the words "tortilla factory" so that's what I thought it was. We went inside and determined that it wasn't a tortilla factory. It was an art gallery that at one time had been a tortilla factory. As we browsed the shop we heard two ladies, at least one of whom was an employee, laughing and having a good time. I struck up a conversation with them as they seemed very cordial. At one point I asked about the best restaurant in town and they gave me their opinions. However, Ella (pictured below) said that none of the restaurants made enchilladas and especially the chilli sauce as well as she can. I joked that we would be over for dinner and she actually invited us. However, I graciously refused. Next thing I know she's offering to give us a jar of her homemade chili (enchilada sauce). Long story short, we came back after lunch giving her time to walk home and come back with the sauce.

Ella and her enchilada sauce.

I thought that it was such a sweet and kind gesture for her to give us her homemade sauce. We haven't had the chance to sample it yet and hopefully, my cousin Bonnie will make some enchiladas for us with the sauce before we leave! 

Later in the afternoon we stopped off at another relatives home for a short visit before calling it a day.

You meet the nicest people on the road.