In case you’re over mainstream information (and who would not be by now?), then there’s one exceptional metropolis that at all times appears to slide by the cracks as greater than only a pass-through metropolis.
Likelihood is, should you’ve ever taken a highway journey on I-10, then you definately’ve handed by one of many Southwest’s top hidden gems, but practically 700,000 folks name it house.
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 basic vacationers have lengthy been lacking out on the cultural delights and inexpensive luxurious of El Paso.
Sure, El Paso – the one typically 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 plenty 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 properly beneath the radar besides when speaking heads spew unfavourable depictions of what is really an superior metropolis to go to.
Even when you have not brushed up on Rosetta Stone classes these days, you’ll be able to most likely surmise El Paso interprets to “The Go” in English, and that is largely how El Paso has been visited – only a stayover on to elsewhere.
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, in contrast to 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, fashionable Texas publication Texas Monthly had the huevos to acknowledge two El Paso eating places with one of the best tacos within the state:
After all, indulging in native delicacies is nice method to expertise any vacation spot, that is solely a tidbit of El Paso’s cultural delights.
Not Simply Margs & Tacos: Uncover Historic Neighborhoods & Necessary Landmarks
You may discover each reputable 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 one of the best 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 neglected gem, even for locals, is within the subsequent city over, Socorro. Right here, you may discover the El Paso Mission Trail house to an immaculately preserved glimpse of the previous, with beautiful historic Missions enjoying a major position in a former commerce route spanning from Mexico Metropolis to Santa Fe.
Make certain 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 fantastic thing about exploring town’s historic neighborhoods is you by no means know what you may discover.
Take a look at 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 & Reasonably priced Luxurious
Downtown has continued to endure a mass transformation for the reason that 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 lodge, respiration new life into previously barren streets.
Getting round in El Paso’s splendid winter climate is simple, however should you 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 may need to make your base irrespective of the season. With a plethora of upscale lodges and rooftops with sweeping views, you may be shocked by how good El Paso actually might be – a far cry from its popularity as a bland desert city.
My favourite is The Plaza Pioneer Lodge (generally known as “The Plaza”), lately awarded a Michelin Key and might be booked within the low $100s.
These 5 lodges supply inexpensive luxurious in downtown El Paso: (beneath $150 per night time)
- Lodge Paso Del Norte (take a look at the European-esque Dome Bar)
- The Plaza Pioneer Lodge
- DoubleTree By Hilton Lodge El Paso Downtown
- Lodge 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, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.
