Visiting Mesilla is like stepping back in time; the village has not changed much in the past century, turning it into a treasure trove of New Mexican history. The tiny town was commissioned by the Mexican government in 1848, after the conclusion of the Mexican-American War, and has seen some pretty significant events!
Once you arrive in town, it’s time to check into Hacienda de Mesilla, a family-owned hotel, grill, and cantina with roots dating back to 1939.
Its ornate, authentically Southwestern décor is welcoming and warm.
To start the weekend off with a bang (pun very much intended), stop by the old Doña Ana County Courthouse, where Billy the Kid was sentenced to death━and escaped!
Where the infamous outlaw once stood trial, now stands another entity entirely: a gift shop.
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Once you’ve worked up an appetite, stop by La Posta de Mesilla, a restaurant built in the Old Mesilla Post Office and owned by the same family who owns Hacienda de Mesilla.
It is a beautiful church that has been around for as long as the town of Mesilla itself. It is built on the original adobe structure and stands tall against the bright blue sky.
It is a forested area next to the Rio Grande, with incredible views of the river and the New Mexican landscape.
After all of that sightseeing, you must be hungry again. Peppers on the Plaza is an absolutely stunning cafe with a botanical courtyard, impressive chandeliers, and regal paintings of historical figures.
It is a designated National Historic Landmark District, and all of the buildings are steeped in history and culture. It is the epicenter of Mesilla, and must be explored to the fullest.
To read up on the history of Mesilla before your visit, here is the town’s website. Have fun on your trip to the past!
Do you know of another New Mexican town that deserves a little special attention? We’d love to consider it for a feature! You can tell us about it on our nomination page. Speaking of wonderful towns in the Land of Enchantment, check out this article on a few communities with secret identities.
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