Visiting Southern New Mexico

Southern New Mexico is home to Las Cruces, the state's second largest city. Attractions near Las Cruces include Elephant Butte Lake State Park, site of New Mexico’s largest lake; the town of Hatch, called the Chile Capital of the World; and the historic community of Old Mesilla. Southern New Mexico comes to life with the diversity of the Land of Enchantment - Sparkling landscapes of White Sands National Monument; the agriculture of the fertile Mesilla Valley; and the cool mountain retreat of Ruidoso combine with the mystery of Roswell and beauty of Carlsbad Caverns National Park to captivate travelers in southern New Mexico.

It’s not summer without the Roswell UFO Festival. The 2012 UFO Festival is June 29th through July 1st, the 65th year for the event. The July 1947 events remain a mystery, but Roswell guarantees summer fun for the entire family. Festival events feature the Alien Parade, costume contest and even a pet costume contest. Runners join the Alien Chase 5K and 10K events on Saturday, June 30th. Throughout the festival, Roswell’s Robert H. Goddard Planetarium presents a full schedule of laser light shows.

Head south 40-miles from Roswell to Artesia for mouth watering BBQ, also the weekend of June 29th and 30th. Smokin’ on the Pecos is the sanctioned New Mexico State BBQ Championship. Held at Eddy County Fairgrounds, Smokin’ on the Pecos features delicious food, live entertainment and fun activities for the entire family.

Visit Las Cruces for southern New Mexico’s largest Fourth of July Fireworks Display. The City of Las Cruces 2012 Fourth of July Celebration features two days and two nights of fun for all. Admission is free to all events, beginning with July 3rd’s Electric Light Parade followed by the Street Fest. July 4th events at the Hadley Complex, include live entertainment and vendors followed by the dazzling Fireworks Show. Make Las Cruces your family’s Fourth of July destination.

Film buffs put August on your schedule, for the 2012 White Sands International Film Festival. Presented by the City of Las Cruces, WSIFF is August 22nd through 26th. Events include more than 40 films, including independent features, shorts, documentaries and narratives from across the world. Participate in workshops, network with film industry professionals while enjoying parties – add the Mesilla Valley and the White Sands International Film Festival to your calendar.

Music fans get ready; Chubby Checker is coming to Clovis the end of summer. The 2012 Clovis Music Festival marks summers  end, September 6th through 9th. In addition to headliner Chubby Checker, performers include local star Will Banister and the Mulberry Band and four tribute artists – enjoy a long weekend of great music in Clovis.

Test your summer training at the 2012 Elephant Man Triathlon. The 1-mile swim takes place in Elephant Butte Lake, followed by a marathon distance bike ride past Elephant Butte Lake State Park and through Truth or Consequences. Events wrap up with a 6-mile run. Events feature Elephant Kids Triathlon races with five different age groups and distances. End your summer with family challenge in southern New Mexico – Elephant Butte is midway between Las Cruces and Socorro.

Southern New Mexico Hotel Map