Visiting Southern New Mexico

Southern New Mexico traversed by interstate 10 is set for a lot of summer tourists. Small towns like Deming, historic Mesilla and Hatch, the chile capital of the world, roll out the welcome mat to exciting and unique events and local sites. The rolling dunes of White Sands National Monument are a spectacular sight and the nearby White Sand Missile Range and Museum gives a look at the development of America's missile and space programs. Las Cruces, in the beautiful Mesilla Valley of south-central New Mexico, is one of the fastest growing cities in the US. With 350 days of sunshine, the Organ Mountains as the eastern backdrop and the Rio Grande River to the west, Las Cruces residents and visitors enjoy old west charm and hospitality.

Celebrate the fourth of July in Las Cruces at the Annual Electric Light Parade, festival and amazing fireworks display. The 2010 celebration is Saturday and Sunday July 3rd and 4th at the Hadley Complex. Marvel at floats decorated and lit with electric lights on Saturday evening. Spend Sunday enjoying music food and vendors, before the evening concert and fireworks show. A terrific weekend for a fantastic family fourth of July.

For a good old fashioned family getaway, join the communities of south-western New Mexico at the Hidalgo County Fair. August 26th through 28th at the fairgrounds in Lordsburg is the place for weekend of family summer fun. Enjoy exhibits of the best local talents, livestock and agriculture. Don't miss the parade Friday afternoon and the Junior Rodeo both Friday and Saturday. The spectacular Rodeo de Hidalgo is Saturday night followed by the big fair dance. With the concessions and carnival, the fair entertains young and old. Make sure to check into the Best Western Skies Inn in Lordsburg and make it your home away from home for the weekend.

Deming hosts the unique Great American Duck Race in Summer. The 2010 event is the 31st Annual Race with pirates as the theme. Held August the fourth weekend of August, the 26th through the 29th, this is Deming's event of the summer. Featuring a live duck races along with a full weekend of activities and fun. Carnivals, dances, a slow pitch tournament and even outhouse races, this is a full weekend of fun for everyone. The Best Western Mimbres Valley Inn in Deming is ideal for travelers. Take in a full day of fun at the Duck Races and then return to a clean quiet room for the night.

Did you know that one fresh green chile has as much vitamin C as six oranges? The small town of Hatch is famous for it's chiles and celebrates the harvest September 4th and 5th. The 2010 festival is the 38th Annual for the Hatch Chile Festival. Bring the entire family, the entrance fee is for the car load. Enjoy a parade, royalty coronation, food, arts and crafts vendors and musical entertainment. There will be a chile eating contest for the spice lovers. The Best Western Mission Inn just about 30 miles away in Las Cruces is ideal for visitors to Hatch. Begin your day with a complimentary made to order breakfast and the hotel is pet-friendly, so bring the family dog too!