Old Mesilla

  Old Mesilla is located just Southeast of Las Cruces.  It was a stop on the Butterfield Stagecoach Trail (from San Antonio to San Diego).   It was a lively social center of the area, in the late1800's.  The many bars and restaurants were frequented by outlaws such as "Billy the Kid".  He was tried and sentenced to hang in Mesilla. It has remained a lively social center of the area with bars, restaurants, art galleries, an old theater and many gift shops.

  The bars like "El Patio" were frequented by outlaws such as yours truly. while I was in college here:)  It was good to see it is still going strong.

The oldest and most famous of the restaurants is "La Posta".  We decided to eat there again because we love the atmosphere.  It is an old, old,adobe building with lots of crazy decorations which have been added throughout the years.

 Some things have been there forever "Sam" the toucan-(not sure if that is his real name, but that is what I have always called him) has been here as long as I can remember.  I don't think he recognized me though.  It was a good walk through memory lane, as our family ate here many, many, times. However, the food has gone downhill.  We will try another option next time we are here.

 Mesilla has lots of attractions such as the oldest brick building in New Mexico and lots of neat little shops.

 But for Catherine, it is all about the bookstore.  This is truly a one of a kind bookstore.  Books are stacked to the ceiling in every room. 

It is a browsers paradise.  It is not made for those looking for something specific.
( That is a maddening experience. ) If you are just "looking for a  good book", it is the right place. It even comes with a dog to help you navigate the store :).

It was a nice relaxing day.  Don't pass up a visit to Old Mesilla if you are in the area.   See you down the road....