El Paso is like a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. It's crusted with history and rugged outdoors, seasoned with unique personalities and contains some pretty delectable food. Head to the edge of Texas to explore all the fun to be had in this West Texas town.
Outdoors
If you’re like me, you’ll want to enjoy the natural side of town, so head to Franklin Mountains State Park and enjoy some of this amazing mountain range considered to be the southern-most tip of the Rocky Mountains. A hike to the Aztec Caves is well worth the effort and this state park is also a great place for rock climbing.
UPDATE: Currently closed
Instead of hiking, you can take the easy way up and enjoy the mountains (and city) from 5,632 feet high atop the Wyler Aerial Tramway. You’ll be able to see for miles into Texas, New Mexico and Mexico — it’s definitely a must-stop on any trip to El Paso!
Culture
I recommend starting off your journey through town by learning about the culture of the “Boot Capital of the World,” beginning with the Magoffin Home, an 1874 adobe house built by the 4-time mayor of El Paso Joseph Magoffin. I don’t know of any other adobe homes in Texas that rival the interesting beauty of this one.
For more history, trace your steps to the Wild West side of town and visit the historic Concordia Cemetery, holding the graves of the famous and infamous inhabitants of El Paso, including gunslinger John Wesley Hardin. It’s both eerie and educational!
Of course, no trip through the “Boot Capital of the World” would be complete without stopping at one of the many boot shops in town. Learn about its boot-making heritage by visiting one of the Lucchese or Tony Llama stores, or to see custom boots unlike any other, head to Rocketbuster Boots where they make custom boots that are basically art for your feet.
Food
Being a border town, the influence of El Paso’s sister city of Juarez is everywhere. You can see the Texas-Mexico line for yourself at Border Monument Number 1 or you can simply eat your way through Mexican culture at one of the many AMAZING Mexican food restaurants all over town. I highly recommend L&J Cafe where you can eat green sauce enchiladas made the same way since they first started serving them in 1927 — and they’re still just as delicious.
Forget the outward appearance and ignore the simple decor inside this fast-food, rolled-taco joint, if you follow the masses of locals that swear by Chicos Tacos, you’ll most certainly find the most addictive food in the city. These cheesy, soupy tacos might just make convince you to move to El Paso.
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El Paso, TX
