Visit Las Cruces Live

The Legacy of Sheriff Pat Garrett

Part three with local Las Cruces author David Thomas reveals for the first time the man who snitched on Billy the Kid to Sheriff Pat Garrett who was then able to capture and kill the infamous Southern New Mexico outlaw. Thomas' book on Garrett captures the legacy and history of the former lawman and in this podcast gives listeners information on what and where to go to visit historical Pat Garrett sites in Las Cruces and the surrounding area. 

Billy the Kid Makes His Mark in Southern New Mexico History

The trials and tribulations of Billy the Kid is a topic of discussion in part two of the conversations with Las Cruces author Dave Thomas. The author's research casts doubt in the conviction of Billy the Kid, whose exploits and life in the Las Cruces area are stories of legend. One of the discussion points is where people can visit areas of interest and happenings in the Kid's Las Cruces adventures.

Movies Made Las Cruces History

The history of movies and how they intertwined with historical figures is the topic of discussion when Las Cruces author David G. Thomas stopped by the Visit Las Cruces office. A couple points of discussion were that the first drive-ins were built in downtown Las Cruces and the first Billy the Kid movie premiered in the Rio Grande Theatre, which was fittingly due to his influence in the Las Cruces area, another talking point in this podcast. 

It’s Getting a Bit Chile

Award-winning local author and "food consultant" Kelley Coffeen stopped by Visit Las Cruces to talk about her cookbook, "The Big Book of Hatch Chile." With food a big part of the holidays, one can prepare any number of appetizers, entrees, desserts, and even cocktails, using the Southern New Mexican agricultural staple of Hatch chile that'll add a kick of spicy flavor by following the numerous recipes she's developed.

The Little Shop on Main

Christmas is just around the corner, as well as The Little Shop on Main, which is located on the southwest corner of Main Street and Las Cruces Avenue in Downtown Las Cruces. And The Little Shop is the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind Christmas gift, be it a piece of handcrafted jewelry or even a piece of furniture made from the hands of a local artisian. The inventory is constantly evolving and changing and calls for more than one visit.

Coffee Talk in Downtown Las Cruces

Where can one go to get a caffeine fix in Las Cruces? Grounded Cafe in Downtown Las Cruces! In addition to one getting a power kick from a cup of locally brewed coffee, you can damper your hunger pangs with their menu specialty, pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven. And you can complement your pizza with a beer or wine, too, as Grounded owners Tony and Sandra Espiritu sit down to discuss their family-owned business located in the heart of Downtown Las Cruces. 

Making Movies in New Mexico: A Conversation with Director Justin Hunt

New Mexico -- with Las Cruces included -- has become a vibrant scene to produce and shoot feature films as movie director Justin Hunt, who was a student at New Mexico State University, discusses. He directed, wrote and produced his latest work, "The Post" that was filmed in New Mexico and has been released in movie theaters across the county and will be opening in Las Cruces theaters this Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. 

The Legend of La Llorona

The classic legend of La Llorona, known as the wailing woman, is explained by Rosalia Pacheco who has acted out the tale of the mother who cries out for her children. There are a few variations of why she mourns and how it originated, with the most agreed upon reason being a cautionary warning of the consequences of one's actions.

Mesilla Valley Maze

The Mesilla Valley Maze, located at 3855 W. Picacho Ave., has opened for another fall season. Anna Lyles, who helped start the corn maze in 1999, tells how it started and how it's grown  to 30-acres of family fun offering hay rides, a pumpkin patch and flower field, giant slides, a playground, picnic areas, and of course, the corn maze.

The Whole Enchilada Invitational Slowpitch Softball Tournament

With the Whole Enchilada Invitational slowpitch softball tournament just around the corner, event director Bert Frederick and local league director James Jackson, sit down and talk about how the tournament has grown from its humble beginnings 40 years ago to becoming now the largest, single-weekend softball tournament in the nation.