Our 28 year old son announced that he was coming home for Thanksgiving this year. Great news! Elation was quickly followed by a feeling of anxiety. How were we going to entertain him in El Paso, Texas? Our son lives and works in exciting Los Angeles, California. Think Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Dodgers, Hollywood, beaches, fantastic restaurants- the list goes on. Frantically, I searched online sources and found some local events that I hoped would give us a family holiday experience.
Our first stop on a sunny Sunday morning was the Christmas Market at Ardovino's Desert Crossing, located just over the state line in Sunland Park, New Mexico.
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| http://www.ardovinos.com/ |
A large, indoor market with handcrafted arts and crafts, plants, music, and warm holiday drinks greeted us. We wandered around and each emerged with a small purchase or two. The wait for brunch in the restaurant was worth it. An elegant setting, gourmet food, and a prickly pear mimosa for our son. Plus great people watching-one of my favorite hobbies.
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| Husband and wife team Nadya and Craig Russell |
Our next stop was the Scottish Rite Temple The setting was formal and solemn for musicians Nadya and Craig Russell to play familiar Christmas carols. The sound quality of the Liberace Concert Grand Piano was inspiring. It renewed my long-held desire for a baby grand piano. Alas, my cat Bitsy and her sharp claws keep me from giving in to that wish.
A short walk took us to the El Paso Public Library, where a CD release by El Paso author, song-writer, and musician, Gene Keller, was being held. What an inspirational, humorous, creative gentleman!
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| Gene Keller
Almost out of entertainment ideas, I suggested a drink in the glass-domed lobby of the historic Camino Real Hotel. How sad. We were the only bar patrons, which felt a little depressing. (But to be fair, it was Sunday afternoon!) The Camino Real is one of my most beloved El Paso icons. I would love to see it as lively and as full of tourists and locals as the La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
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Our last two stops were in the Lower Valley, closer to home. Our son had requested a visit to Pro's Ranch Market on Zaragosa. Now here life was happening! Cold horchata (rice drink), ripe mangoes, and vanilla were our purchases. A quick stop by Valentine's Bakery on North Zaragosa for pan dulce (sweetbread), and we were ready to head home.
The evening ended eating homemade tamales made by our friend, Joy Leos, and her family. And would you believe? Good entertainment with a very old-fashioned jigsaw puzzle.
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| We are still working to complete that jigsaw puzzle! |
Okay, it wasn't Los Angeles, but I hope we made some El Paso memories. We have Canadian visitors coming to El Paso in March. How in the world am I going to keep them entertained? I had better start researching that right now.
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